Adrian Q. Heflin

This is a compelling suspense/horror novel. Set in the late 1950’s, it revolves around Rosemary Creek, the wealthy, so-called “Lady of the Manor.” The cruel and sadistic Rosemary is far from an ideal mother: she tries to control the lives of her grown son Richard, his wife, and children when they move into her home, and she inflicts pain on them and on anyone else who crosses her path, including Rayford Caruthers, her long-suffering butler. She even molests Richard and her granddaughter’s boyfriend, whom she tortures and kills. At first, the Creek family is in denial about Rosemary’s evilness, but they gradually acknowledge her true nature and decide to take action to protect themselves.

The author did a good job of depicting the sick mind of a psychopathic woman and her complex relationships with Richard, his wife, and their children. He also added enough twists and turns to the plot to keep it from becoming dull and predictable. A well-written, suspenseful, and entertaining novel.… (mehr)