Thursday, August 11, 2022

[Review] - 'The Foe of Barnabas Collins' by Marilyn Ross


Barnabas Collins is back in the ninth Dark Shadows novel - The Foe of Barnabas Collins. The gothic-romantic romp became available to the public in July 1969. Once again, Marilyn Ross gets credit as the author. FYI - Marilyn is the pseudonym for the late author William Edward Daniel Ross.

The story centers on Barnabas's long-distant descendant Paula Collins. In the fall of 1909, Paula meets Chris Jennings at a party and falls madly in love with him. They get married in the following spring and move into the Cranshaw House. Before long, Paula learns Chris is short-tempered, and for some reason, he insists they sleep in separate bedrooms. Then she witnesses an eerie scene late at night - a werewolf transforming back into its human shape - their servant Abel. Of course, Chris doesn't believe her.

Paula crosses paths with Barnabas Collins, who is more than willing to help his relative with her unusual situation. He visits the Cranshaw House under the disguise of an artist and quickly learns Paula's instincts are correct - there are werewolves in Collinsport.

To protect his family and Collinsport, Barnabas releases his vampiric side in an attempt to stop the werewolves' threat. However, he doesn't know his greatest enemy is hiding in the shadows - the witch Angelique.


Final Thoughts


The Foe of Barnabas Collins is a fast-paced, fun little read that finally brings every Dark Shadows fan's favorite witch, Angelique, into the fold, but differently than how she appeared in the soap opera. This story involves some reincarnation. Angelique's soul resides in Melissa Henry - a house-servant turned werewolf. Sorry for the spoiler, but Angelique is the big twist. A Vampire, a witch, and werewolves. What's not to like?

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