Book excerpt: "A mesmerizing story of blackmail, romance, and deception."—Associated Press A parson's daughter, Druscilla Delaney is enthralled by her wealthy, glamorous neighbors—the Framlings—and their handsome son, Fabian. They gift her with a priceless heirloom, a beautiful fan that brings with it a terrible curse. Beautiful as its peacock feathers may be, the priceless fan hidden deep in the Framling mansion has a legacy of death and destruction. And Druscilla has no idea she's been marked by its curse. But the fan's dark past might prove less of a danger than Fabian Framling himself. Dark, brooding, and dominating, will he be the one to save her from the fan's cruel fate...or cause her demise? Including elements of historical romance and romantic suspense, The India Fan is a spellbinding tale from the Queen of Gothic Romance. Fast-paced and gripping, fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, and Daphne Du Maurier will be awestruck by this Victorian gothic thriller complete with romance, murder, and mayhem. Other Titles from Victoria Holt Pride and the Peacock: To secure her inheritance, Jessica Clavering agrees to a marriage of convenience, but will her handsome new husband's desire for her ever surpass his obsession with a famously cursed opal? The Shivering Sands: Caroline Verlaine's sister has gone missing and no one can tell her why. The only option is to go where Roma was last seen—an estate with a deadly history. The Time of the Hunter's Moon: According to legend, a girl will see her future husband at the time of the hunter's moon. But when the handsome stranger revealed to Cordelia Grant disappears after an all-too-brief encounter, she has to wonder: Was he merely an apparition...or something more? What readers are saying about The India Fan "The India Fan was beautiful. It was long and complex and draining. It was gripping." "Once you start, you can't put it down." "A knock-out novel of mysticism and murder..." "This book brings memories!!! I read it when I was in high school and it remains one of my favorite books to read." What reviewers are saying about The India Fan "...romance, curses, dark secrets, and a Gothic tale of epic proportions"—My Book Addiction and More "...an absolutely engrossing read. The story-telling is excellent and I found the historical background fascinating."—Romantic Historical Lovers "Enthralling."—The New York Times Book Review "Fresh and steadily compelling."—Kirkus "Readers will savor this sweeping coming-of-age tale"—Publishers Weekly "The India Fan is one of those epic stories that you can completely immerse yourself in and it will stay in your memory for years."—Great Historicals What everyone is saying about the Queen of Gothic Romance Victoria Holt "Victoria Holt's writing is captivating"—Bookfoolery "She spins history with romance and intrigue and always leaves me wanting more." "Holt's stories are spell binding....page turners." "I love her books! I have read all of them again and again. She is a wonderful storyteller." "One of the supreme writers of gothic romance, a compelling storyteller whose gripping novels have thrilled millions."—RT Book Reviews