Wildfire at Midnight

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Lucy Paterson

The pioneer of romantic suspense, Mary Stewart leads her listeners on an unforgettable ride across the Isle of Skye in this tale perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Barbara Pym.

Following a heartbreaking divorce, Gianetta retreats to the Isle of Skye hoping to find tranquillity in the island's savage beauty. But shortly before her arrival a girl's body is found on the craggy slopes of the looming Blue Mountain, and with the murderer still on the loose, there's nothing to stop him from setting his sights on Gianetta next....

One arrogant wing of rock thrust itself across the sun, flinging a diagonal shadow over the bay. My eye was drawn to the great lonely bulk of the mountain in the east, stooping over the valley like a hawk. Blaven. The Blue Mountain.

©1956 Mary Stewart (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

Love Mary Stewart!

Read this the first time at age 14, now read it again at 66. Finished listening, then immediately started over. Did same with
"Touch Not the Cat". Mary Stewart is my favorite author.

gorgeously read

Perhaps the most purely eerie of Mary Stewart's exemplary gothic romances, this is a highly effective story but does show its age in the dated gender attitudes toward marriage. I had difficulty discounting this when listening because one can't skip over things as one can when reading. The performance was outstanding. It's one of the few instances of books that I know well where the audio version is more striking and dramatic then when it is experienced in print. Big bravo to Lucy Paterson.

Thoroughly enjoyed

The story has exciting action and interesting folklore. I will definitely reread/ re-listen to this one.

A dark thriller from the 1950s

A lot darker than most of Mary Stewart's books. The murders are a bit gruesome with just a little bit of romance to lighten it up a bit. Set on the Island of Skye in Scotland in 1953. There is a serial murder on the loose who must be one of the small group at the hotel. Who can you trust and where can you hide? It reads like an Agatha Christie thriller. The narrator did a lovely job, especially with the accents.

great as always

Most of Mary Stewart's novels are essentially the same story, the merlin series excluded, but I love each one. The heroines are all unique and I love them all. The language is beautiful and sophisticated but the read still feels comfortable. I am pleased with this purchase.

Wonderful setting - Mountains in Scottland

Great plot and character development. Descriptions of mountains beautifully done. Narration is well done. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.

If you love a great thriller (and Outlander)

This was the first "book on tape" (that's what we called them back in the old days) that I ever listened to. My mom told me not to listen at night and she was right! It kept me listening and at one point scared me so much that I had to turn on the light! I have listened to this multiple times and enjoy it every time. The Outlander connection-the Hebrides and the accents.

Exciting adventure on the Isle of Skye!

I really loved the Scottish setting for this one. As always, Mary Stewart finds such a fascinating back story for all her characters. And she kept me guessing until the very end! Lots of adventure, so be aware it’s not for the faint of heart. I loved the historical elements in the plot too, really wonderful! Great narration by Lucy Paterson! She played the characters superbly! Enjoy another wonderful tale by Mary Stewart!

Great to see this writer being re-released

Memorable for those of us who were around in the 1960’s and read Ms Stewart’s books. Her talent is on par with Agatha Christie and surpasses her as a romantic mystery writer. I’m waiting for many of her other books to come out in audio. She weaves a brilliant picture of place and yet it is timeless.

Perfect rendition, perfect voice.

My mom had this book when I was a child. I basically stole it from her and reread it every couple of years. I just love being able to listen to it. And Lucy's voice is just lovely.