Description:

A poignant, thrilling tale, full of intrigue, mystery and romance. Shortly after her mother's death in a Swiss plane crash, Jo Roswell is sent from the London auction house where she works to the remote and mysterious Thirlbeck – stately home of the Earl of Askew. Jo's task is to evaluate the house's contents for a sale, but she soon finds herself drawn into the complex lives of Thirlbeck's inhabitants, each with their own secrets and desires. Jo is absorbed by the tragic story of The Spanish Lady, whose young life was cut short at Thirlbeck many centuries before. She also encounters La Española, the brilliant diamond which, according to legend, brings disaster to all who try to possess it. And she is shocked to learn of her own mother's connection to Thirlbeck. Meet the residents of Thirlbeck Robert Birkett, the Earl of Askew: returning to Thirlbeck after many years abroad, a decorated war hero who also spent time in prison after a fatal car accident for which he was blamed. Carlota, the Spanish Condesa: the Earl's sophisticated companion, who yearns to leave the cold of Cumberland for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Nat Birkett: the local farmer, and single father of two young boys, who is the reluctant heir to Thirlbeck. His passion is for the land rather than titles and possessions. Gerald Stanton: Jo's wise mentor and friend, who is like a father to her. George Tolson: the brooding keeper of Thirlbeck, who jealously guards it from unwelcome strangers. Jessica Tolson: George's intelligent but fragile granddaughter, who must be protected from herself. Jo will struggle with difficult discoveries as she unlocks the puzzles which link Thirlbeck's past and present residents. About Catherine Gaskin Born in Ireland and raised in Australia, Catherine Gaskin studied music at the conservatorium in Sydney, before becoming a bestselling author at the age of just seventeen. After moving to London she met her future husband, a US TV executive, on a blind date. The couple lived in Manhattan for ten years, before moving to the Virgin Islands, followed by Ireland, and then the Isle of Man. After her husband's death, Catherine returned to Australia where she spent the rest of her life. During her lifetime Catherine Gaskin's books sold over 40 million copies worldwide, and she was known as “The Queen of Storytellers” and “The Girl with the Golden Pen.”