Carolyn Hart Classics

Death on a dude ranch forces a young woman to hunt for a killer-and watch her back-in this romantic thriller from a New York Times–bestselling author. "A timeless story of love, betrayal, and greed. Set against the alluring landscape of New Mexico, Castle

A diplomat's wife finds love and danger in the Philippines during World War II in this romantic thriller by a New York Times–bestselling author. "The gifts that have made Carolyn Hart famous are on display in this story of intrigue, romance, and gritty danger. Brave Hearts is one of her most compelling novels. A true thriller." -Ed Gorman, author of the Sam McCain Mysteries London 1941. Amid the death and desolation of the Blitz, Catharine Cavanaugh is going through the motions in a loveless marriage to Spencer, an American diplomat. She is a dutiful, faithful wife, even though she cannot remember the last time he held her. Then she meets American war correspondent Jack Maguire, and something is reawakened inside of her. But the tide of war soon pulls them apart. Spencer is transferred to the Philippines, and Catharine must go with him. Jack manages to follow them, but shortly after their arrival, chaos erupts when the Japanese attack. Suddenly, Catharine, Jack, and the other trapped civilians launch a harrowing escape. Now Catharine faces tough decisions that will test her love and her hope for survival. "The mood and reality of WWII are captured with historical accuracy in this gritty melodrama. . . . Those who appreciate romance novels will enjoy the ongoing challenges and hardships faced by Hart's flawed cast of characters as they flee the war, from London's Blitz to the anticipated horrors of capture by the Japanese in the Philippines." -Foreword Reviews Originally published in 1987.

Two American sisters risk their lives helping Allied soldiers escape occupied France in this World War II thriller by a New York Times–bestselling author-"If you watched The Bletchley Circle, try this" (The Poisoned Pen). "Hart has a way of immersing readers seamlessly into each moment of action so that their hearts will be pounding full force by the end of this story of heroism, sacrifice, and unexpected bravery. . . . There are no words wasted in this gripping tale; it is a page-turner from beginning to end." -Foreword Reviews 1940. After the tragic death of her parents, Linda Rossiter decides to drop out of college and join her sister, Eleanor, and her small family in Paris. Shortly after her arrival, however, Germany invades, and the reality of World War II sets in. Eleanor's husband, Andre, disappears after fighting in Dunkirk, and Linda feels obligated to remain with Eleanor and her son. Desperate for news about Andre, Eleanor regularly visits local hospitals for the Red Cross. One day, however, Linda takes her place and winds up sneaking home a wounded British airman. Soon the Linda and Eleanour are risking their lives to help Allied soldiers escape occupied France, but their good deeds may come at a hefty price. On Christmas Eve, the Gestapo sets up a trap, and death is only a few steps the two courageous sisters. "Carolyn Hart's riveting and realistic portrayal of German occupied Paris keeps the suspense high. Set just before Germany declared war on America and just as the French Resistance started to emerge, Escape from Paris is a compelling page-turner." -Robin Burcell, bestselling author of The Black List "Authentic and gripping and heartbreaking. . . . [A] tensely taut tale of World War II courage, sacrifice, and love." -Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of The Other Woman and winner of the Anthony, Agatha, and Macavity Awards Originally published in 1982.

A young woman investigates her family's secret past on a haunted plantation in this romantic suspense mystery from a New York Times–bestselling author. "While fully in the spirit of the gothic romances by Victoria Holt and Elizabeth Peters, Hart puts on her own twist by keeping the mystery at the forefront. Fans of romances and mysteries will find much to enjoy as Hart reveals the early talent that will be evident through the nearly fifty mysteries that are to follow." -King's River LifeMagazine Leah Devereaux grew up in Texas with her grandmother Louisa after her parents were lost at sea nineteen years ago. But when Louisa died a month ago, Leah discovered she and her grandmother were presumed to have died with them. Now she has come to Mefford, South Carolina, home of the Devereaux plantation, because she wants the truth. Leah's reception among her relatives is mixed. While some, like her adopted cousin Merrick, welcome her, others warn her to stay away. They believe she's meddling with secrets that must remain buried. But what's more troubling is that the ghost known only as the Whispering Lady has reappeared at the plantation after years of absence. The locals know it's an omen of death, and Leah and Merrick may be its next targets . . . "Hart fans will appreciate what were later to become the author's signature elements: the Lowcountry setting, the vivid physical description, and surprising twists." -Publishers Weekly "Turn up your gothic-romantic suspense meter for this spooky Low Country treat. Hart's 1986 standalone has enough espionage and intrigue to keep readers guessing. Recommend this quick read to those longing for the old-fashioned romantic suspense novels of Phyllis Whitney." -Library Journal Originally published in 1986.

Ancient bones draw an anthropologist into a deadly chase around San Francisco in this romantic suspense mystery from a New York Times–bestselling author. "What an enjoyable and compelling mystery Hart has crafted that combines history, anthropology, and romance and showcases her talent as an author." -King's River LifeMagazine "You're the bone lady, aren't you?" San Francisco, 1980s: Anthropologist Ellen Christie's date plans quickly change after a knock at her door. A frantic stranger named Jimmy says he has evidence of the ancient remains of the famed "Peking Man." It's a little hard to believe since the bones went missing in China in 1941, but if the bones are real, they belong in her museum. Ellen decides to throw caution to the wind and accompany Jimmy to inspect the remains. Arriving at Jimmy's Chinatown apartment, they meet Jimmy's handsome brother, Dan, but thugs show up a moment later, forcing Jimmy to flee with the bones. To protect Jimmy, Ellen and Dan must follow his trail through Chinatown's underbelly and navigate their way around some of San Francisco's elite criminals. Uncertain if she can trust Jimmy or her growing attraction to Dan, Ellen begins to wonder if her dreams of academic stardom have led her into a nightmare . . . "Skulduggery combines a priceless archeological treasure with an evocative rendering of San Francisco's Chinatown in this surprising standalone." -Margaret Maron, author of the Judge Deborah Knott series "Evocative and suspenseful. . . . New readers will go on to [Hart's] other books and discover why this mistress of mystery is, indeed, a national treasure." -Katherine Hall Page, author of the Faith Fairchild Mystery series "An entertaining dash through San Francisco's Chinatown with attractive detectives and a fascinating look at a real historical mystery. . . . Hard to put down." -JoAnna Carl, author of the Chocoholic Mystery series Originally published in 1984.

A murder case twists around a California lawyer's family tree in this mystery by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Death on Demand series. "Carolyn Hart has developed a strong female voice with K.C. Carlisle. The novel is well written, has a strong plot, and reminiscent of the best classic detective movies. This is mystery writing at its finest, without today's formulas or clichés." -Terry Ambrose, author of the Trouble in Paradise mysteries K.C. Carlisle and her cousin Kenneth may both be attorneys from a wealthy family, but that's where the similarities end. While Kenneth works at a prestigious corporate law firm catering to the elite, K.C. usually represents underdogs and the working class, welcoming any case that walks into her storefront office. Unfortunately, trouble walks in from time to time, too . . . Tabloid reporter Francine Boutelle has an exposé ready to reveal some Carlisle family secrets, including one about K.C.'s late father taking bribes as a judge. Francine has visited most of the family to let them know she's willing to keep quiet . . . for a price. All K.C. must do is stop by Francine's apartment to make the payment, but when K.C. arrives, she finds Francine dead, with Kenneth's scarf tied around her neck. K.C. knows her cousin isn't the type to murder, but proving his innocence won't be easy, since the remaining suspects are her relatives. Following a trail of blood and deception, K.C. must determine who among them has a secret with killing for. "Hart's early writing here reveals why she would become one of the most popular and successful mystery writers alive. . . . Definitely less cozy than her usual writing but just as much fun, and a ton of action is packed into a relatively brief novel. The humor has an edge and K.C. is a very engaging, spirited character who easily carries the novel on her shoulders." -King's River LifeMagazine Originally published in 1983.