The Manson Curse

by Dell Shannon

When American journalist Jon Harkness is reassigned to his paper's London office, he quickly becomes embroiled in a bizarre tale involving an ancient family curse. Whilst out for a drive, his car is surrounded by an eerie fog and he finds himself on the wild Cornish coast by a medieval-looking pub named The Drowned Man.It is here that Harkness overhears the locals talking about an ancient curse that haunts the prominent Manson family, which piques his interest. Upon visiting the family's mansion, Harkness is plunged headlong into the chilling tale of a spell that has worked its power over the Manson clan for centuries.

Genres: Mystery

325 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1990

About the author

Pseudonym of Elizabeth Linington.

Barbara "Elizabeth" Linington (March 11, 1921 – April 5, 1988) was an American novelist. She was awarded runner-up scrolls for best first mystery novel from the Mystery Writers of America for her 1960 novel, Case Pending, which introduced her most popular series character, LAPD Homicide Lieutenant Luis Mendoza. Her 1961 book, Nightmare, and her 1962 novel, Knave of Hearts, another entry in the Mendoza series, were both nominated for Edgars in the Best Novel category. Regarded as the "Queen of the Procedurals," she was one of the first women to write police procedurals — a male-dominated genre of police-story writing.

Besides crime, Linington also took interest in archaeology, the occult, gemstones, antique weapons and languages. Linington was also a conservative political activist who was an active member of the John Birch Society

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried. I really did try, but this book just couldn't keep me interested. It was so boring to me. Oh well. I can't like everything. :-/

[JaneEire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really held my attention. So glad I actually indulged myself and read it all in one day!

"When American journalist Jon Harkness is reassigned to his paper's London office, he quickly becomes embroiled in a bizarre tale involving an ancient family curse. Whilst out for a drive, his car is surrounded by an eerie fog and he finds himself on the wild Cornish coast by a medieval-looking pub named The Drowned Man. It is here that Harkness overhears the locals talking about an ancient curse that haunts the prominent Manson family, which piques his interest. Upon visiting the family's mansion, Harkness is plunged headlong into the chilling tale of a spell that has worked its power over the Manson clan for centuries."

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I couldn't keep focused. It was drawn out & I was bored. But, as I continued, I was intrigued & became drawn into the story. I wanted to keep reading & find out "who dunnit" just as John Harkness became the detective. My feelings were pulled as the story unfolded and I found myself trying to put the pieces together as I read.

I was also intrigued by the different lifestyles/values that were developed throughout the book. Loyalty still exists.

A very amazing book full of twists and turns.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, with the title and all, I thought it would have to do with California. Nope, this is the story of a family in Cornwall with a strong vein of Freudianism thrown in.

Enjoyable, a little convoluted, and with characters all to ready to take other people's opinions as fact.