Only murder, a young throat slit in peculiarly horrific circumstances, could have detonated the atmosphere of languor and profound sexual unease in the Thompson household. Francis King's glittering novel opens in India during the 1930s, at the lush summer house of the Thompson family. The whole household is under suspicion. Then a 'confession' is made. But in Francis King's hands the spiciest of evil motives are merely decoys, the truth continuing to remain slippery and elusive. "Act of Darkness" received huge critical ...
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Only murder, a young throat slit in peculiarly horrific circumstances, could have detonated the atmosphere of languor and profound sexual unease in the Thompson household. Francis King's glittering novel opens in India during the 1930s, at the lush summer house of the Thompson family. The whole household is under suspicion. Then a 'confession' is made. But in Francis King's hands the spiciest of evil motives are merely decoys, the truth continuing to remain slippery and elusive. "Act of Darkness" received huge critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic when first published. 'On one level it is simply a terrific mystery story with a slippery, enticing plot ...a darkly luminous parable about innocence and evil, guilt and redemption' - "New York Times". 'Recalls "A Passage to India" in setting and form ...whether read as a detective story or as a powerful exploration of character and motive, "Act of Darkness" will not fail to impress' - Graham Swift, "Sunday Times". 'So beautifully written that one is reluctant to reveal who is murdered, let alone who dunnit ...brilliantly successful' - Auberon Waugh, "Daily Mail". 'Dark, lurid and shattering ...he is a master novelist' - Melvyn Bragg. 'Unputdownable' - Paul Bailey, "Evening Standard".
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Seller's Description:
Fine. 8vo., Wraps 304 pp. Beautiful Unread Advance reading Copy. Square, tight and clean throughout with little or no wear. Very mild toning to edges. Fresh and bright with no chipping, creases or tears. A sharp collectable copy at a great price.
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Seller's Description:
Fine copy in fine dust jacket; dj has only inconspicuous crease at very foot of spine. 8vo 8 1/2'x 5 3/8" black boards w/ 'LB' logo blindstamped on front, gilt lettering on spine; 332 pgs; illus dust jacket w/ $14.95 on front flap, author photo by Miriam Nicholas on rear. quotes by Barbara Bannon, Emily Hahn & Auberon Waugh on back cover. jacket design by Paul Bacon.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. 8vo. Signed-Association Copy Boston: Little, Brown, 1983. SIGNED BY PAUL MAGRIEL inside front board. 8vo. Hard cover binding, 332 pp. "Act of Darkness is a passionate novel of evil and redemption" that takes place in Colonial India in the 1930s. Spotting to page edges. Spine sunned, light wear to extremities of dust jacket. Very good in very good dust jacket, protected with an archival-quality mylar cover.
