5 stars for Tears and Crimson Velvet by A.L. Butcher @libraryoferana #bookreview #historicalfantasy
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  • N. N. Light
    • Mar 26, 2020
    • 2 min read

5 stars for Tears and Crimson Velvet by A.L. Butcher @libraryoferana #bookreview #historicalfantasy



Title: Tears and Crimson Velvet (Legacy of the Mask Tales)

Author: A.L. Butcher

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Short Story

Book Blurb:


Madam Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story. When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this 'might have been' tale. A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera. A Legacy of the Mask Tale.

My Review:

Someone haunts the Opera House and while Madam Giry tries to keep her distance when the hauntings turn to murder, she knows she must act. Will she finally break her silence about what is going on or will she do what is necessary to protect those she loves?

For fans of Phantom of the Opera, this is a must-read. A.L. Butcher weaves a masterful story filled with emotion, angst, mystery, and murder. I do believe Gaston Leroux would consider this variation on his immortal tale a wonderful addition to his work, The Phantom of the Opera.

In the original story, Madam Giry is a mysterious character and the reader is left wondering whose side she’s on. Christine’s? Erik’s? In this tale, Butcher takes us inside the mind of Madam Giry and what she knows about the hauntings and the Phantom himself.

A brilliant short story that tore my heart out. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5 stars

Buy it Now:

Author Biography:


British-born Alexandra Butcher (a/k/a A. L. Butcher) is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet, and a dreamer, a lover of science, natural history, history, and monkeys. Her prose has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as evocative. She writes with a sure and sometimes erotic sensibility of things that might have been, never were, but could be.

Alex is the author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and the Tales of Erana lyrical fantasy series. She also has several short stories in the fantasy, fantasy romance genres with occasional forays into gothic style horror and historical fiction. With a background in politics, classical studies, ancient history and myth, her affinities bring an eclectic and unique flavour in her work, mixing reality and dream in alchemical proportions that bring her characters and worlds to life. Her short novella Outside the Walls, co-written with Diana L. Wicker received a Chill with a Book Reader’s Award in 2017.

Social Media Links:


Library of Erana Blog http://bit.ly/Blog2iAWL3o

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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