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Blackstone Chronicles #4
In the Shadow of Evil: The Handkerchief
While researching an historical piece on the Asylum for the town’s newspaper, editor Oliver Metcalf digs through the attic that once belonged to his father, the last superintendent of the facility. There, among the dusty medical records, Oliver discovers a beautifully embroidered linen handkerchief with an ornate “R” in one corner. He decides it will make a lovely present for Rebecca Morrison, who recently suffered a horrifying family tragedy. But is this token of affection the innocent object it seems? What tears were once dried with Rebecca’s handkerchief—and how many more will begin to flow?
96 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
1 person is currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
John Saul
149 books2,843 followersJohn Saul is an American author best known for his bestselling suspense and horror novels, many of which have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. Born in Pasadena and raised in Whittier, California, Saul attended several universities without earning a degree. He spent years honing his craft, writing under pen names before finding mainstream success. His breakout novel, Suffer the Children (1977), launched a prolific career, with over 60 million copies of his books in print. Saul’s work includes Cry for the Strangers, later adapted into a TV movie, and The Blackstone Chronicles series. He is also a playwright, with one-act plays produced in Los Angeles and Seattle. In 2023, he received the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement. Openly gay, he has lived with his partner—also his creative collaborator—for nearly 50 years. Saul divides his time between Seattle, the San Juan Islands, and Hawaii, and frequently speaks at writers’ conferences, including the Maui Writers' Conference. His enduring popularity in the horror genre stems from a blend of psychological tension, supernatural elements, and deep emotional undercurrents that have resonated with readers for decades.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 9, 2021
Almost done with the series, then the entire review will be here! Look for it.
Richard
Richard
April 20, 2019
Regarding this book - what can I say? It's every bit as entertaining as its predecessors, never letting up on the intensity or the breakneck pace. And oh, that climax! As the story rumbled to that point, it slowed down a bit as if forcing you to savor all of its horror and implications. I mean, the victims were prime biatches and I found it easy to loathe them, but they just don't deserve it. It's utterly memorable, and it decisively marks this series as one of the best horror I've read in years.
One thing I noticed was the recurring theme of antagonism between mothers and daughters. This was featured in three out of the four books I've read so far. This tension played an integral part in their stories, driving the plots to their painful conclusions. I have to commend how multifaceted and unsuperficial they all are though, with differing neuroses fuelling their relationships. One is characterized by jealousy, another by moral fanaticism, and still another by dominance and control. .
And whew! I marvel at the creative sadism of the monsters that ran the Asylum. No spoiler here, but there was an account of one patient who absolutely refused to consider that her depression was caused by the possibility that her father abused her. Because of this, she was subjected to hydrotherapy, where she was immersed in freezing cold water for hours at a time. She did relent after catching pneumonia "unrelated from the treatment". After she was forced to admit that she initiated her molestation as a child, it was recommended that she be subjected to electroconvulsive therapy as a cure. I just had to laugh at the shocking absurdity of it all, pun unintended.
I'm rating this 8.5/10 or 4 inhumanly sadistic stars out of 5.
One thing I noticed was the recurring theme of antagonism between mothers and daughters. This was featured in three out of the four books I've read so far. This tension played an integral part in their stories, driving the plots to their painful conclusions. I have to commend how multifaceted and unsuperficial they all are though, with differing neuroses fuelling their relationships. One is characterized by jealousy, another by moral fanaticism, and still another by dominance and control. .
And whew! I marvel at the creative sadism of the monsters that ran the Asylum. No spoiler here, but there was an account of one patient who absolutely refused to consider that her depression was caused by the possibility that her father abused her. Because of this, she was subjected to hydrotherapy, where she was immersed in freezing cold water for hours at a time. She did relent after catching pneumonia "unrelated from the treatment". After she was forced to admit that she initiated her molestation as a child, it was recommended that she be subjected to electroconvulsive therapy as a cure. I just had to laugh at the shocking absurdity of it all, pun unintended.
I'm rating this 8.5/10 or 4 inhumanly sadistic stars out of 5.
June 29, 2018
From Casual Debris.
The fourth part of John Saul's serially published The Blackstone Chronicles focuses on a handkerchief. If italicized prologues are to be believed, this cursed item is embroidered with a fancy R by an asylum patient who deliriously believes she is living at society's upper social echelons. Drama ensues, which includes the less-than-pleasant nurse using the handkerchief to wipe spaghetti sauce (I'm assuming tomato) from her uniform, and, tossed in for good measure, some old asylum water therapy/torture.
Enter our buddy Oliver Metcalf, editor of Blackstone's local paper, The Chronicle. Arriving at the office he learns from his assistant that local gossip Edna Burnham has been spreading theories related to the recent trend of violent deaths. Burnham connects the three deaths to the mysterious gifts each household received shortly before tragedy struck, and in addition links it all back to the asylum. Editor Metcalf refuses to believe there is any connection, is not aware of any mysterious gifts, and generally scoffs at the woman's ideas. Yet the reader, aware of the all-too-obvious connections, is left to wonder if perhaps town gossip Burnham should depose Metcalf and serve as The Chronicle's, and Blackstone's, top investigative reporter.
Following her aunt's death in Part Two, Rebecca is taken in by librarian Germaine Wagner and her wheelchair bound mother, "Miss Clara." As I discussed in my review of "The Dragon's Flame," Germain is only one of two negative characters in the series (this was before we were introduced to Clara), both being unmarried women. In her previous home Rebecca was likened to Carrie, whereas here she is treated like Cinderella, with Prince Oliver delivering the cursed handkerchief as though it were a glass slipper. Germaine usurps the gift, passing it onto her mother who seems to know something of its history. Germaine takes it back and begins to hallucinate, and the predictable occurs.
Our side plots include Oliver rummaging through old asylum case files, and bankers & contractors & lawyers (Bill McGuire and Ed Becker and a woman, all interchangeable) visiting the asylum to help assure themselves the investment is sound. There Becker comes across a chest of drawers he decides to purchase (a presentiment of things to come?).
Part Four is more of the same. It reads like filler in that nothing new is discovered, only some minor details regarding Oliver's father which we already suspected. Both build-up of the main plot and its drawn out climactic sequence are familiar. Saul tries to escalate suspense by pairing the climax alongside Olliver's realizations about his father, but since the former is predictable and the latter delivers no surprises nor conclusions, the effect is flat and I found myself rushing through it all. I expect the fifth book to be a similar filler-type entry, with part six being the most interesting, at least of the second half of the series.
Finally, amid all this drama, the most intriguing mystery is left unsolved. When Germaine takes the handkerchief from Rebecca, she notices it is "spotless and neatly pressed." (29) Now, how did the asylum staff get all that spaghetti sauce out of the fabric?
The fourth part of John Saul's serially published The Blackstone Chronicles focuses on a handkerchief. If italicized prologues are to be believed, this cursed item is embroidered with a fancy R by an asylum patient who deliriously believes she is living at society's upper social echelons. Drama ensues, which includes the less-than-pleasant nurse using the handkerchief to wipe spaghetti sauce (I'm assuming tomato) from her uniform, and, tossed in for good measure, some old asylum water therapy/torture.
Enter our buddy Oliver Metcalf, editor of Blackstone's local paper, The Chronicle. Arriving at the office he learns from his assistant that local gossip Edna Burnham has been spreading theories related to the recent trend of violent deaths. Burnham connects the three deaths to the mysterious gifts each household received shortly before tragedy struck, and in addition links it all back to the asylum. Editor Metcalf refuses to believe there is any connection, is not aware of any mysterious gifts, and generally scoffs at the woman's ideas. Yet the reader, aware of the all-too-obvious connections, is left to wonder if perhaps town gossip Burnham should depose Metcalf and serve as The Chronicle's, and Blackstone's, top investigative reporter.
Following her aunt's death in Part Two, Rebecca is taken in by librarian Germaine Wagner and her wheelchair bound mother, "Miss Clara." As I discussed in my review of "The Dragon's Flame," Germain is only one of two negative characters in the series (this was before we were introduced to Clara), both being unmarried women. In her previous home Rebecca was likened to Carrie, whereas here she is treated like Cinderella, with Prince Oliver delivering the cursed handkerchief as though it were a glass slipper. Germaine usurps the gift, passing it onto her mother who seems to know something of its history. Germaine takes it back and begins to hallucinate, and the predictable occurs.
Our side plots include Oliver rummaging through old asylum case files, and bankers & contractors & lawyers (Bill McGuire and Ed Becker and a woman, all interchangeable) visiting the asylum to help assure themselves the investment is sound. There Becker comes across a chest of drawers he decides to purchase (a presentiment of things to come?).
Part Four is more of the same. It reads like filler in that nothing new is discovered, only some minor details regarding Oliver's father which we already suspected. Both build-up of the main plot and its drawn out climactic sequence are familiar. Saul tries to escalate suspense by pairing the climax alongside Olliver's realizations about his father, but since the former is predictable and the latter delivers no surprises nor conclusions, the effect is flat and I found myself rushing through it all. I expect the fifth book to be a similar filler-type entry, with part six being the most interesting, at least of the second half of the series.
Finally, amid all this drama, the most intriguing mystery is left unsolved. When Germaine takes the handkerchief from Rebecca, she notices it is "spotless and neatly pressed." (29) Now, how did the asylum staff get all that spaghetti sauce out of the fabric?
January 20, 2023
Dieser Teil der Blackstone-Chroniken hat mir von der Geschichte her richtig gut gefallen. Er war recht eklig und auch spannend. Trotzdem muss ich bemäkeln, dass Frauen in der Reihe echt nicht gut weg kommen. Sie sind naiv, dumm, hilflos oder intrigant, ausnutzend und böse. Das nervt mich zunehmend.
July 28, 2016
I feel as though this has been been the weakest book in the series (thus far). I'm hoping it's not a trend as to where the story will be heading, but it was still a good read.
May 24, 2025
The series is taking up pace now through connecting the individual possession stories with the greater narrative. Much of this fourth book we spend with Oliver solving the main mystery, and it is fun.
The story of the handkerchief takes a back seat, but it's still compelling in a similar fashion as the religious indoctrinating of book 3, again with an abusive mother-daughter relationship, minus the religion. A lot of disturbed characters in this cozy little town.
I especially liked the idea of the mother deciding to be an invalid, needing a wheelchair, and how Saul connects this psychosis to the ending, when mother is not able to help her daughter because she really can not move her legs anymore.
Great stuff.
The story of the handkerchief takes a back seat, but it's still compelling in a similar fashion as the religious indoctrinating of book 3, again with an abusive mother-daughter relationship, minus the religion. A lot of disturbed characters in this cozy little town.
I especially liked the idea of the mother deciding to be an invalid, needing a wheelchair, and how Saul connects this psychosis to the ending, when mother is not able to help her daughter because she really can not move her legs anymore.
Great stuff.
September 3, 2020
Not my favorite in the series but not it is not disappointing be any means. This story is very much what can happen to people when the gold contempt for an older parent that seems to have held them back their whole life. Germaine was holding it together until the beautiful handkerchief found its way to get and then hell was unleashed on her mind.
September 18, 2022
Fastest read of the books so far however probably also the most disappointing it didn't drag as much in the beginning I guess by book 4 I know what to expect but the part of the book surrounding the item was super short and abrupt unlike the others. No build up not multiple events just a few pages at the end of the book then over...
March 13, 2024
Why did you choose Rebeca and Oliver? I like them!!!
Where did the handkerchief come from? How did it get there?
I can’t stand Germaine or her mother. Poor Rebecca has had a bad life and you keep making it worse.
Will Oliver and Rebecca ever be together?
Where did the handkerchief come from? How did it get there?
I can’t stand Germaine or her mother. Poor Rebecca has had a bad life and you keep making it worse.
Will Oliver and Rebecca ever be together?
October 16, 2024
Diese Story fand ich nicht so gut.Die eine Protagonistin hat mich genervt mit Ihrer Opferrolle!Das Ende war dann wenigsten nicht schlecht.
Also ich bin doch gespannt wie es weitergeht mit dem Stereoskop...
Also ich bin doch gespannt wie es weitergeht mit dem Stereoskop...
April 22, 2020
I love this author!
Read
October 21, 2020this wasn't the best of the bunch but still a good read
February 15, 2021
VC Andrews meets A Series of Unfortunate Events. Good story, last chapter leaves you less inclined to guess who the person is. I think I have an idea now? But hmm.
July 16, 2021
Feeling predictable.
November 4, 2021
Okay. Things are picking up. Onto book 5.
December 23, 2023
Not my favorite so far of the series but it was building the over arching story a bit more. Super curious to see how this all plays out over the next to installments.
June 21, 2025
Ugh, there were a couple of characters in here that were so easy to hate. This one made me mad, and I'm eager to keep reading this series.
February 6, 2023
Re-read.
After the tragedy that had befallen her aunt Martha and cousin Andrea, Rebecca is taken in by Germaine Wagner, who is just an asshat! The way the people in this town treat Rebecca is just infuriating. But I digress, she basically wants to use Rebecca as slave labor and to have someone else to do the bidding of her overbearing mother so that she can get a break from it.
Oliver Metcalf, who is at the heart of all of the weirdness going on in the town of Blackstone--though he doesn't know it-- is sweet on Rebecca. After "finding" a beautiful hand embroidered handkerchief in a box in his attic, he thinks it would be the perfect gift for Rebecca--because it's embroidered with the initial "R".
Evil and heartless as they come, Germaine confiscates the handkerchief from Rebecca stating that she would only ruin it, and that she would gift it to her mother, Clara. Clara freaks out when she sees this thing, so Germaine takes it back and decides to keep it for herself. Little did she know she was doing Rebecca a favor because, the owner of said handkerchief is prone to vivid hallucinations. The town's latest tragedy strikes the Wagners, and I have to say it couldn't have happened to a nicer pair of women.
Meanwhile Oliver is trying hard to uncover repressed memories from his childhood, which, if remember, could shed some light on what is happening in his town.
After the tragedy that had befallen her aunt Martha and cousin Andrea, Rebecca is taken in by Germaine Wagner, who is just an asshat! The way the people in this town treat Rebecca is just infuriating. But I digress, she basically wants to use Rebecca as slave labor and to have someone else to do the bidding of her overbearing mother so that she can get a break from it.
Oliver Metcalf, who is at the heart of all of the weirdness going on in the town of Blackstone--though he doesn't know it-- is sweet on Rebecca. After "finding" a beautiful hand embroidered handkerchief in a box in his attic, he thinks it would be the perfect gift for Rebecca--because it's embroidered with the initial "R".
Evil and heartless as they come, Germaine confiscates the handkerchief from Rebecca stating that she would only ruin it, and that she would gift it to her mother, Clara. Clara freaks out when she sees this thing, so Germaine takes it back and decides to keep it for herself. Little did she know she was doing Rebecca a favor because, the owner of said handkerchief is prone to vivid hallucinations. The town's latest tragedy strikes the Wagners, and I have to say it couldn't have happened to a nicer pair of women.
Meanwhile Oliver is trying hard to uncover repressed memories from his childhood, which, if remember, could shed some light on what is happening in his town.
October 13, 2024
3.5 Stars
Diving deeper into the disturbing history of the asylum, based on certain information that is given or alluded to, this gives an understanding of the issues that Oliver is dealing with from his past. There are plenty of characters in Blackstone, but he is the the main character throughout this, and this makes him even more intriguing in relation to the person that he is. With that being said, I think that specific characters could have been explored more; although, you do get to see more of Rebecca's timid personality, despite her directness, and some of the reasoning behind it. There is also a similar vibe to Ashes to Ashes: The Dragon's Flame, but the item, known as The Handkerchief, is “handled” a bit differently than the previous cursed objects, so that is a nice change.
Diving deeper into the disturbing history of the asylum, based on certain information that is given or alluded to, this gives an understanding of the issues that Oliver is dealing with from his past. There are plenty of characters in Blackstone, but he is the the main character throughout this, and this makes him even more intriguing in relation to the person that he is. With that being said, I think that specific characters could have been explored more; although, you do get to see more of Rebecca's timid personality, despite her directness, and some of the reasoning behind it. There is also a similar vibe to Ashes to Ashes: The Dragon's Flame, but the item, known as The Handkerchief, is “handled” a bit differently than the previous cursed objects, so that is a nice change.
September 15, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
February 22, 2018
I finally completed reading the Blackstone Chronicles by John Saul. Holy crap! That was a great serial!
Overlooking the quaint little town of Blackstone sits an abandoned mental asylum. Relics of the horrors that occurred within its walls are mysteriously given to six of the town's residents, whose families all had ties to the asylum. These gifts will push the town to the brink of madness, and some people over the edge into the abyss.
I have been a Saul fan for over 20 years, and this may well be his masterpiece.
My rating: 4.75/5 stars
Overlooking the quaint little town of Blackstone sits an abandoned mental asylum. Relics of the horrors that occurred within its walls are mysteriously given to six of the town's residents, whose families all had ties to the asylum. These gifts will push the town to the brink of madness, and some people over the edge into the abyss.
I have been a Saul fan for over 20 years, and this may well be his masterpiece.
My rating: 4.75/5 stars
November 30, 2009
Oliver Metcalf found an old linen handkerchief with the letter 'R' beautifully embroidered in the corner, while sorting through medical records from the old Asylum in his father's attic. He gave the handkerchief to Rebecca Morrison, a perfect gift, he'd decided, for the woman he loves. As soon as Rebecca received the gift Germaine Wagner snatched it away from her to give to her own mother, Clara Wagner. Clara gets a very bad feeling from the handkerchief, as if she'd seen it before, but where?
September 21, 2014
Following the twists and turns of the last book, The Handkerchief only serves to wrench our guts once more as we turn each page. Just when you thought the asylum and its caretaker—who also happens to be Oliver's father—couldn't get any worse, you discover just how deep the evil runs through the asylum... and possibly the family. Brilliant writing as always on Saul's part and more than enough tension to keep you squirming on the edge of your seat.
January 27, 2016
Of course all these serialized stories are demented, but this one a little more so with the handkerchief and ending. You can't feel that bad for the victim since she was so unappealing. This one flows quicker and as an easier read than some of the others, not sure why, maybe because the side-story doesn't lag much and the new revelations about the main plot are finally arrived fuller in force.
October 2, 2016
As I have said this is a set of six books Chronicling an asylum that had closed, I just finished the fourth book and I am sure the mystery will show itself soon.. Spooky off and on. Number 5 is next. I don't think I could ever inter a closed down Asylum, especially one from the 1800' to the early 1900's. Blessed Be,,
February 7, 2017
Oh, I guess I didn't see that one coming in *quite* that way.
January 16, 2009
the first couple were better, this one was not as good. Very expectable. I thought the way the old lady would die would be more bloodier and the book scarier. Guess you can't when the book is real small.
April 27, 2011
Another good quick read. While it was hard to except an evil handkerchief, the death scene was particularly gruesome. I liked the cliffhanger with Rebecca, but I long to lend the girl some backbone!
July 28, 2011
i wonder if the ending was what was supposed to have happened in the killers mind or if it did not play out the way he wanted. i believe it did not go the way he wanted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews