The Queen of Bedlam

For the many of Robert McCammon's fans, it couldn't be a more wonderful experience than to finally have him back writing again after such a long period of inactivity. Known primarily for his horror fiction from the late seventies to the early nineties, Mr. McCammon said goodbye to the publishing industry when they refused to accept any writing from him, except that which pertained to the horror genre. One of his unpublished novels from the early nineties (Speaks the Nightbird) eventually made it into print five years ago. This is the historical novel that first introduces Matthew Corbett to the reading public. The positive reception of this book by the reading public was nearly overwhelming and certainly encouraged Mr. McCammon to write other books with Matthew Corbett as the lead character. In fact, The Queen of Bedlam is the second book in this highly suspenseful series, which takes place in Colonial America. The author is now at work on the third "Matthew Corbett novel and has plans to write at least two more books in this new series. I just hope that I'm around to read them when they're finally finished. Though I don't generally read historical novels, Speaks the Nightbird certainly hooked me with its dark intensity and the need for its young protagonist, Matthew Corbett, to see justice prevail at all costs. Because I enjoyed this particular novel so much, I naturally sought out the second book in the series, The Queen of Bedlam, and wasn't disappointed with Mr. McCammon's unique gift for storytelling. The Queen of Bedlam picks up with the character of Matthew Corbett a few years after his experiences in the Carolinas, having saved a woman from being burned at the stake for the practice of witchcraft. It's the summer of 1702, and Matthew is now the clerk for Magistrate Powers in New York City. While attempting to gather enough evidence to have Eben Ausley (the head of the orphanage where Matthew grew up as a teenager) arrested for his crimes of child molestation, our young clerk gets caught up in the murders of a doctor and a successful businessman. The killings are identical, and the murderer is quickly dubbed The Masker by the local coroner and newspaper. But that isn't all. While attempting to solve the mystery behind the two murders and the identity of the Masker, Matthew is also approached by the lovely owner of the Herrald Agency to become a member of its staff of detectives, probably the first such agency of its kind in both England and America. Since Matthew is a natural born problem solver, he accepts the invitation and is eventually led to a lady in an asylum who may have the answers to his questions about the serial killer stalking the streets of New York City. Poor Matthew, however, soon finds himself over his head as he comes to the attention of an underground criminal organization that is led by the notorious and secretive Professor Fell. Matthew has information that they want, and the criminals won't hesitat

I suppose McCammon is revving up for an entire Matthew Corbett/Harrald Agency series, which is fine by me. Initially, I was distressed to hear that one of my favorite authors was retiring several years ago, but he returned with the awesome "Speaks the Nightbird" and seems to have retained that steam and acquired a new creative direction. I still might long for the McCammon of old but this new stuff is just so much fun to read I'm ready to travel with him as long as he continues to produce books of this caliber. At 600+ pages it reads so smoothly and swiftly I could have easily read 600 more. Considering that McCammon has chosen to write his latest novels in a more formal and slightly archaic language, it's a testament to his skill that the work never comes off as stilted or pretentious. Also on display are McCammon's unique gifts for setting up suspense with gratifying payoffs. He never cheats his readers or insults our intelligence. Also, I have to say that the climax of the book literally had me gritting my teeth and holding the book tighter, as corny as that sounds. So, this is officially a gushing review and a statement that I can't wait for the next volume.

SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD was an incredible novel and easily went onto my list of top 20 books that I've read in my lifetime. Now McCammon honors us with a sequel, THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM, that totally stands on it's own and immerces the reader into a believable, convincing 18th century tale of shady characters, noble heroes, mysterious circumstances, horrendous murders, the political state of the time, numerous secretive past lives and most importantly - a sense of time and place that you can hear, touch and smell. The man does his research. You totally lose yourself into the novel's abundance of intrigue and care about the characters and their fates to the point of being emotionally drained at the end of each chapter. The last 100 pages will have you gasping to catch your breath! I've been a huge McCammon fan since first reading MYSTERY WALK after reading a glowing review of that novel in the New York Times. Each of his books offer the reader a thrilling and unique experience. If you've not tried McCammon then THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM would be a good place to start. His writing is flawless and his imagination soars. Thank you Robert McCammon for giving me many sleepless nights as I absorb your creative world!

This is a great sequel to "Speaks the Nightbird" that continues the story of early Americas first detective(in McCammons early fictional America that is!). This book is great ...but to be honest I did not find it as good as "Speaks the Nightbird'...but never the less it is a worthwild read.One reviewer said the book was boring...that is nonsense....I found it very engaging the first 300 pages .The last 300 pages is when the action really picks up and picks up it does. It is hard to put down. It does have a cliffhanger...( without giving it away I do not know how the main character can resolve what seems like an impossible conflict) but knowing McCammon he will pull it off in the next book.If you liked "Speaks the nightbird" you will love this book and the charcters that populate it.If you have not read "Speaks the nightbird" read that one first...even though this is a stand alone story the first book establishes the lead charcter and will richly enhance your enjoyment of the second book as you witness the growth of the main charcter.

I eagerly anticipated the sequel to "Speaks the Nightbird" and it was worth the wait. In "Queen of Bedlam" we again meet law clerk Matthew Corbett who fought to prove the innocence of an accused witch in "Speaks..." This time Corbett is on the trail of a serial killer as well as seeking justice for the abused children in the orphanage where he grew up. McCammon has an incredible ability to transport the reader to New York in 1702. This book is full of suspense as well as humor. I enjoy a,well written,historical mystery as well as the writing of Robert McCammon. "The Queen of Bedlam" gives a healthy dose of both.