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Jacob Tracy #1
The Curse of Jacob Tracy
St. Louis in 1880 is full of ghosts—mangled soldiers, tortured slaves, the innocent victims of war—and Jacob Tracy can see them all. Ever since Antietam, when he lay delirious among the dead and dying, Trace has been haunted by the country's restless spirits. The curse cost him his family, his calling to the church, and damn near his sanity.
He stays out of ghost-populated cities as much as possible these days, guiding wagon trains West with his pragmatic and skeptical partner, Boz. Then, just before the spring rush, Trace gets a letter from the wealthy and reclusive Sabine Fairweather. Sickly, sharp tongued, and far too clever for her own good, Miss Fairweather needs a worthy man to retrieve a dead friend's legacy from a nearby town—or so she says. When the errand proves far more sinister than advertised, Miss Fairweather admits to knowing about Trace's curse and suggests she might be able to help him—in exchange for a few more odd jobs. Trace has no interest in being her pet psychic, but he's been searching 18 years for a way to curb his unruly curse, and Miss Fairweather's knowledge of the spirit world is too tempting to ignore. As she steers him into one macabre situation after another, his powers flourish, and Trace begins to realize some good might be done with this curse of his. But Miss Fairweather is harboring some dark secrets of her own, and her meddling has brought Trace to the attention of something much older and more dangerous than any ghost.
Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, The Curse of Jacob Tracy is a fast-paced and inventive debut, an intriguing introduction to a bold new hero.
He stays out of ghost-populated cities as much as possible these days, guiding wagon trains West with his pragmatic and skeptical partner, Boz. Then, just before the spring rush, Trace gets a letter from the wealthy and reclusive Sabine Fairweather. Sickly, sharp tongued, and far too clever for her own good, Miss Fairweather needs a worthy man to retrieve a dead friend's legacy from a nearby town—or so she says. When the errand proves far more sinister than advertised, Miss Fairweather admits to knowing about Trace's curse and suggests she might be able to help him—in exchange for a few more odd jobs. Trace has no interest in being her pet psychic, but he's been searching 18 years for a way to curb his unruly curse, and Miss Fairweather's knowledge of the spirit world is too tempting to ignore. As she steers him into one macabre situation after another, his powers flourish, and Trace begins to realize some good might be done with this curse of his. But Miss Fairweather is harboring some dark secrets of her own, and her meddling has brought Trace to the attention of something much older and more dangerous than any ghost.
Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, The Curse of Jacob Tracy is a fast-paced and inventive debut, an intriguing introduction to a bold new hero.
336 pages, Unknown Binding
First published December 1, 2015
17 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Holly Messinger
7 books66 followersHolly Messinger is a writer, costumer, and martial artist with a fetish for the late 19th century.
She has been known to teach parasol self-defense workshops in a corset and petticoats.
Her short fiction has appeared in F&SF, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Baen's Universe. The second Jacob Tracy novel, CURIOUS WEATHER, is pending publication, and she's currently working on the third, GOLD MOUNTAIN, SILVER BULLET.
She has been known to teach parasol self-defense workshops in a corset and petticoats.
Her short fiction has appeared in F&SF, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Baen's Universe. The second Jacob Tracy novel, CURIOUS WEATHER, is pending publication, and she's currently working on the third, GOLD MOUNTAIN, SILVER BULLET.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 25, 2023
**** 4.5 stars ****
This historical Western paranormal/horror novel is the author's debut, to which I can only say Wow! Also, please, someone hurry up and publish book 2 because I need it right now.
It took only a few pages for me to start falling for Jacob Tracy, the POV MC, and John Bosley, his best friend and partner (in the business sense, not the romantic sense). Anyone looking for books with great male friendships, you'll find one here. Trace and Boz are compelling both as individuals who lived through some harsh times before crossing paths, and as long-time friends who now have only each other to rely on (with all the compromises and complications and occasional bitching that implies).
Action scenes are well done. The horror elements were sometimes too much for me (I'm a wimp), so I skimmed over the gorier descriptions. The settings, including the interior landscape of Trace's mind as he travels the supernatural realm, felt rich and convincing.
One thing I didn't care for was how the story was broken out into what felt like discrete episodes. I wanted to read a novel, not a collection of individual stories. Still, I'm guessing some readers won't even notice, since there was an underlying, unifying thread, leading toward the ending...
...And that ending! Wow! I did not see that coming. If the sequel was available, I'd be reading it now rather than writing this review. Unfortunately the publisher (St. Martin's, I believe), did not release it, and the author is attempting to get her rights back. What a shame that such an impressive debut was muddled and compromised by publishing shenanigans.
I immediately bought the self-published short prequel to this, and will buy whatever the author puts out next.
This historical Western paranormal/horror novel is the author's debut, to which I can only say Wow! Also, please, someone hurry up and publish book 2 because I need it right now.
It took only a few pages for me to start falling for Jacob Tracy, the POV MC, and John Bosley, his best friend and partner (in the business sense, not the romantic sense). Anyone looking for books with great male friendships, you'll find one here. Trace and Boz are compelling both as individuals who lived through some harsh times before crossing paths, and as long-time friends who now have only each other to rely on (with all the compromises and complications and occasional bitching that implies).
Action scenes are well done. The horror elements were sometimes too much for me (I'm a wimp), so I skimmed over the gorier descriptions. The settings, including the interior landscape of Trace's mind as he travels the supernatural realm, felt rich and convincing.
One thing I didn't care for was how the story was broken out into what felt like discrete episodes. I wanted to read a novel, not a collection of individual stories. Still, I'm guessing some readers won't even notice, since there was an underlying, unifying thread, leading toward the ending...
...And that ending! Wow! I did not see that coming. If the sequel was available, I'd be reading it now rather than writing this review. Unfortunately the publisher (St. Martin's, I believe), did not release it, and the author is attempting to get her rights back. What a shame that such an impressive debut was muddled and compromised by publishing shenanigans.
I immediately bought the self-published short prequel to this, and will buy whatever the author puts out next.
January 16, 2016
I enjoyed this book, however it is not my normal cup of tea. This is a novel debut for this author - a new author for me. Her writing style is good, she has a good mastery of words, and among the twist and tuns in this book ended up with a pretty solid plot. I will definitely read her in the future.
This book had just a bit too much of a shape shifter and werewolf theme to it. The historical fiction part was very good - and kept me reading - but the unexpected fantasy portion was not what I had expected.
A drifting cowboy, with a side kick, who was overwhelmed with the curse of hearing and occasionally seeing the dead. A beautiful woman enters the picture and tries to help him eliminate, or at least begin to manage his curse. She has an ulterior motive. He needs her, he resents her. He loves her, he hates her. The protagonist is one that you want to follow, get to know, like, and relate to, wanting to see where his future lays.
Not the ending that I wanted or expected, and although a full story in itself, I can see where this could easily be the first book of a series, if the author chose.
This book had just a bit too much of a shape shifter and werewolf theme to it. The historical fiction part was very good - and kept me reading - but the unexpected fantasy portion was not what I had expected.
A drifting cowboy, with a side kick, who was overwhelmed with the curse of hearing and occasionally seeing the dead. A beautiful woman enters the picture and tries to help him eliminate, or at least begin to manage his curse. She has an ulterior motive. He needs her, he resents her. He loves her, he hates her. The protagonist is one that you want to follow, get to know, like, and relate to, wanting to see where his future lays.
Not the ending that I wanted or expected, and although a full story in itself, I can see where this could easily be the first book of a series, if the author chose.
June 23, 2016
A great supernatural fantasy Western. Lots of action and well-developed characters. Very entertaining and highly recommended.
October 1, 2016
For a relatively short book (just over 300 pages), The Curse of Jacob Tracy by Holly Messinger is full of action, ghosts, demons, and other supernatural baddies. I thoroughly enjoyed it (damn it), so I guess I’m sucked into following the series.
Jacob Tracy is a sort of cowboy/jack-of-all-trades kind of guy. He was training to be a priest, but left the seminary to join the Confederate War. When he was wounded in Antietam, he began seeing spirits. Even though it’s been eighteen years and Tracy has tried to avoid encouraging his supernatural powers, spirits are everywhere and they speak to him. With his long-time partner, Boz, Tracy is hired by a wealthy English spinster, Miss Fairweather of St. Louis, to retrieve property left to her by a friend. This seemingly simple task proves to be much more dangerous and brings Tracy into close contact with the spirit world he’s been trying to ignore. Despite Boz’s worries, Tracy continues to accept jobs from Miss Fairweather, a woman who knows about his gifts and may want to use them for her own ends.
My library has this classified as “sci-fi/fantasy,” which is ridiculous as it is neither. There are no aliens and no space ships. There are also no dragons, hobbits or wizards. I would consider it Western/cowboy fiction crossed with paranormal mystery. I guess that’s too specific to classify. Whatever you call it, it’s a fun read. The action is pretty much non-stop, but the book also takes time to develop the characters of Jacob Tracy, Miss Fairweather and Boz. Tracy and Boz have a long friendship and the events in the book take a toll on the trust they have in one another. Miss Fairweather is much more mysterious, and you know less about her, but you get the feeling she can be trusted. More or less.
This is a well-written paranormal gunslinger of a novel. There’s a sly sense of humor to it (particularly some of the spirits) and I enjoyed seeing how Boz and Tracy would survive one adventure after another. There is a delightful assortment of spirits, demons and unnatural creatures in this novel, even one kind I hadn’t heard of before. If you enjoy Westerns and ghosts, this may be the book for you.
Jacob Tracy is a sort of cowboy/jack-of-all-trades kind of guy. He was training to be a priest, but left the seminary to join the Confederate War. When he was wounded in Antietam, he began seeing spirits. Even though it’s been eighteen years and Tracy has tried to avoid encouraging his supernatural powers, spirits are everywhere and they speak to him. With his long-time partner, Boz, Tracy is hired by a wealthy English spinster, Miss Fairweather of St. Louis, to retrieve property left to her by a friend. This seemingly simple task proves to be much more dangerous and brings Tracy into close contact with the spirit world he’s been trying to ignore. Despite Boz’s worries, Tracy continues to accept jobs from Miss Fairweather, a woman who knows about his gifts and may want to use them for her own ends.
My library has this classified as “sci-fi/fantasy,” which is ridiculous as it is neither. There are no aliens and no space ships. There are also no dragons, hobbits or wizards. I would consider it Western/cowboy fiction crossed with paranormal mystery. I guess that’s too specific to classify. Whatever you call it, it’s a fun read. The action is pretty much non-stop, but the book also takes time to develop the characters of Jacob Tracy, Miss Fairweather and Boz. Tracy and Boz have a long friendship and the events in the book take a toll on the trust they have in one another. Miss Fairweather is much more mysterious, and you know less about her, but you get the feeling she can be trusted. More or less.
This is a well-written paranormal gunslinger of a novel. There’s a sly sense of humor to it (particularly some of the spirits) and I enjoyed seeing how Boz and Tracy would survive one adventure after another. There is a delightful assortment of spirits, demons and unnatural creatures in this novel, even one kind I hadn’t heard of before. If you enjoy Westerns and ghosts, this may be the book for you.
November 24, 2015
I have to thank one of my fellow teachers for passing this ARC on to me a month or so ago. The author is a friend of one of our art teachers, and I'm actually going to get to meet her when she comes to talk to the students at our school in December. When the art teacher first told me about the book, I went and looked it up on Goodreads, and was immediately intrigued. The story sounded really good. And I loved that part of it was going to be set in Missouri, even if it is on the other side of the state from where I live. I've really started enjoying historical fiction these days I guess. And while this is fantasy, it is definitely a bit of a scary story as well. And can I say that I could totally see this book as a really great TV series or movie?
The characters were really well done. The historical time period was very detailed and seemed just like what you would imagine. One of the characters in the last section of the book, named Remy, was a Cajun man, and as I read his dialogue, I totally heard the accent and voice in my head. I look forward to reading more by this author, especially since I think this definitely left off for a sequel. There is more that I need to know!
You can read the full review at Lisa Loves Literature
The characters were really well done. The historical time period was very detailed and seemed just like what you would imagine. One of the characters in the last section of the book, named Remy, was a Cajun man, and as I read his dialogue, I totally heard the accent and voice in my head. I look forward to reading more by this author, especially since I think this definitely left off for a sequel. There is more that I need to know!
You can read the full review at Lisa Loves Literature
August 4, 2016
The proverbial book that makes you want more. Kind of a weird west fantasy with shifters, ghosts, and walking the shadow lands. The wonderful cover made me look and the story had me early with character more than plot. I like these people and want them to succeed, I want the evil stopped, and most of all I want more. Thankfully I'm pretty sure there will be more. This is the perfect start to a series.
July 31, 2023
Really enjoyed this. I loved the setting of the old west and the friendship between Jacob and Boz. I was ready to go on to the sequel but I see the rights are tied up. Don’t know why Thomas Dunn Books wouldn’t publish more of writing this good. I hope it’s resolved soon so I can get back to this world and see how things are between these men after the way things were left. And there’s to be a book 3!
Question for anyone who's read it:
Question for anyone who's read it:
December 27, 2015
"The Curse of Jacob Tracy" is a weird Western unlike any I've ever read before. Messinger does an exemplary job of creating a completely unique and original world, populates it with conflicted and complex characters and sets the blender to max. The result is a highly entertaining novel. I was in particular impressed by the overall narrative structure. While it is a novel, the format uses a nifty sort of "serialization" framing device such that each chapter almost reads like a self-contained short story, bound to prior episodes with common threads and themes. I liked the format a lot.
The more I reflect upon the novel, the more nuances and choices I can see in retrospect which impress me even further.
The narrative is top notch and dead-on accurate for the times. Character interactions are authentic, at times detrimental to the characters themselves, but very genuine. The plot is wide, but narrows to a largely satisfying conclusion.
Imagine the love child of Larry McMurty, Cormac McCarthy and top urban fantasy writer of your choice and you've got the idea. Great read.
The more I reflect upon the novel, the more nuances and choices I can see in retrospect which impress me even further.
The narrative is top notch and dead-on accurate for the times. Character interactions are authentic, at times detrimental to the characters themselves, but very genuine. The plot is wide, but narrows to a largely satisfying conclusion.
Imagine the love child of Larry McMurty, Cormac McCarthy and top urban fantasy writer of your choice and you've got the idea. Great read.
September 9, 2018
Beautifully written and original.
July 29, 2020
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I need more western fantasy novels in my life. I didn't realize quite how much I needed a book like The Curse of Jacob Tracy (Jacob Tracy #1) by Holly Messinger. It is incredibly entertaining and has a great set of characters with just the perfect dash of horror. I wouldn't mind seeing this adapted as a tv series actually. I can't wait to read book two, Curious Weather which was just released at the end of 2019.
November 29, 2016
I'm not sure where I land on this book. There were a lot of things I liked about it, and a lot of things that didn't exactly work for me.
What I liked:
*I don't see a lot of horror written in a western setting. I liked seeing old St. Louis and frontier Wyoming and the changing landscape after the railways were built. The world in this book is one where wagon trains were still heading west, even as some settlers were taking trains to their destinations and buying supplies on arrival. The modern world was bumping up against the old way of doing things, and it offered a big variety of story options as well as being a rich source of conflict.
*The types of scary in the plot were an enjoyable mix for me, and right up my alley. I got a nice blend of vague menace and blood spray. I like that a good deal of effort was put toward building up atmosphere and threat, heightening the tension for me, the reader. I also like that we got a good release of that tension through attacking monsters, malicious ghosts, and real physical peril. This is an essential part of horror for me. It's hard to keep being scared if nothing bad or dangerous actually ever happens.
Some things that were potentially problematic:
*There was a decent amount of diversity in this book, which, to be perfectly clear, is not the problematic part. I liked that the hero's best friend and partner was a black man. I like that the story mines the traditions of Chinese culture for the monsters and ghosts that haunt the railroads, where Chinese immigrants worked and died in huge numbers. I like that the United States in this book was filled with people from England, Germany, Mexico, China, etc. My understanding of history is that this is an accurate portrayal, and I like that it was present here. My problem is that I was so often uncomfortable with the racial slurs, especially toward Boz. I'm not calling it a negative, because I think it's representative of what would have actually happened during this time. But I can't entirely get past it, and I'm not sure why. Is it because I wish no one ever used slurs like this? Probably. Is it because this book was written by a woman who, as far as I can tell, is white? Maybe. I felt like I was in a strange gray area, where it wasn't unrealistic for these words to be flung around, but I still wasn't sure if it was ok or necessary to have them there. I'm still not sure. It made me uncomfortable, but I think it should. I also don't think I'm entirely qualified to judge whether it was necessary and useful, or just gratuitous. So I'm sticking with "It bothered me" instead of "It was a problem."
*Sometimes I felt like the story was a little haphazard. I read another review that used the word "episodic," which could also work. Each part of the book read like its own complete short story. It starred all of the same characters, and the general direction of the story was the same, so it's possible to view them as linked stories, or a serial novel. My problem was that I sometimes didn't feel the intention behind the switch in scenery or events. It often felt more like the author wanted to write a scene with monsters attacking a train, and less like a scene where monsters attack a train was getting us to the conclusion. Did I like reading the train scene? Yeah I did. Super action-packed and fun. But the stuff I got out of that scene that related to the final conclusion didn't always feel vital. Not a deal-breaker, but I would have been much more enthusiastic if I had felt a strong hand guiding the story through the whole thing.
All told, I enjoyed this. It isn't a can't-miss title, but if you enjoy western-set horror, I won't try to dissuade you either.
What I liked:
*I don't see a lot of horror written in a western setting. I liked seeing old St. Louis and frontier Wyoming and the changing landscape after the railways were built. The world in this book is one where wagon trains were still heading west, even as some settlers were taking trains to their destinations and buying supplies on arrival. The modern world was bumping up against the old way of doing things, and it offered a big variety of story options as well as being a rich source of conflict.
*The types of scary in the plot were an enjoyable mix for me, and right up my alley. I got a nice blend of vague menace and blood spray. I like that a good deal of effort was put toward building up atmosphere and threat, heightening the tension for me, the reader. I also like that we got a good release of that tension through attacking monsters, malicious ghosts, and real physical peril. This is an essential part of horror for me. It's hard to keep being scared if nothing bad or dangerous actually ever happens.
Some things that were potentially problematic:
*There was a decent amount of diversity in this book, which, to be perfectly clear, is not the problematic part. I liked that the hero's best friend and partner was a black man. I like that the story mines the traditions of Chinese culture for the monsters and ghosts that haunt the railroads, where Chinese immigrants worked and died in huge numbers. I like that the United States in this book was filled with people from England, Germany, Mexico, China, etc. My understanding of history is that this is an accurate portrayal, and I like that it was present here. My problem is that I was so often uncomfortable with the racial slurs, especially toward Boz. I'm not calling it a negative, because I think it's representative of what would have actually happened during this time. But I can't entirely get past it, and I'm not sure why. Is it because I wish no one ever used slurs like this? Probably. Is it because this book was written by a woman who, as far as I can tell, is white? Maybe. I felt like I was in a strange gray area, where it wasn't unrealistic for these words to be flung around, but I still wasn't sure if it was ok or necessary to have them there. I'm still not sure. It made me uncomfortable, but I think it should. I also don't think I'm entirely qualified to judge whether it was necessary and useful, or just gratuitous. So I'm sticking with "It bothered me" instead of "It was a problem."
*Sometimes I felt like the story was a little haphazard. I read another review that used the word "episodic," which could also work. Each part of the book read like its own complete short story. It starred all of the same characters, and the general direction of the story was the same, so it's possible to view them as linked stories, or a serial novel. My problem was that I sometimes didn't feel the intention behind the switch in scenery or events. It often felt more like the author wanted to write a scene with monsters attacking a train, and less like a scene where monsters attack a train was getting us to the conclusion. Did I like reading the train scene? Yeah I did. Super action-packed and fun. But the stuff I got out of that scene that related to the final conclusion didn't always feel vital. Not a deal-breaker, but I would have been much more enthusiastic if I had felt a strong hand guiding the story through the whole thing.
All told, I enjoyed this. It isn't a can't-miss title, but if you enjoy western-set horror, I won't try to dissuade you either.
July 4, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
The Curse of Jacob Tracy is the first in a new series, featuring a former seminary student/soldier.
Death constantly lives in the shadow of Jacob Tracy. After surviving the Civil War, Trace discovered that he could see ghosts; this was not a gift that he wanted and each time he tells someone about this gift they die. So, when Miss Sabine Fairweather asks for his assistance and claims to be able to help Trace with his gift, Trace is understandably wary.
Trace has lived for years repressing his ability to see and speak with ghosts. Trace has always believed that his gift was a curse and does his best to ignore it. After starting to do the odd jobs for Miss Fairweather, Trace finds his powers increasing and changing all the while Miss Fairweather tempts him with her knowledge. However, Trace refuses to succumb to the temptation that Miss Fairweather presents, instead running off only to discover that he has been targeted by another man with powers, Merek. It seems that the mysterious and secretive Miss Fairweather is Trace's only chance for answers, and she needs him just as much as he needs her.
The Curse of Jacob Tracy is a difficult book to review because while I liked parts of the book, I wasn't crazy about pacing. For me, Jacob Tracy came across as episodic rather than a continuous, flowing plot; this was a style that did not work for me. In addition, I found Jacob Tracy to be plot-heavy and I was left wanting to know more about the characters of the book. This is a book that is most likely to appeal to readers who enjoy detailed descriptions and more emphasis on actions of characters rather than the psychology of the characters themselves.
What I did like about Jacob Tracy was the combination of the Western genre with fantasy elements. In many ways Jacob Tracy is what I think of as a Western. There's trouble with the law, long rides on horseback, and working on a farm. The twist is that the author seamlessly combines those known elements with the unknown. In this world there are ghosts, there are vampires, and there are werewolves, and Trace is at the centre of that world with his strong abilities. This paranormal world is something that Trace is discovering for the first time, and with that readers are treated to a great introduction in the existence of fantastic beings into a seemingly mundane setting. The contrast between the normal and the paranormal was set up perfectly and acted as a mirror of Trace's own inner conflict about which world he wanted to be part of.
So, while I have conflicted feelings about The Curse of Jacob Tracy, I did appreciate it for as a genre-bending read. Readers are introduces to a tentative hero reluctant to take on a larger role, the woman pushing him to accept said larger role, and the big bad that wants to take Trace's powers for his own. The Curse of Jacob Tracy is a solid first installment that sets the stage for book two, Curious Weather (out in March 2017).
The Curse of Jacob Tracy is the first in a new series, featuring a former seminary student/soldier.
Death constantly lives in the shadow of Jacob Tracy. After surviving the Civil War, Trace discovered that he could see ghosts; this was not a gift that he wanted and each time he tells someone about this gift they die. So, when Miss Sabine Fairweather asks for his assistance and claims to be able to help Trace with his gift, Trace is understandably wary.
Trace has lived for years repressing his ability to see and speak with ghosts. Trace has always believed that his gift was a curse and does his best to ignore it. After starting to do the odd jobs for Miss Fairweather, Trace finds his powers increasing and changing all the while Miss Fairweather tempts him with her knowledge. However, Trace refuses to succumb to the temptation that Miss Fairweather presents, instead running off only to discover that he has been targeted by another man with powers, Merek. It seems that the mysterious and secretive Miss Fairweather is Trace's only chance for answers, and she needs him just as much as he needs her.
The Curse of Jacob Tracy is a difficult book to review because while I liked parts of the book, I wasn't crazy about pacing. For me, Jacob Tracy came across as episodic rather than a continuous, flowing plot; this was a style that did not work for me. In addition, I found Jacob Tracy to be plot-heavy and I was left wanting to know more about the characters of the book. This is a book that is most likely to appeal to readers who enjoy detailed descriptions and more emphasis on actions of characters rather than the psychology of the characters themselves.
What I did like about Jacob Tracy was the combination of the Western genre with fantasy elements. In many ways Jacob Tracy is what I think of as a Western. There's trouble with the law, long rides on horseback, and working on a farm. The twist is that the author seamlessly combines those known elements with the unknown. In this world there are ghosts, there are vampires, and there are werewolves, and Trace is at the centre of that world with his strong abilities. This paranormal world is something that Trace is discovering for the first time, and with that readers are treated to a great introduction in the existence of fantastic beings into a seemingly mundane setting. The contrast between the normal and the paranormal was set up perfectly and acted as a mirror of Trace's own inner conflict about which world he wanted to be part of.
So, while I have conflicted feelings about The Curse of Jacob Tracy, I did appreciate it for as a genre-bending read. Readers are introduces to a tentative hero reluctant to take on a larger role, the woman pushing him to accept said larger role, and the big bad that wants to take Trace's powers for his own. The Curse of Jacob Tracy is a solid first installment that sets the stage for book two, Curious Weather (out in March 2017).
March 30, 2017
This book is what you'd get if you mashed up the movies Constantine and The Exorcist but set it in the American west circa 1880. I guess that makes it a paranormal western? I'm not quite sure but I found it to be a pretty entertaining story, featuring a 38 year old former-seminary-student-turned-cowboy/ranch hand - Jacob Tracy (aka Trace) and his best friend, a former slave, John Bosley (aka Boz). Since narrowly cheating death after being wounded in the Civil War, Trace has found himself saddled with the ability to see and commune with the spiritual realm. He has spent years trying to suppress his abilities but when he's hired by the mysterious Sabine Fairweather things come to a head pretty quickly.
The story is divided into four or five parts and, if this were a television show, each part would be an individual episode with Trace's instruction by Sabine in the spiritual arts forming the connecting links. To my mind, however, there is little actual spiritual instruction going on. I never warmed to Sabine. She withholds information and then blames others for not asking specific questions, all the while expecting Trace to be at her beck and call. I liked her about as much as Boz, which is to say not much. The best part of the book was the love, loyalty, and friendship between Trace and Boz. I would happily read more adventures of the two of them traveling across the American western frontier, battling paranormal monsters as they go. But with the way this ended, coupled with the fact that Sabine is on the cover of the next book with Trace, makes me think this is going to be the Trace and Sabine show moving forward. And I'm just a lot less interested in reading that.
The story is divided into four or five parts and, if this were a television show, each part would be an individual episode with Trace's instruction by Sabine in the spiritual arts forming the connecting links. To my mind, however, there is little actual spiritual instruction going on. I never warmed to Sabine. She withholds information and then blames others for not asking specific questions, all the while expecting Trace to be at her beck and call. I liked her about as much as Boz, which is to say not much. The best part of the book was the love, loyalty, and friendship between Trace and Boz. I would happily read more adventures of the two of them traveling across the American western frontier, battling paranormal monsters as they go. But with the way this ended, coupled with the fact that Sabine is on the cover of the next book with Trace, makes me think this is going to be the Trace and Sabine show moving forward. And I'm just a lot less interested in reading that.
April 15, 2023
5 stars for characters, 5 stars for plot, 5 stars for prose. What an amazingly good novel, part one of ?, I've followed the author so I know when the next one coming. I don't know how better to explain that you should give this one a try if you have any love for actual history mingled with paranormal dangers.
There is so much to love about this novel. It's written in an episodic format, but in chronological order, which I deeply appreciate, but also: the pacing, the descriptions, the MC and his best friend, the language that feels so solidly 1880s to this mid-century modern mind, the friendship, the antagonisms, the dangers, the solid reality of, later in the story, how a big ranch is run, as opposed to the simplified versions in most fiction.
The amount of research and assistance it took to bring the author's talent up to a fifteen-star level novel is impressive. Highly recommended. Highly.
There is so much to love about this novel. It's written in an episodic format, but in chronological order, which I deeply appreciate, but also: the pacing, the descriptions, the MC and his best friend, the language that feels so solidly 1880s to this mid-century modern mind, the friendship, the antagonisms, the dangers, the solid reality of, later in the story, how a big ranch is run, as opposed to the simplified versions in most fiction.
The amount of research and assistance it took to bring the author's talent up to a fifteen-star level novel is impressive. Highly recommended. Highly.
August 4, 2024
Absolutely loved this book and am saddened that the publisher did not choose to continue publishing and pray the author gets the rights back.
Amazing supernatural western, loved all the characters and kept me wanting to read more!
Amazing supernatural western, loved all the characters and kept me wanting to read more!
January 30, 2021
Really was blown away by this book. The characters all felt so real to me and I cared about Tracy and Boz. It wasn’t the type of book I could sit and read all in a couple of hours but that meant I was really able to savor it. Can’t wait for the sequel!
June 10, 2016
I've been mulling over several aspects of this book as I was reading it and in the 24 hours since I finished. First, I have come to the conclusion that Jacob Tracy fits Greg Rucka's idea of a detective that he outlined in an essay that appeared his Stumptown comic.
Jacob Tracy lives at boundaries: not only between the natural and supernatural worlds, but also different layers of society and city vs untamed lands. At the beginning of the book, he is more comfortable in the wilds because there he can find peace from the spirits that are more prevalent in populated areas. But circumstances require him to not only be in the city but also to use his curse to resolve whatever challenges he faces.
He also has a strong moral compass. It was shaped both by his Catholic beliefs but also his experiences during and after the war.
One aspect of this is his sense of equality. The most obvious example is his friendship with Boz, a former slave. There are at least a few instances where he makes it very clear to others that Boz is not their inferior and is worthy of their respect.
Another aspect is his desire to seek out justice for those who have been wrongly accused, injured, or killed. Unfortunately, it often puts him and Boz in harm's way.
I also thought a lot about how Trace and Boz's relationship evolves through the book. They have been friends for five years, but Trace still hasn't fully revealed or explained his abilities to Boz. Trace feels he has an excellent reason not to, but it does put a strain on their relationship. Although the book did not end the way I wished in this regard, I hold out hope that their friendship is strong enough to survive.
The last concept I've been thinking about is genres. True, this is historical fiction set at the turn of the 19th into the 20th century. But I've been debating with myself on whether it could also be classified as horror. This is a bit ironic for me because I usually tell people "I don't do horror". Given the inclusion of Spiritualism and occult elements, I think there is a good case that it belongs in the horror genre. But I'm not sure what "flavor" of horror it is. My conclusion at this point is that it's American Gothic in many respects.
And for all of the reasons above, I very much enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters and can't wait to find out more about them, particularly Sabine Fairweather and how she is connected to the Russian Mesmerist.
Jacob Tracy lives at boundaries: not only between the natural and supernatural worlds, but also different layers of society and city vs untamed lands. At the beginning of the book, he is more comfortable in the wilds because there he can find peace from the spirits that are more prevalent in populated areas. But circumstances require him to not only be in the city but also to use his curse to resolve whatever challenges he faces.
He also has a strong moral compass. It was shaped both by his Catholic beliefs but also his experiences during and after the war.
One aspect of this is his sense of equality. The most obvious example is his friendship with Boz, a former slave. There are at least a few instances where he makes it very clear to others that Boz is not their inferior and is worthy of their respect.
Another aspect is his desire to seek out justice for those who have been wrongly accused, injured, or killed. Unfortunately, it often puts him and Boz in harm's way.
I also thought a lot about how Trace and Boz's relationship evolves through the book. They have been friends for five years, but Trace still hasn't fully revealed or explained his abilities to Boz. Trace feels he has an excellent reason not to, but it does put a strain on their relationship. Although the book did not end the way I wished in this regard, I hold out hope that their friendship is strong enough to survive.
The last concept I've been thinking about is genres. True, this is historical fiction set at the turn of the 19th into the 20th century. But I've been debating with myself on whether it could also be classified as horror. This is a bit ironic for me because I usually tell people "I don't do horror". Given the inclusion of Spiritualism and occult elements, I think there is a good case that it belongs in the horror genre. But I'm not sure what "flavor" of horror it is. My conclusion at this point is that it's American Gothic in many respects.
And for all of the reasons above, I very much enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters and can't wait to find out more about them, particularly Sabine Fairweather and how she is connected to the Russian Mesmerist.
September 12, 2016
This one is very close to five stars for sheer enjoyment. It's fun, well-written, and clever.
The episodic structure makes for some repetitious moments, and a couple of character reveals in the last episode seemed inadequately foreshadowed, or just confusing. The biggest problem is that Jacob's last adventure (in this volume, at least) just isn't his best one.
Still, a new author added to my must-read list.
The episodic structure makes for some repetitious moments, and a couple of character reveals in the last episode seemed inadequately foreshadowed, or just confusing. The biggest problem is that Jacob's last adventure (in this volume, at least) just isn't his best one.
Still, a new author added to my must-read list.
August 11, 2020
So much going on here, all good! I just wish that the author had written more about Trace (as he's known to his friends and colleagues). As far as I can tell, there's only a novella about Trace & Boz, set before the events of this novel.
I learned about this book thanks to a webinar called "Crash Course in Horror". It was put together by the great folks at Novelist and LibraryReads, and if you've never watched one of their webinars, I highly recommend them. You can find them on Youtube, and they've got them for all sorts of genres. I had never heard of this book, nor the author, and I doubt I would have ever picked it up had I not watched that webinar. The cover at first glance looks like a typical western work; it's only upon a closer look that you realize there are bats above the title, not to mention the shadowy figures walking beside our main characters. Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover.
Ms. Messinger, if you're out there and you read this, please seriously consider writing about Trace again. I want to know what happens to him and the characters surrounding him!
I learned about this book thanks to a webinar called "Crash Course in Horror". It was put together by the great folks at Novelist and LibraryReads, and if you've never watched one of their webinars, I highly recommend them. You can find them on Youtube, and they've got them for all sorts of genres. I had never heard of this book, nor the author, and I doubt I would have ever picked it up had I not watched that webinar. The cover at first glance looks like a typical western work; it's only upon a closer look that you realize there are bats above the title, not to mention the shadowy figures walking beside our main characters. Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover.
Ms. Messinger, if you're out there and you read this, please seriously consider writing about Trace again. I want to know what happens to him and the characters surrounding him!
July 11, 2017
I've learned in the past year that I really like weird westerns. So I was thrilled to see this in my local library. I was even more thrilled once I started reading it. This is a great book with well fleshed out characters and a super intriguing plot. I love the friendship between Trace and Boz. At least in my experience, it's not often you see two men care so much for each other, especially in a western setting. I was also very intrigued by the mysterious draw of Fairweather. I guess Trace and I have that in common.
The themes of religion, shame, and repression made this book significantly deeper and more thought provoking than any paranormal book I've read in a very long time. It's really resonated with me in that way.
And now I will anxiously await the release of book 2.
The themes of religion, shame, and repression made this book significantly deeper and more thought provoking than any paranormal book I've read in a very long time. It's really resonated with me in that way.
And now I will anxiously await the release of book 2.
April 9, 2017
This novel reminded me of a show I loved as a kid, "The Wild, Wild West", if it had included ghosts. I enjoyed the pacing and the way the sections were set up to be episodic.
June 30, 2019
A very strange novel. It is a mix of paranormal and western.
October 9, 2021
truly well written work. well designed characters, interesting story, a fun read.
May 16, 2018
The juxtaposition of gothic and western in this novel is a treat. This is a great first peak at a larger world full of menace and magic. The historical setting keeps it grounded. I look forward to more adventures of Jacob and Boz.
October 16, 2023
I really wanted to like this book...
However, I found it pretty dull in the end. The idea should have been interesting, but it just didn't grab or hold my attention.
However, I found it pretty dull in the end. The idea should have been interesting, but it just didn't grab or hold my attention.
January 23, 2016
Does anyone remember the TV series "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr."? It was a western with a hint of Science Fiction, lots of humor, and a partnership between a white man and a black man. This book seemed a little like that, except replace the "hint of Science Fiction" with "heaping dose of the Supernatural".
Set shortly after the American Civil War, Jacob Tracy is a man with the "curse" (gift?) of seeing dead people. His working partner, Boz, is a good, steady, reliable, resourceful, and thoroughly practical man who has a hard time dealing with Tracy's "curse" (once Tracy shares the details with him). Their relationship and their (often humorous) banter is the best thing about the book. Too bad the author couldn't support that relationship through to the end.
The book reads like a grouping of short stories, some good, some awful. There are ghosts (minimal), Spiritualists, vampires, werewolves, and lots of bloodletting. Way too much bloodletting. We have a "good witch" vs. "bad witch" scenario, with Tracy caught between the two--one a man and one a woman, each using their powers to 'win' him (and each with their own unknown agenda). I liked the backstory of the beginning of Tracy's "curse", and of its affect on his family. The idea of Tracy coming to terms with his abilities and learning to use them is a good one, but it could have been done better. The (overly) violent encounters with vampires and werewolves are quite overdone and unnecessarily destructive. I am not sure if the author just likes to write details of blood and gore, or if the episodes were included because someone thought that since there was no sex in the book it needed lots of blood.
There are a few interesting characters introduced along the way--in particular a fire-breather and a werewolf--who add interest (are they good? bad? both? neither?). But these just seem to vanish after a brief interval. Other characters are just tedious and irritating.
It was difficult to rate this book; I really wanted to like it. I really enjoyed some of the characters and dialogue...but by the end I was totally miffed. A sequel is entirely possible, but I'll be able to pass on it if one comes out.
Set shortly after the American Civil War, Jacob Tracy is a man with the "curse" (gift?) of seeing dead people. His working partner, Boz, is a good, steady, reliable, resourceful, and thoroughly practical man who has a hard time dealing with Tracy's "curse" (once Tracy shares the details with him). Their relationship and their (often humorous) banter is the best thing about the book. Too bad the author couldn't support that relationship through to the end.
The book reads like a grouping of short stories, some good, some awful. There are ghosts (minimal), Spiritualists, vampires, werewolves, and lots of bloodletting. Way too much bloodletting. We have a "good witch" vs. "bad witch" scenario, with Tracy caught between the two--one a man and one a woman, each using their powers to 'win' him (and each with their own unknown agenda). I liked the backstory of the beginning of Tracy's "curse", and of its affect on his family. The idea of Tracy coming to terms with his abilities and learning to use them is a good one, but it could have been done better. The (overly) violent encounters with vampires and werewolves are quite overdone and unnecessarily destructive. I am not sure if the author just likes to write details of blood and gore, or if the episodes were included because someone thought that since there was no sex in the book it needed lots of blood.
There are a few interesting characters introduced along the way--in particular a fire-breather and a werewolf--who add interest (are they good? bad? both? neither?). But these just seem to vanish after a brief interval. Other characters are just tedious and irritating.
It was difficult to rate this book; I really wanted to like it. I really enjoyed some of the characters and dialogue...but by the end I was totally miffed. A sequel is entirely possible, but I'll be able to pass on it if one comes out.
August 1, 2017
I stumbled across this book knowing nothing of Holly Messinger nor the Tracy Jacob series. Well, I would like to thank my elibrary for suggesting it! A western w a priest turned demon gunslinger, a loyal friend who won't put up with his buddy's bullshit, werewolf thingies, demons, a strange sort of witch, and a Frenchman. Oh and blood, there has to be blood! What more could I want??
I actually looked up Holly Messinger's profile before reading The Curse of Jacob Tracy to learn about her and maybe intrigue me more to read her book. Yeah, easy sell: tailor, ninja, cosplay, author aaaaaand likes the darker side of things.... So that person wrote a book? Let me jump on that train to twisted town!
Thank you, Holly, that was a fun ride!
There are enough reviews detailing parts about the book that I don't need to delve into or take away anything from the read.
I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next!
I felt like this novel set up the series to lead to a darker place. And the interplay of the characters made it that all the more enjoyable. Hold on tight to those reigns and don't get left in the abyss!
I actually looked up Holly Messinger's profile before reading The Curse of Jacob Tracy to learn about her and maybe intrigue me more to read her book. Yeah, easy sell: tailor, ninja, cosplay, author aaaaaand likes the darker side of things.... So that person wrote a book? Let me jump on that train to twisted town!
Thank you, Holly, that was a fun ride!
There are enough reviews detailing parts about the book that I don't need to delve into or take away anything from the read.
I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next!
I felt like this novel set up the series to lead to a darker place. And the interplay of the characters made it that all the more enjoyable. Hold on tight to those reigns and don't get left in the abyss!
January 3, 2016
I met the author at a Kansas City science fiction convention, where she read a short story with the main characters of the book in it. I found the reading fascinating, and decided to order the book. I'm glad I did.
This is essentially an origin story. Jacob Tracy's curse is that he sees dead people, which bothers him because only devils should be able to do that. However, there are other people who are either manipulating the dead or other spirits to cause mayhem, and Jacob finds himself getting sucked in whether he wants to or not.
This is not steampunk - other than Jacob's magical abilities, everything of the American West circa 1880 is as it was, which for me makes it more enjoyable. The only gadget that will suddenly show up and save Jacob is between his ears. I also like the book's characterization. Jacob, a former Confederate soldier, is friends and trail partners with Bozley, a black man. This tends to complicate both their lives, given the race relationships of the era.
The novel appears to be episodic at times, but the episodes do hang together. Overall, I highly recommend it.
This is essentially an origin story. Jacob Tracy's curse is that he sees dead people, which bothers him because only devils should be able to do that. However, there are other people who are either manipulating the dead or other spirits to cause mayhem, and Jacob finds himself getting sucked in whether he wants to or not.
This is not steampunk - other than Jacob's magical abilities, everything of the American West circa 1880 is as it was, which for me makes it more enjoyable. The only gadget that will suddenly show up and save Jacob is between his ears. I also like the book's characterization. Jacob, a former Confederate soldier, is friends and trail partners with Bozley, a black man. This tends to complicate both their lives, given the race relationships of the era.
The novel appears to be episodic at times, but the episodes do hang together. Overall, I highly recommend it.
July 13, 2016
I live out where the Old West was, and somehow I've never been all that interested in the history. Or in Western novels. Or Western movies. Unless it's My Name is Nobody.
Seriously if you see one Western movie, go Spaghetti and watch that one. And if you read only one Western supernatural action novel, read about Jacob Tracy.
Jacob is a "true grit" sort of character with unexpected elements in his personality. Yes, even more unexpected than being a medium. He tried to be a preacher for a while...he is a veteran of the Civil War, and neither of these things are unique but Holly Messinger makes them fit together in a wholly original way.
That's how the whole cast is. I hope Messinger continues the series because I want more.
Seriously if you see one Western movie, go Spaghetti and watch that one. And if you read only one Western supernatural action novel, read about Jacob Tracy.
Jacob is a "true grit" sort of character with unexpected elements in his personality. Yes, even more unexpected than being a medium. He tried to be a preacher for a while...he is a veteran of the Civil War, and neither of these things are unique but Holly Messinger makes them fit together in a wholly original way.
That's how the whole cast is. I hope Messinger continues the series because I want more.
November 2, 2024
Jacob Tracy has been hiding his light under a bushel for eighteen years. Ever since he was nearly killed at the Battle of Antietam, he can see ghosts and demons and feel with things aren’t right. But every time he tells someone about his curse, they die within a month. So, Tracy keeps his mouth shut and does his best to ignore the uncanny things that are going on around him. The Curse of Jacob Tracy, by Holly Messinger, begins in the spring of 1880, when Jacob and his partner, Boz, take a job for the mysterious Miss Fairweather. Before the end of the summer, Tracy’s life is turned completely on its head...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
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