The Shadow of the Moth: A Novel of Espionage With Virginia Woolf

by Ellen Hawkes, Peter Manso

While investigating the so-called suicide of a Belgian woman, noted writer Virginia Woolf uncovers a plot involving espionage and murder that could determine the outcome of World War I

279 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First rate mystery - with Virginia Woolf as a sleuth.

[Chazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting concept. Virginia Woolf in the role of a spy. It’s 1917 and the Great War (WWI) is on. Virginia is recovering from a nervous breakdown, under the close eyes of her husband.

When she reads a short article about a Belgian woman’s suicide, Virginia becomes very curious and decided to investigate. Between her over-protective husband and her doctor it is close to impossible for her. She also has moments where she questions her own sanity.

Through persistence and a friendship with a female reporter, she makes progress on her investigation, but also finds herself dealing with traitors and spies from both sides.

Various contemporaries of Woolf are part of the cast of characters, along with locations people visited. These elements give life and support the time frame of the story.

There are many twists, turns and red herrings woven into the whole, which means you need to pay attention. An enjoyable read for me.

[Allyson McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there were times where the authors overdid Woolf's Bear-hysteria, they are spot on in depicting Woolf's inner life. I found the mystery compelling, with lots of threads and possibilities of where it was going. The language is also striking in parts, as befits a book inspired by Woolf.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst murder mysteries I’ve ever read, fighting for last place with my last John Grisham. The cover declares: “A novel of espionage with Virginia Woolfe” and the credit inside indicates that Ellen Hawkes has published “many” reviews on Virginia Woolfe. Too bad she didn’t stick to academic writing. Anyway, shame on me for buying this book and actually finishing it. Virginia is hopelessly hysterical, faints at opportune moments, and stumbles and mumbles her way through danger. I get the feeling that Ms. Hawkes came to hate her subject. One reviewer described the book as an “imaginative spoof” which doesn’t excuse it.