A spellbinding tale originally published under the name Anne Blaisdell in 1961 and later reprinted under the pen name, Lesley Egan.
Lesley Egan, Anne Blaisdell, and Dell Shannon are all pseudonyms of the 'Queen of the Police Procedural', Author Elizabeth Linington. She was one of the first women authors to write in this genre; usually a male-dominated area. Prior to the beginning of her many mystery series totally over 77 books, she wrote 'Nightmare', a fascinating thriller.
Synopsis of Nightmare
While driving through the Welsh countryside, in a driving rain, she happens upon a stranded young man whose car had broken down. Pat rescues Alan Glentower, a writer, and they take shelter from the storm in an Inn in the next town. After spending dinner, the evening and breakfast the next morning together, Pat and Alan are quite taken with each other and Pat agrees to let Alan show her Wales after her visit to the bereaved mother in a small Welsh village. They plan to meet the following week.
Arriving at her destination, Pat discovers her hostess, Mrs. Trefoile, to be rather eccentric – Pat's private explanation for the mandatory attendance at Bible readings, the bad food, and the insistence that Pat conduct herself as a proper “widow”, giving up bright clothes, jewelry and makeup. But the truth is that Mrs. Trefoile is quite 'mad' and Pat soon discovers that she is not permitted to leave.
Pat is locked up and brutalized by this madwoman and her servants. Her only salvation appears to be in getting a message out to Alan Glentower so he can search for her and free her.
Summary
Long out-of-print, Nightmare is still available in used condition on Amazon and Ebay. I acquired my copy many years ago at a used book sale and just recently discovered that I had never read it. Having now just finished it, I found it to be a fascinating read and I highly recommend it. It is every bit as good as all the other books I own by author Elizabeth Linington.
NOTE: The original cover design of my copy of Nightmare has since undergone several different designs. Therefore, if you do a search for it on used book sites, keep in mind that the covers may be different.
One more interesting note: Nightmare, published in 1961, was made into a movie in 1965. I have not seen the movie, but the write-up on Wikipedia shows some of the storyline to be somewhat different than the book. Not an uncommon occurrence. But for 'movie buffs', you might be interested to know that it is listed as a British horror thriller film called 'Fanatic' in England and 'Die! Die! My Darling! in the U.S. It starred Tallulah Bankhead (in her final feature film role) as Mrs. Trefoile, along with Stefanie Powers, Peter Vaughn and Donald Sutherland.
Book Review of Nightmare written by Wednesday Elf
While this book would surely give ME nightmares, it sounds like a fantastic choice for fans of the thriller genre. I also love the cast of actors for the movie adaptation!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a thriller story, Margaret. Not for everyone, but fascinating for fans of the genre and of this author. Thanks for your visit.
DeleteOh my, can you just imagine being subjected to a "mad" mother in law when you weren't even married? That is the stuff of nightmares for sure. Sounds interesting, I will have to keep my eyes open for this one. Thanks Pat Austen!
ReplyDeleteThat's what makes the situation so strange - and interesting - Olivia. The young lady was only engaged to this woman's son, but in the old lady's mind it was the same as being married. When Pat disagreed, she was locked up and subjected to days of terror. A nightmare, for sure.
DeleteThis book sounds fascinating. Thanks for the history of it too
ReplyDeleteI think you would like this book, Mary Beth. You enjoy reading the same genres that I do. Thanks for your visit.
DeleteSounds like a captivating book, Elf! I think the title "Nightmare" is perfect for the plot. As for the movie, I don't like it when a movie doesn't follow the book. I'm sure there are always some minor changes that must be made when adapting from book to movie, but I want the movie to maintain as much of the original book plot as possible. I find it interesting, and perhaps reflective of real human nature, that the servants would join the mother in the torture. Definitely a nightmare situation that none of us would want to actually experience. Thanks for the review & recommendation!
ReplyDeleteNightmare is certainly an apt title, Mouse. The servents were forced to do what this madwoman demanded, as they were fugitives from justice and she knew their story and threatened to expose them. So she had a 'hold' over them to do her bidding.
DeleteSuch an interesting book, and author. The fact that the movie is listed as horror would have me scroll right on by, but the way you describe the plot has me quite intrigued. Maybe they'll do an updated movie on this one, without the horror aspect - but it sounds like it is a horror - I'm so curious how she might have gotten in touch with Alan to help her? lol
ReplyDeleteShe told the old lady that she was expected to meet him or he would come there. She was allowed to write a note saying her plans changed. She had to carefully word it and hope Alan would figure out she was in trouble. How he found her is the exciting part of the ending! :)
DeleteThis sounds a very captivating read for people who like thrillers or horror! The title "Nightmare" is certainly very fitting for such an experience. Thank you for your interesting review and recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI agree that 'Nightmare' is the perfect title for this story. Thanks for your visit, Raintree Annie.
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