Penhallow

By Georgette Heyer,

Book cover of Penhallow

Book description

A family tyrant whose murder has shocking and far-reaching consequences…

Hated for his cruel and vicious nature, yet ruling his family with an iron hand from his sickbed, tyrannical patriarch Adam Penhallow is found murdered the day before his birthday. His entire family had assembled for his birthday celebration, and…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Penhallow as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If you think Georgette Heyer is all sprigged muslin, firm-jawed heroes, forthright heroines, and cod-Austen visits to Bath, think again. This is a bizarre novel, indeed. 

It’s not even one of her "mysteries" like Footsteps in the Darkfairly straightforward murder stories where something has to be solved. Instead, Penhallow is a house, a seething breeding ground for horrible people intent on doing awful things to each other. 

Each character is drawn in frighteningly frank detail, so you are left in no doubt of their weaknesses and peccadillos. Penhallow is like some kind of disgusting nest, and the manipulative…

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