EDWARD MARSTON – The Merry Devils. St. Martin’s Press, US, hardcover, 1990. Paperback reprint: Fawcett Crest, 1991. Trade paperback: Poisoned Pen Press, 2001. UK edition: Bantam, hardcover 1989.

  Genre:   Historical mystery. Leading character:   Nicholas Bracewell; 2nd in series. Setting:   England-Elizabethan period.

First Sentence: London was the capital city of noise, a vibrant, volatile place, surging with life and clamorous with purpose.

    Lord Westfield’s Men, an Elizabethan acting company, is presenting a new play, “The Merry Devils.” Contrary to the stage direction of book-holder, Nicholas Bracewell, a third “devil” appears when the scene only calls for two.

    Upon the second presentation, Bracewell decides to have there be three devils, but only two appear. The third is found dead under the stage. Threats increase and Nicholas must find who is behind it before anyone else dies.

    Marston is one of the best at crafting time and place. He takes us from the workings of the theater, to the streets, to the properties of nobles to Bethlehem Hospital, otherwise known as Bedlam. This was a time when Christianity and superstition were intertwined and strict Puritanism was on the rise.

    The cadence and syntax of the dialogue reflect the period while delightful metaphors and humor exemplify the characters. The cast of characters is interesting and appealing. Marston has provided enough of Bracewell’s background to bring him to life but has, intentionally to us and the other characters, left much in the shade.

    The members of the company reflect the egos, insecurities and conflicts one would expect without be stereotypes. All the characters have dimension and substance. I did appreciate the character of Dr. John Mordrake, based on Dr. John Dee, mathematician, scientist, occultist and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I. He seems to be the subject of numerous books these days.

    Although there was a very good, twisty plot and a dramatic ending, it did feel overly contrived. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment or my anticipation of Marston’s next Elizabethan Theater book.

Rating:   Good Plus.

    Previously reviewed by LJ:

The Owls of Gloucester   (The “Domesday” series)
The Queen’s Head   (Nicholas Bracewell, 1st in series)