As we plunge headlong into the hottest days of summer, it’s very important that we arm ourselves with the necessary tools to make it to Labor Day. What tools would those be, you ask? Well, there’s the sunscreen with SPF 2500, or if you prefer, a full body, chemical and biological protection garment for when you go to the beach.
But also, inside that bag; You must have a copy of Robert McCammon’s “The Queen of Bedlam.”
Not being a literary guru and having barely passed every English course in my life, I don’t know much about writing. Yes, I know, you can say. But I know a good storyteller when I read it. And Robert McCammon is a great storyteller.
I came across him many years ago when I read his book, “The Swan Song,” a story of good versus evil in a world devastated by a nuclear exchange. The story spanned the United States and yet always felt local. The plot was epic, but the subplots dealing with the main characters felt intimate, for lack of a better term. That book hooked me on this writer.
Since then, I have read all of his books. Like all great authors, in my opinion as it is, Robert introduces us (me) to the story. His writing hooks me and makes me feel for the characters. The plot must be there, that being said, it’s the characters and their development within the plot that catches me.
For a while, I just couldn’t find any new Robert books or stories. Then I saw a new title, “Speaks the Nightbird,” Part I. It featured Matthew Corbett within a historical setting in late 17th century America. A woman is accused of being a witch and Corbett must investigate.
It’s a tremendous book with so many characters and so many subplots that I have no idea how Robert kept track of all the characters. I always assumed that Robert wrote in the horror/supernatural genre of books. I assumed this plot would fall into that genre. This book transcends that genre. It is a novel of suspense and intrigue. Yes, it’s about good versus evil, but all the assumptions are twisted as the book creeps towards its conclusion. It’s like a force of nature.
It’s a damn good book.
Matthew Corbett continues his journey from “Nightbird” to his date with “The Queen of Bedlam.” Once again, Robert McCammon shows his versatility and his incredible talent for crossing genres directly in a thriller.
This page turner is set in early 18th century Manhattan. There’s a serial killer on the loose and it’s up to Matthew to find him. The book then morphs into a journey of rich characters, hairpin turns, unexpected surprises, and a whole lot of “wow, who’d have thought that.”
For a hot lazy day on that beach, this book will engage your mind and imagination. Your biggest challenge will be not to forget that you are baking under a torturous sun while reading this wonderful novel.
