Wow! This is the sort of book that comes along all too rarely. It is a fast-paced, suspenseful story with intricate plot twists and characters who seem so real-to-life that you feel sure you'd recognize them on the street. Mary Stewart is a master of this hybrid genre (mystery/suspense/romance/psychological thriller)and, for my money, Nine Coaches Waiting is her best effort among an impressive and prolific array of novels. A caveat should be issued to the reader, however -- this book may well cause serious sleep deprivation. It's that compelling. You're in for a treat!