Monica Heath: Woman in Black

Woman in Black is the last book by Monica Heath that Allan Kass illustrated. September 1974 is the publication date from Signet. Julie is looking forward to visiting her father but she finds out that he has recently died and his family believes she's there to claim the family fortune!

Allan Kass's heroine is dressed in black and shades of amber illuminate this cover as she walks through a cemetery with the big house in the background. I love the use of color with the lighter sky and lantern but the darker dress of the heroine and her red hair.

Monica Heath: Raneslough

Raneslough, by Monica Heath, was published by Signet in July 1976 for their gothic romance line. Quinn O'Toole is an amateur historian and is interested in her paternal roots, so she flies to Ireland to find out more about her father's mysterious death. Raneslough Castle holds the clues, but her extended family isn't welcoming.

This cover is a bit different for Allan Kass since the heroine's face has a "out of focus"feel to it. She is pretty and in his style wears silver jewelry with her outfit. I like his use of aqua in the sky and sea, which makes the castle and cliff seem even darker and more mysterious.

Monica Heath: Mistress of Ravenstone

March 1973 saw the publication by Signet of Mistress of Ravenstone by Monica Heath. Lorraine Laughlin is the new bride of Ravenstone but is haunted by the legend of another bride who was killed by that long ago ancestor in order to be able to marry another. Is there a curse on the mansion?

Allan Kass's illustration for this cover isn't one of my favorites, I must admit. I don't like the "all in one" pictures where there is no definition of the scene or person. While his work is wonderful, we must wonder if this is what the publisher was wanting, knowing that this was a popular style during the 1970's?

Monica Heath: House of the Strange Woman

House of the Strange Woman by Monica Heath was published by Signet in May 1977. Carey McKee goes looking for her father after the death of her aunts, but finds that he has died, but left a wife. She decides to visit her only to find danger following her with every movement.

Allan Kass creates a vision on the cover of this book! Our heroine is lovely and elegant in her red gown with a peep of a petticoat. Her black hair is long and reminiscent of other Kass heroines while her gold jewelry are a trademark of his artistry. She stands out in a sea of brown with everything else portrayed in that color. It's an interesting juxtaposition of elegance and crudeness.

Monica Heath: Dunleary

Dunleary, by Monica Heath, was published by Signet in January 1967. My copy looks like a third printing. Deirdre Rynne is stunned when the Laird of Inish Laoghaire chooses her for a bride! She is married and taken to Dunleary, a castle that sits on a cursed island!

Allan Kass illustrates our heroine as she flees the haunted castle. I like that the building isn't far in the distance and the clouds and water almost look identical. She sports Kass touches: her gold bracelets and hoop earrings. The photo isn't as rich and beautiful as the book, which we see was originally bought in a drugstore!