Written in the popular style of present tense, Patrick Field’s sophomore novel The Bedfordshire Warlock reads like a screenplay that is full of intriguing science, fascinating carefully detailed history, and spot on early 90s references for those who recall that decade with reverence. The book covers several periods in history with wonderful imagery to place us right in the middle of that time. Field paints an exciting story of suspense, passion, and the supernatural. He proves the case to write what you know by beautifully weaving a wonderful gay love story with the paranormal. With so many vivid accounts, one might wonder if Field himself might have been a warlock in another time. Recommended for those obsessed with all things New England, supernatural events, and a sexy gay tale. 

It’s almost autumn and I have the perfect book for the season! The Bedfordshire Warlock is a great mix of hair-raising mystery and nostalgic love story. Set in the 90s in Massachusetts, Dorian Leeves is starting his new job at a university and not really sure what’s next in his life when he begins to encounter supernatural happenings in his new home. Simultaneously, he meets Toby (a rugby player for all you thirsty readers) and the two begin a romance as Dorian attempts to deal with growing supernatural powers and an unearthly force that is somehow connected to the town’s witch trials three hundred years earlier (think Salem).

       If you read Servant, you’ll be pleased to see the writing in this novel maintains that iconic scientific and beautifully descriptive style. This one also plays with the time periods in its setting, giving us flashes of what happened in the past throughout the narrative, though in a different way. But Warlock is set in the past itself (though I struggle to say it’s historical because that makes me feel old lol) and the 90s vibes are immaculate. This story differs also in that it leans into the budding romance between the two men and reading about Dorian and Toby calling each other on landlines and making plans to go see RHPS was totally nostalgic for me.

       It’s a really fun, mysterious, even chilling at times, story that is impossible to put down and will have you racing towards the conclusion. The narrative explores themes of power and the ethics behind it, and the concepts of the persecution brought forth in the witch trials of the 1600s. Through tender flashbacks and the main storyline, we see how prejudice can influence both individuals and communities, and how greed and thirst for power can be a driving force behind that. 

       In between the mysterious storyline and the supernatural encounters, you’ll be cheering for Dorian and Toby and the love blossoming between them that becomes the driving force for not only the narrative but Dorian’s choices. In the era of romantasy, this is gonna be the perfect book for anyone who wants their stories of the macabre to have a lil romance too!