Trap, Prey, Lust by Carolyn Shanti

Of course, the intrigue starts with the title. Each word is more than a verb it is or could be, a ‘command word.’ These triumvirate of command words are intended to be discomforting. But the title can be read in other ways too. The words give more than a clue to the nature of the contents with a decidedly sinister and yet purposefully salacious intent. Carolyn Shanti’s words are throughout, tightly woven, even dense in detail and description is clearly something this author enjoys. And like all good story-telling, the text has pace and drive. The level of sensuality of much of the book, of awakening and desire is sensitively yet graphically handled which again keeps the pace keen. The deliberate, misplaced sexual intent represents the ‘hunger of the moment’. Shanti makes it a knowingly, but compulsive read.

Certainly, there is a filmic quality to the novel – not as a big screen construct – but more assuredly a compelling 3-part series, say – much like the old publication device, the 3-decker novel intended to increase interest. All the characters mentioned are well-sculpted, well-drawn with the eye of a keen observer and there is the feeling that both author and reader are actually within the text as perhaps silent and invisible ‘other players.’ The author has made a most uncomfortable yet magnetic stage linking present and past for this selection of totally believable jigsaw-misfits.

Robin Dutt, Author of ‘Gilbert & George, Obsessions & Compulsions,’ Cats’ by Martin Leman (Foreword by Sir Roy Strong) and President of the Book Club and Creative Writing Society, Home House, London.

This tale moves, from one juxtaposition to another.

A web of multi layered intrigue, entranced sexual desires, secret occult clubs with roots in ancient mystical practices; yet told with such sensitivity, empathy and heart.

The book opens with the author’s intimate medical history and case analysis from her Homeopathic physician. She sought homeopathic support when unbidden memories and images of sexual abuse began percolating into her mind. With no context for these confusing, disparate memories her health collapsed. This intimate investigation of her life experience is the backdrop for the cathartic story within story of Anna, a woman who is trapped by her passions that were deliberately and cunningly awakened far too early. Part of an ancient ritualistic practise, that preys on young girls, trapping them in their own lustful fantasies by slowly, insidiously arousing sexual feelings and dependency in children.

The story moves with a pace and energy, each page layering another twist, another thread to the tangled web.

The characters are caringly woven – one face of English aristocracy; elevated, affluent, somewhat remote and another quieter face; solitary, wounded and full of longing.

Carolyn Shanti has created these people with a precision and depth that keeps unfolding with the swerves and twists of the tale.

She has achieved a remarkable juxtaposition between such horrendous, clandestine activities yet told with a gentle, even hopeful, healing hand.