The Return of Spring-heeled Jack

by Jennifer Caress

Spring-Heeled Jack is a British urban legend, first appearing in 1837. Eye witnesses tell of a man who could leap several stories in the air with little effort. Some say he could breathe blue fire, others say he lured women out of their homes and attacked them by clawing at their faces. By all accounts he was a thief and a menace. Sightings of Spring-Heeled Jack continued for several centuries and crossed numerous continents, but he has been mysteriously absent from the 21st century. Until now. Spring-Heeled Jack breaks into the houses of two women, brutally attacking them both. Police report that a few items from each house were stolen and neither women were critically injured. His appearance is dressed in all black with hat, full face mask, goggles, cape, shirt, pants, and boots. He then breaks into an antique store, searching for special items for their energies including a rare glass knife. With the correct combination of objects and energies, Jack can open portals to different times and places. Enter Alice, who works at the store. Jack suspects she herself can open portals and the two develop an unlikely alliance in a search for a portal to a mythological utopia.

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2012

About the author

Born and raised in Colorado, my early reads included Mr. Popper's Penguins (which I incorporated into sleepwalking episodes), Ramona Quimby series, and Nancy Drew. Lois Duncan was a HUGE influence at an early age and I transended to Anne Rice in my high school years.

Reviews

[Carolyn Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. Part heist, part horror novel, this story has all the elements, making it a quick, enjoyable read. My only complaint is that it ends too soon. I definitely want to read more!

[Klara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fun story and it hooked me from the very beginning. I liked the characters, the plot, and the voice throughout. It was horrific and funny at the same time. Great stand-alone novel but I can see how this could become a series. I'd definitely read a sequel of this book.