When I found out that Midnight Waltz was a Regency with Gothic overtones, I couldn’t wait to read it. Especially when I found out it was in the first person. However, the heroine suffered from a problem common to many Gothic heroines – she often distrusted the hero without good reason. While the unease created by distrust is essential to Gothics, the distrust must arise from logical reasons. Also, the writer must create a balance between the suspicion and the relationship. Midnight Waltz failed on both counts, even as it succeeded in other ways.

Constance Ames has come to London to stay with her aunt for the season. Within a short time, her life becomes exciting – perhaps too exciting. She receives a nasty anonymous letter full of vicious lies about her family, and she tries to adjust to living in a household with eccentric, and sometimes mysterious, relatives. All is not a complete loss, however. Constance catches the eye of the famous Hugh Carlyle, also known as Rogue Carlyle.

Over time, Constance receives more nasty letters. Then she is injured badly in an accident. Or was it an accident? Her suspicions grow. The culprit could be the handsome Hugh Carlyle. Why else would this renowned rogue be paying her so much attention? Surely he is merely playing with her affections. Then again, could a family member be responsible?

Constance is a great narrator – yet we don’t learn enough about her background. Also, like many Gothic heroines, Constance was sometimes too trusting of those around her, while distrusting the hero without good reason. Yet unlike the typical Gothic heroine, Constance shows herself to be strong, independent, and intelligent. Except when it comes to her distrust of Hugh Carlyle. . .

Hugh, we hardly knew you. Too bad. This hero had great potential. Anybody who could think of surprising the recuperating Constance with a chaperoned waltz in her bedroom at midnight has the makings of a great romance hero. Too bad Constance spent most of the book thinking him capable of sending poison pen letters!

Though the romance between the main characters didn’t satisfy, it was fun trying to guess which secondary characters were guilty, and which merely seemed guilty. Surely the viscount was up to no good with his frequent absences. Then again, what about Constance’s cousin Louisa, who could fly off the handle at a moment’s notice? Is it true that madness runs in her family?

The Gothic elements of the plot worked out well. Readers will have a difficult time choosing a suspect, because so many characters are hiding secrets. The letters keep coming, and other mysterious events occur, so the suspense mounts. Meanwhile, the scenes where Constance learns family secrets add to the tension.

Fans of traditional Regency Romances who don’t insist on a strong romance might well enjoy this novel. In addition, readers who are nostalgic for Gothic romances will find a lot to like here. (I’ll admit that I’m biased in that regard.) Readers looking for a strong romance, however, should look elsewhere.