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The Secret of the Elms
When Mary Ellen arrives at her grandmother's castle, she learns that she must never mention horses and that the nursery is haunted.
- GenresFiction
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Daniel P. Mannix
44 books66 followersDaniel Pratt Mannix IV was best known as an American author and journalist. His life was remarkably different from other writers of his generation. His career included times as a side show performer, magician, trainer of eagles and film maker.
The Grest Zadma was a stage name Mannix used as a magician. He also entertained as a sword swallower and fire eater in a traveling carnival sideshow. Magazine articles about these experiences, co-written with his wife, became very popular in 1944 and 1945.
As an author Mannix covered a wide variety of subject matter. His more than 25 books ranged from fictional animal stories for children, the natural history of animals, and adventurous accounts about hunting big game to sensational adult non-fiction topics such as a biography of the occultist Aleister Crowley, sympathetic accounts of carnival performers and sideshow freaks, and works describing, among other things, the Hellfire Club, the Atlantic slave trade, the history of torture, and the Roman games. His output of essays and articles was extensive.
The Grest Zadma was a stage name Mannix used as a magician. He also entertained as a sword swallower and fire eater in a traveling carnival sideshow. Magazine articles about these experiences, co-written with his wife, became very popular in 1944 and 1945.
As an author Mannix covered a wide variety of subject matter. His more than 25 books ranged from fictional animal stories for children, the natural history of animals, and adventurous accounts about hunting big game to sensational adult non-fiction topics such as a biography of the occultist Aleister Crowley, sympathetic accounts of carnival performers and sideshow freaks, and works describing, among other things, the Hellfire Club, the Atlantic slave trade, the history of torture, and the Roman games. His output of essays and articles was extensive.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 23, 2024
Of the human-focused novels by Daniel P. Mannix that I've read, Secret of the Elms stands out as the strongest. The protagonist, Mary Ellen, is well-developed with a clear, compelling goal, and the antagonists are sharply drawn, making the story both engaging and easy to follow. The dialogue, which is often a weak point in Mannix’s works, is significantly improved here, with each character speaking in a distinctive manner. Unlike The Healer, which suffered from numerous digressions and exposition dumps, Secret of the Elms remains focused, and the narrative is tighter and more streamlined.
While The Healer excelled in its animal-focused moments—particularly the sections with the coyote and dogs—Secret of the Elms does a far better job of crafting a human-centric adventure. The sequences with Witch the Owl and Hobbit the Horse are entertaining and well-researched, but Mannix never over-relies on them, as he did with the animal characters in The Healer. Instead, the novel’s human characters drive the plot forward, with the relationships and challenges Mary Ellen faces remaining the core of the story.
One of the most striking features of Secret of the Elms is its gothic ghost story elements. While not quite enough to qualify as a horror novel, the supernatural aspects are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative. Unlike The Healer, where the dark fantasy elements feel incidental and at times random, the ghost story in Secret of the Elms feels intentional and essential to the plot, especially as it builds toward the novel's climactic moments. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, making it more than just a straightforward adventure.
For fans of Mannix's animal novels who are seeking a human-focused tale, Secret of the Elms is a must-read. It skillfully balances the best elements of Mannix's writing—strong character development, well-researched details, and a compelling adventure—while incorporating a touch of supernatural suspense that elevates the narrative. This is the novel to start with if you're looking for a human-centered story from Mannix, and it demonstrates his growth as a writer beyond the confines of animal-focused adventure.
While The Healer excelled in its animal-focused moments—particularly the sections with the coyote and dogs—Secret of the Elms does a far better job of crafting a human-centric adventure. The sequences with Witch the Owl and Hobbit the Horse are entertaining and well-researched, but Mannix never over-relies on them, as he did with the animal characters in The Healer. Instead, the novel’s human characters drive the plot forward, with the relationships and challenges Mary Ellen faces remaining the core of the story.
One of the most striking features of Secret of the Elms is its gothic ghost story elements. While not quite enough to qualify as a horror novel, the supernatural aspects are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative. Unlike The Healer, where the dark fantasy elements feel incidental and at times random, the ghost story in Secret of the Elms feels intentional and essential to the plot, especially as it builds toward the novel's climactic moments. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, making it more than just a straightforward adventure.
For fans of Mannix's animal novels who are seeking a human-focused tale, Secret of the Elms is a must-read. It skillfully balances the best elements of Mannix's writing—strong character development, well-researched details, and a compelling adventure—while incorporating a touch of supernatural suspense that elevates the narrative. This is the novel to start with if you're looking for a human-centered story from Mannix, and it demonstrates his growth as a writer beyond the confines of animal-focused adventure.
Displaying 1 of 1 review