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This Rough Magic
First published 1971 · 555 pages
A sun-drenched Mediterranean holiday slowly unravels into a theatrical nightmare of romance, deception, and murder.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a sun-drenched Mediterranean postcard, only to realize the shadows are moving. It begins with the leisurely, intoxicating warmth of a Greek island holiday, steeped in lush descriptions of the Ionian Sea and playful nods to Shakespearean drama. The narrative voice is sharp, theatrical, and immensely charming, grounding the reader in a vivid sense of place before the idyllic atmosphere begins to curdle. As the mystery deepens, the steady pace accelerates into a breathless, high-stakes thriller, balancing genuine peril with a deeply satisfying, slow-burn romance. It is a masterclass in atmospheric suspense, perfect for readers who want their mysteries wrapped in gorgeous prose, intelligent banter, and the intoxicating danger of paradise lost.
- Mood
- sun-drenched
- atmospheric
- idyllic
- suspenseful
- sinister
- Tone
- witty
- observant
- theatrical
- romantic
- earnest
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- hidden dangers in paradise · theatricality and illusion · courage under fire · the magic of place · trust and deception
- The writing
- Lush, evocative, and highly literate, blending vivid sensory descriptions of the Greek landscape with sharp, intelligent dialogue.
- The arc
- Begins as a breezy, sun-soaked Mediterranean escape before tightening into a breathless spiral of paranoia, romance, and survival.
- Who it's for
- Fans of vintage romantic suspense who crave smart heroines, slow-burn romance, and breathtaking locales laced with danger.
Content notes
- murder
- drowning
- animal peril
- gun violence
About the book
When Lucy Waring's sister Phyllida suggests that she join her for a quiet holiday on the island of Corfu, young English Lucy is overjoyed. Her work as an actress has temporarily come to a halt. She believes there is no finer place to be "at liberty" than the sun-drenched isle of Corfu, the alleged locale for Shakespeare's The Tempest. Even the suspicious actions of the handsome, arrogant son of a famous actor cannot dampen her enthusiasm for this wonderland in the Ionian Sea.
But the peaceful idyll does not last long. A series of incidents, seemingly unconnected - but all surrounded in mystery - throws Lucy's life into a dangerous spin, as fear, danger and death - as well as romance - supplant the former tranquility. Then a human corpse is carried ashore on the incoming tide... And without warning, she found she had stumbled into a nightmare of strange violence, stalked by shadows of terror and sudden death.
Description from Open Library.
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