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The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall
"A fast paced thriller-cum-horror-cum-snarky-dark-comedy with two of the most interesting protagonists I’ve ever encountered."
Victorian London's most incompetent crooks - turned demon hunters - are back.
When Tess Marchant gets a plea for help from an old childhood friend, The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency finds itself heading out to the countryside, to solve a mystery involving a Manor House and its wealthy family cursed by a malevolent demon.
Spencer and Bart find themselves in a world totally unfamiliar to of landed gentry, fearful poachers, and strange creatures which stalk the land at night. Not to mention unwelcome visitors in the form of the mysterious magician Thaddeus, and the ever-present Inspector Jones, just waiting for them to slip up.
Meanwhile, Tess finds herself struggling with a terrifying face from the past - but can this be the clue which unlocks the mystery of Flint Hall?
Advance Reader Review
"As entertaining as its predecessor, Peter Oxley has managed to crank up the humour, whilst keeping up the action packed pace. Victorian London, Demons, Magicians, and a couple of characters you can only enjoy make for a great rollicking read. It rarely lets up." - Alexander Jones
"All of the characters we came to love in the first book are here again, embroiled in new shenanigans with a flair that only they can provide. The mystery they are charged with unravelling takes an unexpected twist, and Oxley's superb writing keeps you turning the pages. The book is a perfect mix of adventure, steampunk, comedy, urban fantasy, and historical mystery." - Kelly Young
"An adventurous, outlandish and incredibly entertaining treat from beginning to end." - John Derek
"This steampunky-historical-urban fantasy set in Victorian London/English countryside is just a fun read when you want something humorous and diverting. As such, it is a great read for the beach, travel, and when you want to shut your brain off and just enjoy a solid read with some good laughs." - Andrea Joki
"An easy, fun filled, read." - Peter Thorburn
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is the sequel to The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency, and the second book in the Spencer & Bart series, described by readers
"A terrifying, thrilling, almost non-stop journey into magic, privilege, and mystery. Absolutely brilliant."
"A fantastic, fun and demonic treat."
"A fast paced mystery adventure"
Victorian London's most incompetent crooks - turned demon hunters - are back.
When Tess Marchant gets a plea for help from an old childhood friend, The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency finds itself heading out to the countryside, to solve a mystery involving a Manor House and its wealthy family cursed by a malevolent demon.
Spencer and Bart find themselves in a world totally unfamiliar to of landed gentry, fearful poachers, and strange creatures which stalk the land at night. Not to mention unwelcome visitors in the form of the mysterious magician Thaddeus, and the ever-present Inspector Jones, just waiting for them to slip up.
Meanwhile, Tess finds herself struggling with a terrifying face from the past - but can this be the clue which unlocks the mystery of Flint Hall?
Advance Reader Review
"As entertaining as its predecessor, Peter Oxley has managed to crank up the humour, whilst keeping up the action packed pace. Victorian London, Demons, Magicians, and a couple of characters you can only enjoy make for a great rollicking read. It rarely lets up." - Alexander Jones
"All of the characters we came to love in the first book are here again, embroiled in new shenanigans with a flair that only they can provide. The mystery they are charged with unravelling takes an unexpected twist, and Oxley's superb writing keeps you turning the pages. The book is a perfect mix of adventure, steampunk, comedy, urban fantasy, and historical mystery." - Kelly Young
"An adventurous, outlandish and incredibly entertaining treat from beginning to end." - John Derek
"This steampunky-historical-urban fantasy set in Victorian London/English countryside is just a fun read when you want something humorous and diverting. As such, it is a great read for the beach, travel, and when you want to shut your brain off and just enjoy a solid read with some good laughs." - Andrea Joki
"An easy, fun filled, read." - Peter Thorburn
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is the sequel to The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency, and the second book in the Spencer & Bart series, described by readers
"A terrifying, thrilling, almost non-stop journey into magic, privilege, and mystery. Absolutely brilliant."
"A fantastic, fun and demonic treat."
"A fast paced mystery adventure"
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
27 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Peter Oxley
11 books22 followersPete Oxley leads a double life - by day a coach and trainer for nervous wedding speakers, and by night an author of dark historical fantasy, steampunk and sci-fi. Sometimes he even wears a cape...
A self-confessed geek, when he's not inventing new worlds and writing about them, he can be found devouring books, films and TV programmes on pretty much anything (but with a soft spot for steampunk, sci-fi, fantasy or anything with a zombie in it...).
Author of the Spencer & Bart / Demon Hunting series, "The Infernal Aether" series, and the non-fiction book "The Wedding Speech Manual".
He lives with his wife, two young sons and a slowly growing guitar collection. Aside from writing and willingly speaking in front of large crowds of strangers, Pete spends his spare time playing music badly, supporting football teams that play badly and writing about himself in the third person.
A self-confessed geek, when he's not inventing new worlds and writing about them, he can be found devouring books, films and TV programmes on pretty much anything (but with a soft spot for steampunk, sci-fi, fantasy or anything with a zombie in it...).
Author of the Spencer & Bart / Demon Hunting series, "The Infernal Aether" series, and the non-fiction book "The Wedding Speech Manual".
He lives with his wife, two young sons and a slowly growing guitar collection. Aside from writing and willingly speaking in front of large crowds of strangers, Pete spends his spare time playing music badly, supporting football teams that play badly and writing about himself in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 14, 2024
Following the same line as its predecessor, The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall proved to be just as fun and entertaining as The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency. Our favourite characters, Spencer and Bart, are now joined by Tessa. A wonderful addition to their little hunting agency who found her place seamlessly in their adventures.
The setting of this sequel is different than the first book, this time we aren’t in the streets of London but in a country manor in a small town. The story telling and setting reminded me a lot of murder mysteries with a short list of suspects and an eery manor falling into ruin.
The plot twist at the end was predictable to an extent (I feel like the foreshadowing was a bit too obvious and the characters seemed a little too blind to important clues), but I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting everything that was revealed and was still satisfied with the way it ended.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The setting of this sequel is different than the first book, this time we aren’t in the streets of London but in a country manor in a small town. The story telling and setting reminded me a lot of murder mysteries with a short list of suspects and an eery manor falling into ruin.
The plot twist at the end was predictable to an extent (I feel like the foreshadowing was a bit too obvious and the characters seemed a little too blind to important clues), but I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting everything that was revealed and was still satisfied with the way it ended.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 4, 2024
The 2nd Great Big Demon Agency book starring the affable rogues in Spencer and Bart is another resounding success!
As entertaining as its predecessor, Peter Oxley has managed to crank up the humour, whilst keeping up the action packed pace.
Victorian London, Demons, Magicians, and a couple of characters you can only enjoy make for a great rollicking read. It rarely lets up.
As a reader of book 1, I would very much recommend the reading of that book first to get the full experience and understand the characters and where they are now, but if not, you can still pick it up here.
Sometimes I just want my reading to be enjoyable, light, funny and to leave me wanting more. Peter Oxley ticks those boxes again. A burgeoning new series that I’ve grown to like very much very quickly
As entertaining as its predecessor, Peter Oxley has managed to crank up the humour, whilst keeping up the action packed pace.
Victorian London, Demons, Magicians, and a couple of characters you can only enjoy make for a great rollicking read. It rarely lets up.
As a reader of book 1, I would very much recommend the reading of that book first to get the full experience and understand the characters and where they are now, but if not, you can still pick it up here.
Sometimes I just want my reading to be enjoyable, light, funny and to leave me wanting more. Peter Oxley ticks those boxes again. A burgeoning new series that I’ve grown to like very much very quickly
December 26, 2023
Review:
Spencer and Bart’s first book, “The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency”, was my last read of 2022 and it was definitely enjoyable. Because of that, when I saw their second book listed on NetGalley this close to the end of 2023, I figured there was no better way to potentially end the reading year again (we’ll see if more happens in the next couple days!) than with these two bumbling cons gone good.
What I liked:
🔍 My two biggest gripes for book one were it wasn’t as humorous as I thought it would be and it wasn’t as action-packed as I thought it would be. Not sure if Peter Oxley directly read my review and said, “I’ll show her,” but these gripes of mine did not reoccur in this second book.
The book starts out with one hell of a fight that is definitely memorable, and similar fights (or almost encounters) with the demon of Flint Hall are similarly familiar. More depth was added to the fights, and having Tess involved in many of them also helped since it was another person to keep track of in the brawl.
As far as funny goes, this one was filled with more witty banter and well written sarcasm than book 1, especially given more “main characters”. I did find myself laughing aloud while reading this second installment in the series, instead of appreciative “hmmmms” like book 1.
🔍 I liked that I didn’t see the ending coming. I had my suspicions throughout the story of what was happening, and none of it was correct. Nor did I connect the big “breakthrough” at the end. It was genius.
🔍 I loved Tess’s character development in this one! She really leaned into her uniqueness and became a true leader. The way Oxley wrote her character especially, her interactions with and about Spencer and Bart, were fantastic, because it didn’t place her in a spot of becoming their leader because she thought she was better than them (which could have easily come across that way), but because she was turning a new leaf in her own life and wanted to surround herself with great people. Rather than having her come across as bossy, it definitely cemented the partnership between the three of them and what she brings to the table.
🔍Of course, I loved seeing my Thaddeus make another couple of appearances. I’m also not sure if it was wishful thinking on my part or if I was truly spying a little love connection between him and Tess, but I would 100% be down for that!
🔍Speaking of romance, there did seem to be inklings of crushes and whatnot far more apparently in this installment. Hopefully this is representative of what is to come. That would make this hopeless romantic scream with joy, as that’s really all these books are missing at this point!
Thank you to NetGalley, Burning Chair, and Peter Oxley for the opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Spencer and Bart’s first book, “The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency”, was my last read of 2022 and it was definitely enjoyable. Because of that, when I saw their second book listed on NetGalley this close to the end of 2023, I figured there was no better way to potentially end the reading year again (we’ll see if more happens in the next couple days!) than with these two bumbling cons gone good.
What I liked:
🔍 My two biggest gripes for book one were it wasn’t as humorous as I thought it would be and it wasn’t as action-packed as I thought it would be. Not sure if Peter Oxley directly read my review and said, “I’ll show her,” but these gripes of mine did not reoccur in this second book.
The book starts out with one hell of a fight that is definitely memorable, and similar fights (or almost encounters) with the demon of Flint Hall are similarly familiar. More depth was added to the fights, and having Tess involved in many of them also helped since it was another person to keep track of in the brawl.
As far as funny goes, this one was filled with more witty banter and well written sarcasm than book 1, especially given more “main characters”. I did find myself laughing aloud while reading this second installment in the series, instead of appreciative “hmmmms” like book 1.
🔍 I liked that I didn’t see the ending coming. I had my suspicions throughout the story of what was happening, and none of it was correct. Nor did I connect the big “breakthrough” at the end. It was genius.
🔍 I loved Tess’s character development in this one! She really leaned into her uniqueness and became a true leader. The way Oxley wrote her character especially, her interactions with and about Spencer and Bart, were fantastic, because it didn’t place her in a spot of becoming their leader because she thought she was better than them (which could have easily come across that way), but because she was turning a new leaf in her own life and wanted to surround herself with great people. Rather than having her come across as bossy, it definitely cemented the partnership between the three of them and what she brings to the table.
🔍Of course, I loved seeing my Thaddeus make another couple of appearances. I’m also not sure if it was wishful thinking on my part or if I was truly spying a little love connection between him and Tess, but I would 100% be down for that!
🔍Speaking of romance, there did seem to be inklings of crushes and whatnot far more apparently in this installment. Hopefully this is representative of what is to come. That would make this hopeless romantic scream with joy, as that’s really all these books are missing at this point!
Thank you to NetGalley, Burning Chair, and Peter Oxley for the opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
January 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I didn't know this was the second book until after I'd finished. That said, it works really well as a standalone as the reader is given enough explanation about the trio's background to have it make sense.
Spencer, Bart, and Tess have been asked to help hunt a demon before it harms someone. While Tess (aka Lady Marchant and the group's entre to helping aristocrats) is the ostensible leader of the group, Spencer and Bart have distinct personalities that don't change whether they're talking to servants, constables, or aristocrats. They know what they don't know and they don't let anyone make them embarrassed about their upbringing or their past.
The story takes place outside of London on a country estate and the action scenes and planning scenes are kept in good balance. Not having read the first book I wasn't aware, but demons do exist in this universe. They're like people with some troublemakers and some hard workers. I didn't hear nearly enough about Trevor to be satisfied. Can he please show up in the next book?
This is a a good mix of mystery and fun. I'll be looking for the first book to get up to speed, and for any further books after.
I didn't know this was the second book until after I'd finished. That said, it works really well as a standalone as the reader is given enough explanation about the trio's background to have it make sense.
Spencer, Bart, and Tess have been asked to help hunt a demon before it harms someone. While Tess (aka Lady Marchant and the group's entre to helping aristocrats) is the ostensible leader of the group, Spencer and Bart have distinct personalities that don't change whether they're talking to servants, constables, or aristocrats. They know what they don't know and they don't let anyone make them embarrassed about their upbringing or their past.
The story takes place outside of London on a country estate and the action scenes and planning scenes are kept in good balance. Not having read the first book I wasn't aware, but demons do exist in this universe. They're like people with some troublemakers and some hard workers. I didn't hear nearly enough about Trevor to be satisfied. Can he please show up in the next book?
This is a a good mix of mystery and fun. I'll be looking for the first book to get up to speed, and for any further books after.
April 3, 2024
Another adventure from our favorite duo Spencer and Bart? Oh yes! Their little agency got fresh blood addition, Tessa who make whole adventure at this sequel become extra entertaining.
The setting is changing but the story telling still light, fresh and brimming with potential. I love all the humor, sarcasm and easygoing banter between characters. Totally engaging and I enjoyed my reading time with this book.
I recommend readers to start from book one for enrich the experiences and know the characters growth better.
Thank you to Netgalley and Burning Chair for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 25 January 2024
The setting is changing but the story telling still light, fresh and brimming with potential. I love all the humor, sarcasm and easygoing banter between characters. Totally engaging and I enjoyed my reading time with this book.
I recommend readers to start from book one for enrich the experiences and know the characters growth better.
Thank you to Netgalley and Burning Chair for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 25 January 2024
December 28, 2023
Peter Oxley has once again written a fun, action-packed book with The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall.
All of the characters we came to love in the first book are here again, embroiled in new shenanigans with a flair that only they can provide. The mystery they are charged with unravelling takes an unexpected twist, and Oxley's superb writing keeps you turning the pages.
The book is a perfect mix of adventure, steampunk, comedy, urban fantasy, and historical mystery.
I was happy to get an ARC of #TheGreatBigDemonofFlintHall from #NetGalley .
All of the characters we came to love in the first book are here again, embroiled in new shenanigans with a flair that only they can provide. The mystery they are charged with unravelling takes an unexpected twist, and Oxley's superb writing keeps you turning the pages.
The book is a perfect mix of adventure, steampunk, comedy, urban fantasy, and historical mystery.
I was happy to get an ARC of #TheGreatBigDemonofFlintHall from #NetGalley .
January 20, 2024
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
If you liked the first book, rest assured this sequel uses the same formula as we follow our affable 'bad-guys-turned-g00d' Spencer and Bart and their battles with the supernatural (and people). Their boss, Tess, is a nice counter point with all the action, adventure and mischief taking place around our former thieves. As well, the usual suspects all appear - from suspicious Inspector Jones to the mysterious Thaddeus.Story: Tess' agency is approached by a former schoolmate to help root out and destroy a curse that may cost a nobleman's life. So the three demon hunters head to a country estate in order to determine if there is a curse, a demon, and potential danger.
Author Oxley catches his stride here and ramps up the humor and adventure, making this an excellent sequel to a decent first book. Spencer and Bart have their usual fun banter but we also get a lot more backstory on Tess. As such, this isn't a 'monster-of-the-week' so much a further exploration of the events of the first book. Does that mean you need to have read the first book or be lost? Heck no. This is a light and fun read with the backstory explained neatly but not annoyingly.
This steampunky-historical-urban fantasy set in Victorian London/English countryside is just a fun read when you want something humorous and diverting. As such, it is a great read for the beach, travel, and when you want to shut your brain off and just enjoy a solid read with some good laughs. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
January 25, 2024
Bart and Spencer are much better at demon hunting than at finances and, as a result, The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency is quickly running out of funds. But Tess, their once employer and now partner, is determined to turn things around. The chance comes when an old friend of hers wants to hire them to help break a family curse on her home Flint Hall under which her father will die when he turns sixty in just a few days and now it seems a demon is prowling around the grounds..
Bart and Spencer aren’t so sure about taking the job despite the huge pay offered partly because curses are not something they want to deal with but mainly it means leaving London and on a train, two things they have never done and which seem much scarier than fighting demons. However, Tess is adamant and they finally agree. But when they arrive at Flint Hall, something seems off right from the beginning and whatever is happening is a whole lot worse than a simple rampaging demon.
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is the second book in the Spencer and Bart alternative history series by Peter Oxley and it is just as much fun as the first. It’s fast paced with a nice touch of humour. The three main protagonists are extremely likeable and although I guessed fairly quickly who was behind the curse, I was not prepared for the big reveal at the end. There are a lot of references to the action in the first book and I’m not sure this would work as a standalone. But, if you enjoy a good monster tale with a decent mystery and likeable characters, this series might be just what you’re looking for.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Bart and Spencer aren’t so sure about taking the job despite the huge pay offered partly because curses are not something they want to deal with but mainly it means leaving London and on a train, two things they have never done and which seem much scarier than fighting demons. However, Tess is adamant and they finally agree. But when they arrive at Flint Hall, something seems off right from the beginning and whatever is happening is a whole lot worse than a simple rampaging demon.
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is the second book in the Spencer and Bart alternative history series by Peter Oxley and it is just as much fun as the first. It’s fast paced with a nice touch of humour. The three main protagonists are extremely likeable and although I guessed fairly quickly who was behind the curse, I was not prepared for the big reveal at the end. There are a lot of references to the action in the first book and I’m not sure this would work as a standalone. But, if you enjoy a good monster tale with a decent mystery and likeable characters, this series might be just what you’re looking for.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
January 14, 2024
I love Victorian detective stories, and when I chose this, I think I was maybe expecting a sort of young adult take on Sherlock Holmes. That wasn't really what this was, but I enjoyed it.
The main characters were Bart and Spencer, and I felt that they didn't get much of an introduction; I felt that as a reader, I didn't have much of a chance to get to know them before the story started. As this is the second book in a series, maybe some readers would feel that wasn't needed, but it did make me wish I'd read the previous book first.
I found the characters humorous, and found myself chuckling as I was reading, and while this didn't really feel like a detective story to me, it was a fun adventure story. It was a very light, easy read, and probably the type of book that I'd choose to relax with in the evening, so I would be interested in reading more of the books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
The main characters were Bart and Spencer, and I felt that they didn't get much of an introduction; I felt that as a reader, I didn't have much of a chance to get to know them before the story started. As this is the second book in a series, maybe some readers would feel that wasn't needed, but it did make me wish I'd read the previous book first.
I found the characters humorous, and found myself chuckling as I was reading, and while this didn't really feel like a detective story to me, it was a fun adventure story. It was a very light, easy read, and probably the type of book that I'd choose to relax with in the evening, so I would be interested in reading more of the books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
December 17, 2023
This is a fast-paced, intelligent sequel to the the equally brilliant 'The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency' which came out earlier this year. It's got more of a murder mystery vibe than the first book and works as a stand-alone adventure with the same varied cast of characters revolving around Spencer and Bart, the hapless duo who seem to lurch from one crisis to another. I really enjoyed it and this is a great progression of the story from the original.
Full disclosure: I received an early review copy of the book, but I can honestly write here that I loved it.
Here's to (hopefully) a third book in the series!
Full disclosure: I received an early review copy of the book, but I can honestly write here that I loved it.
Here's to (hopefully) a third book in the series!
January 17, 2024
An easy, fun filled, read. The worst thieves in London showing their life skills are better suited to demon hunting. A Lady fighting social expectations of what a Lady should be, now showing everyone her true metal with the aforementioned pair as her demon hunting associates. The demons better watch out. And those involved in skulduggery better watch out too!!! Thank you to Burning Chair and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
May 12, 2024
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall
Set some several months after Book 1, Tess, Spencer & Bart are approached by a childhood friend of Tess’s whose family are in dire need of their particular talents.
They journey to Flint Hall the ancestral home of the Beaumont’s to find strange goings on and their own lives in peril.
Peter Oxley writes a twisting tale of revenge and skullduggery that keeps the reader on their toes.
Set some several months after Book 1, Tess, Spencer & Bart are approached by a childhood friend of Tess’s whose family are in dire need of their particular talents.
They journey to Flint Hall the ancestral home of the Beaumont’s to find strange goings on and their own lives in peril.
Peter Oxley writes a twisting tale of revenge and skullduggery that keeps the reader on their toes.
May 13, 2025
fun story
This is the second Spencer and Bart book I’ve read. The stories are well written with a fun take on demons in London. Characters from the first book The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency get more development and you can see how there is room for more. I’m looking forward to book three.
This is the second Spencer and Bart book I’ve read. The stories are well written with a fun take on demons in London. Characters from the first book The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency get more development and you can see how there is room for more. I’m looking forward to book three.
Read
December 31, 2023*I received an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.*
This was a fun book, full of quirky and amusing characters. A woman and two ex-criminals are hired to defeat a demon resulting from a curse. This book is a sequel, and I think it I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the previous book and had a better idea of the history of the characters. Overall, a fun read.
This was a fun book, full of quirky and amusing characters. A woman and two ex-criminals are hired to defeat a demon resulting from a curse. This book is a sequel, and I think it I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the previous book and had a better idea of the history of the characters. Overall, a fun read.
April 28, 2024
A great second outting!!!
I was wondering whether the next volume would be able to live up to the humour of the first.
Yes it does will a mystery to be solved as well
Can't wait for volume 3 to come out !!
I was wondering whether the next volume would be able to live up to the humour of the first.
Yes it does will a mystery to be solved as well
Can't wait for volume 3 to come out !!
November 14, 2024
Another little belter of a story! If you’ve read the first one then you know what you’re getting so you won’t be disappointed. The story ticks along nicely and whilst the big reveal at the end you’ll have probably guessed it’s still a fun little book. Give it a go!
February 15, 2024
Good book
I enjoyed this book an all others by this author they are funny and have likeable characters I will be reading the next book soon
I enjoyed this book an all others by this author they are funny and have likeable characters I will be reading the next book soon
February 22, 2024
Spencer, Bart and Tess return and the Demon Agency is hired to help the family of an old friend of Tess's. Good book that moves at a nice pace, with some nieces twists and turns.
March 21, 2024
Cozy Fantasy Mystery
I love this series! It's a cozy version of Supernatural! I can't wait to read the next story! Love it!
I love this series! It's a cozy version of Supernatural! I can't wait to read the next story! Love it!
January 26, 2024
Rating: 5
Genre: Supernatural Mystery
Thank you Burning Chair for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.
Summary:
Spencer and Bart - crooks turned demon hunters - are back, and in serious need of money. Thier efforts of ridding London’s streets of violent demons are more…explosive than people would prefer. And it really doesn’t help that Inspector Jones is waiting for a chance to arrest them at every turn. Their partner, Tess - a proper lady turned business woman - tries her best to provide clients and hunting inventions, but money is running low. So when her childhood friend, Emilia, reaches out with a demonic problem (and a large sum of cash), Tess jumps at the chance while Spencer and Bart, though skeptical, trail along. They are led to Flint Manor, a lovely estate in the countryside that houses the Beaumont family.
But all is not as it seems. The Beaumonts claim a curse has plagued the family, and at night, everyone can hear a demonic howl emnating from the woods. The more Spencer, Bart, and Tess investigate, the more things don’t add up. Strange noises come from the attic, the townsfolk whisper of the Beaumont’s strange secrets, the grim magician Thaddeus keeps popping up, and Tess’s traumatic memories keep flaring up, as if connect to the place. It will take Spencer quick and somtimes crooked wit, Bart’s brute strength paired with innocent determination, and Tess’s detective skills to solve this deceptive mystery and stop the demonic curse.
What I Liked:
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is a supernatural mystery that is witty, thrilling, and most of all, fun. The plot follows our three main characters - Spencer, Bart, and Tess, as they try to solve the case of the haunted family and what really is going on behind their walls, discovering new clues, odd informations, and startling secrets along the way. There are demons, bloody murders, dark woods, tension conversations, thrown accusations, tampering memories, and other dark hijinks as the mystery folds before the readers and pieces fall into the place. The ending was not obvious, which is always nice in a mystery. The writing is told in a omnipresent voice, and will bounce between Spencer’s, Bart’s, and Tess’s perspectives (along with a few others) and inner thoughts seamlessly and clearly so readers will knows who is talking/thinking, a hard writing skill to pull off. The three protagonists are fantastic, each distinct in personality and voice. Spencer and Bart are especially humorous, lightening the story with snark, comedic timing, and jokes, sometimes at the expense of themselves. Their chemistry really brings the story to life, and readers will just want to see them interact and eventually succeed. Tess is also well done, being the most logical of the three and really thinking things through. There is no dumb character (and that includes Bart) as they all stay true to themselves throughout the story. Overall, a fun, exciting, supernatural thrill that will leave readers pleasantly humored and wanting to see more.
What I Didn’t Like: We could have seen more of the ending plot unfold and the characters figuring everything out, but it didn’t deter from the overall impact of the ending.
Recommend to: Readers who like motley crews forming a partnership, an agency, or a business together to hunt/track down supernatural creatures and solve overarching mysteries, especially set in Victorian/1800s England. For kids, the Lockwood & Co. series (The Screaming Staircase) by Jonathan Stroud and for YA, Jackaby by Willian Ritter are good read-alikes.
Review Date: January 25, 2024
Genre: Supernatural Mystery
Thank you Burning Chair for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.
Summary:
Spencer and Bart - crooks turned demon hunters - are back, and in serious need of money. Thier efforts of ridding London’s streets of violent demons are more…explosive than people would prefer. And it really doesn’t help that Inspector Jones is waiting for a chance to arrest them at every turn. Their partner, Tess - a proper lady turned business woman - tries her best to provide clients and hunting inventions, but money is running low. So when her childhood friend, Emilia, reaches out with a demonic problem (and a large sum of cash), Tess jumps at the chance while Spencer and Bart, though skeptical, trail along. They are led to Flint Manor, a lovely estate in the countryside that houses the Beaumont family.
But all is not as it seems. The Beaumonts claim a curse has plagued the family, and at night, everyone can hear a demonic howl emnating from the woods. The more Spencer, Bart, and Tess investigate, the more things don’t add up. Strange noises come from the attic, the townsfolk whisper of the Beaumont’s strange secrets, the grim magician Thaddeus keeps popping up, and Tess’s traumatic memories keep flaring up, as if connect to the place. It will take Spencer quick and somtimes crooked wit, Bart’s brute strength paired with innocent determination, and Tess’s detective skills to solve this deceptive mystery and stop the demonic curse.
What I Liked:
The Great Big Demon of Flint Hall is a supernatural mystery that is witty, thrilling, and most of all, fun. The plot follows our three main characters - Spencer, Bart, and Tess, as they try to solve the case of the haunted family and what really is going on behind their walls, discovering new clues, odd informations, and startling secrets along the way. There are demons, bloody murders, dark woods, tension conversations, thrown accusations, tampering memories, and other dark hijinks as the mystery folds before the readers and pieces fall into the place. The ending was not obvious, which is always nice in a mystery. The writing is told in a omnipresent voice, and will bounce between Spencer’s, Bart’s, and Tess’s perspectives (along with a few others) and inner thoughts seamlessly and clearly so readers will knows who is talking/thinking, a hard writing skill to pull off. The three protagonists are fantastic, each distinct in personality and voice. Spencer and Bart are especially humorous, lightening the story with snark, comedic timing, and jokes, sometimes at the expense of themselves. Their chemistry really brings the story to life, and readers will just want to see them interact and eventually succeed. Tess is also well done, being the most logical of the three and really thinking things through. There is no dumb character (and that includes Bart) as they all stay true to themselves throughout the story. Overall, a fun, exciting, supernatural thrill that will leave readers pleasantly humored and wanting to see more.
What I Didn’t Like: We could have seen more of the ending plot unfold and the characters figuring everything out, but it didn’t deter from the overall impact of the ending.
Recommend to: Readers who like motley crews forming a partnership, an agency, or a business together to hunt/track down supernatural creatures and solve overarching mysteries, especially set in Victorian/1800s England. For kids, the Lockwood & Co. series (The Screaming Staircase) by Jonathan Stroud and for YA, Jackaby by Willian Ritter are good read-alikes.
Review Date: January 25, 2024
June 1, 2024
Having loved the first instalment of Spencer and Bart I couldn’t wait to start the Great Big Demon of Flint Hall. While I didn’t love it as much as the first book, it was still a an enjoyable read. This one took on a more murder mystery type trope which isn’t my favourite. Having said that, I felt it was well executed at if fantasy murder mystery with some witty banter is your thing, this book is for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2025
This is the second Spencer and Bart novel that I’ve read and it’s just as lively and entertaining as the first.
Tess is doing her best to forge a new life for herself as a professional demon hunter and investigator, with the help of Spencer and Bart, of course. But it isn’t easy. So when a new lucrative demon hunting job from a childhood friend drops into her lap, she jumps at the chance.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.
Tess is doing her best to forge a new life for herself as a professional demon hunter and investigator, with the help of Spencer and Bart, of course. But it isn’t easy. So when a new lucrative demon hunting job from a childhood friend drops into her lap, she jumps at the chance.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.
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