A review by kailey_luminouslibro
The House of a Thousand Candles Illustrated by Meredith Nicholson

4.0

If he wants to inherit his grandfather's estate, John Glenarm must stay at a country house in Indiana for at least a year without leaving. His grandfather did not approve of his grandson's wandering ways, so he devised this clause in the will to force his grandson to put down some roots. On his first night in the country house, John is shot at through the open window of the dining room. This begins an adventure that includes espionage, fugitives, hidden treasure, and a family secret that will change John's entire life. In the middle of all the mystery is Marian Devereux, who will inherit the entire estate if John fails to stay in the country for the entire year.

I loved this mystery adventure! There are so many layers to the mystery, and half the time nobody knows what is going on. There are a lot of shady characters in the background who are up to no good. A few of the characters are total mysteries, and we don't know whether they are good or bad until the very end. They might be allies to John, or they might be enemies, secretly working against him. I loved the suspense!

I liked the silly flirtations between Marian and John. They are a couple of wild characters and their mood swings certainly keep things interesting. I also really liked that Marian is a musician. That was a pleasant surprise, and gave the reader an insight into her character. Seeing John's reaction to her music also gives us a new layer to his personality.

I didn't really like John. He is always losing his temper, shouting and screaming at people, banging his fists on the table, threatening people, grabbing the butler by the collar and throwing him down on the floor. Learn some self-control, dude. Not my idea of a hero.