The Manson Curse

Recently discovered by Shannon's literary executors, this tale of an ancient curse, set in Cornwall in the 1950s, has a curiously old-fashioned air. American journalist John Harkness, now based in London, is driving through Cornwall when he hears at a pub that his old friend Richard Manson, author of a popular novel, lives in the nearby manor. Visiting Poltressor House, Harkness meets Manson's wife, Eve, and son Jimmy. He also is exposed to Manson's obsession with a witch's curse--that the oldest son would always die in childhood--which has affected several generations of the family. The boy has already suffered some nearly fatal accidents. While Harkness tries to help Eve Manson defuse the tense family atmosphere he finds himself falling in love with her and developing a hatred for Manson, who routinely accuses his wife of infidelity. Known for her Luis Mendoza police procedurals, Shannon, who died in 1988, wrote better books in her prime. (Nov.)