The cover of the rather obscure audiobook for this equally unheralded book that I listened to at the gym stated it was around six hours long. But oh boy, it sure felt a lot longer!

After a very brief introduction of the two so-called "protagonists," the novel devolves into a tiresome soap opera featuring characters who are far too similar and inhabit an estate in the British countryside. Halfway through the book, long after I had completely forgotten who they were, our "protagonists" make a return and the plot finally starts to move, well, more like simmer. It's obvious that whoever wrote the blurb on the back of the audiobook never actually listened to it. Because although Nicola is supposed to be a "protagonist" (meaning we readers are somehow expected to care about her), in reality, she has absolutely no agency. And neither does Edward, our supposed hero. In fact, the final nail in the coffin comes from an unlikely and rather random source.

Frankly speaking, I'm really not sure who the intended audience for this novel is. At first, I thought it was going to be a kind of sleazy gothic romance, but everything is pretty tame and none of the various forgettable female characters are anyone that one would want to identify with. There are a few scenes of witchcraft or satanism, which are the only times when the reader, Rowena Cooper, seems to show any interest. But there just aren't enough of these scenes to satisfy someone looking for a knockoff of The Wicker Man.

I guess what I'm really trying to convey is that it probably should have been titled The Devil on Lame Ass Night instead.

I am an absolute sucker for these neo-gothic pot boilers. And let me tell you, this particular one stands out as being better than most.

I truly think I have a penchant for when these books don't hold back when it comes to the supernatural. Most of them initially give off a ghostly vibe. But then, à la Scooby-Doo, it is revealed that there is a perfectly logical explanation. And for some reason, there is also a fast-blooming romance with a vaguely brutal man thrown in.

However, in this book, the romances with the good guys are the ones that are truly desirable (+1). What's more, the author has a great approach when they say, "Yeah, there are some f-ing witches doing some black masses, yo. What did you think when you read this title?" In my opinion, this is the perfect way to write something like this. It adds an element of authenticity and a touch of boldness that really makes the story come alive.

Overall, this neo-gothic pot boiler has managed to capture my attention and keep me engaged from start to finish. I can't wait to see what other similar works are out there waiting for me to discover.

This is my very first encounter with a Susan Howatch book, and initially, it took me a while to adapt to her unique writing style. However, once I got into the rhythm, it turned out to be a relatively quick read.

What really caught my attention was the unexpected surprise at the end, which completely took me by surprise. I have this soft spot for books that delve into the occult, regardless of how absurd or unlikely they might seem.

In essence, as long as you approach this book with a lighthearted attitude and don't take it too seriously, it can be a truly enjoyable read. It offers a bit of escapism into a world of mystery and the unknown, which can be quite entertaining.

Overall, while it may not be a literary masterpiece, it has its charm and is definitely worth a read for those who enjoy a bit of the supernatural and a quick, fun story.

Another book penned by this author truly captured my heart. It didn't have as complex and intricate a story as some of the previous books by this writer. However, that didn't make it any less of a good read. In fact, it had its own charm and appeal. The simplicity of the plot allowed for a more straightforward and enjoyable reading experience. The characters were well-developed and engaging, and the writing style was流畅 and easy to follow. Despite not being as deeply involved as some of the other works, this book still managed to hold my attention from start to finish. It was a refreshing and pleasant read that I would highly recommend to others.

I truly adored this book.

It was an absolute page-turner, filled with an intense sense of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

The author's masterful storytelling skills were on full display, as they wove a web of mystery and intrigue that had me guessing at every turn.

Each chapter seemed to end with a cliffhanger, leaving me desperate to know what would happen next.

The characters were well-developed and engaging, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

I found myself completely invested in their fates, rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their path.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller or mystery.

It will keep you entertained and guessing until the very last page.

This book is an absolute delight.

The writing style is snappy and propulsive, which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The plot about the satanic coven is very much of its era, yet it is also quite fun.

Moreover, the book is really funny.

I'm not entirely sure if it was intended as satire, but at times it almost seems like a send-up of the satanic/folk horror novels of that period.

Although the witty tone of the book does sacrifice some of the atmosphere, I wouldn't want to change a single word.

It has its own unique charm and appeal that makes it a truly enjoyable read.

Whether you're a fan of horror, satire, or just good storytelling, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It offers a fresh and entertaining take on a familiar genre, and I'm sure you'll have a great time reading it.

Howatch truly excels in crafting dialogue that feels authentically human. The author presents readers with multiple perspectives, which enriches the story and gives a sense of depth. Additionally, there is an overwhelming atmosphere of impending doom that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I was truly amazed to encounter so many Atheist characters in a novel written as early as 1970. This shows remarkable forward-thinking on the part of the author. Even the way in which society is regarded within the novel is thought-provoking and interesting. It makes for a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, author, for this wonderful literary work.

The Devil on Lammas Night is an absolutely delightful book that offers some truly wonderful twists and turns.

It deviates from the author's typical mystery formula as it delves into the realm of the supernatural. What makes it quite unusual is that there isn't a mysterious murder from the past lurking in the background. Instead, the primary murder takes place right within the story, and interestingly, we are aware of the perpetrator from the outset.

However, this culprit is extremely clever and is in league with the devil himself. As a result, he is not easily apprehended. The combination of the known murderer and the supernatural elements creates a unique and engaging narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover how the story will unfold and whether justice will ultimately be served.

Overall, The Devil on Lammas Night is a captivating read that offers a fresh take on the mystery genre.

Another historical suspense story with a bit of satan worship

This captivating narrative takes readers on a thrilling journey through time. Set in a bygone era, it weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story unfolds with a series of strange events that seem to be connected to a hidden world of satan worship. As the protagonist delves deeper into the谜团, they encounter a web of secrets and lies that threaten to consume them. With each new discovery, the tension builds, leading to a climax that will leave you breathless. This historical suspense story is not for the faint of heart, but for those who love a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural. It offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and horror that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning reader. So, if you're looking for a thrilling read that will transport you to another time and place, look no further than this captivating historical suspense story.

It's been many years since I first read this book.

Looking back, I'd completely forgotten how slow and rather boring it was at the very start. But then, after a while, something changed. The narrative perked up a bit, and suddenly, I found myself completely engrossed and couldn't put the book down.

The main theme that runs through this story is witchcraft.

A so-called'society' leases part of an estate from its cash-strapped owner. The thirteen members of this group move in and almost immediately begin to act in a very strange manner.

Over a period of time, as the story unfolds, details start to emerge about witchcraft, magic, and even devil worship. It seems that they have some rather sinister plans.

Outsiders are being drugged or 'hypnotized' in order to make them more susceptible to their suggestions.

Eventually, after much drama and tension, the weird sect is temporarily defeated, and for a while, all seems to return to normal.

Towards the end of the story, the tension is built up to a great extent. I could almost feel the fear of the characters who were bravely trying to stop the sect from doing its worst.

However, whilst there are indeed different beliefs in the real world, as a story, this one stopped just a bit short of being far-fetched. It had its moments of excitement and intrigue, but in the end, it didn't quite reach the level of truly captivating me.

This is an old gothic/romance that was copyrighted in 1970. It is set in a large estate in Wales, which features the ruins of an old castle and chapel.

I was drawn to it because of the title, which had "Lammas" in it. Here's an interesting quote: "I don't think he's the real Tristan Poole at all. I think they succeeded in summoning the Devil in that orange grove twelve years ago during the Lammas rites, and the Devil took possession of one of his followers." This is from Mrs. Jane Shaw, a character in "The Devil on Lammas Night."

The story seems to be filled with mystery and the supernatural. The setting of the old estate in Wales, with its crumbling castle and chapel, adds an air of spookiness. The mention of the Lammas rites and the summoning of the Devil makes it even more intriguing. I can't wait to see how the plot unfolds and what other secrets and surprises this old gothic/romance has in store.

Fun and easy read.

Susan Howatch was the Doubleday Book Club Queen when I was growing up. Her novels were a staple in many households, offering a captivating escape into worlds filled with drama, romance, and complex characters.

I remember eagerly devouring her books, getting lost in the pages and unable to put them down. Howatch had a unique talent for creating stories that were both engaging and thought-provoking, making her a favorite among readers of all ages.

Whether it was a historical romance set in the past or a contemporary drama dealing with modern-day issues, Howatch's writing always had a certain charm and appeal. Her characters were well-developed and relatable, and the plots were filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Even today, I still look back on those days of reading Susan Howatch's novels with fondness. She was truly a master of her craft, and her books will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.