The Master of Blacktower

By Barbara Michaels

Damaris Gordon shuddered at the thought of working for the cruel and bitter Master of Blacktower—but her father's death left her no choice. Suddenly her fate—her life itself—was in the black silk-gloved hands of Gavin Hamilton, a man scarred and tortured by an unspoken past, whose mocking laughter echoes through his ancient Scottish estate. Damaris has heard the whispers that accuse Gavin Hamilton of his wife's death and his young daughter's crippling injury. But the pain and sadness barely hidden behind his blazing dark stare touch Damaris deeply—and a courageous heart is luring her to the estate's topmost tower in search of his dangerous secrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 13, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061860393

Barbara Michaels

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® Awards in 1998, and given The Lifetime Achievement Award at Malice Domestic in 2003. She lives in an historic farmhouse in western Maryland.

Reviews for The Master of Blacktower

[Josephine Lesley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful Story,Very Intriguing,Thank You For Writing This Awesome Story.???? ?

[jalenv_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Don't expect a scary supernatural novel. This was her first and has more in common with what was called a gothic romance back in the 1960s, except that her heroine is made of sterner stuff than the villains would like. It's set in 1853 and most of the action takes place in Scotland. The widowed master of Black Tower is scarred, and not just in the flesh. The reason is not pleasant. Neither is his 16 year-old daughter, a crippled brat. Damaris needs a job; however, and cataloging and arranging Gavin Hamilton's library is preferable to marrying her cousin Randall, whose mother greatly dislikes her .A handsome young Sir Andrew enters the scene, as does his beautiful sister, Lady Mary. Which man will capture Damaris' heart? Or will cousin Randall get lucky after all? Which woman will take Mr. Hamilton's fancy? Will Annabelle's personality improve? Why is someone trying to kill Damaris? How did Mrs. Hamilton die? Expect danger and action. This may be early Michaels, but it's not dull. (What a pity that the cover artist isn't listed because I really like the green tower and the lightning.)

[renz0808 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Barbara Michaels! She is one of my favorite modern writers. I also enjoy her writings as Elizabeth Peters. The Amelia Peabody Mysteries have to be one of my all time favorite mystery series. I tend to save her books as Barbara Michaels for times when I need a good dose of a modern gothic. The Master of Blacktower has to be one of my all time favorite books by Barbara Michaels. Damaris Gordon hates the thought of having to go to work for the disfigured Gavin Hamilton owner of a isolated Scottish estate, but her father's death has left her with few choices for how to take care of herself. She begins to discover the truth about his wife's "mysterious" death and his daughter's crippling injury. Barbara Michaels is a master of blending all of the important elements of a Gothic Mystery into her novels. Gavin Hamilton is the perfect tragic brooding hero. This book is easy to savor over again.