At last, the massively anticipated conclusion to Patricia McCarthy’s “Crimson” trilogy has arrived! And make no bones about it, “The Crimson Woman” delivers in providing a thrilling, terrifying and ultimately satisfying conclusion to this groundbreaking series that has redefined the Erotica Vampirica genre.
A quick schooling for those unfamiliar with the first two episodes of the “Crimson” trilogy…the story revolves around the half-vampire, half-human Samuel and his human wife Magdalene who live in the beautiful city of Ottawa, Canada. The semi-normal life they have created for themselves is turned on its head when firstly they discover they are pregnant, and secondly, when Samuel’s father, the one true vampire Sir William Simon Hennessy, arrives on the scene with his own devious intentions.
The Crimson Woman picks up with Sir William seeking to assert his plans for Magdalene and her unborn child in a manner truly in keeping with a character of his magnitude. A distraught Samuel not only has to contend with this, but also with the cover up of multiple gruesome murders that threatens to throw back the veil on his life and the many secrets it contains.
Helping Samuel are the violently charming Coffey brothers, Canadian-Irish lads whose lust for sex and vicious brutality both intrigues and repulses. Also entering the story in Samuel’s aid is Magdalene’s mysterious Aunt Aileen, a woman whose mystical experience of life is only matched by her sharp tongue and thirst for rum.
Patricia McCarthy’s ability to develop absorbing characters right throughout the “Crimson” series has been a real highlight, and in “The Crimson Woman” we find ourselves being pulled even further into the lives and minds of these engrossing individuals. Each character is strong and well defined, with depth and relevance to the raging storyline. I loved the diversity of characters, from the rough and charismatic Coffey brothers to the strong and playful Magdalene right through to the statesman-like persona of Sir William. Patricia McCarthy is a master of conjuring characters that demand your attention.
I found myself unable to put this book down, particularly as the story builds to the exciting conclusion. I loved both “The Crimson Man” and “The Crimson Boy”, but I found “The Crimson Woman” to be less hyperactive and more seductive in the way it lures you into the revelations that will change the lives of the characters, and potentially the world, forever. The pace is still close to full throttle. However, the story plays out with such beautiful flow that at no stage do you feel lost or left behind in the action.
There is inevitability about the ending; a splendid acceptance and realisation that no matter what they may desire, what is to come is impossible to avoid. I loved the way the author has crafted the finale so that the magnitude of the events seem unavoidable, hence acceptable, and that this fact alone means as readers we should sit back and bask in the certainty that things are unfolding as they should. Even though somewhere deep inside of you there may be feelings of “no, this is wrong!” the overwhelming nature of Sir William will mesmerize you into throwing up your hands and simply being swept along without protest.
McCarthy shows herself to be a writer of substantial talent not just in her story and character development, but also in the effective blending of styles you find within “The Crimson Woman” and the series as a whole. At times, the writing conveys detailed imagery of sheer horror and absolute evil, leaving you cold. The violence is at times shocking. Then, in barely a separating paragraph, you find yourself immersed in some of the hottest and most pure erotic writing you are likely to find anywhere. And I want to emphasise that…the sex is HOT! It is easy to focus too much on the brilliant story, but as someone who loves reading erotica, I can honestly say that what Patricia McCarthy serves up is a feast of sexual and sensory decadence the match of any I have come across for pure heat. Round that off with some moments of genuine comedy, suspense, mystery and a HUGE serving of romance, yes romance, and you can see why this series has had readers right around the world salivating for more. It is the perfect storm of blended styles and genres.
Something that appealed to me also was the “edge” of the book, with drug use and in-your-face language on top of the other components making this one not for the feint hearted. The author’s ability to blend supernatural themes with everyday life subjects and alternative lifestyles helps the series translate perfectly into the contemporary world, and we feel a closer connection to the characters and greater immersion in the story as a result. No punches are pulled, so be warned.
Overall, if you love your erotica dished up in a variety of flavours and with a supernatural twist, don’t waste another moment before getting your hands on Patricia McCarthy’s “Crimson” series. While it would be possible to enjoy “The Crimson Woman” as a novel in its own right, in my opinion it works much more effectively when read as the conclusion of a terrific tale as it is intended.
But then again, is it the conclusion? It may be for the time being, but the story leaves open the exciting possibility that we may not have seen the last of these “Crimson” tales, and that the newly crowned “Crimson Woman” may yet have a sting in her tail further down the road…or, as a fan, we can hope for as much anyway!
As Reviewed by: Annie – Nov 8, 2007: The Romance Studio
The Crimson Man: A Fantasy is a thoroughly erotic tale combining the threads of vampires and BDSM in addition to the center thread of a woman who finds such fulfillment in her marriage that she is empowered to act out her every fantasy, no matter how ostensibly extreme. Magdalene surrenders her career and her apparently fairly sheltered upbringing to wed the "organic agriculturist," Samuel Crimson. One of Samuel's side organic farming activities is marketing in a certain naturally-grown controlled substance. His additional backdrop includes being an unusual type of hybrid vampire, one composed simultaneously of vampire and human traits. He survives daylight perfectly well and doesn't require the drinking of blood.
He does, however, find Magdalene incredibly rich and fertile soil for his creative imagination and goes about introducing her to the wonders of the BDSM lifestyle to which she responds like a flower to water. A few of his suggestions, however, seem a little odd to her, and the reviewer will not detail these here. Let's just say they are graphic, explicit, and some readers might find them quite unpleasant. Meanwhile, Magdalene flowers into a constantly lusty female who explores the sensual side of her nature both in the daytime, which is hers to rule, and in the nighttime, which belongs to Samuel.
Some portions of this story will require the reader to be strong of stomach. As the author notes, this is intended to be a novel of erotica and it definitely achieves its goal. At times it also approaches lyricism with prose that flows nearly poetically. The descriptions of BDSM activities and lifestyle are detailed almost as if to educate the reader, which is rare. The author has a definite gift for descriptive setting and flowery detail. Overall rating: Sensuality rating: Explicit
Within the increasingly popular genre of Erotic Horror, Patricia K. McCarthy has created a modern-day tour de force with her latest offering, “The Crimson Boy”, the second instalment of her three part “Crimson” series.
And indeed what a triumph! “The Crimson Boy” is a gripping thriller about vampires, hybrid vampire-humans, murder, suspense and romance…all sugar coated within a shroud of intense sexuality and eroticism.
The story revolves around Samuel, a man whose apparent (and relative) normalcy cloaks an incredible secret; namely that he is in fact a half human, half vampire hybrid. He and his devoted, human wife Magdalene live together in the Canadian city of Ottawa , and share both an incredible love and unbreakable bond. When Magdalene becomes pregnant, she and Samuel prepare to grow their love into a family.
That love is soon to be tested, however, with the arrival of Samuel’s father. Sir William Simon Hennessy is nine hundred and twenty seven years old, and the one true Vampire on Earth. Sir William has created a legion of half human, half vampire children and is fanatically pursuing his goal of creating an entirely new hybrid species. He has his own wicked designs when it comes to the future of Samuel and Magdalene, as well as their unborn child.
Around this underlying story develops a plot that tantalizes and terrifies the reader, inspiring powerful feelings of eroticism in equal proportion to shocking acts of violence and decadence. Nothing is as it seems, with multi-level plots and underhanded schemes driving the action towards its furious conclusion that sets the scene for the eagerly awaited finale to the series, enticingly titled “The Crimson Woman”.
This is a novel of incredible contrasts that the author has engineered to perfection. This duality of the characters, the story and the writing style adds so much depth and quality to the novel that, at no time, can the reader be sure of what to expect next.
Sir William, for example, is the quintessential gentleman, attractive, refined and irresistibly charming. Yet when his true self is released an unstoppable beast breaks forth, destroying and devouring at will.
Samuel himself is an intelligent and thriving professional whose acumen for business will surely see him rise to the top of his field. Yet he dabbles in shady deals and outright crime, exposing his successful life to potential disaster at any given moment. For a hybrid vampire, he is all too human.
The contrasts extend beyond the characters into the actual story as well. At one moment “The Crimson Boy” is a sexually charged romance, the next a graphic horror and then a gripping thriller. Many authors tread a delicate line when they attempt this complexity of plot, and risk confusing the underlying flow of the work. Patricia McCarthy, however, manages to accomplish it in such a manner that the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
In my opinion, however, McCarthy’s greatest contrast is seen in the elegance of her writing style, which poses a contrasting conundrum with the action it is detailing. Smooth and sophisticated word craft lull the reader into a sense of comfort, and allows the story to flow on unabated by the (at times) disturbing imagery those words are creating.
In the tradition of the finest Quentin Tarantino movies, the shocking deeds that unfold within the pages of “The Crimson Boy” play in the reader’s mind like a mesmerizing dream, and you can’t quite believe what is happening at any given moment despite the comfort offered by the stylish story telling.
Take for instance the very first scene, which weaves intense eroticism and shocking horror as Sir William and two of his hybrid sons play a game of sexual cat and mouse with the young woman who, unbeknownst to her, is soon to be placed on the menu. The atmosphere McCarthy stimulates is dark and potent, sexual and sadistic.
This sets the scene for what is to follow, as chapter after chapter sweeps by gripping the reader in a vice lock of merciless curiosity.
In fact, this novel (and trilogy by extension) can be easily envisaged translating beautifully into film. If an adapted screenplay could be carefully developed, the potential for a great erotic-horror flick is exciting!
Finally, I need to point out that you don’t need to have read the first instalment of the trilogy, which is “The Crimson Man”, before taking up “The Crimson Boy” (which was the case for me). Each novel can be enjoyed as a unique adventure, although obviously the full story and appreciation of the characters will be enhanced within the full scope of the series.
Like the relentless blood lust of the Vampire however, try stopping at just one bite! “The Crimson Boy” is a fantastic novel that will leave you both aroused and completely consumed under its spell. You will crave more…bring on “The Crimson Woman”!
Blood splatters freely across the pages of Patricia McCarthy's second vampire romance. Ottawa's bloodsucker population has quadrupled and the attendant body count becomes difficult for the press to ignore. Prostitutes and party girls, dirty cops and innocents alike join the legion of the drained. The Crimson Boy resumes the shamelessly picaresque tale of Samuel and Magdalene, as endearing an odd couple as one could hope to meet, cultivating fine herb, cooking and having sex, lots of sex. So why won't the world leave them in peace? McCarthy's sequel to The Crimson Man topples taboos and challenges, nay, well exceeds the boundaries of good taste again and again. Her protagonists dare you not to love them. As the unpredictable story climaxes, McCarthy orchestrates a perfect penny-dreadful cliffhanger, pauses briefly and calmly pulls aside the red velvet curtain to reveal the birth of a new vampire mythos. Of course the story's not over yet! (David Three Rats)
This type of book would have appeal to a certain niche audience - those who like vampire stories and those who have a wild imagination like the author about people's sex lives. The cover design, which was done by the author, fits the book well.(Judge's commentary sheet - Writer's Digest 14th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards).
I loved the way you kept going back in time and creating suspense along the way. What I liked most was the love and devotion that I felt between Samuel and Magdalene. No matter their peculiarities, they loved and accepted one another. Your book inspired me to be more loving in my relationship. My boyfriend certainly noticed the difference and we both look forward to your next novel.(Lucinda M. Gabriel)
I'm not an avid reader of fantasy novels, or any novels for that matter, but I just couldn't put The Crimson Man down until I finished it. The pages flew by and the story kept me wanting more. There was never a dull or boring moment. The Crimson Man can be shocking and graphic at times but I found those scenes were necessary to describe the characters, their lives and fantasies. I plan on reading it again just to relive the moments.
Holy Marie, sweet Jesus and Joseph...forgive my sins!!! You have imagination, girl, and can you ever put it together...where have you heard of sex like that? Wow! This is the kind of novel that deserves a sequel.
I am captivated with the character Magdalene. I believe she is the woman of every man's dreams. Usually it is very easy for me to guess where a plot is going. I cannot do that with The Crimson Man - lots of plot twists and turns. This writer has lots of promise.
Mounting The Bedpost has a dry and subtle wit; it is refreshing to read erotic poems that are so slyly humorous. At the same time they are unapologetic love poems; they are obsessed with their subject, they revel in their particular language of love, they invoke an incantatory rhythm not unlike that of the Song of Songs. (Judge's commentary sheet from the Writer's Digest 12th Annual Self-Published Book Awards).
Mounting The Bedpost is a poignant reminder that we are allowed to enjoy basic urges without going blind. Patricia McCarthy explores feminine sexuality through the microscope that is her poetry. She writes about those urges from an altitude of mere inches, so the reality isn't always pretty. McCarthy is in your face from the first verse, but she never abandons a more complex urge to seduce that other strange bedfellow - - love. Mounting The Bedpost is the high-calorie dessert for McCarthy's two previous collections, Vulgar Verse and Friction. Its power is raw, ribald, naughty, spicy and graphic. Beware the compositions between the covers that are tongue-in-cheek...you never know whose tongue it might be. (I. Robt. Petman)
Vulgar Verseis an anomalistic style of poetry for lovers - truly candid and blunt, yet articulates eloquently the formidable feelings we have towards sexual gratification. The reader can feel a submissive pleasure through the language used. We need vindication for our animal lust and the perverse thoughts and fantasies that are suppressed. The context of sexual feelings is seemingly saucy but conducive to realizing our own tensions and resentment. Vulgar Verse is playful and, because typically our desires are repressed socially, we are able to delight in this rapture of sexuality. Succinctly, Patricia McCarthy has captured the virtues and vices of women and men, personified through words...a pleasure to review. (Rachel Neild)
