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The Artifact
A 4000-year-old Egyptian artifact, pulled from a mythical pharaoh’s tomb.
A British aristocrat with mysterious intentions.
A young thief without a past.
A shady spiritualist in hiding.
A Native American private investigator, trying to keep his business afloat.
Who is the victim?
Who is the criminal?
Who is the monster?
It’s 1984, and Rev Parata is a hard-nosed, Native-American P.I. who is down on his luck. Stuck in the orbit of the Big Easy, he’s barely fending off racists and criminals when a British aristocrat drops the case of a lifetime in his lap: the search for a mysterious Egyptian artifact.
As Rev tracks down his mark, he finds out that not everything is as it seems. Faced with death or insanity from powers beyond understanding, he must rely on his wits and his people’s medicine to survive.
A British aristocrat with mysterious intentions.
A young thief without a past.
A shady spiritualist in hiding.
A Native American private investigator, trying to keep his business afloat.
Who is the victim?
Who is the criminal?
Who is the monster?
It’s 1984, and Rev Parata is a hard-nosed, Native-American P.I. who is down on his luck. Stuck in the orbit of the Big Easy, he’s barely fending off racists and criminals when a British aristocrat drops the case of a lifetime in his lap: the search for a mysterious Egyptian artifact.
As Rev tracks down his mark, he finds out that not everything is as it seems. Faced with death or insanity from powers beyond understanding, he must rely on his wits and his people’s medicine to survive.
- GenresHorror
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
180 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Brian Hill
5 books26 followersBrian Hill is a writer of speculative fiction who likes to explore the dark and twisted corners of the human mind. He is the author of Desolation, a thriller about a deadly virus that destroys society, and The Artifact, the first book in the Parata Occult Mystery series, which follows a Native-American detective investigating supernatural crimes in New Orleans.
His stories are inspired by real locations, Lovecraftian lore, and his own vivid imagination. He has a knack for creating suspenseful plots, memorable characters, and terrifying monsters that will keep you up at night.
When he’s not writing, Brian enjoys playing music, pen and paper RPGs, and video games. He also likes to travel to exotic places and pretend he’s Indiana Jones.
He once wrote a novel in one sitting, using only his left hand. He can speak fluent R’lyehian, the language of the ancient gods. He has a pet dragon that he keeps in his basement. He is banned from several countries for being too awesome.
P.S. This last paragraph was written by AI, so maybe take it with a grain of salt.
His stories are inspired by real locations, Lovecraftian lore, and his own vivid imagination. He has a knack for creating suspenseful plots, memorable characters, and terrifying monsters that will keep you up at night.
When he’s not writing, Brian enjoys playing music, pen and paper RPGs, and video games. He also likes to travel to exotic places and pretend he’s Indiana Jones.
He once wrote a novel in one sitting, using only his left hand. He can speak fluent R’lyehian, the language of the ancient gods. He has a pet dragon that he keeps in his basement. He is banned from several countries for being too awesome.
P.S. This last paragraph was written by AI, so maybe take it with a grain of salt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 9, 2025
Great action adventure!
This story reminded me so much of the exploits of Raymond Chandler's fictional detective, Philip Marlow, except this story was set in the 1980s, and our hero was a native American. Like Marlowe, our hero was a hard-boiled private investigator who was not averse to using his revolver as well as his fists. He was employed to recover a stolen artefact from ancient Egypt, a vessel coveted by both academic historians and followers of the "left hand path."
The story burst into action from the first chapter and never let up throughout the book. I suppose the violence was a bit comic book, but it was certainly graphic.
This was not my usual fayre, but I really enjoyed the ride.
This story reminded me so much of the exploits of Raymond Chandler's fictional detective, Philip Marlow, except this story was set in the 1980s, and our hero was a native American. Like Marlowe, our hero was a hard-boiled private investigator who was not averse to using his revolver as well as his fists. He was employed to recover a stolen artefact from ancient Egypt, a vessel coveted by both academic historians and followers of the "left hand path."
The story burst into action from the first chapter and never let up throughout the book. I suppose the violence was a bit comic book, but it was certainly graphic.
This was not my usual fayre, but I really enjoyed the ride.
April 16, 2023
This was a well written story with a likable protagonist. It wasn’t packed with action, but enough to keep me engaged. I think what I liked the most though, was that it takes place in 1984. We forget how we didn’t have a phone, recorder, or camera at our fingertips. How did we survive? Rev spent a lot of his time looking for a working pay phone with an intact phone book. He carried a notebook with him to keep track of clues, names, phone numbers, make and model of suspicious cars. I kept thinking get a picture of the car’s plate as it drives away. Oh wait, he can’t. It makes me wonder if we’ve lost some of our resourcefulness. I think Rev would do fine when our power grid goes down. Us, not so much. I’m interested in reading more from Brian Hill.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2024
I like the author's style and believe he's going to settle down in this genre niche. However, reading the work, I would have liked more character development, more internal conflicts. That being said, this is worth a read and fits in nicely to the well met titles of books embracing Lovecraftian horror.
December 15, 2023
Very Fun Ride
Rev is a 6'7" Native American Private Investigator who has been tasked with retrieving a priceless Jar related to the mythological Pharaoh, Nephran-Ka.
The good news is that Rev is as sane and rational as they come. The bad news is all that may change if he lives after this case is closed.
Enjoyed this tale a lot! Rev is a very likable character and pretty witty. I'm always drawn to a good Lovecraftian tale and this one is no exception.
Mix a good mystery with Lovecraft's mythos and you have a very enjoyable and fun story.
The author is new to me but thats gonna change after reading this.
I recommend!!
Rev is a 6'7" Native American Private Investigator who has been tasked with retrieving a priceless Jar related to the mythological Pharaoh, Nephran-Ka.
The good news is that Rev is as sane and rational as they come. The bad news is all that may change if he lives after this case is closed.
Enjoyed this tale a lot! Rev is a very likable character and pretty witty. I'm always drawn to a good Lovecraftian tale and this one is no exception.
Mix a good mystery with Lovecraft's mythos and you have a very enjoyable and fun story.
The author is new to me but thats gonna change after reading this.
I recommend!!
March 3, 2023
Great start to a promising series.
I'm writing this review based upon an ARC of this book I received from the author. This is primarily a detective story, with a perfect blend of action, detailed investigation, and general life, providing a good insight into what is likely an accurate picture of life as a struggling PI. The paranormal aspects of the case add another interesting dimension without taking over the story premise. Definitely a recommended read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I'm writing this review based upon an ARC of this book I received from the author. This is primarily a detective story, with a perfect blend of action, detailed investigation, and general life, providing a good insight into what is likely an accurate picture of life as a struggling PI. The paranormal aspects of the case add another interesting dimension without taking over the story premise. Definitely a recommended read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 14, 2023
Part detective novel, part Lovecraftian horror, The Artifact follows P.I. Rev Parata as he tries to regain a stolen Egyptian artificat for his client. But the closer Rev gets to the artificat, the stranger things get.
I loved the character of Rev. He's a no nonsense P.I. intent on finding the truth. He's not afraid to do what is necessary, even if it's not strictly legal. He has a blunt personality and takes no crap.
I also loved the atmosphere. I really felt like I was in the story. I especially loved the feeling of cosmic horror once things started to go supernatural. The melding of gritty P.I. with cosmic horror was done flawlessly. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the character of Rev. He's a no nonsense P.I. intent on finding the truth. He's not afraid to do what is necessary, even if it's not strictly legal. He has a blunt personality and takes no crap.
I also loved the atmosphere. I really felt like I was in the story. I especially loved the feeling of cosmic horror once things started to go supernatural. The melding of gritty P.I. with cosmic horror was done flawlessly. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2023
I really was not expecting what I got with this story. Very smoothly written and as I went along I found myself enjoying it more and more. P.I. Rev Parata is an extremely likeable character. He's tough, smart and ready to get down and dirty when needed. The mystery had a nice supernatural bent to it without being overdone. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
September 5, 2023
Top shelf writing
It's not the fast paced gore typically associated with horror fiction. However, what it is, is a very articulate and well-written detective novel perfectly intertwined with just the right amount of gore and horror. The protagonist alone reminds me of a Sanford character in the way he operates. The methodical and clear detail helps build up to the more supernatural moments. Well done. On to the next. Please keep going!
It's not the fast paced gore typically associated with horror fiction. However, what it is, is a very articulate and well-written detective novel perfectly intertwined with just the right amount of gore and horror. The protagonist alone reminds me of a Sanford character in the way he operates. The methodical and clear detail helps build up to the more supernatural moments. Well done. On to the next. Please keep going!
October 18, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more. The cover and the title attracted me straight away and the story line was great. It sort of builds up slowly until towards the end you’re just left with your chin on the floor and the hairs at the back of your neck standing up! Great book. If you like your horror stories come at you when you least expect it, get this book!
May 17, 2023
Outstanding character development
Good writing from the very beginning. Held my attention all way through.
I await book two with bated breath.
Lead is six foot seven and three hundred twenty five pounds of outstanding character
Good writing from the very beginning. Held my attention all way through.
I await book two with bated breath.
Lead is six foot seven and three hundred twenty five pounds of outstanding character
June 5, 2023
Excellent Book
I really enjoyed this action packed story. The author keeps you hanging on from page one right to the end. I will have to watch for other books in the series to find out what happened to the Coventry birthed "Titans Giganteus".
I really enjoyed this action packed story. The author keeps you hanging on from page one right to the end. I will have to watch for other books in the series to find out what happened to the Coventry birthed "Titans Giganteus".
June 10, 2023
Good story and character development.
November 13, 2023
Read to my mate for bedtime
Fun story, sorta lovecraftian. Short. Interesting main character.
Bad guy was a twist.
He had a bum knee. Very hungry main character
Fun story, sorta lovecraftian. Short. Interesting main character.
Bad guy was a twist.
He had a bum knee. Very hungry main character
May 12, 2023
The Artifact
This was a good read.The character as entertaining,I enjoyed the storyline.The plot was interesting.I can't wait to read book 2.
This was a good read.The character as entertaining,I enjoyed the storyline.The plot was interesting.I can't wait to read book 2.
October 27, 2023
A story set in 1980s New Orleans following Rev, an ex cop and current private eye, who is hired by The Cultural Preservation Society to find the stolen Jar of Nephren-Ka.
I greatly enjoyed my first read by Brian Hill and I think he did a fantastic job of combining a noir style detective novel with a madness inducing Lovecraft story to create an amalgamation of Philip Marlowe and an HPL protagonist. Rev is not the typical lead we see in many Lovecraft or Chandler pastiches and I think it felt like a breath of fresh air.
While this really was quite a fun read I do have a couple minor nitpicks. Alliterations go hand in hand with the noir style detective story, but in the first few chapters Hill seemed a bit heavy handed with them, along with the swearing. Now, I'm not opposed to swearing by any means, but I feel like there is a line between tasteful crudeness and superfluous cursing, the latter making the protagonist seem unintelligent, which is far from the truth. Luckily, both of these issues were remedied after the first couple chapters once the story got rolling.
If you are Into detective stories, Lovecraft, or Egyptian horror, this story is absolutely a must read.
I greatly enjoyed my first read by Brian Hill and I think he did a fantastic job of combining a noir style detective novel with a madness inducing Lovecraft story to create an amalgamation of Philip Marlowe and an HPL protagonist. Rev is not the typical lead we see in many Lovecraft or Chandler pastiches and I think it felt like a breath of fresh air.
While this really was quite a fun read I do have a couple minor nitpicks. Alliterations go hand in hand with the noir style detective story, but in the first few chapters Hill seemed a bit heavy handed with them, along with the swearing. Now, I'm not opposed to swearing by any means, but I feel like there is a line between tasteful crudeness and superfluous cursing, the latter making the protagonist seem unintelligent, which is far from the truth. Luckily, both of these issues were remedied after the first couple chapters once the story got rolling.
If you are Into detective stories, Lovecraft, or Egyptian horror, this story is absolutely a must read.
January 19, 2024
A breath of fresh air!
I was hooked when I learned the main character was a Native American…. I’m prejudiced. The best thing was the writing style. This book read a bit like a detective story out of the forties or fifties. There were no flash backs or flash forwards…everything straight to the point. As horror stories go it wasn’t scary but I kept on reading simply enjoying the writing style. I wish the significance of the artifact had been explained other than just being evil. There was too much left for conjecture. I will look forward to reading this author’s work in the future.
I was hooked when I learned the main character was a Native American…. I’m prejudiced. The best thing was the writing style. This book read a bit like a detective story out of the forties or fifties. There were no flash backs or flash forwards…everything straight to the point. As horror stories go it wasn’t scary but I kept on reading simply enjoying the writing style. I wish the significance of the artifact had been explained other than just being evil. There was too much left for conjecture. I will look forward to reading this author’s work in the future.
May 1, 2023
Wow this one hit the ground running, Surprises around every corner. Loved the main character, he was different in the best ways, gritty and very, very sharp. Story was somewhat supernatural but not overly so and fit completely into the mystery. It had me going and i didn't figure it out until the very end, just love those whiplash endings!. I would read another book in this guy's story.
Copy of the book was from the publisher but didn't influence my review in the slightest.
Copy of the book was from the publisher but didn't influence my review in the slightest.
May 24, 2023
I enjoyed this book, an interesting P.I. story with a touch of the supernatural added. After a bit of a slow start, the action picked up and I found myself more intrigued with the story. For me, the writing isn't brilliant, but it's well plotted and a good summer beach read. Recommended. Thanks for the review copy -- this is my honest review.
January 19, 2024
Fascinatingly very good
I really enjoyed this,not my usual read but the character of Rev really kept me reading & I'm extremely glad I did.
I really enjoyed this,not my usual read but the character of Rev really kept me reading & I'm extremely glad I did.
May 19, 2023
It was action
It was interesting and I enjoyed reading, but the ending was kinda surprising just ended I was expecting a little more, kinda fell of a cliff hanger ending.
It was interesting and I enjoyed reading, but the ending was kinda surprising just ended I was expecting a little more, kinda fell of a cliff hanger ending.
April 4, 2024
Paraguay series
I enjoyed the characters and setting, but found the ending weak. Still, I am going to read next instalment. Enjoyable
I enjoyed the characters and setting, but found the ending weak. Still, I am going to read next instalment. Enjoyable
January 2, 2024
A good HORROR story
What a roller coaster ride through the faux antebellum backwaters of Louisiana.
Enjoyed the stoicism of the Black unwoke PI., Parata, as he became a great friend all throughout the narrative. Looking forward to more from Brian Hill in the very near future.
What a roller coaster ride through the faux antebellum backwaters of Louisiana.
Enjoyed the stoicism of the Black unwoke PI., Parata, as he became a great friend all throughout the narrative. Looking forward to more from Brian Hill in the very near future.
April 6, 2023
80s Lovecraftian Horror at its best.
Great book. Filled with the noir style tropes that I love. My only problem was it needed a touch more editing for the spelling errors. Otherwise good book. Highly recommended for fans of Lovecraft.
Great book. Filled with the noir style tropes that I love. My only problem was it needed a touch more editing for the spelling errors. Otherwise good book. Highly recommended for fans of Lovecraft.
September 4, 2024
Set in the 1980s, The Artifact tells the story of a private detective, Rev Parata, who is handed a case that ends up sending him into a world of occult horror.
This is an enjoyable read with a main character that is well fleshed out and believable. Parata is a big man with a definite set of skills, but a bum knee makes him at a disadvantage at times, which comes into play quite often as the action unfolds.
The story itself moves along at a good clip, but if you are in this for the occult aspects of the tale, you are going to need to wait a bit for those to unfold. An enjoyable read, and one that will have me going back for more in the series.
This is an enjoyable read with a main character that is well fleshed out and believable. Parata is a big man with a definite set of skills, but a bum knee makes him at a disadvantage at times, which comes into play quite often as the action unfolds.
The story itself moves along at a good clip, but if you are in this for the occult aspects of the tale, you are going to need to wait a bit for those to unfold. An enjoyable read, and one that will have me going back for more in the series.
March 6, 2023
Rev is a private investigator based out of New Orleans. The usual fare for him tends to be a bit on the rough side, likely owing to his massive size. When a wealthy client asks him to locate a missing employee, accused of stealing a priceless Egyptian artifact, Rev takes the job in spite of his reservations.
Please tell me this is a first-in-series. Please??? Someone???
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
Rev, as a character, is fascinating. He plays his cards close to the vest, and I'm desperate to know more about him!
The pacing was excellent.
The story was really interesting and took some unexpected directions that I found really appealing.
Set in 1984, the writing is gritty - definitely in line with the hard-boiled noir detective stories in the best way! I found that the setting in time could have been anchored more fully - aside from some neat references to pop songs of the day, there wasn't really anything about it that screamed 1980s to me, but that's kind of a quibble.
More please. I have questions. And there must be fall-out from these events... I must know!
I received an ARC via the author.
Please tell me this is a first-in-series. Please??? Someone???
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
Rev, as a character, is fascinating. He plays his cards close to the vest, and I'm desperate to know more about him!
The pacing was excellent.
The story was really interesting and took some unexpected directions that I found really appealing.
Set in 1984, the writing is gritty - definitely in line with the hard-boiled noir detective stories in the best way! I found that the setting in time could have been anchored more fully - aside from some neat references to pop songs of the day, there wasn't really anything about it that screamed 1980s to me, but that's kind of a quibble.
More please. I have questions. And there must be fall-out from these events... I must know!
I received an ARC via the author.
July 9, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect at first with this book, but I really enjoyed it. It had great Lovecraft vibes. It's 1984 and Rev Parata is a Native American P.I. hired by the Cultural Preservation Society to locate a missing Egyptologist employee who stole the Jar of Nephren-Ka, an ancient Egyptian black onyx jar with a pharaoh head. What seems like an average missing persons case for Rev turns into a strange series of traveling to creepy mansions, mysterious supernatural rituals, hospital visits, and exploring the occult.
It starts off a bit slow, but it picks up and becomes a book you can't put down. The author is extremely descriptive and it really helps paint a proper picture. It's almost like you are standing in the room with the characters and experiencing what they are seeing and doing. I personally loved it as I've read other books where a character seems to magically jump from one place to another with no description on the events in between. I am looking forward to following Rev on his next adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via LibraryThing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It starts off a bit slow, but it picks up and becomes a book you can't put down. The author is extremely descriptive and it really helps paint a proper picture. It's almost like you are standing in the room with the characters and experiencing what they are seeing and doing. I personally loved it as I've read other books where a character seems to magically jump from one place to another with no description on the events in between. I am looking forward to following Rev on his next adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via LibraryThing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2023
I just finished reading "The Artifact" by Brian Hill on my tablet, thanks to my girlfriend's Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I have to say, it's an incredible detective thriller that I devoured!
From the very first page, I was hooked by the story of the PI (Personal Investigator) Rev Parata, who decides to take on the case of a missing employee who has supposedly stolen an ancient and incredibly valuable Egyptian artifact. The plot is full of action scenes, plot twists, and a beautifully paced noir-kind narrative.
The story is set in the 1980s, and the author adds a touch of paranormal elements that blend perfectly with the plot. The superb editing of the novel is evident in the banners at the beginning of each chapter and the separators between paragraphs. Combined with the excellent cover artwork, this makes for a truly engaging reading experience that must be considered!
Overall, I highly recommend "The Artifact." I would love to learn more about Rev and his other cases. This book is a must-read for fans of detective thrillers!
From the very first page, I was hooked by the story of the PI (Personal Investigator) Rev Parata, who decides to take on the case of a missing employee who has supposedly stolen an ancient and incredibly valuable Egyptian artifact. The plot is full of action scenes, plot twists, and a beautifully paced noir-kind narrative.
The story is set in the 1980s, and the author adds a touch of paranormal elements that blend perfectly with the plot. The superb editing of the novel is evident in the banners at the beginning of each chapter and the separators between paragraphs. Combined with the excellent cover artwork, this makes for a truly engaging reading experience that must be considered!
Overall, I highly recommend "The Artifact." I would love to learn more about Rev and his other cases. This book is a must-read for fans of detective thrillers!
July 13, 2023
The writing is simple and punchy, ideal for a quick beach read. However, the first half of the book is a slog to get through as nothing happens. The other half picks up significantly and delivers a fun cosmic horror romp. The protagonist is a hard-boiled detective with enough softness and trauma to make him sympathetic. There are no major proofreading issues, but there is some awkward dialogue and all attempts at humor fall flat. I'm on the fence about checking out the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2024
scary good
The PI in the story was largely native American and I had a hard time getting a mental picture of him because at one point he said he was 325 pounds but I don’t think there was any fat on him. He’s just a lowly PI trying to make a living, until he gets involved with a mysterious artifact. This was a bit of a murder mystery, a PI hunt for an artifact and ended with a lot of supernatural or paranormal activity. I liked the main character and I enjoyed reading it and I will look for more in this series.
The PI in the story was largely native American and I had a hard time getting a mental picture of him because at one point he said he was 325 pounds but I don’t think there was any fat on him. He’s just a lowly PI trying to make a living, until he gets involved with a mysterious artifact. This was a bit of a murder mystery, a PI hunt for an artifact and ended with a lot of supernatural or paranormal activity. I liked the main character and I enjoyed reading it and I will look for more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews