**"The Gabriel Hounds"** is a novel by **Mary Stewart**, first published in **1967** by **Hodder & Stoughton**. It is one of Stewart’s renowned romantic suspense novels, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and romance, set in exotic locations with a strong female protagonist.
The novel is set primarily in **Lebanon**, where the heroine, Christy Mansel, encounters her mysterious and eccentric great-aunt, Lady Hester, who is living in a decaying palace reminiscent of a sheikh's palace from the Arabian Nights. The title refers to the **Gabriel Hounds**, a mythological pack of hounds from English folklore that are said to hunt through the sky, often as an omen of death, tying into the novel’s atmosphere of suspense and looming danger.
As with many of Mary Stewart’s novels, the book is known for its vivid descriptions of landscapes, strong character development, and suspenseful, well-constructed plots. It combines a romantic storyline with a thrilling adventure, making it a favorite among fans of classic romantic suspense novels.
