THE ARROW CHEST: A Victorian Mystery

---

The tale revolves around three main characters, Amos Roselli, a painter, Daphne, his muse and life long friend and her husband, Oliver Ramsey, a wealthy industrialist. Amos is a passionate artist, Daphne intelligent and magnetic, and her husband a despicable tyrant who becomes increasingly repulsive as time passes. Sound like anyone you know? I felt incredibly drawn to Beth, to her loyalty, humility and sincerity. She brought light and hope to even the darkest moments. As for the beautiful Daphne, she marries Oliver Ramsey for the possibilities that life with a wealthy, powerful and influential man might present.

I enjoyed hypothesising about which Tudor personages Robert Parry might have used as inspiration when writing. Parry weaves a spectacular tale, one that emerges from the pages through its complex and evolving characters, attention to detail and vivid storytelling. Ghostly conversations, the appearance — and disappearance — of a mysterious woman, strange and puzzling dreams and an ever-increasing sequence of bizarre events shroud this tale in a haunting mist.

You will have to read it to find out! In my opinion, a success. I started reading immediately when I received it and — it was a magnificent read! The whole story is set in Victorian England, but there are glimpses on Tudor era — and that was what caught my attention. There, sketching the remains of a woman who was a legend in her own times, Amos finds out about her story and from now on he will be seeing Anne Boleyn in many different places…or will he?

Amos, a struggling artist is a very talented man and soon he gets a commission that can open many doors for him. Wealthy industrialist, Oliver Ramsey, has hired Amos Roselli to paint his own portrait. Amos soon learns from Daphne, that her marriage is far from being happy. Oliver Ramsey is a tyrant of a man who does not cherish his beautiful wife.

He desires a son — male heir who would inherit all his wealth. A mysterious lady keeps appearing and disappearing leaving Amos puzzled and even frightened. Why does she look just like his beloved Daphne? The story is paralleled with the story of Anne Boleyn. Do you see how? Well, Daphne is Anne Boleyn. I found the book to be fascinating and mysterious. As the story progresses there are more and more parallels to Anne Boleyn and as a Tudor-enthusiast I smiled each time when I read something that reminded me of her. There is a variety of characters in the novel, and they are all exquisite.

Although the novel uses the Tudor parallel, it is not predictable — the question that haunted me when I was reading this breath-taking novel was; what will happen to Daphne? The conclusion was really great but I will not give it away — you will have to see for yourself. I heartily recommend it! I would like to thank Robert Parry for giving me a chance to read and review his beautiful novel — it was a pleasure. And how will they negotiate the ever-increasing frequency of strange and bizarre ev Synopsis: And how will they negotiate the ever-increasing frequency of strange and bizarre events that seem to be driving them inexorably towards self-destruction.

Parry created a compelling history for Beth and unlike most maidservants in the Victorian age, she develops an earnest friendship with both her employer and his friend and former model Daphne, now Lady Bowlend. Also interlaced throughout the book is poetry, which is not always easy to incorporate into a narrative seamlessly, but Parry does it well.

Of course, her view is a forward-thinking one and is most probably not what most Victorian era models experienced. But I do hope that, at least somehow, they would have experienced at least a portion of this liberating feeling: I can tell you it has been the most liberating of all experiences. To have a man look without judgement upon all those parts that I as a woman must hide from the world. How lovely it has been over the years! Tudor history buffs, historical romance fans, fans of Gothic novels, fans of paranormal stories. I had read -- and loved -- Mr.

Parry's 'Virgin and the Crab' and was uncertain what I would get from this novel despite all of the praise. Any uncertainty on my part was not necessary, because again, Parry has spun an incredible story which still manages to work the Tudors into his tale. I'll also admit that I don't normally care for second-person POV as many writers are barely adept at writing in first and third person; Parry is the exception as he is able to maintain it without slipping into I had read -- and loved -- Mr.

I'll also admit that I don't normally care for second-person POV as many writers are barely adept at writing in first and third person; Parry is the exception as he is able to maintain it without slipping into another POV as often happens , so for that alone he gets a thumbs-up from me.

As others have mentioned, the story has characters whose lives seems to parallel in some ways the relationship of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, as well as Anne's friendship with poet Thomas Wyatt, only the story has been updated to 19th century England. Wyatt is now Amos, up and coming artist, and the Anne of the novel is Daphne, a great beauty who, once upon a time, was his model -- and remains his inspiration; she is now married to a wealthy industrialist -- bombastic, sometimes crass, and growing increasingly obese with every passing day, a man whose first wife failed to give him a male heir.

Other Tudor personalities are hinted at as well: And then there is Anne Boleyn herself, who occasionally makes cameo appearances -- or does she? After all, it begins when Amos is asked to draw what are believed to be the Queen's remains when her burial place at St.

Peter ad Vincula is excavated and refurbished. Whether the manifestations are the overactive imagination of a pre-Raphaelite artist or reality -- well, that's for the reader to decide. What Parry spins is an incredible plot which is so visual and descriptive, that not a single word is wasted; he builds a breathtaking atmosphere of lives we learn to like and love -- and some not so much, people who want to be in control of their destinies, but often don't seem to be as the parallels between Henry and Anne Boleyn and those who rotated about them appear to be rushing headlong into unavoidable tragedy.

A definite read for Tudor fans and lovers of historical romance. View all 3 comments. I just finished this book about 5 minutes ago and I am already wanting more! I did not want it to end! This is the first book I have read by Robert Parry, and I can promise that it will not be the last. From the very first page, I was in awe! Robert Parry has managed to write a Victorian Gothic story in the 21st century that rivals many of the great authors of the 19th century. It is very beautifully written. If I did not know better, I would never have suspected that it was not written in the V I just finished this book about 5 minutes ago and I am already wanting more!

If I did not know better, I would never have suspected that it was not written in the Victorian era. This story is an intermingling of the Victorian Era and the 16th century tragedy of Anne Boleyn. How is that possible? Well, you need to read it to find out! It starts out with the discovery of Anne Boleyn's bones under the floor of a church along with an arrow chest. From there the story consists of the weaving of the two centuries together. Had I not read the book, I would not have thought it could be done. It seems an impossible combination, but, Robert Parry has managed to combine my two favorite genre's together, Victorian gothic and historical fiction.

So, I am giving this my couldn't put it down rating and adding to that, because I will be reading more of Robert Parry's work! Please visit my blog for the entire review http: How wonderful to have discovered Robert Parry with his other-worldly literary voice. I loved this and gobbled this up, staying awake til the wee hours of the morning until - alas, this afternoon, I've finished it. Amos Roselli is a starving artist - a painter, in a similar vein to Dante Gabriel Rosetti.

His muse and childhood friend, Daphne is the 2nd wife of a boorish quasi-peer in the munitions industry, obsessed with having an heir. There's Beth - the patient young housemaid to Amos.

Editorial Reviews

And then How wonderful to have discovered Robert Parry with his other-worldly literary voice. And then there are the ghosts -- real and imagined and the parallel to Anne Boleyn and her husband, King Hal. How will this all end? Ah, you'll have to read it yourself because this is as far as I go in a poor re-telling of the tale. Suffice it to say that the setting and landscape become characters, moody and painterly in description. The characters in this mysterious tale are real and yet also painterly.

In fact, the whole novel unfolds like a painting. I kept thinking of Wuthering Heights the whole time I was reading this. Anyway -- read this. If you enjoyed "The Virgin and the Crab" this will not disappoint! I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next Robert Parry! I was watching "Dark Shadows" reruns and I remembered how much I loved the Gothic suspense and the feeling of being scared but not too grossed out like a lot of today's movies do with special effects. I do not think the original show ever aired in England but for us older Americans who use to love coming home at 4 pm to see the ghosts, witches, and magical events like a seance, this might be a good book for you.

It combines the tragic story of Anne Boleyn and the events of a beautiful Victorian I was watching "Dark Shadows" reruns and I remembered how much I loved the Gothic suspense and the feeling of being scared but not too grossed out like a lot of today's movies do with special effects. I do not want to give away the plot but it does involve an art movement that shows paintings in the style of Raphael.

Do not worry if you are not an art historian. This will not get in the way of the story. It really is a good Gothic thriller that will make the hair on your arms stand up at times. I knew Robert was a gifted historical author upon reading his first novel, Virgin and the Crab. He graciously sent me a copy of The Arrow Chest to read and review and it too me eons to get around to it.

I am so glad I finally got around to reading it. I feel it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on reading this wonderful book. If you have any love for the I knew Robert was a gifted historical author upon reading his first novel, Virgin and the Crab. Mix this element with a genuine Gothic feel with the settings and ghosts and this book is a delight to read. Read the rest at my blog: Because as it turned out I loved it.

Is he a good, bad, a drunk? And that other men I could not stand. He was arrogant, bossy and just a tyrant. The character that stood out for me was Beth, the housekeeper. I thought she was so sweet, caring, sincere and selfless. A very good friend to Amos. The plot is great. From the very beginning it sets the tone. The Arrow Chest is a historical fiction you should get if you like them dark, mysterious and intense. I had wanted to read this book for a while having read the excellent reviews and was delighted when I was given a copy for my birthday. The writing style is elegantly fluent and it gives the period in which the book is written the atmospheric feeling it is due and you can easily immerse yourself in the words written.

The characters of Daphne and Amos fit together and contrast brilliantly in what is a clever and engaging piece of work, I have ordered the Virgin and the Crab and cannot wait I had wanted to read this book for a while having read the excellent reviews and was delighted when I was given a copy for my birthday. I thought this book was a great Gothic mystery with a heap of Tudor history thrown in.

This novel takes a lot of cool twists and the imagery in it is very intense. A fun, and compelling read. The author's writing is so descriptive, you feel like you are there. An all time favourite. This novel is a fine example of Victorian Gothic literature and although it was written in the twenty-first century, it feels genuinely Victorian. The story begins in London. A set of bones has just been discovered at the Tower of London and Amos Roselli, a painter struggling to receive some acknowledgement, is called to sketch the bones.

It is supposed that the bones belong to Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Catherine Howard, unfortunate ladies who were buried there and forgotten.

While ske This novel is a fine example of Victorian Gothic literature and although it was written in the twenty-first century, it feels genuinely Victorian. While sketching the bones, Amos experiences something supernatural that he cannot quite explain.

The Gothic setting is established at the start and the suspense flows until the end of the novel, which makes it a truly gripping read from the start. Not long after, Amos is commisioned by Oliver Ramsey to paint his portrait and Ramsey is none other that the wealthy, powerful man who married Daphne, Amos's life-long friend, muse and love. For Amos, this is a wonderful opportunity because the commision might help him as an artist and return him into the presence of Daphne. As soon as Amos and Daphne meet again, they renew their deep friendship, but pursue it within the confines of propriety, although it is clear that there is strong affection between them.

Once Daphne is back in Amos's life, strange things begin to happen. He begins to see things, including a woman who looks just like Daphne and who disappears before his eyes. On top of the strange and eerie supernatural occurrences, Daphne's life begins to fall apart and soon, she finds herself in danger and Amos must try to save her, which is far from easy. The suspense is amazing in the novel. It builds up gradually and experiences a proper climax, as well as a proper denoument. The setting is genuinely Victorian and quite Gothic.

Follow the Author

Attention is paid to details and to the language. I truly enjoyed the language of the novel. It was delightfully Victorian and added to the overall authenticity of the novel. It is also very lyrical and when Amos's ideas about paintings were describes, I could truly see what he saw. The novel is both an entertaining and an intellectual read, and the two are combined very naturally. I love novels that are both entertaining and intellectual.

Actual historical characters appear in the novel, for example Lord Tennyson, whose wonderful poem, ''The Lady of Shalott'', plays a role in the novel. The novel is, in fact, a very fresh and original retelling of the story of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and Thomas Wyatt, rich with details about art pre-Raphaelites , yet the reader can still not predict how the story will end. I truly enjoyed the ending. I could not predict it myself and I am always glad when an ending surprises me in a good way.

The supernatural elements are not very obvious and by that I mean they are not obtrusive, but fit the story naturally. They are a bonus that serves the Gothic atmosphere very well. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, and one character that I really liked was Amos's maid who was quite educated and was quite realistic. She was a great counterpart to Amos and I must confess that, although I loved the soulful, forbidden relationship between Daphne and Amos, I did lean towards Amos noticing the simple, yet clever girl in his household.

All in all, this is a cleverly written, suspensful novel that will delight readers who love historical fiction and suspense. As I've said, this is both an entertaining and intellectual read and it will definitely give you something. There she weaves by night and day A magic web with colours gay. She has heard a whisper say, A curse is on her if she stay To look down to Camelot. She knows not what the curse may be, And so she weaveth steadily, And little other care hath she, The Lady of Shalott.

Read more Read less. Applicable only on ATM card, debit card or credit card orders. Cashback will be credited as Amazon Pay balance within 10 days. Valid only on your first 2 online payments. Cashback will be credited as Amazon Pay balance within 10 days from purchase. Here's how terms and conditions apply.

To get the free app, enter mobile phone number. See all free Kindle reading apps. A Victorian Mystery on your Kindle in under a minute. Don't have a Kindle? Createspace Independent Pub 7 March Language: Be the first to review this item Would you like to tell us about a lower price? Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a product review. Most helpful customer reviews on Amazon.

I feel the novel was well written, and there definitely is a gothic feel about it, but the slow pacing and slower unraveling of the mystery was simply not for me. This story reminded me a bit of The Great Gatsby and the lead character of Daisy for some reason. I guess I just don't have patience for female characters like these, who marry for money and then become so very dark, doomed and dramatic in their failed marriages. Darlene Peeking Between the Pages. The Arrow Chest by Robert Parry is a beautifully written story.

It gathers you in with a tale that is at once haunting and mysterious. I have to say that I just love this beautiful cover as well and I think it fits with the story perfectly! The year is We're in London and the story opens with Amos, a struggling artist, at the Tower of London having been called there to sketch some bones that have been discovered.

While there Amos experiences some ghostly events that quite simply scare him! Amos is a painter and has been commissioned by Oliver Ramsey, a powerful man that his life long love Daphne married, to paint a portrait of him. Daphne and Amos have been friends since they were children and had always been close; Daphne had been Amos' muse for years.

He hasn't seen Daphne in over a year and he's anxious but he needn't have been. As soon as they meet again it's like they had never been parted. As Amos spends more time with Daphne he learns that she is in a loveless marriage. Daphne tells him that she is sure that her husband is trying to get rid of her as she doesn't seem able to produce an heir for him.

Will he manage to drive her over the edge? Daphne also has an attraction to spirits and loves to try to contact them. This makes Amos extremely uncomfortable since his episode in the Tower.

Buy for others

Adding to it he keeps seeing a woman who looks exactly like Daphne but can't possibly be. Not to mention that ghostly figure of a man he keeps meeting that nobody else sees. Could it be that he is losing his mind? Then there are those strange and haunting dreams he keeps having? What could they mean? Are they omens of things to come?

The characters in this book were fantastic, especially Amos, Daphne, and Beth - Amos' maid. Amos is such a passionate man who realizes too late how much he loves Daphne. Not that it would have mattered though as he wasn't the 'right' type of man for her to marry. Daphne seemed to me the type of woman you would be drawn to with her mysterious nature.

Beth was young girl when she came to work for Amos and it was interesting to see her character grow. She had no family and completely doted on Amos and in return he treated her well - more like an equal than a maid. I found parts of The Arrow Chest a bit slow but it always picked up and kept me reading. I loved the link to the story of Anne Boleyn and found the way the ghostly happenings were woven into the book fascinating.

• The Tent on the Beach, and other poems Part 4 from Volume IV of The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier
• Wir sind die Neudorfer, Band 2 (German Edition)
• Clay Masonry Family Fallout Shelters (1961) Illustrated
• Women in Leadership
• Black humour in British advertisement