Hyde Place — Virginia Coffman

In this classic “gaslight” tale of romantic suspense and adventure the setting is San Francisco, and the year is 1919 -- just thirteen years after the devastating earthquake and fire.

The City, though, now pulsates with renewed life, as eighteen-year-old Merideth Hyde arrives after a long absence, anticipation mingled with foreboding, to dispose of valuable, inherited property and to search for her mother -- who might or might not have died in the 1906 debacles. Before she can accomplish these tasks, her life is endangered by the plottings of imposters, fortune hunters, and deadly assault by an unseen stranger.

How should she interpret the cryptic warnings of her handsome yet strangely mocking new friend? And finally, what is the childhood event, too painful to recall that will unlock these mysteries and end the threats against her?