Book Review: Touch Not the Cat (1976) by Mary Stewart
Touch Not the Cat is a romantic suspense novel by Mary Stewart, a master of the genre. The story revolves around Bryony Ashley, a young woman from an old family line tasked with looking after their ancestral estate, Ashley Court. When a tragedy strikes, uncovered secrets begin to emerge, paving the way for a gripping narrative.
The Burdens of Home
While working as a hotel receptionist in Spain, Bryony learns about her father’s sudden death in a hit-and-run accident in Austria. Grieving, she returns to the family estate in England to manage the aftermath. Bryony’s mother passed away when she was a child, and due to an old inheritance clause, she cannot inherit Ashley Court. The estate goes to her father’s cousin and his three sons. With limited resources, maintaining Ashley Court has become challenging. Most of the land has been sold off, and public tours and tenants are the estate’s primary income sources. Bryony and her father had already moved from the manor house to a small cottage on the grounds.
As the complicated inheritance is sorted out, Bryony’s second cousins, twin brothers Emory and James, return to the estate, pressuring her to transfer ownership quickly. However, Bryony notices valuables missing from the house and is haunted by her father’s cryptic last words, hinting at a secret he intended to reveal.
A Lover Unknown to Even Herself
Bryony has had a telepathic connection with an unknown individual for much of her life, thanks to the ‘Ashley sight,’ a family trait. She has communicated with this person through thoughts, feelings, and images but has no idea who he is. Believing him to be one of her second cousins, she is determined to uncover his identity. Upon solving this personal mystery, the revelation is deeply satisfying and romantic, making for a truly memorable moment in the book.
Overall Impression
Touch Not the Cat is an engaging read filled with Gothic elements, reminiscent of star-crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet, and a historical mystery that intertwines with the present. Stewart’s writing is witty and evocative, and while there might be some overly elaborate descriptions, they do not detract from the enjoyment of the novel. If you are a fan of mysteries and romances, this book is highly recommended.
Adaptation Recommendation
Touch Not the Cat has great potential for adaptation into a miniseries, possibly updated to a contemporary setting or retained as a period piece, which could capture the rich atmosphere of the original story.
Content Note
There is a minor character who uses a racial slur once in the book, but other than that, it’s quite clean.
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