A Ring of Roses
A Ring of Roses by John Blackburn is a revised edition published by Valancourt Books on September 9, 2014. This 158-page work presents a chilling narrative that intertwines elements of horror and medical suspense, as it follows the story of nine-year-old Billy Fenwick, who goes missing during a train journey in East Germany. Upon his return, a mysterious illness emerges, leading to the alarming realization of a bubonic plague outbreak in England, reminiscent of the Black Death.
Readers will find a gripping tale that delves into themes of conspiracy and survival, as famed bacteriologist Sir Marcus Levin and General Kirk of British Intelligence investigate the origins of this terrifying epidemic. The narrative explores whether the outbreak is a natural mutation or part of a sinister plot, ultimately guiding the characters to an ancient German crypt for answers. This edition also includes a new introduction by Adrian Schober, enhancing the historical context of Blackburn’s work, which draws on medieval legends and the eerie tales of the Grimm brothers.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘Our only current writer who can induce such terror as the Grimm brothers did, and some of the Grimm characters are among the ingredients in this hellbrew of the return of the Black Death.’ – Times Literary Supplement
‘A splendid example of a gripping narrative that also connects to a real intelligence . . . has [an] original vitality.’ – David Hare, Spectator
‘A violently exciting modern suspense story.’ – St. Louis Post-Dispatch
‘Best of recent intrigue-thrillers’ – Anthony Boucher, New York Times
When nine-year-old Billy Fenwick goes missing on a train journey through East Germany, British authorities suspect a kidnapping for ransom, or, worse, a Communist conspiracy. But after Billy returns home safely, it appears his parents’ fears were unfounded . . . until a 107-degree fever sets in and the buboes begin to appear on his body. Famed bacteriologist Sir Marcus Levin immediately recognizes the signs of bubonic plague, the first outbreak in England since the Black Death of the fourteenth century. But is it a freak occurrence caused by a natural mutation, or Soviet germ warfare, or something far more sinister? The trail leads Sir Marcus and General Kirk of British Intelligence to an ancient German crypt, where a macabre relic from 600 years ago will provide the crucial clue in unravelling the diabolical plot of a madman hellbent on wiping out the human race!
One of the prolific John Blackburn’s most effective thrillers, A Ring of Roses (1965) updates medieval legends and the tales of the Grimm brothers into a chilling modern-day horror story. This edition, the first in decades, features a new introduction by Adrian Schober.
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