"A chillingly horrifying tale!"

Regency author Lady Mildred Derby has left London for her estate in the country, Derby Hill. Lady Mildred's books have caused quite a stir being as risqué as they are. She puts down her pen as her butler, Edward, announces dinner. He escorts her in to the dinner, as usual. After she finishes eating, Lady Mildred requests her cook and complains of the toughness of the meat. The cook apologizes and informs Lady Mildred they are out of tender meat and the larder will have to be restocked. This is when Lady Mildred comes up with the wonderful idea of inviting some of her readers to Derby Hill.

Cassandra "Cassie" Turner is a young widow with enough money to live comfortably. She has two young friends she met in the library and the three of meet to discuss Lady Derby's books. When one of the young women finds an invitation to Derby Hill in her book, the two of them persuade Cassie to go. After all, with her accompanying them, their mothers won't protest. Cassie has a special necklace she wears, a gift from her parents. It's an amethyst and has special powers. Cassie reluctantly agrees and off they go to Derby Hill.

While on the drive up to the estate, Cassie is getting vibes from her amethyst. The vibes she's getting are all evil and when they walk into the house, Cassie feels surrounded by it. When the two young girls and Cassie are invited to spend the night, she knows there's something going on. Something evil.

Will the girls survive the night? Exactly what is going on at Derby Hill? What of Edward and the blank look in his eyes?

DINNER IS SERVED is a chilling horror story. If this is the type of horror Sahara Kelly comes up, watch out Stephen King! I really liked the fact this was set in the Regency era as well. Cassie's character is wonderful, especially with all the extra abilities she has. The character of Lady Mildred, along with her cook, are two of the most evil characters I have run across in some time. This disturbing story will definitely remain with you for quite some time.

Reviewed by Chere Gruver
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted September 14, 2004

Summary

Derby Hill. The secluded home of notorious Regency author Lady Mildred Derby, and her oddly silent butler, Edward. It's a place of erotic darkness and savagery, matched only by the characters in Lady Mildred's stories. Her readers are fascinated, jumping at the chance to procure an invitation to Derby Hill and meet its owner face-to-face. For Cassandra Turner, however, it's not Lady Mildred's face that hits her like a blow to the heart, but Edward's. Cassie's upbringing has armed her with knowledge of the body, the mind, and the spirit - and she'll need all three to escape the deadly web spun by Lady Mildred. She'll also need her amethyst necklace if she wants to rescue Edward. And she does want to rescue Edward. A lot. Derby Hill. Where unusual dinners are served and dessert... well, it's often eaten in bed.