The Toll-Gate by Georgette Heyer (published 1954) is a romantic mystery in Heyer’s traditional style, and with a strong emphasis on mystery. It’s 1817, and Captain Staple happens to stop at a toll gate in the rain only to discover a very afraid young boy has been left to mind the gate. He’s alone, and the Captain feels obligated to stay until the boy’s father returns. But days go by with no sign of him. Where has he gone?
The Toll-Gate becomes a dark mystery, with highway men, hidden treasure, and even murder. Although other books by Heyer have aspects of mystery (such as The Talisman Ring, reviewed earlier), this book lack lighthearted humor to balance the mystery and darkness. There is a romance but since the two characters essentially fall in love at first site, it’s hard to see that as a balancing impact either. I enjoyed parts of The Toll-Gate and the characters were in general were relatable and compelling, but as a whole, the book was lacking.
