THE EIGHTH OTTER

An 18th-century apothecary investigates strange deaths and disappearances seemingly connected to an old Irish legend about supernatural otters in Telemark’s historical mystery.

In Dereham, New York, in the year 1754, when a woman is attacked and killed by a white otter with a strange marking resembling a cross on its back, local apothecary Seth Athenor investigates what he suspects is a supernatural occurrence. Athenor observes the behavior of the townspeople and begins to make connections as more people are found dead or missing. When Athenor eventually uncovers the relationship among the victims, he realizes that he too may be in danger from a vengeful otter spirit of Irish legend. The author’s descriptions of the 18th-century village make for a fascinating backdrop to the mystery. The townspeople, many with names reminiscent of characters from Charles Dickens novels, are especially amusing as Athenor observes their drama. The town council is composed of particularly unpleasant folks, including the mayor, Ulysse von Mardure; magistrate Benedict Fletcher, an amusing caricature of a corrupt lawman; and the hypocritical pastors David Cranford and Jacob Osterhout. Most of the characters involved in the mystery of the otters are delightfully unlikable; this makes for satisfying murder scenes, often from the killer’s point of view. This is the fourth book in Telemark’s series featuring Athenor, but readers are not required to have read the previous installments to enjoy this one, as Telemark recaps important events and characters at length. Occasionally heavy on exposition, the mystery still progresses at a thrilling clip. While the language has been updated from 18th-century locutions to contemporary English (“I’m a soldier, Mr. Athenor….You’re not the first man I’ve sewn up. Just relax and let me be the doctor for a change”), Telemark’s descriptive abilities and researching of the milieu lend ample verisimilitude.

Unique characters inhabiting an interesting setting make for an engaging mystery.