Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary
Merrick is the latest in the long line of Mayfair witches from New Orleans. She is the strongest of the witches, easily able to conjure up spirits and spells. She is also a member of the Talamasca, an ancient group whose legend is “Investigators of the paranormal. We watch. And we are always here.” This group over the years has studied and chronicled the information about various witches, vampires, and other strange creatures on the dark side of the world.
Merrick long ago developed a deep relationship with David Talbot, Superior General of the Talamasca. The book begins when he comes to her asking her to conjure up the spirit of a long lost creature of the night, Claudia. Waiting for Merrick to use this witching power is her long dead sister Honey, who wants to come through to Merrick from the “other side”, seeking vengeance. It becomes clear that for Merrick to call up the spirit that David is asking for, will put her personally in great jeopardy.
Indeed she does perform the ceremony that brings forth Claudia, brings forth her dead sister Honey, and finally the progression of events even awakens Lestat, the vampire.
For those who have not followed the Anne Rice chronicles over the years, some of the connections and subplots may not be clear and understandable. But if you have read Rice in the past, this book takes you back to a favorite strange and spooky world of entertainment.
In Anne Rice’s Merrick, she gets back to the successful writing style and story lines that made the Witching Hour her best success. Many readers have been very disappointed in the strange, too-far out tales she has told recently. But Merrrick seems to have her back on track.