Cover of My Cousin Rachel

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My Cousin Rachel

Daphne du Maurier

349 pagesgothic romance
(71k)Mild

A young heir falls dangerously in love with his cousin's widow — but did she kill her husband?

Content Warnings
death of loved onegrief

Description

Orphaned at an early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent older cousin, Ambrose. Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in Philip as his heir, a man who will love his grand home as much as he does himself. But the cosy world the two construct is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in love and marries - and there he dies suddenly. Jealous of his marriage, racked by suspicion at the hints in Ambrose's letters, and grief-stricken by his death, Philip prepares to meet his cousin's widow with hatred in his heart. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious Rachel like a moth to the flame. And yet... might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?

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A work in progress, built for my wife with love. Suggestions welcome