The Kiss of the Prison Dancer: A Novel Book

I collect old school Gothic Romance novels. Authors like Dorothy Daniels, Victoria Holt, Barbara Michaels etc. So, I have a few Phyllis A Whitney novels around. This book was on my TBR list and when I noticed the author was featured in a BOM read, I decided to join in.
This book is, I think, the last book published by Phyllis A Whitney. I noticed a few lukewarm reviews on this one, but I kept my mind open. No, this is certainly not one of the author's finest moments, but it's not as bad as all that. The style is trademark Gothic romance. Many modern readers might not really appreciate that style. Gothic romances of the 60's through the early 80's were long on suspense, a little supernatural element at times, and romance was in the background. There may be kissing but not one hint of sexual content, and usually no offensive language. So, maybe this type of book didn't really appeal to readers in 1997. Only die hard PAW fans will appreciate it, maybe with a bit of nostalgia.
A young woman went missing, and now two years later, her grandfather is dying of cancer and needs to know what happened to his granddaughter. So, in desperation, he contacts Susan's old friend Hallie and asked her to come to Topsail Island. Nick hopes Hallie may be able to help figure out the mystery since she knew Susan so well. He also has told her that he intends to remember her in his will.
Hallie has, only days before being contacted by Nick, discovered that her husband, Paul, has been having an affair. The summons to Topsail Island is just what she needs right then. But, when she arrives, she is not warmly welcomed by most of Nick's family.
Nick's son, Susan's father, and his second wife are worried about Nick's decision to change his will. The nurse and housekeeper is also concerned about Hallie's visit. But, despite all that, Hallie makes friends with the neighbors, and the nurse's son, Corey.
Eventually, Hallie finds herself privy to old family secrets. There was a love triangle years ago that soured one marriage and broke up another. The controlling patriarch, damaged his family in many ways and is now living with his mistakes and regrets.
The very slight supernatural spin comes from a couple of Amethyst stones. The stones, if placed by a bed could cause vivid dreams. Also, one could look into the stone and see visions.
This book is only 288 pages long, and is a light mystery romance. The story is really more about family relationships than anything. Long buried secrets come to light that help everyone find closure and move on with their lives. Hallie finds live long friends and is able to find the strength to deal with her personal issues. She does get her HEA as well as a few others in the story.
Over all a C