The Coven by Graham Masterton

The Coven (Beatrice Scarlet) - Graham Masterton

1758,London.Beatrice Scarlet,a widow, works in a refuge for “fallen”women. But then some of these young girls (who,after a rehabilitation period,are sent out to factories )disappear.

Although the title implies witches and witchcraft (so does the cover by the way),this is more of a mystery story with some dark/horror undercurrents. But after a rather slow start it is definitely a thrilling read and mostly well written.This also happens to be the second book in this new series.

Only comment,perhaps certain scenes (rape scenes mainly)might have been a little less graphic.

 

Lady Macbeth by Nicolas Freeling

Lady Macbeth - Nicholas Freeling

The storyline is not a bad idea(a woman goes missing after a quarrel with her husband and her neighbours ask Henry Castang to look into her disappearance )but the fact that every chapter is told by a different character makes it difficult to keep one focused. The whole story tended to wander. And I can’t say that Henry Castang, the police inspector, actually charmed me or kept my interest.