Dead Leprechauns & Devil Cats: Strange Tales of the White Street Society

by Grady Hendrix

An army of fundamentalist cadavers! The Potato Homunculus! Decapitated heads that sing! Tong wars! Bacon sex! German Christmas demons! What hope does mankind have in the face of this paranormal perversion? Absolutely none! But cold hard facts have never stopped the White Street Society! This band of 19th century gentleman adventurers have dedicated most of their leisure time to investigating the paranormal, the supernatural, and the unexplained; often with violence, occasionally with science.

This volume collects four of their best-known "The Hairy Ghost," "The Corpse Army of Khartoum," "The Yellow Peril," and a brand new adventure, "The Christmas Spirits." Ranging from Gilded Age New York to British-controlled Sudan with its ruined desert city of Khartoum, these stories will inform, illuminate, and alarm. The Tales of the White Street Society were originally published by Pseudopod, the audio fiction site. They are collected here as short stories due to popular demand, along with a new story entitled “The Christmas Spirits” that has never before been seen anywhere else and is sure to curl your mustache. You will come away from this slim volume with an understanding of the supernatural wonders that these bold men of the 19th century were compelled to shoot, poison, burn, and beat to death with shovels.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Humor, Fiction, Fantasy, Steampunk, Ebooks

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2012

About the author

Grady Hendrix is the author of the novels Horrorstör, about a haunted IKEA, and My Best Friend's Exorcism, which is like Beaches meets The Exorcist, only it's set in the Eighties. He's also the author of We Sold Our Souls, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, and the upcoming (July 13!) Final Girl Support Group!

He's also the jerk behind the Stoker award-winning Paperbacks from Hell, a history of the 70's and 80's horror paperback boom, which contains more information about Nazi leprechauns, killer babies, and evil cats than you probably need.

And he's the screenwriter behind Mohawk, which is probably the only horror movie about the War of 1812 and Satanic Panic.

You can listen to free, amazing, and did I mention free podcasts of his fiction on Pseudopod. He also does a podcast called Super Scary Haunted Homeschool.

If you're not already sick of him, you can learn all his secrets at his website.

Reviews

[Grady Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the greatest collection of short stories ever published. Does Alice Munro deal with randy leprechauns? Did Raymond Carver ever confront fundamentalist mummies? Chekhov wrote some short stories but did he ever deal with the issue of people gambling on baby vs. monkey pit fights? I think not.

However, you will find that this book does not shy away from any of these controversial and sensitive subjects. Every single one of these stories was turned down by the New Yorker, which might be the greatest mark of quality of them all.

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read of The Christmas Spirits, which I have now chosen to be an annual tradition. Highly recommended! It's gut-bustingly funny, over-the-top, gleefully monstrous. You should probably also read the book's introduction and story notes, to make sure that you understand the context for the characters' absurd racism, xenophobia and general obliviousness. It's on purpose, and it's for a purpose. Some people might not get that and think the story is deliberately offensive to orphans, Germans, actors, Christmas carolers, and everyone.

As I walked to the White Street Society clubhouse, I sucked in great gulps of cold Yuletide air until my lungs froze solid with Christmas cheer. My feet were numbed with holiday spirit as they tramped the icy streets. My face and whiskers were chapped with all the joy of the season. Six carolers raced past me, screaming, their exposed skin red and blistered with burns, their wet clothes steaming, flesh hanging from one of their faces in sheets. I smiled to myself a secret Christmas smile.

***************************

A new edition was released on e-book only, November 27, 2020. It adds a new story, introduction, and story notes to this previously self-published collection of linked short stories, written sporadically since 2001. It is just in time for the holidays, with an absolute must-read Christmas story.

The White Street Society is a nineteenth century men's club based in New York City, whose members ostensibly investigate supernatural occurrences. In truth, only one member, Augustus Mortimer, does the investigating (or more usually instigating) while the others support his ego, although the stories' narrator, William, plays the hapless sidekick in some adventures. I love this type of social group as a story frame, ever since the first such I read as a teenager, Stephen King's "The Breathing Method" in Different Seasons and "The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands" in Skeleton Crew. The latest similar example in my own reading history is the Cannibal Club, a real-life 19th century british dinner club for social misfit aristocrats, fictionalized in Mark Hodder's excellent steampunk Burton & Swinburne series; although the Cannibals were not a storytelling group, they demonstrate this type of gathering's typical drunkenness and classism.

While the Society's purpose is to investigate supernatural threats, the author's purpose is to highlight the abject racism expressed by venerated figures of the 19th century.

Our whitewashed history presented these Great (white) Men in carefully edited versions that preserved their nobility but elided their attitudes toward child labor, racial difference, inflicting violence. . . . It's an uncomfortable fact that angels and evils often resided in the same nineteenth century skin. . . . Let's not pretend that Lincoln didn't personally order carnage on a scale that would horrify most modern minds, that Roosevelt wasn't an unapologetic imperialist, and that Anthony didn't advocate views about the humanity of Black men.
The White Street Sociey stories are my tiny attempt to inject the violence, stupidity, and general horror of that era back into genre fiction.

Hoo boy, did Hendrix ever succeed at this! These are hilarious stories, packed with ridiculously extreme casual racism and other prejudice from utterly oblivious characters, Augustus Mortimer chief among them. It is so over the top that the author's explanation in the introduction is unnecessary, but since it is there, even Kai can understand that these stories use the characters' racism to illuminate the horror of these attitudes.

The story notes at the end provide excellent brief history lessons, and there is no harm in reading them before the stories themselves. Reading them first can make the stories even more enjoyable, I think.

The stories start strong and get even better as the writing-order collection progresses. The first story lampoons early American attitudes towards the Irish. The next is founded in African colonialization and Sudanese history in particular; the story notes are especially helpful here. Then, it's on to early Chinatown in New York. Second-to-last is the shining gem of them all: "The Christmas Spirits," featuring carollers, orphans, Germans, and of course, Krampus. Let's just say that Augustus Mortimer is not a fan of the season:

"That is what this time of year represents, when the city's patron saint, The dread Saint Nicholas, hies hither in his monstrous carriage drawn by ferocious reindeer: the shitting, screaming Hell beasts of Lapland. The Dutch hiss his name as Sinterklaas, and the thought of his obese form slithering into my home like a murderer in the night, stuffing my socks with foul and rotten oranges, saliva-coated nuts torn from the claws of rabid squirrels, and his own rotten piss fills me with terror, as it should you!"

This was the most uproarious and bloody Christmas story I have ever read, and I have the original Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special #1 AND have seen Silent Night, Deadly Night one through four. It is the best example of how goofy, crazy, and over-the-top Hendrix can get when unleashed. His humour thankfully goes way beyond the boundaries of good taste, such as when a lovely young german woman comes calling at the door to the White Street Society:

"First, allow me to bid you guten evening." She gave a charming curtsey. "I am named Greta von Hitler und vhy are you holding ein pistol?"
"Oh, pardon me!" I cried, stuffing it into my waistcoat. "What a charming name you have!"
"Ya, it is from mein fadder," she blushed. "It means 'vun who lives in der hut.'"
"That is quite handsome," I said.

I mean, WHO DOES THAT?

The last story, an alternate history tale involving President Lincoln with many choice comments about politics, is good but a mild letdown after the Christmas one.

The final benefit of this collection is vocabulary enhancement, with some choice terms that will tax your dictionary: Gallathumpians, taz, and belsnickeler are just the beginning.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Dead Leprechauns & Devil Cats' is Hendrix before the hype. He self-published this short story collection (following the exploits of an old fashioned gentlemen's club involved in supernatural escapades) back in 2012, and I was interested to see what he had come up with before the input of a publisher was a factor in his works. If you've read from Hendrix before, you'll know that he tends towards the twisted and the grotesque, and he certainly didn't hold back on this occasion.

Hendrix managed to shoehorn 4 equally bizarre short stories into just 85 pages. Told with what I believe must be a trademark wit that's both sharp and remarkably well disguised as crudity, he takes us along on the misadventures of the White Street Society, based in New York City in the 19th Century. The stories are imaginative, tongue in cheek and, beyond all else, entertaining. But they're also offensive at times and you should be warned going into this that this book won't be for everyone. Hendrix seems to enjoy finding the line and taking a big step over it. (There are plenty of other reviews addressing this from what I've been able to see, so it's worth looking through if you want more info.). This book seems to confirm my suspicions that Hendrix is as divisive as they come. I personally really enjoy his works, and I wasn't disappointed by this offering (even if I was wincing at some of the more provocative parts).

Its imaginative, laced with dark humour, and is even surprisingly astute at times. The first story in the collection, 'The Hairy Ghost' feels like a not-so-subtle jab at homophobes both in the last two centuries and this one. The second story, 'The Corpse Army of Khartoum' , does the same thing towards capitalism.

If I could sum up this book in an analogy, it's best described as a longer, much more elaborate and definitely more deviant version of one of those old school jokes that's told in a pub, about a man walking into a bar. If you like Hendrix, definitely give this one a go.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must sit upon a moisture absorbing pad whilst reading from the ever hilarious, and pee inducing
@grady_hendrix

Best stories were the first and last.
The Hairy Ghost
The Christmas Spirits

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady never ceases to amaze me with the time and research he puts into satirizing racial prejudices and accepted social norms. I found his essay on the research behind The Yellow Peril enlightening and horrifying. We like to think we’re in a post-racial society, but the “missing dog and cat” jokes told at Chinese restaurants today are only one notch removed of the accusations levelled near the turn of the century of cooking rats. The accusation of uncivilized ingredients is a Society polite version of othering as aspersions of cannibalism.

And not just with the White Street Society, but also in stories like “Mofongo Knows” that skewers pulps that aspire to be as sensitive and inclusive as the work of Edgar Rice Burroughs. In Horrorstor, he sticks a pin in the nihilistic enthusiasm of corporate consumerism with the break room motivational poster declaring “Work Sets You Free!”

You can check out some of these stories and more at Pseudopod:
http://pseudopod.org/2008/02/08/pseud...
http://pseudopod.org/2009/02/27/pseud...
http://pseudopod.org/2016/12/23/pseud...
http://pseudopod.org/2009/06/20/flash...

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never described a book as "refreshingly racist and misogynist" before, but Tales of the White Street Society is hilariously that. All too often in period stories the protagonists have modern 21st century attitudes, but the author keeps our, 'morally flexible when it comes to the lives of orphans' characters firmly rooted in Victorian Natural Superiority. They use capital 'S' science to investigate (Investigate in this context defined as shooting at or clubbing to death) the lowercase 's' supernatural. I heartily recommend this book, and hope the author has the good sense to continue the adventures, although I would warn that once the audience gets comfortable with the politically incorrect (ala Mad Men) that there should be a more substantial plot waiting. All in all, excellent.

[Denny · Rating 1 out of 5]

After enjoying Horrorstör and My Best Friend's Exorcism, I was disappointed by this earlier offering, which Hendrix self-published at the beginning of his fiction career. It's quite clearly meant to be a spoof of a genre that was popular in the 19th century, that of the English Gentlemen's Club ghost storytelling variety. I found it to be dated, offensive, and quite ridiculous. The themes of racial and socioeconomic prejudice that characterize that genre play very poorly in 21st-century Western society. Although, sadly, it seems like that particular wheel may be in the midst of a cyclical downturn.

I'm sorry, Mr. Hendrix, but I wish I hadn't spent my ninety-nine cents on this one.

[Heather Albano · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you grew up on gaslight adventure stories, you'll love this.

Or you might be horrified by it, but it will earn your respect even as you scream and run away.

Grady Hendrix pulls no punches in this bitingly funny collection. Not for the politically correct or the faint of heart, each story manages to be both hilarious and a sharp commentary on what we choose to romanticize. The final story had me actually laughing out loud, which is not an easy task to accomplish. I look forward to more White Street adventures!

[Angie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Grady Hendrix writes. He had me at hello, or more specifically the line that read ““Dr. Hagedorn and I had served one another, unofficially, as consultants on difficult diagnoses, usually through the post as he is the possessor of a singular personal odor: like that of a large, sweating cheese. Being Italian, it is to be expected, but even after years of association I was unable to acclimate myself to his unpleasant bouquet.”
God, thank you for this man and large, sweating cheese.

[Christopher Tantillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

This was my first foray into Grady Hendrix. This was originally a self-published collection from back in 2012. There is an author's note in the beginning explaining the reason he wrote these stories and an afterword giving context and history behind each story, as these are all horror satire stories about real people or real events, but made absurd.

I really wanted to like this collection more than I did. There is a Christmas story that is an absolute delight to read. I also loved the afterword learning about the real life history. But I found the rest of the stories to be kind of meh? The writing isn't bad, and I enjoy satire quite a bit as a genre, especially in horror. But there is so much racism here. These characters are so vile and horrible and racist that it just felt like a bit too much. But the author does state it's there to serve a purpose, as when we learn history it's often glamorized and romanticized. We praise historical figures for all the good they've done while willfully ignoring all the horrible things they did as well.

While not objectively bad stories, these just were not for me. I liked the history behind them and seeing how the author injected his satirical brand of absurd humor into them, but the stories themselves did little for me. Hardcore Hendrix fans may find more to like here than I did. I do plan to read his other books. Those easily offended should look elsewhere, but if you can put aside how racist these characters are for humor, then you may find more enjoyment than I did.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of surreal shorts more humour than horror-themed though not without a few gruesome passages to raise the goosebumps. Not quite what I was expecting but I did enjoy the tongue and cheek tone.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was a rare Grady Hendrix miss for me. He is ostensibly lampooning Victorian era pot-boiler fiction with its severe casual racism. However, there is no context that provides the reader with this knowledge. This book is in desperate need of an introduction. Also, I didn't find it very funny. I still love Grady, though, and will continue to read everything I can find by him.

[Octavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

En general muy divertido y sorprendente. Y casi todos los relatos son COJONUDOS. Hendryx 100%

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories are horrifyingly racist parodies of Victorian sci-fi/horror/fantasy that incorporate "scientific" racial theories from that period. Without the context of the introduction (a must-read part of the book) and the story notes at the end, one might just throw this book at the wall in disgust (although surely most people would get that it's satire?). The introduction sets up the collection by introducing the reader to Louis Agassiz, "one of the greatest scientific minds of the nineteenth century." Unfortunately, he also believed that black and white people were two different species with the black people being decidedly inferior. Hendrix then slams other greats of the 1800's, giving us a very short lesson on what they don't teach us in school about some of our Great Men (and Women). As Grady says in his intro he wants "to remind readers that history is dangerous, that we share a common humanity only after a long struggle, and that every hero stands on a pedestal made of corpses. Worshipping the pas is dumb, and I wanted to make our past so ridiculous that no one could ever take its Great Men and Grand Ideas seriously again."

The story notes give the racist background for each story and it comes with a "Trigger warning for what follows, well, because history." The story notes were so interesting that they are sending me down different rabbit holes for more information. In fact, I've already bought Elizabeth Keckley's (former slave and seamstress to Mary Todd Lincoln) book "Behind the Scenes" because of these notes. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I would not have liked this book anywhere near as much without reading the Introduction and Story Notes.

[ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was exactly what i expected, which means extremely silly and vaguely horror-aligned. (i would not technically call this horror, but i guess that’s more based on how i personally define the genre)

i genuinely did enjoy the stories and their absurdity and would absolutely read more of this cast.

my only complaint is that, while this is set in the 19th century and included what could be said to be era-typical bigotry, it certainly wasn’t needed at all for either the plot or the vibes, so it kind of felt like an excuse to say racist shit. might just be my view, though.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first couple stories were fine as far the satire they were approaching but also approached mean a little too frequently. The Christmas one though? Completely brilliant and alone is work the four stars. Amazing stuff and I can't wait to share it.

[Ayre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories where Grady Hendrix makes fun of historical white men thinking they're better than everyone with a fantasy twist.

I liked the idea of this collection more than I liked the execution. Grady Hendrix is really good at writing from the prospective of a problematic character, making you understand their prospective, and still showing how much of an jerk face that person is. This is told Don Quixote style where the main character is an idiot but still manages to come out on top to the detriment of everyone he comes in contact with.

[Todd Glaeser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m guessing early work by Hendrix. Indiana Jones, Weird Tales and twilight Zone in a blender.

[Eskay · Rating 2 out of 5]

do you remember how we were all really racist in like 2007 because we thought it was ironic post-racism racism, but actually it was just straight-up racism and we were all idiot middle class white people who needed to seriously pull our socks up and educate ourselves about our intrinsically racist society? this is like that, but as short horror stories.

[Stephani]

Well, that was something I read.

[Tamanna MN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Leprechauns & Devil Cats: Strange Tales Of The White Street Society by Grady Hendrix.

Sometime during or post the pandemic year, a dear bookish friend went gaga over a fancy looking book that looked like a rip-off of an Ikea catalogue and claimed that it's a story squarely set in the horror genre. And thus I was introduced to the madness of tales by Grady Hendrix. It's been a few years and a few books by the gentleman, and the sheer joy of reading horror that makes exactly zero sense, is yet to diminish. Tales of White Street kept showing up in my suggestions, and I thought it was finally time.

This is a collection of four tales - The Hairy Ghost, The Corpse Army of Khartoum, The Yellow Curse, and The Christmas Spirit. Each one diversely set, and each one offensively hilarious. I was in for a treat. But the writing style was different and didn't feel like the usual polished Grady Hendrix style of writing. And like a good bookworm, I did my research and found that the difference in writing comes from the fact that, this collection of tales was the first of the author's and even better yet, it was self-published! Each of these stories are unapologetic. I could say that there are racial slurs, white supremacy, etc. Yes, it is there, but I thought it was more about the times it was set in, the outlook of the characters telling the stories, than anything else. Each of these 4 tales were more outrageous than its predecessor. Talking corpse head, zombie warfare, Chinese gangwar, burning building, steamy leprechauns, and both Santa and Krampus. Even the American stock market made a guest appearance!

It's a short quick read. And reading unedited work of one of my favorite authors was pure joy, unfiltered.

[Morgan Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I say this every time but I am a sucker for Grady Hendrix. His writing style is unique and always leaves me feeling something, to which I can't say the same of every author. This book of short stories that is very loosely based on real events was so fun to read! With the 1800's jargon and general rapport between the characters I felt like I was transported back to this time period. The social commentary on political figures and events during the time felt perfect to read during 2021, when the world feels still slightly ablaze from the shit show that was 2020. My favorite aspect of the stories was the unabashed racism, sexism, exploitation, and white privilege the main characters utilized to reach their goals. Augustus is extremely open with his tools used to oppress others and get what he wants while William seemingly feels worse about it but continues on with any and all plans despite a nagging conscience. V on brand for American history as a whole. This is different from any Hendrix work I've read in the past but if your a fan of him, history, and/or books that call out terrible white folks on their terrible actions, read this!

[kvazimodla · Rating 3 out of 5]

"An army of fundamentalist cadavers! The Potato Homunculus! Decapitated heads that sing! Tong wars! Bacon sex! German Christmas demons! What hope does mankind have in the face of this paranormal perversion? Absolutely none! But cold hard facts have never stopped the White Street Society!

...

You will come away from this slim volume with an understanding of the supernatural wonders that these bold men of the 19th century were compelled to shoot, poison, burn, and beat to death with shovels."


Well, say no more 😂


I spent a good portion of reading this simultaneously spitting out my tea from bursting into laughter, and being shocked speechless 😂, as Hendrix goes on a gleeful rampage all over political correctness no-no's, that those bold (white) men of the 19th century didn't need to worry about.

Now that's entertainment ❤️

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is an old story that a reporter asked Mrs. Lincoln if her husband had any hobbies. She replied, "Cats." I thought that meant he had cats for pets, not that he ate them. According to Grady Hendrix's twisted alternative history, I discovered I was wrong. Not only did Honest Abe eat cats, he was chained up after biting a baby.

Mr. Hendrix manages to insult almost everyone, from orphans to the Irish, to Lincoln, so make sure to read his introduction that explains racism and sexism in the Victorian era. He's not condoning it, he's condemning it.

This is a fun moldy oldie from my stacks of mildewing to-be-read. My kindle is not, in fact, moldy but I thought that sounded good when pulling up a horror from 2012. My god, is 2012 really ten years ago?

[Summer Dawn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite Hendrix book

For once a Grady Hendrix book kind of fell flat for me. I'm still giving this 4 stars due to the quality of the writing and the background stories at the end of the book.

I understand that all of the racist content was normal for this time period, and it's included, and exaggerated, to make a point about how ridiculous it all was, however it simply didn't sit right with me. This book is still wonderfully written, with Hendrix's sense of the absurd woven through.

All of that said though, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the events that inspired the stories. I would gladly read a book of interesting historical tales, something like Paperbacks From Hell.

[Erica Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read. He puts it right out there in the beginning about what you are about to read. Don’t say he didn’t warn you.

The gentlemen in these stories are so funny. The old language style was awesome and it was a quick read as well, only 5 stories and I wish there were more.

If you are easily offended by outdated racism and whatnot, then maybe you should not read this. However, if you can see the absurdity of the ideas presented and laugh at it, then this is absolutely the right book for you. I don’t easily offend and read a lot of bizarro horror fiction, so this little collection was just right.

[Sarah Overvaag · Rating 5 out of 5]

The point of these terribly absurd stories is satire of the 19th century, a time we all want to believe was some kind of golden age. Hendrix added an introduction that really should be read. He uses satire paired with true story notes to explain the all of the flaws we tend to overlook about that part of our history: racism, anti-immigration, bigotry, misogyny, indifference to the plight of the poor and more. I laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all. Augustus and William are some of the worst at all of these misdeeds but in their minds, they are heroes. Considering it was men like them that wrote our national history, it’s no wonder we tend to revere them.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minor Spoilers.

Crude and offensive to a variety of ethnic groups, but still filled with plenty of laughs. This specific collection focuses on the White Street Society, and the old fashioned tales that might be told when its lot congregate. You know, the typical adventures that might be whirling around in the Grady Hendrix realm-sodomizing leprechauns, the weaponized zombie jihad, Chinatown warfare, and, if you’re in holiday spirits, a Christmas classic involving Krampus and an orphanage. Just a taste of what one might ponder while reading these four stories.

“Ho!”

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the more salacious takes on the crime novellas and stories written by English authors in the 18th and 19th century. If not taken with the right grain of salt pertaining to the way the English treated everyone not English born it would be highly triggering to a large number of people.
I thought these were some of the funniest lampoons of the English aristocracy and ripped up Conan Doyle, early Agatha Christie (non-Poirot) novels, and english literature of that ilk. Great read and ready for more Grady!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few of the stories in this collection (plus "Mofongo Knows" from The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination: Original Short Fiction for the Modern Evil Genius) are available in audio for free at https://pseudopod.org/people/grady-he...