In my project, it has always been my goal to finally read all the vintage paperbacks on my bookshelf. This particular one was rather silly. The villain in the story was a psychologist who had received his training in America. He was loitering around the guest house of a British manor. There, he led a cult of health food hippies. At one point in the narrative, they engage in a discussion about planning their occult rituals. What makes it quite comical is that they do so in the same tone and tenor as one would use when planning a fondue party. Towards the end, there is a cheesy black wedding scene that wraps up the entire story. So, no one can argue that it did not meet the demands of the cut-rate gothic dime novels of the late 60s. It had all the elements that one would expect from such a genre - a somewhat absurd villain, a strange cult, and a rather over-the-top ending.

It was an interesting read, to say the least, and it definitely added to the overall experience of going through my collection of vintage paperbacks.

It was, of course, completely silly. However, I am an absolute sucker for anything that is even vaguely pagan or satanic.

It was really enjoyable, and at some point, I will be digging out her other books. Jane was my favorite.

I find the allure of pagan and satanic themes quite fascinating. There is something mysterious and captivating about them that draws me in.

The book I just read had elements that were both strange and enticing. It made me want to explore more of the author's work.

Jane, in particular, was a character that stood out to me. Her personality and actions were engaging, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story.

I'm looking forward to delving into the author's other books and seeing what other interesting and unique stories she has to offer.

I truly had a great time while experiencing it.

It is clearly targeted towards a teenage audience. The reason being that it doesn't contain any overly graphic or violent content. However, that doesn't mean it lacks in entertainment value. On the contrary, it is extremely enjoyable and fun.

One of the aspects that I particularly loved was the section where the story was told from the cat's point of view. It added a unique and interesting perspective to the whole narrative.

It made me feel as if I was seeing the world through the eyes of the cat, which was both charming and engaging. Overall, I would highly recommend this to any teenager looking for an entertaining and light-hearted read.

I read this book after delving into several other works of hers.

It is truly remarkable to observe the growth she has achieved as a writer.

With each successive book, one can notice the evolution of her writing style, the depth of her characters, and the complexity of her storylines.

Her earlier works may have shown promise, but in this particular book, it is evident that she has honed her skills and refined her craft.

The way she weaves together the plot, the emotions she evokes in the reader, and the vivid descriptions she provides all contribute to a more engaging and immersive reading experience.

It is a pleasure to witness her growth as a writer and to look forward to what she will produce in the future.

This book is not one that would be considered great by many standards.

However, it has a certain charm that makes it surprisingly enjoyable to read.

One aspect that stands out is the amount of black magic present in the story.

It is more than what I was initially expecting, which added an element of mystery and excitement.

The author does a decent job of描绘the world of black magic, making it seem both dangerous and alluring.

Although the plot may not be the most complex or original, the use of black magic gives it a unique twist.

Overall, while this book may not be a masterpiece, it is still worth a read for those who enjoy a bit of magic and mystery in their stories.

Her earlier work was decent, but it was clear that she had room for growth.

As she matured, however, her skills and abilities improved significantly.

Her writing became more nuanced, her characters more complex, and her stories more engaging.

Despite the changes, though, there was still a certain charm and appeal to her work that remained consistent.

It was still a good story, one that could capture the reader's attention and keep them hooked from beginning to end.

Whether it was her earlier work or her more recent efforts, there was something about her writing that made it stand out.

Perhaps it was her unique perspective, or her ability to bring her characters to life in a vivid and believable way.

Whatever the reason, it was clear that she was a talented writer with a bright future ahead of her.

Another one my wife read was a gothic romance.

To me, it was pathetic, at best. The story seemed to lack depth and originality. The characters were one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable.

It was filled with the typical tropes of the gothic genre - a mysterious old mansion, a tortured hero, and a damsel in distress.

There was nothing new or exciting about it. I just couldn't understand why my wife would enjoy such a book.

Maybe it was because she has a different taste in literature than I do. Or perhaps she was simply looking for a light read to pass the time.

Whatever the reason, I was not impressed by this gothic romance.

Own.

My dear friend Jane from the WTM forums was kind enough to pass this book on to me. It is in a Book Club Edition along with The Waiting Sands, which I had read and reviewed back in 2011.

This time around, I did not re-read The Waiting Sands. As part of my 2013 goals, I had decided not to re-read anything that I knew I had already read. I had a vague memory of perhaps reading Devil on Lammas Night 20 years ago, but I wasn't entirely sure. So, I started reading it and soon remembered that I had indeed read it before, although I couldn't recall most of the plot. Therefore, I continued with it.

I believe I have now read every book by Howatch. And I must admit, this one is my least favorite, especially among the Gothic novels. (The possible exception could be Cashelmara... but in my opinion, that one was significantly better written, albeit very sordid in some places.)

There is a great deal happening in this story. It showcases Howatch's growth as a writer who can express herself in multiple voices. She takes the concept of evil seriously, leaving the reader wondering if good will ultimately prevail. However, I simply find the portrayal of evil in this book difficult to read and rather unappealing.

Nevertheless, I do like The Waiting Sands, and I am grateful to have received this book as it is not available in my local library, and I had been eager to read it.