A Poor Choice of Enemies

This book is the second Alice Chamberlain novel. Set mostly in London and the Home Counties of England in 1947, Alice and her lover Jeremy, find themselves embroiled in discovering why the body of a well-known art connoisseur has been disinterred in a clearing used by local lovers. Their hunt for the truth leads them into the worlds of espionage, skull-duggery and real magic. At the same time, Alice’s eccentric family have problems of their own which need her attention.

This book is the second Alice Chamberlain novel. Set mostly in London and the Home Counties of England in 1947, Alice and her lover Jeremy, find themselves embroiled in discovering why the body of a well-known art connoisseur has been disinterred in a clearing used by local lovers. Their hunt for the truth leads them into the worlds of espionage, skull-duggery and real magic. At the same time, Alice’s eccentric family have problems of their own which need her attention. I decided to write this series of novels (Pictures of Angels is the first, a third is in embryo, and others planned) because I wanted to read an occult-based mystery set in a quieter time than the present. I enjoyed researching the London of my childhood and wanted to unite the old-fashioned mystery novel with the less well-known genre, the esoteric or occult novel. As a student of all things esoteric, I found books that dealt sympathetically and knowledgeably with the practice of magic are very thin on the ground. This series is an attempt to change that in a small way. It’s for all of you out there who want a bit more than just a prosaic story.

Lucy Dunmore has been writing novels since she was 11 years old. She studied the History of Art at London University and has worked as a teacher, administrator and led art and music tours in Europe. Previously unpublished works include The Province of the Goddess which came fourth in a Victor Gollanz fantasy novel competition, and A Sense of Betrayal which was also warmly praised. Pictures of Angels, the prequel to A Poor Choice of Enemies can also be ordered online.