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cynesthesia

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Anna Kavan
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David McLintock, Thomas Bernhard

The Judges of the Secret Court

The Judges of the Secret Court - David Stacton Solid and capable historical novel about John Wilkes Booth and the aftermath of the assassination of Lincoln. The novel begins with elder brother Edwin Booth reflecting on what the cost of his brother's actions have been for his own family. There are also keen portraits of Stanton who's more interested in making a show of strength than carrying out justice and Mrs. Surratt who finds herself caught up in a perfect storm of suspicion and misfortune. The there's the man with the gun, the delusional and petty JWB, the prototype for too many killers who will follow.

Very fast read, adding to the sense of events set in train that can't be stopped.

P.S. This one might be in the public domain as it's available in full view at the Hatha Trust website.