Shadows in Scarlet

Amanda Witham sees her new job at an eighteenth-century house as a career move, just part of the history business, nothing personal. Then archaeologists find a man's skeleton buried in the garden behind the house. That night James Grant's ghost introduces himself to her. And a handsome and charming ghost he is, in the tartan kilt and scarlet coat of King George's Highland Regiment. Suddenly Amanda finds history to be up close and very personal indeed.She promises James she'll reveal the truth about his death--just as soon as she figures out what the truth is. Why was he buried in the garden when eighteenth-century records say he died in battle?Amanda's quest begins in Colonial Williamsburg and ends at James's ancestral castle in Scotland. Nothing, not time and space, not illusion and reality, not love and death, turns out to be what she anticipated. And when James's past finally catches up with her present, Amanda finds her future held at sword's point. There's more than one glint of scarlet in the shadows of the past--and in the shadows of the heart as well.Presenting a delicious mix of romance and supernatural suspense, Carl (Ashes to Ashes) delivers yet another immensely readable tale. She has created an engaging cast and a very entertaining plot, spicing the mix with some interesting twists on the ghostly romantic suspense novel.Publishers WeeklyShadows in Scarlet successfully combines time-travel elements with classic romantic suspense. There is a little something for everyone here, making for a pleasing read.Toby Bromberg, Romantic TimesShadows in Scarlet is a lovely book; part mystery, part ghost story all woven about a lovely romantic middle. As you peel away at the many layers, you find a thoroughly enjoyable read that moves you from Virginia to Scotland, with some good red herrings that lead to a rather entertaining solution to the mystery, with an ending you could NOT have imagined at the beginning of the book. It never bogged down, but bounced along, giving you an enjoyable time from cover to cover.A Staszalek, Romance Reviews Today...a love story with a twist. The ending is totally unexpected. It is a book that will stay with you for a long time to come. Jo Rogers, MyShelf.comCarl manages to pull off a tricorn hat trick by combining a mystery, ghost story and engaging romance into a coherent and completely engrossing whole. From the living Amanda to the very-much-dead-but-still-kicking James, Carl's characters bring Shadows in Scarlet to delightful life. If you like ghosts, mysterious happenings and a satisfying romance to round the whole thing out, then you'll love Shadows in Scarlet. Carl even managed to surprise me with her ending. That doesn't happen often. Brava, Lillian!Teri Smith, Crescent Blues Book ReviewsShadows in Scarlet is indeed classic romantic suspense. If you have an unsatisfied appetite for that kind of story, try it, and anything else of Lillian Stewart Carl's that you can find. If you're new to the category, be assured that she knows what she's doing. You will quickly find yourself enjoying her historical sensibility, her lovely wit, her skilled blending of the magical and the mundane, and her expert affection for Scotland.Roland Green, sf/fantasy reviewer for Booklist and Publisher's Weekly

From Publishers Weekly

resenting a delicious mix of romance and supernatural suspense, Carl (Ashes to Ashes) delivers yet another immensely readable tale. History graduate student Amanda Witham is working as the caretaker at Virginia's historic Melrose Hall and takes on the role of one of its 18th-century inhabitants, giving tours to visitors. Archeologists working on the site find a man's skeleton buried in the garden; that same night a ghost appears to Amanda in the house. The apparition is the dashing and handsome British officer James Grant, who supposedly died in battle during the Revolutionary War. But the way Grant died was actually quite different, and Amanda finds herself promising the ghost to help find out the truth behind his death. She also must figure out a way to pass on her "special" knowledge of Grant to those working on the house and grounds without revealing just how she knows who the skeleton really is. Amanda finds herself increasingly attracted to the ghost, but how can she fancy herself in love with a dead man? The trail to the truth behind Grant's death leads Amanda to Scotland and the Grant family's ancestral castle, where Amanda finds a very real Grant who just may hold the key to her future. If, that is, her ghostly lover will be willing to let go of the past. Carl has created an engaging cast and a very entertaining plot, spicing the mix with some interesting twists on the ghostly romantic suspense novel. (Dec.)Forecast: Readers may be put off by the high price of Carl's novel one of the first original titles from Wildside, a POD publisher of primarily SF, fantasy and horror but supportive blurbs from Anne McCaffrey, Lois McMaster Bujold and Carole Nelson Douglas could help offset sticker shock.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

Shadows in Scarlet A Haunting Novel of Romantic Mystery Shadows in Scarlet is definitely read-worthy, with snappy dialogue, well-developed characters, and a real nifty-nasty twist to the plot. I don’t think Lillian will have any trouble garnering devoted readers with this gracious story. — Anne McCaffrey, The Skies of Pern Shadows in Scarlet is a richly-written book, an appealing feast for both the intellect and the senses. The characters are immensely lively and vivid — even the ghostly ones! I’m already amusing myself trying to cast the movie. — Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion Barbara Michaels’ successor is hard at work producing delicious ghost stories. In Shadows in Scarlet Lillian has created the sexiest ghost to come along since Mrs. Muir’s, then given her plot a contemporary twist that will satisfy even the most sophisticated readers. Every time I thought I had this story figured out, Lillian surprised and delighted me with something totally unexpected. — Victoria Thompson, Murder on Gramercy Park Lillian Stewart Carl is a captivating writer who offers delight and insight as well as goose bumps. Shadows in Scarlet’s ghostly love story and centuries-spanning murder mystery make for an enthralling puzzle with a Scottish accent. This cozy but chilling roller coaster of a story will keep readers glued to their seats and significant others. — Carole Nelson Douglas, Chapel Noir Lillian’s wicked sense of humor and her excellent scholarship put Shadows in Scarlet far above the usual novel of romantic suspense. I read it in one sitting, staying up far too late, because I had to know what would happen to Amanda and her most lively ghost. I found the book delightful, altogether a wonderful escape. — Sharan Newman, To Wear the White Cloak

About the Author

Lillian Stewart Carl grew up in Missouri and Ohio and has lived for many years in North Texas, in a book-lined cloister cleverly disguised as a tract house. So of course she’s developed a taste for exotic locales and otherworldly happenings. After making her debut in science fiction and fantasy, she’s now writing contemporary novels that blend mystery, romance, and fantasy/supernatural themes. Her books always feature plots based on history and archaeology, and explore the way the past lingers on in the present — especially in the British Isles, where she’s visited many times. Shadows in Scarlet is her ninth novel. She’s also published a number of sf/f and mystery short stories. The earlier ones have been collected in Along the Rim of Time. Her first romantic mystery, Ashes to Ashes, is also available on audio. Lillian is a member of SFWA, Sisters in Crime, Novelists Inc., and the Author’s Guild.

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