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Find out what people have to say about Ivan Obolensky and his works
Industry Reviews
Read moreKirkus Book Reviews
In this debut murder mystery, a pair of friends searches for clues in the darkest recesses of the occult. Johnny and Percy grew up as close as brothers. So when Johnny asks Percy to accompany him to his family's luxurious estate in Rhinebeck, New York, he agrees despite some reservations. While rummaging about in the cellar, they stumble upon some personal effects that belonged to Johnny's deceased aunt, Alice, a larger-than-life figure who died under mysterious circumstances. In response to...
Eye of the Moon
Clarion/Foreword Review, 4 stars
Set in 1977, the novel has a timeless, eerie feeling. Wealth, family politics, and the occult make for a strangely captivating and exotic brew in Ivan Obolensky's Eye of the Moon. Wealthy playboy Johnny Dodge invites his childhood companion Percy on an extended weekend in Rhinebeck at his family's Gormenghastian country estate. At first, it seems that nothing more sinister is in the offing than the Bertie Woosterish hijinks of rich bachelor boys dodging the slings of omniscient butlers and...
Eye of the Moon
IndieReader, 4.7 stars, IndieReader Approved
A gothic mystery set in 1977—involving the occult, stolen treasure, family secrets, and financial sabotage—EYE OF THE MOON is sumptuous in its description of white-tie dinner parties and sexual tensions with baronesses, and sharp in its maneuvering of several secret puzzles at once. When Johnny Dodge knocks on Percy's door and asks him to help uncover whether they've accidentally drunk the bottles of Château Lafite 1959 that Johnny's parents were saving for their anniversary, Percy should...
Eye of the Moon
Readers' Favorite, 5 stars
In the scintillating supernatural mystery, Eye of the Moon by Ivan Obolensky, two young men battle family discord and the forces of the occult. Percy's parents had no place for him in their busy lives and left him with their close friends, the Dodges. Percy was the same age as the Dodges' son Johnny, and the two boys grew up together as brothers. When they were young, Johnny's Aunt Alice died unexpectedly during a house party. Alice had lived an extraordinary life, and her death was out of...
Eye of the Moon
Feathered Quill
Shadow of the Son is the sequel to Ivan Obolensky's incredible first novel, Eye of the Moon and, if possible, this return to Rhinebeck is even better than our original trip. Percy and Johnny are back, along with all our old friends and a few new ones in another wonderful, mysterious, and captivating weekend that just might hold even more secrets than the first. As this sequel begins, we are all back at Rhinebeck for another gathering full of old secrets, new beginnings, and, of course...
Shadow of the Son
Reader Reviews
Read moreArt Watanabe
This is another beautifully crafted journey back to Rhinebeck, with all of its larger-than-life personalities. I wasn't sure what to expect with this latest book, but I was not disappointed. I always enjoy Dagmar's magical creations, tailored for the circumstances of the day. A dinner there would be a bucket list item. But to be a fly on the wall, courtesy of Ivan's fine writing, satisfied the taste buds. She, and the "ghostly" efficient Stanley, make a formidable team—two of my favorites...
Dark of the Earth
Andrea Guiardino
Well, all I am able say at the moment is: Ivan has done it again!!! 3 days ago, as I began reading Dark of the Earth, it was a matter of minutes before projects were cast aside, phone calls and emails went ignored, meals became simplified and there I was, hopelessly spellbound, captivated by the words in Ivan's new book. I was in a daze, helplessly catapulted back to Rhinebeck. I know I am not alone among Ivan's many readers in this sentiment: I can hardly wait for what's coming next...
Dark of the Earth
Jennifer Nguyen
Ivan Obolensky has once again crafted a page-turning masterpiece with his latest book, Shadow of the Son — the sequel to his earlier work, Eye of the Moon. Despite several years since reading the original novel, I found myself quickly re-immersed in the world of twists and turns that Obolensky has created. Shadow of the Son delves into the hidden secrets of lovers, exploring the nuances of human nature and the mistakes that we make. Obolensky's insights on topics such as friendships and...
Shadow of the Son
Geert Criel
Ivan Obolensky has done it again! His latest book, "Dark of the Earth", is a real treat, combining humor, great storytelling, mystery and suspense. The author's easy style masterfully transports the reader to the elegant Rhinebeck world and its intriguing characters. The plot never ceases to surprise, keeping the reader glued to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am very much looking forward to Ivan's next work!
Dark of the Earth
Germán Gonzalez
An allegory in the Shadow of the Son, expressed by one of its characters, revealed to me clearly and with eloquence the dynamics of the novel. The intricate and intense relationship of its characters resembles the bends and loops that form a knot. Each end, with its intersections and tensions, fulfills a different function and has an essential purpose; one part of the rope tightens and prevents movement in one part, while allowing it in another. This is how the story flows in the novel, with...
Shadow of the Son