House of Intrigue — Louise Hoffman

Janie Armitage never questioned the death of her real mother until her adopted parents died, making her an heiress. Then a small newspaper item led Janie to believe that her mother might still be alive. Janie's search brings her to a eerie farmhouse in Ireland where a bitter woman named Sara O'Mara finally claims to be her mother. Determined to learn the whole truth, Janie stays and gradually becomes aware of many dark secrets in Sara's life. Soon she is caught in a web of fear -- with her own life hanging in the balance.

The nightmare began when Janie Armitage went to Ireland in search of Sara O'Mara. In the brooding old house Sara seemed condemned forever to wrestle alone with her inner torment. Janie wanted desperately to help, but in doing so found herself caught up in a mystery within a mystery; mystery of the past and of the present.

Who was the shadowy figure determined to stop her from unraveling the dark secrets that permeated the house? Why did Kevin beg Janie to leave Ireland? Why was Jeff convinced that the attempt on her life was in her imagination? Why did Sara refuse to leave the house she hated?

Suspicion mounts and motives are revealed. Then comes the unexpected denouncement and Janie is free at last to accept the promise of happiness life and love hold out.