The Wizard's Daughter

An English orphan’s psychic ability launches her into a shadowy world of intrigue and danger in this gothic romance by a New York Times bestseller.A penniless yet strikingly beautiful orphan, Marianne Ransom’s indomitable spirit enables her to survive a cruel life on the backstreets of Victorian London. But it is her gift of second sight that carries her into the world of money and privilege—a power brought on by a strange twist of fate. In the opulent home of a wealthy duchess, Marianne is being called upon to summon her late father—a noted mystic—from the grave. But Marianne’s exceptional abilities have become a perilous trap. And suddenly knowing too much could prove fatal.

From Library Journal

Norma West unevenly narrates Michaels's (The Dancing Floor, Audio Reviews, LJ 5/1/98) historical romance. Table-turning, a familiar party game in the better circles of Victorian London, turns all too real for ingenue Marianne Ransom. The innocent, country-bred girl, a guest of a wealthy duchess, discovers that her body acts as a spirit channel. Suddenly her parentage is called into question, along with other concerns that certain people would prefer to leave unanswered. Unfortunately, narrator Norma West doesn't have the repertoire of voices required for this book. Although her depiction of Marianne is letter-perfect, the other characters require greater nuances than West is able to effect. Male voices are particularly troublesome. Too close attention is required to discern the identity of the male speakers. The story itself is neither particularly memorable nor terribly believable. Not a necessary purchase.?Jodi L. Israel, Jamaica Plain, MACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile

Marianne Ransom, orphaned daughter of a country squire, is rescued from a questionable living on the back streets of London by a mysterious attorney. Adopted by a wealthy duchess, she's told she isn't who she thinks she is and that she has powers she never knew existed. Norma West delivers Marianne's part with a spirited sweetness. The young Duke Henry, a spoiled child of 12, is revealed as a mischievous, but thoroughly lovable, brat (like many boys that age). West's portrayals of other characters are less adept, especially the men. Overall, the production offers lively entertainment from start to finish, remarkably free of the dull spots that plague so many unabridged books. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About the Author

Elizabeth Peters (writing as Barbara Michaels) was born and brought up in Illinois and earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago's famed Oriental Institute. Peters was named Grandmaster at the inaugural Anthony Awards in 1986, Grandmaster by the Mystery Writers of America at the Edgar(R) Awards in 1998, and given The Lifetime Achievement Award at Malice Domestic in 2003. She lives in an historic farmhouse in western Maryland.

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