Dark Deeds From Past And Present (Press, 6 October 1979)

On 6 October 1979, several new novels were reviewed, each presenting a unique storyline but varying in execution. "Proteus" by Morris West centres on John Spada, a wealthy and idealistic industrialist who leads a clandestine organisation aimed at liberating prisoners of conscience globally. The narrative unfolds as Spada's daughter and son-in-law, a newspaper editor fighting against the Argentine Government's oppression, are captured and tortured. Ultimately, Spada orchestrates their release and embarks on a quest for revenge, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at the United Nations, where he poses a dire challenge to humanity. Despite West's storytelling ability, the plot is deemed tired and the characters forgettable, leading to the feeling that the narrative might be overly familiar. "Requiem at Rogano" by Stephen Knight is set in Edwardian England and northern Italy, revolving around a series of murders echoing events from 450 years prior. The story delves into themes of reincarnation and the supernatural, with characters facing a winding path of murder mysteries linked to a profound Christian secret. While the novel starts with promise, its progression into melodrama and coincidental plotlines detracts from its credibility, making it more of an escapist text rather than a cohesive thriller. Jere Cunningham's "The Visitor" introduces a psychiatrist and his wife who experience unsettling occurrences in a private psychiatric hospital. The novel intertwines themes of astral projection and demonic possession, leading to horrific outcomes for innocent bystanders. The narrative captivates with its tension and atmosphere, appealing to both believers and sceptics of the supernatural, ultimately reaffirming the triumph of good over evil. William Watson's "Beltran in Exile" explores the final years of the Knights Templar as they face decline and corruption. The story follows Beltran, one of the last knights, tasked with protecting the order's wealth and beliefs amidst the fall of Christian strongholds to Muslims. Watson's tale of adventure and faith is engaging, despite questions about its historical accuracy. The novel effectively conveys the struggles faced by Templars during this turbulent period. Lastly, "The Glendower Legacy" by Thomas Gifford is a convoluted narrative involving a document suggesting George Washington's collusion with the British during the American War of Independence. As characters are pursued by bumbling Russian agents and C.I.A. operatives, the intricacies of their quest to secure the document unfolds amid a backdrop of violence and humour. While Gifford's storytelling maintains interest, the plot's increasing improbability and excessive use of casual obscenities may irritate readers. Overall, these novels showcase varying degrees of originality, character development, and thematic depth, contributing to a diverse literary landscape in 1979.

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