Eight-year-old Saffron, abandoned at a train station, is at the mercy of a stranger holding an umbrella. The umbrella lady offers her shelter while she awaits her father's return. Told from her childish perspective, Saffron paints a terrifying picture of this Good Samaritan who meets her in her time of need, but also imprisons her in the house. The woman goes by many names. She introduces herself to Saffron as Mazy Daisy. Others in the small community know her as the former teacher, Mrs. Dutton. Since Saffron appeared out of nowhere, the other kids call her "the tree girl" and view her with suspicion. Several mysteries carry the story along: Where did the father go? Will anyone rescue Saffron from her imprisonment? Who is Mazy Daisy? Is she involved in the father's disappearance? Will Saffron ever mingle with her peers? Can she blend in?
I thoroughly enjoyed this and requested the sequel, Out of the Rain. The narration was excellent. (If you wish to listen to an Audible sample, follow this link and click on the sample button.) I'm sure V. C. Andrews was a talented writer (she wrote many books and, at her death, left behind 63 further story ideas). Perhaps this book, written by the estate's ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman, stems from one of those storylines. Neiderman delivers. The writing in this book lures you in and holds you fast. I loved how your feelings about the characters change and grow with time. Plus, the final reveal is satisfying and stirring. I'm also on the hold list for a book about V. C. Andrews, The Woman Beyond the Attic.
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