Magic In The Weave

Listed in the Theater category on Art In Fiction, Magic In The Weave (2022) by Alys Clare is a page-turning historical mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy theatrical settings, head-scratching puzzles and creepy atmospherics. October 1604: Plague has hit London, and the theatres are closed. But the capital's loss is Plymouth's gain, when a London theatre troupe, the Company, arrives on their 'Plague Tour'.   Country physician Gabriel Taverner is both bewitched and unnerved by the Company's sexually charged staging of  Othello . The play thrums with magic and witchcraft - perilous subjects, with the King's deadly spies lurking around every corner.   When Gabriel's good friend Coroner Theophilus Davey tells him of a dangerous, whispered conversation overheard during a brief break, suggesting one of the cast fled London in possession of a terrible secret, Gabriel is even more relieved the Company will soon be on their way.   But when one of the actors collapses, Gabriel finds himself caught in a waking nightmare where nothing is as it appears. Death is stalking the Company - but how can Gabriel hope to catch a cold-blooded killer if he can't even trust the evidence of his own eyes? "Plausible period detail and characters who feel real bolster the involving plot, and the prose and pacing are both top-notch. The prolific Clare shows no sign of running out of steam" - Publishers Weekly Starred Review Alys Clare lives in the English countryside where her novels are set. She went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She is the author of the Aelf Fen, Hawkenlye, World’s End Bureau  and Gabriel Tavener historical mystery series.   Buy Now from Amazon Buy Now from Bookshop