Jamaica Inn My English teacher was the one to recommend the book to me. Jamaica Inn. It was written by Daphne Du Maurier in 1932 after being inspired to write it after visiting in the 1920s. Many of us will have seen the BBC mini series last Easter and the whole thing oozed drama and mystery. The book was much better than I imagined it would possibly be. The young orphaned Mary Yellan is forced to move to Jamaica Inn to live with her mother's sister 'Aunt Patience' and her abusive, drunken husband "Joss Merlyn." Mary is horrified at her Aunt's treatment and as much as she yearns to leave Jamaica Inn she vows to stay to look after her and protect her. It is during her time at Jamaica Inn that she realises that her uncle is hiding something, and it doesn't take her long to figure it out. Joss Merlyn is a wrecker. In a drunken stupor Joss Merlyn confesses to Mary, and tells her the truth of why he's the Landlord of Jamaica Inn. A dark mystery thriller wouldn't be the same without a romance. Mary finds herself drawn to the dark and roguish Jem Merlyn, Joss' younger brother. He's handsome and wild and Mary dare not trust him, after all he is a Merlyn. Aside from all that, Mary can't help but make a shaky friendship with the Vicar of Alternun, Frances Davey. But there's something oddly strange about him and like Jem, she doesn't know if she can trust him. I really liked this book, with it's highlights of feminism, sexuality, religion, and domestic violence. Du Maurier brings to light the fear and shame brought to a woman during a violent relationship and the dangers of love. A good read.