Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
|
Loading... Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1961)by Mark McShane
   No current Talk conversations about this book.  gpangel | Apr 20, 2023 |    ) bcrowl399 | Jan 31, 2022 | )2  face_at_the_window | Jan 19, 2007 | bcquinnsmom | Dec 28, 2006 | no reviews | add a review
Has the adaptationAwards
Hoping for notoriety, a struggling psychic kidnaps a child in this Edgar Award-nominated mystery. Most so-called psychics disgust Myra Savage. She has no patience for their chintz and cheap tricks, for her power is real. Myra can see into other people's minds, can even sometimes sense the future, but she has never yet communicated with the other side. For that she needs the cooperation of great psychics, but she lacks the stature to attract their attention. To satisfy this burning need for fame, she and her husband concoct The Plan. Bill snatches a six-year-old girl from her schoolyard and pastes together a letter demanding ransom. After a few days of citywide panic, Myra will lead the police to the girl and the money, and all of London will know her name. When a criminal can see the future, what could possibly go wrong? No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.914Literature English English fiction Modern Period 1901-1999 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage: (4.43)
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
)
Wikipedia in English
4
Myra is a self-proclaimed psychic who wants to prove her abilities to the world. She and her husband Bill devise a scheme to kidnap a rich girl, demand a ransom, and then use Myra’s powers to help the police find her. They think they can pull off the perfect crime without hurting anyone, but things go horribly wrong.
I was intrigued by this book for a long time, and I finally decided to read it after finding the movie version on one of my streaming services. Myra’s plan is absurd and reckless, but it also leads to some unexpected twists and turns. The story is horrifying, suspenseful, and ironic.
This is a short book, but quite effective and has managed to age very well. It combines elements of mystery, thriller, horror, and psychology, while exploring themes of fame, obsession, and morality.
Overall, this book was a bit of a surprise for me. I can see why it was nominated for an Edgar Award. I really enjoyed this hidden gem and I’m curious to see how the movie compares. You can watch it on Kanopy or HBO MAX if you’re interested.
4 stars (