is set against a backdrop of a Scotland that boasts an exotic charm, far removed from the average American experience. Sir Adam Sinclair, the Adept, finds his home in the opulent Strathmourne House—an ancestral estate complete with a loyal butler, a fleet of luxurious vehicles, and a stable housing both cars and real, majestic horses. Time seems to stand still amid the ancient castles and snow-draped Highland forests that infuse the narrative with an enchanting timelessness.

Upon closer inspection, the author subtly weaves modern social themes into this psychic adventure. A significant theme is the notion of community. Contemporary urban life is often criticized for lacking a sense of fellowship, which is seen as a root cause of numerous social maladies afflicting the late twentieth century. As traditional connections like neighborhood ties and church affiliations crumble, even familial bonds are deteriorating. Kurtz does not delve into the reasons behind these breakdowns but instead presents a scenario where community thrives amidst the urban sprawl of modernity.

Adam Sinclair navigates a web of interconnected communities. He is known within medical circles for his work as a psychiatrist; he mingles with the aristocracy, familiar to them from birth; and he partakes in cultural groups, such as the Scottish National Opera. Yet, his most profound bonds are with his family, highlighted by his mother's involvement in the psychic skirmishes, and with the Hunting Lodge, which he commands to protect the innocent from sporadic threats.

Similarly, Inspector Noel McLeod, Adam's trusted lieutenant in the Hunting Lodge, also finds himself enmeshed in various communal networks. Beyond his immediate family—his wife Jane, their adult children, and their gray tabby cat—he discovers camaraderie within the police force. His identity as a McLeod, which played a pivotal role in The Adept where he was uniquely qualified to handle the Fairy Flag for the McLeod Clan, further connects him. An active Master Mason, he embraces the duties and unity of the Hunting Lodge.

The third member of the psychic triumvirate, Peregrine Lovat, exemplifies the transformative power of community. Initially, he lived a life of solitude. Despite his artistic talent, he was a tense, nervous wreck on the brink of despair due to his obstructed psychic ability. It was only through the empathy and insights of a supportive circle that he began to understand and address his struggles. As he is drawn into Adam's orbit, his isolation dissipates, allowing him to master his unique talents and find newfound confidence and joy.

The storyline's focus on shared community takes on another dimension through its plot. The malevolent Lodge of the Lynx orchestrates a violent campaign against the Masons, culminating in the demolition of a Masonic Lodge and a plot to sabotage a memorial Mason's Walk. As the media stoke anti-Masonic sentiment, suggesting sinister ties between the order's oaths and gruesome murders, Adam Sinclair allies with the Masonic Grand Lodge of Scotland. Together, they conceive a strategic operation that combines the forces of the Hunting Lodge, the Masons, and aerial support from the RAE to mount a decisive attack on the Lynx's fortress.

Through the Masonic aspect of the novel, Kurtz addresses a more specific societal issue. Voluntary social organizations, whether cloaked in secrecy like the Masons or more open like women's literary circles, have seen dwindling participation in recent times. This decline mirrors broader social trends, driven by factors such as the hectic schedules of dual-income families, competition for leisure time from television, digital networks, and commercial entertainment, and a shift toward professional or leisure-based affiliations rather than local group involvement. The Masons, historically viewed with suspicion for their secrecy and alleged influence, now face an image problem; their perceived stodginess and irrelevance may pose a greater threat than lingering antagonism.

Kurtz challenges these perceptions by portraying the Masons as relevant and trustworthy. The "web of influence" they wield is shown to be a force for good. Across Britain, Masons are mobilized for their unique contributions to the battle against the Lynx. Sir Adam elucidates his vision of the Masonic order's role, describing it as filling the voids left by organized religion and thereby bolstering the "umbrella of white light" that shields the world from malevolence.

In this context, the novel's philosophical stance becomes clearer. The characters, like many contemporary readers, are suspended between the imagery of traditional Christianity and the burgeoning "New Age" philosophies. While concepts such as reincarnation and the power of magical rituals are generally excluded from the former, many today embrace elements from both, though often with some discomfort. Kurtz's characters, however, navigate both pathways without unease. Father Christopher Houston, a pivotal figure in the Hunting Lodge, is also a devout minister in the Scottish Episcopal Church. As Adam articulates elsewhere, both spiritual systems aim toward similar grand objectives, differing primarily in details. Although this perspective may not resonate with everyone, it seeks to reconcile the divergent claims of these religious views. Indeed, novels like this one might be remembered for the cohesive spiritual vision they propose.

In Kurtz's view, Sir Adam Sinclair, the Adept, stands as the spiritual successor to Dion Fortune's enigmatic Doctor Taverner. This narrative finds its place within a niche yet burgeoning subgenre of occult detective novels. Recently, other fantasy authors have begun to craft series that align with this intriguing category. Noteworthy among them are the Adept series, the Diana Tregarde saga by Mercedes Lackey, and Tanya Huff's captivating "Blood" series featuring Toronto P.I. Vicky Nelson alongside vampire Henry Fitzroy.

The dynamic trio of Sir Adam Sinclair, Inspector Noel McLeod, and Peregrine Lovat taps into the timeless allure of "buddy" shows, a beloved staple of television action-adventure dramas. While two companions can capture attention, introducing a third adds layers, offering a tapestry of vibrant dialogue, distinct abilities, and collective strength. One might even say this series shares a spiritual lineage with the legendary trio of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy from the iconic world of Star Trek.

The Continuing Saga of The Lodge of the Lynx

The Lodge of the Lynx picks up the narrative mere days following the conclusion of the first installment in the series, The Adept. The happenings within The Adept lay the groundwork for the intricate schemes woven by the enigmatic Lodge of the Lynx in this tale. As The Lodge of the Lynx draws to a close, at least one formidable antagonist slips through the cracks, ready to unleash his wrath in future narratives. The intrepid Hunting Lodge group stands ready, brimming with anticipation for further adventures in the realm of the supernatural, as detailed in The Templar Treasure (1993), Dagger Magic (1995), and potentially more thrilling volumes in store.

Unearthing Links to the Past

A thread also leads directly to Kurtz’s World War II novel, Lammas Night (1983). In this gripping narrative, Rudolf Hess doesn't merely fly to Britain; he arrives clutching a tome of mystical spells penned by Hitler himself. This sets the stage for a climactic event where a valiant British prince embraces the fate of a sacrificial king, perishing in a plane disaster to thwart an impending invasion. Within The Lodge of the Lynx, tantalizing hints emerge revealing that the sinister Head-Master of the Lynx Lodge is, in reality, Hess. Having eluded execution through the use of a doppelgänger, he now resides as a figure steeped in ancient malevolence—and remains the custodian of Hitler’s arcane spellbook.