Miss Silver is definitely a Miss Marple - but which came first, the chicken or the egg? Christie's first Miss Marple was published in 1927, and Wentworth's first Silver in 1928 - but there is no way of telling who wrote their character first. Still, so close in time, I doubt their was really even any influence. Perhaps it was just an idea who's time had come.
Before I devolve into more cliches, I like Miss Silver very much, and can enjoy the books without overly worrying about who was first. This one in particular has young love in jeopardy, buried treasure and curses - what's not to love? ( )

Synopsis: Somewhere among the dust and cobwebs of the sinister Benevent Mansion lies the legendary Benevent treasure. But a terrible death has been prophesied for whoever uncovers it. When Candida Sayle is invited to visit her elderly maiden aunts, she dismisses such gloomy thoughts. But as Candida begins to discover the family’s dark secrets she puts herself in grave danger. Thankfully Miss Silver has investigative skills of her own.

Review: The formula is that there is a murder, or attempted murder, the lead character is in danger and needs a private investigator. Generally there are star-cross lovers who get together in the end. ( )

The story sets itself up as a mystery/romance. 15 year-old Candida Sayle is stranded on a cliff by a rapidly rising tide and rescued by Stephen Eversley. They meet again 5 years later while Candida is staying with her previously estranged aunts and her first ever visit to her mother's family home. A series of strange events, including Stephen's suspicion that her aunts had a hand the events from 5 years previously, result in his asking Miss Silver to consult professionally. A fascinating read. ( )

If you fancy a good British mystery story and like little old ladies who can somehow remain unobtrusive yet solve the crime, then I would suggest you try this series.

The story begins with a short prelude. Here we meet Candida Sayle, who will become the main character in due time, who is then 15 and has gone to a seaside hotel to wait for a friend who is delayed. She decides to take a walk along the beach, and is told by two other guests at the place that it shouldn't be a problem since there won't be a high tide for another two hours. Well, as it turns out, they were wrong, and she finds out only too late when she is stranded on a cliff as the tide comes in. Along comes help, though, in the form of Stephen, who is out birdwatching and hears her cries for help.

Fast forward five years, and we now meet the older Candida, whose guardian-aunt has just died and left Candida with no prospects. So as luck would have it, she receives a letter from a great-aunt, the sister of her grandmother, inviting her to come and stay with her (Olivia) and her sister (Cara) at a house called Underhill. So off our heroine goes and almost immediately strange occurrences begin that end in murder. Luckily for all involved, Miss Silver just happens to be visiting a cousin in the area, but she is also there to investigate the disappearance some time back of a young man named Alan Thompson. Eventually the two storylines, of course, merge, making for one hell of a good mystery story. I would love to say more, but it would just spoil it for anyone else who wishes to read this book!

Miss Silver is no Miss Marple, but she does get the job done. People who like cozies would like her, but the prose is a bit wordy and a bit dated, so it might put off some readers. Overall, not too bad. ( )

I obtained this actual edition with the creepy skele-hand on the cover!!