Thornyhold

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Jilly Bond

Mary Stewart's storytelling is as spellbinding as ever in her 12th novel, a Gothic romance featuring sparkling prose, delightful characterisation and classic intrigue.

The rambling house called Thornyhold is like something out of a fairy tale. Left to Gilly Ramsey by the cousin whose occasional visits brightened her childhood, the cottage, set deep in a wild wood, has come just in time to save her from a bleak future. With its reputation for magic and its resident black cat, Thornyhold offers Gilly more than just a new home. It offers her a chance to start over.

The old house, with its tufts of rosy houseleek and the spreading gilt of the lichens, was beautiful. Even the prisoning hedges were beautiful, protective with their rusty thorns, their bastions of holly and juniper, and at the corners, like towers, their thick columns of yews.

©1988 Mary Stewart (P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

"A comfortable chair and a Mary Stewart: total heaven. I'd rather read her than most other authors." (Harriet Evans)

A satisfying and entertaining read.

I’m another reader who took a trip down memory lane on this one.
When I was in high school and college I thought I’d read all of Mary Stewart’s books, but some how I missed this one. It was like finding a little gem hidden in the grass to come across it. As usual her beautiful writing style and interesting plot and characters made for a delightful read and it was nice to be reminded of why I had enjoyed her work so much. For fans or newcomers, I recommend it highly. You’ll wish that it were longer, though there are many more of her novels to go on to. I specially enjoyed the trilogy about Merlin (beginning with The Crystal Cave).

Wonderful book!

This is one of my favorite books. I first read it probably 25 years ago. And this narration is perfect. I loved it!!

Great Storytelling!

Nothing better for a cozy listen than a Mary Stewart mystery. Always worth the time.

Great ending

A little slow at first, but the story picks up and the ending is very satisfying.

A capsule of magic for the soul

really enjoyed this! the narrator I believe suited the story perfectly and the story has that gothic magical feel reminiscent of Emily Of New Moon- really quite a beautiful little story that doesn't take the path you expect, the atmosphere here is what really shows through in my opinion, though I did enjoy the plot as well

Mary Stewart is still one of the best.

I thoroughly enjoyed this ‘enchanting’ story.
The narrator is superb.
I discovered Mary Stewart in my preteen years. Gradually through the next 4 years I read all of her books. I think “The Moonspinners” was my first. And for years Wildfire at Midnight was my favorite. But now I don’t have a favorite… they all have something unique and endearing. This Rough Magic maybe…
This author knew how to “turn a phrase”.

Charming Story!

What an enjoyable story, this one by Mary Stewart reminded me of the traditional fairy tales I’ve always enjoyed. Like “Nine Coaches Waiting” it has some Cinderella elements to the story. I enjoyed the warmth in the story and the detail of the places and events. Jilly Bond read it very well, like a dear grandmother retelling her adventures to her grandchildren. It’s a sweet tale, much lighter and fanciful than Mary Stewart’s earlier suspense novels, which of course I loved just as much too! Enjoy!

Fabulous as Always

I have always enjoyed this Mary Stewart story. The question is whether she is a witch or not. The descriptions bring a clear picture of Thornyhold and the characters. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of mystery without a murder!

So glad you reissued these

Thornyhold is one of my favorite Mary Stewart books. I love the gentle and homely magic that threads throughout the story. The romance narrative is nice but really this is about women coming into ownership of their lives and women’s magic. It’s a magic that only comes through hard and satisfying daily work and presence.
If you love an English countryside story, gardens, animals, and the small pleasures of daily living this book will bring you joy.

Mystery, Magic, and Romance!

The perfect autumn story. I read it every October and enjoy the Audible version very much. My favorite Mary Stewart book!