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Content snapshot
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Violence
Some
A beheading during a ritual; disturbing but treated in classic mystery fashion
Language
Barely any
Clean mid-century prose
Sexual Content
None
No sexual content
Substance Use
None
No substance use
Emotional Intensity
Some
The ritual setting and the discovery of a real violent death create more unsettling atmosphere than most Marsh novels
What this book is about
In a remote English village, an ancient winter solstice sword dance is performed each year by the same families. This year, the climactic moment when the swords are placed around the Fool's neck ends with a real decapitation. Alleyn investigates a community bound by tradition and secrecy in one of Marsh's most atmospherically rich mysteries. Originally published as Off with His Head in the UK.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Beheading as murder method
Ritual and folk horror atmosphere
Reader Verification
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