A page-turner dark mystery set in the early 1920s Exeter and Cornwall areas of England. Ruby Vaughn, enjoys the company of books. She works at an old bookstore in Exeter that has a rare and vintage collection of books. One day her co-worker at the bookstore requests her to deliver a box of books to a handsome wizard (Ruan Kivell), who lives in a remote densely wooded area. He is the local Pellar, known to have control over omens and spirits.
Ruby is reluctant to go there because she had a falling out with an old friend (Tamsyn) many years ago. But she eventually goes and gives the box to Ruan. He comes across as a mysterious man with menacing eyes. The author describes him as: “More or less some type of arcane Cornish exorcist....[A] cross between a physician, a witch, and a priest” in the book.
After mustering up some courage, Ruby goes to meet Tamsyn, who is now married to Sir Edward Chenowyth. The couple and their son live in the spooky Penryth Hall estate. Ruby and Tamsyn bury the hatchet and reconnect with each other like long-lost pals. Tamsyn convinces Ruby to spend the night at Penryth Hall. However, she does not like the arrogance and brash attitude of Sir Edward towards Tamsyn. After the long tiring day, she settles in her bed and falls asleep, only to be woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of death knell. To her horror, Ruby learns that the dead person is Sir Edward, her best friend’s husband. The entire town is in a state of shock and mourning. Ruan warns that the ‘Curse of Penryth Hall’ has struck again, while some feel it is cold-blooded murder.
The author’s prose and imagery are powerful like a seasoned cinematographer’s eye for details. You will find yourself immersed in the eerie silence of the woods and whispers of Penryth Hall. Things become more mysterious when the doctor informs the Chenowyth family that Sir Edward was poisoned and stabbed. Tamsyn is numb after her philandering husband’s death. Her aim is now to protect her son from the so-called ‘curse’ and from those who have killed her husband. In a strange coincidence, Ruby too escapes a deadly mishap. The notion of crime and curse, reality and foul play keeps moving from one page to the other till the end. A very addictive read with a bit of a paranormal twist!
