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Theater of Thieves #1
Chalice of Darkness
London, 1908. The Fitzglens are proud of their reputation as one of London’s leading theatre families. They are, however, equally proud of another profession which they pursue very discreetly . . . When not on stage, they are thieves.
Jack Fitzglen's latest plan is to seek out the infamous Talisman Chalice, steal it and create a dazzling piece of theatre around it. He travels to Vallow Hall in Northumberland to find the mysterious Maude – the last known link to the Chalice – but uncovers something far darker. Scandal, secrets and danger lurk in every shady corner. Perhaps the legend of the Chalice has come true: that in the wrong hands, the Chalice drags a person into a darkness from which he or she can never emerge…
As past and present collide, can Jack find the Chalice, the truth and return to his theatre of thieves unscathed?
Jack Fitzglen's latest plan is to seek out the infamous Talisman Chalice, steal it and create a dazzling piece of theatre around it. He travels to Vallow Hall in Northumberland to find the mysterious Maude – the last known link to the Chalice – but uncovers something far darker. Scandal, secrets and danger lurk in every shady corner. Perhaps the legend of the Chalice has come true: that in the wrong hands, the Chalice drags a person into a darkness from which he or she can never emerge…
As past and present collide, can Jack find the Chalice, the truth and return to his theatre of thieves unscathed?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
14 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rayne
46 books307 followersAka Frances Gordon, Bridget Wood
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 13, 2023
With Chalice of Darkness, Sarah Rayne begins a new series, an historical fiction involving a theatrical family, the Fitzglens, and their famous Amaranth Theatre of London. As we meet them, we learn that in addition to the family’s acting skills, they have a long history of what they term “filching”. Thieving it may be, but only of the highest class items and from those who can afford to lose whatever the Fitzglen’s have their eyes on. Their immediate interest is an item of almost mythical history, closely connected to various parts of British royalty and dating back centuries, the Talisman Chalice whose whereabouts are unknown. Jack Fitzglen, who has inherited the theatre from his father as well as leadership of the family, has set this as the family goal, of sorts, and the game is on to find it.
But the game becomes one of deadly earnest as clues are unearthed and hints of past evils and sadness appear, along with a possible curse involving the chalice. As the story unfolds there are two timelines, ca 1907, the present day, and ca 1892, the time of Aidan Fitzglen, the fire at the Amaranth and an important time in the tale of the chalice, the date of its loss from the Victorian household. There are many characters in this tale but the important ones are all well defined. I enjoyed the quest through old diaries and stores, the questioning of those who were “there” in the past. I liked these Fitzglens and their friends.
I’m very interested to see where the next book will take Jack and his family and friends.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
But the game becomes one of deadly earnest as clues are unearthed and hints of past evils and sadness appear, along with a possible curse involving the chalice. As the story unfolds there are two timelines, ca 1907, the present day, and ca 1892, the time of Aidan Fitzglen, the fire at the Amaranth and an important time in the tale of the chalice, the date of its loss from the Victorian household. There are many characters in this tale but the important ones are all well defined. I enjoyed the quest through old diaries and stores, the questioning of those who were “there” in the past. I liked these Fitzglens and their friends.
I’m very interested to see where the next book will take Jack and his family and friends.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 28, 2022
I've devoured the novels of Sarah Rayne ever since I first discovered this author. CHALICE OF DARKNESS is not a stand-alone, but the First of a new series featuring the fin-de-siecle English theatrical family, the Fitzglens of London's Amaranth Theatre, during the final Decade of the 19th century into the early 20th century.
Woven into this narrative are the English royal family, during and just after Victoria's reign [Extra apropos coming so soon after the passing of Queen Elizabeth in 2022], one of Victoria's grandsons, the English theatrical culture, plus a set of really nasty human villains. But CHALICE OF DARKNESS doesn't stop there: history back to Richard II and III, the lost nephews of Richard III, monasteries, Henry VIII and his rages, all come to play, as the author weaves historical accounts into the two current timelines (approximately 1892-1893 and 1907-1908), backdropping human failures and frailty, and exposing a long-standing historical curse. Are the consequences Supernatural in origin, or simply the outcomes of human failings? The reader must decide.
Woven into this narrative are the English royal family, during and just after Victoria's reign [Extra apropos coming so soon after the passing of Queen Elizabeth in 2022], one of Victoria's grandsons, the English theatrical culture, plus a set of really nasty human villains. But CHALICE OF DARKNESS doesn't stop there: history back to Richard II and III, the lost nephews of Richard III, monasteries, Henry VIII and his rages, all come to play, as the author weaves historical accounts into the two current timelines (approximately 1892-1893 and 1907-1908), backdropping human failures and frailty, and exposing a long-standing historical curse. Are the consequences Supernatural in origin, or simply the outcomes of human failings? The reader must decide.
November 27, 2022
288 Pages
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This book is the first in a new series for Ms. Rayne. The premise is a bit different. We have a troupe of actors/actresses in the early 1900’s. They are the famous Fitzglen family. They are also a group of high class thieves.
In this episode they are on a search to obtain the Chalice of Darkness. (Also known as the Talisman Chalice.) The chalice apparently deserves its shadowy reputation. Tragedy follows the chalice.
The best part of the book is Jack Fitzglen and his relatives and friends tracing the history of the chalice. I especially enjoyed reading the chalice being traced through the Yorkist faction and its traveling to the Tudors and then to the mysterious Maude during the Edwardian era.
Ms. Rayne is a very talented author. I truly enjoy her mysteries/borderline supernatural forays. Her characters are colorful and full of life. The reader actually witnesses the thrilling drama as cited in the novel. I actually liked the quirky collection of thieves. I have read her Phineas Fox series and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I have found a new series by Ms. Rayne that I will enjoy as much. Just don’t give up on Phin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This book is the first in a new series for Ms. Rayne. The premise is a bit different. We have a troupe of actors/actresses in the early 1900’s. They are the famous Fitzglen family. They are also a group of high class thieves.
In this episode they are on a search to obtain the Chalice of Darkness. (Also known as the Talisman Chalice.) The chalice apparently deserves its shadowy reputation. Tragedy follows the chalice.
The best part of the book is Jack Fitzglen and his relatives and friends tracing the history of the chalice. I especially enjoyed reading the chalice being traced through the Yorkist faction and its traveling to the Tudors and then to the mysterious Maude during the Edwardian era.
Ms. Rayne is a very talented author. I truly enjoy her mysteries/borderline supernatural forays. Her characters are colorful and full of life. The reader actually witnesses the thrilling drama as cited in the novel. I actually liked the quirky collection of thieves. I have read her Phineas Fox series and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I have found a new series by Ms. Rayne that I will enjoy as much. Just don’t give up on Phin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
February 10, 2023
I haven’t read anything from Sarah Rayne prior to reading this book. I honestly don’t think I’ll be reading another one. I couldn’t get interested in the book. I was really bored and couldn’t concentrate on what I was reading. This book wasn’t for me but I will recommend it to a friend that I know that might like it
October 12, 2024
Again, an exceptional book. I love the way she writes and will definitely read more.
February 19, 2023
“Fortune’s gone a-begging, and the luck’s gone out the door
And the fences are a-cheering and the King ain’t safe no more
For rum-dubbers picked the locks when no one was around
And they’ll all be at the Tuck-up Fair/If the Talisman don’t return.” - from ‘The Lament of the Luck-filled Vessel’.
My thanks to Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Chalice of Darkness’ by Sarah Rayne.
I am a long time admirer of Sarah Rayne’s fiction and so welcomed this new historical mystery that is the first in her Theatre of Thieves Mysteries.
London, 1908. The Fitzglens are proud of their reputation as one of London’s leading theatre families. However, they have another profession, which they pursue very discreetly. They are skilled thieves, stealing only from the rich and are always on the lookout for opportunities.
Jack Fitzglen is very interested in the infamous Talisman Chalice, a medieval bowl taken from a monastery by Richard II. His plan is to locate and steal it and then to create a dazzling piece of theatre based on its legend covertly featuring the actual chalice.
Yet the chalice has a dark history as it is said to bring bad luck to anyone who has it in their possession apart from its rightful owners and indeed over the centuries many who had it came to a sticky end, including Richard II.
The chalice disappeared from the British royal family’s collection in 1891. Jack then finds a clue in his father’s effects in the form of a letter and photographs of a young woman named Maud Vallow and of the chalice. Her letter dated December 1891 warns the recipient to never come to Vallow Hall!
So hot on the trail, Jack travels in disguise to Northumberland and plans to contact Maude, confirm the chalice is there, and then ‘filch’ it. Yet his quest quickly enters darker territory as there are scandals, secrets, and dangers lurking everywhere. Aside from the going-ons in the novel’s present there are flashbacks to earlier events.
This was a superb multilayered mystery set in the dazzling world of the Edwardian theatre. There’s also the picturesque landscapes of Northumberland. My favourite supporting character was Todworthy Inkling, an eccentric Covent Garden bookseller with a discreet side business in jewellery and silverware. He is a great friend of the Fitzglen’s and a font of knowledge on the medieval period.
Despite its modest length ‘Chalice of Darkness’ is packed with plot and historical detail. In her Author’s Note Rayne provides details of The Munster Luck, a medieval bowl rich in legend. It provided the inspiration for her Tailsman Chalice that has launched her tales of the Fitzglen family.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much. It has plenty of excitement, a few twists, and even royal connections. I look forward to what’s next for Sarah Rayne’s Fitzglen family and the Theatre of Thieves.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
And the fences are a-cheering and the King ain’t safe no more
For rum-dubbers picked the locks when no one was around
And they’ll all be at the Tuck-up Fair/If the Talisman don’t return.” - from ‘The Lament of the Luck-filled Vessel’.
My thanks to Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Chalice of Darkness’ by Sarah Rayne.
I am a long time admirer of Sarah Rayne’s fiction and so welcomed this new historical mystery that is the first in her Theatre of Thieves Mysteries.
London, 1908. The Fitzglens are proud of their reputation as one of London’s leading theatre families. However, they have another profession, which they pursue very discreetly. They are skilled thieves, stealing only from the rich and are always on the lookout for opportunities.
Jack Fitzglen is very interested in the infamous Talisman Chalice, a medieval bowl taken from a monastery by Richard II. His plan is to locate and steal it and then to create a dazzling piece of theatre based on its legend covertly featuring the actual chalice.
Yet the chalice has a dark history as it is said to bring bad luck to anyone who has it in their possession apart from its rightful owners and indeed over the centuries many who had it came to a sticky end, including Richard II.
The chalice disappeared from the British royal family’s collection in 1891. Jack then finds a clue in his father’s effects in the form of a letter and photographs of a young woman named Maud Vallow and of the chalice. Her letter dated December 1891 warns the recipient to never come to Vallow Hall!
So hot on the trail, Jack travels in disguise to Northumberland and plans to contact Maude, confirm the chalice is there, and then ‘filch’ it. Yet his quest quickly enters darker territory as there are scandals, secrets, and dangers lurking everywhere. Aside from the going-ons in the novel’s present there are flashbacks to earlier events.
This was a superb multilayered mystery set in the dazzling world of the Edwardian theatre. There’s also the picturesque landscapes of Northumberland. My favourite supporting character was Todworthy Inkling, an eccentric Covent Garden bookseller with a discreet side business in jewellery and silverware. He is a great friend of the Fitzglen’s and a font of knowledge on the medieval period.
Despite its modest length ‘Chalice of Darkness’ is packed with plot and historical detail. In her Author’s Note Rayne provides details of The Munster Luck, a medieval bowl rich in legend. It provided the inspiration for her Tailsman Chalice that has launched her tales of the Fitzglen family.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much. It has plenty of excitement, a few twists, and even royal connections. I look forward to what’s next for Sarah Rayne’s Fitzglen family and the Theatre of Thieves.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
February 7, 2023
I have been a fan of Sarah Rayne’s Nell West and Michael Flint Supernatural series, so was excited to see this new series by Ms. Rayne
The story follows a theatrical family, the Fitzglens who enjoy a modest success as actors and a better sucess as cat burglars. Jack Fitzglen the current head of the family decides to stage a play and a theft of the long missing Talisman Chalice, a famous medieval chalice that disappeared from the Royal family’s coffers in 1891, After finding a photograph and letter in his late father’s effects of the chalice pictured with a young woman named Maude Vallow, Jack proposes to pose as a gentleman looking to buy property in the area of Vallow Hall and look for the missing chalice and if he finds it to steal it. The problem is that the chalice has a dubious history. The previous owners have come to some sticky ends. The chalice was removed from a monastery by Richard II and he did not have a great end. The chalice then ends up in the hands of a young Edward V and Richard Duke of York, aka the Princes in the Tower, and then a certain young lady named Anne Boleyn. None of these famous Royals had a happy ending. Jack travels to Vallow Hall to see what became of Maude Vallow and the chalice. How did the chalice end up in the hands of the young wife of the owner of Vallow Hall and not the Royal family? Will Jack solve the mystery and acquire the missing chalice or will he come to a similar sticky end as the prior owners of the chalice?
I enjoyed the mystery of the chalice, especially the historical aspects of the chalice and how it made it’s way through Royal history and then disappeared. There was a slight supernatural tint to the story that I enjoyed and I look forward to the next book in the series. The Fitzglens were a fun, witty family and I look forward to more adventures from them.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Severn House and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
The story follows a theatrical family, the Fitzglens who enjoy a modest success as actors and a better sucess as cat burglars. Jack Fitzglen the current head of the family decides to stage a play and a theft of the long missing Talisman Chalice, a famous medieval chalice that disappeared from the Royal family’s coffers in 1891, After finding a photograph and letter in his late father’s effects of the chalice pictured with a young woman named Maude Vallow, Jack proposes to pose as a gentleman looking to buy property in the area of Vallow Hall and look for the missing chalice and if he finds it to steal it. The problem is that the chalice has a dubious history. The previous owners have come to some sticky ends. The chalice was removed from a monastery by Richard II and he did not have a great end. The chalice then ends up in the hands of a young Edward V and Richard Duke of York, aka the Princes in the Tower, and then a certain young lady named Anne Boleyn. None of these famous Royals had a happy ending. Jack travels to Vallow Hall to see what became of Maude Vallow and the chalice. How did the chalice end up in the hands of the young wife of the owner of Vallow Hall and not the Royal family? Will Jack solve the mystery and acquire the missing chalice or will he come to a similar sticky end as the prior owners of the chalice?
I enjoyed the mystery of the chalice, especially the historical aspects of the chalice and how it made it’s way through Royal history and then disappeared. There was a slight supernatural tint to the story that I enjoyed and I look forward to the next book in the series. The Fitzglens were a fun, witty family and I look forward to more adventures from them.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Severn House and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
January 16, 2023
An unsettling Edwardian Gothic mystery that spreads its malevolent and sinister wings from London to Northumberland and introduces the Fitzglens, a highly likeable family of talented thespians also known for being skillful thieves. But little do they know at the beginning of this captivating novel that stealing an ancient chalice talisman could upend their lives and bring them dangerously close to a frightening point of no return...
A gripping tale of madness and murder full of evil twists and turns, gorgeously plotted and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters, Chalice of darkness kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
A highly recommended literary treat that deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC
A gripping tale of madness and murder full of evil twists and turns, gorgeously plotted and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters, Chalice of darkness kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
A highly recommended literary treat that deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC
February 4, 2023
Like a modern day Wilkie Collins or Bronte sister, Sarah Rayne, summons up mystery and intrigue in a deliciously dark gothic setting. This is a magnificent start to a new series set in Edwardian England.
One couldn't hope to find a more loveable bunch of rogues than the Fitzglen family, owners of a dry rot-ridden London theatre. The gothic thrills come thick and fast in two ghastly houses on the wild border of England and Scotland.
On stage and off I am already in love with the leading man, Jack Fitzglen, and eagerly await the next book in the series. An absolute must read for mystery fans.
One couldn't hope to find a more loveable bunch of rogues than the Fitzglen family, owners of a dry rot-ridden London theatre. The gothic thrills come thick and fast in two ghastly houses on the wild border of England and Scotland.
On stage and off I am already in love with the leading man, Jack Fitzglen, and eagerly await the next book in the series. An absolute must read for mystery fans.
November 30, 2022
The first in a new series by popular author Sarah Rayne started at a slow pace but soon picked up speed to a satisfying conclusion. This gripping thriller was well written and thoroughly researched as you expect from Sarah and had a great cast of characters, some more likable than others, I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next.
February 11, 2023
Another new series from Ms Rayne. we're introduced to the Fitzglen's a family of actors and theatre owners. Jack Fitzglen discovers some papers belonging to his deceased father. When he finds a photograph showing a mysterious woman and a chalice he decides to hunt both out. But as the hunt gets underway he realises the chalice has a dark and tragic past.
March 29, 2023
Another random find at the library. Really had no idea where the book was going but it really pulled you in. Always been interested in London’s history and was surprised to see this book dealt with that. Reading people’s accounts of events such as the mysterious deaths of the two young princes and the aftermath of Anne Boleyn… creepy. I definitely recommend this one!
August 20, 2024
A "filching" family who runs a theater? Sign me up! This is a pleasantly spooky tale of old legends, cursed objects, and even a mad woman in the attic. Or is she? There's also a huge number of coincidences but park. your disbelief in a dusty box stored under the piano. Then enjoy this convoluted tale of actors moonlighting as thieves for what it is, a loving homage to the gothic mystery.
February 6, 2023
Another thrilling novel by this talented author: I had fun, read it in two sitting and couldn't put it down.
Excellent characters, setting and solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Excellent characters, setting and solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
May 9, 2025
I really like Sarah Rayne's books, I already read a couple of her other supernatural series. this is the first of the theatre of thieves books.
it's sort of cosy crime, which I usually despise, but I really liked this book.
it's sort of cosy crime, which I usually despise, but I really liked this book.
March 25, 2023
Read this in one afternoon. Quite an original crime novel, incorporating all my favourite things; a creepy house,hint of the supernatural,historical back story and a happy ending.
March 22, 2023
Wow! WOW! I read everything by Sarah Rayne and once again she did NOT disappoint!! What begins as a "filching" exercise becomes a quest for the truth.
The story begins with Jack, a member of a theater of thieves devises a plan to steal the alluded Talisman Chalice. Jack, who has grown up in the theater with his family, travels to last county side where it seems that the chalice has been seen.
It is while Jack is there that he finds much more than he bargained for. Not only more insight of the missing chalice but also his family, specifically the death of his beloved father.
For sure this is a page turner!
The story begins with Jack, a member of a theater of thieves devises a plan to steal the alluded Talisman Chalice. Jack, who has grown up in the theater with his family, travels to last county side where it seems that the chalice has been seen.
It is while Jack is there that he finds much more than he bargained for. Not only more insight of the missing chalice but also his family, specifically the death of his beloved father.
For sure this is a page turner!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews