An awesome thriller. In terms of style alone, O’Neill’s book is in a class of its
own. This is many books in one: a metaphysical exercise about the nature of dreams
and the power of the mind; a Gothic horror story; and a brilliant description of
the threadbare nature of middle class Victorian Scotland.
-GLASGOW HERALD
[A] spellbinding tale of a soul divided. O’Neill is a masterful storyteller and
has created characters embodying questions about good and evil, faith and fanaticism.
But readers won’t pause too long to admire his erudition – the thrilling story will
have them turning pages compulsively.
-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A disturbing novel that proves both timeless and timely, at once a chilling page-turner
and a thought-provoking inquiry into the true nature of evil and the dangers of
suppressing the imagination. O’Neill has a rare talent for at once frightening and
enlightening readers. The Lamplighter comes to serve as a testament to
the power of the imagination. Not least of which, his own.
-SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Altogether brilliant. O'Neill's novel is no mere whodunit. Lyrically written, it
is a nuanced exploration of the power of imagination, and of the birth of evil out
of the violation of innocence. In spots genuinely terrifying, it is throughout deeply,
though quite unconventionally, religious.
-PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
As terrifying as a child’s nightmares – and as wonderful as waking from them.
-KIRKUS REVIEWS
A superior example of the craft.
-GUARDIAN
O’Neill’s verve never slackens. His narrative panache carries us nonchalantly over
tests of our credulity. It is hard to think of another recent Australian novelist
whose career has begun so flamboyantly and yet with such assurance.
-THE BULLETIN
Fractured and multi-layered. Gloriously unabashed about character. [The] research
is witty and dynamic. O’Neill is a grand storyteller, adept at evoking evil and
playing with ambivalence.
-THE AGE
O’Neill has come up with an intelligent, fluid, faultlessly-written and totally
convincing novel. Maybe the devil really does have all the best tunes.
-SFX
[A] superb historical thriller. As the plot develops, the story expands to include
not just the chilling serial-killer tale with fine characters and great atmospherics,
but a more intellectual dimension. Throughout, O'Neill displays a great ear for
dialogue, a fine sense of humour and an eye for the extra little details. When you
read this one, make sure you are not alone and that the lights are on.
-GLOBE & MAIL, CANADA
A wonderfully sinister story of evil intent and possession in Victorian Edinburgh.
Brings history to life with acute bravura.
-THE BOOKSELLER
Ingeniously audacious and imaginative. Rich and entertaining. Good enough company
for two readings.
-ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
Part mystery, part fantasy, but weighing in with the literary resonance of something
more profound. A meticulous piece of narrative imagination. Accomplished, fluent
and clever.
-CANBERRA TIMES
O’Neill’s book is a dazzling effort that manages to incorporate a number of disparate
ideas into a thrilling, disturbing and gut-wrenching whole. [He] skilfully weaves
a tale that gains momentum with each successive page, yet also involves much thought
and questioning. With The Lamplighter, he demonstrates a level of skill
that far outclasses many veteran thriller fictionists. This is a writing voice not
to be missed.
-JANUARY MAGAZINE
The Lamplighter is, on many levels, an absolutely extraordinary performance.
It is the sort of completely realized novel around which a career is made.
-MYSTERY REVIEW
To contact the author please email anthony@anthonyoneill.net