What do you think?
Rate this book
Despatches
Daily Star war correspondent Cassius Smythe is off to the Dardanelles to report on the Allied campaign. That is, if only the War Office will let him tell the truth. But after months in the trenches at Anzac Cove, Smythe learns that it isn’t just the Ottoman who wish to claim back the land, and the truth is as slippery as a serpent…
- GenresHorrorHistoricalNovella
83 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 27, 2023
WWI. The Great War. The war to end all wars.
Despatches by Kiwi author Lee Murray is a an absolutely chilling portrayal of the futility of war, with a side helping of nightmarish horror.
It reads as if you are there, in the trenches, reporting on the unmitigated disaster of the Gallipoli landing, before Murray assails you with her subtle weaving of the supernatural into the muddy trenches, and into the blood soaked beaches, and hiding horrors beneath the waters swollen with the bodies of dead ANZAC soldiers.
This was a breathless fly-on-the-wall war movie disguised as a novella, full of gore and compassion and friendship and death. And I devoured it one sitting.
100% recommend.
Despatches by Kiwi author Lee Murray is a an absolutely chilling portrayal of the futility of war, with a side helping of nightmarish horror.
It reads as if you are there, in the trenches, reporting on the unmitigated disaster of the Gallipoli landing, before Murray assails you with her subtle weaving of the supernatural into the muddy trenches, and into the blood soaked beaches, and hiding horrors beneath the waters swollen with the bodies of dead ANZAC soldiers.
This was a breathless fly-on-the-wall war movie disguised as a novella, full of gore and compassion and friendship and death. And I devoured it one sitting.
100% recommend.
August 25, 2023
***Minor spoilers***
What if the events of Gallipoli in WWI weren’t all as they appeared? What if ancient, unknowable monsters—gods perhaps—vied and hunted for mens souls as much as the two opposing forces of Turks and Allies vied for ground? That is the premise of Lee Murray’s vivid epistolary novella, Despatches.
Set in the trenches of WWI, we mostly follow Cassius Smythe, a British journalist sent to Gallipoli to report on the Allied effort, as he recounts his experiences in his diary. Included in the mix are his letters to his family and articles to the press, many of which bear heavy censoring to ensure no vital information is leaked, and that the people back home remain oblivious to the true horrors of the campaign. And I say true horrors in every sense.
Thanks to the epistolary format of the story, the reader is given a first row seat to the graphic horror that is war. Death is not just on display here, it is death of all kinds—sudden, slow, terror-filled to a noted absence. From drowning to dire injury to being left out in the sun to bloat and rot, Murray does not shy away from the catastrophic loss and waste of life that was Gallipoli. Yet at the same time, Cassius’s diary entries are laced with a tenderness that offsets the deplorable situation he finds himself in. His interviews are gentle, curious, and he listens open minded to the stories of those whose lives intersect his own. And through their accounts he begins to piece together a darker, more terrifying picture of the campaign.
Throughout it all is a breathtaking attention to detail, from the lay of the land and strategies used to dig Gallipoli’s trenches to the historical events and happenings of the campaign. Despite being taught about the ANZACs and the events of Gallipoli multiple times over the course of my schooling years, this story is the first to have brought it to life so vividly—and memorably. Tragedy on the scale of Gallipoli is often difficult to grasp, but the combination of personal accounts and immersive prose bring it to the fore in exquisite and terrible detail. While Cassius may not mourn the death of every individual, there is a real sense of cumulative loss; a whole generation and its potential thrown into the WWI meat grinder.
This is a story that pulls you in and says, “Do not look away”. History already tells us the likely ending to Cassius’ story, and as the story progresses that foreboding grows. All the same, we can’t help but hope in the midst of the horror (perhaps as the forces of Gallipoli hoped) that he’ll make it home.
In all, Despatches is the kind of tale you absorb as much as read. It might be short, but it sits in your psyche for a long while afterwards. With an expert hand, Murry blends the cosmic with historic to remind us that war doesn’t just claim lives on the battlefield, it steals souls and swallows generations whole.
What if the events of Gallipoli in WWI weren’t all as they appeared? What if ancient, unknowable monsters—gods perhaps—vied and hunted for mens souls as much as the two opposing forces of Turks and Allies vied for ground? That is the premise of Lee Murray’s vivid epistolary novella, Despatches.
Set in the trenches of WWI, we mostly follow Cassius Smythe, a British journalist sent to Gallipoli to report on the Allied effort, as he recounts his experiences in his diary. Included in the mix are his letters to his family and articles to the press, many of which bear heavy censoring to ensure no vital information is leaked, and that the people back home remain oblivious to the true horrors of the campaign. And I say true horrors in every sense.
Thanks to the epistolary format of the story, the reader is given a first row seat to the graphic horror that is war. Death is not just on display here, it is death of all kinds—sudden, slow, terror-filled to a noted absence. From drowning to dire injury to being left out in the sun to bloat and rot, Murray does not shy away from the catastrophic loss and waste of life that was Gallipoli. Yet at the same time, Cassius’s diary entries are laced with a tenderness that offsets the deplorable situation he finds himself in. His interviews are gentle, curious, and he listens open minded to the stories of those whose lives intersect his own. And through their accounts he begins to piece together a darker, more terrifying picture of the campaign.
Throughout it all is a breathtaking attention to detail, from the lay of the land and strategies used to dig Gallipoli’s trenches to the historical events and happenings of the campaign. Despite being taught about the ANZACs and the events of Gallipoli multiple times over the course of my schooling years, this story is the first to have brought it to life so vividly—and memorably. Tragedy on the scale of Gallipoli is often difficult to grasp, but the combination of personal accounts and immersive prose bring it to the fore in exquisite and terrible detail. While Cassius may not mourn the death of every individual, there is a real sense of cumulative loss; a whole generation and its potential thrown into the WWI meat grinder.
This is a story that pulls you in and says, “Do not look away”. History already tells us the likely ending to Cassius’ story, and as the story progresses that foreboding grows. All the same, we can’t help but hope in the midst of the horror (perhaps as the forces of Gallipoli hoped) that he’ll make it home.
In all, Despatches is the kind of tale you absorb as much as read. It might be short, but it sits in your psyche for a long while afterwards. With an expert hand, Murry blends the cosmic with historic to remind us that war doesn’t just claim lives on the battlefield, it steals souls and swallows generations whole.
May 16, 2024
A first world war cosmic horror novella.
I think you'd love this is you like either war horror or cosmic horror.
This would also be perfect if you need to fill a readathon bingo board at just 82 pages!
I think you'd love this is you like either war horror or cosmic horror.
This would also be perfect if you need to fill a readathon bingo board at just 82 pages!
September 30, 2023
An excellent WW1 horror story exploring the hidden stories within any conflict from propaganda to those on the frontline and then the monsters in our midst
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
April 30, 2024
I’m not good with historic novels or stories, typically. But every once in a blue moon, one sucks me right in and I hold on for dear life until the end. DESPATCHES is one of those very lucky few.
Cassius Smythe is on the front line of the land offensive on the Dardanelles Peninsula. Being a reporter is hard enough with the censorship of his articles and letters back home but when a local urban legend is also brought into the fold, the men and women there must watch for more than the enemy’s bullets.
Look, I’m not going to lie. That synopsis doesn’t tell you anything of what is really in this short novella. Local folklore, fear, war, incompetence of leadership, familial strife, loyalty, and so much more whisks you back in time to the front line yourself. And friends, it ain’t pretty. Written in epistolary format (which is my favorite), it makes the twists and turns all that more personal feeling.
A Lovecraftian war story. 5/5.
Cassius Smythe is on the front line of the land offensive on the Dardanelles Peninsula. Being a reporter is hard enough with the censorship of his articles and letters back home but when a local urban legend is also brought into the fold, the men and women there must watch for more than the enemy’s bullets.
Look, I’m not going to lie. That synopsis doesn’t tell you anything of what is really in this short novella. Local folklore, fear, war, incompetence of leadership, familial strife, loyalty, and so much more whisks you back in time to the front line yourself. And friends, it ain’t pretty. Written in epistolary format (which is my favorite), it makes the twists and turns all that more personal feeling.
A Lovecraftian war story. 5/5.
November 10, 2023
Huge thanks to Lee for sending me a digital copy of this novella!
Over the last number of years, I’ve read a lot of Lee’s works – from her novels, to her short fiction and into her non-fiction – and one thing has become very clear throughout all of that.
Lee is a masterful storyteller.
Couple that with her being one of the kindest, most supportive and caring people in the horror world and it makes it easy to root for her and every one of her releases.
Which brings us to her latest, ‘Despatches,’ released through the wonderful PS Publishing.
When this was announced, I was tentatively excited. I knew full well that Lee would craft a story that would capture all of the emotions of this time period. But it was that dread ‘E’ word. Epistolary. I personally struggle with epistolary storytelling, and I was worried that it would diminish my ability to crack this one and make it work for me. But much like Craig DiLouie’s wonderful novel ‘Episode Thirteen,’ Lee’s story pushed through my own barrier and had me captivated.
What I liked: Told through journal entries, newspaper clippings and transcripts, the story takes place during World War I and follows Cassius Smythe as he covers the events occurring in two different areas.
At first, things seem ‘normal,’ or as normal as anything can be during one of the darkest periods of our modern world’s history. But it’s while crossing a channel that things begin to grow sinister, more supernatural. This leads to a chaotic and excellently crafted scene where men abandon ship, a fog sets in and something from the depths makes itself known.
As the story progresses, we also learn of the emotional toll the growing body count takes on those fighting and while discussing this aspect, Cassius learns that the tunnels themselves may be home to something increasing the body count, which only ramps up the horror within each communication.
The ending is a really solid ‘finish.’ It ties things off officially and un-officially, which is 100% vague, but I need to remain spoiler free here!
What I didn’t like: The reality is, this is an epistolary story, so if you do struggle with that I understand you’re hesitancy. Saying that, this one hums along. Lee actually sent this to me yesterday and I thought I’d just get a chapter read, but I ended up reading it in one feverish sitting.
The second reality is, this is a war based story and with the state of the world, Remembrance Day tomorrow – at least here in Canada – you may not want to visit this piece right now. Do add it to your TBR though, as I have hope things will get better!
Why you should buy this: While this novella hasn’t gone ‘wide’ yet, meaning it’s available through the publishers site at this moment, this is one you should absolutely seek out and grab. Lee’s prose is world class, this story is pristine, horrific and brings us to the heart of the battle full on.
I truly couldn’t put this one down and can’t recommend it enough.
Over the last number of years, I’ve read a lot of Lee’s works – from her novels, to her short fiction and into her non-fiction – and one thing has become very clear throughout all of that.
Lee is a masterful storyteller.
Couple that with her being one of the kindest, most supportive and caring people in the horror world and it makes it easy to root for her and every one of her releases.
Which brings us to her latest, ‘Despatches,’ released through the wonderful PS Publishing.
When this was announced, I was tentatively excited. I knew full well that Lee would craft a story that would capture all of the emotions of this time period. But it was that dread ‘E’ word. Epistolary. I personally struggle with epistolary storytelling, and I was worried that it would diminish my ability to crack this one and make it work for me. But much like Craig DiLouie’s wonderful novel ‘Episode Thirteen,’ Lee’s story pushed through my own barrier and had me captivated.
What I liked: Told through journal entries, newspaper clippings and transcripts, the story takes place during World War I and follows Cassius Smythe as he covers the events occurring in two different areas.
At first, things seem ‘normal,’ or as normal as anything can be during one of the darkest periods of our modern world’s history. But it’s while crossing a channel that things begin to grow sinister, more supernatural. This leads to a chaotic and excellently crafted scene where men abandon ship, a fog sets in and something from the depths makes itself known.
As the story progresses, we also learn of the emotional toll the growing body count takes on those fighting and while discussing this aspect, Cassius learns that the tunnels themselves may be home to something increasing the body count, which only ramps up the horror within each communication.
The ending is a really solid ‘finish.’ It ties things off officially and un-officially, which is 100% vague, but I need to remain spoiler free here!
What I didn’t like: The reality is, this is an epistolary story, so if you do struggle with that I understand you’re hesitancy. Saying that, this one hums along. Lee actually sent this to me yesterday and I thought I’d just get a chapter read, but I ended up reading it in one feverish sitting.
The second reality is, this is a war based story and with the state of the world, Remembrance Day tomorrow – at least here in Canada – you may not want to visit this piece right now. Do add it to your TBR though, as I have hope things will get better!
Why you should buy this: While this novella hasn’t gone ‘wide’ yet, meaning it’s available through the publishers site at this moment, this is one you should absolutely seek out and grab. Lee’s prose is world class, this story is pristine, horrific and brings us to the heart of the battle full on.
I truly couldn’t put this one down and can’t recommend it enough.
September 22, 2023
Despatches
Lee Murray
Publisher: Absinthe (PS Publishing imprint)
It’s not just the war; there’s something else out there.”
This beautifully presented book from Lee Murray, is an epistolary novella set during the Great War.
Cassius Smythe is on-board a ship as expeditionary journalist, reporting on battles and characters met during World War One for the Daily Star, London.
His mix of letters, reports and journal entries - gleaned from observation and interviews with those carrying casualties - are the means with which Murray delivers the story.
We’re in the midst of the main assault by the Allies at Cape Helles. Gallipoli – a well known part of this horrific war and the involvement of the Anzacs (Maori) of New Zealand.
It’s no surprise that the War Office refuse to print Smythe’s original reports, and he is ‘asked’ to rewrite in order to ... well, make the Empire look better. The censorship of true accounts, as Murray confirms in her acknowledgements, is one harsh reality of this war.
Truth – or the things we hold back, or those stories taken from us – is central to the narrative. In his letters to ‘John’, his dear friend, and the conversations at home relayed by his sister Harriet, we understand more about Cassius and why his father has disowned him; again it is a part of his story, he is unable to tell.
The cosmic horror elements of the book, and the mythology weaved within it, are terrific, and also addictive, but it’s the awful, painful futility of war and the bloody reality of what Cassius sees, that is the truly frightening part of this novella.
The monsters are the background to the real horror.
With an ambience reminiscent of Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’ and King’s ‘The Mist’ blended with the brutality of battle, the authorial voices feel incredibly authentic.
I was surprised to feel a lump in my throat at times; not just a feeling of poignancy; rather, an awful sense of loss, betrayal and fear that these soldiers must’ve experienced.
I don’t think I have ever read anything like this, and it has spurred me to find out more, especially as a Brit, fed the glory of Empire during history lessons at school.
It packs a vast emotional punch and will sit in my heart and head, for quite some time.
Lee Murray
Publisher: Absinthe (PS Publishing imprint)
It’s not just the war; there’s something else out there.”
This beautifully presented book from Lee Murray, is an epistolary novella set during the Great War.
Cassius Smythe is on-board a ship as expeditionary journalist, reporting on battles and characters met during World War One for the Daily Star, London.
His mix of letters, reports and journal entries - gleaned from observation and interviews with those carrying casualties - are the means with which Murray delivers the story.
We’re in the midst of the main assault by the Allies at Cape Helles. Gallipoli – a well known part of this horrific war and the involvement of the Anzacs (Maori) of New Zealand.
It’s no surprise that the War Office refuse to print Smythe’s original reports, and he is ‘asked’ to rewrite in order to ... well, make the Empire look better. The censorship of true accounts, as Murray confirms in her acknowledgements, is one harsh reality of this war.
Truth – or the things we hold back, or those stories taken from us – is central to the narrative. In his letters to ‘John’, his dear friend, and the conversations at home relayed by his sister Harriet, we understand more about Cassius and why his father has disowned him; again it is a part of his story, he is unable to tell.
The cosmic horror elements of the book, and the mythology weaved within it, are terrific, and also addictive, but it’s the awful, painful futility of war and the bloody reality of what Cassius sees, that is the truly frightening part of this novella.
The monsters are the background to the real horror.
With an ambience reminiscent of Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’ and King’s ‘The Mist’ blended with the brutality of battle, the authorial voices feel incredibly authentic.
I was surprised to feel a lump in my throat at times; not just a feeling of poignancy; rather, an awful sense of loss, betrayal and fear that these soldiers must’ve experienced.
I don’t think I have ever read anything like this, and it has spurred me to find out more, especially as a Brit, fed the glory of Empire during history lessons at school.
It packs a vast emotional punch and will sit in my heart and head, for quite some time.
August 26, 2023
Because of its millions of military and civilian deaths, people in the early twentieth-century declared World War I to be “the war to end all wars.” In fact, it turned out to be merely a training exercise for an even greater slaughter a few decades later under Nazi Germany.
One of the most horrific campaigns of World War I was the Entente Powers’ attempt to seize the Dardanelles Strait, controlled by the Ottoman Empire and its Central Powers allies. For eight months, from 1915 to 1916, the two sides battled each other to a stalemate with a staggering loss of life.
Lee Murray’s new novella, Despatches, is a rich, well-researched account of that bloody campaign as observed by the protagonist Cassius Smythe, a correspondent for the Daily Star. After arriving at Anzac Cove, a bit of territory on the Gallipolis peninsula tenuously held by ANZAC forces (the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), Smythe soon discovers that events on the ground do not match up with what Englishmen are reading in their daily newspapers. The situation is much more dire, more savage than could be imagined. He would like to reveal the truth if only the War Office would allow him.
As horrible as the warfare is, Smythe becomes aware of another evil, something primal and mysterious, a force that defies human understanding. A cataclysmic world war is child’s play for this evil power.
Murray’s tale of historical horror is an absolute page-turner. It is fully embedded in history until . . . it’s not. And that is where the horror lies. I do not want to give away too much of the story, so I will only say that I rate Despatches as one of the best works of historical horror that I have read in a long time.
One of the most horrific campaigns of World War I was the Entente Powers’ attempt to seize the Dardanelles Strait, controlled by the Ottoman Empire and its Central Powers allies. For eight months, from 1915 to 1916, the two sides battled each other to a stalemate with a staggering loss of life.
Lee Murray’s new novella, Despatches, is a rich, well-researched account of that bloody campaign as observed by the protagonist Cassius Smythe, a correspondent for the Daily Star. After arriving at Anzac Cove, a bit of territory on the Gallipolis peninsula tenuously held by ANZAC forces (the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), Smythe soon discovers that events on the ground do not match up with what Englishmen are reading in their daily newspapers. The situation is much more dire, more savage than could be imagined. He would like to reveal the truth if only the War Office would allow him.
As horrible as the warfare is, Smythe becomes aware of another evil, something primal and mysterious, a force that defies human understanding. A cataclysmic world war is child’s play for this evil power.
Murray’s tale of historical horror is an absolute page-turner. It is fully embedded in history until . . . it’s not. And that is where the horror lies. I do not want to give away too much of the story, so I will only say that I rate Despatches as one of the best works of historical horror that I have read in a long time.
November 22, 2023
I have a passion for history and certain eras from the past appeal to me in particular. With regard to WWI, the part my own family played in it has drawn me to books which treat of those times, fiction and non-fiction, and which help to give me some insight into how those who were there fared. During WWI, my great-grandfather served in the Dardanelles, the Somme, Ypres. My nan said he never spoke of his experiences but he did like a drink and after I discovered where he had served by tracking through his war sickness records which revealed his postings, I understood why. Many war records were destroyed during WWII, so those records which reveal bouts of dysentery and enteritis (mentioned in the book) were invaluable.
This interest, this family connection, drew me to the Despatches. Having researched some of what happened at the time, Murray's descriptions, details and just overall presentation ring absolutely true. The attention to detail is spot on, the characters are believable and the monster which lurks beneath this story also becomes credible. In a way, although the monster is the subject of his investigations, it is very much a secondary character and it is Smythe's search for the truth which is the driver of the story. He seeks to give a voice to all, to the soldier, nurse, even the enemy as he gathers his stories, whilst his official reports are censored and redacted. With this in mind, to me, the monster becomes more of a symbol of those in authority who sit safely elsewhere whilst sending so many to certain death and hiding the truth at the same time. The warmongers lurk in the shadows and so does this monster, there is little difference between them.
An excellent read.
This interest, this family connection, drew me to the Despatches. Having researched some of what happened at the time, Murray's descriptions, details and just overall presentation ring absolutely true. The attention to detail is spot on, the characters are believable and the monster which lurks beneath this story also becomes credible. In a way, although the monster is the subject of his investigations, it is very much a secondary character and it is Smythe's search for the truth which is the driver of the story. He seeks to give a voice to all, to the soldier, nurse, even the enemy as he gathers his stories, whilst his official reports are censored and redacted. With this in mind, to me, the monster becomes more of a symbol of those in authority who sit safely elsewhere whilst sending so many to certain death and hiding the truth at the same time. The warmongers lurk in the shadows and so does this monster, there is little difference between them.
An excellent read.
August 31, 2023
This is a tour de force that melds World War One action and supernatural intrigue into a page-turning narrative.
Murray's writing pulls readers into the heart of the story with vivid descriptions and finely tuned emotional depth. Characters, such as Cassius Smyth, are relatable. Their struggles and fears, amidst the twin terrors of combat and the uncanny, keeps you hooked.
What I particularly liked about "Despatches" is its blend of military realism and supernatural elements. Murray effortlessly weaves together these disparate genres, crafting a novel that is adrenaline-fueled action and spine-tingling suspense. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research are evident, particularly concerning the plight of young Australian soldiers sent to Gallipoli to become cannon fodder. This lends an authentic feel to the military aspects of the story. Cassius Smythe is a likeable main character and his journal entries make for an epistolatory feel reminiscent of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The pacing is skilfully managed, delivering a rollercoaster of suspense as characters confront both the horrors of war and the mystery of the unseen monster, which may or may not be lurking nearby. Each chapter leaves you wanting more, while the overarching narrative ties everything together in a satisfying way.
"Despatches" is a testament to Lee Murray's storytelling prowess, offering readers an electrifying reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Whether you like historical fiction, supernatural thrillers, or simply well-crafted tales, this horror is a must-read that showcases the author's exceptional creativity and literary finesse.
Murray's writing pulls readers into the heart of the story with vivid descriptions and finely tuned emotional depth. Characters, such as Cassius Smyth, are relatable. Their struggles and fears, amidst the twin terrors of combat and the uncanny, keeps you hooked.
What I particularly liked about "Despatches" is its blend of military realism and supernatural elements. Murray effortlessly weaves together these disparate genres, crafting a novel that is adrenaline-fueled action and spine-tingling suspense. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research are evident, particularly concerning the plight of young Australian soldiers sent to Gallipoli to become cannon fodder. This lends an authentic feel to the military aspects of the story. Cassius Smythe is a likeable main character and his journal entries make for an epistolatory feel reminiscent of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The pacing is skilfully managed, delivering a rollercoaster of suspense as characters confront both the horrors of war and the mystery of the unseen monster, which may or may not be lurking nearby. Each chapter leaves you wanting more, while the overarching narrative ties everything together in a satisfying way.
"Despatches" is a testament to Lee Murray's storytelling prowess, offering readers an electrifying reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Whether you like historical fiction, supernatural thrillers, or simply well-crafted tales, this horror is a must-read that showcases the author's exceptional creativity and literary finesse.
September 16, 2023
This might be a novella, but it packs one heck of a punch, nevertheless.
The Gallipolli campaign of WWI as seen through the eyes of Cassius Smythe, a wartime correspondent. And it is nothing like what everyone is reading in their newspapers, from the comfort of their armchairs at home.
I have long been fascinated by the history of warfare, both WWI and WWII. The Gallipolli campaign and the brave ANZACs who participated were part of history that was taught at school. Every year we celebrate ANZAC day with remembrances all over the country. And yet, this event was so awful for the people who were there.
What if the hideous loss of life from both sides had a supernatural element to it? Not only did both sides have to contend with the bullets and the mines but also something that lurked in the trenches and in the ocean?
Lee Murray is very clever, the way she weaves history and fantasy together and makes an incredible story. Cassius is a fabulous central character, the way his letters home contrast with what he is actually allowed to send through to be printed in the newspapers. And his letters to John hint at a life that he would like to live but is unable to because of the times he is living in.....
As always, reading about any aspect of war makes me very sad for the incredible loss of life, all those young people who could have gone on to do amazing things but never got the chance.
Anyhow, if you want a confronting yet very real story about everyday life in the trenches with a bit of a supernatural twist, this would fit the bill!
5 stars from me.
The Gallipolli campaign of WWI as seen through the eyes of Cassius Smythe, a wartime correspondent. And it is nothing like what everyone is reading in their newspapers, from the comfort of their armchairs at home.
I have long been fascinated by the history of warfare, both WWI and WWII. The Gallipolli campaign and the brave ANZACs who participated were part of history that was taught at school. Every year we celebrate ANZAC day with remembrances all over the country. And yet, this event was so awful for the people who were there.
What if the hideous loss of life from both sides had a supernatural element to it? Not only did both sides have to contend with the bullets and the mines but also something that lurked in the trenches and in the ocean?
Lee Murray is very clever, the way she weaves history and fantasy together and makes an incredible story. Cassius is a fabulous central character, the way his letters home contrast with what he is actually allowed to send through to be printed in the newspapers. And his letters to John hint at a life that he would like to live but is unable to because of the times he is living in.....
As always, reading about any aspect of war makes me very sad for the incredible loss of life, all those young people who could have gone on to do amazing things but never got the chance.
Anyhow, if you want a confronting yet very real story about everyday life in the trenches with a bit of a supernatural twist, this would fit the bill!
5 stars from me.
August 26, 2023
I have just finished reading your novella, Despatches. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. Literally, I couldn’t put it down! This is a real enthralling page turner, sure to satisfy all horror fans, woven through the tragic events of the Great War. I commend your bravery, tackling such a poignant moment in New Zealand history, and wrapping a horrendous sea monster, into the plot. Oh and the ending is PERFECT! How you managed to take us on such an intense and intimate journey into the depths of Gallipoli, through the eyes of several characters, is a testament to your phenomenal writing skills! The formatting held me spellbound, I truly felt for each and every one of them, who each had a tragic story to tell. Cassius, a character to behold. There were moments with him, I could almost feel his breath against my cheek; you brought him in so close! Thank you for the privilege of reading this beautiful story. The authors note at the end, it’s a beautiful way to conclude the book. I wanted to keep reading!
September 10, 2023
I love historical and horror, so I was very excited to get an ARC of Lee Murray's latest book. The juxtaposition of eldritch monsters with the very real horrors of war was so brilliantly done and makes the reader ponder which is really the most horrifying.
As an American, most WWI stories I've been exposed to were from the view of Americans, Canadians, or the English. So it was VERY refreshing and intriguing to learn about the Austrailians, Maori, and New Zealand's role in the war.
And instead of the played out settings of France, England, and Germany, we get to read about a battle set in the Dardanelles strait in Turkey. The author's meticulous research shone through and gave the reader real historical details of that battle along with sympathetic characters, and some very scary monsters.
A very fun read! I highly recommend it!
As an American, most WWI stories I've been exposed to were from the view of Americans, Canadians, or the English. So it was VERY refreshing and intriguing to learn about the Austrailians, Maori, and New Zealand's role in the war.
And instead of the played out settings of France, England, and Germany, we get to read about a battle set in the Dardanelles strait in Turkey. The author's meticulous research shone through and gave the reader real historical details of that battle along with sympathetic characters, and some very scary monsters.
A very fun read! I highly recommend it!
September 11, 2023
This latest book by the absolutely wonderful Lee Murray does not disappoint.
Set in the times of The Great War, I have never really had an interest to read tales of derring do but was offered a chance. I leapt for it as it was by one of my absolute favourite authors. Plus my birthday is on ANZAC Day. I wasn’t taught about the wars at school as that was further on in the history syllabus. I felt the visceral depictions of death horrific but, in my head, justified. You cannot escape the brutalities and atrocities of war. It is real.
Surprisingly, newspapers hide the truth!! Some things never change.
Let me tell you, I was not disappointed! I read it in two sittings as I had to have a couple of hours sleep in-between. Not only did I learn about aspects of the war, but it had a delicious thread of supernaturality running through it.
Loved it!
Set in the times of The Great War, I have never really had an interest to read tales of derring do but was offered a chance. I leapt for it as it was by one of my absolute favourite authors. Plus my birthday is on ANZAC Day. I wasn’t taught about the wars at school as that was further on in the history syllabus. I felt the visceral depictions of death horrific but, in my head, justified. You cannot escape the brutalities and atrocities of war. It is real.
Surprisingly, newspapers hide the truth!! Some things never change.
Let me tell you, I was not disappointed! I read it in two sittings as I had to have a couple of hours sleep in-between. Not only did I learn about aspects of the war, but it had a delicious thread of supernaturality running through it.
Loved it!
December 13, 2023
I received an eARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was already excited about this book but then, after receiving a strong recommendation from Alan Baxter, I was even more excited about it. And rightly so.
Written in epistolary form, comprising journal entries, letters and newspaper articles (mostly) by the main character, we get a picture of the horrors of the Dardanelles theatre of war in 1915. The representation of the horrors of the battle itself would be bad enough, but then there are the ... other ... things terrorizing the troops.
The feeding in of elements of the ANZAC troops in the offensive, the Maori battalion and one character from it who is a sort of prophet, was fascinating. The unspoken elements of the main character's life are handled wonderfully.
A skilfully written, compulsive read. Highly recommended!
I was already excited about this book but then, after receiving a strong recommendation from Alan Baxter, I was even more excited about it. And rightly so.
Written in epistolary form, comprising journal entries, letters and newspaper articles (mostly) by the main character, we get a picture of the horrors of the Dardanelles theatre of war in 1915. The representation of the horrors of the battle itself would be bad enough, but then there are the ... other ... things terrorizing the troops.
The feeding in of elements of the ANZAC troops in the offensive, the Maori battalion and one character from it who is a sort of prophet, was fascinating. The unspoken elements of the main character's life are handled wonderfully.
A skilfully written, compulsive read. Highly recommended!
August 26, 2023
This is a fresh look at the Anzac's battle for Turkish soil. A story packed with vivid imagery, it describes the toll war has on the minds of men. Lee Murray uses diary entries, conversations and newspaper reports to paint a picture of the suffering, personal triumphs and the hell that was Gallipoli; while the censor's pen kept the truth from those at home waiting for their sons, husbands and fathers to return. A time when evil manifests itself in many forms. The author is not afraid to portray the madness of war that drives men crazy, until they see things beyond belief--or are their visions real?
An interesting read that challenges the way we celebrate, even today, a defeat that cost the lives of so many--and are the memories we treasure really what happened?
Deryn Pittar
An interesting read that challenges the way we celebrate, even today, a defeat that cost the lives of so many--and are the memories we treasure really what happened?
Deryn Pittar
August 27, 2023
A masterclass in weaving myth into the darkest gaps in history, Lee Murray’s latest novella is at once moving and disturbing. Murray’s writing breathes life to the very human face of the Allied Campaign and conjures terrifying cosmic forces that lie behind the madness of war. Among the mud, despair, and death, there are aching moments of connection and ordinary beauty, which hold a bittersweet light against the realisation we are ultimately small and alone against the pitiless dark. Meticulously researched and vividly written, Despatches is outstanding historical horror.
March 26, 2024
The five star reviews are pretty much what I'd say -- however, I'll add that I'm amazed how well written this book is, reading as non-fiction, yet a sea monster enters the picture! it's as realistically described as the battles ongoing in the Dardanelles, 1915. I also wasn't alware that the Maori voluntarily fought on the British side so preceding their involvement in World War II. This is a gem of a book. Highly recommended!
Read
December 10, 2023“Evil has ways of hiding, I think.” Told in epistolary entries, Despatches by Lee Murray combines historic fiction and horror to create a bleak take on an incident in WWI where more than the horrors of war prey on the enlisted soldiers of both sides. With its descriptions of casualties, this novella haunts the reader long after reading the last word.
January 9, 2024
Written through the immediacy of correspondence and articles, this WW1 Lovecraftian account of the battle at Gallipoli drags the reader into the horror of wasted lives. A compelling novella to read before bed on a stormy night.
July 30, 2024
Full review at Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/02/1...
A great modern spin on cosmic, Lovecraftian horror.
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/02/1...
A great modern spin on cosmic, Lovecraftian horror.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews