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Ludo Carstairs #4
The Crimson Snake: A Terrifying and Uncanny International Thriller!
A crimson snake slithering through your blood…
Ludo Carstairs arrives in London in a hurry. An old friend of his has suddenly died. Victim of a strange disease which rapidly stripped away his mental abilities and his whole personality. Three weeks ago he was his normal self; now he is a corpse in a darkened room.
The autopsy states the cause of death as Croxon-Manix syndrome. A recently discovered affliction, about which frighteningly little is known.
Ludo isn’t convinced there was anything normal or natural in what happened to his friend. Soon he hears of another case in California. There’s a country singer, apparently holding its ravages at bay. With his partner, Garris, in tow – as well as another agent, based on the West Coast – the three operatives race to the singer’s side before he expires.
However, once they reach the singer, they discover that not only is he alive, but he has a startling discovery to show them. There’s a worm-like creature moving beneath his skin; crawling and burrowing through his flesh.
It’s also clear there are other interested parties. A van running them off the road; masked men with tranquiliser darts; and a destination which might reveal the truth, but from which they can never return.
As there’s something truly terrifying behind this terrible illness!
A brand new supernatural serial killer thriller! Tap the link, grab your copy, and discover the fourth standalone adventure in this incredible series!
Ludo Carstairs arrives in London in a hurry. An old friend of his has suddenly died. Victim of a strange disease which rapidly stripped away his mental abilities and his whole personality. Three weeks ago he was his normal self; now he is a corpse in a darkened room.
The autopsy states the cause of death as Croxon-Manix syndrome. A recently discovered affliction, about which frighteningly little is known.
Ludo isn’t convinced there was anything normal or natural in what happened to his friend. Soon he hears of another case in California. There’s a country singer, apparently holding its ravages at bay. With his partner, Garris, in tow – as well as another agent, based on the West Coast – the three operatives race to the singer’s side before he expires.
However, once they reach the singer, they discover that not only is he alive, but he has a startling discovery to show them. There’s a worm-like creature moving beneath his skin; crawling and burrowing through his flesh.
It’s also clear there are other interested parties. A van running them off the road; masked men with tranquiliser darts; and a destination which might reveal the truth, but from which they can never return.
As there’s something truly terrifying behind this terrible illness!
A brand new supernatural serial killer thriller! Tap the link, grab your copy, and discover the fourth standalone adventure in this incredible series!
243 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2023
About the author
F.R. Jameson
38 books226 followersF.R. Jameson was born in Wales, but now lives in London with his wife and young daughter. He writes both historical thrillers and supernatural thrillers.
His books are, at the moment, mostly sorted into two different – but complimentary – series. The first, ‘Screen Siren Noir’, currently comprises of three novels: ‘Diana Christmas’, ‘Eden St. Michel’ and ‘Alice Rackham’. All of which tell the stories of beautiful British film stars caught up in Noir tales of blackmail, obsession, scandal and death. He is currently working on both the fourth and fifth books in the series.
The second series is more disturbing and scary, and lives under the moniker: ‘Ghostly Shadows’. Right now there is only one book published, a tale of supernatural revenge – ‘Death at the Shadows’. However, 2019 will bring four more entries to terrify and intrigue.
His blog - https://frjameson.com/ - is regularly updated with information about his writing, as well as film and book reviews. You can follow him @frjameson on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, and you can find him on Facebook.
His books are, at the moment, mostly sorted into two different – but complimentary – series. The first, ‘Screen Siren Noir’, currently comprises of three novels: ‘Diana Christmas’, ‘Eden St. Michel’ and ‘Alice Rackham’. All of which tell the stories of beautiful British film stars caught up in Noir tales of blackmail, obsession, scandal and death. He is currently working on both the fourth and fifth books in the series.
The second series is more disturbing and scary, and lives under the moniker: ‘Ghostly Shadows’. Right now there is only one book published, a tale of supernatural revenge – ‘Death at the Shadows’. However, 2019 will bring four more entries to terrify and intrigue.
His blog - https://frjameson.com/ - is regularly updated with information about his writing, as well as film and book reviews. You can follow him @frjameson on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, and you can find him on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 23, 2023
The Ludo Carstairs series has continued to climb the ranks in my favorite series list. The plot lines are unique and entertaining, the characters are fun and fleshed out, and the mysteries are always well developed. This fourth installment of the series kept me on my toes! Right as I was starting to think, “Wow! This is going really well for Ludo and Garris - normally that doesn’t happen!”, everything started going downhill and I was like, “Ah, there it is.”
I know I’ve probably said this before, but I’ll happily be annoying and say it again: this is such a fun series to pick up and read after a stressful day. Everything about these books is so refreshing and Mr. Jameson has done a wonderful job of creating the world of The Organisation. It’s so fun to experience these adventures with Ludo and Garris, and I can’t wait to see what mess they get themselves into next!
Thank you to the author, FR Jameson, for providing me with the eARC!
I know I’ve probably said this before, but I’ll happily be annoying and say it again: this is such a fun series to pick up and read after a stressful day. Everything about these books is so refreshing and Mr. Jameson has done a wonderful job of creating the world of The Organisation. It’s so fun to experience these adventures with Ludo and Garris, and I can’t wait to see what mess they get themselves into next!
Thank you to the author, FR Jameson, for providing me with the eARC!
August 23, 2023
Review to follow
July 18, 2023
To see a full review check it out here.
The best Ludo book yet! The monster is fascinating. The plot moved fast. The tease at the end. Is it time for book five yet?
The best Ludo book yet! The monster is fascinating. The plot moved fast. The tease at the end. Is it time for book five yet?
July 5, 2023
What an adventure! I do not think the team was ready for what transpired with this new case. I cannot imagine waking up somewhere without any idea how you got there. Then to find out that some megalomaniac decides he has the best plan for the future. I found this quote on the book very cool. I remember this Vincent Price movie and it scared the bejeezus out of me.
“What you are doing here, Pompidou, is creating a digital waxwork museum, not giving eternal life. You think you’re being a genius, but you’re Vincent Price!”
Another excellent read in this series. I am becoming very fond of there two investigators of the weird and outrageous.
“What you are doing here, Pompidou, is creating a digital waxwork museum, not giving eternal life. You think you’re being a genius, but you’re Vincent Price!”
Another excellent read in this series. I am becoming very fond of there two investigators of the weird and outrageous.
July 19, 2023
Carstairs and Garris are thrown head first into a new fascintating case. FR Jameson's writing on this series is top-notch. This is without a doubt the best paranormal mystery/thriller series I've read in ages. Infinitely readable, fascinating characters, fast paced and interesting The Crimson Snake is not one to be missed. Do not sleep on this series.
July 14, 2023
We once again see Carstairs and Garris thrown deep into an adventure they hadn’t signed up for, with Ludo maintaining his blasé attitude to things along the way.
We cover some geographical distance with this one are introduced to new characters as we delve in the world of more diabolical things.
This series hits a sweet spot that just really ticks a box, I can see these books as perfect to pick up if you’re in a reading slump as they’re easy to read, well paced and fun with enough going on to keep your attention.
We cover some geographical distance with this one are introduced to new characters as we delve in the world of more diabolical things.
This series hits a sweet spot that just really ticks a box, I can see these books as perfect to pick up if you’re in a reading slump as they’re easy to read, well paced and fun with enough going on to keep your attention.
July 15, 2023
The Crimson Snake is an exciting, fast-paced thrill ride. Jameson's prose always has a relentless forward momentum that never get sidetracked with trivialities. With his latest Carstairs adventure he's jacked that speedometer up to a thousand. This one quite literally doesn't stop.
We start with Ludo and Mick on their way to meet a friend who's on their deathbed. Only to find that he's only just passed when they arrive. Upon examining the body, they discover a small hole in his leg. This gets the story rolling, as Carstairs attempts to discover more about the condition of his friend's death.
Carstairs is fun character to follow along with. Though the story is told through the eyes of his partner, Mick Garris, ala Watson for Holmes, Carstairs is clearly the one driving the story forward. His cleverness and intellect are reminiscent of Sherlock, while the shenanigans that him and his cohorts always seems to find themselves mixed up in wouldn't feel that out of place in a Bond film.
As always, Mr. Jameson, I appreciate the opportunity to read your work in advance, and I eagerly await the next one.
We start with Ludo and Mick on their way to meet a friend who's on their deathbed. Only to find that he's only just passed when they arrive. Upon examining the body, they discover a small hole in his leg. This gets the story rolling, as Carstairs attempts to discover more about the condition of his friend's death.
Carstairs is fun character to follow along with. Though the story is told through the eyes of his partner, Mick Garris, ala Watson for Holmes, Carstairs is clearly the one driving the story forward. His cleverness and intellect are reminiscent of Sherlock, while the shenanigans that him and his cohorts always seems to find themselves mixed up in wouldn't feel that out of place in a Bond film.
As always, Mr. Jameson, I appreciate the opportunity to read your work in advance, and I eagerly await the next one.
July 18, 2023
When an old friend of Ludo's dies mysteriously of a syndrome called Cronox-Manix, the duo start to investigate its origins. After discovering the majority of people contracting it are high profile - the question is, whether it's something from nature or man made?
This installment of the series was tense. It's honestly the first time I was truly worried for Ludo and Garris. The villain of this tale gave me major Black Mirror vibes. He's a narcissist who deems he knows what's best for the future at the cost of people's autonomy.
As always, I love the characters of Ludo and Garris. The dynamic between them is fantastic. We also got introduced to Organisation agent Minako Cohen who was a nice addition to the mix.
I mentioned this in my last review when he was name dropped in The Ghost Machine but I can't wait for the next in the series to see what happens with Jacob Ravens - if you've read many of Jameson's books, he pops up a lot.
This installment of the series was tense. It's honestly the first time I was truly worried for Ludo and Garris. The villain of this tale gave me major Black Mirror vibes. He's a narcissist who deems he knows what's best for the future at the cost of people's autonomy.
As always, I love the characters of Ludo and Garris. The dynamic between them is fantastic. We also got introduced to Organisation agent Minako Cohen who was a nice addition to the mix.
I mentioned this in my last review when he was name dropped in The Ghost Machine but I can't wait for the next in the series to see what happens with Jacob Ravens - if you've read many of Jameson's books, he pops up a lot.
July 23, 2023
For a series to have each book feel like a homerun is pretty impressive. The Crimson Snake delivers the same intense plot that I've come to love. One thing that I really appreciate with this series is that I truly have no ability to guess how the problem scenario will be solved. The Crimson Snake is clever and adventurous. In this fourth book, we learn even more about the two main characters and what makes them who they are. This one was brilliant, and I must pick up the next book in the series.
In summary, check out the Ludo Carstairs series when you are looking for entertaining storylines that are unpredictable. They are my go-to suggestion for readers in a slump. I also think they would make for perfect summer reading.
Thank you to the author for offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In summary, check out the Ludo Carstairs series when you are looking for entertaining storylines that are unpredictable. They are my go-to suggestion for readers in a slump. I also think they would make for perfect summer reading.
Thank you to the author for offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2023
I am 100% invested in the characters of Michael Garris and Ludo Carstairs. Reading their adventures is like listening to a story from an old friend. The first few chapters had me almost in tears. The rest of the book was one curiosity after another and I couldn't put it down. An interestingly unique plot and the addition of Minako Cohen gave me a reading experience I'll not soon forget. This series is everything and I can't wait for the next book!
July 20, 2023
Excellent Book, very well written. I've read a number of amazing novels by F.R. Jameson, and he’s one of the authors that I watch out for. There are some stories that just can’t pull yourself away from with the need to find out what’s going to happen, and this is definitely one of those books. I wound certainly recommend it as a very worthwhile book to read. Easily worth the 5/5 Star rating.
September 15, 2023
Clever and imaginative! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
October 9, 2024
Another highly entertaining installment in the Ludo & Carstairs saga!! I enjoyed that this one was a tad more scifi than the preceding books. Again we have quite the colorful cast of characters with equally witty banter and lots of action. Truly can’t recommend this series enough, as it’s tried and true.
September 18, 2023
All the veins bulged under his skin, and his fingers had swollen so it looked to be a hand of thumbs. He was trembling; we were clearly in the last stages of his ability to hold back the terrible contagion. Ludo peered intently at the wrist, but it was Minako who saw it first. “There!” she yelled. She was right, it was moving below his skin. A fat worm, which was slithering its way through his veins, trying to find a way free.
The Crimson Snake: A Terrifying and Uncanny International Thriller! (Ludo Carstairs Supernatural Thriller)
by F.R. Jameson
Our duo has been caught again! They’ve made it to the States with the addition of a helpful friend. Our monster(s) seem impossible to beat. Slithering through human veins and in mind control. Their investigation leads them far from where they start in the likes of Lost and a remote island with nothing in sight aside from a group of strangers, but of course, the battle has yet to come. Who can they trust?
I thought I had a favorite in this series until I finished this one. It was a true horrific mystery and we’re learning more and more about our investigators and their foes. There is always a connection. There is one more book in the series and I have a review to come. I’ll be said to leave my friends behind, but they sure have been a blast!
The Crimson Snake: A Terrifying and Uncanny International Thriller! (Ludo Carstairs Supernatural Thriller)
by F.R. Jameson
Our duo has been caught again! They’ve made it to the States with the addition of a helpful friend. Our monster(s) seem impossible to beat. Slithering through human veins and in mind control. Their investigation leads them far from where they start in the likes of Lost and a remote island with nothing in sight aside from a group of strangers, but of course, the battle has yet to come. Who can they trust?
I thought I had a favorite in this series until I finished this one. It was a true horrific mystery and we’re learning more and more about our investigators and their foes. There is always a connection. There is one more book in the series and I have a review to come. I’ll be said to leave my friends behind, but they sure have been a blast!
June 27, 2023
The intelligent minds of our generation are being stolen, killing them in the process. Enter Carstairs and Garris. As they get involved in finding out what’s going on they realize something is traveling throughout the body of those slowing losing their mental capabilities. Another great terrifying and uncanny International thriller, the 4th in this series. Gotta love an author the uses “discombobulating” in his stories!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews