The Blackstone Key by Rose Melikan, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Rose Melikan's debut novel, The Blackstone Key, is a mystery based in eighteenth century England. It is a slow moving, very laid back, relaxing novel. This is a generally pleasant story with a typical gothic heroine, Mary Finch. She is brave for a young lady of the time period and blushes at every little thing. She is a sweet young maiden but she is also very bright. A very likable young lady.

Mary is going to see a long lost uncle at his estate called White Ladies. He has left her an inheritance that will give her the life of leisure that she longs for. Along the way she meets excitement that includes a coach crash and an injured fellow who seems to have a connection with her uncle as he has the same design watch that matches one her deceased father left her. There is also an interesting key. As he lay dying, breathing his last, he had whispered a cryptic warning to her.

As the story progresses she eventually arrives at her uncle's house and is attacked by smugglers but is saved by a stalwart fellow who seems to be someone she can trust. She meets many more people who seem to want to help and yet if she makes the wrong choices she could lose her life. Mr. Deprez is very attractive but a bit too attentive; Mrs. Tipton is a bit too protective; and Mr. Hicks is a bit too helpful. They are all aware that she is about to become an heiress.

War and intrigue of spies and smugglers provide a background that adds some interest to this sleepy little story.

As the plot in The Blackstone Key slowly moves along it is an easy to put down this book. It has a few fast moving spots but all in all I would not recommend it if you are looking for a fast moving, exciting read. It did not hold my interest and was very glad to see it finish.

Acknowledgment: Touchstone provided a copy of The Blackstone Key for this review.

The Blackstone Key

A Mary Finch Mystery by Rose Melikan