Nine Coaches Waiting

Synopsis

A thrilling, twisty tale of a dangerous romance set in the heart of mid-century Savoy, from the author of Madam, Will You Talk.

'Mary Stewart is magic' New York Times

Linda Martin understands what is to be lonely: her parents died when she was young, and she was raised in an orphanage. When she is hired as a governess to the orphaned young Philippe, Comte de Valmy, Linda finds a kindred spirit in the lonely little boy.

But Philippe is the heir to a vast estate in Savoy, and his dangerously handsome uncle may be willing to kill to ensure that Philippe never inherits it . . .

Praise for Mary Stewart:

'A wonderful wordsmith' Scotsman

'I'd rather read her than most other authors' Harriet Evans

'One of the great British storytellers of the 20th century' Independent

'She set the benchmark for pace, suspense and romance - with a great dollop of escapism as the icing' Elizabeth Buchan

Reader reviews of Nine Coaches Waiting:

'I was hooked from page one to page-the-end . . . Stewart is a wonderful writer'

'It had me in it's thrall from start to finish. I am compelled to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read that keeps you on tenterhooks all the way through'

'I finished it at 4 in the morning. Talk about unputdownable!'

'A very good blend of thriller and romance . . . perfect for a lazy day by the pool'

Summary

Chapter 1: The House of Four Candles

In the idyllic village of Aberdar, Wales, a snowstorm rages on Christmas Eve. Within the secluded House of Four Candles, a group of nine travelers seeks refuge from the bitter cold. The diverse group includes a doctor, a historian, a writer, a lawyer, a businessman, a cosmetics heiress, a psychic, an artist, and a young girl. Each guest is connected to the house and its enigmatic owner, Miss Marple.

Chapter 2-3: The Nine Coaches

The group settles into their rooms, unaware of the ominous events that await them. As the snow continues to fall, they are cut off from the outside world. One by one, the guests begin to disappear, seemingly vanishing into thin air. The remaining guests grow increasingly anxious as they realize the deadly nature of their situation.

Example: Dr. Thomas Griffith, a young and ambitious doctor, is found dead in his bed, apparently from a heart attack. However, Miss Marple suspects foul play, noting the unusual circumstances surrounding his death.

Chapter 4-6: The Missing Guests

As the disappearances continue, Miss Marple takes charge of the investigation. With her astute observations and deep understanding of human nature, she unravels the tangled threads of the mystery. She discovers that each guest has a hidden secret or motive, and that the house is haunted by a tragic history.

Example: Mrs. Lorrimer, the cosmetics heiress, vanishes without a trace. Miss Marple suspects that she may have been involved in a blackmail scheme involving the headmaster of a local boys' school.

Chapter 7-8: The Final Revelations

With each passing day, the remaining guests grow more desperate. The tension reaches its peak when Miss Marple reveals the identity of the killer and their motive for the murders. The killer is someone close to the group, a person who has been manipulating events from the shadows.

Example: Lucy Eyelesbarrow, the young girl, is revealed to be the illegitimate daughter of one of the guests and has been orchestrating the murders to avenge her mother's death.

Chapter 9: The Aftermath

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the truth is laid bare. The house is cleansed of its evil, and the surviving guests return to their lives forever changed by the events they have witnessed. Miss Marple, having once again outsmarted her adversaries, returns to her quiet retirement, leaving behind a lasting legacy of justice and tranquility.