Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share reviews of all things scary.
For today I have three books in the Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive series to share with you. I really like this series. So fun and so weird. They aren’t really scary or horror, but weird. LOL
And now, without further adieu….
Weird
A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive #1
by Julie Elizabeth Powell
eBook – Pages: 32
My Review
I’m a big fan of short stories and nothing shows off an author’s ability to spin a good yarn more than to thrill me in just a limited amount of words. This author did that very well.
Another thing i want to mention is her ability to write a male character. Sometimes, it doesn’t work that well, but Julia’s character, Henry, came across as all male. He’s quirky, scatter brained, and sweet, and so protective of his wife, Clara. And very patient with Brett, the ghost who followed him back from death.
Yep, Henry died of a heart attack and was revived, bringing back with him a ghost. Neither Henry nor Brett knows how it happened, but they make the best of it, and Clara gets along with Brett quite well.
Clara can see Brett because she is a witch. Not the evil kind. She’s a good one and belongs to coven lead by the kind Ms. Peabody.
Since Henry’s return from death, he collects oddities. Most come with a riddle or mystery to solve. In this case, a book he picked up at a yard sale. A book that can’t be opened. Thus begins the first of many adventures for these three characters.
This short story is told from Henry’s rambling point of view and feels like he’s telling the story directly to you. I found that especially fun.
The character’s give a strong presence, quirks and all, and the plot is unique, you won’t know what to expect.
Had such fun, I opened the next book immediately and continued with this series.
4 Stars
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Synopsis
Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing.
But maybe it isn’t.
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Weird
A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive #2
by Julie Elizabeth Powell
eBook – Pages: 58
My Review
Henry’s tag-long ghost, Brett, isn’t the only thing he brought back from death’s door. He also brought back an otherworldly knack for finding oddities, whether objects or situations, and he continues to discover new things about himself.
A seemingly innocent walk in the fresh fallen snow with his wife Clara, changes when a mysterious white cat appears. It only shows up when there’s snow on the ground, and Henry realizes there’s more to this walk when his wife shows no surprise at the cat’s arrival.
When a car accident happens before their eyes, Clara tells Henry they aren’t there for the occupants in the car. They’re there for what’s in the trunk of the car.
Inside the trunk is a tortured werewolf, trapped in it’s animal from. Henry and Clara, along with Brett and help from Clara’s coven, must face a rogue witch to free the wolf and stop a dangerous adversary bent on ruling the paranormal world.
I’m liking this series more and more. The characters are becoming familiar and I’m getting attached to them. There’s some humor laced in with the action, and the plot is another unique one that you can’t predict. It’s all good and getting better.
4 Stars
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Synopsis
What is the significance of what Henry Ian Darling found in the boot of a car?
And how did his wife know of the event? How could anyone be cruel enough to do such a thing?
Find out where the discovery leads this collector of oddities and what it may mean for Henry’s ultimate quest – finding the enigma, that which will save or destroy all dimensions.
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Weird
A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive #3
By Julie Elizabeth Powell
eBook – Pages: 28
My Review
I was wondering when we’d get to know more about Brett. He’s the ghost that followed Henry back from beyond when he died and was revived after a heart attack. Neither Henry nor Brett, nor Clara know why he came back, and Brett has proven himself to be invaluable over the course of recent events.
Henry’s dream proves prophetic when he’s thrust into the Shadowlands to protect Brett’s soul from a demon. I was hoping to get to know more about Brett and his story is finally revealed.
I like where the author is going with Henry. He’s becoming quite the hero. And I also wonder what big event is coming. Henry keeps mentioning he senses something is coming. I can’t begin to imagine what it will be and sure look forward to finding out.
It’s been fun following these characters and watching them grow and become a better functioning team. I hope for only good things to come for them, but that’s not up to me. The author may have other plans.
4 Stars
Synopsis
A weird dream tips Henry Ian Darling into the Shadowlands.
What has this to do with Brett?
Ms Peabody has a plan, but will Henry survive his quest?
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