The bitter February wind didn’t stop 10 of the Mason Public Library book club members from discussing that month’s book, “The House on the Strand” by Daphne du Maurier.

At 7 p.m., every third Tuesday of the month, members convene in the Park Hill room in the entrance of the library and discuss books. At the most recent meeting, Library Assistant Carol Sanders began the session by reading du Maurier’s biography.

Who is Daphne du Maurier? The critically acclaimed British author wrote the short story “The Birds” and the Gothic horror novel “Rebecca.” Both stories were adapted to film and directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

How did you pick this month’s book? Book club member Carol Schilling recommended the 1969 Gothic thriller because of its suspense. “I read this book every year,” said Schilling. “This one just grabbed me, I like Gothic history.”

What’s the book about? Narrator Dick Young offers to sample a newly developed drug by his professor friend. A drug-induced trip leads Young to 14th century England, where he follows a love story, eventually becoming entwined in the man’s feelings towards the woman. Reality and hallucination blur as Young, unable to interact with the past, becomes more invested in its adultery and murder.

How did everyone like it? “I struggled, but I finished it,” said book club member Pat Young. Many members found it hard to remember the various characters, which change from past to present. Carolyn Burns was disappointed that Young couldn’t interact with the past.

Which character do you wish you knew more about? To Burns, the main character’s past obsession was too nondescript. She felt that he and Young were somehow related, which connected their memories.

How would you describe the relationship between Dick and the doctor who gave him the drugs? To Vali Braselton of Maineville, the relationship was platonic.

“The professor was eccentric and they were just good friends,” she said.

Why do you like this book club? “This is the best book club I’ve ever been to,” said Gwen Goode of Mason. “No one dominates discussions and everyone is free to express how you feel.”

The meeting ended with “Downton Abbey” recaps and talk of Schilling’s new grandson.