Arthur Moreau Story (PDF)

A unique work of fiction, combining a horror story encapsulated in mystery, stark realism and fantasy, and thick with ironic humour throughout. The gripping action of the drama unfolds in a rich environment of palatial houses, offices, and churches, amongst a coterie of remarkable and often artistic people implicated in a set of sinister forces beyond their control or understanding. The narrator of the story, working in the darkened and dusty milieu of a renowned international second hand book store, could hardly be committed to a more sedate trade, when through business contacts he is suddenly whisked away on a series of life-threatening adventures. These begin with his departure to France to attend the funeral of the enigmatic but strangely powerful Arthur Moreau. He is asked by an influential acquaintance to investigate a number of unresolved queries about the deceased, and these lead to such varied locations as Minneapolis, Morocco, Lausanne, the City of London, and the west of France. These places are brought alive in all their realism and colour, but this is contrasted with the weird horror of a scientific project aimed at the insanity of world dominion. On a certain level the book is a philosophical digression on good and evil, and that truth must be central to the sound society, but the power to shock is counterbalanced by a delicious humour poking fun at the faults and foibles of humanity. The fast pace and descriptive incisiveness make this book an un-put-downable read.