The Devereaux Legacy

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.