The Hook

The Iron Seas #0.6

by Meljean Brook

The Hook – An Iron Seas Urban Legend

Meljean’s Note: This is a very short story that I wrote for a blog post at All Things Urban Fantasy during their Spooky Legends week. The challenge was to write about a famous urban legend in our characters’ voices, and my urban legend was The Hook.

This story features Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth and Constable Newberry from The Iron Duke.

Genres: Steampunk, Short Stories, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Novella, Science Fiction

5 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Book info: I am the author of the Iron Seas steampunk romance series. I've written a guide to the world (including a map) on my website.

I also write a paranormal romance series, the Guardians. That series guide is also on my website, including a "The Story So Far" feature, which allows you to catch up on all of the books that previously released in the series if you start after the first installment.

Goodreads info: I am slowly, slowly adding to my shelves and reviews. It's unlikely that I will join many book discussions (especially of my own work) simply because I don't want to stifle reader conversation.

Bio: Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Martel]

Sooo... short :)
The Iron sea's version of an urban legend, for the fans of the series.

[Keertana]

Well, this is short. As in so short I almost feel bad this counts as a "book" I read on my GoodReads Reading Challenge, but hey, I'm not one to complain. You can find this short story on the author's website. It basically follows a short conversation between Mina and Newberry. While I am usually not one to enjoy stories with a simple heroine in it and no mention or sight of the hero, Mina can pull off even this short story with just her brain, conversation, and charm. Once again, this is not necessary to the arc of the story and does nothing for the depth of the characters - presumably because they have so much already - but it's a short and quick read. Nothing that will harm the two minutes of time it takes up or the solid book it adds to your yearly count.

[Preet]

It's not often Detective Inspector Mina and Constable Newberry are in a story where they are not in danger. It was lovely to see Mina pulling Newberry's leg in a lighter manner.

[Midu Hadi]

Quick-look at the Book

Doesn't contain much but relates the conversation between Mina and Newbury as they share a carriage ride on their way to meet an informant. In other words, you wouldn't be missing anything if you skip this one. On the other hand, it's on the author's blog and free for reading. You decide!

Thoughts on the Series

This series is a shining example of the UF-era from back in 2012, etc. While it differentiates itself from many other series with elements of steampunk and alternate history, it sticks to the main tenets of UF that I'll always love: a male love interest who doesn't suffocate a smart capable female lead. If that's your tune, pick up this one.

Review of Book 0.5 here

[Jujubee]

On author's website: http://meljeanbrook.com/extras/the-ho...
Love to read anything about our sharp Inspector and noble Constable!

[Luisartbook]

Quiero hacer un llamado, para que la escritora haga más largo este relato.

Este hasta ahora a sido mi favorito, ya que tiene ese toque de suspenso y misterio. Volvemos a ver los personajes Mina y Newberry, tratando de resolver un caso.

Pero 5 páginas no fueron suficiente, extremadamente corto. Me está gustado la creatividad de la autora y hasta ahora, lo he disfrutado.

[Sophia]

What a hoot! An Iron Seas' version of a campfire ghost story.

And yes, it would have scared the willies out of me, too, Constable Newberry.

Newberry and Mina are out one night doing a stake0ut of sorts and she entertains him with the urban legend of The Hook murderer.

[Thenia]

Previous book reviews:
✦ Here There Be Monsters (Iron Seas, #0.5) ~ ★★★★ (22/10/2019)
✦ The Blushing Bounder (Iron Seas, #0.4) ~ ★★★★ (12/07/2017)

[Fiona]

A very short story that includes two characters from the very first prequel book, The Blushing Bounder. Story available from the authors website - http://meljeanbrook.com/extras/the-ho....

[Charity]

I love it when Newberry blushes.

[Emily S]

I love these little shorts bu the author. And I love the world she created, I dont think I could have read steampunk by anyone else

[Amy]

story can be found here: http://meljeanbrook.com/extras/the-hook-an-iron-seas-urban-legend/

This is very very short, like a 2 to 5 minute read. It's basically Mina teasing Newberry with an urban legend while they are stuck together on a late night case.

Cute faux urban legend, but it kind of fell flat on the creepy/suspense factor, but more Newberry blushing is always a good thing!

and maybe it's been too long since I've read Iron Duke, but the teasing did seem slightly out of character for Mina.

[Sheila Melo]

THE HOOK is a short story featuring Constable Newberry and Mina Wentworth from THE IRON DUKE. It is a urban legend story that Mina uses to scare and tease her intrepid Constable who is a sweet blushing man. I liked the story as it is short, sweet and free. I think it might be better to read this after THE IRON DUKE when readers are more familiar with the characters.

[Chloe Friend]

Short and I mean really short but if you have five minutes to spare read it!

It's only on Meljean Brook's website that I'm aware of. HERE IS THE LINK.

Hope that helps!

[Erin]

A cute little ghost story by the campfire type story.

I am in the middle of reading the second book, and I must say I do think I like the stories better when Mina is involved... and if Newberry is there, that is even better.

[Katherine]

Just a quick little urban legend told in the fog between Wentworth and Newberry. It was sweet though, just to see how their relationship is when they are away from the rest of the world; they truly are excellent partners, with the trust and confidence they have between one another. Short and sweet.

[Melindeeloo]

Just a quick little scene with Mina and Newberry...

[La*La]

Short, scary, funny - and absolutely enjoyable! Love Mina and Newberry's interaction. She is so outrageous and he is so shy)) lol)) love Newberry's blushes!

[Cecilia]

En kort rolig historia med Mina och Newberry.

[Maxi Bolongaita]

Excellent short story. A quick laugh and now I want to read the Iron Duke again.

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ]

Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth and Constable Newberry are waiting for her informant. While waiting, she decides to tell him a story.

[Paula]

short story.

[Patricia]

Oooh, there need to be more of these shorts!!

[Kelly]

Solid little piece with the unflappable Mina and blushing Newberry. Fun and quick.

[Flavia Sugnu]

Not much to say about such a short piece, I enjoyed it though, it's always fun to read Mina and Newberry interactions.

[Claire]

Short story available for free on author's website. Based on "The Hook" urban legend.

[GONZA]

Only funny part is that Constable Newberry is back and I love him.

La parte migliore é che c'é l'agente Newberry e io l'adoro.

[Alison]

Short story involving Mina and Constable Newberry and a ghostly tale

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

A really short story involving Mina telling Newberry a ghost story. Fun and entertaining and very very short!

[Claire]

Available on this link...
http://meljeanbrook.com/extras/the-ho...