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Cursed In The Act (2014)

by Raymond Buckland(Favorite Author)

3.54 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0425268012 (ISBN13: 9780425268018)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Berkley Trade

series

Bram Stoker

review 1: This had a really stiff narrative, that didn't loosen up until nearly the end. That said, it was the first book in a new series, so awkward starts are always allowed and forgiven. I really appreciated the way it placed Bram Stoker solidly in his time and place of origin, and the young stage manager main character was delightful. Keep going, Mr. Buckland. You've made a start, elaborate and diversify your mystery and keep going!
review 2: Based loosely on the historical fact of Bram Stoker (pre Dracula) being theater manager for Henry Irving at the Lyceum in London. The tale is told from the point of view of Harry Rivers, stage manager at the Lyceum. Harry greatly respects his boss' abilities. On the opening night of Hamlet, Henry Irving falls ill. He has bee... moren poisoned, but insists on going on -- to the fury of his understudy, Peter Richland. The next evening Richland is run over by a "growler". He is trampled by the horses, but the police believe it is Richland by the greasepaint on the face. His burial is well attended by the theater people -- but at a later performance his head rolls out of some scenery on the stage. Fortunately, it is removed before the audience notices. Other strange things are happening - sandbag counterweights fall nearly hitting people,as well as lighting equipment falling. Fortunately the Lyceum has been wired for electricity so the fear of fire has been greatly reduced. But strange things keep happening. Stoker and Rivers suspect Ralph Bateman the younger brother of Mrs Crowe who runs the rival Strand. But Harry overhears Ralph refer to "the boss". Stoker has begun to get an inkling as to who it might be. It all comes together when Ms Terry's son is kidnapped. less

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