The Devil's Playground is set largely in 1920s Hollywood wherein the star of stars, Norma Carlton has allegedly committed suicide. The plot follows Mary Rourke, the film studio's "fixer" as she tries to piece together the events that follow.

The blurb instantly drew me in. A historical fiction with murder, witchcraft, behind the scenes spilling of secrets, and a cursed film production? What's not to like?

Lincoln Child describes it as a mix between suspense and horror. I would say it's more of a mystery/crime novel. I will say that I would have liked more of a horror theme, perhaps more exploration of the witchcraft and voodoo elements. Nevertheless, The Devil's Playground is an enjoyable read.

The plot progresses well and there's enough twists and turns early on to keep the reader moving towards the ending. The descriptives of the film sets and certain scenes are engrossing. A particular moment towards the end practically crackles with tension and we can almost feel the character's internal struggle as he realises what's coming.

My last thought on The Devil's Playground, and it may just be me, but I felt that there was quite an obvious plot hole early on, wherein all of the events following wouldn't have happened if something wasn't revealed to the fixer that led her on the chase.

Regardless, I'd still recommend it.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book – the first from the author that I’ve read; perhaps something along the lines of Ramsey Campbell’s recently reissued Ancient Images? (Also about a missing/ cursed horror movie). The actual story was, other than a shared kernel of an idea, clear love and knowledge or a past era of movie making and a fine tale, very different – but I’d recommend both to any reader looking for a good story.
The novel is, for the most part, set in prohibition era Hollywood (there are book ends and interludes from various other periods), and follows Carbine International Pictures’ Hollywood fixer Mary Rourke as she is asked to look into the death of one of the studio’s actresses in the final days of production of a ‘bet the house’ production of a horror movie like no other.
I know the idea of ‘horror’ can put readers off, and while there is a (no spoilers) fine vein of possible ‘less-than-everyday’ happenings in the book, this is not a HORROR story. If you’re looking for comparisons there are probably more to be found in the likes of James Ellroy or William Hjortsberg’s Fallen Angel.
It came across, to someone like me with an interest in this era of cinema, as a well-researched and well put across tale of sleaze and secrets in the best possible way; mixing real life history with half truths and speculations (perhaps it was this element as much as the detective element that made me think of Ellroy) which fit the mystery of the ‘greatest horror film never seen’ angle of the story so well.
At the heart is a strong protagonist a LOT of side characters, and a well crafted mystery tale.
I really enjoyed this one and will definitely seek out previous works by the author.

One of my favorite books of all time is by Craig russel and I could not wait to get into this one and just wow, it did not disapoint. Old hollywood, urban legend and creepy twists and turns! I absoloutely loved it. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this title.

This was my 1st kind of old holiday, gothic type horror that I've read and it was quite the read! I do love old Hollywood and the urban legends that go along with it so I was so excited to read this and it didn't disappoint. It literally takes you back and has you feeling like you're in that world. It builds such an eerie, tense atmosphere and I raced through it. I'll definitely be reading more of these kinds in the future

Mary Rourke,a studio "fixer" in 1927 Hollywood is called to the home of screen goddess Norma Carlton to clean up the scene of her suicide before the press get hold of the story.

As Mary investigates the story behind Norma's death, and the circumstances surrounding the making of "The Devil's Playground" billed as the ultimate horror story, she is drawn into a story of voodoo and occultism.

A great tale by Craig Russell who is always master of his genre.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little,Brown Group Publishing for the chance to read and review this book