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That Old Black Magic
April 1943: four boys playing in Hagley Woods, Essex make a gruesome discovery. Inside an enormous elm tree, there is the body of a woman, her mouth stuffed with a length of cloth. As the case goes cold, mysterious graffiti starts going up across the Midlands: 'Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?'
To Ross Spooner, a police officer working undercover for spiritualist magazine Two Worlds, the messages hold a sinister meaning. He's been on the track of a German spy ring who have left a trail of black magic and mayhem across England, and this latest murder bears all the hallmarks of an ancient ritual.
At the same time, Spooner is investigating the case of Helen Duncan, a medium whose messages from the spirit world contain highly classified information. As the establishment joins ranks against Duncan, Spooner must face demons from his own past, uncover the spies hiding beneath the fabric of wartime society - and confront those who suspect that he, too, may not be all he seems ...
To Ross Spooner, a police officer working undercover for spiritualist magazine Two Worlds, the messages hold a sinister meaning. He's been on the track of a German spy ring who have left a trail of black magic and mayhem across England, and this latest murder bears all the hallmarks of an ancient ritual.
At the same time, Spooner is investigating the case of Helen Duncan, a medium whose messages from the spirit world contain highly classified information. As the establishment joins ranks against Duncan, Spooner must face demons from his own past, uncover the spies hiding beneath the fabric of wartime society - and confront those who suspect that he, too, may not be all he seems ...
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2018
15 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Cathi Unsworth
15 books91 followersCathi Unsworth moved to Ladbroke Grove in 1987 and has stayed there ever since. She began a career in rock writing with Sounds and Melody Maker, before co-editing the arts journal Purr and then Bizarre magazine. Her first novel, The Not Knowing, was published by Serpent's Tail in August 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 18, 2018
This is World War Two historical fiction that is a blend of fact and fiction featuring the use of the occult by the Nazis to defeat Britain, spearheaded by Heinrich Himmler, with German spy rings supported by members of British aristocratic circles that want to see the rise of fascism. There are actual historical figures and events in the story, along with thinly veiled characters that represent real people from the era such as Intelligence chief Maxwell Knight. This is a story of the colourful world of music halls, magicians, seances, witches, spells, magic, mesmerists, memory men, spies and the infiltration of this world by the intelligence services. DS Ross Spooner, is a police officer, who has moved to work with MI5, recruited by The Chief to unearth British traitors and German spies entrenched in show business and occult circles with their plans to help the German war effort. Spooner is ideally placed to play this role, given that he grew up in an Aberdeen Antiquarian Bookshop, with a history of a personal interest in the occult and books on the subject.
A German spy, Karl Kohl, is parachuted into the Fens, but breaks his foot and is caught by locals. Kohl is interviewed by the security services, interested in mining him for crucial intelligence. They get more than they bargain for, learning of Clara Bauer, masquerading as a musical hall act under the name of Clara Brown. She is a powerful witch supplying German High Command with vital knowledge that orchestrates their accurate targeting of munitions and aircraft factories and more by the Luftwaffe, in the Birmingham Blitz. Spooner enters the world of showbiz to track down Clara and those close to her, such as Anna, Nils Anders, Nicolas Ralphe, and the powerful wealthy aristocrat, Simon De Vere, a feared man with his ancestral home of Hagley Hall. Spooner finds himself chasing down leads in Birmingham, Manchester and Portsmouth. He gets entangled with the subterfuge world of the occult as it seems Clara's murder is accessed by renowned medium, Helen Duncan at a seance. Is she for real or is she a fraud? Spooner finds himself sinking into the supernatural world of magic and spells, such as the hand of glory, encountering famous debunking Ghost Hunter, Harry Price, who has sold to De Vere the most famous grimoire in German history, once owned by Goethe. However, Spooner has not gone unnoticed by the enemy as danger begins to envelop him.
This is a fascinating historical novel that gives us insights on aspects of the Second World War that has often received little attention. Unsworth lets us know at the end that she has personal family connections to this history. She has engaged in some impressive research that has shaped the narrative, providing the bedrock for the compelling and gripping story that unfolds. There is much ambiguity as to the power and truth of the supernatural world, with the strong suggestion that it is not all to be disregarded. I really enjoyed reading this gripping piece of fact based historical fiction, finding it both entertaining and utterly absorbing. Many thanks to Serpent's Tail for an ARC.
A German spy, Karl Kohl, is parachuted into the Fens, but breaks his foot and is caught by locals. Kohl is interviewed by the security services, interested in mining him for crucial intelligence. They get more than they bargain for, learning of Clara Bauer, masquerading as a musical hall act under the name of Clara Brown. She is a powerful witch supplying German High Command with vital knowledge that orchestrates their accurate targeting of munitions and aircraft factories and more by the Luftwaffe, in the Birmingham Blitz. Spooner enters the world of showbiz to track down Clara and those close to her, such as Anna, Nils Anders, Nicolas Ralphe, and the powerful wealthy aristocrat, Simon De Vere, a feared man with his ancestral home of Hagley Hall. Spooner finds himself chasing down leads in Birmingham, Manchester and Portsmouth. He gets entangled with the subterfuge world of the occult as it seems Clara's murder is accessed by renowned medium, Helen Duncan at a seance. Is she for real or is she a fraud? Spooner finds himself sinking into the supernatural world of magic and spells, such as the hand of glory, encountering famous debunking Ghost Hunter, Harry Price, who has sold to De Vere the most famous grimoire in German history, once owned by Goethe. However, Spooner has not gone unnoticed by the enemy as danger begins to envelop him.
This is a fascinating historical novel that gives us insights on aspects of the Second World War that has often received little attention. Unsworth lets us know at the end that she has personal family connections to this history. She has engaged in some impressive research that has shaped the narrative, providing the bedrock for the compelling and gripping story that unfolds. There is much ambiguity as to the power and truth of the supernatural world, with the strong suggestion that it is not all to be disregarded. I really enjoyed reading this gripping piece of fact based historical fiction, finding it both entertaining and utterly absorbing. Many thanks to Serpent's Tail for an ARC.
February 11, 2018
This novel merges fact and fiction, with the storyline revolving around the real life Hagley Woods Murder of 1943 and the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan; a Scottish medium who was one of the last people to be tried under the Witchcraft Act of 1735.
The book begins in 1941, with Karl Kohl parachuting out of a plane on a mission. Landing in England, he breaks his ankle and is quickly caught by local farmers. Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner is recruited by spymaster, Maxwell Knight, to investigate the woman that Kohl was mean to contact – Clara Bauer, a German actress, currently touring British music halls. Spooner grew up in a bookshop, which specialised in mystical works, which is helpful as Kohl was found with a pendant suggestive of devil worship.
What unfolds is a meandering and, sometimes a little confusing, storyline, involving double agents, witches, séances and spymasters. As well as Maxwell Knight, Harry Price (the ‘Ghost Hunter,’ who has also featured in novels by Neil Spring) features and there is a recurring refrain of Lord Haw-Haw’s, “Germany Calling,” which echoes through the book. What saved the novel for me, and kept me reading, is the likeable Spooner, who is an unlikely, intelligent and thoughtful main character. I am glad I persevered with this and hope Spooner appears in future books. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
The book begins in 1941, with Karl Kohl parachuting out of a plane on a mission. Landing in England, he breaks his ankle and is quickly caught by local farmers. Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner is recruited by spymaster, Maxwell Knight, to investigate the woman that Kohl was mean to contact – Clara Bauer, a German actress, currently touring British music halls. Spooner grew up in a bookshop, which specialised in mystical works, which is helpful as Kohl was found with a pendant suggestive of devil worship.
What unfolds is a meandering and, sometimes a little confusing, storyline, involving double agents, witches, séances and spymasters. As well as Maxwell Knight, Harry Price (the ‘Ghost Hunter,’ who has also featured in novels by Neil Spring) features and there is a recurring refrain of Lord Haw-Haw’s, “Germany Calling,” which echoes through the book. What saved the novel for me, and kept me reading, is the likeable Spooner, who is an unlikely, intelligent and thoughtful main character. I am glad I persevered with this and hope Spooner appears in future books. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
February 19, 2018
Cathi Unsworth’s last book 'Without the Moon' (2015) was her fictionalised account of the crimes of Gordon Cummins (aka The Blackout Ripper), and the unsolved murder of Margaret MacArthur on Waterloo Bridge.
'That Old Black Magic' (2018) is another drama set during World War 2, and is also based primarily on two real incidents: the Hagley Woods Murder of 1943, and the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium, and one of the last people convicted under the Witchcraft Act of 1735.
I have read all of Cathi Unsworth’s novels and this one continues her rich vein of form. I love literature set in the 1930s and 1940s, and once again this is right up there with the likes of Patrick Hamilton, Norman Collins, and Alexander Barron.
The story is a little convoluted but where it scores highly is in the attention to period detail. It also has a wonderfully idiosyncratic protagonist and understated hero in Ross Spooner. 'That Old Black Magic' brilliantly melds fact and fiction in a highly credible manner. If you know about this era you will instantly recognise some of the people that inform key characters, not least the eccentric spymaster Maxwell Knight. Helpfully Cathi reveals all of her sources at the end of the book and even how some of her own family history unexpectedly found its way into the book.
Magic and witchcraft inform much of the plot and, as I read, I was reminded of Dennis Wheatley. Coincidentally this is something Cathi acknowledges in the book’s concluding author’s note. It turns out Wheatley also worked for the Secret Service during World War 2 and was a good friend of Maxwell Knight. Anyway, the book’s exciting finale is worthy of a Dennis Wheatley novel and makes for a gripping conclusion.
Well written, evocative, brilliantly researched, imaginative, informative, and compelling. Another winner from Cathi Unsworth.
4/5
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
'That Old Black Magic' will be published on 8 March 2018
'That Old Black Magic' (2018) is another drama set during World War 2, and is also based primarily on two real incidents: the Hagley Woods Murder of 1943, and the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium, and one of the last people convicted under the Witchcraft Act of 1735.
I have read all of Cathi Unsworth’s novels and this one continues her rich vein of form. I love literature set in the 1930s and 1940s, and once again this is right up there with the likes of Patrick Hamilton, Norman Collins, and Alexander Barron.
The story is a little convoluted but where it scores highly is in the attention to period detail. It also has a wonderfully idiosyncratic protagonist and understated hero in Ross Spooner. 'That Old Black Magic' brilliantly melds fact and fiction in a highly credible manner. If you know about this era you will instantly recognise some of the people that inform key characters, not least the eccentric spymaster Maxwell Knight. Helpfully Cathi reveals all of her sources at the end of the book and even how some of her own family history unexpectedly found its way into the book.
Magic and witchcraft inform much of the plot and, as I read, I was reminded of Dennis Wheatley. Coincidentally this is something Cathi acknowledges in the book’s concluding author’s note. It turns out Wheatley also worked for the Secret Service during World War 2 and was a good friend of Maxwell Knight. Anyway, the book’s exciting finale is worthy of a Dennis Wheatley novel and makes for a gripping conclusion.
Well written, evocative, brilliantly researched, imaginative, informative, and compelling. Another winner from Cathi Unsworth.
4/5
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
'That Old Black Magic' will be published on 8 March 2018
March 12, 2018
A wonderful blend of fiction and historical fact as Britain's secret service try to track down a World War II German spy ring which is also involved in Satanic rituals. Ross Spooner is a police officer seconded to "The Chief", head of a branch of MI5 - a character based on real life British spymaster Maxwell Knight.
Part of his cover is work for a spiritualist magazine, as he investigates the case of Helen Duncan, a medium whose spirit messages include classified information about the sinking of a Royal Navy battleship HMS Barham.
Spooner's inquiries range throughout the whole of World War II, from the days of the London Blitz to the surrender of Nazi Germany. They begin with the interrogation of a German spy, Karl Kohl, captured as he parachuted into England. During his interrogation, Kohl tells the incredible tale of
Clara Bauer, working in England as part of a musical hall act under the name of Clara Brown.
Kohl claims Clara is a powerful witch, supplying German High Command with the means to help the Luftwaffe accurately target munitions and aircraft factories in the Midlands.
Spooner then acts as a showbiz agent in a bid to find Clara. As he travels the country, from London via Portsmouth, Birmingham, Manchester, he encounters an RAF officer driven mad during a black magic ceremony. He meets and falls in love with Anna - Clara's music hall partner and, during his attendance at one of Helen Duncan's seances, believes he has "seen" Clara being murdered.
Meanwhile, some boys playing in Hagley Woods, Essex find the body of a woman, stuffed inside an enormous elm tree. Later, mysterious graffiti appears across the Midlands: 'Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?' These latter events are also based on actual events during World War II.
While the British legal system hounds Helen Duncan with the Government invoking the Witchcraft Act of 1735, Spooner faces up to the dark forces which surround the disappearance of Clara.
This is a fast paced read laced with historical happenings which add a ring of authenticity to the story, despite its fantastical nature. Recommended.
Part of his cover is work for a spiritualist magazine, as he investigates the case of Helen Duncan, a medium whose spirit messages include classified information about the sinking of a Royal Navy battleship HMS Barham.
Spooner's inquiries range throughout the whole of World War II, from the days of the London Blitz to the surrender of Nazi Germany. They begin with the interrogation of a German spy, Karl Kohl, captured as he parachuted into England. During his interrogation, Kohl tells the incredible tale of
Clara Bauer, working in England as part of a musical hall act under the name of Clara Brown.
Kohl claims Clara is a powerful witch, supplying German High Command with the means to help the Luftwaffe accurately target munitions and aircraft factories in the Midlands.
Spooner then acts as a showbiz agent in a bid to find Clara. As he travels the country, from London via Portsmouth, Birmingham, Manchester, he encounters an RAF officer driven mad during a black magic ceremony. He meets and falls in love with Anna - Clara's music hall partner and, during his attendance at one of Helen Duncan's seances, believes he has "seen" Clara being murdered.
Meanwhile, some boys playing in Hagley Woods, Essex find the body of a woman, stuffed inside an enormous elm tree. Later, mysterious graffiti appears across the Midlands: 'Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?' These latter events are also based on actual events during World War II.
While the British legal system hounds Helen Duncan with the Government invoking the Witchcraft Act of 1735, Spooner faces up to the dark forces which surround the disappearance of Clara.
This is a fast paced read laced with historical happenings which add a ring of authenticity to the story, despite its fantastical nature. Recommended.
March 17, 2018
Originally posted on The Nerd Daily | Review by Declan Green
It is an intriguing premise – an underground world of disappearing witches, theatrical mediums, and real historical figures, all contained within a World War II setting. But unfortunately Cathi Unsworth’s recent historical noir novel That Old Black Magic doesn’t quite reach its potential, spreading itself too thinly across subplots and under-developed characters.
Driving this story along is Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner, a persistent police officer with a penchant for undercover operations. Spooner immerses himself in a world of occult, while attempting to track down German witch and musical hall performer, Clara Bauer. Spooner’s journey down the rabbit hole is permeated with an intensely grim atmosphere, built upon Unsworth’s incredible attention to historical detail where her writing is at its best. Her extensive research into England during the 1940’s allows her to put her own gothic spin on World War II, interweaving true historical events, such as the last conviction of a self-proclaimed medium under the British Witchcraft Act of 1735, and the unsolved murder of an anonymous woman found inside a tree trunk.
In the book’s blurb, the mystery behind the cryptic graffiti “Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?” is posed as an integral part of the story. The sheer creepiness and unknown implications of this single line has spurred theories for decades, ranging from the ordinary to the supernatural. However, this narrative hook does not come into play until two-thirds of the way through, and the subsequent enigma of the anonymous graffitist is disappointingly short-lived.
Up until this point, the story wanders from plot point to plot point, often jumping sharply and unexpectedly between locations. The result is a convoluted and confusing story that introduces bland characters, lets them go for a while, then only to bring them up again later once their significance has been forgotten. While the story does start to pick up momentum in its third act, its aforementioned flaws don’t completely disappear. Unfortunately, many subplots are either left too open-ended or altogether neglected.
Even the relationships between the main characters are vague, only blurred further by their frequent disguises and double crossings. Close attention needs to be paid to them, as it is incredibly easy to muddle up who is on good terms with whom, and how much individuals really know about each other.
At a couple of points in the novel there are brief suggestions of possible romantic inclinations between two leading characters, but given the circumstances surrounding them this ultimately feels odd and out-of-place. While there is a pay-off to this subplot that intertwines with historical events, it comes off as an awkward way to force the two stories together, serving no other purpose than to shoehorn an easy and abrupt resolution to both of them.
That Old Black Magic holds potential to be a gripping mystery novel, but it regrettably collapses beneath its own ambition to cover as much historical ground as possible. Had Unsworth decided to focus specifically on fewer characters, or alternatively given more time to flesh out each of their respective storylines, then perhaps this novel may have been more successful in its aspirations. While its strong, gothic atmosphere and intriguing take on World War II are exciting narrative elements that Unsworth obviously relishes delving into, they stand on weak foundations, making for a story that is more thrilling in theory than it is in practice.
It is an intriguing premise – an underground world of disappearing witches, theatrical mediums, and real historical figures, all contained within a World War II setting. But unfortunately Cathi Unsworth’s recent historical noir novel That Old Black Magic doesn’t quite reach its potential, spreading itself too thinly across subplots and under-developed characters.
Driving this story along is Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner, a persistent police officer with a penchant for undercover operations. Spooner immerses himself in a world of occult, while attempting to track down German witch and musical hall performer, Clara Bauer. Spooner’s journey down the rabbit hole is permeated with an intensely grim atmosphere, built upon Unsworth’s incredible attention to historical detail where her writing is at its best. Her extensive research into England during the 1940’s allows her to put her own gothic spin on World War II, interweaving true historical events, such as the last conviction of a self-proclaimed medium under the British Witchcraft Act of 1735, and the unsolved murder of an anonymous woman found inside a tree trunk.
In the book’s blurb, the mystery behind the cryptic graffiti “Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?” is posed as an integral part of the story. The sheer creepiness and unknown implications of this single line has spurred theories for decades, ranging from the ordinary to the supernatural. However, this narrative hook does not come into play until two-thirds of the way through, and the subsequent enigma of the anonymous graffitist is disappointingly short-lived.
Up until this point, the story wanders from plot point to plot point, often jumping sharply and unexpectedly between locations. The result is a convoluted and confusing story that introduces bland characters, lets them go for a while, then only to bring them up again later once their significance has been forgotten. While the story does start to pick up momentum in its third act, its aforementioned flaws don’t completely disappear. Unfortunately, many subplots are either left too open-ended or altogether neglected.
Even the relationships between the main characters are vague, only blurred further by their frequent disguises and double crossings. Close attention needs to be paid to them, as it is incredibly easy to muddle up who is on good terms with whom, and how much individuals really know about each other.
At a couple of points in the novel there are brief suggestions of possible romantic inclinations between two leading characters, but given the circumstances surrounding them this ultimately feels odd and out-of-place. While there is a pay-off to this subplot that intertwines with historical events, it comes off as an awkward way to force the two stories together, serving no other purpose than to shoehorn an easy and abrupt resolution to both of them.
That Old Black Magic holds potential to be a gripping mystery novel, but it regrettably collapses beneath its own ambition to cover as much historical ground as possible. Had Unsworth decided to focus specifically on fewer characters, or alternatively given more time to flesh out each of their respective storylines, then perhaps this novel may have been more successful in its aspirations. While its strong, gothic atmosphere and intriguing take on World War II are exciting narrative elements that Unsworth obviously relishes delving into, they stand on weak foundations, making for a story that is more thrilling in theory than it is in practice.
March 8, 2018
Cathi Unsworth is a very good writer whose previous work I have liked very much, but I'm sorry to say that That Old Black Magic was a severe disappointment.
Set in 1942, the plot is about Nazi spies who use spiritualist and other occult circles for their nefarious ends. There is an engaging protagonist in Spooner, a policeman turned undercover agent who sets out to unravel the mystery, but apart from that I found very little to keep me reading here. The pace is funereally slow, the plot is convoluted and rather confusing and - although I'm astonished to be saying this of a Cathy Unsworth novel – it's not all that well written. For one thing, there is masses and masses of clunky exposition; Unsworth has plainly researched her subject and period very thoroughly, but the picture she paints is to me rather crude and clichéd. There are some pretty predictable developments among the seemingly endless stream of just telling us things – including stuff like every single component of one very minor character's Sunday roast, for example.
I'm sorry to say that I got so fed up that, after persevering well beyond the point where I was the remotest bit interested, I gave up – which was a considerable relief. I hope Cathi Unsworth returns to form in the future, but this one most definitely wasn't for me.
(My thanks to Serpent's tail for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Set in 1942, the plot is about Nazi spies who use spiritualist and other occult circles for their nefarious ends. There is an engaging protagonist in Spooner, a policeman turned undercover agent who sets out to unravel the mystery, but apart from that I found very little to keep me reading here. The pace is funereally slow, the plot is convoluted and rather confusing and - although I'm astonished to be saying this of a Cathy Unsworth novel – it's not all that well written. For one thing, there is masses and masses of clunky exposition; Unsworth has plainly researched her subject and period very thoroughly, but the picture she paints is to me rather crude and clichéd. There are some pretty predictable developments among the seemingly endless stream of just telling us things – including stuff like every single component of one very minor character's Sunday roast, for example.
I'm sorry to say that I got so fed up that, after persevering well beyond the point where I was the remotest bit interested, I gave up – which was a considerable relief. I hope Cathi Unsworth returns to form in the future, but this one most definitely wasn't for me.
(My thanks to Serpent's tail for an ARC via NetGalley.)
August 9, 2021
DNF, bonfire of the copy editors. Abandoned on page 177. I blinked at the six-pointed pentagram, the "camomile lotion" gave me hives, but it was the unforgivable grammar that finally cooked my goose.
my-library
December 14, 2018I am uncertain what score to give this book (although that is often the case with me). It was not a life-changing book, but at the same time it was the perfect book to kick off my holiday, and I enjoyed it immensely all the way through. It had that kind of atmosphere that I just wanted to steep in, and Cathi Unsworth was able to conjure up a '40ies flavour very elegantly by adding just the right details, rather than becoming overly descriptive and lapsing into prolixity.
It was the premise of the book (the "Who put Bella in the wych elm?" case) that drew me to it; that, and the recommendation of an esteemed gentleman by the name of David Tibet [the music nerd in me was also thrilled to find Ruth Bayer, David Knight, and Lydia Lunch in the thank you list (yes, I read those things!), and the bibliophile in me was likewisely excited to see Mark Pilkington in there].
As the book drew to its close, I found myself dreading the moment that I had to put the book down (I read it in only two sittings, or so), feeling reluctant to leave its world, rather than feeling excited about the denouement, and I guess that counts as an accomplishment.
So, if you're into all things "noir", and have a passing interest in the occult arts, and you're looking for a book to relax with, I think that this might be just the book for you.
Oh, and one more thing! I was very pleased to find that the book also contained a fair amount of pipe smoking! She even had the class to describe the shapes and materials of some of the pipes, which made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Ah, if only she had also told us what tobacco they were smoking!
The soundtrack I went with while reading was largely of the Hauntology ilk (obviously), but I also mixed some folk music in there (as many folk songs are mentioned in the book). I might try to make a mixtape for it when I get back home from my vacation, but until then - feel free to ask me for suggestions if you're looking for something to listen to while reading!
Cheers,
T
It was the premise of the book (the "Who put Bella in the wych elm?" case) that drew me to it; that, and the recommendation of an esteemed gentleman by the name of David Tibet [the music nerd in me was also thrilled to find Ruth Bayer, David Knight, and Lydia Lunch in the thank you list (yes, I read those things!), and the bibliophile in me was likewisely excited to see Mark Pilkington in there].
As the book drew to its close, I found myself dreading the moment that I had to put the book down (I read it in only two sittings, or so), feeling reluctant to leave its world, rather than feeling excited about the denouement, and I guess that counts as an accomplishment.
So, if you're into all things "noir", and have a passing interest in the occult arts, and you're looking for a book to relax with, I think that this might be just the book for you.
Oh, and one more thing! I was very pleased to find that the book also contained a fair amount of pipe smoking! She even had the class to describe the shapes and materials of some of the pipes, which made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Ah, if only she had also told us what tobacco they were smoking!
The soundtrack I went with while reading was largely of the Hauntology ilk (obviously), but I also mixed some folk music in there (as many folk songs are mentioned in the book). I might try to make a mixtape for it when I get back home from my vacation, but until then - feel free to ask me for suggestions if you're looking for something to listen to while reading!
Cheers,
T
November 8, 2017
I had previously rally enjoyed Cathi Unsworth’s Weirdo so I came to That Old Black Magic with high hopes. I expected a nourish plot uncovering a sinister underbelly to theatrical witchcraft and séances, set in the Second World War. And I suppose that’s what I got. The trouble is, I was never really convinced by any of it, and for much of the journey I was completely confused by it.
This all starts with a German spy parachuting into Britain in the dead of night, caught because he breaks his leg on landing. He has a satanic symbol in his possession. This leads his police and MI5 interregators into the world of black magic, trying to find the German agent’s contact. Led by Spooner, a detective brought up in a second hand bookshop full of grimoires in the north east of Scotland, we meet a steady parade of mediums, circus performers, entertainment managers and provincial policemen. Everybody seems to be pretending to be somebody else and these bluffs and double bluffs quickly become baffling. There is some period detail, conveying a feel of a country that refuses to shut down completely despite the privations of rationing – where a class of person still had free access to petrol and hotel roast dinners when the rest of the country stayed at home with powdered eggs.
The plot, though, was impenetrable. I mean, why would German spies benefit from infiltrating theatrical witchcraft? What information would they pick up, and how would this be assisted by satanic rituals in woods at night? Why would they feel the need to keep adopting new personae – especially ones of the opposite sex? And why would there need to be so many of them?
And some of the writing is clunky and repetitive; some of the dialogue is expository. When I came across a “female policewoman” I almost screamed.
I struggled to finish the novel but persisted in the hope that the fog would clear and it would all click into place. It didn’t.
This all starts with a German spy parachuting into Britain in the dead of night, caught because he breaks his leg on landing. He has a satanic symbol in his possession. This leads his police and MI5 interregators into the world of black magic, trying to find the German agent’s contact. Led by Spooner, a detective brought up in a second hand bookshop full of grimoires in the north east of Scotland, we meet a steady parade of mediums, circus performers, entertainment managers and provincial policemen. Everybody seems to be pretending to be somebody else and these bluffs and double bluffs quickly become baffling. There is some period detail, conveying a feel of a country that refuses to shut down completely despite the privations of rationing – where a class of person still had free access to petrol and hotel roast dinners when the rest of the country stayed at home with powdered eggs.
The plot, though, was impenetrable. I mean, why would German spies benefit from infiltrating theatrical witchcraft? What information would they pick up, and how would this be assisted by satanic rituals in woods at night? Why would they feel the need to keep adopting new personae – especially ones of the opposite sex? And why would there need to be so many of them?
And some of the writing is clunky and repetitive; some of the dialogue is expository. When I came across a “female policewoman” I almost screamed.
I struggled to finish the novel but persisted in the hope that the fog would clear and it would all click into place. It didn’t.
January 21, 2018
All the way through this book I felt that there was a fascinating and well researched story waiting to grab me; witchcraft, the 1940's, the world of theatre and murder should have added up to a knock out read. Instead I often found myself confused by the little story lines that seemed to lead nowhere and were too bogged down in the details to capture my attention. There were also too many characters for me to really immerse myself in the plot, and those that were critical to the plot seemed to flit in and out with no real development.
I was fascinated by the authors note at the end that much of the plot was rooted in real life events, and it was interesting to read that some of her own family history had crept into the pages, but felt that overall it was a book let down by trying to cram too much into it.
Thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
I was fascinated by the authors note at the end that much of the plot was rooted in real life events, and it was interesting to read that some of her own family history had crept into the pages, but felt that overall it was a book let down by trying to cram too much into it.
Thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2018
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but That Old Black Magic ended up being such a skilful blend of non-fiction and fantasy that it had me scrambling for my phone to check up on the events that I was reading about. With witches, mediums, MI5 and wartime England all mashed into one novel, it’s fair to say that this book was stunningly ambitious from the get-go. Unfortunately, combining all the themes into one is a magic trick that doesn’t quite pay off.
The main story plunges us into the life of Ross Spooner, one MI5 agent who specialises in hunting down witches, warlocks and other supernatural nasties, that the government suspects the Nazis are using to undermine the British war effort. And one of those nasties is Clara Bauer, or Belladonna, a German undercover agent who goes missing one day in September… but whose actions spark a chain of events that could have potentially devastating consequences for the country- as well as the medium Helen Duncan, who knows a little too much about things she shouldn’t.
Right from the off, this story plunges you into about ten different story threads, some of which don’t pay off until near the end. From the excellently named occult journalist, Hannen Swaffer, to the would be German spy Karl Kohl, who is parachuted into the UK in the dead of night, there are so many plates spinning that it takes time to wrap your head around all of them- and I found myself periodically checking back to remind myself who was who, and what they were doing! To track down Belladonna, Spooner finds himself delving into the heart of Birmingham’s colourful showbusiness scene, as well as the occult- with disturbing results.
The amazing thing is that so many of the events described are actually real- from the Chief, who is a thinly-veiled Maxwell Knight, to the Hagley Woods murder of 1943, which inspired the entire story, most of it is almost too incredible to be believed- especially the story of Helen Duncan, the medium who was tried under an ancient law for witchcraft because she knew too much about classified information.
Unsworth spins fact into fiction and vice-versa like a master, creating a story that’s intricate, deeply connected and full of the weird and wonderful, especially the characters that live in it. And it’s all tied together by a likeable and flawed central character, Ross Spooner- whom I would have liked to have learned more about, as the story only touches on the basics of his upbringing and desk job. The only problem is that, because there are so many characters, the jumps between them seem abrupt, and confusing- and you lose track of where you are, and makes the story seem a little too long-winded and confusing for my tastes.
Dark, twisting and complex: this is a deeply unusual look into the weird and wonderful during the Second World War. Though ultimately the book was a bit too dense for me, I still enjoyed it immensely- for its subject matter, and for the way in which Unsworth weaves her story around these incredible real-life events. For anybody who fancies something a little different to read, this is it.
The main story plunges us into the life of Ross Spooner, one MI5 agent who specialises in hunting down witches, warlocks and other supernatural nasties, that the government suspects the Nazis are using to undermine the British war effort. And one of those nasties is Clara Bauer, or Belladonna, a German undercover agent who goes missing one day in September… but whose actions spark a chain of events that could have potentially devastating consequences for the country- as well as the medium Helen Duncan, who knows a little too much about things she shouldn’t.
Right from the off, this story plunges you into about ten different story threads, some of which don’t pay off until near the end. From the excellently named occult journalist, Hannen Swaffer, to the would be German spy Karl Kohl, who is parachuted into the UK in the dead of night, there are so many plates spinning that it takes time to wrap your head around all of them- and I found myself periodically checking back to remind myself who was who, and what they were doing! To track down Belladonna, Spooner finds himself delving into the heart of Birmingham’s colourful showbusiness scene, as well as the occult- with disturbing results.
The amazing thing is that so many of the events described are actually real- from the Chief, who is a thinly-veiled Maxwell Knight, to the Hagley Woods murder of 1943, which inspired the entire story, most of it is almost too incredible to be believed- especially the story of Helen Duncan, the medium who was tried under an ancient law for witchcraft because she knew too much about classified information.
Unsworth spins fact into fiction and vice-versa like a master, creating a story that’s intricate, deeply connected and full of the weird and wonderful, especially the characters that live in it. And it’s all tied together by a likeable and flawed central character, Ross Spooner- whom I would have liked to have learned more about, as the story only touches on the basics of his upbringing and desk job. The only problem is that, because there are so many characters, the jumps between them seem abrupt, and confusing- and you lose track of where you are, and makes the story seem a little too long-winded and confusing for my tastes.
Dark, twisting and complex: this is a deeply unusual look into the weird and wonderful during the Second World War. Though ultimately the book was a bit too dense for me, I still enjoyed it immensely- for its subject matter, and for the way in which Unsworth weaves her story around these incredible real-life events. For anybody who fancies something a little different to read, this is it.
November 30, 2018
Loved this. Could not put it down. All my favourite things in one book - witchcraft, mediums, spies, mystery, music hall and circus entertainers and all set during WW2 and a Harry Price cameo. One happy reader here.
November 4, 2017
Within That Old Black Magic, Cathi Unsworth has attempted to amalgamate various real-life historical stories/events into a fictional narrative. The second world war acts as a backdrop to supernatural investigations and seemingly, a cult of witches.
I had hoped that this book would be a well-written literary foray into the supernatural genre but unfortunately (and almost as expected), I was greatly disappointed. I found the writing style to be disjointed and messy, often leaving me confused about who was speaking, or where the action was taking place. The big event mentioned in the synopsis (suggested almost as the catalyst for the narrative) doesn't occur until the last quarter of the book, and so I spent a lot of time confused about how it was all going to fit together. Equally, an event that is built up at the start of book becomes greatly irrelevant very quickly. I definitely feel that the story would of worked better if we had started with the great discovery of 'Bella in the Wych Elm' and then worked our way backwards. And as an additional point, I am unsure why the synopsis refers to Hagley Woods as being in Essex when it is actually in Worcestershire? I couldn't work out whether this was a genuine mistake or an attempt to cash in on the historical interest of witchcraft in Essex.
Overall, a massive disappointment for me. I had originally thought that That Old Black Magic read like a debut and now that I know it is not the case, I will probably be staying clear of Unsworth's other work.
I had hoped that this book would be a well-written literary foray into the supernatural genre but unfortunately (and almost as expected), I was greatly disappointed. I found the writing style to be disjointed and messy, often leaving me confused about who was speaking, or where the action was taking place. The big event mentioned in the synopsis (suggested almost as the catalyst for the narrative) doesn't occur until the last quarter of the book, and so I spent a lot of time confused about how it was all going to fit together. Equally, an event that is built up at the start of book becomes greatly irrelevant very quickly. I definitely feel that the story would of worked better if we had started with the great discovery of 'Bella in the Wych Elm' and then worked our way backwards. And as an additional point, I am unsure why the synopsis refers to Hagley Woods as being in Essex when it is actually in Worcestershire? I couldn't work out whether this was a genuine mistake or an attempt to cash in on the historical interest of witchcraft in Essex.
Overall, a massive disappointment for me. I had originally thought that That Old Black Magic read like a debut and now that I know it is not the case, I will probably be staying clear of Unsworth's other work.
October 19, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Cathi Unsworth for my ARC of That Old Black Magic.
I’m quite on the fence with this book, rounding it off at a safe 3* so I’m going to break this review into 3 parts. A synopsis, what I liked and what I think could have been done better.
So first off, the storyline/synopsis. The story is mostly about witchcraft and spiritualism during World War II, it also features spies, MI5 agents and reporters. It follows the life of a German spy who is also a witch, and the investigation into her and her actions.
What did I like?
The premise of the story was great, I found the concept of witchcraft mixed with German spies during the war to be fascinating as well as it’s relation to ghosts and mediumship. The character of Spooner was really interesting and easy to like and empathise with.
What didn’t I like?
The story was a bit all over the place, it switched quickly between characters and lines of the story which made it hard to keep up or understand the relevance, there were also other minor stories going on which seemed to have little to do with the main story and left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Some of the character had similar names which got confusing too. Also, the synopsis is misleading as it details something which doesn’t actually happen while halfway through the book.
Laid out better, with the strong storyline this could have easily been a five star read.
I’m quite on the fence with this book, rounding it off at a safe 3* so I’m going to break this review into 3 parts. A synopsis, what I liked and what I think could have been done better.
So first off, the storyline/synopsis. The story is mostly about witchcraft and spiritualism during World War II, it also features spies, MI5 agents and reporters. It follows the life of a German spy who is also a witch, and the investigation into her and her actions.
What did I like?
The premise of the story was great, I found the concept of witchcraft mixed with German spies during the war to be fascinating as well as it’s relation to ghosts and mediumship. The character of Spooner was really interesting and easy to like and empathise with.
What didn’t I like?
The story was a bit all over the place, it switched quickly between characters and lines of the story which made it hard to keep up or understand the relevance, there were also other minor stories going on which seemed to have little to do with the main story and left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Some of the character had similar names which got confusing too. Also, the synopsis is misleading as it details something which doesn’t actually happen while halfway through the book.
Laid out better, with the strong storyline this could have easily been a five star read.
February 11, 2018
Partly based on fact, this book takes the historical fiction genre turns it inside out and then some. In 1943 some boys found the body of a woman stuffed into a tree, within days the now infamous graffiti "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm" started popping up around the Midlands. Rumours have long persisted about Bella's identity and killer and this book puts a noir based tinge on the story.
Ross Spooner is a undercover police detective working during World War 2. Skilled at his work mainly due to his ability to fade into the background, Spooner is looking to track down a German spy ring who have links to the spiritualist community. His search takes him across the country and into the world of mediums and seances, soon crossing paths with the infamous Harry Price.
This is a densely plotted novel with a lot of characters. Events move at a pretty quick pace and as with any spy story there's a fair amount of double crossing so the reader needs to be paying close attention. I recently read Neil Spring's The Lost Village which features Harry Price and I did find myself getting slightly confused at points but that's not a negative towards this book in particular.(The two books really compliment each other in fact so if you like one, I'd really recommend getting the other!) The setting is as atmospheric as they come, 1940s England under a cloud of smog and threat of bombing. It's obviously been thoroughly researched and feels like it could have been written at the time as authentic as the dialogue and setting feel.
Fascinating subject matter and really, really well written. Straddles a few different genres but definitely a must read.
I received a ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
Ross Spooner is a undercover police detective working during World War 2. Skilled at his work mainly due to his ability to fade into the background, Spooner is looking to track down a German spy ring who have links to the spiritualist community. His search takes him across the country and into the world of mediums and seances, soon crossing paths with the infamous Harry Price.
This is a densely plotted novel with a lot of characters. Events move at a pretty quick pace and as with any spy story there's a fair amount of double crossing so the reader needs to be paying close attention. I recently read Neil Spring's The Lost Village which features Harry Price and I did find myself getting slightly confused at points but that's not a negative towards this book in particular.(The two books really compliment each other in fact so if you like one, I'd really recommend getting the other!) The setting is as atmospheric as they come, 1940s England under a cloud of smog and threat of bombing. It's obviously been thoroughly researched and feels like it could have been written at the time as authentic as the dialogue and setting feel.
Fascinating subject matter and really, really well written. Straddles a few different genres but definitely a must read.
I received a ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
March 18, 2018
Whereas this is an interesting piece of historical writing that merges fact and fiction, it is very light on the ‘mystery’ side. The ‘crime’ element of the book doesn’t really work at all, which is a pity, as to bring all that together successfully would have been some achievement.
The storyline revolves around the real life Hagley Woods Murder of 1943 and the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan; a Scottish medium who was one of the last people to be tried under the Witchcraft Act of 1735.
The publisher’s summary that is used in the media previews for the book (that starts ‘four boys playing in Hadley Woods’) is an inaccurate representation of the novel. The boys’ discovery and the murder isn’t revealed until the last quarter of the book.
Overall, it was disappointing.
The storyline revolves around the real life Hagley Woods Murder of 1943 and the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan; a Scottish medium who was one of the last people to be tried under the Witchcraft Act of 1735.
The publisher’s summary that is used in the media previews for the book (that starts ‘four boys playing in Hadley Woods’) is an inaccurate representation of the novel. The boys’ discovery and the murder isn’t revealed until the last quarter of the book.
Overall, it was disappointing.
did-not-finish
March 7, 2018I know that I have been very kindly sent this book by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a review, and as a result should be preparing a full review for you guys, but I’m not. I’m sorry to say that at 56% I am DNFing That Old Black Magic, and I feel terrible about it. I thought that the prologue, seance was great, but it was uphill from there. The plot was over saturated, and far too many characters to keep track of. I like to know what I’m getting into, and will track the books progress using the blurb, however I am this far into the book and I still have two years worth of plot until I reach the dead body in the tree. I’m sorry but this confused blend of historical fiction and urban fantasy just is not for me.
December 21, 2018
WWII, seances, Nazis
WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING???
I liked a lot about this.
The magic element (was it even there???) was nicely understated, but the whole thing was still really spooky.
I liked the evolution of the main character, and I kept guessing (wrongly) throughout.
I thought it lost it's way a bit in the middle third (lots of characters, extra details...).
Apparently based on real-life-ish events.
4.5/5
WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING???
I liked a lot about this.
The magic element (was it even there???) was nicely understated, but the whole thing was still really spooky.
I liked the evolution of the main character, and I kept guessing (wrongly) throughout.
I thought it lost it's way a bit in the middle third (lots of characters, extra details...).
Apparently based on real-life-ish events.
4.5/5
April 22, 2018
This latest work by Cathi Unsworth is both engaging and fascinating. Mixing fact with fiction in World War 2 England, and throw in some old school spiritualism and you have a cracker of a story.
March 7, 2018
"Used to be the Variety circuit, before the war," said Lexy. "Now all the beaches are full of mines and barbed wire. The people who’re left there aren’t having a good time any more. Vulnerable to Jerry attack from the sea and where the Luftwaffe get rid of all their unused bombs on their way home. Easy prey for spook racketeers." [loc 1818]
That Old Black Magic (review copy received from Netgalley in exchange for this honest review) begins in January 1941, when medium Helen Duncan apparently channels the spirit of a woman who is being murdered in a wintry wood. Later that same month, the hapless Karl Kohl, on a spying mission from Germany, breaks his ankle and is captured by the security services. He doesn't tell them much -- but what he does confess is enough to involve MI5, and in particular the shadowy section known as 'Triple-U' -- witches, warlocks and wizards.
Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner, who grew up in a 'rare and occult' bookshop in Aberdeen, is assigned to trace the woman who was Karl Kohl's contact. His investigation takes him into a bohemian world of musicians, actors and circus performers -- and, later, into the equally theatrical world of seances and spiritualism. He meets historical characters such as ghost hunter Harry Price, journalist Hannen Swaffer and medium Helen Duncan: the latter was the last person to be tried under the 1735 Witchcraft Act in the UK, in 1944, and though Spooner is well aware of the trickery behind her performance, he also experiences the inexplicable.
This novel ties together historical events (Helen Duncan's trial, the bombing of arms factories in Birmingham, the discovery by four boys of a woman's bones in a hollow tree) with fiction. Spooner is a good protagonist, at once sceptical and eager to believe, determined to root out potential traitors, and beguiled by the mysterious musician Anna. What I found most interesting, though, was Unsworth's depictions of the spiritualist circuit, and the theatrical world, in World War II.
The narrative did jump around a lot: typically, Spooner would be walking somewhere; then he'd reflect on the circumstances that prompted his walk; then he'd get to his destination. A plethora of dream sequences, too (and Spooner is prone to bad dreams). There's a sense of fading, rather than closure, at the end of the book: I didn't find the ending wholly satisfactory. And I sometimes felt that too much information and too many subplots were being shoehorned in. Overall, though, this is an interesting, well-researched and well-paced read.
December 26, 2017
Truth be told, I didn't really enjoy this book and the writing style was too dry and incredibly confusing for my tastes. I lost track of what was going on a few times and found that I didn't really care enough to go back and muddle it out.
This book takes place in Britain during WW2, an undercover police investigator is trying to locate a missing woman and investigate the validity of a medium (why not?). I was expecting this book to be rich with atmosphere, characterisation and possibly a strong supernatural element but it didn't really deliver. There's a lot of bouncing about from place to place, with lots of peripheral characters popping up repeatedly. Though I think it was historically accurate and very well researched, I don't feel that the entertainment element was quite right.
I know that there was a lot of fascination with spiritualists and mesmerism around this time, especially when there was so much death around and this book revolves a lot around the 'is there any truth to it?' mystery but I wasn't satisfied with the take on it or the result.
This book may be better suited to fans of historical fiction during wartime, but it wasn't for me.
This book takes place in Britain during WW2, an undercover police investigator is trying to locate a missing woman and investigate the validity of a medium (why not?). I was expecting this book to be rich with atmosphere, characterisation and possibly a strong supernatural element but it didn't really deliver. There's a lot of bouncing about from place to place, with lots of peripheral characters popping up repeatedly. Though I think it was historically accurate and very well researched, I don't feel that the entertainment element was quite right.
I know that there was a lot of fascination with spiritualists and mesmerism around this time, especially when there was so much death around and this book revolves a lot around the 'is there any truth to it?' mystery but I wasn't satisfied with the take on it or the result.
This book may be better suited to fans of historical fiction during wartime, but it wasn't for me.
November 23, 2024
I'd heard lots of good things about Cathi Unsworth, so I can only assume this dull splicing of Dennis Wheatley and 'Foyle's War' is an aberration. Combining two fascinating stories from the Second World War with a backdrop of espionage and the occult ought to make for a terrific read, but the book never gets out of the blocks. Clunky exposition, at least one cliché a page (yes, it really does 'all go black' when someone is coshed on the head), laboured dialogue, very little sense of place or period (she badly undersells the West Midlands settings) and a general sense of 'will this do?' underpin a story which is at once glacial in its movement and confusing in its details. Suffice to say, the whole thing is a profound disappointment. I recommend instead 'Bella' by Nellie Cole (Offa Press), a collection of poems which really conveys the strangeness of the Wych Elm mystery and is formally innovative to boot.
March 8, 2018
2.5* http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
I was attracted to this book as it was based around two incidents from history: the Hagley Woods Murder of 1943; and also, the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium ( one of the last people convicted under the Witchcraft Act of 1735). Add into the mixture, World War II and Nazi spies and one would think you were on a winner.
The positives of this book was indeed the concept. A mixture of witchcraft and German spies set during the war is fascinating, especially considering it’s formation from real time events. The attention to detail from the time period was also well presented - a good mixture of fact and fiction that was obviously well researched and informative with the right balance of imagination. I also particularly liked the main lead of Spooner - easy to appreciate and empathise with. Sadly, however, these aspects were not enough to carry the book over the line for me. I struggled to finish it, finding it to be pretty dry and confusing at times.
My first confusion came with the synopsis and what I thought would be the initial catalyst for the story. No - this did not occur until well into the book and I was unsure of how it would all fit together. I felt misled. Some events were built up, but later left out to dry - not as important as I initially anticipated - whilst others led to nowhere. This provided another confusion for me, as I found the writing rather disjointed regarding who, what or where events were taking place. There are loads of characters that make it difficult to really engage in the plot and sift through who was pertinent and who wasn’t.
So all up I was deflated after what at the outset had appeared a good basis for an engaging story. Perhaps it would have been better served if the stated synopsis and the discovery of 'Bella in the Wych Elm' had indeed been the initial hook and then the author had worked back from that point? Who knows?
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
I was attracted to this book as it was based around two incidents from history: the Hagley Woods Murder of 1943; and also, the events leading up to the 1944 trial of Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium ( one of the last people convicted under the Witchcraft Act of 1735). Add into the mixture, World War II and Nazi spies and one would think you were on a winner.
The positives of this book was indeed the concept. A mixture of witchcraft and German spies set during the war is fascinating, especially considering it’s formation from real time events. The attention to detail from the time period was also well presented - a good mixture of fact and fiction that was obviously well researched and informative with the right balance of imagination. I also particularly liked the main lead of Spooner - easy to appreciate and empathise with. Sadly, however, these aspects were not enough to carry the book over the line for me. I struggled to finish it, finding it to be pretty dry and confusing at times.
My first confusion came with the synopsis and what I thought would be the initial catalyst for the story. No - this did not occur until well into the book and I was unsure of how it would all fit together. I felt misled. Some events were built up, but later left out to dry - not as important as I initially anticipated - whilst others led to nowhere. This provided another confusion for me, as I found the writing rather disjointed regarding who, what or where events were taking place. There are loads of characters that make it difficult to really engage in the plot and sift through who was pertinent and who wasn’t.
So all up I was deflated after what at the outset had appeared a good basis for an engaging story. Perhaps it would have been better served if the stated synopsis and the discovery of 'Bella in the Wych Elm' had indeed been the initial hook and then the author had worked back from that point? Who knows?
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
March 12, 2018
It is an intriguing premise – an underground world of disappearing witches, theatrical mediums, and real historical figures, all contained within a World War II setting. But unfortunately Cathi Unsworth’s recent historical noir novel ‘That Old Black Magic’ doesn’t quite reach its potential, spreading itself too thinly across subplots and under-developed characters.
Driving this story along is Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner, a persistent police officer with a penchant for undercover operations. Spooner immerses himself in a world of occult, while attempting to track down German witch and musical hall performer, Clara Bauer. Spooner’s journey down the rabbit hole is permeated with an intensely grim atmosphere, built upon Unsworth’s incredible attention to historical detail where her writing is at its best. Her extensive research into England during the 1940’s allows her to put her own gothic spin on World War II, interweaving true historical events such as the last conviction of a self-proclaimed medium under the British Witchcraft Act of 1735, and the unsolved murder of an anonymous woman found inside a tree trunk.
In the book’s blurb, the mystery behind the cryptic graffiti “Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?” is posed as an integral part of the story. The sheer creepiness and unknown implications of this single line has spurred theories for decades, ranging from the ordinary to the supernatural. However, this narrative hook does not come into play until two-thirds of the way through, and the subsequent enigma of the anonymous graffitist is disappointingly short-lived.
Up until this point, the story wanders from plot point to plot point, often jumping sharply and unexpectedly between locations. The result is a convoluted and confusing story that introduces bland characters, lets them go for a while, then only to bring them up again later once their significance has been forgotten. While the story does start to pick up momentum in its third act, its aforementioned flaws don’t completely disappear. Unfortunately, many subplots are either left too open-ended or altogether neglected.
Even the relationships between the main characters are vague, only blurred further by their frequent disguises and double crossings. Close attention needs to be paid to them, as it is incredibly easy to muddle up who is on good terms with whom, and how much individuals really know about each other.
‘That Old Black Magic’ holds potential to be a gripping mystery novel, but it regrettably collapses beneath its own ambition to cover as much historical ground as possible. Had Unsworth decided to focus specifically on fewer characters, or alternatively given more time to flesh out each of their respective storylines, then perhaps this novel may have been more successful in its aspirations. While its strong, gothic atmosphere and intriguing take on World War II are exciting narrative elements that Unsworth obviously relishes delving into, they stand on weak foundations, making for a story that is more thrilling in theory than it is in practice.
Driving this story along is Detective Sergeant Ross Spooner, a persistent police officer with a penchant for undercover operations. Spooner immerses himself in a world of occult, while attempting to track down German witch and musical hall performer, Clara Bauer. Spooner’s journey down the rabbit hole is permeated with an intensely grim atmosphere, built upon Unsworth’s incredible attention to historical detail where her writing is at its best. Her extensive research into England during the 1940’s allows her to put her own gothic spin on World War II, interweaving true historical events such as the last conviction of a self-proclaimed medium under the British Witchcraft Act of 1735, and the unsolved murder of an anonymous woman found inside a tree trunk.
In the book’s blurb, the mystery behind the cryptic graffiti “Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?” is posed as an integral part of the story. The sheer creepiness and unknown implications of this single line has spurred theories for decades, ranging from the ordinary to the supernatural. However, this narrative hook does not come into play until two-thirds of the way through, and the subsequent enigma of the anonymous graffitist is disappointingly short-lived.
Up until this point, the story wanders from plot point to plot point, often jumping sharply and unexpectedly between locations. The result is a convoluted and confusing story that introduces bland characters, lets them go for a while, then only to bring them up again later once their significance has been forgotten. While the story does start to pick up momentum in its third act, its aforementioned flaws don’t completely disappear. Unfortunately, many subplots are either left too open-ended or altogether neglected.
Even the relationships between the main characters are vague, only blurred further by their frequent disguises and double crossings. Close attention needs to be paid to them, as it is incredibly easy to muddle up who is on good terms with whom, and how much individuals really know about each other.
‘That Old Black Magic’ holds potential to be a gripping mystery novel, but it regrettably collapses beneath its own ambition to cover as much historical ground as possible. Had Unsworth decided to focus specifically on fewer characters, or alternatively given more time to flesh out each of their respective storylines, then perhaps this novel may have been more successful in its aspirations. While its strong, gothic atmosphere and intriguing take on World War II are exciting narrative elements that Unsworth obviously relishes delving into, they stand on weak foundations, making for a story that is more thrilling in theory than it is in practice.
April 8, 2018
Ross Spooner is an undercover agent working for MI5 when he is asked to look at an unusual case. A German spy has been captured and he is babbling about black magic and another agent has gone insane talking about witches. Spooner is drawn into a world where the Third Reich's obsession with the supernatural is causing chaos, on a more mundane level a spiritualist in Portsmouth is claiming to channel the spirits of dead navy personnel to their families whilst the news of battle is still a secret.
Reading this book it is easy to think of it as a wild extension of 'horror' fiction with a setting in the 1940s. However this is far from the truth as the basis of this book is actually fact. The medium Helen Duncan was the last woman tried as a witch in Britain and the mysterious discovery of a body inside a tree in Hagley Woods is also true. The Nazis were obsessed by black magic and did incorporate those ideas into their espionage policy. Once I realised that the book was a fictionalised account of true events I actually started to enjoy it more and in the end found it quite readable. there is no doubt that Unsworth is a good writer and her research here to find a new angle on a wartime tale is excellent
Reading this book it is easy to think of it as a wild extension of 'horror' fiction with a setting in the 1940s. However this is far from the truth as the basis of this book is actually fact. The medium Helen Duncan was the last woman tried as a witch in Britain and the mysterious discovery of a body inside a tree in Hagley Woods is also true. The Nazis were obsessed by black magic and did incorporate those ideas into their espionage policy. Once I realised that the book was a fictionalised account of true events I actually started to enjoy it more and in the end found it quite readable. there is no doubt that Unsworth is a good writer and her research here to find a new angle on a wartime tale is excellent
March 31, 2018
A stunning mix of historical fact and fiction, this book will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
It’s so interesting to read about this period in time, especially when it mentions places that I know now- it’s brilliantly written so that I could perfectly picture how things were in the past.
I think this book would be an excellent choice for Bookclub’s as there’s so many different aspects to it that could be talked about, snd certain people will prefer one stand of the story to another.
I want to read more by this author!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
It’s so interesting to read about this period in time, especially when it mentions places that I know now- it’s brilliantly written so that I could perfectly picture how things were in the past.
I think this book would be an excellent choice for Bookclub’s as there’s so many different aspects to it that could be talked about, snd certain people will prefer one stand of the story to another.
I want to read more by this author!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 1, 2018
I have read many crime fiction novels and quite a few spiritualism/witchcraft novels but never one that combines both. That Old Black Magic is a fictional novel that also has elements of fact, the body found in a tree being one of them, along with some characters who did exist. One of them, Helen Duncan, I had never heard of, until she was the answer to a question on a quiz show on TV a few days before I started reading this novel.
It is a book where you really need to concentrate, there are many characters and sometimes I did struggle to see the connection. It also takes place over a few years, the discovery of the body is in the last half of the book. Most of the novel concerns the investigation into Helen Duncan and the spy ring. It was the story around the spy ring that I found the most fascinating.
I loved the descriptions of it all. The spookiness at the seances, the bombed out areas in Birmingham and every body who featured. Minor characters provided a lot of empathy to the novel, talking about how they felt over people dead or those who had nothing left. Spooner was an amazing character who wanted to help his country and he appreciated all that he came into contact with. He showed that he had a heart with even the simplest of actions, such as lending his car.
It is a book where you really need to concentrate, there are many characters and sometimes I did struggle to see the connection. It also takes place over a few years, the discovery of the body is in the last half of the book. Most of the novel concerns the investigation into Helen Duncan and the spy ring. It was the story around the spy ring that I found the most fascinating.
I loved the descriptions of it all. The spookiness at the seances, the bombed out areas in Birmingham and every body who featured. Minor characters provided a lot of empathy to the novel, talking about how they felt over people dead or those who had nothing left. Spooner was an amazing character who wanted to help his country and he appreciated all that he came into contact with. He showed that he had a heart with even the simplest of actions, such as lending his car.
September 12, 2021
I found this book rather easier to follow than the first one I read (Without The Moon). The book was a very interesting story, especially since it seemed to be based on real events. The author has a real sense for World War II and her descriptions of places around that time are very good.
The alternative thread surrounding the famous Medium, Helen Duncan, was quite fascinating to follow. I liked this book, it was not a usual mainstream novel and it was enjoyable to read something that I would not normally choose.
The alternative thread surrounding the famous Medium, Helen Duncan, was quite fascinating to follow. I liked this book, it was not a usual mainstream novel and it was enjoyable to read something that I would not normally choose.
June 4, 2018
Enjoyed this one. Set during the second world war it tells the story of a German spy ring operating in England. Their shared love of everything to do with the occult makes them dangerous adversaries. When Clara their ringleader goes missing Ross Spooner is sent to investigate the group and soon finds himself mixing with musicians, magicians,ghost hunters and other secret service operatives. The search for Clara leads to a frightening finale for spooner. Terrific read.
June 8, 2018
Really enjoyed this. It uses the Bella in the Wych Elm case as a framework for a story of mediums, black magic, and showbiz. It's like one of those Wheatley style 70s horror novels where a private investigator takes on a group of satanists. But much better written.
If you like classic pulp horror, definitely worth checking out.
If you like classic pulp horror, definitely worth checking out.
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