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The Devil Snar'd
George R. Preedy is one of the pen names of Margaret Gabrielle Vere Campbell, the writer best known as Marjorie Bowen. First published in 1932, 'The Devil Snar'd' is an eerie tale of supernatural influence; it was described by the Daily Herald as a 'ghost story fit to stand beside The Turn of the Screw.' Grace Fielding and her husband Philip have taken a house-Medlar's Farm-at a remote spot in Northumberland to get away from London and repair their broken marriage. Philip is in love with Angela Campion, an actress much younger than himself, but Grace will not give her husband a divorce, and Angela will not have him without the prospect of marriage. Philip, a well-known author, intends to use the dark history of Medlar's Farm-a tale of adultery, jealousy and murder-to write his next book, but Grace, already unwell due to the strain caused by her husband's affair, begins to see parallels between her own story and that of the murdered woman, Susanna Vavasour, who she believes is guiding her actions. As Philip works on his manuscript, his behaviour becomes more and more suspicious, and as Grace's mental state deteriorates, a tale of adultery and marital discord soon becomes one of jealousy, obsession and murderous revenge. 'The Devil Snar'd' has not been reissued since its last publication in 1933. This edition includes an introduction by Gina R. 'The Many Masks of Margaret Campbell'.
164 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1932
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July 3, 2024
Preedy, George (AKA - Marjorie Bowen) - The Devil Snar’d
Grace had supported husband Philip during the rough years.
Reading his works, proofing, editing, advising.
Success finally arrived, and Philip, lionized, was soon besotted with actress Angela.
Younger, prettier, glamorous.
Only Grace would not yield to the alluring rival, would not grant a divorce.
Then Philip moved Grace and himself to Medlar's Farm, on the Scottish border.
The home had already witnessed murders and suicide. Cursed or haunted.
Grace soon believes she will never depart alive, certain Angela and Philip will murder her.
The story carefully balances supernatural elements with anxiety and mental breakdown.
While not a page turner, the narrative flows easily.
Character behavior and attitudes seem dated, even for the 1930’s when this was published.
Grace had supported husband Philip during the rough years.
Reading his works, proofing, editing, advising.
Success finally arrived, and Philip, lionized, was soon besotted with actress Angela.
Younger, prettier, glamorous.
Only Grace would not yield to the alluring rival, would not grant a divorce.
Then Philip moved Grace and himself to Medlar's Farm, on the Scottish border.
The home had already witnessed murders and suicide. Cursed or haunted.
Grace soon believes she will never depart alive, certain Angela and Philip will murder her.
The story carefully balances supernatural elements with anxiety and mental breakdown.
While not a page turner, the narrative flows easily.
Character behavior and attitudes seem dated, even for the 1930’s when this was published.
Displaying 1 of 1 review