Sardonicus by Ray Russell is possibly the best Gothic horror story written in the 20th century.  Ray Russell's mastery of language elevates this piece of genre fiction into literature. 

Russell's reading of character and masterful portrayal of dark nuances are evident. It is such quality even though the author wrote it for Playboy magazine. This tale is perfect for Halloween, but it's captivating all year long. 

It features a castle with a strange master, a beautiful woman in trouble,  individuals, disfigurement, an isolated setting, and a perplexing plot that our protagonist must unravel. 

Ray Russell serves as a link between contemporary masters of the dark like Thomas Ligotti and classic goth favourites like Dracula.

It was published in 1961 and adapted into the movie Mr Sardonicus the same year, showing that its quality was instantly recognised

Sadly, little this gothic masterpiece is little read now, but Sardonicus deserves to be resurrected!

#audiobook #freeaudiobooks #audiobooksfulllength #audiobooktube #booklover #audible

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