Catherine Weston's life has been a hard one. She once lived a life of luxury but her lover was a manipulative, controlling man. His death frees her from her prison but leaves her penniless. She answers a plea from a her only friend at school to come and take care of her. Catherine heads to Cairncroft Abbey to care for Madeline.

Madeline rescued Catherine when she was buried alive. After that, the two spent all their time together. None of the other girls at school were friendly so the two misfits become fast friends. Since she has nowere else to go, the Abbey offers her respite from the malicious gossip surrounding her husband's death.

At Cairncroft, Madeline spends all her time in bed convinced that someone is trying to poison her. Madeline warns her to stay away from Gabriel St. Aubyn. Even though they are cousins, the two detest each other. Madeline whispers stories of unexplained deaths.

The housekeeper warns Catherine about the girls who have been killed and cut apart after death. Even with all the warnings, Catherine finds herself inexplicably drawn to Gabriel. Each has learned to present a stoic facade to the world as they dealth with the gossip that follows them.

Gabriel St. Aubyn's life has been extremely difficult. He was only able to survive his childhood with a strong determination and an ability to separate himself from his surroundings. He is intrigued by Catherine Weston. She is a beautiful woman but her air of calmness and unflappablity intrigue him.

When his cousin appears at the Abbey and more bodies are discovered, Catherine is forced to consider that one of the two men could be the killer. Events will lead to even more disaster in the lives of all at Cairncroft.

Ms. Silver has written a twisted, disturbing gothic which will chill the reader. There are so many potential villains that the ending will become a big surprise.

I used to love gothics but this one was a little too much for me. While I was engrossed in the story, I found some of the story too disturbing to really say I enjoyed it.