"A wonderfully atmospheric historical thriller exploring the curse of a Hollywood horror movie made during the 1920’s."
Deliciously dark and tantalising, this chilling thriller vibrates with gothic menace. A movie is said to be cursed after the star dies and accidents plague the set, studio fixer Mary Rourke is charged with discovering the truth. I’ve read a fair few of Craig Russell’s books and love the deeply barbed darkness contained within, this is something else again, and is probably my new favourite of his novels. Three time frames span 70 years, with much of the story covering the last year of silent movies before the talkies took over. This particular time period in the novel is incredibly atmospheric, I felt as though I was surrounded by all aspects of classical Hollywood cinema. The beautifully staged mix of fact and fiction works brilliantly, and assists in the feeling of immersion. An uneasy foreboding rides the tale and as you move forward and backwards through the years questions rise to taunt as you leave each time frame. There is a beauty to be found in the descriptive detailing, the intricacies of the characters, and the eloquence of the well-written plot. I absolutely adored the ending, its arrival created shockwaves that still resonate. A Liz Pick of the Month and LoveReading Star Book, The Devil’s Playground is branded with a fiery intensity that creates and entertaining and enthralling read.
| Primary Genre | Thriller and Suspense |
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