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The Express Diaries
EUROPE, 1925. The continent still licks its wounds from the devastating war that raged across it a few years before. Meanwhile, in London, an ageing professor has uncovered the clues to the whereabouts of pieces of an ancient statue, all but forgotten by history.
When his investigations lead him to fear for his life, he enlists the aid of an unlikely group of allies; a retired colonel, a secretive academic, a magician’s wife, and a Yorkshire matriarch with her reluctant assistant.
Together they will journey across Europe to recover the long-lost statue. They will travel in style, on the most luxurious train the world has ever seen. Unbeknownst to them, however, their activities have already attracted the attention of a sinister cult, desperate to acquire the artefact for their own dark purposes, and now a terrible creature, trapped for centuries, senses that the opportunity for revenge has come at last...
THE EXPRESS DIARIES is a tale of a journey into darkness and horror on the world's most famous train.
When his investigations lead him to fear for his life, he enlists the aid of an unlikely group of allies; a retired colonel, a secretive academic, a magician’s wife, and a Yorkshire matriarch with her reluctant assistant.
Together they will journey across Europe to recover the long-lost statue. They will travel in style, on the most luxurious train the world has ever seen. Unbeknownst to them, however, their activities have already attracted the attention of a sinister cult, desperate to acquire the artefact for their own dark purposes, and now a terrible creature, trapped for centuries, senses that the opportunity for revenge has come at last...
THE EXPRESS DIARIES is a tale of a journey into darkness and horror on the world's most famous train.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2012
22 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Nick Marsh
10 books18 followersNick was born in the sunny vale of Manchester, in North-West England, back when everyone else was busy wearing flared trousers and purple shirts. He has continued to be out of step with fashion ever since.
Thanks to a certain ‘Mr Herriot’ Nick’s childhood ambition was to become a veterinary surgeon, an ambition that was only strengthened after a soul-scarring week working in the Coronation Street Shop at Granada Studios tour for his school work experience. He still sometimes wakes at night screaming about a shelf full of Vera Duckworth mugs smashing, and to this day the sound of the Beach Boys (which was, for some reason, played in the shop on a 24-hour loop) brings him out in a cold sweat.
Several years later, after five years at Bristol University (during which time he was promoted from a lowly ‘one-pint wonder’ to an impressive ‘three-pint wonder), Nick found himself out in the real world, qualified as a vet.
Soul Purpose and Past Tense were written as a response to his first few years at the sharp end of veterinary life. He now works as a small animal vet in Plymouth, and is feeling much better, thank you. If he ever wonders whether he is in the right job, he hums the first few bars of ‘I get around’ to himself, and knows that things could have been much, much worse.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 19, 2015
The backbone of this story comes from the 'Call of Cthulhu' roleplaying game where a group of characters must travel across Europe to recover pieces of the Sedefkar Simulacrum, a centuries-old statue.
The story of The Express Diaries is introduced by a researcher who has managed to sort out diary entries, personal notes and postcards, newspaper clippings and other material. So you get a group of unreliable narrators whose story is revealed entry by entry and presented as the researchers uncovered it. There are footnotes attached to whatever needs additional information or simply 'we don't know anything about this'.
It is a great story. I loved the idea, the journey, their antagonists, their research.
It took me a while to read it though, longer than it should have. At first I thought it's the way it is presented, but that's not it. Cherie Priest's Maplecroft is also told in a similar way and I loved that book.
Then I realized it's the characters. They made it really hard to get through the story. I don't remember the last time I wanted almost all of them to be killed.
Five start the search for the Simulakrum. Some of them are models for 'the worst you can get from an English traveller'. You have your old xenophobic colonel Neville Goodenough who sits in Italy saying things like 'bloody lazy foreigners' about Italians.
Then you have the unofficial leader of this strange group, Mrs Betty Sunderland whose boredom (and later stupidity) puts everyone in the harm's way. And the queen of understatements thinks: .I feel such a fool for dragging us all into this mess.'
Her niece, Mrs Violet Davenport, is a spoiled and selfish woman ('[...] two such beautiful women (without a catch in his voice! Very impressive, and very charitable to Grace, I must say),') who is not only an unreliable narrator ('We even went to see The Last Supper, that famous painting by Michelangelo (I think).') but one who doesn't know anything further than her dress. There are many examples of how shallow Violet is.
Then there is Miss Grace Murphy, Mrs Sunderland's secretary, who follows them around but you don't get to know her well because her voice is rare.
Professor Alphonse Moretti is their friend and a man with mysterious past (info from the footnotes only).
The only character who was not annoying was Margrave Milos Valinchek (wouldn't that annoy the colonel?), Moretti's friend, who comes to help the group later in the story.
Their stupidity and troubles are not caused by naivety but their arrogance. They always know better.
Anyway, The Express Diaries is a great horror adventure about a sinister statue and an evil cult of the Skinless One featuring the most annoying group of protagonists I've read. I would have read this in a day otherwise. It is like someone has cut the story in half, one awesome and other not so much.
The story of The Express Diaries is introduced by a researcher who has managed to sort out diary entries, personal notes and postcards, newspaper clippings and other material. So you get a group of unreliable narrators whose story is revealed entry by entry and presented as the researchers uncovered it. There are footnotes attached to whatever needs additional information or simply 'we don't know anything about this'.
It is a great story. I loved the idea, the journey, their antagonists, their research.
It took me a while to read it though, longer than it should have. At first I thought it's the way it is presented, but that's not it. Cherie Priest's Maplecroft is also told in a similar way and I loved that book.
Then I realized it's the characters. They made it really hard to get through the story. I don't remember the last time I wanted almost all of them to be killed.
Five start the search for the Simulakrum. Some of them are models for 'the worst you can get from an English traveller'. You have your old xenophobic colonel Neville Goodenough who sits in Italy saying things like 'bloody lazy foreigners' about Italians.
Then you have the unofficial leader of this strange group, Mrs Betty Sunderland whose boredom (and later stupidity) puts everyone in the harm's way. And the queen of understatements thinks: .I feel such a fool for dragging us all into this mess.'
Her niece, Mrs Violet Davenport, is a spoiled and selfish woman ('[...] two such beautiful women (without a catch in his voice! Very impressive, and very charitable to Grace, I must say),') who is not only an unreliable narrator ('We even went to see The Last Supper, that famous painting by Michelangelo (I think).') but one who doesn't know anything further than her dress. There are many examples of how shallow Violet is.
Then there is Miss Grace Murphy, Mrs Sunderland's secretary, who follows them around but you don't get to know her well because her voice is rare.
Professor Alphonse Moretti is their friend and a man with mysterious past (info from the footnotes only).
The only character who was not annoying was Margrave Milos Valinchek (wouldn't that annoy the colonel?), Moretti's friend, who comes to help the group later in the story.
Their stupidity and troubles are not caused by naivety but their arrogance. They always know better.
Anyway, The Express Diaries is a great horror adventure about a sinister statue and an evil cult of the Skinless One featuring the most annoying group of protagonists I've read. I would have read this in a day otherwise. It is like someone has cut the story in half, one awesome and other not so much.
August 11, 2014
As most of the other reviews mention, The Express Diaries is based on an audio recording of a RPG campaign of Horror On the Orient Express. Listening to the recording isn't necessary to enjoy this book at all, though it does provide a good contrast to the events therein.
What I mean is that The Express Diaries has been carefully edited in order to remove most of the, well, "gameness" from the original playthrough. Some events are changed or removed entirely because they didn't fit the mood of the story. Maximillian "Max" Calibré, the archeologist from Indianapolis, Indiana, understandably makes no appearance at all, the part with the vicious chicken attack is removed, and since I always thought that the less said about Baba Yaga's appearance in what's ostensibly a cosmic horror story the better, I'm quite happy to report that nothing about her is said at all. Dr. Winstanley, rather than being one of the protagonists, is a minor character mentioned once and then never again, the better to give the Margrave a bigger role in the story. The whole dreamworld section makes no appearance. None of this detracts from the story, though, since it gives the book a tighter focus on the characters the way they deal with the horrible events that happen to them.
There are some additions as well, primarily to add more dramatic flow and some foreshadowing. Violet's dreams provide some background on one of their opponents. Grace's to-do lists make her more of a Jeeves figure to Mrs. Sunderland's Wooster, though more in attitude than in competence. Comte Fenalik's life has an entirely different trajectory, and some of the events between Dr. Winstanley and Grace are transfered onto Milos.
The ending is changed completely, maybe to conform to the original Horror on the Orient Express, and I do think it works a lot better than the somewhat slap-stick way that the Skinless One was dealt with in the original audio game. Actually, that's kind of true of all the villains in the original game. It's the problem with dice rolls--they have no sense of timing or proper narrative structure.
Despite all the changes, there are still Easter eggs back to the original audio game. When Professor Moretti wrote:
I keep making comparisons, and it's pretty hard not to, but I think The Express Diaries works very well even divorced from its original context. It avoids some of the silliness of Horror on the Orient Express (hut on chicken legs!), the epistolary nature is a great way to focus on the characters' internal feelings and mindset in the way that the best Lovecraftian horror does, and the changes to the plot make the whole thing flow a lot better. The book format allows the author to include various telegrams, tickets to museums and opera events, letters, and other paraphernalia to help flesh out the story.
It's also actually horror. The Bradford Players put on an entertaining performance, but I've seen it said that at its heart, roleplaying is the art of engaging in violence and coming up with stupid plans that nonetheless work because having them fail wouldn't be fun for anyone, and that's pretty evident in the audio game. For a Call Of Cthulhu game, it has remarkable levity. The book contains some elements of that, but it's often black humor, or done as a contrast to the horror of the situation around them.
It's quite good, and requires no knowledge of Call of Cthulhu, Horror on the Orient Express, or the audio game to enjoy. Definitely recommended.
What I mean is that The Express Diaries has been carefully edited in order to remove most of the, well, "gameness" from the original playthrough. Some events are changed or removed entirely because they didn't fit the mood of the story. Maximillian "Max" Calibré, the archeologist from Indianapolis, Indiana, understandably makes no appearance at all, the part with the vicious chicken attack is removed, and since I always thought that the less said about Baba Yaga's appearance in what's ostensibly a cosmic horror story the better, I'm quite happy to report that nothing about her is said at all. Dr. Winstanley, rather than being one of the protagonists, is a minor character mentioned once and then never again, the better to give the Margrave a bigger role in the story. The whole dreamworld section makes no appearance. None of this detracts from the story, though, since it gives the book a tighter focus on the characters the way they deal with the horrible events that happen to them.
There are some additions as well, primarily to add more dramatic flow and some foreshadowing. Violet's dreams provide some background on one of their opponents. Grace's to-do lists make her more of a Jeeves figure to Mrs. Sunderland's Wooster, though more in attitude than in competence. Comte Fenalik's life has an entirely different trajectory, and some of the events between Dr. Winstanley and Grace are transfered onto Milos.
The ending is changed completely, maybe to conform to the original Horror on the Orient Express, and I do think it works a lot better than the somewhat slap-stick way that the Skinless One was dealt with in the original audio game. Actually, that's kind of true of all the villains in the original game. It's the problem with dice rolls--they have no sense of timing or proper narrative structure.
Despite all the changes, there are still Easter eggs back to the original audio game. When Professor Moretti wrote:
I like to think of my skills in the use of libraries as excellent.my first thought was to wonder how he would rate them on a scale of, say, 1 to 100. The Colonel's occasional mention that he had "seen worse during the war" reminded me of all the SAN checks he passed throughout the game.
I keep making comparisons, and it's pretty hard not to, but I think The Express Diaries works very well even divorced from its original context. It avoids some of the silliness of Horror on the Orient Express (hut on chicken legs!), the epistolary nature is a great way to focus on the characters' internal feelings and mindset in the way that the best Lovecraftian horror does, and the changes to the plot make the whole thing flow a lot better. The book format allows the author to include various telegrams, tickets to museums and opera events, letters, and other paraphernalia to help flesh out the story.
It's also actually horror. The Bradford Players put on an entertaining performance, but I've seen it said that at its heart, roleplaying is the art of engaging in violence and coming up with stupid plans that nonetheless work because having them fail wouldn't be fun for anyone, and that's pretty evident in the audio game. For a Call Of Cthulhu game, it has remarkable levity. The book contains some elements of that, but it's often black humor, or done as a contrast to the horror of the situation around them.
It's quite good, and requires no knowledge of Call of Cthulhu, Horror on the Orient Express, or the audio game to enjoy. Definitely recommended.
July 15, 2013
I read this wonderful book, in one afternoon whilst sitting on my balcony.I was so engrossed in the plot I didn't even hear my phone ringing.
The Express Diaries is a fantastic read which will keep you glued to its pages.A definite must !
Thank you to Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to receive this book through First Reads.
The Express Diaries is a fantastic read which will keep you glued to its pages.A definite must !
Thank you to Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to receive this book through First Reads.
May 18, 2013
The Express Diaries by Nick Marsh
EUROPE, 1925. The continent still licks its wounds from the devastating war that raged across it a few years before. Meanwhile, in London, an ageing professor has uncovered the clues to the whereabouts of pieces of an ancient statue, all but forgotten by history. When his investigations lead him to fear for his life, he enlists the aid of an unlikely group of allies; a retired colonel, a secretive academic, a magician’s wife, and a Yorkshire matriarch with her reluctant assistant. Together they will journey across Europe to recover the long-lost statue. They will travel in style, on the most luxurious train the world has ever seen. Unbeknownst to them, however, their activities have already attracted the attention of a sinister cult, desperate to acquire the artefact for their own dark purposes, and now a terrible creature, trapped for centuries, senses that the opportunity for revenge has come at last . . .
The Sedefkar Simulacrum has been found, an ancient artefact broken into pieces and spread throughout Europe. A group of friends find themselves thrust into an urgent race across a continent in order to collect the pieces before other; more nefarious individuals can lay their hands on them for their own devious means. What follows are the collected diaries of the friends as they travel across Europe and face off against various groups of conspiring evil during the winter of 1925.
First and foremost, I was furnished with a hardback copy of this book, which is almost as beautiful as the story itself. Nick Marsh has gone through some trouble to bring this labour of love to the world as it’s meticulously researched and adorned with many fantastical illustrations giving the journey undertaken a further dimension away from the page.
What starts as slightly murderous, though jolly romp in search of long lost artefacts, soon turns red with blood as the bodies pile up along the tracks. Despite being an entirely serious and accomplished novel, Marsh manages humour in the grimmest of circumstances and catches the parlance of the times as if he were there in the roaring twenties. It charges full steam ahead into clouds of blood and intrigue, taking no prisoners aboard, and leaving a trail of death in its wake. As the action flicks from the different viewpoints of the various characters and articles of media, the story is constantly refreshed throughout. With a pace that Hollywood would be envious of, I couldn’t find any faults throughout the entirety of the story.
I’ve never really read anything Lovecraftian before this, so I was expecting tentacles and dark ones within, but I was surprised to find an intriguing mystery set upon the Orient Express that charges along with a mixed bag of characters like “Indiana Jones and the Skin Thieves”, in which every character we meet brings something to proceedings instead of just being murder fodder. When characters die, you will miss them. The main group of characters are witty and not without their faults. Marsh slips them into history with ease making their adventure all the more real. In particular Colonel Neville Goodenough despite his age is a likable and rufty tufty, though slightly cantankerous adventurer. Betty Sunderland, the matriarch of the group brings a mischievous Miss Marple air to proceedings, her diaries helping to ground the story as we barrel along at breakneck speed.
If you like your horror a little more classy, or perhaps you’re a fan of everything and anything Lovecraft, period horror such as Dracula or H. G. Wells (or even a good mystery romp like Agatha Christie), I urge you to buy the ticket and take the ride on The Express Diaries. Thoroughly recommended.
5/5
EUROPE, 1925. The continent still licks its wounds from the devastating war that raged across it a few years before. Meanwhile, in London, an ageing professor has uncovered the clues to the whereabouts of pieces of an ancient statue, all but forgotten by history. When his investigations lead him to fear for his life, he enlists the aid of an unlikely group of allies; a retired colonel, a secretive academic, a magician’s wife, and a Yorkshire matriarch with her reluctant assistant. Together they will journey across Europe to recover the long-lost statue. They will travel in style, on the most luxurious train the world has ever seen. Unbeknownst to them, however, their activities have already attracted the attention of a sinister cult, desperate to acquire the artefact for their own dark purposes, and now a terrible creature, trapped for centuries, senses that the opportunity for revenge has come at last . . .
The Sedefkar Simulacrum has been found, an ancient artefact broken into pieces and spread throughout Europe. A group of friends find themselves thrust into an urgent race across a continent in order to collect the pieces before other; more nefarious individuals can lay their hands on them for their own devious means. What follows are the collected diaries of the friends as they travel across Europe and face off against various groups of conspiring evil during the winter of 1925.
First and foremost, I was furnished with a hardback copy of this book, which is almost as beautiful as the story itself. Nick Marsh has gone through some trouble to bring this labour of love to the world as it’s meticulously researched and adorned with many fantastical illustrations giving the journey undertaken a further dimension away from the page.
What starts as slightly murderous, though jolly romp in search of long lost artefacts, soon turns red with blood as the bodies pile up along the tracks. Despite being an entirely serious and accomplished novel, Marsh manages humour in the grimmest of circumstances and catches the parlance of the times as if he were there in the roaring twenties. It charges full steam ahead into clouds of blood and intrigue, taking no prisoners aboard, and leaving a trail of death in its wake. As the action flicks from the different viewpoints of the various characters and articles of media, the story is constantly refreshed throughout. With a pace that Hollywood would be envious of, I couldn’t find any faults throughout the entirety of the story.
I’ve never really read anything Lovecraftian before this, so I was expecting tentacles and dark ones within, but I was surprised to find an intriguing mystery set upon the Orient Express that charges along with a mixed bag of characters like “Indiana Jones and the Skin Thieves”, in which every character we meet brings something to proceedings instead of just being murder fodder. When characters die, you will miss them. The main group of characters are witty and not without their faults. Marsh slips them into history with ease making their adventure all the more real. In particular Colonel Neville Goodenough despite his age is a likable and rufty tufty, though slightly cantankerous adventurer. Betty Sunderland, the matriarch of the group brings a mischievous Miss Marple air to proceedings, her diaries helping to ground the story as we barrel along at breakneck speed.
If you like your horror a little more classy, or perhaps you’re a fan of everything and anything Lovecraft, period horror such as Dracula or H. G. Wells (or even a good mystery romp like Agatha Christie), I urge you to buy the ticket and take the ride on The Express Diaries. Thoroughly recommended.
5/5
July 9, 2013
This story started out as a role playing game based round the Call of Cthulhu system
The year is 1925 and in London and ageing professor is convinced he has found clues to the location of The Simulacrum - a mysterious ancient statue.
The 'gang' he assembles to help him track down the Simulacrum are a varied bunch who all have their part to play in the search.
As you would expect the professor and friends are not the only ones searching for the artifacts. As they set off across Europe on the wonderful Orient Express they are pursued by a dark cult. Getting to it first will certainly be a challenge and the horrors they face along the way are exceptionally nasty.
The story is told in a collection of diary entries, journal entries, newspaper clippings and the likes. This gives the story a good feel and I also felt that the entries by the different characters all seemed to have individual voices. The writing certainly felt 'of it's time.
My final comments are reserved for the physical book itself - the hardback edition (which I was provided with in exchange for a fair and honest review) really is a joy to own, a must lovely book with beautiful illustrations. Any bookcase would be proud to own this volume
4.5 out of 5 stars
The year is 1925 and in London and ageing professor is convinced he has found clues to the location of The Simulacrum - a mysterious ancient statue.
The 'gang' he assembles to help him track down the Simulacrum are a varied bunch who all have their part to play in the search.
As you would expect the professor and friends are not the only ones searching for the artifacts. As they set off across Europe on the wonderful Orient Express they are pursued by a dark cult. Getting to it first will certainly be a challenge and the horrors they face along the way are exceptionally nasty.
The story is told in a collection of diary entries, journal entries, newspaper clippings and the likes. This gives the story a good feel and I also felt that the entries by the different characters all seemed to have individual voices. The writing certainly felt 'of it's time.
My final comments are reserved for the physical book itself - the hardback edition (which I was provided with in exchange for a fair and honest review) really is a joy to own, a must lovely book with beautiful illustrations. Any bookcase would be proud to own this volume
4.5 out of 5 stars
October 13, 2012
This book is a must read for any fan of the Lovecraft universe as well as lover of horror stories.
The Orient Express have been used for many different kind of books and films. The train holds a certain mystery and charm that makes it possible to create new stories without being a copy of any of the others already made. This book will keep that mystery feeling about the train and add to the charm and legends for future generations to come.
You really get the sensation, of having found an old stack of papers discribing an untold story of horror, that a group of friends have been through. The excitement of turning a page, to see the events told through several eyes, just makes one never want to put the book down.
The language is nicely done in a style which belongs to 1920's English.
In addition with the very well written diary entries the artwork is simply stunning. The different handwritten notes, postcards, drawings, newspaper cutouts, etc. are very well made and amplifies the atmosphere.
The Orient Express have been used for many different kind of books and films. The train holds a certain mystery and charm that makes it possible to create new stories without being a copy of any of the others already made. This book will keep that mystery feeling about the train and add to the charm and legends for future generations to come.
You really get the sensation, of having found an old stack of papers discribing an untold story of horror, that a group of friends have been through. The excitement of turning a page, to see the events told through several eyes, just makes one never want to put the book down.
The language is nicely done in a style which belongs to 1920's English.
In addition with the very well written diary entries the artwork is simply stunning. The different handwritten notes, postcards, drawings, newspaper cutouts, etc. are very well made and amplifies the atmosphere.
October 21, 2013
A gripping read literally couldn't put it down, an amazing plot filled with advwnrueenand intrigue. Would definitely recommend!
November 23, 2020
The Express Diaries is a horror novel. Taking place in 1925 London, the story follows Colonel Neville Goodenough, Professor Alphonse Moretti, Mrs. Betty Sunderland, her niece Mrs. Violet Davenport, and Mrs. Sunderland’s assistant Grace Murphy. After their friend Professor Julius Smith’s home is destroyed following a seminar, they get drawn into a quest to find the pieces of a statue known as the Sedefkar Simulacrum, which Professor Smith believes must be destroyed. Learning that the pieces are scattered across Europe, they board the Orient Express to hunt down the statue. Danger follows them everywhere and they must contend with both a cult and an ancient monstrous creature that may be a previous owner of the statue.
The Express Diaries is an interesting story. Rather than begin a 100% original, it is based on the Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game campaign entitled Horror on the Orient Express. Specifically, it is based on the experience of the game of a group of role-players in England collectively called the Bradford Players, who are well-known for recording their games and posting them online. The Express Diaries are told from their characters’ perspectives, presented through diary entries of the characters involved. Some changes were made to the story that differ from the events of the Bradford Players’ game, for example the encounter with Baba Yaga is removed and one later character’s role is reduced to a cameo. The characters themselves are portrayed very well and match those played in the game.
Overall, The Express Diaries is an engaging story. The presentation of the diary entries is done very well, switching between the different characters with ease. Horror fans and fans of Call of Cthulhu will be sure to enjoy this book.
The Express Diaries is an interesting story. Rather than begin a 100% original, it is based on the Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game campaign entitled Horror on the Orient Express. Specifically, it is based on the experience of the game of a group of role-players in England collectively called the Bradford Players, who are well-known for recording their games and posting them online. The Express Diaries are told from their characters’ perspectives, presented through diary entries of the characters involved. Some changes were made to the story that differ from the events of the Bradford Players’ game, for example the encounter with Baba Yaga is removed and one later character’s role is reduced to a cameo. The characters themselves are portrayed very well and match those played in the game.
Overall, The Express Diaries is an engaging story. The presentation of the diary entries is done very well, switching between the different characters with ease. Horror fans and fans of Call of Cthulhu will be sure to enjoy this book.
April 12, 2021
Not bad...
I enjoyed the story enough. I had the unfortunate knowledge of how the story ended so it was more about the journey for me. In that regard it was good, I had to visualize some parts myself but as someone who knows the Horror on the Orient Express well, it wasn't difficult. I'd recommend the read.
I enjoyed the story enough. I had the unfortunate knowledge of how the story ended so it was more about the journey for me. In that regard it was good, I had to visualize some parts myself but as someone who knows the Horror on the Orient Express well, it wasn't difficult. I'd recommend the read.
August 11, 2021
Turns out this is a spin-off of The Call of Cthulhu role-playing game. The adventure moves along at an exciting, relentless pace. However, the body count is awfully high.
April 14, 2014
In essence, "The Express Diaries" is a novelisation of a recorded audio playthrough of the Call of Cthulhu campaign 'Horror on the Orient Express'. If that means nothing to you, don't worry - taken on its own, it's a strongly-written adventure novel with a good dollop of the supernatural, lots of twists and turns, and quite a few grisly deaths; I'll let the synopsis speak for itself.
However, there's much more to the novel than that; people who've listened to the audio playthrough might wonder how the author has tackled the differences between genres - there are storytelling techniques that work in novels but fail when roleplaying, and vice versa. Nick Marsh manages this well, by presenting the story through a series of journal and diary entries - these are effective in revealing the story as the characters experienced it, and letting the characters themselves shine through, both essential for recreating the atmosphere of the audio recording. This very personal, fragmented presentation style suits the nature of HP Lovecraft's weird fiction; some mysteries are left unrevealed, and the story is the better for it.
The book is supplemented by numerous illustrations, depicting flyers, telegrams, newspaper clippings and other clues; a lot of care has been taken over these, and reinforce the notion that the reader is browsing a collection of found documents. Reproduction of these on Kindle for iPad is for the most part excellent; far better quality than the pictures in most Kindle books I've seen (and some are actually clearer on the iPad than in the physical book). However, the physical volume has an additional set of beautiful illustrations by Eric M. Smith that appear as a series of colour plates in the middle. Definitely recommended for fans of Call of Cthulhu or supernatural adventure mysteries.
However, there's much more to the novel than that; people who've listened to the audio playthrough might wonder how the author has tackled the differences between genres - there are storytelling techniques that work in novels but fail when roleplaying, and vice versa. Nick Marsh manages this well, by presenting the story through a series of journal and diary entries - these are effective in revealing the story as the characters experienced it, and letting the characters themselves shine through, both essential for recreating the atmosphere of the audio recording. This very personal, fragmented presentation style suits the nature of HP Lovecraft's weird fiction; some mysteries are left unrevealed, and the story is the better for it.
The book is supplemented by numerous illustrations, depicting flyers, telegrams, newspaper clippings and other clues; a lot of care has been taken over these, and reinforce the notion that the reader is browsing a collection of found documents. Reproduction of these on Kindle for iPad is for the most part excellent; far better quality than the pictures in most Kindle books I've seen (and some are actually clearer on the iPad than in the physical book). However, the physical volume has an additional set of beautiful illustrations by Eric M. Smith that appear as a series of colour plates in the middle. Definitely recommended for fans of Call of Cthulhu or supernatural adventure mysteries.
July 5, 2013
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book after entering a Giveaway on Goodreads and after having just completed it I must say that I am very glad to have entered! The book itself is presented beautifully with a solid hardback, a beautiful map illustration on the interior covers, and a ribbon place marker.
The style of writing is interesting because it is written in the form of excerpts from diaries of the main protagonists and these recounts show various stages of the dramatic story.
The story is a mix of exciting British characters embarking on a good old adventure, and the fantastical and unusual excitements which they meet along the way. I personally found the inclusion of paranormal and non-human characters and qualities to make the book far more intriguing and mysterious and I adored the premise which gradually evolved.
The story is similar to a murder mystery story or a Sherlock Holmes in the style and I found this pleasing and certainly very 'Classically British'.
The Express Diaries is certainly not a book I would typically choose as it's an adult crime, mystery and fiction book and I tend to stick mostly to YA reads of fantasy etc, however, this did not put me off and although I found the language to be of a much higher register than I was used to from my usual reads, it was easy to follow and enjoyable to be able to picture the people writing as they described. I would certainly recommend this book to any who like classically British mystery reads with a twist of the paranormal! A great read and thank-you for the free copy Nick Marsh!
The style of writing is interesting because it is written in the form of excerpts from diaries of the main protagonists and these recounts show various stages of the dramatic story.
The story is a mix of exciting British characters embarking on a good old adventure, and the fantastical and unusual excitements which they meet along the way. I personally found the inclusion of paranormal and non-human characters and qualities to make the book far more intriguing and mysterious and I adored the premise which gradually evolved.
The story is similar to a murder mystery story or a Sherlock Holmes in the style and I found this pleasing and certainly very 'Classically British'.
The Express Diaries is certainly not a book I would typically choose as it's an adult crime, mystery and fiction book and I tend to stick mostly to YA reads of fantasy etc, however, this did not put me off and although I found the language to be of a much higher register than I was used to from my usual reads, it was easy to follow and enjoyable to be able to picture the people writing as they described. I would certainly recommend this book to any who like classically British mystery reads with a twist of the paranormal! A great read and thank-you for the free copy Nick Marsh!
October 17, 2012
Set in 1925, Nick Marsh tells the story of a group of investigators who undertake a journey across Europe (travelling via the elegant Orient Express) to collect the pieces of a long lost statue of occult significance, The Sedefkar Simulacrum, before a hideous cult can use it for their diabolical scheme. Along the way they face dangers of a truly horrifying nature as they learn that it is not only the cult that covets the Simulacrum and that the artefact itself attracts tragedy and chaos. Told through a series of diary entries of the various characters (alongside excellent use of footnotes, annotations and illustrations), this is a very well told tale of mystery and horror that builds a splendid atmosphere of impending doom, whilst presenting truly likeable characters through touching personal and light hearted moments.
The Book has a very unique origin, being an adaptation of the Bradford Players play through of the 'Call of Cthulhu' RPG campaign 'Horror on The Orient Express'. Absolutely no knowledge of the Cthulhu Mythos or any interest in role playing is needed to thoroughly enjoy this story, but if you do have an interest in these areas then it is even more highly recommended.
A note on the hardback version of this item: The book is lovingly presented and of very high quality, with a great selection of illustrations. A truly fantastic object to own.
The Book has a very unique origin, being an adaptation of the Bradford Players play through of the 'Call of Cthulhu' RPG campaign 'Horror on The Orient Express'. Absolutely no knowledge of the Cthulhu Mythos or any interest in role playing is needed to thoroughly enjoy this story, but if you do have an interest in these areas then it is even more highly recommended.
A note on the hardback version of this item: The book is lovingly presented and of very high quality, with a great selection of illustrations. A truly fantastic object to own.
December 20, 2017
I was lucky to be an advance reader of this book, and enjoyed it immensely. It's a novelisation of a Call of Cthulhu roleplaying campaign, and a specific group of players playing through it. Thus it draws on their gaming experiences, and the decisions that they made. The book is different from the campaign recordings, in that it presents the adventure through the diaries and other writings of the characters. This works well, and allows their personalities to come through, as well as the plot, as the players race across Europe, on the Orient Express, to try to defeat the baddies. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an action-packed adventure. You don't need to be a roleplayer to enjoy it, and you don't need to know the original campaign. It works very well on its own. If you like Indiana Jones, or The Mummy, or similar films or books, I think you'll enjoy this book a lot.
July 10, 2013
Thank you goodreads first reads for giving me this book! I had no idea a novelization of a role playing game could be so good, not that you see too many in the first place.
The diary entries felt quite realistic, all the characters had their own voice and way of phrasing things which meant that it was possible to completely forget that they were (mostly) written by one person. The newspaper clippings, portraits etc. could be a collection of art work in its own right.
The story itself was an easy read (as long as you don't mind one or two disturbing mental images), beautifully written and the characters had clear individual personalities with even some of the minor characters being fleshed out rather well.
I have to say that this book is a must read for a Lovecraft fan or somebody who enjoys fantasy stories set within a version of this reality.
The diary entries felt quite realistic, all the characters had their own voice and way of phrasing things which meant that it was possible to completely forget that they were (mostly) written by one person. The newspaper clippings, portraits etc. could be a collection of art work in its own right.
The story itself was an easy read (as long as you don't mind one or two disturbing mental images), beautifully written and the characters had clear individual personalities with even some of the minor characters being fleshed out rather well.
I have to say that this book is a must read for a Lovecraft fan or somebody who enjoys fantasy stories set within a version of this reality.
July 11, 2014
This hardcover 300 page book with gold foil title is a MUST read for all Mythos fans! The book contains some beautiful illustrations to boot!
It is an emotional journey of mystery and horror. Chugging along the train tracks of the Orient Express a tight group of friends venture to scenic locations attempting to uncover the darkest secrets ever known to mankind (Careful that your own mind doesn't break trying to comprehend these horrific cosmic truths!)
I could not put it down and would soon pick it up again.
This book was based on the popular (and not so long ago Kickstarted) Call of Cthulhu Campaign Horror On The Orient Express, this game played by YogSothoth.com.
Disregarding this fact, the book stands by itself as an excellent read and an adventure like no other!
Ia! Ia! Nich Marsh!
/|\(;,,,;)/|\
It is an emotional journey of mystery and horror. Chugging along the train tracks of the Orient Express a tight group of friends venture to scenic locations attempting to uncover the darkest secrets ever known to mankind (Careful that your own mind doesn't break trying to comprehend these horrific cosmic truths!)
I could not put it down and would soon pick it up again.
This book was based on the popular (and not so long ago Kickstarted) Call of Cthulhu Campaign Horror On The Orient Express, this game played by YogSothoth.com.
Disregarding this fact, the book stands by itself as an excellent read and an adventure like no other!
Ia! Ia! Nich Marsh!
/|\(;,,,;)/|\
June 5, 2013
Originally found out about the novel from a review in the KODT magazine. Having played a number of campaigns of Call of Cthulhu back in last century, I looked forward to reading as this campaign - Horror on the Orient Express was one I had purchased but we never got to play.
Nick Marsh builds the story steadily providing detail and interesting facts about the train and cities along the way. Enjoyed the multiple views of the diaries of the characters. Well written and unique.
Once the story takes off, it is horror all the way. Sad to see some characters pass (no spoilers sorry!) but that is Horror on the Orient Express!
Recommend for any CoC gaming fan as well as those who like horror in the early 20th century.
I look forward to more novels of the genre.
Nick Marsh builds the story steadily providing detail and interesting facts about the train and cities along the way. Enjoyed the multiple views of the diaries of the characters. Well written and unique.
Once the story takes off, it is horror all the way. Sad to see some characters pass (no spoilers sorry!) but that is Horror on the Orient Express!
Recommend for any CoC gaming fan as well as those who like horror in the early 20th century.
I look forward to more novels of the genre.
June 15, 2015
Long, boring,
I'm glad I got this from kindle unlimited. I'm not sure it belongs in the horror category.
Very windy, and slow. I would put it in murder mysteries if any. Too much foreign language in it forcing those of us who aren't French or Italian proficient to misunderstand or loose much meaning. I kept waiting for something to happen. Had to force myself to finish it hoping for the climax that was ridiculous, because the story didn't explain any details about the things that happened in the ending. Climax scene was a total mishmash. I wouldn't recommend spending money on it. Not Horror. Not really anything.
I'm glad I got this from kindle unlimited. I'm not sure it belongs in the horror category.
Very windy, and slow. I would put it in murder mysteries if any. Too much foreign language in it forcing those of us who aren't French or Italian proficient to misunderstand or loose much meaning. I kept waiting for something to happen. Had to force myself to finish it hoping for the climax that was ridiculous, because the story didn't explain any details about the things that happened in the ending. Climax scene was a total mishmash. I wouldn't recommend spending money on it. Not Horror. Not really anything.
November 30, 2012
"The Express Diaries" is a well written fun-tastic ride into adventure and terror. Much like the luxurious locomotive in the story this book picks up a head of steam and pulls the reader rapidly along page by page to it's exciting climax.
Nick Marsh has a done a masterful job of turning one of my favorite RPG adventure games into a wonderful fast paced novel. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of H.P. Lovecraft's universe, The Call of Cthulhu roll playing game or 1920's era adventure stories.
Nick Marsh has a done a masterful job of turning one of my favorite RPG adventure games into a wonderful fast paced novel. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of H.P. Lovecraft's universe, The Call of Cthulhu roll playing game or 1920's era adventure stories.
January 25, 2013
I recieved this book through goodreads and from the moment i opened it i knew i was in for a treat!
The book itself is a quality item,with maps,clippings from diaries and wonderful illustrations throughout.This adds to the atmosphere of the story greatly.
I had no prior knowledge of the RPG angle but that didn't hinder me and i was completely immersed in the gripping journey of the characters.
Wonderful storytelling, exciting, atmospheric and macabre.
Loved it!
The book itself is a quality item,with maps,clippings from diaries and wonderful illustrations throughout.This adds to the atmosphere of the story greatly.
I had no prior knowledge of the RPG angle but that didn't hinder me and i was completely immersed in the gripping journey of the characters.
Wonderful storytelling, exciting, atmospheric and macabre.
Loved it!
October 24, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I really enjoyed this book - it captured the essence of the period really well, and the diary format was donevery well, especially the addition of the illustrations. The cameo of the little Belgian detective made me smile. I hope we soon see more from this author - I will definately follow Nick Marsh with interest and look forward to his next publication.
December 26, 2012
Thanks, Goodreads, for another freebie! This was an unusual format for a book, which was very well executed. I was also particularly impressed with how the story flowed on reading the origin of the plot at the end of the book. The story was fast paced and entirely unrealistic, but wonderfully gripping and well worth a read.
July 15, 2013
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I only discovered the background to the book after I had started it. Apparently it is based on a role playing game. I really enjoyed the story. I was well written and reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel. There were elements of horror, mystery and adventure.
November 19, 2012
I listened to the audio game that this book is (loosely) based on and helped fund this book, so I might be slightly biased.....
However I really enjoyed this, the characters are well developed and you really feel for them during their epic journey.
However I really enjoyed this, the characters are well developed and you really feel for them during their epic journey.
December 19, 2012
An excellent and very enjoyable retelling of the classic Call of Cthulhu adventure, Horror on the Orient Express. Be warned - if you think you know the campaign there are enough changes and surprises to keep you on your toes.
April 27, 2015
A must read for Call of Cthulhu fans
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