EVIL MARK

by Graham Miles ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 30, 1985

A nifty, at times Dickensian tale, set in England of the 1800's, which follows the lurid career of a master-criminal known in his heyday as ""The Dagger."" Escaping imprisonment at the height of his London fame and fortune, ""The Dagger"" kills and takes the identity of one Roger Benchly--which brings him to the estate of Colonel Benjamin Southey, the mostly absent Squire of Barnstock. And there, as steward Benchly takes control of the coffers and inhabitants of the estate, he also solidifies his power by marrying the Colonel's half-sister Amelia. Meanwhile, undaunted by his sullen disposition, women continue to throw themselves at him, his newest conquest being the young second wife of the Colonel, a willing aide in his murderous campaign to become lord of the manor. Retribution comes, not a moment too soon, in the shape of Amelia's son William, long banished from Barnstock, who finds the key to his revenge in the London haunts that his stepfather had commanded years before. Altogether, a taut, plainly told, and engrossing mystery debut.

Pub Date: Dec. 30, 1985

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1985

Categories: FICTION