What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Dragon-White Dragon
Atticus and Lucie Fox are summoned to a country estate in remote Northumberland, where a series of bizarre murders appear to centre on the delusions of a madman, who lives alone on the edge of the moors. Close by are the remains of a long-vanished castle, where, local legends say, King Arthur still lies in an enchanted sleep, waiting to be awoken at the End of Days. The killings have all been committed with the Hallows of Arthur; artefacts long thought to have been lost in history, and the locals swear that they have seen a ghostly knight-in-armour roaming the moors for months. But how can that be? This is 1890, and King Arthur died over thirteen-hundred years before.
364 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Gary Dolman
3 books157 followersGary Dolman was born in the industrial north east of England. He lives in North Yorkshire, with his wife, children and dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 6, 2013
It will be no surprise that I love this book, the second of the Atticus and Lucie Fox series.
It is much more plot-driven than The Eighth Circle of Hellif not so literary and is aimed deliberately at young adults as well as adults, although young adults will find it quite a turbulent read.
Red Dragon-White Dragon is historical crime fiction (1890), set in Northumberland, England and it draws on the associations of the area with King Arthur. The red and white dragons of the title are derived from Merlin's famous allegory and are applied to the two principal combatants of the plot.
The Romans regarded this part of the world as the very edge of civilisation. The reader is taken beyond it, into the very bleakest acts of the British Empire and the darkest places of the human mind.
It is much more plot-driven than The Eighth Circle of Hellif not so literary and is aimed deliberately at young adults as well as adults, although young adults will find it quite a turbulent read.
Red Dragon-White Dragon is historical crime fiction (1890), set in Northumberland, England and it draws on the associations of the area with King Arthur. The red and white dragons of the title are derived from Merlin's famous allegory and are applied to the two principal combatants of the plot.
The Romans regarded this part of the world as the very edge of civilisation. The reader is taken beyond it, into the very bleakest acts of the British Empire and the darkest places of the human mind.
November 2, 2018
This surprisingly eventful mystery, by for me a new author, has certainly been an amazing reading experience.
The book is the 1st part of the Atticus & Lucie Fox mystery series, and its been a delightful read.
Story-telling is of a very good quality by the author, there's great interaction between all the characters involved, and the surroundings are wonderfully pictured.
The story itself is situated in the year 1890, within England's Victorian era of the gentry rich and common poor, and its in this environment where our main characters Atticus & Lucie Fox will thrive and solve their murder cases.
The tale starts with a murder in the northeastern part of England, in Northumberland, and shortly after that first murder Atticus and Lucie will receive a request from Colonel Sir Hugh Lowther to come over from Harrogate, Yorkshire, to solve this crime.
While investigating this first murder there's a second one, followed by numerous more, and the one thing in common those murders have is that the legend of King Arthur and his artefacts are playing a major part in these killings.
What will follow is a series of murderous events where Atticus & Lucie Fox have to use all their wits and determination to be able to solve these crimes and finally catch the culprit, but at the same time this same culprit is sadly somehow giving the game away during the story, which is a shame really, while also playing psychological mind-games with Atticus and Lucie and the police.
Really recommended, because this exciting story is for certain in my opinion: "A Very Enjoyable Opening Scene"!
The book is the 1st part of the Atticus & Lucie Fox mystery series, and its been a delightful read.
Story-telling is of a very good quality by the author, there's great interaction between all the characters involved, and the surroundings are wonderfully pictured.
The story itself is situated in the year 1890, within England's Victorian era of the gentry rich and common poor, and its in this environment where our main characters Atticus & Lucie Fox will thrive and solve their murder cases.
The tale starts with a murder in the northeastern part of England, in Northumberland, and shortly after that first murder Atticus and Lucie will receive a request from Colonel Sir Hugh Lowther to come over from Harrogate, Yorkshire, to solve this crime.
While investigating this first murder there's a second one, followed by numerous more, and the one thing in common those murders have is that the legend of King Arthur and his artefacts are playing a major part in these killings.
What will follow is a series of murderous events where Atticus & Lucie Fox have to use all their wits and determination to be able to solve these crimes and finally catch the culprit, but at the same time this same culprit is sadly somehow giving the game away during the story, which is a shame really, while also playing psychological mind-games with Atticus and Lucie and the police.
Really recommended, because this exciting story is for certain in my opinion: "A Very Enjoyable Opening Scene"!
November 6, 2013
This book seals my certainty that no matter what Gary Dolman writes, it is going to be worth reading. I read my first book by this author about a year ago and quickly put him at the top of my authors to watch list. Red Dragon-White Dragon has once more reminded me why I am so impressed with him.
This is a book where you never know quite what to expect next. I love that, since I tend to be a pretty good guesser most of the time and it is hard to surprise me. Initially I wasn't sure where this book was going and how the author intended to fulfill the promises he made in the blurb. He not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them.
During the first couple of chapters, I began to notice that this book was written in such a way as to be reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes Mysteries. It isn't that the stories are the same, but rather that the writing flows in a similar way and the dialogue is presented in the same manner. I am impressed that a modern author can manage this so well.
Lucie Fox is an excellent heroine and was my favourite part of the story. She is reserved and intelligent, and yet curious and daring. This is the type of character that makes me want to keep following her along on her journeys.
This was a different twist to the standard retelling of Arthurian legend, and I really liked the way it was handled. This book has danger, humour and a twisting, interesting plot that doesn't let up until the last word has been read.
I was greatly impressed by this book--and it was also set in my precious Northumberland, so that was lovely too-- and would recommend that anyone who likes a great mystery with a historical slant check this one out. You won't be sorry that you did.
This is a book where you never know quite what to expect next. I love that, since I tend to be a pretty good guesser most of the time and it is hard to surprise me. Initially I wasn't sure where this book was going and how the author intended to fulfill the promises he made in the blurb. He not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them.
During the first couple of chapters, I began to notice that this book was written in such a way as to be reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes Mysteries. It isn't that the stories are the same, but rather that the writing flows in a similar way and the dialogue is presented in the same manner. I am impressed that a modern author can manage this so well.
Lucie Fox is an excellent heroine and was my favourite part of the story. She is reserved and intelligent, and yet curious and daring. This is the type of character that makes me want to keep following her along on her journeys.
This was a different twist to the standard retelling of Arthurian legend, and I really liked the way it was handled. This book has danger, humour and a twisting, interesting plot that doesn't let up until the last word has been read.
I was greatly impressed by this book--and it was also set in my precious Northumberland, so that was lovely too-- and would recommend that anyone who likes a great mystery with a historical slant check this one out. You won't be sorry that you did.
March 16, 2017
Wow! Such a great book and filled with intense action. I loved it!
My Rating: 5+ stars
My Rating: 5+ stars
March 14, 2018
This is the third book that I have read by, Gary Dolman and he does not disappoint. Red Dragon-White Dragon reaches back to the 19th century as Lucie and Atticus Fox are hired to find the killer of a most gruesome murder. Dolman writes with the accuracy of doctor and a madman using historical accuracy to slowly dole out clues as to who the murderer might be as subsequent murders are committed, the character development is spellbinding as the story unfolds. A real page-turner! The Arthurian Legend storyline keeps you guessing while you learn about some of the more garish practices of the wartime activities and medical knowledge of the time. Doleman has an unmistakable style, very sophisticated, fluid and lovely even when describing the grotesque. No doubt about it, Red Dragon-White Dragon is a thoroughly entertaining read, that I highly recommend!
February 10, 2014
[Full disclosure: The publisher of this book, Thames River Press, contacted me and provided me with a free print book in exchange for an honest review.]
When I first started Red Dragon – White Dragon I was a little skeptical. I mean, gothic mysteries are not and weren’t really ever my thing. They all seemed so predictable that there was no point in reading them anyway. Heck, I’ve never even read a Sherlock Holmes book from cover to cover. You could say I’m not a mystery person in general. But wow, I was impressed with Red Dragon – White Dragon.
Gary Dolman’s novel had just the right mixture of realism and Arthurian legend to keep me guessing at every turn. And the ending—amazing! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, even if you’ve guessed the villain already, there is a huge twist that completely blindsides you. That twist is what makes me classify this as a gothic mystery because it was so dark and disturbing. In truth, it really goes along with the whole dark, dreary setting as well.
Lucie and Atticus Fox weren’t your typical detectives, believe me. Although they seem like stereotypical gothic investigators at the beginning of the novel, you realize they do have a lot more depth as their characters are allowed to develop a little more. Lucie in particular really shone through when at the beginning I had completely discounted her. She has some very modern sensibilities when it comes to mental illnesses and homosexuality, but they’re actually explained sufficiently by her experiences as a nurse. Atticus does not share some of her sensibilities and Sir Hugh is pretty much the exact opposite.
Red Dragon – White Dragon is one of my favourite mysteries right now not only because of the plot, but because of Gary Dolman’s writing. He has a way of describing things that makes you feel like you’re really there in the dreary English countryside with Lucie and Atticus. The castle, the landscape, everything is described vividly without being too boring. I can’t comment on the historical accuracy of this novel, but it does seem like Gary Dolman did his research for this.
I would definitely recommend this book to both old mystery lovers and people who don’t read many mysteries like myself.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
When I first started Red Dragon – White Dragon I was a little skeptical. I mean, gothic mysteries are not and weren’t really ever my thing. They all seemed so predictable that there was no point in reading them anyway. Heck, I’ve never even read a Sherlock Holmes book from cover to cover. You could say I’m not a mystery person in general. But wow, I was impressed with Red Dragon – White Dragon.
Gary Dolman’s novel had just the right mixture of realism and Arthurian legend to keep me guessing at every turn. And the ending—amazing! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, even if you’ve guessed the villain already, there is a huge twist that completely blindsides you. That twist is what makes me classify this as a gothic mystery because it was so dark and disturbing. In truth, it really goes along with the whole dark, dreary setting as well.
Lucie and Atticus Fox weren’t your typical detectives, believe me. Although they seem like stereotypical gothic investigators at the beginning of the novel, you realize they do have a lot more depth as their characters are allowed to develop a little more. Lucie in particular really shone through when at the beginning I had completely discounted her. She has some very modern sensibilities when it comes to mental illnesses and homosexuality, but they’re actually explained sufficiently by her experiences as a nurse. Atticus does not share some of her sensibilities and Sir Hugh is pretty much the exact opposite.
Red Dragon – White Dragon is one of my favourite mysteries right now not only because of the plot, but because of Gary Dolman’s writing. He has a way of describing things that makes you feel like you’re really there in the dreary English countryside with Lucie and Atticus. The castle, the landscape, everything is described vividly without being too boring. I can’t comment on the historical accuracy of this novel, but it does seem like Gary Dolman did his research for this.
I would definitely recommend this book to both old mystery lovers and people who don’t read many mysteries like myself.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
March 17, 2015
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Red Dragon, White Dragon, by Gary Dolman is set in 1890s Northumberland, where a madman has begun murdering individuals in a grisly manner, using objects that are related to the myth of King Arthur. It is said that the King lies slumbering with his Guinevere in the remains of a long-vanished castle in the area, and there is at least one viable suspect, a former soldier who has delusions related to the Arthurian cycle. The local gentry, Sir Hugh Lowther, commissions investigators Atticus and Lucy Fox from Yorkshire to investigate the deaths and to provide evidence of the soldier's guilt. The couple are happy to have this commission, a change from the more usual lost pet or straying mate cases that they are offered, but they intend to follow the evidence in full scientific fashion rather than accept Sir Hugh's certainty as to the identity of the murderer, and that firm resolve might just get them killed too.... I very much enjoyed this novel, evidently the second by an author not previously known to me; I don't know if the first novel features our intrepid investigators or, indeed, if Mr. Dolman is planning further novels with these characters, but I hope he does because both Atticus and Lucy are engaging in their separate ways and also when working together. There were a number of suspects, each given fair hearings, and although the murderer is revealed in approximately the final third of the novel, knowing who did it that early did not cause a loss of interest in the story; instead, this reader's curiosity just turned to the how and why of it all. Definitely recommended, and I will look for more work by this talented author.
Red Dragon, White Dragon, by Gary Dolman is set in 1890s Northumberland, where a madman has begun murdering individuals in a grisly manner, using objects that are related to the myth of King Arthur. It is said that the King lies slumbering with his Guinevere in the remains of a long-vanished castle in the area, and there is at least one viable suspect, a former soldier who has delusions related to the Arthurian cycle. The local gentry, Sir Hugh Lowther, commissions investigators Atticus and Lucy Fox from Yorkshire to investigate the deaths and to provide evidence of the soldier's guilt. The couple are happy to have this commission, a change from the more usual lost pet or straying mate cases that they are offered, but they intend to follow the evidence in full scientific fashion rather than accept Sir Hugh's certainty as to the identity of the murderer, and that firm resolve might just get them killed too.... I very much enjoyed this novel, evidently the second by an author not previously known to me; I don't know if the first novel features our intrepid investigators or, indeed, if Mr. Dolman is planning further novels with these characters, but I hope he does because both Atticus and Lucy are engaging in their separate ways and also when working together. There were a number of suspects, each given fair hearings, and although the murderer is revealed in approximately the final third of the novel, knowing who did it that early did not cause a loss of interest in the story; instead, this reader's curiosity just turned to the how and why of it all. Definitely recommended, and I will look for more work by this talented author.
July 12, 2016
Red Dragon White Dragon by Gary Dolman is a unique blend of a historical crime thriller set in the late 1800's that uses the legendary King Arthur in its plot, providing unexpected twists and turns to the story. The first Chapter begins from the point of view of a madman looking over the landscape of Northumberland in Wales and admiring his sword before he commits a gristly murder. There is almost a poetic, surreal mood to the setting and I was immediately hooked so I could understand this swordsman's mindset. What made this story work for me is the point of view switches from a crazed man under the delusional direction of the Fates to that of a likable, rationally-minded couple --Atticus Fox and Lucie--who are commissioned to assist in the investigation. The premise is very unique as the local legends of King Arthur, awaiting to be awakened from his enchanted sleep, adds spins to the plot which I would never have anticipated. Not only did I learn about forensics used in the late 1800's, i.e. fingerprinting and autopsies, I also learned about the legend of King Arthur and the artifacts associated with the murders. Since I am fascinated with Celtic Britain,the background on King Arthur was an extra bonus for me. The story kept me on the edge.
July 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this story which was good but had the potential to be so much more than just good. The writing was well done and I adored the investigative partners of Mr and Mrs Fox. Set in late Victorian era this is a favourite time period and geographically set upon the moors it is a very atmospheric place to have a serial killer running around. My problem lies with the plotting of the mystery. It was just too plain obvious who the villain was. With a few interspersed chapters from the villain's point of view one is given hope the killer may be someone else but with the clues the obvious stays obvious and the clincher in poor plotting is when the killer is revealed to the reader way too soon. While this book had its problems, I adored the Foxes as a team so much I would definitely read a second volume featuring them in hopes Mr Dolman would have tightened his plotting.
May 22, 2014
Gary Dolman has captured the tradition of Arthur Conan Doyal in this murder mystery set in Victorian Northumberland. Atticus and Lucy Fox are summoned by Sir Hugh Lowther to his estates to solve a grizzly murder. Evidence points to a mad man who lives on the estates. More deaths follow and artifacts that point to King Arthur begin to surface. Atticus and Lucy must cut through this web of madness before they become its next victims.
Gary Dolman has written an intriguing and exciting murder mystery. Even as the true culprit becomes clear, the reader will remain on the edge of his seat.
Gary Dolman has written an intriguing and exciting murder mystery. Even as the true culprit becomes clear, the reader will remain on the edge of his seat.
April 18, 2014
Strange contrast of genteel Victoriana and grisly visceral murders. A very strong sense of place and time. Interesting read, but not a great one.
October 11, 2015
A cozy murder mystery. I Have always been intrigued with mystery stories where myths are involved. The description of the mind behind the murders was in my opinion brilliant.
December 30, 2020
It was okay. I think I am older than the target audience, but I did like the Arthurian legend as the frame of the mystery.
April 29, 2019
Enjoyable and well researched.very descriptive
This style is new to me. Enjoyable and just a two night read. I shall press on with the other two.
Give it a go.
This style is new to me. Enjoyable and just a two night read. I shall press on with the other two.
Give it a go.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews