My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

I apparently vanished. I am not even sure why! I am back, though, and hoping to catch-up on my R.I.P. Reviews. I even missed the Read-a-thon. Very strange for me!

I threw the piece of paper on the fire. She saw it burn...

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. In almost no time at all, the new widow - Philip's cousin Rachel - turns up in England. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious woman like a moth to the flame. And yet ...might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?

After reading and loving Rebecca, I had to read something else by Daphne Du Maurier. I was told that this book was similar in tone, so I decided to give it a try. I really don't think I have ever read this book before, but I actually found a lot of the story familiar and even remembered the ending. The memories were not fresh, but still, there was something about the book. I will open this review by saying that while I liked My Cousin Rachel, I enjoyed Rebecca way more. It was my first Du Maurier and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I think I will enjoy many of her other books, but none will likely ever compare with Rebecca for me.

This was another great Gothic novel. Once again you are never entirely sure what to make of the characters and the storyline. Just when you think you have everything figured out; there is another huge change in the story. I am not even entirely sure with finishing it if you really figure out everything. There is still a sense of mystery. Having read Rebecca very close to reading this book I went in with expectations. I was worried it wouldn't compare to my previous experience and Daphne would just be a one-hit wonder for me, but that was not the case at all. This book was a page-turner! I was constantly curious about how things were going to play out and whether my impressions were correct.

The problem with this review is that it has been a while since I read the book and I am also worried about giving too much away. The mystery in the story is the whole point of reading it, so if I reveal the mystery than I will destroy the books for others. Philip acts very young. He will get on your nerves at times because you will not understand at all what he could possibly be thinking. Rachel is a mystery. Actually, Philip is a mystery. Then, there is the ending. The ending was fantastic, but then again it wasn't... I think the best thing to do is to just read this book and find out for yourself how great it really is!

This book counts for the R.I.P. challenge.