Book Review: Come Fygures, Come Shadowes

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Come Fygures, Come Shadowes     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Richard Matheson
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Gauntlet, Feb 2003, $40, 144 pp.

From early childhood, Brooklyn native Claire Nielson could see the spirits, auras, and the grayness departing a dead person or animal. This "gift" as her spiritualist mother Morna claims it is only frightens Claire who fears it. Over the next few years Claire learns to build mental barriers to protect her mind from all the shadowes that threaten to engulf her.

Early in 1930s though Claire remains a teen, Morna decides it is time for to join in the family business of séances and readings. Claire prefers not to do so, but Morna, a true believer, feels deeply that God has given them a talent for a purpose. Only Claire’s father and uncle try to help her cope with the demands of her mother, but they can do little unless she stands up for herself before her psychic abilities destroys her.

Fans of taut suspense thrillers that make possible for the reader to see deep inside the critical characters will want to read COMES FYGURES, COMES SHADOWES. Claire and Morna are incredible protagonists as the mother places unbelievable pressure on her daughter to comply with her demands in spite of how much she fears her "gift". The support cast, mostly other family members enhance the absorbed feelings of Morna and the intense dread of Claire. Mr. Matheson has written a powerful historical relationship drama with one setback, he has no plan to write the stories of Claire’s younger siblings unless perhaps the audience throws the gauntlet at him to sway him to write them.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner