The Black Magic Series Starter by Dennis Wheatley

I really struggled with The Black Magic Series Starter. I downloaded it from Netgalley on April 23rd. Ultimately it took more over a month to finish the three books and frankly, it was painful. I rarely have to force myself to read something but The Black Magic Starter Series achieved that distinction. 

The Black Magic Series Starter includes three novels: The Devil Rides Out, Strange Conflict and The Haunting of Toby Jugg. The two books, The Devil Rides Out and Strange Conflict, revolve around the Duke de Richleau. He is an elegant, mature, wealthy gentlemen who has hidden knowledge of all things occult and magical. The Haunting of Toby Jugg is about an airman who returns injured from World War II. While convalescing, he is stalked by an evil entity. 

The major problem I had with the books was the amount of tell not show. Pages of dialogue about esoteric occult rituals or the basis behind all world religions. It was very hard to follow. There seemed to be some type of Light God of Goodness and a Dark God of Evil (my paraphrasing). As I progressed through each discussion of evil or good, I cared less and less for the characters. They never really connected with me. I doubt I will try a Dennis Wheatley again. I know he has his fans but his writing is not for everyone. It was not for me.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.