Book info

• Title The Waiting Sands
• Author Susan Howatch
• Year 1966
• Genre Romance

Dependable Rachel Lord hasn't heard from her friend Decima for over two years when out of the blue she is invited to Ruthven, the fairy tale Scottish castle that Decima will inherit on her coming of age. Her arrival is met with relief by Decima who is convinced her husband, Charles, means her harm. Is Decima in her right mind? Or is Rachel being duped by her worldlier friend? As the eve of the 21st birthday celebration approaches, a shocking event leaves Rachel in no doubt.

Thoughts

Another story from Susan Howatch that is set in the wilds of a country, where a group of people are separated from civilisation and one of them is murdered - whodunnit?

Decima is a little paranoid, but ultimately seems like a good person. Charles seems to be quite distant and lofty above the others. Rachel seems a little bit uptight but then falls in love far too easily. You’re wary of Daniel right from the start. Rohan is the normal girl’s best friend.

I like Howatch’s writing, as mentioned previously she’s got a nice modern style that is easy and compelling. Overall, it was very good, but as I read it immediately after a previous Howatch book, I probably didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have.

Rating: 3 / 5