The Devil's Caress

by June Wright

The Devil's Caress (1952) explores the unseemly side of a group of doctors holidaying at the coastal town of ‘Matthews’ in Victoria, who appear to revel in their godlike powers over life and death. The story revolves around Marsh Mowbray, an up and coming young female doctor who is pitted against some of Melbourne's leading medicos.

Genres: Mystery, Australia

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

June Wright (1919-2012) was the Australian author of six detective stories (plus one posthumously published), the last three featuring Mother Paul. Born in Melbourne, where most of her books are set, she had begun her writing career by winning a competition run by a London publisher. This ensured the publication of her first book, Murder in the Telephone Exchange in 1948. She herself had been working in a telephone exchange for four years. She was the mother of six children. Her last novel was published in 1966. She then retired from writing to help her husband with his business.

Reviews

[Lisa Brantly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but rounded up because June Wright deserves to be read. Although this is more Mary Stewart than Daphne du Maurier.

[J.D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the setting, a whimsical disguise for a Mornington Peninsula locale. Didn’t care for too many of the characters. Their mid-twentieth century Melbourne upper crust manners aren’t a topic I gravitate toward. The murder mystery was not groundbreaking but there was enough tension. I just always thought I could be reading something more worthwhile whilst I sat down to browse this. That is on me though, not the book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my full review click the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this book, but it took me a while to get through. There were quite a few points in the middle where I put it down and didn’t pick it up again for a while, but overall the story was good. The murder mystery aspect was good!

[Jane (Avid reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliciously creepy and gothic.