From Dawn To Deadly Nightshade
Joshua Dryer is the new lord of Alvington Manor in Somerset. He finds the people in Somerset just as superstitious as the ones he left in Portland, but perhaps with good reason as a coven of witches is discovered in the neighbouring parish and Joshua has come into conflict with their warlock. Nathan Meakins is both his neighbour and his biggest adversary; a man with evil intent towards the young women in his employ and little to no respect for those he views as beneath him. Can Joshua, a young man from humble beginnings change things in this small part of the world; or is he destined to be damned by those from a higher strata of society?
From Dawn to Deadly Nightshade is the sequel to Brandy Row (previously reviewed) but this is no straight sequel; indeed, the characters from Brandy Row are present, but not constantly as this is set in a different part of the West Country and follows the story of the son of Violet Allen and Richard Dryer; the heroes of Brandy Row. Mazey’s style of telling rather than showing is still present and, at times, becomes quite forceful. It is also a brave action on behalf of the author to use present tense, something which can put off many readers.
Having said that, once again Mazey has created robust cast and the reader is left in no doubt of the intentions of the characters involved. Joshua is a break from the traditional Lord of the Manor in his style and attitude towards his staff. Something that they find both welcoming and strange, his friendliness and lack of pretension putting him at odds with his neighbours.
A gripping storyline and obvious research make for a very good read.
