La Colección de los Objetos Malditos
Work/Books/La Colección de los Objetos Malditos
Evidence meets unease when a former Scotland Yard inspector visits an Irish castle to authenticate an unusual hourglass. A storm isolates the fortress, and a body in the library turns appraisal into investigation.
Behind the story
Why I made it
Scepticism becomes vulnerable when evidence must be read among unfamiliar objects and people with reasons to lie. I develop that tension through Alaric Blackwood, who authenticates antiques after leaving Scotland Yard and distrusts supernatural explanations. An isolated house and a death to investigate bring the pleasure of scrutinising suspicious details into contact with the unease of having to remain among them.
The world
Isolation turns a gathering into a closed circle of suspicion at Ravenswood, on the coast of Donegal in Ireland. An Atlantic storm cuts off the castle, enclosing its private collection within gothic rooms steeped in family history. I draw on Agatha Christie for the investigation, and on Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley for the unease of the isolated gathering.
The characters
Alaric Blackwood
Former police inspector authenticating antiques. Evidence remains Alaric's measure of truth, even beyond his police career. The former Scotland Yard inspector now authenticates antiques, approaching the commission under the strain of the case that ended that career.
Jasper Doyle
Young nephew staying at Ravenswood. Technical skill offers Jasper little protection from social insecurity. Eighteen, he arrives at his uncle's castle with scant family closeness to sustain him and the fear of losing his boyfriend.
Silas Beaumont
Butler of the O’Malley household. Duty and affection place different demands on Silas. Serving the O’Malley household since 1983, he raises his granddaughter Lily in the castle, seeking to protect her while upholding his professional responsibilities.
Registered works
Every film, series and book on this site is a registered work and the exclusive property of Jeff Zambrano. Stories, characters, titles, scripts and images may not be copied, adapted or used to train any system without written permission. Copies and derivative works are traced automatically, and any infringement will be pursued under the laws of the country where it originates.
