The Lucifer Chord

F.G. Cottam

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The Lucifer Chord by F.G. Cottam is a supernatural horror novel that follows writer researcher Ruthie Gillespie as she delves into the mysterious life and death of Martin Mear, the frontman of the 70's rock group Ghost Legion. Ruthie's investigation leads her into sinister events surrounding Martin's past, intertwined with elements of the music industry and the occult. The book is structured like a detective novel, with a measured approach to supernatural elements that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Cottam expertly weaves together historical plot lines, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the book is finished.

The story is set in locations like the Isle of Wight and East Sussex, adding a visual element to the narrative for readers familiar with these places. The characters, particularly Ruthie Gillespie, are well-developed and engaging, drawing readers into a world of dark, heart-stopping scares and unexpected twists. Cottam's writing style is described as fresh, well-researched, and allowing the reader's imagination to participate in the story, making for a compelling and immersive reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with Ruthie Gillespie standing out as a main character, but some reviewers feel her portrayal is overemphasized and lacks depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its engaging atmosphere and balanced descriptions, allowing readers to vividly imagine the scenes without excessive detail.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves supernatural elements with a mystery surrounding a rock star's demise, featuring a character's deep dive into dark historical ties.

Setting:

The setting merges contemporary locations with historical aspects, adding to the eerie atmosphere that complements the supernatural themes throughout.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally consistent and engaging, balancing dialogue with action, although some critiques point to a hurried conclusion.

Notes:

Ruthie Gillespie is a recurring character known for her beauty, which is highlighted by many male characters in the book.

The book involves supernatural themes, particularly connected to the music industry.

Readers find it hard to put the book down, with some staying up until 4 AM to finish it.

The author, FG Cottam, is noted for his atmospheric writing style that engages readers' imaginations.

The story revolves around Martin Mear, a 1970s rock star with a mysterious death that connects with occult themes.

Some readers felt the book was more of a paranormal mystery than the horror they expected from Cottam.

The narrative is described as having a detective novel structure, with Ruthie investigating Martin's life and death.

The book includes elements of historical intrigue and ties to a sinister organization called the Jericho Society.

Cottam's writing has been praised for striking the right balance between detail and pacing, enhancing the reading experience.

The novel has been recommended for reading during stormy weather, adding to its creepy atmosphere.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of occult, supernatural horror, and instances of violence associated with the mysteries within.

From The Publisher:

Ruthie Gillespie's efforts to find out the truth about a mysterious missing rock star lead her on a terrifying journey into the past.

Researcher Ruthie Gillespie has undertaken a commission to write an essay on Martin Mear, lead singer and guitarist with Ghost Legion, the biggest, most decadent rock band on the planet, before he disappeared without trace in 1975. Her mission is to separate man from myth - but it's proving difficult, as a series of increasingly disturbing and macabre incidents threatens to derail Ruthie's efforts to uncover the truth about the mysterious rock star.

Just what did happen to Martin Mear back in 1975? Is he really set to return from the dead, as the band's die-hard fans, the Legionaries, believe? It's when Ruthie's enquiries lead her to the derelict mansion on the Isle of Wight where Martin wrote the band's breakthrough album that events take a truly terrifying turn …

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