Isis, by Douglas Clegg

Isis is the latest and possibly final book from Douglas Clegg in his Harrow House series. It's a brief story; a novelette really, but it packs a strong punch. Like the rest of the series, Isis can be read as a stand alone work of fiction, but it will be a richer and more rewarding read to those that have read the previous Harrow books. More pieces of the puzzle are revealed in Isis, as we learn about the spiritualist partner to Justin Gravesend. Faithful readers will be aware that Gravesend is the one primarily responsible for the diabolical origins of Harrow.

With Isis, Doug Clegg further proves that he has a sure and provocative hand at writing historical fiction. Isis is a late 18th Century girl in a well-to-do family. She has a good heart, but her innocence is corrupted by outside forces and she is also betrayed in part by her own heart. It's a compelling account of sunny youth turned black and the story is, by turns, joyous, sad and ghastly. Her fate as a mistress of the dark arts is sealed in part by her own hand and I was both saddened and appalled by her decisive actions.

I don't know if Douglas Clegg plans to return to Harrow House with his fiction, but I certainly entertain hopes that he does. I think there are enough blanks in the history for several books to be filled.

Isis is forthcoming from Cemetery Dance Publications and it appears to be sold out in the limited edition, but there are lettereds still available, I believe. $120.00 is a lot to pay for such a brief story, but Clegg fans certainly don't want to miss out on this one. Due to the length of Isis, I assume that a reprint is uncertain at best. Those that have preordered it are in for a genuine treat.