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Carnacki #1
CARNACKI: The New Adventures
The adventure begins with an invitation to dinner and a story and, for over 100 years, readers have accepted that invitation from Carnacki, The Ghost Finder.
Since his first appearance in 1912, William Hope Hodgson’s Carnacki has continued to thrill and amaze. Armed with his scientific apparatus of cameras and the ever-present ‘electric pentacle’, Carnacki has investigated cases of hauntings and terror both contrived and real!
Collected here are 11 new stories, and one play, featuring Carnacki and his ‘new adventures’! In these tales, he comes face to face with forces from the ‘Outer Monstrosities’ as well as numerous specters and evil curses. Danger and death are Carnacki’s companions and there are things that even the legendary SaaaMaaa Ritual cannot dispel. Thrill to these new stories of a character who has entranced readers for a century and, hopefully, a century yet to come!
Since his first appearance in 1912, William Hope Hodgson’s Carnacki has continued to thrill and amaze. Armed with his scientific apparatus of cameras and the ever-present ‘electric pentacle’, Carnacki has investigated cases of hauntings and terror both contrived and real!
Collected here are 11 new stories, and one play, featuring Carnacki and his ‘new adventures’! In these tales, he comes face to face with forces from the ‘Outer Monstrosities’ as well as numerous specters and evil curses. Danger and death are Carnacki’s companions and there are things that even the legendary SaaaMaaa Ritual cannot dispel. Thrill to these new stories of a character who has entranced readers for a century and, hopefully, a century yet to come!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 23, 2017
While half the world goes ga-ga over the latest pastiche or TV-adaptation of the Great Detective, and the remaining half tries to scare itself to death by discovering the horrific delights churned out of the Mythos, William Hope Hodgson’s ‘Ghost-Finder’, the one & only Carnacki strides purposefully across our landscape treading the line in-between. And I must admit, this anthology of pastiches featuring the Ghost-Finder has it ALL, i.e. everything that one can think of Carnacki and his adventures!
Beginning with a brief but informative ‘Introduction’ from Sam Gifford, the book contains the following works: -
1. “Carnacki: Captain Gault’s Nemesis” by William Meikle: Meikle has been one of the finest practitioners of the particular type of storytelling that combines rip-roaring action, mind-numbing terror, and polished club-like narratives. This story is another standout example of such storytelling.
2. “Monmouth’s Giants” by Josh Reynolds: One of the best stories of this superior anthology, this book deals with giants indeed, as we get too know not only about another adventure of Carnacki, but also about a rakish young knight who hides a steel under his fluffy exterior.
3. “A Gaslight Horror” by P.V. Ross: One of the more staidly told, but quite frightful stories of this collection. Predictable, but good.
4. “Carnacki and the President’s Vampire” by Robert Pohle: A wonderful story full of action, gothic fear, science fictional elements, Red Indians, and Theodore Roosevelt! If this doesn’t get full ratings, I ought to chew my hat.
5. “The Spar: A Story of Carnacki” by Fred Blosser: A solid horror story involving haunting, monstrosities, and possibilities of more stories out of “The Ghost Pirates”.
6. “The Braes of the Blackstarr” by Robert E. Jefferson: One of the most gothic, haunting, and disturbing stories of this collection, this one kept a lot of questions unanswered, but not unsatisfactorily, rather deliciously, asking the reader to fill up the gaps, while imagining themselves against that bleak & chilling backdrop.
7. “The Magician’s Study” by Buck Weiss: A brilliant murder mystery, with Carnacki thrown into the mix.
8. “How They Met Themselves” by Charles R. Rutledge: Another excellent story involving ancient mysteries, doppelgängers, and Carnacki riding to the rescue.
9. “The Haunting of Tranquil House” by Jim Beard: This melancholic story of pain, loss, and death tunes closer to Sgt. Janus stories than that of Carnacki, and left me rather wanting.
10. “The Ghosts of Kuskulana” by Amy K. Marshall: This story, although involving Carnacki, was the most un-Carnackian story of this collection. I enjoyed it immensely, nevertheless.
11. “A Job for Carnacki” by Robert M. Price: A compact, thrilling story.
12. “Audience with the Ghost-Finder” by M.J. Starling: This drama is a little gem that needs to be savoured slowly, after one rushes through it, to appreciate all the Lovecraftian concepts incorporated into it, and how it seamlessly merges into the realm of Hodgson & Carnacki, with a little bit of Holmesiana thrown in.
Overall, I immensely enjoyed this collection. What about you?
Beginning with a brief but informative ‘Introduction’ from Sam Gifford, the book contains the following works: -
1. “Carnacki: Captain Gault’s Nemesis” by William Meikle: Meikle has been one of the finest practitioners of the particular type of storytelling that combines rip-roaring action, mind-numbing terror, and polished club-like narratives. This story is another standout example of such storytelling.
2. “Monmouth’s Giants” by Josh Reynolds: One of the best stories of this superior anthology, this book deals with giants indeed, as we get too know not only about another adventure of Carnacki, but also about a rakish young knight who hides a steel under his fluffy exterior.
3. “A Gaslight Horror” by P.V. Ross: One of the more staidly told, but quite frightful stories of this collection. Predictable, but good.
4. “Carnacki and the President’s Vampire” by Robert Pohle: A wonderful story full of action, gothic fear, science fictional elements, Red Indians, and Theodore Roosevelt! If this doesn’t get full ratings, I ought to chew my hat.
5. “The Spar: A Story of Carnacki” by Fred Blosser: A solid horror story involving haunting, monstrosities, and possibilities of more stories out of “The Ghost Pirates”.
6. “The Braes of the Blackstarr” by Robert E. Jefferson: One of the most gothic, haunting, and disturbing stories of this collection, this one kept a lot of questions unanswered, but not unsatisfactorily, rather deliciously, asking the reader to fill up the gaps, while imagining themselves against that bleak & chilling backdrop.
7. “The Magician’s Study” by Buck Weiss: A brilliant murder mystery, with Carnacki thrown into the mix.
8. “How They Met Themselves” by Charles R. Rutledge: Another excellent story involving ancient mysteries, doppelgängers, and Carnacki riding to the rescue.
9. “The Haunting of Tranquil House” by Jim Beard: This melancholic story of pain, loss, and death tunes closer to Sgt. Janus stories than that of Carnacki, and left me rather wanting.
10. “The Ghosts of Kuskulana” by Amy K. Marshall: This story, although involving Carnacki, was the most un-Carnackian story of this collection. I enjoyed it immensely, nevertheless.
11. “A Job for Carnacki” by Robert M. Price: A compact, thrilling story.
12. “Audience with the Ghost-Finder” by M.J. Starling: This drama is a little gem that needs to be savoured slowly, after one rushes through it, to appreciate all the Lovecraftian concepts incorporated into it, and how it seamlessly merges into the realm of Hodgson & Carnacki, with a little bit of Holmesiana thrown in.
Overall, I immensely enjoyed this collection. What about you?
April 12, 2014
the new Adventures- Reviewed!
I read a book called ‘Carnacki the new adventures’. Prior to this I had no experience with the character at all. It was a total enigma wrapped up in a question mark to me. Carnacki is an early 20th century paranormal detective. Think Sherlock Holmes but with real things that go bump in the night.
I have to say I was unprepared for how much I liked this book. It was a breath of fresh air for me and something completely different. I was actually totally drawn into this book and enjoyed everything about it.
Sure there were some stories that were better than others, but all in all it was just great stuff. This was an anthology by all different writers, but generally the stories were all very good to excellent. There were two very familiar names in there, at least to me. I know Jim Beard and Robert Pohle. As I expected both men wrote excellent tales of ‘Carnacki the Ghost Finder’. I so enjoyed this volume that I’m considering tracking down the original Carnacki tales written a hundred years ago.
If you like supernatural tales with an ‘everyman’ type of hero then this one is for you. I really enjoyed this book.
I read a book called ‘Carnacki the new adventures’. Prior to this I had no experience with the character at all. It was a total enigma wrapped up in a question mark to me. Carnacki is an early 20th century paranormal detective. Think Sherlock Holmes but with real things that go bump in the night.
I have to say I was unprepared for how much I liked this book. It was a breath of fresh air for me and something completely different. I was actually totally drawn into this book and enjoyed everything about it.
Sure there were some stories that were better than others, but all in all it was just great stuff. This was an anthology by all different writers, but generally the stories were all very good to excellent. There were two very familiar names in there, at least to me. I know Jim Beard and Robert Pohle. As I expected both men wrote excellent tales of ‘Carnacki the Ghost Finder’. I so enjoyed this volume that I’m considering tracking down the original Carnacki tales written a hundred years ago.
If you like supernatural tales with an ‘everyman’ type of hero then this one is for you. I really enjoyed this book.
February 12, 2014
This is a collection of stories by various authors, based on the character of "ghost hunter" Thomas Carnacki, created by William Hope Hodgson. I especially liked the stories by William Meikle (who has published his own book of Carnacki stories) and by Lovecraftian scholar Robert M Price (whose story contains echoes of the Biblical story of Job!). Essential for Carnacki fans.
October 6, 2024
The pastiches of William Hope Hodgson's ghost-finder are far and few between. What a shame, given Carnacki's undeniable influence in the subgenre of occult detectives. This anthology attempts to rectify that deficiency and does a remarkable job indeed. Some stories are delightful, some a bit weaker, but overall it's a solid read.
William Meikle - Carnacki: Captain Gault's Nemesis - 5/5
I do so love Meikle's take on Carnacki. It has that slightly unnerving Lovecraftian undertone and over time it evolved into a rich tapestry of interwoven stories. This one is from the early run, introducing another Hodgson's literary personage: Captain Gault into Carnacki's world.
The enterprising captain picked up cursed cargo and now requires an expert's help.
Josh Reynolds - Monmouth's Giants - 4/5
Breaking the established pattern (the postprandial tale narrated by Carnacki himself), and kind of serving as an introductory piece to Reynold's Royal Occultist series, it definitely piqued my interest in Charles St. Cyprian and his adventures.
Carnacki investigates strange occurrences in a crypt and is joined by a rather unexpected company.
P.V. Ross - A Gaslight Horror - 5/5
A very straightforward case - Carnacki is asked for help by a newlywed couple who are haunted in their new home.
Robert Pohle - Carnacki and the President's Vampire - 3/5
I... like the main premise of the vampire entity, yet... something in this story didn't sit well with me. Too many cameos on such a short page count, mayhaps? (Weird, as that is normally something I thrive on...)
Carnacki related the time he helped Theodore Roosevelt and his fiancé.
Fred Blosser - The Spar: A Story of Carnacki - 5/5
A shop owner dealing in marine stores (salvage redistribution) is haunted after he purchased a spar from the debris of the sunk ship Mortzestus of the The Ghost Pirates fame. Can Carnacki help?
Robert E. Jefferson - The Braes of the Blackstarr - 3/5
Carnacki is asked to investigate the disappearance of an academic who went on a photographic expedition. Neat, atmospheric story.
Buck Weiss - The Magician's Study - 5/5
I cannot express how much I love the fact that this is
Carnacki is asked by the widow of a famous stage magician to dispose of his restless spirit that seems to haunt his study, killing those who dare to enter.
Charles R. Rutledge - How They Met Themselves - 3/5
After a walk in ancient woods, where they encountered doppelgangers of themselves, Edward, the son of Sir Hugh Collins, and his fiancé Alice are growing progressively weaker. Sir Collins calls his old friend Carnacki to help.
Jim Beard - The Haunting of Tranquil House - 3/5
Carnacki recounts his investigation into the odd occurrences at Tranquil House, a place of sorrow not fit for living beings.
Amy K. Marshall - The Ghosts of Kuskulana - 4/5
This doesn't feel like a Carnacki story at all, nevertheless, it's beautifully eerie and unnerving.
Carnacki recounts his experience in Alaska, dealing with the haunting of the train over the Copper River.
Robert M. Price - A Job for Carnacki - 3/5
Carnacki comes to the aid of Reverend Lampton who is plagued by a string of calamities.
M.J. Starling - Audience with the Ghost-Finder - 3/5
A screenplay for stage performance.
Carnacki is attempting to save the latest intended victim of a family curse.
William Meikle - Carnacki: Captain Gault's Nemesis - 5/5
I do so love Meikle's take on Carnacki. It has that slightly unnerving Lovecraftian undertone and over time it evolved into a rich tapestry of interwoven stories. This one is from the early run, introducing another Hodgson's literary personage: Captain Gault into Carnacki's world.
The enterprising captain picked up cursed cargo and now requires an expert's help.
Josh Reynolds - Monmouth's Giants - 4/5
Breaking the established pattern (the postprandial tale narrated by Carnacki himself), and kind of serving as an introductory piece to Reynold's Royal Occultist series, it definitely piqued my interest in Charles St. Cyprian and his adventures.
Carnacki investigates strange occurrences in a crypt and is joined by a rather unexpected company.
P.V. Ross - A Gaslight Horror - 5/5
A very straightforward case - Carnacki is asked for help by a newlywed couple who are haunted in their new home.
Robert Pohle - Carnacki and the President's Vampire - 3/5
I... like the main premise of the vampire entity, yet... something in this story didn't sit well with me. Too many cameos on such a short page count, mayhaps? (Weird, as that is normally something I thrive on...)
Carnacki related the time he helped Theodore Roosevelt and his fiancé.
Fred Blosser - The Spar: A Story of Carnacki - 5/5
A shop owner dealing in marine stores (salvage redistribution) is haunted after he purchased a spar from the debris of the sunk ship Mortzestus of the The Ghost Pirates fame. Can Carnacki help?
Robert E. Jefferson - The Braes of the Blackstarr - 3/5
Carnacki is asked to investigate the disappearance of an academic who went on a photographic expedition. Neat, atmospheric story.
Buck Weiss - The Magician's Study - 5/5
I cannot express how much I love the fact that this is
Carnacki is asked by the widow of a famous stage magician to dispose of his restless spirit that seems to haunt his study, killing those who dare to enter.
Charles R. Rutledge - How They Met Themselves - 3/5
After a walk in ancient woods, where they encountered doppelgangers of themselves, Edward, the son of Sir Hugh Collins, and his fiancé Alice are growing progressively weaker. Sir Collins calls his old friend Carnacki to help.
Jim Beard - The Haunting of Tranquil House - 3/5
Carnacki recounts his investigation into the odd occurrences at Tranquil House, a place of sorrow not fit for living beings.
Amy K. Marshall - The Ghosts of Kuskulana - 4/5
This doesn't feel like a Carnacki story at all, nevertheless, it's beautifully eerie and unnerving.
Carnacki recounts his experience in Alaska, dealing with the haunting of the train over the Copper River.
Robert M. Price - A Job for Carnacki - 3/5
Carnacki comes to the aid of Reverend Lampton who is plagued by a string of calamities.
M.J. Starling - Audience with the Ghost-Finder - 3/5
A screenplay for stage performance.
Carnacki is attempting to save the latest intended victim of a family curse.
August 25, 2022
Not too bad a collection of stories, although some of them didn’t have quite the feel one would expect from Carnacki. The play in particular didn’t strike me as being a Carnacki one, although it was an enjoyable enough tale in its own right.
April 12, 2014
the new Adventures- Reviewed!
I read a book called ‘Carnacki the new adventures’. Prior to this I had no experience with the character at all. It was a total enigma wrapped up in a question mark to me. Carnacki is an early 20th century paranormal detective. Think Sherlock Holmes but with real things that go bump in the night.
I have to say I was unprepared for how much I liked this book. It was a breath of fresh air for me and something completely different. I was actually totally drawn into this book and enjoyed everything about it.
Sure there were some stories that were better than others, but all in all it was just great stuff. This was an anthology by all different writers, but generally the stories were all very good to excellent. There were two very familiar names in there, at least to me. I know Jim Beard and Robert Pohle. As I expected both men wrote excellent tales of ‘Carnacki the Ghost Finder’. I so enjoyed this volume that I’m considering tracking down the original Carnacki tales written a hundred years ago.
If you like supernatural tales with an ‘everyman’ type of hero then this one is for you. I really enjoyed this book.
I read a book called ‘Carnacki the new adventures’. Prior to this I had no experience with the character at all. It was a total enigma wrapped up in a question mark to me. Carnacki is an early 20th century paranormal detective. Think Sherlock Holmes but with real things that go bump in the night.
I have to say I was unprepared for how much I liked this book. It was a breath of fresh air for me and something completely different. I was actually totally drawn into this book and enjoyed everything about it.
Sure there were some stories that were better than others, but all in all it was just great stuff. This was an anthology by all different writers, but generally the stories were all very good to excellent. There were two very familiar names in there, at least to me. I know Jim Beard and Robert Pohle. As I expected both men wrote excellent tales of ‘Carnacki the Ghost Finder’. I so enjoyed this volume that I’m considering tracking down the original Carnacki tales written a hundred years ago.
If you like supernatural tales with an ‘everyman’ type of hero then this one is for you. I really enjoyed this book.
April 9, 2014
I'll admit it. Until reading this collection, I was unaware of the character Carnacki and for that I'm slapping myself. 'The Ghost Finder' is a wonderful character steadfast in his ways and at times unpolite. Always present by his side are cameras and his own invention the 'electric pentacle', which help him in his battles against other worldly beings and apparitions.
Each story begins with a dinner invitation from Carnacki and after a generous meal the guests and himself enjoy drinks and smokes as he recounts his adventures. Each author brings a different take to the character, but all stories present the character as he has always been. Also each one is rich in Lovecraftian atmosphere.
Usually with collections I'd go through each tale and rattle off my favorites, but with this collection I found all the tales, enjoyable to read. For fans of Carnacki The Ghost Finder or newbies to the character "Carnacki: The New Adventures" is a must read.
Each story begins with a dinner invitation from Carnacki and after a generous meal the guests and himself enjoy drinks and smokes as he recounts his adventures. Each author brings a different take to the character, but all stories present the character as he has always been. Also each one is rich in Lovecraftian atmosphere.
Usually with collections I'd go through each tale and rattle off my favorites, but with this collection I found all the tales, enjoyable to read. For fans of Carnacki The Ghost Finder or newbies to the character "Carnacki: The New Adventures" is a must read.
August 31, 2016
A mixed bag. Some very fine stories and a few I was less enthusiastic about.
I didn't like one other aspect of some of the stories. The original Carnacki stories were fairly formulaic with each story starting with his friends invited over to dinner, Carnacki recounting his latest adventure after dinner over cigars and drinks, and then their leaving. Several of the stories deviated drastically from this formula in this and in more direct ways. In short, they weren't Carnacki stories at all as much as following the general format of an occult detective investigating abnormal situations. Still some of the stories were quite good with or without the regular trappings and interactions.
I didn't like one other aspect of some of the stories. The original Carnacki stories were fairly formulaic with each story starting with his friends invited over to dinner, Carnacki recounting his latest adventure after dinner over cigars and drinks, and then their leaving. Several of the stories deviated drastically from this formula in this and in more direct ways. In short, they weren't Carnacki stories at all as much as following the general format of an occult detective investigating abnormal situations. Still some of the stories were quite good with or without the regular trappings and interactions.
January 8, 2016
Though at least one of the tales seems to try too hard to sound as if it were from the first decade of the twentieth century, the book is a pleasure to read. Carnacki still has more tales to tell, and I hope they're as entertaining as this lot.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews