Title: The Time of the Hunter’s Moon
Author: Victoria Holt
First published January 1, 1983
377 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385191098 (ISBN10: 038519109X)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
As the hunter’s moon shines upon her, Cordelia Grant catches a glimpse of a stunning stranger in the woods. Unable to shake off the memory of the enigmatic man, Cordelia starts afresh as a schoolmistress at an academy for young girls.
However, her past catches up with her when she finds herself being courted by Jason Verringer, a charismatic landowner with a scandalous reputation. Jason is rumored to have murdered both his wife and mistress, yet Cordelia cannot shake off the feeling that he may be the stranger from the woods.
As she tries to uncover the truth behind both men, Cordelia must navigate through dangerous secrets and long-held grudges to find out who holds her future in their hands.
About the Author
Meet Eleanor Alice Burford, a prolific British author who wrote roughly 200 historical novels. She preferred to use pen names, including Jean Plaidy, Victoria Holt, and Philippa Carr, to reflect the different subjects of her books.
Her most famous pen name, Jean Plaidy, sold a staggering 14 million copies by the time of her death. However, she also wrote under her maiden name and other pseudonyms, such as Eleanor Burford and Kathleen Kellow.
Her readers who were familiar with one pen name often had no idea about her other identities. Her other notable pen names include Victoria Holt, which sold 56 million copies and Philippa Carr, which sold 3 million copies.
Editoral Review
Victoria Holt’s The Time of the Hunter’s Moon is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to the stunning beauty of Italy in the mid-twentieth century. Published in 1983, the book is a classic example of Holt’s signature mystery-romance genre, blending suspenseful twists and turns with a romantic storyline.
Set in the 1960s, the novel tells the story of Cordelia Grant, an English orphan who becomes the governess of a wealthy Italian family. She quickly becomes entangled in the family’s dark secrets, discovering a web of deception and danger that threatens to unravel their lives.
Against the backdrop of the stunning Tuscan countryside, Cordelia must navigate treacherous relationships and sinister plots to uncover the truth and protect those she loves. Holt’s attention to detail brings the beauty and elegance of Italy to life, providing a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The author’s descriptive prose paints a picture of the Tuscan landscape that is so rich and evocative that readers can almost feel the warmth of the Italian sun on their skin. The book’s memorable characters are rich and multifaceted, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their fates.
Cordelia, in particular, is a heroine with whom readers can readily identify. She is intelligent, resourceful, and compassionate – all qualities that make her an appealing and admirable protagonist.
Holt’s other major characters are equally well-developed, with complex motivations and backstories that add depth and nuance to their actions. Despite its many strengths, The Time of the Hunter’s Moon does have a few minor flaws.
At times, the pacing can feel slow, and some readers may find the plot somewhat predictable. However, Holt’s strong sense of place and her ability to create compelling characters more than make up for any shortcomings.
Overall, Victoria Holt’s The Time of the Hunter’s Moon is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The book’s combination of vivid setting, engaging characters, and suspenseful plot make it a must-read for anyone looking to escape into another world.
The Washington Post gives The Time of the Hunter’s Moon four out of five stars, with high praise for Holt’s thematic richness and atmospheric storytelling.