The Mountain Man by Ellen Ashe is a compelling, mysterious story that will keep readers enthralled through to the final page. This story is difficult to review because there is so much is going on and so many twists and turns, that to say almost anything about the plotline will give away key elements.

Stella needed to escape. Her husband was an abusive man who hid behind the charming, witty façade he showed the rest of the world. At home was a completely different story. When she finally decides to leave him, Stella heads to the mountains to indulge her new freedom with immortalizing the beauty of nature in photos. Along the way, something happens.

Jack is a loner in the mountains when he meets Stella. The attraction between them is immediate and powerful, overpowering everything else in their lives. However, many secrets abound and must be resolved before these two can find happiness.

The Mountain Man will keep readers thinking long after they finish reading. The plotline is so well done that it weaves many different possibilities for what is to happen. This reviewer went through several theories while reading, only to find out none of her ideas were entirely correct. There is a dark gothic element to the tale, with a sense of evil pervading the senses all the while one is experiencing the love and pleasure between Stella and Jack.

However, one warning goes out to readers. Even though The Mountain Man is a short story, make sure there is nothing crucial scheduled before starting this story. Otherwise readers may find themselves forgetting about everything else until the stunning conclusion is reached.

Ms. Ashe is clearly a strong talent to watch. She brilliantly draws one in to the story, seeing and feeling everything with the players. All that this reviewer can think after finishing is, `Why did I wait so long to try one of Ellen Ashe’s books?' If this one is any indication, the rest of her books will be amazing as well.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, March 2006. All rights reserved.