Jamaica Inn (by Daphne du Murier)
After reading Daphne du Maurier’s most renowned classic novel, Rebecca, I became intrigued by her other works. I was astounded by the sheer number of full-length novels and short stories she had written. A friend recently read and highly recommended Jamaica Inn, so I promptly added it to my reading list.
Jamaica Inn, a gripping Gothic thriller set on the wild, windswept moors of Cornwall in the early 19th century, follows the story of young Mary Yellan. After her mother’s death, Mary honors a promise to live with her aunt and uncle at the isolated Jamaica Inn, a grim coaching house shrouded in sinister secrets. As Mary delves into the inn’s dark ties to smuggling and beyond, she finds herself ensnared in a web of danger, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. Trust becomes scarce, and the line between hero and villain blurs, leaving Mary to navigate a world of suspense and intrigue.
I absolutely loved this masterpiece from the very beginning. The haunting Cornish moors, the menacing atmosphere of the inn, and Mary Yellan’s fierce determination drew me into a vivid world of smuggling, secrets, and suspense. Du Maurier’s lush prose and masterful ability to build dread made every twist and turn thrilling, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
I borrowed the audiobook of Jamaica Inn from my library using Hoopla. While there are many editions and recordings of this classic, I particularly enjoyed the narration by Barbara Rosenblat. Her execution of the chilling nature of the story was truly beautiful, bringing the characters and their world to life in a way that left me spellbound.
You’re welcome to read my review of Rebecca, which is linked below.
As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases linked back to Amazon. Every penny earned allows me to blog about books and keeps this site running.