Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
A female killer stalks the streets of London, sleeping with young men before slashing their throats and mutilating their bodies. The crimes have baffled the police and enraged Londoners, who demand the murderer's arrest. Mary, Duchess of Dove, a gentle young widow who is beloved by all who know her, seems an unlikely suspect, but the clues all point to her. The police have a variety of theories - perhaps the Duchess has been hypnotized or drugged, maybe she has an evil double, or could it be a Communist plot to discredit the peerage? Inspector Basil Icelin is determined to solve the mystery, but the true explanation is far more shocking and terrifying than anyone could ever imagine. Michael Arlen (1895-1956) became a rich and world-famous celebrity after the publication of his bestseller The Green Hat in 1924. Hell! said the Duchess (1934) is a delightfully bizarre book, telling a "bedtime story" in a light, humorous style that contrasts oddly with its gruesome and horrific subject matter. This first-ever reprinting of what Karl Edward Wagner has called the best supernatural horror novel ever.
Hell! Said the Duchess: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This dark fantasy novel contains graphic depictions of serial murder, throat-slashing, body mutilation, and sexual content before the killings. The contrast between the light, humorous narrative style and the horrific subject matter may be disturbing. Best suited for mature adult readers who enjoy supernatural horror.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include sexual assault, graphic violence, and murder (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who enjoy classic supernatural horror with a darkly ironic tone will find this mystery-horror hybrid compelling.