The Ivy Tree
by Mary Stewart
Chicago Review Press, Rediscovered Classics, 2007
(originally published in 1961)
224 pages
source: borrowed from the library
Motivation:
Anbolyn's Mary Stewart Reading Week
R.I.P. VIII challenge
Plot description (from goodreads):
If Mary Grey looked so much like the missing heiress, why should she not be an heiress? And so plain Mary Grey became the glamorous Annabel Winslow. But she did not live happily ever after. In fact, she almost did not live at all. Because someone wanted Annabel missing . . . permanently.
Brief thoughts:
A missing heiresses, impersonation, attempted murder, romance, and an irresistible Northumberland setting combine for a memorable introduction to the world of Mary Stewart. I didn't love this one, but it was still a perfect R.I.P. read - more than a cozy mystery, but no real violence or gore.
Although I didn't finish during Mary Stewart Reading Week, I'd like to thank Anbolyn for hosting the event and motivating me to finally try this author. My next Mary Stewart novel will probably be Nine Coaches Waiting.
My rating:
I haven't read Mary Stewart in a loooong time, and I'm not sure I ever read this one. Or maybe I just forgot because I had a similar reaction as you did.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - There are so many authors I want to read, and will probably try several before returning to Stewart.
DeleteI enjoyed this one, although it was a bit emotionally overwrought in places. I think the theme of mistaken (or unmistaken?!) identity was done better in Josephine Tey's Brat Farrar.
ReplyDeleteVicki - Thanks for the recommendation... Josephine Tey is actually one of the authors I was referring to in my comment above :)
DeleteI am not familiar with Mary Stewart's work. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
ReplyDeletePat - Thanks, this was a fun RIP read!
DeleteThe plot sounds like a movie I've seen.
ReplyDeleteKathy - This would make a great movie... wonder if it's been done??
DeleteThis looks like a lot of cozy, mysterious fun!
ReplyDeleteAndi - I definitely prefer my mysteries without lots of blood and gore ;-)
DeleteMan, this sounds so good so I hate that it wasn't a winner for you. I will definitely have to check out this author, though.
ReplyDeletePicky - This was good, not great, but I would not rule out reading more by Stewart. She has such a loyal following!
DeleteSeems like one I might enjoy - sorry it wasn't a bit better.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I love this kind of story. It was well done, just not a favorite.
DeleteI have never read her, but I love the cover, and I love that kind of story as well!
ReplyDeleteJill - You might like this one!
DeleteWhen I was a teen/young adult I read all the Victoria Holt/Mary Stewarts I could get my hands on. That was my go-to genre for several years. I liked Stewart's books, but I remember liking Holt's more. I guess you know that Victoria Holt is Jean Plaidy also and another name not coming to me at the moment.
ReplyDeleteRita - I didn't know Jean Plaidy was the same person, too!
DeleteI really must dip into some classics. I might pick this one up, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteNikki-ann - This is the perfect time of year for a story like The Ivy Tree!
DeleteOne of my favorite Mary Stewart's--I absolutely love the setting and the opening scene :)
ReplyDeleteJaneGS - I just loved the setting... the opening scene was perfect , too!
DeleteI really need to find some Mary Stewart - I like the idea of something between a cozy mystery and violence.
ReplyDeleteLisa - I like books that fall somewhere between cozy and violent... The Ivy Tree struck just the right balance.
DeleteI haven't read Stewart yet, but I know I've got 9 Coaches Waiting around here somewhere.
ReplyDeleteStacy - Nine Coaches Waiting will be next for me, but not until next year.
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