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The Ivy Tree is a novel of romantic suspense by Mary Stewart. Her sixth novel, it was published in 1961 in Britain by Hodder & Stoughton and in 1962 in the United States by William Morrow. As usual with the author, the novel is narrated in first person by a bold and intelligent young woman, and the setting is picturesque—in this case, Northumberland.

Synopsis

Mary Grey is persuaded to impersonate Annabel Winslow by her cousin Connor Winslow. Annabel disappeared eight years ago from the family farm, Whitescar. Her grandfather Matthew is delaying the announcement of whom he will leave Whitescar to in hopes of her return. Connor is determined to inherit Whitescar. If Matthew leaves the farm to Annabel/Mary, she is to give it to Connor. Mary goes to Whitescar and at first is successful in convincing the household that she is Annabel. Then she discovers a secret even Connor did not know: Annabel was having an affair with a married neighbor, Adam Forrest. Adam recognizes that she is an imposter, but she persuades him to keep silent. A surprise plot twist sets up the denouement, in which Mary tries to save Adam from the fatal consequences of an accident and has a final confrontation with Connor.

Characters

Mary Grey, a young Canadian alone and adrift in England. Connor Winslow, the attractive but hot-tempered and ruthless manager of Whitescar Farm. Lisa Dermott, Connor's loyal sister. Matthew Winslow, aged and domineering owner of Whitescar, grandfather of Connor, Annabel, Lisa and Julie. Julie Winslow, pretty, vulnerable young cousin of Annabel. Donald Seton, Julie's boyfriend, an archaelogist Adam Forrest, the Winslows' neighbor, a widower whose hands were disfigured in the unsuccesful attempt to save his wife from a fire.

Reviews

Mary Stewart was already a popular author of romantic suspense and most reviewers felt that this novel was up to her standards. The Atlantic Monthly said, "The author has a neat touch with red herrings and cambric-tea romances." The Christian Science Monitor said: "If the reader feels cheated by the denouement, the author has earned forgiveness by her exciting, belief-suspending account of Mary Grey's sensitive groping for the right response to those who are more sure than the reader that they have known her all her life." The eminent mystery-novel critic Anthony Boucher said, "No one writes the damsel in distress tale with greater charm or urgency."

References

Phoebe Adams, The Atlantic Monthly, April 1962 The Christian Science Monitor, January 11, 1962 Anthony Boucher, The New York Times Book Review, January 7, 1962

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