Writing both as Michaels and as Elizabeth Peters, the author is a favorite of suspense fans, who will immerse themselves in this eerie tale. Summoned to Maidenwood, a crumbling "mansion" set amidst acres of Virginia countryside Julie Newcomb must tend to her grandmother, felled by a stroke. Although ailing, Martha Carr at 85 is still a despot, and Julie hates the woman. Only duty takes Julie there, especially when she learns that Alan Petranek, an archeologist, will be at Maidenwood. Martha had ruined a love affair between Julie and Alan years earlier. Nowunknown to Marthaher cousin has hired him to investigate the land around the house. The discovery of two skeletons on the estate has brought Alan onto the scene and Julie into a reluctant partnership with him as he tries to dig up Maidenwood's secrets.
