The Mysterium

Rating:
Summary: Marvelous Mysterium
Review: An absolutely marvelous book.

The detective in the story visits an isolated hamlet. Where? When? We have no idea. The mystery, who is murdering the townspeople? Indeed, how are the townspeople being killed, as each perishes from entirely different symptoms? Is the motive revenge for a past mining accident involving war prisoners? Was it an accident at all? Or is this a case of romance gone bad? Is this outcome of natural disease or unnatural poisoning? Do we ever find out? It is hard to discover when the prime suspect, pinned by convincing evidence, may just as likely be the next victim.

The murders are the the mystery. The mysterium is glimpsed as the reader eventually realizes that the story is a meditation on the meaning of truth and on the meaning of knowing of truth and even of the knowability of truth. A mysterium wrapped in an enigma...

McCormack draws wonderful characters in strange circumstances with beautiful skill. I bought his book on clearance while in Stratford to see a few plays -- the impact of this Canadian author has stayed with me far longer than those now forgetten theatrical productions.

Rating:
Summary: Mysterious and Engaging
Review: McCormack's novel is a must read. Combining elements of mystery and horror, McCormack's brilliant prose weaves a mystical and terrifying web. Dazzling, absolutely dazzling!