The Queen of Suspense was not in evidence during “Seven for a Secret”. This is easily the least-suspenseful and the most predictable Holt novel I’ve read. Few revelations surprised me, and of the few that did, I was far from being bowled over.

This author – under all her pseudonyms – is guilty of repetition, of using the passive voice, and of “telling” instead of “showing”. All these violations are present in this bland tale.

A few scenes, especially in the book’s first quarter, are quite entertaining. Because of this I’ve rated the novel two stars instead of one. ( )

Seven Magpies - story of estate + mad nanny - trip to Pacific - good

Young Frederica is trying to adjust to her new home and school in Wiltshire. But secrets and sensuality are starting to stalk her.

Read during Winter 2002/2003

The time period is not completely clearly stated but this one may actually take place in the early 20th century. Divorce is mentioned and actually happens. Still, it is much the same story; young Frederica goes to live with her aunt and is taken into the manor house where she is scornfully befriended by the young sister and falls for the haughty older brother. There is a mystery, which becomes somewhat predictable, and all ends well with everyone married, except Frederica's sinful father who lives on a South Sea island in unwedded bliss with a rich Polynesian woman. I think he has the most fun.

When the baby was thrown over the balcony like a football to the young man below, the household help replaced him with one of their own. He grew up believing he was the heir until the truth came out. The poor girl who threw the child down was permanently mental and ended up killing herself many years later in life. Frederica discovered all, convinced the heir to tell his sister and all ended well. ( )

Predictable and could have used a lot of condensation, but OK for very light reading. ( )