The Devil Aspect

The wonderful Craig Russell's latest novel is a Gothic Horror, a well researched piece of historical fiction set in Czechoslovakia amidst a background that echoes the rising drumbeat of Nazism in Germany and its consequent repercussions. It is 1935, Victor Kosarek, an ambitious psychiatrist who studied under Carl Jung, takes up his post at the notorious Hrad Orlu Asylum housed in a ancient medieval castle steeped in dark history and local folklore. This cutting edge and well resourced facility is near the tiny village of Mlada Bolslav, not far from Prague. The high security asylum has only six patients, the most notorious killers in Czechoslavakia, Pavel Zeleny, the Woodcutter, Leos Mladek, the Clown, Michal Machachek, the Glass Collector, Hedvika Valentova, the Vegetarian, Professor Dominik Bartos, the Sciomancer, and the most dangerous and feared, Vojtec Skala, the Demon, all incarcerated for life with no possibility of release. Kosarek hopes to carry out research on these inmates to prove his theory that they share a common archetype of evil, a phenomenon he names The Devil Aspect. On a personal level, Victor has concerns that his friend in Prague, Filip Starosta, is displaying worrying behaviours, and is in need of his professional help. <br /><br />In Prague itself, the local population is consumed with fear with a brutal serial killer on the loose butchering women in the most heinous of ways, he is known as Leather Apron, a nod to the infamous East End London killer, Jack the Ripper, whose methods the killer appears to be replicating. The detective leading the manhunt is Kapitan Lukas Smolak, he finally finds forensic evidence at the latest crime scene that leads to a known Gypsy petty criminal, but the man is terrified out of his wits and seems an unlikely suspect for the killings. As the murders continue, it becomes clear that their investigation is far from closed. Victor's research on the six patients yield surprising and stunning results but what do they mean? As the narrative progresses, connections emerge between the Leather Apron case and the Hrad Orlu Psychiatric Facility. <br /><br />Russell writes a chilling and atmospheric novel rooted in Jungian psychology, European folklore and legends, and the political history of Czechoslavakia that documents the seeds and shadows of Nazism and its growth before WW2, and the accompanying rise of community and ethnic tensions. It is impossible to escape drawing the parallels of the madness within Hrad Orlu amidst the much larger collective madness taking place outside the psychiatric facility throughout Europe. As we all know, the outside world is to burgeon with unspeakable horrors that come to boil throughout Europe, wreaking untold levels of death and genocide. Given the contemporary reality of the rise of populism, it seems that similar shadows of madness once again are growing amongst the populations of Europe and beyond. The gothic horror at the heart of Russell's novel is beautifully imagined, complex and compulsive reading, and the twists and turns had me fearful, utterly gripped and absorbed. As always with Craig Russell books, all I can say is that I loved this, his latest novel, and I am sure many other readers will enjoy it too. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.

Czechoslovakia 1935, and in scenes reminiscent of London’s Jack the Ripper, someone is butchering women in a most brutal and sickening manner. Cold, damp, and foggy weather lends an ethereal and creepy feel to the streets and alleyways of Prague’s Old Town, whilst at the same time having the effect of dulling the streetlights - very convenient for those with murder in mind!<br /><br />In a small village outside Prague, psychiatrist Victor is about to start his new job at an asylum for the criminally insane. This is a state of the art facility within a medieval castle, sitting in splendid isolation atop a forest covered mountain. <br /><br />The villagers below are superstitious about the castle - for hundreds of years it seems to have attracted those intent on murder, torture and an interest in the occult! They even view those who work there currently with suspicion, and wonder exactly what medical experiments are being performed. There are only six patients incarcerated in the castle, but these are the most dangerous and deviant killers known to man.<br /><br />Using a new medical technique, Victor hopes to prove his theory that these killers share a phenomenon known as the ‘Devil Aspect ‘ but as his work continues he becomes concerned that they might also share something much darker!<br /><br />Gosh, this has such a dark and menacing feel to it, increased by the inclusion of the culture and sinister folklore of this particular region. It was certainly well written, and the characters were perfectly at ease in their skins, frighteningly so at times. The plot was interesting as it attempts to tie the murders in Prague, to the patients in the asylum, in what can only be described as a supernatural twist. Oppressive at times, this was nevertheless a compelling and darkly gothic read.<br /><br />Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown book group for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *

The year is 1935 and the political changes which took place two years earlier in Germany begin to influence the attitudes of more and more citizens of Czechoslovakia. A psychiatrist, Viktor Kosarek, arrives at Hrad Orlu Asylum to observe some most dangerous murderers kept there. Kosarek introduces Carl Jung’s ideas into his practice and his intention is to analyse the minds of his patients. <br />This novel is not for the faint-hearted readers, as the analysis of the murderers’ minds starts with the descriptions of their horrific crimes, which resemble those by Jack the Ripper. I never find such graphic presentations to my liking, however, I admit that in case of this novel they are justified. <br />DEVIL ASPECT is an atmospheric novel that offers wonderful insight into the folklore and superstitions of the place surrounding Hrad Orlu, which is not a real castle, but if you have ever visited Czechia, you will have no difficulty imagining it, a complex mystery, and frightening feel of the danger looming over Czechoslovakia. <br />I did not find any characters I could relate to, but I think they are well-developed and the Author did not intend to make them likeable.<br />This was my first ever novel by Mr Russell, and I will definitely follow his literary path.<br />*I would like to thank Craig Russell and Constable for a print copy of this novel.*<br /><br />

<b>Malignant</b><br /><i>The Devil Aspect</i> is absorbing, mystifying and deliciously sinister. Craig Russell is a talented writer that has superbly blended a compelling nefarious plot, with inexplicably damaged characters, myths and legends, and a setting that is dark and chilling. I just loved it. :)<br /><br />Dr Viktor Kosárek is a young enthusiastic psychiatrist who was a student of Carl Jung and he joins the staff at the Hrad Orlů Asylum, not far from Prague. The asylum is one of the most advanced high-tech facilities in the world but it is housed in Hrad Orlů Castle, which carries an ancient history steeped in folklore and is locally known as the Mouth of Hell. The myths and legends surrounding the Castle are woven perfectly into the story and the narrative seamlessly ties the past to the present. Has the past returned or has it never left? <br /><br />The renowned Professor Ondřej Románek runs the asylum and in recent times it is infamous for securing the Devil’s Six – six psychopathic inmates responsible for the most horrific murders, involving extreme torture, rape and cannibalism. Románek’s theory is that perhaps evil is like a virus that can infect the susceptible mind. Viktor’s hypothesis is that we all contain the potential of evil and madness, and that a trigger can release this omnipresent Devil Aspect. Victor has been given the opportunity to examine each of the Devil’s Six to assess and validate these theories and understand their alarming commonality. OR. Is it a demonic possession from The Devil himself to use these human vessels to conduct the purest of evil deeds? <blockquote> <i>Here am I and here I stay,<br />for this is where Evil resides.<br />Here am I and here I stay,<br />for this is where the Devil hides.</i> </blockquote> The physical interaction between Kosárek and the patients is wonderfully portrayed by creating a sense of menace and at times precarious interaction, where one miscalculation could have lethal consequences. The psychological interplay is full of suspense knowing that the psychiatrist's actions could ignite or transfer an evil stimulant. As Kosárek digs deeper into the patients' minds, the horror and source of their evil become evident.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Prague is being terrified by the Leather Apron Serial Killer who is modelling himself on Jack the Ripper and brutally mutilating the bodies of his victims. Police Kapitan Lukás Smolák is investigating the deaths and recognises they fall within the pattern associated with the Devil’s Six. The 2 threads will eventually converge with surprising revelations. <br /><br />The setting and period in Czechoslovakia in 1935 were masterfully developed, firstly the remote region of the Castle constantly had a threatening atmosphere and the forests harboured dark shadows where evil plays. Secondly, the novel illustrated the evil growing at a systemic level in Nazi Germany and spreading across national boundaries, especially into regions where German influence and culture played a significant impact. <br /><br />This book is truly amazing and just delivered everything I love in a story - crime, mystery, suspense, police investigation, something sinister, history, myths, legends and exceptional writing. If I could give this 6 stars I would. I would highly highly recommend this book and I would like to thank Little Brown Book Group for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.

<i>Here am I and I here stay,<br /> for this is where Evil resides.<br /> Here am I and I here stay,<br /> for this is where the Devil hides. </i><br /><br />It’s difficult to describe a book like The Devil Aspect. For me, It was an excellent psychological thriller with a perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery and horror. <br /><br />Set in Prague in the year 1935: Viktor Kosárek, a psychiatrist arrives at the infamous Hrad Orlu Asylum for the Criminally Insane. The asylum is located on a mountain top castle outside of Prague and houses the country's six most treacherous killers--known as <i>The Woodcutter, The Clown, The Glass Collector, The Vegetarian, The Sciomancer, and The Demon</i>--and Viktor hopes to use a new medical technique to prove that these patients share a common archetype of evil, a phenomenon known as The Devil Aspect.<br /> <br />Meanwhile, in nearby Prague, police captain Lukas Smolák is hunting a new serial killer. As he chases down diminishing leads, all his investigation’s paths lead to Hrad Orlů. When both Viktor and the Lukas realise that the Leather Apron’s and the asylum may have some darker connection to the case. <br /><br /><i>“We all have a part of ourselves—the id—an element in our deep unconscious that’s impulsive, volatile and potentially violent... And within the id, I believe there is an element that is the coalescence of all our ideas—individually and collectively—of evil……The Devil Aspect” </i> <br /><br />The Devil Aspect reminds you of the dark worlds created by H P Lovecraft (The Call of Cthulhu comes to mind) and has the same sinister and menacing feel to it. Set in Pre-WWII Czechoslovakia with the backdrop of Rise of Nazism in Germany, The Devil Aspect by Craig Russel is an intelligently written and well researched psychological thriller. It combines elements of psychology and mythology with the political history of Czechoslovakia. A set of weird characters, added to the dark and creepy environs of the castle creates a surreal setting for the story. The writer is able to weave the concepts of psychology with mythology into a gripping story. The political background of rising Nazism in Europe also adds another dimension to the story, without feeling superficial. The two tracks of the story tracking the two protagonists keep moving separately till the climax when the two tracks come together in a thrilling finale.<br /><br />The writer manages to create truly believable characters, even the minor ones, all with a proper backstory. The story revolves mainly around Viktor and Lukas but the writer has managed to create six unique characters for the six psychopaths; with equally terrifying backstories for each of them. It was one of the highlights of the book for me. I really hope this book made into a movie or a web series because the story has immense potential.<br /><br />The Epilogue does leave you hanging but it hints towards a sequel. The story itself gives away a big spoiler in the early chapters which may ruin the ending a bit. Despite that, the ending was well executed and the rest of the story was well worth it.<br /><br />Overall, The Devil Aspect is a dark and atmospheric psychological thriller with an engaging storyline and some unique twists. The horror and suspense will keep you captivated right till the end. If you love dark psychological thrillers with a hint of horror this one is highly recommended. 4.5/5<br /> <br /><b> Many thanks to the publishers Doubleday &amp; Random House, the author Craig Russell and Edelweiss for the ARC. </b>

<i>“I will return,” the voice hissed in Viktor’s ear. “I will return and show you the truth and you will be blinded by it. I will show you such horror and fear that you will be burned by its beauty and its clarity.”</i><br /><br />The Devil Aspect is simply a Masterpiece in Gothic crime and one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read, with deep characterisation and a stunningly evil plot making this a sensational read.<br /><br />Psychiatrist Viktor Kosárek, following years of research, has developed a theory that most people share a common archetype of evil, known as the Devil Aspect, but the presence of such traits is more prevalent in the most psychopathic minds and depraved killers. Keen to test his new medical technique and research, Victor takes up a post in the in Hrad Orlu Asylum for the Criminally Insane. The state-of-the-art facility located in a medieval mountaintop castle outside of Prague.<br /><br />The asylum houses six of the country’s most dangerous killers, dubbed “The Devils Six”, known to the staff as The Woodcutter, The Clown, The Glass Collector, The Vegetarian, The Sciomancer, and the most feared of all - The Demon. All incarcerated for life but perfect candidates for Victor’s study.<br /><br />As a story line this in itself is superb, but Russell moves up a gear to reveal the escalating death rate in Prague by the infamous killer known as “Leather Apron” who is murdering his victims with the same brutality and theatre reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. The question is “will Victor’s research help the police in solving the case of Leather Apron putting an end to his reign of terror and deadly killing spree?”<br /><br />The stage is set, the setting is haunting and dramatic, the characters are set to play their part, in their own evil way, whilst the author tests his theories and seeks to rehabilitate his patients in some way as he creates the theatre and unspools the story of “The Devil Aspect”.<br /><br />I was gripped from the first page. I couldn’t put it down, and then was disappointed I’d had finished it so quickly. I wanted more. Dark, twisty, and captivating. Brilliant characters, great story telling and a superb plot. Best book I’ve read in a long time. I would highly recommend.<br /><br />Read in June reviewed properly now.<br /><br />PS. What this book is not - it is not satanic, gory or sadistic although the name might lead our minds there. It is a gripping psychological thriller.

1935, Prague.<br /><br /> A young doctor named Viktor comes to the ancient castle/asylum, Hrad Orlu, excited to test his new theories in psychology. Housed at this asylum, isolated atop a mountain, are the 6 most dangerous killers alive today. At the bottom of the mountain in the town proper, a police detective named Lukas is trying his best to solve a series of murders which the press attributes to the "leather apron killer." At the same time as these events, the Nazis are on the rise in Germany. Will Viktor's new theories pan out, and allow psychiatry to identify dangerous individuals in the future? Will Lukas find his killer? Will the Nazis put a stop to all of that before it has even properly begun? You'll have to read THE DEVIL ASPECT to find out!<br /><br />I found this book to be a marvelous new (to me), voice in fiction. The synopsis had me so psyched I couldn't help but want to read it right away. I loved the Gothic setting of the castle, surrounded by rocky areas and dense forest. (What horror lover doesn't love that type of isolated setting?) Yet, just down the mountain is a town full of scared people. Losing its citizens one by one to a brutally violent killer, with what seems like zero progress by the police- I almost expected to see the townsfolk armed with torches heading up to the castle. (Because, surely that must be from where their misfortune emanates?)<br /><br />But, that didn't happen, because the voice of Craig Russell is more original than that. This tale twisted and turned until I had no clue what was going to happen! As more of Viktor's theories were tested, some things became clearer, while others became more perplexing. On top of all this, there was the rise of the Nazi party always in the background. Combined together, these components contributed to the overall feelings of anxiety and darkness that permeated this book. <br /><br />So why 4 stars and not 5? I felt the pacing dragged a bit during the middle portion of the story. Even though I was interested in all of the criminals Viktor was interviewing, I didn't feel that all of them were integral to the tale. It's a small thing, but at times I felt like I had been reading quite a lot without really getting anywhere.<br /><br />This is what I took away from THE DEVIL ASPECT: A NOVEL. Fun? Check! Hypnotizing scenes between the doctor and the criminals? Check! A Gothic castle, set atop a mountain surrounded by a dense forest, and creating a dark and gloomy atmosphere? Check! Twists and turns galore which put our heroes in jeopardy? Check! A denouement to beat the band? Hell yes!<br /><br />In short, (too late!), I recommend this novel to fans of the above, but most especially to fans of Gothic fiction and psychological horror! I predict that this novel is going to knock some socks off!<br /><br />Available March 5th, but you can pre-order here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/2SIQwgd">https://amzn.to/2SIQwgd</a><br /><br />*Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*

In Czechoslovakia 1935, a small rural village sits in the sinister gloom of an ancient castle that has a primordial history of evil. It is now being used as an asylum for six of the most violent murderers in Europe and their murders are indeed stomach churning. A young psychotherapist begins his work with the patients at the asylum in order to prove his theory of The Devil Aspect of personality. In Prague, a detective attempts to solve brutal murders that more than resemble those of Jack the Ripper despite having occurred one hundred years in the past. The Prague murders may be connected to the asylum. Be prepared for a brush with Jungian archetypes of the collective unconscious, a brief encounter with quantum physics and the rising black cloud of Hitler and the Nazis across the border not to mention “murder most foul.” The setting was a brilliant choice given the ethnic and unequal cultural diversity of the time as it mirrored the buried splits in personality that the young psychotherapist is so eager to find. I found the epilogue to be superfluous; nonetheless, this is an excellent and unsettling historical thriller.

<b>6 evil stars for the "Devil's Six"</b><br /><br />Shrouded in mystery, the eye of evil takes hold of the darkest minds in the faces of the most notorious killers of all times. Secluded, up in the mountains near Prague, in an old stone castle that was built upon the devil's nether <b>“Mouth of Hell”</b>, the devil still controls his hold. <br /><br /><i> <b>“It was that - that extinguishing of their very last hope – that I savored more than anything, more even than the extinguishing of their lives…It was then they realized that the Devil is just God in his night attire.”<br />- “Mr. Hobbs” <br />(Recorded at Hrad Orlů Asylum for the Criminally Insane)</b> </i><br /><br />It is 1935 and Dr. Viktor Kosárek, a handsome man at the age of 29 is transferring from Bohnice Asylum to the Hrad Orlů Asylum for the Criminally Insane in Prague, where the infamous <b>"Devil’s Six"</b> are locked up. He is hoping to use some of his new treatment methods to enter the tortured minds of the insane, bringing them to the edges of their being to a point he calls <b>“The Devil Aspect”</b>. <br /><br />Kapitán Lukáš Smolák of the Prague Police knows the asylum and the animosity towards it by the locals very well. Currently, he is investigating a chain of terrible murders happening around Prague that seem to copy the infamous <b>“Jack the Ripper”</b> murders of women. The tabloids call this new killer <b>“Leather Apron”</b> per witness descriptions. An apron, such as a butcher would wear, only that this killer is dismembering his human victims and is removing their organs. <br /><br />Viktor Kosárek believes innately that everyone is infected with the potential for madness and evil, but only some develop a disease. He is beginning his casework on the six notorious killers, nicknamed <i> <b>The Woodcutter, The Clown, The Glass Collector, The Vegetarian, The Sciomancer, and The Demon</b> </i>. <br /><br />Through hypnosis and drugs, Kosárek is entering the minds of these men one by one, while they are restraint. He makes them tell their version of the murders. A most disturbing truth and evil come forth in these patients that will put him and others in major harm. What each of them possesses is the devil <b>“Mr. Hobbs”</b>, and he has only just begun to unleash his power. Like a virus through space and time, he is the elusive evil spreading minds. Unstoppable!<br /><br />***<br /><br /><b>This novel is absolutely stellar. Amazing!</b> <br /><br />I am stunned in the best of ways by this historical fiction/mystery/ thriller. The setting was amazing, the twists and elusive plot were completely engrossing and the suspense held me captively surrendered to the pages. <br /><br />There was so much thought put into this masterfully crafted novel, it left no stone unturned to be included to deliver a detailed, atmospheric plot. Some of these I did not mention in the review above and they include:<br /><br />*Time and place in this novel reflect the young Republic of Czechoslovakia, where most people identified themselves as Czech, Moravian, Silesian, Slovak, German, Polish, Ruthenian, Hungarian and Jews, “The principal ingredients of a richly seasoned stew.” Targeted victims were women of German heritage the killer beheld as “Fotze”…a very dirty word. Other references and subgroups in this novel that add to the general ambiance and tension are the German-Czechs, the High-Germans, Nazis, and Gypsies. <br /><br />*There were three main characters aside from the insane. For each of them a backstory and past is presented for the reader to keep up with. In part diversion, in part enrichment. It may or may not play an important role in figuring out this mystery. Some of them are misleading, but all are detailed to bring the characters to life vividly in the readers' mind. It creates the perfect blend of a character-driven novel and the mystery itself. <br /><br />*“The Devils Six” encounters and recollections were suspenseful and horrible in the cerebral sense. References to myths and legends, intellect and dark brooding places gave the novel a dark, imaginative, mystical feel. Absolutely stunning. <br /><br />*The murder cases and their elusive details were told from the side of the victims and the murderers, as the plot wove in waves back and forth through time, place and recollections. Simply mesmerizingly fabricated, it created a perfect maze of intricate details in the big puzzle.<br /><br />*There was a hint of romance blooming and referenced to by some characters, in all of this. For one, I thought perhaps I had figured out who the “Leather Apron” was. A case of obsessive love or something I had missed somewhere. But to no avail, I was unable to crack the mystery. <br /><br />My suspicions to solve this case began perhaps 2/3'rds into the novel, but the twists kept on coming. At that point I was somewhat mad with myself, thinking that perhaps I had missed some detail somewhere. Therefore it is definitely worth a reread on my part. Plus it's so engrossingly entertaining!<br /><br />Summing up, this novel was par excellence. Simply superb. If you enjoyed Dracul by J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker, you will love this book. I implore you to read it, it’s superb.<br /><br />I received a digital copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you. <br /><br /><br />PS. This is also the book that inspired my latest Music Monday blog post choice of Smetana’s poetic symphony of <b>The Moldau</b> (a river in Prague). A classical piece I have loved since childhood. To this day it gives me chills for it’s stunning beauty. You can check it out here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-blog-2/2019/2/18/music-monday">https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-...</a><br /><br />Review on my blog has added pictures.<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-blog/2019/2/22/the-devil-aspect">https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-...</a>

<img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/photos/1547228545p8/3766276.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>In 1930’s Czechoslovakia, shortly before the German occupation, six of the most notorious killers in Central Europe are being held at a remote castle now being used as an asylum. The castle is an impregnable place that seems to exist as part of a soaring cliff face. And it’s got history, before the <i>Devil’s Six,</i> as they are known, it once housed an infamous killer who would regularly descend from the castle to murder local villagers before returning to the safety of the fortress. Psychiatrist Victor Kosárek is about to test his theory that the evil that emanates from each of the six stems from a phenomenon known as The Devil Aspect. Is it possible that he can establish this and even cure them of their evil thoughts and deeds?<br><br>An hour's travel away, in Prague, a serial murderer is on the loose, butchering women in the style of the East London killer Jack the Ripper. Known as Leather Apron, clues to the identity of this evil butcher are few but police are under extreme pressure to halt the spree of gruesome murders. Heading up the chase is investigator Lućaš Smolák.<br><br>Before these two threads link up we are shown how the tensions present in this relatively new country manifest as its people face the possibility of the extinction of their nation before it has even had chance to fully develop. The castle itself and its inmates are brilliantly drawn, with the killers being given monikers such as <i> The Clown, The Woodcutter</i> and <i>The Demon.</i> In fact, the accounts of Victor’s narcotic controlled interviews with each individual are minor classics in their own right. And Prague too is expertly brought to life with its towers and dark streets, amongst which lurks the grim murderer. <br><br>So we are thrown into a tale of Gothic horror as murders both past and present are visited. Just about everyone we meet has some kind of suspicion thrown their way (I had a working list of at least five suspects). Is it possible that one of the <i>six</i> could be carrying out the recent murders, courtesy of a hidden network of tunnels running from the castle? Or is the existence of this network simply folklore? This and many other questions are posed as we work our way through this intriguing and engrossing puzzle.<br><br>It’s a long book but I found it just about impossible to put down. A superb tale of dark deeds and even darker characters from a writer I’ve previously only known for his excellent contemporary crime fiction novels. Not only that, I found that it provided an interesting historical insight and a fascinating exploration of Slavic mythology. Miss this one at your peril!<br><br>My thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.