A Mask of Shadows

A Novel

Oscar de Muriel

Edinburgh’s most unlikely detective duo—“Nine-Nails” McGray and Inspector Ian Frey— must try to solve a murder mystery on the Scottish stage, as a new production of Macbeth is attracting the machinations of a serial killer . . .

Edinburgh, 1889. The Scottish Play is coming home.

But before the darlings of London theater—Henry Irving and Ellen Terry—take their acclaimed Macbeth to the Edinburgh stage, terror treads the boards: A grisly message is found smeared across the cobbles in blood, foretelling someone’s demise.

As the bloody prophecies continue to come to fruition, Edinburgh’s own beloved pair of detectives—“Nine-Nails” McGray and Inspector Ian Frey—enter the scene. Frey scoffs at what he believes is a blatant publicity stunt, while McGray is convinced that the supernatural must be at play.

As they scrutinize the key players, they discover that Irving, Terry, and their peculiar, preoccupied assistant, Bram Stoker, all have reasons to kill, or be killed. But one thing is clear: by occult curse or human hand, death will take a bow the night the curtain rises.

Oscar de Muriel was born in Mexico City. He is a violinist, translator, chemist, and writer who lives in Lancashire. This is his first novel.

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Endorsements & Reviews

This entertaining novel combines melodrama with the unhappiness of life backstage. Daily Mail (UK)

"De Muriel continues to make his offbeat series concept work. X-Files fans will be pleased." Publishers Weekly

"A tour-de-force. Provides lots of creepy fun." Popular Culture Association

"The grime and splendor of Victorian Edinburgh is on display, along with entertaining tidbits about theater history and lore about the curse of the “Scottish Play.” The two detectives are fascinating foils for one another and highlight the extreme class differences of the time through their contentious but affectionate relationship. a satisfying stand-alone adventure for any historical novel fan." Historical Novels Review