The Third Grave

By: David Case

Narrated by: Guy Bethell

When archaeologist Thomas Ashley is invited to remote Devonshire by Lucian Mallory to examine and decipher millennia-old papyrus scrolls, he is unable to resist the offer, despite knowing of Mallory’s sinister and unsavory reputation. The scrolls, retrieved from an ancient necropolis, purportedly contain Egyptian secrets of resurrection and immortality.

From the moment of Ashley’s arrival, it is clear something is terribly wrong: a gruesome murder has been committed, and everyone is fearful a madman is on the loose. But the truth is far more shocking. As the murders continue, Ashley works to uncover the secrets contained in the scrolls and begins to glimpse the horrific reality of Mallory’s inscrutable plan...

Originally published as a limited edition Arkham House hardcover and long out of print, The Third Grave (1981) is a chilling tale by David Case (1937-2018), an undeservedly neglected master of literary horror. Two volumes of Case’s best short fiction are also available from Valancourt.

©2019 David Case (P)2019 Valancourt Books LLC

Critic reviews

“Case should be considered among the half-dozen finest living practitioners of the horror story.” (Michael Dirda, The Washington Post)

“Let us hear more of David Case...The field needs more from the author of ‘The Hunter’, a modern classic worthy to stand beside ‘The Most Dangerous Game’.” (Ramsey Campbell)

Insane

The story was too crazy to be taken seriously. It ended the only way it could.

Excellent narrator!

I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio book which is read by Guy Bethell. He does an outstanding job! This is the tale of a guy obsessed with Egyptology and immortality. Does he latest find hold the secrets? You may think this story is predictable but it got me! Thank you to Valancourt Books for the opportunity to listen to this one. I received the audio book in exchange for a honest review.
1 like

Cozy Horror

A "cozy horror" treat in the vein of Sommerset Maugham's novel: The Magician. If you enjoy Hammer films or the movies of Val Lewton you will be into this book. The choice of narrator (age/accent) adds color to the first person narrative as well as the English country-side setting.
However, don't expect an in-your-face gore-fest but rather a slow building mystery leading to a violent conclusion.