The Curse of Belle Haven

Alexandra Chandler arrives at Belle Haven, the Charleston, South Carolina estate where her stepsister Charlotte died mysteriously. There she meets dashing doctor Matthew Steele, Charlotte’s widower, and her nephew Rory. Alexandra begins a quest to find answers about Charlotte’s death. She is entranced by Matthew, a doctor who secretly treats African American slaves in the segregated South.

Set in a Gothic Southern mansion, this book is heavy on romance and setting and more realistic than paranormal. Ms. Pascoe’s descriptions of Belle Haven and the mores of 1850s Southern society are lush but not overwrought. Alexandra, her sister-in-law, Felicity and Felicity’s grandmother, Hester, the family matriarch, prepare for a ball to held at Belle Haven. Despite many nights of camaraderie, Alexandra becomes suspicious of the whole family, except for Hester. Even Matthew’s seductive charm cannot convince her that he had nothing to do with her stepsister’s death. She pours over her sister’s diaries and other papers for clues.

The Curse of Belle Haven is a well-written trip into pre-Civil War America with a bit of mystery thrown in for good measure. Alexandra is awakened at night by strange lights emanating from the nearby cemetery. Wary of the Steeles’ explanation for the lights, she fears for her safety. When the true reason for the errant glow is revealed, it’s a total surprise to both Alexandra and the reader. The Curse of Belle Haven is an excellent historical read with just the right amount of Gothic tension. It is one of the best romance e-books I’ve read recently.

Reviewed by: Jade