THE LOVE-CHILD

Throughout this predictable, though pleasant, English Gothic, Haddon does a creditable job but misses with her portrayal of the two mature women. The heroine’s mother is presented inconsistently, alternately wise or syrupy. Her adventuress friend, Harriet, comes across as maudlin and pretentious despite the author’s obvious intention to portray her as light and gay. R.P.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 98]