Quite good Gilman
As a fan of Dorothy Gilman, I enjoyed this book immensely. Primarily, because
Gilman uses the plot to delve deeply into the psychology of the major character, Melissa, who has been an emotional cripple most of her life. Through the
adventures foisted upon her, she finds a value for herself, and learns to embrace the risks of living fully..
As a single passenger on a ship bound for Europe, her tablemate clandestinely
asks her to deliver a message in Majorca, the last stop on her itinerary. At first
she does not take it seriously, but later learns that he has been murdered. She is followed on her travels, and becomes frightened, not knowing whom to trust. The plot
takes her through Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris, and finally Majorca, for the
denoument, interspersing meetings with other travelers some of whom appear
to bode ill for Melissa. Along the way, her personality and character undergoes a
metamorphosis.
This is a psychological novel, which is precisely why I liked it. The plot twists and
turns serve the characterization, rather than the reverse. Different from the Mrs. Polifax
novels, and in my opinion, better.
