The Devil and the Diva

by David Housewright, Renee Valois

When pop diva Sheila Lews dies under puzzling circumstances, Clarisse Dufresne is approached by agents of a shadowy international crime syndicate with a proposition--“What if, after a period of time, say five years--yeah, make it five years--it was discovered that Sheila had left behind some unmixed tracks, songs she had been working on before she died but didn’t release? What do you think a find like that would be worth?” Clarisse refuses to participate in the fraud and is rescued by a mysterious man named Maurice Crevier, who conceals both his face and his intentions behind a black, obsidian mask. But the savior soon becomes Clarisse’s tormentor when she learns that she is not his guest as he professes, but his prisoner. Despite it all--and against her better judgment--Clarisse feels a growing fascination and affection for her jailer, as well as his odd henchmen--a voodoo-practicing Haitian and a young chef who is haunted by the ghost of her mother. Until a second attempt is made on her life. And a third. David and Renee have written a great story which is not easily classified. It has mystery, chases, gun battles, murder, sex…we’re calling it a gothic suspense novel.

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

A past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.

Reviews

[Kristine Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil and the Diva is an interesting combination of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera. And it's set in Minnesota (my home state), so it has all the elements I love, and I thought I would really like this book. It's just okay. Would have liked some more character development (not sure I really sympathized with Clarisse) and thought certain story elements happened too fast. Not sure if I'd recommend this book.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprised

Unexpected .. Less like the lead writer, more a fairy ta!e/romance...if you like those genres, do try .. Housewife is a favorite.

[Karin Snortland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although unrealistic, the Beauty and the Beast love story prevails. I wasn't a fan of the whole mask thing, but did enjoy the local MN landmarks. Overall, a quick read and a decent mystery.

[Maryanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not his best work... did not like the dialogue, nor the Gothic element of Beauty and the Beast in the story.

[Todd Spiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. Too much fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast with a spin. Not his best work. I did enjoy all the MN references, but do not think a general audience would enjoy the book.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third of my MNBA Genre Fiction, only one to go! This book didn't grab me as much as the previous Housewright book. I had issues connecting to the main character, Clarisse, until the plot was well underway. The plot became relatable later on but I probably would've dropped it if I hadn't obligated myself to complete it. It followed the theme of Housewright's other book of over-exposing Minnesotan themes and locations although I didn't find it quite as invasive as The Curse of the Jade Lily. When it came to the mechanics of the plot, I couldn't stop thinking it was Phantom of the Opera meets V for Vendetta. Even after completing the book, I stick by that assessment as there would only need to be some changes to make it match fully.

[Kay Childs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his best book.

[Kathrine · Rating 1 out of 5]

so sad. Loved his other books. SO much about this story is improbable and the writing is labored and not fun to read