Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward is an erotic horror novella inspired by traditional folk tales and set in fin de siècle Paris.
Fleeing a life of poverty and prostitution, exotic dancer Cece Dulac agrees to play assistant for an erotic séance hosted by mesmerist Monsieur Rossignol. As the séance plunges into perversion, Cece falls prey to Rossignol’s hypnotic power and becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit and a cursed gemstone.
George Dashwood, an aspiring artist, witnesses the séance and fears for Cece. He seeks her out and she seduces him, but she is no longer herself. The spirit controlling her forces her to commit increasingly depraved acts. When the spirit’s desire for revenge escalates to murder, George and Cece must find a way to break Rossignol’s spell before Cece’s soul is condemned forever.
I found this book devilish, depraved, and delicious.
Thank you to Brigids Gate Press for sending me an Advance Reading Copy of this title. All opinions are my own.
MANDY'S READING LIST 