The Forbidden

F. R. Tallis, a writer and clinical psychologist with numerous awards including two Edgars, presents The Forbidden, a horror novel set in nineteenth-century Paris. Dr. Paul Clement accepts a position at the mission hospital on Saint Sebastien, hoping to discover cures for tropical diseases. He instead encounters a world where black arts are routine. After witnessing the ritualistic murder of a young man identified as one of the living dead, he is forbidden from speaking of his observations. The narrative draws on traditions of superstition and possession to depict hell on earth within the hospital walls. Tallis uses these elements to explore the intersection of medical ambition and occult practice. The story follows Clement’s descent into this dark reality, contrasting his scientific goals with the supernatural forces at play. This work appeals to readers interested in gothic fiction and horror set in historical contexts. It may not suit those seeking lighthearted entertainment or contemporary thrillers. Tallis brings his background in psychology and literature to this tale of forbidden knowledge. The book examines how belief systems can override rational thought. Readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and psychological tension will find this compelling. Those preferring fast-paced action might find the pacing deliberate. The novel remains grounded in its specific historical and supernatural framework.