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Book Review: The Final Transmission by Brian F.H. Clement

The Final Transmission by Brian F.H. Clement
Damnation Books, 2013
ISBN: 978-1629291109
Available: paperback, ebook

The Final Transmission is what I call a kitchen sink book. The story follows occult detective Benoit Michaud as he investigates the deaths of a group of cultists and their victim, and the consequences of those deaths. The first-time author has thrown all his ideas and flights of fancy into this brief novel. As a result it is cluttered, creating a surreal blur of frantic scenes. In this case, that works to his advantage, to heighten the sense of urgency and set a relentless pace that will keep the reader glued to the narrative.

Equal parts horror, science fiction, and detective novel, the story defies easy classification, and that is part of its charm. With a rich, diverse cast, anchored by Detective Michaud, Clement does an excellent job of creating unique voices and near-cinematic exposition that lends to the overall atmosphere of fear and dread.

While there are missteps, this is a fine first novel and one I would suggest without reservation, especially if occult detectives are your cup of tea. Recommended.

Contains: occultism, adult situations, violence

Reviewed by Bob Freeman

 

Posted on May 4, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: Professor Challenger: The Kew Growths and Other Stories by William Meikle

Professor Challenger: The Kew Growths And Other Stories by William Meikle

Dark Renaissance Books, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-1-937128-84-5

Availability: Trade Paperback
 
Professor Challenger: The Kew Growths And Other Stories introduces journalist Edward Malone, who is on suspension at his newspaper and is rehabilitating after an ill-fated trip to the Amazon. He craves adventure, but is given nothing but obituaries, flower shows, and weddings to report on. He is considering leaving his employer for the French Riviera when he is given the task of reporting on the opening of a new greenhouse at Kew Gardens.

The greenhouse is a fantastic structure, home to many exotic plants that only serve to remind Malone of what he is missing from a real adventure. That is, until he sees the Kew Growths: three foot tall parasol mushrooms from Mongolia that sing, like a choir of monks in the wind … absolutely charming! The next day, however, ten of the attendees are in the hospital, comatose from an unidentifiable infection, and an investigation commences. Malone meets up with Thomas Carnacki, a student of the arcane, who has deduced that the cause is the Mongolian mushrooms, which are highly dangerous and should not be cultivated under any circumstances. The worst is yet to come! It is time to call in Professor Challenger.

This adventure story was a fantastic read. It is a series of short stories that flow together so well as to be one complete work. The characters are lesser known creations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and William Meikle does them proud. Sherlock Holmes and Watson have nothing on Professor Challenger and Malone. The tone was beautifully set right from the start and carried on throughout. The phrases and descriptions felt very 1800’s, and the characters were distinctive and easy to identify; the dialog really made this work for me. The descriptions were very well done– just enough without going too far. The action sections were also superb. The eleven illustrations spread throughout the text were a nice bonus. When I finished the last page, I definitely wanted more. Other works by the author I have read are: Professor Challenger: The Island Of Terror, Island Life, and Watchers: The Coming of the King.

Highly recommended for adult readers.

Reviewed by Aaron Fletcher

Posted on January 11, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: Beyond Belief: An Emily Castles Mystery by Helen Smith

Beyond Belief: An Emily Castles Mystery by Helen Smith

Thomas & Mercer, 2014

ISBN: 1477849726

Part-time sleuth Emily Castles is coaxed into attending England’s Belief and Beyond Conference, after Perspicacious Peg, a renowned psychic, has predicted that a murder will occur there. Bodies accumulate, and tension rises as the philosophies of science and spiritualism clash, leaving Emily to navigate a colorful cast of characters and solve the mysterious crimes.

This cozy mystery certainly has its charms. It’s cute and witty, with just the right amount of intrigue to keep the pages turning. The rich and varied cast is entertaining and a lot of effort is taken to make them breathe on the page. Unfortunately, that same level of attention to character was not given to writing the protagonist. Emily herself is hardly more than a cipher, and the reader has little insight into what makes her tick.

Still, with its diverse cast and light tone, fans of the quick-read mystery will certainly find this to be their cup of tea.

Recommended for 11 years and up.

 

Reviewed by Bob Freeman

 

Posted on November 14, 2014 by , Reply
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