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Sigils and Totems
Broken Sigil
There are houses like this all over the world. Most people only know of them from whispered stories over campfires; tall tales told to scare the unwary. But some...those who suffer...know better. They are drawn to these places to ease their pain.
If you have the will, the fortitude, you can peer into another life, where the dead are not gone.
If you have the will, the fortitude, you can peer into another life, where the dead are not gone.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
William Meikle
407 books1,849 followersI'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 23, 2014
When Internal Affairs agent Joe Connors is called to a crime scene, he's surprised to find his former partner, Johnny Provan, dead with a strange sigil carved into his abdomen, gunned down by another cop. What drove Johnny Provan insane, causing his partner to shoot him? And what did that have to do with the affair Provan had with Joe's dead wife?
This is the twenty-fourth book in my Kindle Unlimited Experiment. For the 30 day trial, I'm only reading books that are part of the program and keeping track what the total cost of the books would have been.
William Meikle serves up a supernatural noir tale of love, loss, and the afterlife in Broken Sigil. Joe Connors canvases the building his former partner was gunned down outside of and finds that the building harbors a connection to the afterlife. After learning the particulars, Joe moves into one of the vacant apartments and tries to pick up where Johnny left off.
I love the concept of an apartment whose rooms are a connection to the afterlife and Melke uses that setting to really noir things up, using a DVD of the Maltese Falcon as a plot device. Joe would have slipped into oblivion had things not gone off the rails, leaving him with a mystery to solve.
The ending was a little brutal but ultimately satisfying. Extra points for the Dark Tower reference. I am an addict and the DarkFuse novella series is my drug. Four out of five stars.
Current Kindle Unlimited Savings Total: $127.86.
This is the twenty-fourth book in my Kindle Unlimited Experiment. For the 30 day trial, I'm only reading books that are part of the program and keeping track what the total cost of the books would have been.
William Meikle serves up a supernatural noir tale of love, loss, and the afterlife in Broken Sigil. Joe Connors canvases the building his former partner was gunned down outside of and finds that the building harbors a connection to the afterlife. After learning the particulars, Joe moves into one of the vacant apartments and tries to pick up where Johnny left off.
I love the concept of an apartment whose rooms are a connection to the afterlife and Melke uses that setting to really noir things up, using a DVD of the Maltese Falcon as a plot device. Joe would have slipped into oblivion had things not gone off the rails, leaving him with a mystery to solve.
The ending was a little brutal but ultimately satisfying. Extra points for the Dark Tower reference. I am an addict and the DarkFuse novella series is my drug. Four out of five stars.
Current Kindle Unlimited Savings Total: $127.86.
September 9, 2016
4.5 stars!
The Darkfuse Kindle Club has once again introduced us to a fantastic story by the wonderfully imaginative William Meikle. If you aren't familiar with his previous Darkfuse works check out my (spoiler free) reviews for Clockwork Dolls and/or The Hole.
This tale begins with internal affairs cop Joe Connors investigating a police shootout in which is former partner was shot. That's all I will say about the plot, because it's so unique you should discover it on your own.
I will say that this cop is no pansy. As an internal affairs officer he is not particularly liked by the other cops, (think Serpico), and he pretty much doesn't care. He drinks and smokes so much I thought I saw smoke rising from my Kindle. I was so completely sucked into his story and the story of his ex-partner that I came back from lunch late and got in trouble. (I'm just joking, but I would have been willing to get in trouble just so I could finish this story.)
To sum it up, this story is wildly creative while at the same time very sad. We all lose people in this life and there are times when we would do almost anything to see them again. Up to and including the carving of sigils.
Highly recommended!
The Darkfuse Kindle Club has once again introduced us to a fantastic story by the wonderfully imaginative William Meikle. If you aren't familiar with his previous Darkfuse works check out my (spoiler free) reviews for Clockwork Dolls and/or The Hole.
This tale begins with internal affairs cop Joe Connors investigating a police shootout in which is former partner was shot. That's all I will say about the plot, because it's so unique you should discover it on your own.
I will say that this cop is no pansy. As an internal affairs officer he is not particularly liked by the other cops, (think Serpico), and he pretty much doesn't care. He drinks and smokes so much I thought I saw smoke rising from my Kindle. I was so completely sucked into his story and the story of his ex-partner that I came back from lunch late and got in trouble. (I'm just joking, but I would have been willing to get in trouble just so I could finish this story.)
To sum it up, this story is wildly creative while at the same time very sad. We all lose people in this life and there are times when we would do almost anything to see them again. Up to and including the carving of sigils.
Highly recommended!
April 3, 2014
A stunningly powerful novella about love, betrayal, tragic loss, and redemption. Meikle spins a thought provoking tale that reminds us that, if we pick through the pieces of our shattered pasts, we are going to be cut deeply. And asks the question that will haunt you long into the night.....if you could, would you, for whatever comfort it may bring?
Heartbreaking, chilling and highly recommended.
Heartbreaking, chilling and highly recommended.
January 15, 2014
William Meikle is nothing short of a master when it comes to bringing out your emotions and passion concerning his writing! This novella focuses on a cop, Joe Connors, and events that transpire after he finds that his former best friend (and cop) has been shot.
This event serves as the catalyst to introduce us to the tragedy that befell Joe earlier, and causes him to begin his quest to recapture the magic that he once had, and lost. The tale is emotionally all-consuming, gut wrenching, and unequivocally captivating. I couldn't tear my eyes away from it even once--Meikle weaves a spell with his words that hit at your very core, capturing your undivided attention.
This story made me feel so deeply for the characters, that it's hard to remember--even after that final page is turned--that they aren't actual people. Such is Meikle's magic. The one story, in my opinion, that comes close in tone to this brilliant novella is a short story by Mr. Meikle entitled DANCERS. Once again, the profound emotion hits you and leaves you wanting to read it over, and over again.
Another huge success for the Darkfuse novella line!
Highly recommended!
This event serves as the catalyst to introduce us to the tragedy that befell Joe earlier, and causes him to begin his quest to recapture the magic that he once had, and lost. The tale is emotionally all-consuming, gut wrenching, and unequivocally captivating. I couldn't tear my eyes away from it even once--Meikle weaves a spell with his words that hit at your very core, capturing your undivided attention.
This story made me feel so deeply for the characters, that it's hard to remember--even after that final page is turned--that they aren't actual people. Such is Meikle's magic. The one story, in my opinion, that comes close in tone to this brilliant novella is a short story by Mr. Meikle entitled DANCERS. Once again, the profound emotion hits you and leaves you wanting to read it over, and over again.
Another huge success for the Darkfuse novella line!
Highly recommended!
December 10, 2014
This was a clever , well written slice of hard boiled supernatural noir. Told from first person by a tough as nails detective investigating the death of a police officer that happens to be said investigators ex-partner and ex-best friend. This story changes gear about halfway through and the author manages to assert just the right amount of heart to make this a real standout for me. This was my first time reading William Meikle, and won't be the last. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2015
Internal Affairs officer, Joe Connors is responding to a police officer shooting his partner when he came out of a house waving his gun at the officer and raving like a madman. The officer that was killed also happened to be his ex-best friend. The reason for being an ex-friend is because he ran off with Joe's wife years ago before she died. As Joe investigates the inhabitants of the apartment house, he discovers that this house is very unique, very few are like it. In fact, very few in the world exist. But this New York brownstone does.
Meikle does it again with Broken Sigil. In only 50 some short pages, Meikle is able to weave a multi-layered tale that mixes the Twilight Zone with 1940s noir films and the marriage is absolutely beautiful. Joe has hints of Bogie without being a carbon copy cartoon and it works nicely. You can feel the desparation in the characters as they cling to lost loves.
5 bloody Maltese Falcans out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
Meikle does it again with Broken Sigil. In only 50 some short pages, Meikle is able to weave a multi-layered tale that mixes the Twilight Zone with 1940s noir films and the marriage is absolutely beautiful. Joe has hints of Bogie without being a carbon copy cartoon and it works nicely. You can feel the desparation in the characters as they cling to lost loves.
5 bloody Maltese Falcans out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
July 29, 2016
A well-written, well-crafted tale about loss, guilt and finding purpose, but not in that sappy inspirational sort of way. No, Broken Sigil is a haunting, devious little tale that blankets you in its macabre.
When I started ready it, I thought, "Hmmm. A detective murder mystery. I can dig that, but I thought this was horror?" I had forgotten the synopsis and just knew I had wanted to read it.
After a coffee and a bowl of chili that I didn't even realized I'd eaten because I was so immersed in Meikle's tale, I finished. And what a perfect ending - short and punchy, not overly explained but explained enough, letting readers grapple with conclusions, all the while knowing there can be only one.
Meikle's writing style sucks you in and doesn't let you go. He relies on prose and craft, rather than cheap gimmicks, foul language, and shock value, which are all excellent in the in-your-face sort of horror, but not so much in Meikle's sort of humble perfection.
Mixing a classic tone with real modern-day goth (not that emo punk wannabe knockoff), Meikle creates an atmosphere with minimal description and maximum effect. The story is not horrifying, but rather haunting, subtle and infectious in its horror.
Random aside - Excepting the Madam, his characters may have the most generic names in anything I have read ever. I am sure that is intentional, and I understand the theory behind it. But instead of standing out for their uniqueness, they stood out to me for their collective plainness. If there is a link to classic film, gum-shoe lit, etc, I missed it.
But I digress. That has no impact on the story. I give Broken Sigil 4.5 stars, rounded up for a random fact that did work for me - his lead character's impeccable taste in alcohol. Highly recommended.
When I started ready it, I thought, "Hmmm. A detective murder mystery. I can dig that, but I thought this was horror?" I had forgotten the synopsis and just knew I had wanted to read it.
After a coffee and a bowl of chili that I didn't even realized I'd eaten because I was so immersed in Meikle's tale, I finished. And what a perfect ending - short and punchy, not overly explained but explained enough, letting readers grapple with conclusions, all the while knowing there can be only one.
Meikle's writing style sucks you in and doesn't let you go. He relies on prose and craft, rather than cheap gimmicks, foul language, and shock value, which are all excellent in the in-your-face sort of horror, but not so much in Meikle's sort of humble perfection.
Mixing a classic tone with real modern-day goth (not that emo punk wannabe knockoff), Meikle creates an atmosphere with minimal description and maximum effect. The story is not horrifying, but rather haunting, subtle and infectious in its horror.
Random aside - Excepting the Madam, his characters may have the most generic names in anything I have read ever. I am sure that is intentional, and I understand the theory behind it. But instead of standing out for their uniqueness, they stood out to me for their collective plainness. If there is a link to classic film, gum-shoe lit, etc, I missed it.
But I digress. That has no impact on the story. I give Broken Sigil 4.5 stars, rounded up for a random fact that did work for me - his lead character's impeccable taste in alcohol. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2014
I believe this is my first DarkFuse read. Having just joined in late December 2013. This novella starts out with the long time BFF of the protagonist, Joe, being killed by a fellow police officer. Joe is an Internal Affairs officer with the police department and of course is called to investigate the killing. Joe is determined to find the reason for his friend's death.
I enjoyed this quick read. However I felt the reason for Joe's need to find the reason for his friend's death was sort of forgotten. I realize Joe got involved in something he nor none of the readers were expecting. I felt the story never really told of this...maybe that was the way it was suppose to be, I'm not sure.
I LOVED the characters in this story. Joe was a typical policeman and was not going to believe any thing outside the ordinary. He seems to grow into thinking outside the box. The two older ladies Joe met were wonderfully described. I could see both of them in my mind's eye. Even though they both were older, they were so different. The other gentleman, I could feel his frustration and intensity. Even the first part of the book was described well, that is the characters.
I can see discussing this story with others, but I would rather not ask questions or comment on certain aspects of the book here because of spoilers.
I am not sure if 4 stars are fair to this author. However, I'm not feeling 5 stars for the story, even though it was well written, creative and sad
I enjoyed this quick read. However I felt the reason for Joe's need to find the reason for his friend's death was sort of forgotten. I realize Joe got involved in something he nor none of the readers were expecting. I felt the story never really told of this...maybe that was the way it was suppose to be, I'm not sure.
I LOVED the characters in this story. Joe was a typical policeman and was not going to believe any thing outside the ordinary. He seems to grow into thinking outside the box. The two older ladies Joe met were wonderfully described. I could see both of them in my mind's eye. Even though they both were older, they were so different. The other gentleman, I could feel his frustration and intensity. Even the first part of the book was described well, that is the characters.
I can see discussing this story with others, but I would rather not ask questions or comment on certain aspects of the book here because of spoilers.
I am not sure if 4 stars are fair to this author. However, I'm not feeling 5 stars for the story, even though it was well written, creative and sad
October 3, 2014
William Meikle is a multifaceted writer. You just can’t pigeon-hole him as this or that type. He writes classic monster romps like Night of the Wendigo or Crustaceans, historical re-imaginings like Abominable, retro style sci-fi horror like The Hole. He writes extremely thoughtful and deep character driven pieces that are very fine examples of where dark (literary) fiction is all about today---like Clockwork Dolls and this most recent novella Broken Sigil.
This ghost story one had a 40’s crime noir style feel to it. Maybe because this is part homage to The Maltese Falcon, a movie lover’s dream pic staring Humphrey Bogart (my favorite actor), I was destined in advance to really enjoy this one. Drawing on the complex and layered movie as a background, Broken Sigil tells the story of a disappearing man.
Called to investigate the violent death of an ex-friend, he is drawn to a mysterious house with a very peculiar set of residents. In a place where the needful living commune with the ghosts of their respective pasts, through channels of their own creation, Detective Connors dives deeper and deeper into its secrets as the real world recedes.
Extremely well done and another example of the fine dark fiction being published by Darkfuse.
This ghost story one had a 40’s crime noir style feel to it. Maybe because this is part homage to The Maltese Falcon, a movie lover’s dream pic staring Humphrey Bogart (my favorite actor), I was destined in advance to really enjoy this one. Drawing on the complex and layered movie as a background, Broken Sigil tells the story of a disappearing man.
Called to investigate the violent death of an ex-friend, he is drawn to a mysterious house with a very peculiar set of residents. In a place where the needful living commune with the ghosts of their respective pasts, through channels of their own creation, Detective Connors dives deeper and deeper into its secrets as the real world recedes.
Extremely well done and another example of the fine dark fiction being published by Darkfuse.
January 29, 2014
Another superb novella from William Meikle, Broken Sigil tells the tale of cop Joe Connors who is called to investigate a murder that seriously compromises his judgement and his grip on normality.
The dead man is his ex-partner and ex-best friend, the man who had an affair with his wife, which would ultimately end in her death.
Loves a funny old thing, betrayed by the two people closest to him, Joe still craves the love of his dead wife Brenda and when presented with an opportunity to rekindle that love, he grabs it with both hands.
This is a dark supernatural tale of a lost love and reflection, exploring the depths you’d go to get it back, you may think the betrayal would leave only anger but everyone’s different and at the end of the day how far would you really go to relive the love of your life.
The dead man is his ex-partner and ex-best friend, the man who had an affair with his wife, which would ultimately end in her death.
Loves a funny old thing, betrayed by the two people closest to him, Joe still craves the love of his dead wife Brenda and when presented with an opportunity to rekindle that love, he grabs it with both hands.
This is a dark supernatural tale of a lost love and reflection, exploring the depths you’d go to get it back, you may think the betrayal would leave only anger but everyone’s different and at the end of the day how far would you really go to relive the love of your life.
April 23, 2014
This is the story of Joe Connor. An inspector in Internal Affairs, he not generally liked by his peers. One day he is called to a cop killing - the cop he instantly recognises as his ex-friend and police partner. Now Joe must find out why his ex-partner died and what drew him to the Brownstone where he was found...
This was a great little crime noir story. It was also at its heart a love story and what people will do and how far they will go to hold on to that love. But more than that it was creepy, look over your shoulder at shadows creepy. I was glued to each page and read it in two sittings although it can easily be read in one. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the characters sang to me. Well done Willie, another goodun!
This was a great little crime noir story. It was also at its heart a love story and what people will do and how far they will go to hold on to that love. But more than that it was creepy, look over your shoulder at shadows creepy. I was glued to each page and read it in two sittings although it can easily be read in one. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the characters sang to me. Well done Willie, another goodun!
July 30, 2014
Internal Affairs policeman John Connors gets called to a shooting only to discover that the deceased is his old friend and ex partner Johnny Provan. He hasn't seen Johnny since they parted ways a year earlier but he wants answers to the reason behind the shooting. His investigation leads him to a unique apartment building where he finds that you can initiate contact with someone from your past as long as you follow the rules.
This is another winner from Meikle. The story flows well and the concept is unique. The storyline is captivating and I found it impossible to put down since I couldn't wait to see what happens next in it. Highly recommended!
This is another winner from Meikle. The story flows well and the concept is unique. The storyline is captivating and I found it impossible to put down since I couldn't wait to see what happens next in it. Highly recommended!
July 2, 2025
Entertaining relationship listening 🌃 👀
This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account
William Meikle is one of my favorite authors. His books never disappoint! He is a police officer called to be sight of a police officer shooting. It is his best friend shot by a police officer. He is doing an investigation of his own. It leads him into a nightmare world 🌐 of his wife and friend. 😏😕
I would recommend this novella and author to readers of family and friends relationships adventures mystery novels 👒😖 2025 🙃🎉
This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account
William Meikle is one of my favorite authors. His books never disappoint! He is a police officer called to be sight of a police officer shooting. It is his best friend shot by a police officer. He is doing an investigation of his own. It leads him into a nightmare world 🌐 of his wife and friend. 😏😕
I would recommend this novella and author to readers of family and friends relationships adventures mystery novels 👒😖 2025 🙃🎉
May 22, 2014
3.5*
This started off fantastically, Joe Connors is written with a wonderful noir edge to his character. He is asked to investigate the shooting of an officer that he knows well and ends up at the house where it happened.
Unfortunately this is where the story lost me a bit, I felt that his character completely changed when he went to the house. His character seemed so hard boiled to begin with that it was strange for him to go from a sceptic to believer so quickly. For me I didn't feel the relationship between himself and his wife was explained enough to warrant his actions at the house.
The ending also felt a little rushed and tied up too neatly.
Although I've listed more negative points, I do enjoy Mr Meikles writing and I think he's given a fresh take on the 'haunted house' theme.
This started off fantastically, Joe Connors is written with a wonderful noir edge to his character. He is asked to investigate the shooting of an officer that he knows well and ends up at the house where it happened.
Unfortunately this is where the story lost me a bit, I felt that his character completely changed when he went to the house. His character seemed so hard boiled to begin with that it was strange for him to go from a sceptic to believer so quickly. For me I didn't feel the relationship between himself and his wife was explained enough to warrant his actions at the house.
The ending also felt a little rushed and tied up too neatly.
Although I've listed more negative points, I do enjoy Mr Meikles writing and I think he's given a fresh take on the 'haunted house' theme.
February 6, 2016
Horrornoir!...great little story I can see where Mr Meikle's inspiration for this short sharp little gem came from! Joe Connors is called to a shooting and the victim is his friend Johnny Provan, killed by a single gunshot. As the story unravels we learn about the sad death of Joe's wife Brenda and the murky past of Johnny Provan...and his involvement into the "world beyond" The story has a great list of characters and uses The Maltese Falcon as a focal point. There is a lovely use of language and a great understanding by Willian Meikle of the workings and use of the short novella. There is an explosive start, a great mid section with the mystifying concierge Madame Girotte, and a most unexpected punchy ending. Broken Sigil is a shot of the hard stuff when you fancy a little knock out drug! read and enjoy :)
February 11, 2015
William Meikle works both in the Horror field and the Mystery field. Three previous mysteries of his were published by Black Death Books back in the 2000's and were 1) The Amulet 2) The Sirens 3) The Skin Game - all part of a series called "The Midnight Files" which take place in Scotland.
This new Hard Boiled PI thriller is short and fast. Readable in one sitting. The book is a small (about paperback book sized) hardcover of 129 pages and is limited to 100 copies. I would think most people will read the e-book as it will be more accessible. The Broken Sigil is an excellent read and the book is signed by Mr. Meikle (being a virtue of owning a hardcover). It is well worth tracking down his other horror books and stories.
This new Hard Boiled PI thriller is short and fast. Readable in one sitting. The book is a small (about paperback book sized) hardcover of 129 pages and is limited to 100 copies. I would think most people will read the e-book as it will be more accessible. The Broken Sigil is an excellent read and the book is signed by Mr. Meikle (being a virtue of owning a hardcover). It is well worth tracking down his other horror books and stories.
January 20, 2014
I would call this story a murder mystery with a supernatural twist. This is the third book(Clockwork Dolls & The Hole) of William's I have read not counting his short stories. And I have enjoyed all of them. The main character is Joe Connors a cop who works for Internal Affairs. Who catches a case that has his former partner Johnny Provan, was shot and killed by his new partner coming out of this building. The case starts getting strange when he goes to investigate the shooting and talk to the people in the building. I gave Broken Sigil 4 stars.
February 19, 2014
What a read. A supernatural roller coaster set in a noir felt atmosphere within a house that is relentlessly prodding one to ask; "do I stay or do I go"? Can what has been loss be found again? As Joe Connors enters the brownstone on the South Side these are just a few of the questions Joe will be seeking answers to. I felt like I was getting lost in an old late night black and white T.V. classic (only in print); with the underlying theme of "The Maltese Falcon" through-out. A very intriguing story that will leave the reader pondering or maybe wishing for such a place to seek the answers to the questions that there are no answers for. My first intro to William Meikle leaves me eager to procure future entries in this genre by said author. Recommend to all of those who like to focus on their reading.
November 26, 2013
This novella was a blend of both crime and supernatural genres and a dark tale of love and loss. Grief drives some to do questionable things and this book explores just how far you're willing to go.
I liked the chain-smoking, scotch-imbibing, hard-nosed MC, detective Joe Connors, who was investigating the shooting of his friend and ex-partner, Johnny, but wasn't feeling the connection Joe seemed to have with his wife, although it became more understandable at the end.
At 55 pages, Broken Sigil is a brief, but riveting read, due to be published January 14, 2014.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
I liked the chain-smoking, scotch-imbibing, hard-nosed MC, detective Joe Connors, who was investigating the shooting of his friend and ex-partner, Johnny, but wasn't feeling the connection Joe seemed to have with his wife, although it became more understandable at the end.
At 55 pages, Broken Sigil is a brief, but riveting read, due to be published January 14, 2014.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 27, 2015
This noir piece of weirdness takes as its touchstone "The Maltese Falcon," a film I have (shock! gasp!) never actually seen. However, that in no way lessened my enjoyment of this tale about a creepy residential hotel, a tragic, ghostly love triangle, obsession and blood magic. Meikle has a talent for creating fully fleshed-out characters, who, even in the shorter novella format, invite you to care about their fates. Broken Sigil was so good I wanted it to be longer so I could spend more time in it -- maybe next I'll take on one of Meikle's longer works! (And maybe I'll give "The Maltese Falcon" a whirl.)
August 9, 2016
Meikle draws you into his hard-boiled/noir detectives so well that you get a hangover from all of the Scotch that they drink. Combine that with his ability to put together an impressive "Twilight Zone"-esque horror story and you've got a keeper. Add the "Maltese Falcon" into the mix and you get a 5 STAR story!
Impressive!
5 STARS
Impressive!
5 STARS
May 30, 2016
Tasty bit of horror-noir. The vibe here was reminiscent of a novella from Black Mask or Thrilling Detective magazines. Meikle channelling Woolrich and Hammett and then throwing a supernatural cloak over it all.
January 21, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
Broken Sigil deserves five stars in terms of originality. Now, if the execution had been better, I would’ve been in seventh heaven. However, as it stands, the plot is refreshing and original, but the characters lack depth and emotion. This is one of those books that simply can’t be told adequately in a novella, at least not if you ask me. Had there been less characters, it might have worked.
Joe Connors, our MC, is your average, run down the mill homicide detective. Betrayed by his wife having an affair with his best friend, and then passing away in a car accident when she fled from their home, the last years haven’t exactly been rewarding for him. However, now said best friend (and his ex-partner) has passed away – got shot by a rookie cop alarmed by his behavior – and it’s up to Joe to figure out what’s going on.
As Joe starts to investigate the building in which his ex-partner was murdered, he stumbles upon an ancient and dark secret. This house isn’t like all others…it harbors something far more sinister, and that something that could possibly help him connect with what he’s lost…
Joe is a bland character. He’s average – the kind of cop you see on three different TV shows. But it doesn’t matter. His personality, or lack of it, is completely overrun by the plot, which is, in all honesty, very, very good. The idea behind it, the premise, is so refreshing and original. Unfortunately, since we don’t connect to Joe because of his bland personality, nor to any of the secondary characters, it’s not as intriguing as it could be. If this were a novel, and the characters were more flashed out, I would’ve devoured it. Now, I’m a tad bit dissapointed, but overall, I did enjoy the book.
The writing is, as usual from this author, very solid. The book is very atmospheric, with haunting imaginary, and a dark, somber mood. A quick, but spine-chilling read.
Broken Sigil deserves five stars in terms of originality. Now, if the execution had been better, I would’ve been in seventh heaven. However, as it stands, the plot is refreshing and original, but the characters lack depth and emotion. This is one of those books that simply can’t be told adequately in a novella, at least not if you ask me. Had there been less characters, it might have worked.
Joe Connors, our MC, is your average, run down the mill homicide detective. Betrayed by his wife having an affair with his best friend, and then passing away in a car accident when she fled from their home, the last years haven’t exactly been rewarding for him. However, now said best friend (and his ex-partner) has passed away – got shot by a rookie cop alarmed by his behavior – and it’s up to Joe to figure out what’s going on.
As Joe starts to investigate the building in which his ex-partner was murdered, he stumbles upon an ancient and dark secret. This house isn’t like all others…it harbors something far more sinister, and that something that could possibly help him connect with what he’s lost…
Joe is a bland character. He’s average – the kind of cop you see on three different TV shows. But it doesn’t matter. His personality, or lack of it, is completely overrun by the plot, which is, in all honesty, very, very good. The idea behind it, the premise, is so refreshing and original. Unfortunately, since we don’t connect to Joe because of his bland personality, nor to any of the secondary characters, it’s not as intriguing as it could be. If this were a novel, and the characters were more flashed out, I would’ve devoured it. Now, I’m a tad bit dissapointed, but overall, I did enjoy the book.
The writing is, as usual from this author, very solid. The book is very atmospheric, with haunting imaginary, and a dark, somber mood. A quick, but spine-chilling read.
January 20, 2014
Broken Sigil is a short story, only 55 pages, by Scottish writer William Meikle, published by DarkFuse in January 2014. I was instantly drawn into the story, which seems too much to cover in 55 pages, but is well done. It revolves around an apartment building where you can regain your lost ones. The apartment chooses you and you can get reconnect with past loves or lost exes, or can you? When I first had requested this from DarkFuse, the description led me to believe it was a horror story. What I read was much more. Part murder mystery, part hardboiled modern story, Broken Sigil sucks you in and you don’t want to let go. The story uses the movie The Maltese Falcon as an anchor while the main character tries to figure out what happened to his ex-wife and his dead police partner. Is the apartment building blessed or cursed, and should you be lucky to have a room there or should you run from it screaming? That’s what Broken Sigil will drag you through, and it’s worth it!
August 13, 2016
Broken Sigil is an outstanding novella from Willie Miekle. It starts off as a hard-boiled noir novella and quickly turns supernatural. A house sometimes has secrets…power even, perhaps. So do the residents…at least the secrets. A cop joins the gang at the house to try and find a way back to the love of his life that had betrayed him. Can he get her back without destroying everyone in the house in the process? Sacrifices will have to be made or redemption and forgiveness may forever be out of reach.
William Miekle is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. The dude can flat out write a great tale whether it a creature feature, hard boiled crime, supernatural, or straight up horror. Both luckily and unluckily for me, I have quite a few that I have still yet to read and I can’t wait to get to every single one of them. Outstanding and Highly Recommended!
William Miekle is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. The dude can flat out write a great tale whether it a creature feature, hard boiled crime, supernatural, or straight up horror. Both luckily and unluckily for me, I have quite a few that I have still yet to read and I can’t wait to get to every single one of them. Outstanding and Highly Recommended!
December 10, 2014
I read this one a while ago so my memory make be a bit sketchy.
Joe Connor's best friend had been sleeping with his wife.
Joe and his wife, Brenda, had been arguing.
Brenda is killed in a car accident and Joe obviously never got over the fact that things ended how they did. By the end of the book Joe realizes that it's time to leave the past where it belongs.
Joe Connor's best friend had been sleeping with his wife.
Joe and his wife, Brenda, had been arguing.
Brenda is killed in a car accident and Joe obviously never got over the fact that things ended how they did. By the end of the book Joe realizes that it's time to leave the past where it belongs.
September 11, 2016
Finely attuned horror fantasy providing an imaginative-and scary-new approach to the life beyond, boldly facing that unknown universe post-death.
November 24, 2013
This is one of the best novellas I have read this year.
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/broken... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/broken... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
September 3, 2022
Less the haunted house story I expected, and more a psychological study of loss and tragedy, Broken Sigil is a well-crafted thriller that manages to evoke an immediate and intense emotional reaction in the reader. William Meikle starts us off with what seems like a typical crime novella, complete with the stock jaded/damaged detective, a lonely, angry man who is an outsider even within the department.
Things start to get interesting when Joe arrives at a crime scene to find his ex-partner dead, shot by another cop. The story doesn't really begin to get under your skin, however, until the coroner points out the five-pointed star carved into the flesh of the dead man's stomach - a scar that dates back to the tragic accident that left both men broken and alone.
Once Joe returns to the scene of the crime, and starts talking with the odd inhabitants of the brownstone apartment, the story really begins to flow. It is a place of memories, a home to grief and longing, where whispers of the dead can be summoned almost close enough to touch. Of course, neither life nor death is ever that simple, and no detective could ever be content to simply accept the 'rules' as they're explained to him - and that's where the already dark tale of a Broken Sigil descends even deeper.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Things start to get interesting when Joe arrives at a crime scene to find his ex-partner dead, shot by another cop. The story doesn't really begin to get under your skin, however, until the coroner points out the five-pointed star carved into the flesh of the dead man's stomach - a scar that dates back to the tragic accident that left both men broken and alone.
Once Joe returns to the scene of the crime, and starts talking with the odd inhabitants of the brownstone apartment, the story really begins to flow. It is a place of memories, a home to grief and longing, where whispers of the dead can be summoned almost close enough to touch. Of course, neither life nor death is ever that simple, and no detective could ever be content to simply accept the 'rules' as they're explained to him - and that's where the already dark tale of a Broken Sigil descends even deeper.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
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