Fellowship with Demons
Amazon.com Fellowship with Demons
My review -
Charles
Murray is commissioned by Melville, a high-ranking Scottish nobleman, to look
into the family into which his cousin is hoping to marry. Melville feels there is something shady about
them but has no proof. This is a story
of officers, young, marriageable ladies, balls, suppers and concerts at the
Assembly Rooms – it all sounds very Jane Austen. However, Lexie Conyngham puts far more
emphasis on the ‘Downstairs’ part of Upstairs/Downstairs than ever Jane Austen
did and we meet up with far more violence, murder and assault than was ever
hinted at in her genteel writings.
Murray finds what Melville has asked him, but some of the knowledge
comes with the realisation that people he loves and respects will be hurt by it
too.
Lexie
Conyngham’s elegant and intelligent writing comes with a sprinkling of Scottish
dialect terms which give it huge charm. The
story here is one of mystery, murder, intrigue and deceit. I love the way the author combines action and
plot line with a thoughtful look at the lives of some otherwise minor
characters. She looks at the effects of
dementia on an old and loved servant, and at other issues of mental
instability. It’s a gripping thriller
and mystery but is also a great social comment on the times. I enjoyed reading this very much. I’m a big fan of the Murray of Letho series
and I think this is possibly the best. (So
far – I’m an optimist!)
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