Celestial Chess

by Thomas Bontly

American scholar and lettered medievalist, David Fairchild, swings a plum sabbatical at Cambridge University, where he is given full access to a rare manuscript written by a mad monk of shameful repute—Geoffrey Gervaise. The Westchurch Manuscript has lain neglected in the University vaults for centuries . . . or has it? A shadowy nefarious cabal has had an interest in the manuscript for a very long time and sharpens its claws anytime anyone probes its secrets. Expecting a pleasant year pursuing his passion for medieval literature, Fairchild quickly finds himself entangled in the centuries old curse that surrounds the manuscript and its mysterious author. Murders ensue, the Supernatural stirs and old haunting grounds are disturbed. Fairchild must make some hard decisions if he is to save a family that has lived under the Gervaise curse for generations. Buoyant with humor, and electrified by suspense and shuddering frights, Thomas Bontly’s Celestial Chess is at long last available again. In his new introduction to the novel, Thomas Kent Miller reveals everything he loves about this sadly neglected novel and relates his decades-long quest to see it back in print. Bravo! With a pace that sizzles like a five-minute blitz match, Celestial Chess is on the board, so what do you say to a quick game? Your move . . .

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Chess, Fiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Jack Tripper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though labeled “mystery” on the spine, this is equally an MR Jamesian tale of ghostly terror, and quite an effective one at that. It’s very much a slow burn, jumping back and forth between early 1960s Cambridge, England — where youngish American scholar David is visiting in an attempt to decipher an ancient poem that’s become known as “The Westchurch Manuscript” — and the 12th century in the same area of England, the time when the poem was written. David begins experiencing inexplicable apparitions and moments of fear once he starts studying the papers, and discovers that everyone who’s ever had anything to do with the manuscript has met an unfortunate end. Could the monk-like shadowy being he catches glimpses of be the same person who wrote the poem, and whom David believes was burnt at the stake for witchcraft? Is something demonic at work? And what does it all have to do with chess?

I’ll leave that for you to discover, as it’s an intriguing mystery all the way through, despite the somewhat glacial pace, with a number of chilling moments. The shifting back and forth through time was a compelling way to tell the tale, as we the reader get sort of an inside view into the origins of the manuscript, and how it connects with the modern day hauntings, and as David learns more through hints and references in his research, we get to see it play out in “reality.” The only downside was that every time I’d start to get into an aspect of the story, it would suddenly jump 800 years backwards or forwards. Then I’d get back to being entirely enveloped only to have the rug pulled again. But each time period ended up being equally engrossing, imo, and my only real disappointment was discovering that this was Thomas Bontly’s sole foray into supernatural fiction.

But I’ll likely be reading more of his work regardless, as his writing style is engaging and he certainly knows his way around building and unraveling layers of puzzles as well as creating enigmatic characters you want to learn more about, all with eerie, unsettling atmosphere and the smell of dusty old libraries. This was definitely worth the cool $1.50 I paid while out book-hunting last week, and knowing what I know now I would have paid substantially more.

[Jim Leckband · Rating 4 out of 5]

A supernatural conspiracy tale involving secrets contained in medieval manuscripts that could unravel the modern world? So, you ask yourself, when did this guy jump on the Dan Brown bandwagon and if so, how quickly can I put the book down?

Not so fast Those-Who-Have-Tried-To-Tear-Your-Eyes-Out-After-Reading-One-Horrible-Sentence-By-Dan-Brown! This guy can write AND has the ability to keep a somewhat believable plot going on with characters that actually have depth! Oh, and he did this about 2 or 3 decades before Mr. Da Vinci Code.

I won't reveal the plot - but the action involves Americans in England, Aristocracy, Haunted Castles, Academia, Medieval Manuscripts and Monks, Thomas a Becket (!), Astronomy, Chess, and a stunning performance by a Shakespeare Concordance. What's not to like?

[M.W. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Bontly's _Celestial Chess_ receives four stars from me, good premise interesting mix of mystery and ghost story.

This is the second reading of this book. I read it more than 30 years ago, and I've wanted to reread it but couldn't find a copy. This is a new 40th anniversary addition. I had forgotten all about it, but remembered really liking it. This reading, I didn't really like it at first. I felt as if there was too much slow moving plot. However, in the end I found that I enjoyed the novel a great deal.

It is a ghost story, but not overly so. There is mystery, some action, and a cult. Bontly brings them all together well.

Recommended: sure, the read isn't complicated and easily accessible, even the parts taking place in the 12th century.

[Ken Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Has it ever struck you that the Westchurch manuscripts have had a particularly bloody history?"

CELESTIAL CHESS is a "men's adventure" story about an American scholar at Cambridge in 1962, investigating a string of mysterious deaths surrounding a medieval document. This story features ghosts, sex-crazed possession, and even a brief detour through classic folk-horror territory. The scholar goes from girl to girl when he is not chasing down leads or getting in bar fights with his sidekick. This narrative alternates with the equally, uh, virile adventures of a monk back in 1146, taking on wicked kings and lords and passionately heaving breasts and Satan.

This book did a fine job delivering the ghostly goods with several spooky scenes. I also enjoyed the scholar's banter with many lively characters. I confess I found it hard to be frightened by any of the developments given the scholar's laid-back response to every mounting threat. At one point he overhears a known murderer discussing plans to literally poison his food, yet he still sits down to eat with him! Perhaps that is the manly way, but it tends to undermine the atmosphere. Either way this is a very entertaining read. The author has a nicely light and witty style, as well as a great ability to frame fleeting earthbound events in a remarkable context of literally timeless celestial events.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The devil is a little trickster. Great read

[A Pfister · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. No no no, do not touch this one.
The main concept seems cool, definitely done before- to an extent, but trust me when I say it's not worth it. It began with some relatively interesting prose but the characters were so incredibly flat and unlikable, the themes so dull, that it killed any of the intrigue the writing style created. It's dated in a bad way, and uninspired in a worse one. I got through 160 pages and I have no idea how. Run far away.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an enjoyable read: the plot was well constructed, the text never dragged.

My only real complaints might be that the ending was a little abrupt, and that the women in the book were somewhat shallowly described.

[Ron Kerrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a well-written tale that kept my interest. It's one of those books that alternates between the present day and a period in the past, which I generally find not to my liking. But this was well constructed and although the ending was a big confusing, it left me satisfied.

[md_t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essentially a dark academia mystery with elements of horror. Overall interesting, but a very slow buildup to a somewhat disappointing ending. I did really like how the concept of "celestial chess" unfolded in the end, however. The prose is enjoyable and the author is gifted with describing the world. Many of the character interactions do feel a bit contrived. The dialogue is entertaining at times, I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions.

[Katherine Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medieval urban fantasy. Very well done.

[Wilfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the prose, but the ending was weak.

[Richard Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was in high school. It was amazing back then. I can't imagine reading it again.

[Michael Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years back and enjoyed it. Clever story and one I fancy rereading when I get an opportunity.

[George Kasnic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book. Nice concept, it held my attention and I love chess, too.