I was dubious about Alys Clare's Magic in the Weave when I began reading because it felt more like a romance than mystery—with the kind of stock characters one might expect to find in a period romance. That changed for me about halfway through as the mystery grew more complex and menacing—with the possibility of supernatural influences.

The play is set in the reign of James I. England is facing yet another round of plague, so a group of players has left London to perform in smaller cities that the disease hasn't yet reached. But then people, both players and others, start dying—and not from the plague.

I grew more fond of the main characters as the novel progressed and Clare's depiction of them grew more nuanced. The novel still read a bit more like a romance than a mystery, but readers of historical mysteries will find it entertaining in the end.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Having read and enjoyed all the previous books in the series I was looking forward to this next instalment, however I really struggled to get into this one and by the time I got to the end, I wasn't quite sure what was going on. Disappointing!

Magic in the Weave is the first book that I have read by Alys Clare. The description of this book sounded very interesting, which is why I wanted to read it. It did take me some time to completely understand who these characters are, since it seemed initially as if I had been dropped in the middle of a plot. Magic in the Weave is the 4th book in a series. But unlike many other mysteries that I have read, Magic in the Weave is not really a stand alone novel. It does really help to have read the previous 3 novels in this series. There are a number of oblique references to character history from the previous novels. This history isn't really explained in Magic in the Weave. I do think that readers should begin with book one in this series.
There are a number of mysterious references to members of a secret society of men. Strangely the members are spoken of as if they are contemporaries, but since I recognized several of these famous men as having been dead many years in the past, each reference with these names seemed confusing. That said, I did enjoy much of this novel. There was rather a lot of magic and some supernatural events, which I did not find especially appealing. However, at the end of the novel, much of this magic is explained as having been caused by natural means. So much of this novel was interesting and held my attention, but the conclusion was long and drawn out, much longer than a novel of 300 pages would require.
I appreciate having been given this ARC to read and review, and thank both the author and publisher for this opportunity. Thank you also to NetGalley for introducing me to another author. I may try book 1 in this series to see how I feel about this author's work. Her characters were interesting people, but it would have helped to know them from an earlier book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of Magic in the Weave, the fourth novel to feature Gabriel Turner, a country doctor in Devon.

November 1604. A London troupe of actors has come to Plymouth to escape the plague and put on plays. But what else is on their agenda? The plays are full of implied magic and sex and then Theo Davy, the local coroner, overhears a conversation suggesting dangerous secrets. It is unsettling but not as unsettling as what Gabriel sees when looking after one of the actors who is unexpectedly seriously ill.

I thoroughly enjoyed Magic in the Weave, which is a tense read, full of the inexplicable and suitably gothic in its presentation. The first person narrative by Gabe, a modern man for the times and a scientist, suits the story perfectly. He isn’t given to superstition but his unease and inability to explain what he sees gives the novel its tension and sense of foreboding. It is extremely well done.

I admit that for most of the novel I, too, had no idea of what was going on and couldn’t see the way forward, any way be it right or wrong. I like to know, so all this uncertainty added to the tension in the read. No matter, because it is a grand adventure with plenty of incidents, dead bodies and bad temper. I thought that having been wrung out by all this adventure and tension the reason behind it all was a little limp, but, with the benefit of 21st century hindsight, perhaps ironic.

Gabriel Taverner and his friends are now familiar characters after four novels. I enjoy their company and am pleased to see a little romance entering their lives. Gabe is, however, a man of his times, bossy towards his sister and supremely sure of his rightness, so it was a bit unnerving to see him unsure.

Magic in the Weave is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

In 1604 Country physician and part time investigator Dr Gabriel Taverner has taken on more than he can cope with when a theatre troupe from London known as the Plague Tour will bring magic ghosts witchcraft and death. When his sister becomes too entwined with the players Gabriel finds he is living a waking nightmare. This story does weave its magic on you and there are plenty of twists and suspects to follow to an exciting conclusion.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
In October 1604 London is crippled by the Plague and all the theaters are closed, so a theatre troupe,
The Company, deciderec to go on a 'plague tour', arriving in Plymouth, where Dr. Gabriel Taverner watches Othello. Surprisingly full of sexual innuendo and hints of the supernatural, the play shocks Gabe and makes him feel uneasy. There is a frightening mirror featured in every play; it's as if the mirror can mesmerize whoever looks into it. When several brutal deaths occur Gabriel, risking life, limb and sanity, desperately seeks to unravel the mystery as to what and who is causing this mayhem.
Creepy, tense and wonderfully atmospheric, I recommend this read to every reader who loves historical mysteries with a hint of the supernatural.

As soon as I saw the front cover and title of this book I knew I had to read it. It was gripping right from the start with a tense and gothic atmosphere. It was creepy, intense and suspenseful. I was kept guessing all the way through and I couldnt put it down.
I loved the storyline, the characters and the setting. I really enjoyed it

Magic in the Weave by Alys Clare


A theatre company bring secrets, magic and murder along with them on their ‘Plague Tour’, in this bewitching historical mystery starring physician-sleuth Dr Gabriel Taverner.

October, 1604. Plague has hit London, and the theatres are closed. But the capital’s loss is Plymouth’s gain, when a London theatre troupe, the Company, arrive on their ‘Plague Tour’.
A very clever storyline , which had it all , mystery , suspense , intrigue , along with twists and turns to keep you interested .
Brilliant.