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Murder at Malenfer
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 1938757106 / ISBN-13: 9781938757105.
Those in line to the Malenfer estate are succumbing to terrible ends - but is it a supernatural legacy at work, or something entirely more human and evil?
Young Irish mercenary Dermot Ward headed to Paris at the close of World War I, where he drinks to forget his experiences, especially the death of his comrade, Arthur Malenfer. But Arthur has not forgotten Dermot. Dead but not departed, Arthur has unfinished business and needs the help of the living.
Upon his arrival at Malenfer Manor, Dermot finds himself embroiled in a mystery of murder, succession, and ambition. Dermot falls in love with the youngest Malenfer, the beautiful fey Simonne, but in his way are Simonne’s mismatched fiancé, her own connections to the spirit world, Dermot’s overwhelming guilt over the circumstances of Arthur’s death … and the curse.
***Note: This book was previously published under the title "The Curse of Malenfer Manor".***
Those in line to the Malenfer estate are succumbing to terrible ends - but is it a supernatural legacy at work, or something entirely more human and evil?
Young Irish mercenary Dermot Ward headed to Paris at the close of World War I, where he drinks to forget his experiences, especially the death of his comrade, Arthur Malenfer. But Arthur has not forgotten Dermot. Dead but not departed, Arthur has unfinished business and needs the help of the living.
Upon his arrival at Malenfer Manor, Dermot finds himself embroiled in a mystery of murder, succession, and ambition. Dermot falls in love with the youngest Malenfer, the beautiful fey Simonne, but in his way are Simonne’s mismatched fiancé, her own connections to the spirit world, Dermot’s overwhelming guilt over the circumstances of Arthur’s death … and the curse.
***Note: This book was previously published under the title "The Curse of Malenfer Manor".***
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
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About the author
Iain McChesney
2 books66 followersBorn and raised in Scotland, Iain McChesney is a writer of classic mysteries and the author of Murder at Malenfer.
His second novel, Countdown to Death, is a modern re-telling of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, drawing inspiration from the remote gothic qualities of the Scottish highlands in homage to the classic whodunit.
He lives in Vancouver, Canada, with his wife and two children.
His second novel, Countdown to Death, is a modern re-telling of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, drawing inspiration from the remote gothic qualities of the Scottish highlands in homage to the classic whodunit.
He lives in Vancouver, Canada, with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 12, 2013
The Curse of Malenfer Manor by Iain McChesney, is a 2013 release and is published by Wayzgoose publishing. I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Irish mercenary, Dermont Ward, watches his best friend Arthur Malenfer, die during World War one. Consumed by guilt for not being able to do more, Dermont has taken to drink and hasn't been able to settle.
When he sees Arthur again he thinks he's gone mad. But, Arthur's ghost is there and he needs Ward's help.
Ward is to return to Malenfer Manor, Arthur's home, and meet with his surviving family and issue proof that Arthur was the father to twin boys that grew up at the Manor. Arthur's father had discreetly taken care of the situation when the boys were born and their mother died in childbirth.
With the only male heir having recently died of the Spanish flu, Arthur's boys could inherit. If not, the bulk of the inheritance would go to the lovely Simonne, the odd young woman that is Arthur's niece. If that weren't sticky enough there appears to be a curse on the Malenfer family, especially the males in the family. If it is revealed that the twins are in fact Arthur's, they could become another victim to the curse.
Ward, finds himself in the middle of a family grieving the loss of a family member, reeling from Ward's bombshell announcement, and the domino effect that causes. He also becomes attached to Simmonne. This beautiful young lady seems to have the ability to sense things and see things that border on the paranormal. She enlightens Ward on the subject of the infamous family curse, some who believe in and others that do not.
All I can say about his book is right now, as I have just finished it, is Wow! This is my kind of book !!!! Finally, an author that can right Gothic mystery like it should be written. All the rules of Gothic mystery were adhered to. There is the old manor house, dark family secrets and relationships, a young women in danger, and a ghost story, plus a murder mystery and romance!!!
Terrific writing! This author knows how to weave a tale, let me tell you. Historically, the book is well researched, the dialogue fits the period of 1900's France. The atmosphere is palpable, tense, suspenseful, and at times heavy with gloom. There is a sadness that dwells in this manor and we can feel it.
Ward is able to see the situation from a neutral standpoint, well, to a degree. His love for Simonne, and his guilt over Arthur's death has him beating himself up, but as far as the mystery goes, Ward is able to where the real danger is and prevents further injustices. Could this be the end of the Malenfer curse? Could over a hundred years of back luck finally be over for this family?
Well, you will just have to read this book to find out. I for one was completely engaged, finding it hard to stop reading it.
This book will appeal to mystery lovers, paranormal fans, horror fans, and historical fiction fans. For those like me, that have a passion for Gothic mysteries, this is a true masterpiece. I Loved, Loved, Loved it!!! Please write more like these Iain!
Irish mercenary, Dermont Ward, watches his best friend Arthur Malenfer, die during World War one. Consumed by guilt for not being able to do more, Dermont has taken to drink and hasn't been able to settle.
When he sees Arthur again he thinks he's gone mad. But, Arthur's ghost is there and he needs Ward's help.
Ward is to return to Malenfer Manor, Arthur's home, and meet with his surviving family and issue proof that Arthur was the father to twin boys that grew up at the Manor. Arthur's father had discreetly taken care of the situation when the boys were born and their mother died in childbirth.
With the only male heir having recently died of the Spanish flu, Arthur's boys could inherit. If not, the bulk of the inheritance would go to the lovely Simonne, the odd young woman that is Arthur's niece. If that weren't sticky enough there appears to be a curse on the Malenfer family, especially the males in the family. If it is revealed that the twins are in fact Arthur's, they could become another victim to the curse.
Ward, finds himself in the middle of a family grieving the loss of a family member, reeling from Ward's bombshell announcement, and the domino effect that causes. He also becomes attached to Simmonne. This beautiful young lady seems to have the ability to sense things and see things that border on the paranormal. She enlightens Ward on the subject of the infamous family curse, some who believe in and others that do not.
All I can say about his book is right now, as I have just finished it, is Wow! This is my kind of book !!!! Finally, an author that can right Gothic mystery like it should be written. All the rules of Gothic mystery were adhered to. There is the old manor house, dark family secrets and relationships, a young women in danger, and a ghost story, plus a murder mystery and romance!!!
Terrific writing! This author knows how to weave a tale, let me tell you. Historically, the book is well researched, the dialogue fits the period of 1900's France. The atmosphere is palpable, tense, suspenseful, and at times heavy with gloom. There is a sadness that dwells in this manor and we can feel it.
Ward is able to see the situation from a neutral standpoint, well, to a degree. His love for Simonne, and his guilt over Arthur's death has him beating himself up, but as far as the mystery goes, Ward is able to where the real danger is and prevents further injustices. Could this be the end of the Malenfer curse? Could over a hundred years of back luck finally be over for this family?
Well, you will just have to read this book to find out. I for one was completely engaged, finding it hard to stop reading it.
This book will appeal to mystery lovers, paranormal fans, horror fans, and historical fiction fans. For those like me, that have a passion for Gothic mysteries, this is a true masterpiece. I Loved, Loved, Loved it!!! Please write more like these Iain!
February 26, 2021
When you are a physical book collector; obtaining an excellent, affordable copy is a triumph with titles, like “Murder At Malenfer” that had been on my wish list for years. My friends and family know I want stories about meeting spirits that are emotional but not “horror” or “cozy”. This 2013 mystery by Scottish-Canadian Iain McChesney did not quite fit the bill but garnered five stars for what I enjoyed: its heart and originality.
I stand in a minority of those who dislike historical fiction, especially of wartime. I let my fellow Scottish-Canadian weave his tale and rooted for Dermot Ward, Arthur Malenfer, his niece Simonne, and other family. Simonne and her fiancé have no interest in each other and need a graceful way to bypass his uncle’s greedy ambition. She is heir apparent at the death of Arthur’s young Brother. Many tragedies were attributed to the curse of a lady, killed by their cruel ancestor. Arthur had recently died in World War I. The scene shown to readers by his and his comrade, Dermot’s remembrance of it. A spirit is introduced quickly in this novel but Arthur’s nonchalant presence, begging Dermot’s help in naming an unknown heir, misses the reverence that meeting a spirit should generate.
There are four story tiers, which managed to balance in this novel by fitting together well. The comrades comprise the first story, tense family and betrothal dynamics are the second, battle against a lynch mob entails the third, and murder mysteries at Malenfer manor form the fourth. Uncovering secrets there, including an evil entity, furnish the highest suspense. I love that Iain’s overlying story messages are positive: women in charge of their fortune and family, eccentric Simonne being herself, and Arthur’s unexpected heir being welcomed as and acknowledged simply for who he is.
I stand in a minority of those who dislike historical fiction, especially of wartime. I let my fellow Scottish-Canadian weave his tale and rooted for Dermot Ward, Arthur Malenfer, his niece Simonne, and other family. Simonne and her fiancé have no interest in each other and need a graceful way to bypass his uncle’s greedy ambition. She is heir apparent at the death of Arthur’s young Brother. Many tragedies were attributed to the curse of a lady, killed by their cruel ancestor. Arthur had recently died in World War I. The scene shown to readers by his and his comrade, Dermot’s remembrance of it. A spirit is introduced quickly in this novel but Arthur’s nonchalant presence, begging Dermot’s help in naming an unknown heir, misses the reverence that meeting a spirit should generate.
There are four story tiers, which managed to balance in this novel by fitting together well. The comrades comprise the first story, tense family and betrothal dynamics are the second, battle against a lynch mob entails the third, and murder mysteries at Malenfer manor form the fourth. Uncovering secrets there, including an evil entity, furnish the highest suspense. I love that Iain’s overlying story messages are positive: women in charge of their fortune and family, eccentric Simonne being herself, and Arthur’s unexpected heir being welcomed as and acknowledged simply for who he is.
August 11, 2015
Rereleased and retitled, this Gothic novel appears to have aspirations of attracting a broader audience with its promise of a murder mystery. Gallic Downtown Abbey setting post WWI works nicely, the story is appropriately dark with just the right amount of occasional humor to brighten things up. A friendly ghost (no, not that one, less cute), who asks his former army mate to assist him in settling some matters of the estate that are certain to shift the upstairs/downstairs dynamics. Meet the family, meet the vivacious barely legal heiress prone to visions and let the games of inheritance play on. Highly readable, quite entertaining, but utterly disappointingly predictable. From the cheesy (gothic appropriate) romance to the solution to the mystery. The latter especially seems practically criminal for a book seemingly revamped to be a specifically stronger fit for the genre. Half of a sleepy brain can figure out what's going on early on and then wait and hope that the author will surprise of throw in a twist or two, neither of which come to fruition. And so it works as a gothic and as a historical novel even and not so much as a mystery. Decent enough of a read showcasing some writing talent. Stronger plotting would go a long way in able hands. Thanks Netgalley.
January 30, 2016
First half was good. Seemed like strong mystery. Until the second half. Never had such a fast and dramatic change of opinion on a book. Second half as dragged down by an awkward action sequence, social opinion statements based on logic that made no sense coming from the character it did, and a horribly forced love story. In the end, it just flat out didn't make sense. I'm going to go into more detail in the spoiler section. I feel I can't say too much here, but the lack of character and story constancy make this one a pass for me.
SPOILERS (as little as I can get away with and still be clear):
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
SPOILERS (as little as I can get away with and still be clear):
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
October 21, 2013
This is a book about a curse, cast by a vindictive witch, on the Malenfer family generations ago. Far be it from me to say that she didn’t have her reasons, for she certainly did; however, this book isn’t one dimensional in that it doesn't focus on just the curse. This book is also a war story, a ghost story, and a love story. Completing this book is a complement of elements: a threatening mystery, the witch, an ancestral curse, a creepy graveyard, hidden rooms, an angry mob, murders, greed, revenge, regret, but above all, a story of redemption and renewal, with a wicked twist. This, to me, is a true Gothic novel, complex in plot, with quite a few subplots branching out that leave you guessing until the very end…”WHODUNNIT?”
The descriptions of the people and places are very vivid, yet subtle. The author didn’t get carried away. His characters are superbly written to fit into this story. There isn’t one that is extraneous; everyone has a purpose to fulfill. Not one of them feels "innocent" throughout the book. They all feel like they are slightly off, some downright nefarious, and therein lies the twist. The two main actors in this tale have such dimension, without a lot of fluff. Dermot is haunted by what he did and saw during WWII and is especially distraught over the death of his friend. Arthur, who happens to be a ghost, is haunted by the loss of his family to the curse and enlists Dermot to try and make sure it doesn’t happen again. What you don’t get at first is that Dermot is actually haunted by not only the war, but with the guilt he feels about how Arthur died. Imagine his surprise when he is in a café drinking away his pain, and Arthur walks by. And thus it begins…
There is so much I want to say about this one. I hesitate because I don’t want to write a spoiler. So much happens in this book that it is also difficult to focus on one aspect of the story. Contrary to what you would think with this many side stories, it is not a jumbled mess. I love the way each component fits into the other. It just feels complete to me. All the story lines are wrapped up at the end, leaving you feeling satisfied. I saw a description in a review recently that this was sort of a ghostly French Downton Abbey. I would go a little further and say a French Downton Abbey that meets the creepiness of The Woman in Black.
If you are looking for an engaging, seat of your pants, gothic ghostly creeper of a story for Halloween, this is it!
XOXO
~Michele
Book Geeks Unite!
The descriptions of the people and places are very vivid, yet subtle. The author didn’t get carried away. His characters are superbly written to fit into this story. There isn’t one that is extraneous; everyone has a purpose to fulfill. Not one of them feels "innocent" throughout the book. They all feel like they are slightly off, some downright nefarious, and therein lies the twist. The two main actors in this tale have such dimension, without a lot of fluff. Dermot is haunted by what he did and saw during WWII and is especially distraught over the death of his friend. Arthur, who happens to be a ghost, is haunted by the loss of his family to the curse and enlists Dermot to try and make sure it doesn’t happen again. What you don’t get at first is that Dermot is actually haunted by not only the war, but with the guilt he feels about how Arthur died. Imagine his surprise when he is in a café drinking away his pain, and Arthur walks by. And thus it begins…
There is so much I want to say about this one. I hesitate because I don’t want to write a spoiler. So much happens in this book that it is also difficult to focus on one aspect of the story. Contrary to what you would think with this many side stories, it is not a jumbled mess. I love the way each component fits into the other. It just feels complete to me. All the story lines are wrapped up at the end, leaving you feeling satisfied. I saw a description in a review recently that this was sort of a ghostly French Downton Abbey. I would go a little further and say a French Downton Abbey that meets the creepiness of The Woman in Black.
If you are looking for an engaging, seat of your pants, gothic ghostly creeper of a story for Halloween, this is it!
XOXO
~Michele
Book Geeks Unite!
September 23, 2013
The Curse of Malenfer Manor
I was expecting a Gothic novel, of course, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was so much more.
Dermot Ward survived the Great War, but not without scars, both physical and emotional. Following the end of the war, Dermot is in Paris trying to drink away the horrors he has experienced, when he sees his friend Arthur Malenfer walk by. Stunned and confused, Dermot leaves his drink and runs after the man he knew died in the war.
When Dermot catches up with Arthur, it takes him a while to understand that Arthur is, indeed, dead, but has been searching for Dermot because he has a favor to ask that only the living can accomplish. Dermot can't refuse Arthur, and the two journey to Malenfer Manor so Dermot can do what Arthur has asked of him.
At Malenfer Manor, Dermot and Arthur must do what they can to defeat the Curse, but there is more to the mystery than the curse. A ghost story, a war story, a story of revenge, a story of greed....
McChesney creates a diverse ensemble of characters that all fit into the Gothic motif. Dermot and Arthur are interesting characters in and of themselves, but also because of their experiences in a horrific war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book on several levels. This is another one that would have been perfect for Carl's RIP Challenge. Should have participated this year. If you are taking part in the challenge, I recommend this one. Or mark it down for next year.
NetGalley/Wayzgoose Press
Supernatural/Mystery/Historic Novel. Oct. 1, 2013. Print version: 264 pages.
I was expecting a Gothic novel, of course, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was so much more.
Dermot Ward survived the Great War, but not without scars, both physical and emotional. Following the end of the war, Dermot is in Paris trying to drink away the horrors he has experienced, when he sees his friend Arthur Malenfer walk by. Stunned and confused, Dermot leaves his drink and runs after the man he knew died in the war.
When Dermot catches up with Arthur, it takes him a while to understand that Arthur is, indeed, dead, but has been searching for Dermot because he has a favor to ask that only the living can accomplish. Dermot can't refuse Arthur, and the two journey to Malenfer Manor so Dermot can do what Arthur has asked of him.
At Malenfer Manor, Dermot and Arthur must do what they can to defeat the Curse, but there is more to the mystery than the curse. A ghost story, a war story, a story of revenge, a story of greed....
McChesney creates a diverse ensemble of characters that all fit into the Gothic motif. Dermot and Arthur are interesting characters in and of themselves, but also because of their experiences in a horrific war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book on several levels. This is another one that would have been perfect for Carl's RIP Challenge. Should have participated this year. If you are taking part in the challenge, I recommend this one. Or mark it down for next year.
NetGalley/Wayzgoose Press
Supernatural/Mystery/Historic Novel. Oct. 1, 2013. Print version: 264 pages.
September 18, 2015
** I didn't realise when I picked this book up through Netgalley that it was a book I had already read--curse of the faithful reader. But I wanted to make a quick note here, before the review I had written previously--that I read it again, and enjoyed it again, perhaps even more than the first time. This is a book that has so much to offer, and I decided after consideration, that I am amending my 4 star review to a 5 star. If I can read it a second time and still feel wonder--it deserves all 5 stars. Highly recommended.
It may seem strange, but sometimes the most complicated books are worthy of the shortest reviews. This is a book that it is hard to review without giving away something that would be better discovered by the reader, so this will be pretty basic in an attempt not to give away anything crucial.
I liked this book for a variety of reasons. It was more than just the average "ghost story" or paranormal book. This is a complex tale that weaves together the past and the (then) present. It involves many characters and histories. I was thoroughly impressed that the author managed to tell such a complicated story while making everything make sense to the reader and never faltering with plot holes.
The atmosphere of this novel borders on Gothic and has a certain dark quality that fit perfectly with the story. One thing that made this book really stand out for me was the way the characters were introduced. I had a sense that I knew each one personally. This is a difficult thing for a lot of authors to accomplish.
I didn't see the ending of this book playing out the way it did and that was important to me. I love when you get a surprise at the end and things don't go as you would expect them to.
The questions were all answered, the plot tied up nicely and there were no loose ends at the finish. This is a truly excellent book.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided by Netgalley.
It may seem strange, but sometimes the most complicated books are worthy of the shortest reviews. This is a book that it is hard to review without giving away something that would be better discovered by the reader, so this will be pretty basic in an attempt not to give away anything crucial.
I liked this book for a variety of reasons. It was more than just the average "ghost story" or paranormal book. This is a complex tale that weaves together the past and the (then) present. It involves many characters and histories. I was thoroughly impressed that the author managed to tell such a complicated story while making everything make sense to the reader and never faltering with plot holes.
The atmosphere of this novel borders on Gothic and has a certain dark quality that fit perfectly with the story. One thing that made this book really stand out for me was the way the characters were introduced. I had a sense that I knew each one personally. This is a difficult thing for a lot of authors to accomplish.
I didn't see the ending of this book playing out the way it did and that was important to me. I love when you get a surprise at the end and things don't go as you would expect them to.
The questions were all answered, the plot tied up nicely and there were no loose ends at the finish. This is a truly excellent book.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided by Netgalley.
September 22, 2014
I'm a critical reader, and the measure of a good book for me is how completely it takes me out of the process of analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. When I'm able to fall into a story and be swept away by it, it's a good book.
This is a really good book. Sadly, it's one I would not have discovered had it not been for the Shut Up and Read book club here on Goodreads and I am grateful to the author for providing copies in exchange for honest reviews. There's so much garbage out there and the field is cluttered with the rantings and ramblings of every Tom, Dave and Cindy who thinks that just because they can string sentences together, they can write a book. Sadly, true talent like Iain McChesney's gets buried in the noise. I don't think I would have found this gem without the book club, so thanks very much for the opportunity!
Fans of Downton Abbey and those who appreciate history will enjoy the time period of The Curse of Malenfer Manor. Other than a brief prologue that takes place a little more than century earlier, the entire book unfolds at the end of the brutal conflict of World War I. Most of the book is told through the eyes of Dermot Ward, a man who is haunted both literally and figuratively: figuratively by what he has seen and done in war and literally, by the ghost of the man who was his best friend and comrade in arms, Arthur Malenfer.
Arthur's ghost sends Dermot on a mission: to bring his two illegimate sons into the family and to make them heirs to his fortune. The only problem, Dermot soon finds, is that with the fortune comes a curse.
McChesney took care to weave history into this compelling paranormal story and to capture the war-weariness of battle ravaged France during this period. I'm usually not big on ghost stories (I grow impatient with the crutch of supernatural events to resolve a plot line; to me it often means the author was too lazy to figure a real solution) but in this case, the ghosts were almost secondary to the real story of a man trying to solve a mystery... and do the best he can to honor the memory of a dead friend.
In the acknowledgment, McChesney alludes to his writing process: he put everything aside and spent a year writing this book. It shows: the research is credible, the characters are realistic, the writing (though there were a few spots I found to be a bit overwrought) is solid. Once I started, I sped through this book; not because I was skipping pages and skimming, but because I couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to more from this author, and wholeheartedly recommend The Curse of Malenfer Manor. I feel badly that I got this one free: the man deserves to earn something back for the time and love that went into this book! I'm going to buy a couple of copies as gifts for readers I think will enjoy it because I sure did!
This is a really good book. Sadly, it's one I would not have discovered had it not been for the Shut Up and Read book club here on Goodreads and I am grateful to the author for providing copies in exchange for honest reviews. There's so much garbage out there and the field is cluttered with the rantings and ramblings of every Tom, Dave and Cindy who thinks that just because they can string sentences together, they can write a book. Sadly, true talent like Iain McChesney's gets buried in the noise. I don't think I would have found this gem without the book club, so thanks very much for the opportunity!
Fans of Downton Abbey and those who appreciate history will enjoy the time period of The Curse of Malenfer Manor. Other than a brief prologue that takes place a little more than century earlier, the entire book unfolds at the end of the brutal conflict of World War I. Most of the book is told through the eyes of Dermot Ward, a man who is haunted both literally and figuratively: figuratively by what he has seen and done in war and literally, by the ghost of the man who was his best friend and comrade in arms, Arthur Malenfer.
Arthur's ghost sends Dermot on a mission: to bring his two illegimate sons into the family and to make them heirs to his fortune. The only problem, Dermot soon finds, is that with the fortune comes a curse.
McChesney took care to weave history into this compelling paranormal story and to capture the war-weariness of battle ravaged France during this period. I'm usually not big on ghost stories (I grow impatient with the crutch of supernatural events to resolve a plot line; to me it often means the author was too lazy to figure a real solution) but in this case, the ghosts were almost secondary to the real story of a man trying to solve a mystery... and do the best he can to honor the memory of a dead friend.
In the acknowledgment, McChesney alludes to his writing process: he put everything aside and spent a year writing this book. It shows: the research is credible, the characters are realistic, the writing (though there were a few spots I found to be a bit overwrought) is solid. Once I started, I sped through this book; not because I was skipping pages and skimming, but because I couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to more from this author, and wholeheartedly recommend The Curse of Malenfer Manor. I feel badly that I got this one free: the man deserves to earn something back for the time and love that went into this book! I'm going to buy a couple of copies as gifts for readers I think will enjoy it because I sure did!
May 10, 2014
One hundred years prior, the Malenfer family was cursed by a woman known as the Beauvias Witch.
" A curse that is born in blood! Know that your name will shrivel and die, that your brood shall know no rest."
Since that time no male Malenfer has been able to live out a full life. Now, in the midst of World War I, Arthur Malenfer finds himself trapped within a tunnel with Dermot Ward. Arthur and Dermot claw their way out, only to enter a siege. Arthur is shot, and Dermot stays by his side to the end; knowing that he may not make it, Arthur divulges a secret to Dermot that may help his family now that one more Malenfer male is dying.
After being discharged, Dermot finds his way to Paris and drowns himself in absinthe. He thinks he sees his dead friend Arthur lurking about. Arthur has returned to make sure Dermot tells his family the secret he has kept. Dermot finds his way to Malenfer Manor to find himself implanted with a two widowed Malenfers and the young and beautiful Simonne Malenfer who are all grieving the death of Arthur's brother, the youngest Malenfer. Dermot must decide how to tell his ghostly friend;s secret and see if he can find out the reality of the curse.
This was a great historical mystery with a paranormal twist. It is not simply about a curse, but about the tragedies of war, the mistakes of our past, greed and romance. As a ghost, Arthur Malenfer was my favorite character. Through flashbacks of the War, we get to know him while he was alive, but after he passes, he has a clear purpose and deals with being a ghost in a humorous way. "Arthur found that his education and experience had prepared him very poorly for life in the afterlife. He knew very little about being a ghost." Dermot's character also grew on me, we meet him as a drunk, but we get to know his courageous efforts in the War and his determination to carry out his promise to Arthur (even though he is a ghost). All of Dermot's reactions through his quite unbelievable experiences are great and in the end, he manages to be the only one to see things as they really are. I also enjoyed the writing style, I found this novel to be fast-paced and gripping. Even though there were a lot of different elements going on in the story, I was not lost or confused. The descriptions were also fantastic, I loved Dermot's first impression of Malenfer Manor: " The house was grand because it shrank you. Inside its walls you were pressed and squeezed and made a little smaller. The place was somehow diminishing, and in so doing it became that much larger."
This was a solid read for me that included that right mix of elements to make in interesting and unique.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
" A curse that is born in blood! Know that your name will shrivel and die, that your brood shall know no rest."
Since that time no male Malenfer has been able to live out a full life. Now, in the midst of World War I, Arthur Malenfer finds himself trapped within a tunnel with Dermot Ward. Arthur and Dermot claw their way out, only to enter a siege. Arthur is shot, and Dermot stays by his side to the end; knowing that he may not make it, Arthur divulges a secret to Dermot that may help his family now that one more Malenfer male is dying.
After being discharged, Dermot finds his way to Paris and drowns himself in absinthe. He thinks he sees his dead friend Arthur lurking about. Arthur has returned to make sure Dermot tells his family the secret he has kept. Dermot finds his way to Malenfer Manor to find himself implanted with a two widowed Malenfers and the young and beautiful Simonne Malenfer who are all grieving the death of Arthur's brother, the youngest Malenfer. Dermot must decide how to tell his ghostly friend;s secret and see if he can find out the reality of the curse.
This was a great historical mystery with a paranormal twist. It is not simply about a curse, but about the tragedies of war, the mistakes of our past, greed and romance. As a ghost, Arthur Malenfer was my favorite character. Through flashbacks of the War, we get to know him while he was alive, but after he passes, he has a clear purpose and deals with being a ghost in a humorous way. "Arthur found that his education and experience had prepared him very poorly for life in the afterlife. He knew very little about being a ghost." Dermot's character also grew on me, we meet him as a drunk, but we get to know his courageous efforts in the War and his determination to carry out his promise to Arthur (even though he is a ghost). All of Dermot's reactions through his quite unbelievable experiences are great and in the end, he manages to be the only one to see things as they really are. I also enjoyed the writing style, I found this novel to be fast-paced and gripping. Even though there were a lot of different elements going on in the story, I was not lost or confused. The descriptions were also fantastic, I loved Dermot's first impression of Malenfer Manor: " The house was grand because it shrank you. Inside its walls you were pressed and squeezed and made a little smaller. The place was somehow diminishing, and in so doing it became that much larger."
This was a solid read for me that included that right mix of elements to make in interesting and unique.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
November 14, 2013
If you follow my reviews, you already know this, but for those who don't...I'd like to preface this review with one very important fact about me: I'm an impatient reader.
That being said, this book is pretty good. There's a lot of back story to dig through, and with some of the characters I got pretty impatient with it (namely the Crevel's junior and senior when the focus shifted to them). I do absolutely love how the history between Arthur and Dermot is told in bits and pieces, and especially how Arthur's time after the tunnel is presented.
Once Dermot and Arthur get to Malenfer Manor, the story picks up and doesn't let go. It turns into a real nail-biter as you try to sort out whether or not the curse is at work, or a tangible villain is responsible. Mysteries are not my typical genre, but the ghost story and curse drew me into this one. So I can't really compare it to anything out there in the genre, but I can say it was like playing Clue as I tried to solve the mystery, which was a lot of fun. It certainly kept me guessing until the very end.
Iain McChesney balanced the supernatural element very well in this book. Ghosts are fun to play with, but can easily get overplayed. Iain McChesney teases the reader with the Witch and the possibility of other ghosts afoot just enough. I also really appreciated the fresh take on ghosts with the experiences of Arthur. His phantom feelings are really well done and help his character to believably straddle the world of the living and the world of the dead.
Dermot is a wonderful and refreshing reluctant hero. A soldier riddled with guilt over his experiences at war, all he wants to do is help Arthur with this final endeavor from beyond the grave and then probably go back to drinking away the things that truly haunt him. His growth is really great to see.
My impatience aside, this was a fun read. I like that it wasn't predictable in the slightest, the characters were so well-rounded and all had clear and vivid histories in the author's mind, and that it was well-told. Iain McChesney has a very sophisticated voice that throws you back to the feeling of reading the classics, and I wouldn't be surprised if one of his books landed under that heading a hundred years from now.
That being said, this book is pretty good. There's a lot of back story to dig through, and with some of the characters I got pretty impatient with it (namely the Crevel's junior and senior when the focus shifted to them). I do absolutely love how the history between Arthur and Dermot is told in bits and pieces, and especially how Arthur's time after the tunnel is presented.
Once Dermot and Arthur get to Malenfer Manor, the story picks up and doesn't let go. It turns into a real nail-biter as you try to sort out whether or not the curse is at work, or a tangible villain is responsible. Mysteries are not my typical genre, but the ghost story and curse drew me into this one. So I can't really compare it to anything out there in the genre, but I can say it was like playing Clue as I tried to solve the mystery, which was a lot of fun. It certainly kept me guessing until the very end.
Iain McChesney balanced the supernatural element very well in this book. Ghosts are fun to play with, but can easily get overplayed. Iain McChesney teases the reader with the Witch and the possibility of other ghosts afoot just enough. I also really appreciated the fresh take on ghosts with the experiences of Arthur. His phantom feelings are really well done and help his character to believably straddle the world of the living and the world of the dead.
Dermot is a wonderful and refreshing reluctant hero. A soldier riddled with guilt over his experiences at war, all he wants to do is help Arthur with this final endeavor from beyond the grave and then probably go back to drinking away the things that truly haunt him. His growth is really great to see.
My impatience aside, this was a fun read. I like that it wasn't predictable in the slightest, the characters were so well-rounded and all had clear and vivid histories in the author's mind, and that it was well-told. Iain McChesney has a very sophisticated voice that throws you back to the feeling of reading the classics, and I wouldn't be surprised if one of his books landed under that heading a hundred years from now.
November 8, 2013
1794 France: The Curse, Old Malenfer participates n the burning of a church full of heretics and the hanging of a young girl, a witch, who casts a curse of him and his family saying that his line with come to an end.
1916 France: The oldest Malenfer men, Arthur, dies in the war from burnt lungs from inhaling the deadly gas used on the battlefield.
1919 France: The last of the Malenfer men dies of influenza but the family is convinced it’s the Curse taking the last of their line. Who will become heir? The brothers’ sister or their niece? Arthur has hung on for 3 years, dead but still present in spirit. After seeing the paper and reads the news of his younger brother passing he knows what he must do and enlists the help of his former war buddy and friend, Dermont, to unleash the secret he has had for years and set everything in proper order.
This story has it all…mystery, murder, family secrets, love, an old house, and an even older family curse. The time period chosen for this book is perfect! A country that has seen so much destruction and loss and the people that survive and the memory of those who do not…gives us the perfect setting for a hauntingly tragic tale. Dermont comes to the Malenfer house to reveal his friends secret to the family and it will alter their lives at the recent. While the secret holds its power the curse holds more and there are evil things in the works at the Melenfer house. Dermont is my favorite character. He is the epitome of a man who has seen too much in to short of time. He has honor, regret, speaks his mind, a sense of justice, and great loyalty. There is a tender love story that unfolds quietly and delightfully between Simmone and Dermont, which gives us a bit of happiness and the banter between Dermont and Arthur, is quite enjoyable.
We get a little glimps of what WW I was like in Paris and how things were back then. I love the time period! Overall it was an enjoyable read. It was a little slow in the first couple chapters and was monotone through out the story but it did redeem itself a little in the end. I think the message we can all take away from the story is this..........
Curses have as much power and influence as we allow them to have.
1916 France: The oldest Malenfer men, Arthur, dies in the war from burnt lungs from inhaling the deadly gas used on the battlefield.
1919 France: The last of the Malenfer men dies of influenza but the family is convinced it’s the Curse taking the last of their line. Who will become heir? The brothers’ sister or their niece? Arthur has hung on for 3 years, dead but still present in spirit. After seeing the paper and reads the news of his younger brother passing he knows what he must do and enlists the help of his former war buddy and friend, Dermont, to unleash the secret he has had for years and set everything in proper order.
This story has it all…mystery, murder, family secrets, love, an old house, and an even older family curse. The time period chosen for this book is perfect! A country that has seen so much destruction and loss and the people that survive and the memory of those who do not…gives us the perfect setting for a hauntingly tragic tale. Dermont comes to the Malenfer house to reveal his friends secret to the family and it will alter their lives at the recent. While the secret holds its power the curse holds more and there are evil things in the works at the Melenfer house. Dermont is my favorite character. He is the epitome of a man who has seen too much in to short of time. He has honor, regret, speaks his mind, a sense of justice, and great loyalty. There is a tender love story that unfolds quietly and delightfully between Simmone and Dermont, which gives us a bit of happiness and the banter between Dermont and Arthur, is quite enjoyable.
We get a little glimps of what WW I was like in Paris and how things were back then. I love the time period! Overall it was an enjoyable read. It was a little slow in the first couple chapters and was monotone through out the story but it did redeem itself a little in the end. I think the message we can all take away from the story is this..........
Curses have as much power and influence as we allow them to have.
February 10, 2014
[Full disclosure: I received an invitation to read this book through NetGalley from the publisher and accepted the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.]
There are so many things to love about The Curse of Malenfer Manor but the main thing I loved was the writing itself. Iain McChesney has such an authentic style that I truly felt like I was reading a novel from that time period. There are no noticeable anachronisms and I suppose you could call the vocabulary ‘advanced’, but that all comes together to create that authentic, post-war atmosphere. This writing style especially stands out when we actually get to Malenfer manor, a manor that seems stuck in the days of lords and tenants. It creates an eerie atmosphere that completely suits the subject matter of the novel.
My second favourite thing was the characters. How could I not fall in love with Dermot? He carries his guilt over Arthur’s death with him, has a hard time accepting that Arthur came back to him as a ghost, falls in love with the beautiful Simonne and all the while is trying to discover the mystery behind the Malenfer curse. He has a lot of internal conflict to go along with the external conflict and that’s what made him such a memorable character for me. Arthur himself was quite the character as well and it’s a testament to Iain McChesney’s writing ability that although he was such a great character, he never outshone Dermot, the main character.
The plot starts out slowly enough, but when Arthur’s ghost shows up and we learn of his backstory with Dermot things really start to get interesting. And when the two friends arrive at Malenfer manor, it took all my will power to put my Kindle down and go to sleep. The Curse of Malenfer Manor is something you’ll want to read in one sitting in one sitting, believe me. The plot keeps twisting and turning and by the end you’re not sure if the curse really exists or if it’s something more man-made. Iain McChesney is truly a master of suspense.
Even if you don’t like traditional mystery stories, I’d have to recommend The Curse of Malenfer Manor. If you do like historical fiction, romance and/or supernatural elements in your novels, you should read this book. Give it a try; you won’t regret it.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
There are so many things to love about The Curse of Malenfer Manor but the main thing I loved was the writing itself. Iain McChesney has such an authentic style that I truly felt like I was reading a novel from that time period. There are no noticeable anachronisms and I suppose you could call the vocabulary ‘advanced’, but that all comes together to create that authentic, post-war atmosphere. This writing style especially stands out when we actually get to Malenfer manor, a manor that seems stuck in the days of lords and tenants. It creates an eerie atmosphere that completely suits the subject matter of the novel.
My second favourite thing was the characters. How could I not fall in love with Dermot? He carries his guilt over Arthur’s death with him, has a hard time accepting that Arthur came back to him as a ghost, falls in love with the beautiful Simonne and all the while is trying to discover the mystery behind the Malenfer curse. He has a lot of internal conflict to go along with the external conflict and that’s what made him such a memorable character for me. Arthur himself was quite the character as well and it’s a testament to Iain McChesney’s writing ability that although he was such a great character, he never outshone Dermot, the main character.
The plot starts out slowly enough, but when Arthur’s ghost shows up and we learn of his backstory with Dermot things really start to get interesting. And when the two friends arrive at Malenfer manor, it took all my will power to put my Kindle down and go to sleep. The Curse of Malenfer Manor is something you’ll want to read in one sitting in one sitting, believe me. The plot keeps twisting and turning and by the end you’re not sure if the curse really exists or if it’s something more man-made. Iain McChesney is truly a master of suspense.
Even if you don’t like traditional mystery stories, I’d have to recommend The Curse of Malenfer Manor. If you do like historical fiction, romance and/or supernatural elements in your novels, you should read this book. Give it a try; you won’t regret it.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
September 30, 2013
This is the book that I couldn't put down. I drug it around with me for more than a day and ignored my family. It was so worth it.
The Curse of Malenfer Manor is a great read. It has murder, mystery, paranormal, romance, suspense only to name a few. It is beautifully written, set in the early 1900's France, post World War I.
The main protagonist is a soldier home from war, enjoying his absinthe induced cure for PTSD. His old buddy from the war comes to pay him a visit. Only, he was told that his friend, Arther was deceased. It turns out Arther is deceased and he is still there after the absinthe wears off.
Arther has a task for Dermot, it seems that he has his own secret that needs to be exposed to his mother and, there is a curse on his family. It seems that the curse has been in place for more than a century and every one in the area believes in the curse.
Dermot is set out on a task to Malenfor Manor, to explain to the matriarch of the family that he has information about her dead son and that he is not a vagrant who just wants to leech off of her wealth.
Dermot finds himself involved in many family problems that he really doesn't want to be a part of.
There are any twists and turns to the story with an awesome mystery that I din't see coming. Without being a spoiler I can say that the author has an appealing writing style that drew me in and kept me interested. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The setting of the country side of France post the war was a great idea and made the story flow so well.
I can easily recommend this one.
I won this book in a library thing giveaway. The review is my honest opinion of The Curse of Malenfer Manor.
The Curse of Malenfer Manor is a great read. It has murder, mystery, paranormal, romance, suspense only to name a few. It is beautifully written, set in the early 1900's France, post World War I.
The main protagonist is a soldier home from war, enjoying his absinthe induced cure for PTSD. His old buddy from the war comes to pay him a visit. Only, he was told that his friend, Arther was deceased. It turns out Arther is deceased and he is still there after the absinthe wears off.
Arther has a task for Dermot, it seems that he has his own secret that needs to be exposed to his mother and, there is a curse on his family. It seems that the curse has been in place for more than a century and every one in the area believes in the curse.
Dermot is set out on a task to Malenfor Manor, to explain to the matriarch of the family that he has information about her dead son and that he is not a vagrant who just wants to leech off of her wealth.
Dermot finds himself involved in many family problems that he really doesn't want to be a part of.
There are any twists and turns to the story with an awesome mystery that I din't see coming. Without being a spoiler I can say that the author has an appealing writing style that drew me in and kept me interested. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The setting of the country side of France post the war was a great idea and made the story flow so well.
I can easily recommend this one.
I won this book in a library thing giveaway. The review is my honest opinion of The Curse of Malenfer Manor.
December 11, 2013
** Review written for an originally posted on my blog, Book Bliss.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**
Review: 5 stars
General: As with all mystery reviews I will be doing my best to review the book itself, without giving away anything that could spoil the joy of reading a mystery/thriller.
This is one hard hitting gothic mystery, a perfect blend of horror and mystery and the paranormal that can sometimes come across as misplaced if used the wrong way. The details in this book were in all the right places. Obviously not much world building was needed but the details were still there to help you view both the characters, the past and the present. It was still a period piece in many aspects based on the genre and the book did a great job of taking you to that time.On that note, this tale did the classic jumping back and forth between past and present. Without knowing that it took me off guard at first, but after that it flowed well and was easy to realize the shift had occurred.
Overall I found myself quite pleased with the end. For once, I did not completely “solve” the book before it’s completion. To me that’s always the mark of a successful mystery as either it was so complex I missed it, or I was so captivated by everything else that I didn’t care. I think this novel was a bit of both and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Characters: I do not feel it appropriate to discuss the characters in this novel as one of them has a secret so powerful I fear I could accidentally give it away. So I will say that the characters were all vivid and different. Dermot was exactly what you want in a detective role- intelligent, logical and stubborn.
Review: 5 stars
General: As with all mystery reviews I will be doing my best to review the book itself, without giving away anything that could spoil the joy of reading a mystery/thriller.
This is one hard hitting gothic mystery, a perfect blend of horror and mystery and the paranormal that can sometimes come across as misplaced if used the wrong way. The details in this book were in all the right places. Obviously not much world building was needed but the details were still there to help you view both the characters, the past and the present. It was still a period piece in many aspects based on the genre and the book did a great job of taking you to that time.On that note, this tale did the classic jumping back and forth between past and present. Without knowing that it took me off guard at first, but after that it flowed well and was easy to realize the shift had occurred.
Overall I found myself quite pleased with the end. For once, I did not completely “solve” the book before it’s completion. To me that’s always the mark of a successful mystery as either it was so complex I missed it, or I was so captivated by everything else that I didn’t care. I think this novel was a bit of both and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Characters: I do not feel it appropriate to discuss the characters in this novel as one of them has a secret so powerful I fear I could accidentally give it away. So I will say that the characters were all vivid and different. Dermot was exactly what you want in a detective role- intelligent, logical and stubborn.
September 9, 2013
*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
When this book was presented to me it was described as Downton Abbey in France with ghosts. I wish I could claim that statement as my own because it really describes this book well.
I have to say that this book kept my attention from the beginning right to the end. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first from the title but I was definitely intrigued. I thought okay well ghosts and a curse maybe it will be spooky. It wasn’t at all but how everything intertwines and comes to fruition makes this book a true gem.
McChesney is excellent at painting a picture with words. His characters are lively and vivid and at times even villainous. While this book does have paranormal activity it isn’t weighed down with superfluous fluff that makes it seem unrealistic. The reason this book works is because it could be true. As a side note I will say I found it entertaining how the ghost is able to change his clothes. So as to not ruin any part of the story I will leave it there.
Period books are usually troublesome for me because they get so bogged down in giving a history lesson that it becomes dry. Not so here, the author wove his facts into the characters so intricately it was seamless.
If you have ever read a supernatural book and was disappointed in the ending feeling as if it was a cop out then you are not alone. With that being said I will say that I loved the ending in this book and thought it very appropriate.
I truly found this book enjoyable and can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
When this book was presented to me it was described as Downton Abbey in France with ghosts. I wish I could claim that statement as my own because it really describes this book well.
I have to say that this book kept my attention from the beginning right to the end. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first from the title but I was definitely intrigued. I thought okay well ghosts and a curse maybe it will be spooky. It wasn’t at all but how everything intertwines and comes to fruition makes this book a true gem.
McChesney is excellent at painting a picture with words. His characters are lively and vivid and at times even villainous. While this book does have paranormal activity it isn’t weighed down with superfluous fluff that makes it seem unrealistic. The reason this book works is because it could be true. As a side note I will say I found it entertaining how the ghost is able to change his clothes. So as to not ruin any part of the story I will leave it there.
Period books are usually troublesome for me because they get so bogged down in giving a history lesson that it becomes dry. Not so here, the author wove his facts into the characters so intricately it was seamless.
If you have ever read a supernatural book and was disappointed in the ending feeling as if it was a cop out then you are not alone. With that being said I will say that I loved the ending in this book and thought it very appropriate.
I truly found this book enjoyable and can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
October 15, 2013
A Little Bit of Everything
This novel gave me a touch of everything I was hoping for: action, ghosts, great characters, history, and spooky scenes.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this title.
What a rich and vivid story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters - good and bad guys. They were all so well written. McChesney can certainly write tense and creepy scenes. There is one scary incident in an old bedroom... I won't spoil it. BUT EEEEW! So well done.
I'd like to encourage the author to write a straight forward gothic horror novel. I feel he would do an outstanding job.
I took away one star because parts of this novel became a touch too detailed. But not many. Those areas dragged just slightly.
All in all a great mystery with ghosts and family drama. I enjoyed it very much.
This novel gave me a touch of everything I was hoping for: action, ghosts, great characters, history, and spooky scenes.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this title.
What a rich and vivid story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters - good and bad guys. They were all so well written. McChesney can certainly write tense and creepy scenes. There is one scary incident in an old bedroom... I won't spoil it. BUT EEEEW! So well done.
I'd like to encourage the author to write a straight forward gothic horror novel. I feel he would do an outstanding job.
I took away one star because parts of this novel became a touch too detailed. But not many. Those areas dragged just slightly.
All in all a great mystery with ghosts and family drama. I enjoyed it very much.
January 8, 2014
I was given an Ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so amazing… There is everything in this one! Action/adventure, ghosts, historical neatness, and awesome characters!! This is not my typical genre, but I took a chance and decided that what could it hurt… I am so glad I took the leap because this book was sweet!!! From page one I was hooked… Read the entire book in just over 4 hours straight through the night!! The characters are so real and believeable and very well defined that you could know them in real life and not even think twice. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a good spooky read with unexpected turns throughout!!
I give this book 4 out of 5 shields!
This book was so amazing… There is everything in this one! Action/adventure, ghosts, historical neatness, and awesome characters!! This is not my typical genre, but I took a chance and decided that what could it hurt… I am so glad I took the leap because this book was sweet!!! From page one I was hooked… Read the entire book in just over 4 hours straight through the night!! The characters are so real and believeable and very well defined that you could know them in real life and not even think twice. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a good spooky read with unexpected turns throughout!!
I give this book 4 out of 5 shields!
November 2, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my typical genre to read, but I thought it looked interesting. I am so glad I decided to try it. This book was a curse in the form of not letting me put it down! I was engaged from the first paragraph and each page put me deeper and deeper in the story. The characters are so well developed, you feel you know them. The storyline is amazing and the author paints such a vivid picture that you see the city and locations in your mind. I would gladly recommend this to anyone and look forward to more from this author.
This is not my typical genre to read, but I thought it looked interesting. I am so glad I decided to try it. This book was a curse in the form of not letting me put it down! I was engaged from the first paragraph and each page put me deeper and deeper in the story. The characters are so well developed, you feel you know them. The storyline is amazing and the author paints such a vivid picture that you see the city and locations in your mind. I would gladly recommend this to anyone and look forward to more from this author.
April 27, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
From the beginning I was glued to this story until I finished it. The paranormal activity was realistic* and could be true happenings. There were some humorous parts such as a ghost changing his clothes. It is a hard book to review because you don't want to give away too much. Suffice it to say I highly recommend this well written and great characters story.
I will keep my eyes open for this author and his future works..
From the beginning I was glued to this story until I finished it. The paranormal activity was realistic* and could be true happenings. There were some humorous parts such as a ghost changing his clothes. It is a hard book to review because you don't want to give away too much. Suffice it to say I highly recommend this well written and great characters story.
I will keep my eyes open for this author and his future works..
September 24, 2013
This is a real page-turner, I found myself just sitting and reading because I had to know what happened next! There are story elements which came as a complete surprize which I really enjoyed. I also found the historical setting very interesting. Definitely a 'good read'! Looking forward to the author's next book!
September 27, 2013
I knew this would be a paranormal book, but It was more than I was expecting. I loved the way the author incorporated everything. The main characters are very interesting. I couldn't put the book down once I started. I had to know how it ended. I can't wait for more from the author.
November 16, 2013
Refreshing read. Short and to the point. Doesn't meander too much or drag on. This was a fun whodunit with a bit of paranormal, but not too much. Great choice of era and location to be set in; France right after WWI. It seemed almost like a classic mystery/thriller. Definitely recommend this book.
September 19, 2014
This was a paranormal romance that brought a lot to the table. In fact, there was so much I had trouble classifying it- mystery intrigue murder- just an all around gothic read. There was a witches blood curse and ghosts. Look into this one for your holiday read!
February 24, 2020
At first I was confused about this story since at the beginning it seemed to jump to several different time frames. But staying with it, the storyline started to emerge, becoming a page turner I enjoyed very much and I'm happy to give five stars. Murder at Malenfer was an intriguing story and I took to Dermot, a veteran of the Great War who only wanted to do his best by a fallen colleague after believing he had failed him.
This story included a family curse, murders, a spooky stately home and is populated by some very interesting characters. Well worth reading.
This story included a family curse, murders, a spooky stately home and is populated by some very interesting characters. Well worth reading.
August 27, 2017
This was a good book.Simone is getting engaged to a man her parents approve of, but is he right for HER? She is from a family where the oldest son inherits everything.Sadly her brothers are dropping like flies.She gets a notice before each death.Her oldest brothers friend shows up with a message from him, after his death.Meral Matthews is a good narrator for this book.I was provided this book free for review by the author, narrator r publisher.
February 4, 2023
Torment of the Damned
A gothic mystery with all its attributes. The curse of the Malenfer’s, follows the gothic mystery recipe.
The war, Spanish flu, greedy grasping aristocrats, and curses make for an irresistible read. Get a comfy chair and a good reading light because you won’t want to put this book down.
A gothic mystery with all its attributes. The curse of the Malenfer’s, follows the gothic mystery recipe.
The war, Spanish flu, greedy grasping aristocrats, and curses make for an irresistible read. Get a comfy chair and a good reading light because you won’t want to put this book down.
October 17, 2013
Do curses exist? Can they truly affect a person, a family as a whole? Anyone who has seen the movie Practical Magic will know that a curse can sometimes affect just one part of a family, in the case of the movie the men who marry any one of the Owens Women, it takes Sherriff Hallet to put an end to the curse when at the end of the movie he states “Curses only work when you believe in them” I have to agree in this case; however for the Malenfer’s the situation is slightly different, in that the curse was cast upon them by a young teen the family had hung for crimes against the town, where in Practical Magic it was an ancestor who cast the curse on her family. The Malenfer’s accused a neighbor child of Witchcraft, who while still breathing at the end of the noose cast a curse that stated the Malenfer line would see its end. And to that end every male heir in the line has met an early and untimely death.
The book gives the reader a lot of personal history about each of the main characters, pulling in their nuances, strengths and weaknesses as needed to build the story and outlay how the curse affects each one individually. From our Matriarch, Madame, who has buried each of her male children and her husband before their time, to Simmone her Granddaughter who by some strange happenstance has the ability to speak with and see the dead – it is the witch who cast the curse that informs Simmone of the impending doom of each relative before they pass, to Dermot Ward, the Irlandais, who comes to Malenfer manor to share Arthur’s secrets and possibly unlock the curse. I found as a reader going back and forth through time to relive events tended to get a tad drawn and boring. The author does a wonderful job of developing the world of Post WWI Paris, the outlying countryside and the political climate surrounding our characters, the reader can almost close their eyes and see and feel everything our characters do. However, those same descriptions tend to slow the story down and leave the reader wondering if the characters are going to come back to the forefront.
Personally, I had a hard time getting into this novel, the action does not even pick up truly until the very last three chapters of the book and I found that while the curse was mentioned and the reader told about its origins, it was not the cause of the bigger issues within the book; I’d say it was more one of the seven deadly sins that was the main issue, Greed. When I picked up this novel I had very high hopes there would be more about the curse, and witch interacting with the Malenfer's and the evil surrounding the family/curse - however, I found that simply was not the case, I found it was more of a political game vs. something super natural that was at play. Simply put this book is not something I will be re-reading and recommending.
The book gives the reader a lot of personal history about each of the main characters, pulling in their nuances, strengths and weaknesses as needed to build the story and outlay how the curse affects each one individually. From our Matriarch, Madame, who has buried each of her male children and her husband before their time, to Simmone her Granddaughter who by some strange happenstance has the ability to speak with and see the dead – it is the witch who cast the curse that informs Simmone of the impending doom of each relative before they pass, to Dermot Ward, the Irlandais, who comes to Malenfer manor to share Arthur’s secrets and possibly unlock the curse. I found as a reader going back and forth through time to relive events tended to get a tad drawn and boring. The author does a wonderful job of developing the world of Post WWI Paris, the outlying countryside and the political climate surrounding our characters, the reader can almost close their eyes and see and feel everything our characters do. However, those same descriptions tend to slow the story down and leave the reader wondering if the characters are going to come back to the forefront.
Personally, I had a hard time getting into this novel, the action does not even pick up truly until the very last three chapters of the book and I found that while the curse was mentioned and the reader told about its origins, it was not the cause of the bigger issues within the book; I’d say it was more one of the seven deadly sins that was the main issue, Greed. When I picked up this novel I had very high hopes there would be more about the curse, and witch interacting with the Malenfer's and the evil surrounding the family/curse - however, I found that simply was not the case, I found it was more of a political game vs. something super natural that was at play. Simply put this book is not something I will be re-reading and recommending.
September 13, 2015
Iain McChesney has a little bit of everything contained all in one mystery. There is war trauma, friendship beyond the grave, ghosts, a curse, intrigue and a mystery that had me guessing till the end.
Dermot Ward and Arthur Malenfer served in the Great War together. Unfortunately Arthur dies but he comes back to convince Dermot to right a wrong that he has done to twins he had before his enlistment. In order to do this Dermot must go to Arthur's home, find the hidden birth certificates and present them to 'Madame', Arthur's mother who is the Grande Dame of the estate.
There is a curse on the Malenfer family dating back a hundred years - - no one lives to old age. Michel the 16 year old son who was to inherit the estates dies of the Spanish Flu or does he? Then one of the twins after learning of his new status as a Malenfer dies a horrible death. Is it the curse? or Is there something else at play here. Arthur is not the only ghost on the estate. The ghost of the young girl who was hung 100 years before is also roaming the estate. It is said that she is seen prior to a Malenfer dying.
Murder at Malenfer is a great read. The story just keeps evolving to the point I had several suspects by the middle of the book only to find out I was wrong on every count. I find that is the sign of a tremendous mystery - one the reader can't figure out.
I received this book free for review purposes.
Dermot Ward and Arthur Malenfer served in the Great War together. Unfortunately Arthur dies but he comes back to convince Dermot to right a wrong that he has done to twins he had before his enlistment. In order to do this Dermot must go to Arthur's home, find the hidden birth certificates and present them to 'Madame', Arthur's mother who is the Grande Dame of the estate.
There is a curse on the Malenfer family dating back a hundred years - - no one lives to old age. Michel the 16 year old son who was to inherit the estates dies of the Spanish Flu or does he? Then one of the twins after learning of his new status as a Malenfer dies a horrible death. Is it the curse? or Is there something else at play here. Arthur is not the only ghost on the estate. The ghost of the young girl who was hung 100 years before is also roaming the estate. It is said that she is seen prior to a Malenfer dying.
Murder at Malenfer is a great read. The story just keeps evolving to the point I had several suspects by the middle of the book only to find out I was wrong on every count. I find that is the sign of a tremendous mystery - one the reader can't figure out.
I received this book free for review purposes.
April 9, 2016
This book is everything at once: an historical novel, a romance, a ghost story, a mystery and a story of a man who overcome his past, guilt and trauma.
There is a lot to learn from this book and it was a really good and pleasant read.
I was really fond of the main character Dermot for being himself despite adversity. I liked Sophie for being weak, Simonne for being different, Madame for acting as expected, Emile for being the nice twin, Arthur for being alive even as a dead man. And I hated Crevel, Pierre and Gustave.
All the characters have very different personalities and it's easy to relate to them or to find their characteristic in your friends.
The little part that didn't work for me was the explanation of the murder case. It seemed to be a lot of details missing and I would have loved to have a more palpable "how it was done?" answer. There were also some part that seemed a bit blurry in my mind and I had trouble to see what exactly was happening.
I enjoyed the setting and the fact that it was set in France and that the main character was Irish. That part talked a lot to me and it was done just right.
I would recommend this book to all fans of mystery and historical fiction.
There is a lot to learn from this book and it was a really good and pleasant read.
I was really fond of the main character Dermot for being himself despite adversity. I liked Sophie for being weak, Simonne for being different, Madame for acting as expected, Emile for being the nice twin, Arthur for being alive even as a dead man. And I hated Crevel, Pierre and Gustave.
All the characters have very different personalities and it's easy to relate to them or to find their characteristic in your friends.
The little part that didn't work for me was the explanation of the murder case. It seemed to be a lot of details missing and I would have loved to have a more palpable "how it was done?" answer. There were also some part that seemed a bit blurry in my mind and I had trouble to see what exactly was happening.
I enjoyed the setting and the fact that it was set in France and that the main character was Irish. That part talked a lot to me and it was done just right.
I would recommend this book to all fans of mystery and historical fiction.
February 6, 2016
I found this to be an interesting but predictable story. Essentially, this story is about Arthur Malenfer, a ghost who died during WWI. Arthur needs the help of his friend and fellow service man, Dermot to help him with unsolved business at the Malenfer family estate. Dermot meets the youngest Malenfer and falls head over heels for her dispite her being engaged. Arthur, with Dermot's help sets out to find out what is happening at Malenfer Manor.
The story started off strong but about half way through seemed to be a different book. The characters seemed to change their opinions, there were akward sequences of events and I didn't find the love interest to be believable. I enjoyed the story enough to keep reading but felt I had to work my way through to get to the end. I would try another book by this author in the future.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story started off strong but about half way through seemed to be a different book. The characters seemed to change their opinions, there were akward sequences of events and I didn't find the love interest to be believable. I enjoyed the story enough to keep reading but felt I had to work my way through to get to the end. I would try another book by this author in the future.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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