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Alderman James Mysteries #1
The Dolocher
The people hate hm, but right now he's the only chance they've got! When murders in the poverty-stricken Liberties begin to be credited to a savage dark beast with the soul of a recently deceased serial killer, Alderman James knows he must take on the case. He sees an all too human hand at work and is determined to win over the people who see him as their enemy. With only the duplicitous and deceitful Hellfire Club member, Mr Edwards, for assistance, James ventures out in the cold, snowy streets in search of the true killer. Can he solve the case and redeem himself once and for all? Or will the fear and anger in the streets finally boil over into chaos? If you like serial killer and detective stories in a historical setting, you'll love this book. Buy Now to put your sleuthing skills to the test!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2014
213 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
European P. Douglas
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 22, 2023
It's to the author's credit that he managed to instil in me a fear that (in the dead of night), transformed innocent shadows into something much more sinister!
Welcome to Dublin 1788,and the world of 'The Dolocher'. Rumours started, then quickly grew,( as dreadful murders took place), that the perpetrator of these murders was a giant black beast that was able to walk on its hind legs, and also that it carried the soul of Thomas Dolocher, a crazed and vicious murderer.
The filthy cobbled streets and alleyways of 18th century Dublin, awash with effluence and all other manner of disgusting matter, is captured perfectly, and together with the incessant rain, it makes for a really atmospheric backdrop to these terrifying crimes. It's a really creepy tale with some good solid characters, and an excellent storyline. A gripping, ultimate page turner, and by the way, I never saw the end coming, that was a great conclusion.
Welcome to Dublin 1788,and the world of 'The Dolocher'. Rumours started, then quickly grew,( as dreadful murders took place), that the perpetrator of these murders was a giant black beast that was able to walk on its hind legs, and also that it carried the soul of Thomas Dolocher, a crazed and vicious murderer.
The filthy cobbled streets and alleyways of 18th century Dublin, awash with effluence and all other manner of disgusting matter, is captured perfectly, and together with the incessant rain, it makes for a really atmospheric backdrop to these terrifying crimes. It's a really creepy tale with some good solid characters, and an excellent storyline. A gripping, ultimate page turner, and by the way, I never saw the end coming, that was a great conclusion.
September 22, 2014
I wrote this, totally biased.
October 4, 2021
Hauntingly Good.
The Dolocher is a serial killer thriller with a bit of the supernatural.
A smart mystery that steers you into multiple directions before you realize that you are lost and never see the ending coming.
The Dolocher is a serial killer thriller with a bit of the supernatural.
A smart mystery that steers you into multiple directions before you realize that you are lost and never see the ending coming.
June 6, 2016
Never heard of the author before, although an interesting first name. Never heard of The Dolocher either, although turns out to be a real deal, Ireland's very own Jack The Ripper. Now I know. This was a surprisingly good read, the author's done a great job recreating the end of 18th century Dublin and the hysteria of the brutal murders that cripples the town with fear. The suspense was maintained until the very end, the characters were very interesting and compelling, particularly Mullins, the gentle giant blacksmith who ultimately is the hero of this novel, despite the book being billed as an Alderman James mystery. The latter is really more of a secondary character, but seems like he'll have more mysteries to solve in the future, since the author is planning on making it a tetratology. Entertaining book for fans of historical mysteries that are somewhat on the dark side. Enjoyable very quick read. Recommended.
January 13, 2015
I keep telling people that there are loads of sites out there that you can subscribe to which send you daily emails with recommendations for free books on them. One such email I got last week suggested The Dolocher by European P. Douglas. I liked the look and sound of it so snapped it up. It’s just been proved to me again the little freebie gems you can get from time to time.
It’s 1788 in Dublin. Thomas Olocher has just been found guilty of the horrific rape and murder of a woman in the city. He is sentenced to death and sent to spend his last night in the towers of The Black Dog prison. Being the coward he was he smuggled in a blade and took his own life before he could be hanged. From that moment on, Dublin Is terrorised by The Dolocher, a mysterious beast on a murderous rampage. Stalking the streets at night, it is said the beast hosts the soul of Olocher and it is searching out the woman who sealed his fate. It falls upon Alderman James and the local blacksmith to solve the mystery before more lives are lost. This proves not to be a simple task.
Hands up again for never hearing of European P. Douglas before but by God what a fantastic name. It’s a name I think you may hear more of in the future after reading this and certainly one I will keep my eye open for. This story initially caught my eye for the period in which it was set. I’m going through a phase of liking the older style horror and this little gothic beauty doesn’t disappoint.
It’s an easy read. The writing is well thought out and flows very well. It centres on the Alderman of Dublin and a mysterious man by the name of Edwards who roam the streets most nights trying to pre-empt an attack by The Dolocher and putting an end to its murderous rampage. As main characters they work very well together, the Alderman being the stereotypical stressed official trying to save the city and his own arse at the same time while Edwards has a more cavalier approach and takes things very lightly, being drunk most of the time. In some ways he reminds me of Hodgson’s Carnacki in his attitude. Also entering the fray are the local blacksmith, Mullins and a local prostitute called Kate. They also work perfectly together becoming closer and closer as the story progresses.
Being set in 1788 you would expect a bleak atmosphere and again this does not disappoint. The descriptions of the awful conditions the people had to live in do at times make you want to vomit but it is very effective in setting the scene. The clear distinction between the lower classes and the upper echelon again shows the awful abuse that was passed down on people for no other reason than snobbery.
When it makes appearances, the beast is creepy. Described as an enormous pig like beast with long black fur and huge slashing teeth that can rip a human throat out in seconds, when you know it’s coming, the heart rate definitely accelerates. The way the story is written you never know when it’s going to attack so you’re on edge for almost all of the story waiting on it to pounce. Think old Hammer films when Peter Cushing is stalking Dracula, creeping down black and white alleys. You know he’s going to jump out. You just don’t know when.
Mr Douglas has written this in such a way that you have no idea who or what The Dolocher may be. Is it Human? Is it a hideous beast? Does it even exist? The answer to this question isn’t revealed until the last few pages of the story and believe me, if you manage to figure out who or what it is before it is revealed, change your name to Sherlock Holmes cause you are a genius.
A well written gothic horror with plenty of heart in mouth moments coupled with “where the hell is it?” moments, The Dolocher is one to read on dark windy nights when you’re in the house by yourself and the electric has just gone off.
Gets a 3.5 stars from me rounded up to 4 cause there still ain’t no half stars.
It’s 1788 in Dublin. Thomas Olocher has just been found guilty of the horrific rape and murder of a woman in the city. He is sentenced to death and sent to spend his last night in the towers of The Black Dog prison. Being the coward he was he smuggled in a blade and took his own life before he could be hanged. From that moment on, Dublin Is terrorised by The Dolocher, a mysterious beast on a murderous rampage. Stalking the streets at night, it is said the beast hosts the soul of Olocher and it is searching out the woman who sealed his fate. It falls upon Alderman James and the local blacksmith to solve the mystery before more lives are lost. This proves not to be a simple task.
Hands up again for never hearing of European P. Douglas before but by God what a fantastic name. It’s a name I think you may hear more of in the future after reading this and certainly one I will keep my eye open for. This story initially caught my eye for the period in which it was set. I’m going through a phase of liking the older style horror and this little gothic beauty doesn’t disappoint.
It’s an easy read. The writing is well thought out and flows very well. It centres on the Alderman of Dublin and a mysterious man by the name of Edwards who roam the streets most nights trying to pre-empt an attack by The Dolocher and putting an end to its murderous rampage. As main characters they work very well together, the Alderman being the stereotypical stressed official trying to save the city and his own arse at the same time while Edwards has a more cavalier approach and takes things very lightly, being drunk most of the time. In some ways he reminds me of Hodgson’s Carnacki in his attitude. Also entering the fray are the local blacksmith, Mullins and a local prostitute called Kate. They also work perfectly together becoming closer and closer as the story progresses.
Being set in 1788 you would expect a bleak atmosphere and again this does not disappoint. The descriptions of the awful conditions the people had to live in do at times make you want to vomit but it is very effective in setting the scene. The clear distinction between the lower classes and the upper echelon again shows the awful abuse that was passed down on people for no other reason than snobbery.
When it makes appearances, the beast is creepy. Described as an enormous pig like beast with long black fur and huge slashing teeth that can rip a human throat out in seconds, when you know it’s coming, the heart rate definitely accelerates. The way the story is written you never know when it’s going to attack so you’re on edge for almost all of the story waiting on it to pounce. Think old Hammer films when Peter Cushing is stalking Dracula, creeping down black and white alleys. You know he’s going to jump out. You just don’t know when.
Mr Douglas has written this in such a way that you have no idea who or what The Dolocher may be. Is it Human? Is it a hideous beast? Does it even exist? The answer to this question isn’t revealed until the last few pages of the story and believe me, if you manage to figure out who or what it is before it is revealed, change your name to Sherlock Holmes cause you are a genius.
A well written gothic horror with plenty of heart in mouth moments coupled with “where the hell is it?” moments, The Dolocher is one to read on dark windy nights when you’re in the house by yourself and the electric has just gone off.
Gets a 3.5 stars from me rounded up to 4 cause there still ain’t no half stars.
June 14, 2017
1788 Dublin and Thomas Olocher, murderer, has been caught but commits suicuide before being hanged. But then Dublin starts being terroised by a beast - the Dolocher, is this the ghost of Olocher?
Alderman James takes it upon himself to catch the beast.
A well-written interesting read.
Alderman James takes it upon himself to catch the beast.
A well-written interesting read.
June 26, 2018
Hauntingly Good
A serial killer thriller with a bit of the supernatural, The Dolocher is a smart mystery that steer you into multiple directions before you realize you are lost and never see the ending coming.
A serial killer thriller with a bit of the supernatural, The Dolocher is a smart mystery that steer you into multiple directions before you realize you are lost and never see the ending coming.
January 27, 2018
The Dolocher/Shadow of the Dolocher and the Devil
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of both books. I read both books as one and decided to provide my honest review, which I have.) The Dolocher and The Shadow of the Dolocher are FIVE STAR Hauntingly Magnificent Mystery Thrillers. The author, European P. Douglas, wrote a mathematical masterpiece with an overall storyline that equaled the sum of its layered plots. While there are certainly the main characters, there are secondary characters equally important by virtue of their interaction with the primary characters. However, given the way the story is written, (and let’s not forget it is a murder mystery) no character or interaction seems to be weighted less than the other. The endings of both books catch you so surprised that, as I did, your mouth will be left hanging open. The author must have with true intent, wrote the endings so the reader could not see it coming and he was successful. All I want to say is Bravo - and when is Book Three coming out? Even though there is a serial killer on the loose, there is also an evil (term used on purpose) spirited character who is a manipulator with a penchant to break people’s lives. One of the nicest parts of the books is the character carryover. When you open book two, “Shadow of the Dolocher” it is as if nothing has changed. You feel at home again: comfortable, settled, and unknowingly ready to be engrossed in the story from page to page. RECOMMENDATION: Read “The Dolocher” and “The Shadow of the Dolocher” first opportunity you have. There will be no regrets. –Tex.
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of both books. I read both books as one and decided to provide my honest review, which I have.) The Dolocher and The Shadow of the Dolocher are FIVE STAR Hauntingly Magnificent Mystery Thrillers. The author, European P. Douglas, wrote a mathematical masterpiece with an overall storyline that equaled the sum of its layered plots. While there are certainly the main characters, there are secondary characters equally important by virtue of their interaction with the primary characters. However, given the way the story is written, (and let’s not forget it is a murder mystery) no character or interaction seems to be weighted less than the other. The endings of both books catch you so surprised that, as I did, your mouth will be left hanging open. The author must have with true intent, wrote the endings so the reader could not see it coming and he was successful. All I want to say is Bravo - and when is Book Three coming out? Even though there is a serial killer on the loose, there is also an evil (term used on purpose) spirited character who is a manipulator with a penchant to break people’s lives. One of the nicest parts of the books is the character carryover. When you open book two, “Shadow of the Dolocher” it is as if nothing has changed. You feel at home again: comfortable, settled, and unknowingly ready to be engrossed in the story from page to page. RECOMMENDATION: Read “The Dolocher” and “The Shadow of the Dolocher” first opportunity you have. There will be no regrets. –Tex.
September 4, 2016
I came across the author through Goodreads and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The tone is appropriately grim and keeps the tone throughout punctuated with enough 'horror' moments so that it doesn't flag nor go down the line of gratuitous violence. The historical location/time setting creates a good atmosphere for the boogie man at large. A good late night read for the darker months.
August 31, 2019
A great book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the fact that it’s roots are in Ireland made it all the more interesting. I’ve always been interested in myths, legends and folklore . I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the fact that it’s roots are in Ireland made it all the more interesting. I’ve always been interested in myths, legends and folklore . I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
January 25, 2019
"A city lives and dies by its myths."
The myth of the Dolocher. That is the central storyline of this novel. But it is not the only storyline. And while the other storylines can make it a little more difficult to get fully engrossed in the story, patience will pay off.
I was originally drawn to this novel because it was set in Dublin, Ireland. I will freely admit that I will read anything with an Irish setting. On top of that, it was set in the later 1700s, making it a historical fiction account. And it features a serial killer. That is like a trifecta for me.
The one downside for me was the shifting storylines. Everything was told from a 3rd person POV but each chapter focuses on one of a number of characters. Sometimes the character storylines overlap. And while it's great the switches occur on chapter changes, they did make it a little more bothersome at times to keep up with who is who.
Overall, I did thoroughly enjoy this novel. And I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
The myth of the Dolocher. That is the central storyline of this novel. But it is not the only storyline. And while the other storylines can make it a little more difficult to get fully engrossed in the story, patience will pay off.
I was originally drawn to this novel because it was set in Dublin, Ireland. I will freely admit that I will read anything with an Irish setting. On top of that, it was set in the later 1700s, making it a historical fiction account. And it features a serial killer. That is like a trifecta for me.
The one downside for me was the shifting storylines. Everything was told from a 3rd person POV but each chapter focuses on one of a number of characters. Sometimes the character storylines overlap. And while it's great the switches occur on chapter changes, they did make it a little more bothersome at times to keep up with who is who.
Overall, I did thoroughly enjoy this novel. And I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 15, 2019
Thank you, European P. Douglas, for giving me the opportunity to read The Dolocher.
In 1788, it was rumored that a giant black creature known as Dolocher, roamed the streets of Dublin, Ireland, searching for and killing its preys without mercy. It was believed that Dolocher was possessed by the soul of Thomas Olocher, the serial killer, who took his own life when he was sent to the prison ‘The Black Dog’.
I enjoy reading this gripping historical supernatural thriller. In addition, I like the spinning of a couple very short creepy stories within this novel. The author has great potential of twisting compelling horror thrillers for the fans of such genre, and I am looking forward to reading his other novels.
In 1788, it was rumored that a giant black creature known as Dolocher, roamed the streets of Dublin, Ireland, searching for and killing its preys without mercy. It was believed that Dolocher was possessed by the soul of Thomas Olocher, the serial killer, who took his own life when he was sent to the prison ‘The Black Dog’.
I enjoy reading this gripping historical supernatural thriller. In addition, I like the spinning of a couple very short creepy stories within this novel. The author has great potential of twisting compelling horror thrillers for the fans of such genre, and I am looking forward to reading his other novels.
February 1, 2021
This story was based in 1788 in Dublin. Thomas Olocher was a murderer who was caught, but commits suicide before he could be hanged. Immediately Dublin is terrorized by some type of beast they call the Dolocher. Initially the people in Dublin believed it was the ghost of Olocher continuing his murder spree. It is up to Alderman James to solve the mystery of the Dolocher before it kills everyone in Dublin.
This was an interesting twist to the legend of Jack the Ripper. To this day the story of the Dolocher is known in Ireland. Well written and great ending.
I received this free story from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
This was an interesting twist to the legend of Jack the Ripper. To this day the story of the Dolocher is known in Ireland. Well written and great ending.
I received this free story from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
January 17, 2018
Interesting
This book was a departure from what I normally read but I fancied something historical and in the horror genre. This book had both. The characters infused slowly through the story, which was good, as it allowed them to develop with other characters and allow for plot twists. The chapters were never over long. In all, a pretty good read.
This book was a departure from what I normally read but I fancied something historical and in the horror genre. This book had both. The characters infused slowly through the story, which was good, as it allowed them to develop with other characters and allow for plot twists. The chapters were never over long. In all, a pretty good read.
August 31, 2021
1/5 🌟
I swear I can’t give it more.
I’m usually not a fan of thrillers because there’s already enough drama in my life but this one was just plainly boooooriiiiiing…. I couldn’t wait for it to finish.
I was expecting some story of gruesome killing and a Jack the Ripper retelling but all the gruesome scenes felt boring and underdeveloped and I just couldn’t feel the story at all.
I swear I can’t give it more.
I’m usually not a fan of thrillers because there’s already enough drama in my life but this one was just plainly boooooriiiiiing…. I couldn’t wait for it to finish.
I was expecting some story of gruesome killing and a Jack the Ripper retelling but all the gruesome scenes felt boring and underdeveloped and I just couldn’t feel the story at all.
January 28, 2018
A very unusual and interesting book with a twist at the end, certainly not one i was expecting.
February 15, 2019
I read the sequel to the Dolocher, and immediately when I finished started with the Dolocher, and it was great choice as the story made more sense as it were.
It starts out very ominous right at the end of the sequel, and it is very dark but a great story, and the plot twist at the end is brilliant. It is a true reflection of how people are, and how quickly rumors can start and ruin lives.
I just wondered what happened afterwards between Mullens and Kate, as a love story started between the chaos.
It starts out very ominous right at the end of the sequel, and it is very dark but a great story, and the plot twist at the end is brilliant. It is a true reflection of how people are, and how quickly rumors can start and ruin lives.
I just wondered what happened afterwards between Mullens and Kate, as a love story started between the chaos.
January 3, 2021
Couldn't power through it. Every sentence on one page has tons of she or he so I just tuned out.
February 26, 2019
Dublin is being terrorised by something or someone. It's the Dolocher!. Many are killed in the dead of the night in really grisly and gruesome manner. The mystery that keeps the page turning is to know who or what it is.
Quite interesting story and concept but one with many inexplicable holes in it. The ending is really unexpected but definitely a let down.
More than the book summary, what drove me to read this book was the glowimg reviews by others. I expected something truly terrifying (supernatural) but it isn't so.
Quite interesting story and concept but one with many inexplicable holes in it. The ending is really unexpected but definitely a let down.
More than the book summary, what drove me to read this book was the glowimg reviews by others. I expected something truly terrifying (supernatural) but it isn't so.
March 17, 2019
This was an interesting story set in Dublin, a few twists & turns...
December 23, 2018
Recieved free for review:
A gripping story set in England. Hard to put down. I didn't expect the ending....
I think I'll try to find other books by this author.
A gripping story set in England. Hard to put down. I didn't expect the ending....
I think I'll try to find other books by this author.
November 1, 2014
This was the perfect Halloween read for me! It was so atmospheric with a beautifully crafted setting, an intriguing and creepy story line, and a whole cast of unique characters. What's not to love?!
No matter how hard I tried to look for clues, I still couldn't guess who the villain was going to be, and what a brilliant ending I didn't see coming!
The Dolocher jumps right into the story, hooking you instantly from the first pages. Every character has their own merits, flaws, and charms causing the story to feel that much more realistic, with every character bringing their own unique viewpoint to this murder mystery, creating more depth and suspense as you sit at the edge of your seat rooting for certain characters to survive.
Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a well written story filled with murders, myths, and creatures that lurk in the shadows, with an eerie Gothic feel that will keep you in suspense into the early hours of the morning!
I am so glad and thankful that I was able to win this in a giveaway, it will now happily take its place in my book shelf for many years to come!
No matter how hard I tried to look for clues, I still couldn't guess who the villain was going to be, and what a brilliant ending I didn't see coming!
The Dolocher jumps right into the story, hooking you instantly from the first pages. Every character has their own merits, flaws, and charms causing the story to feel that much more realistic, with every character bringing their own unique viewpoint to this murder mystery, creating more depth and suspense as you sit at the edge of your seat rooting for certain characters to survive.
Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a well written story filled with murders, myths, and creatures that lurk in the shadows, with an eerie Gothic feel that will keep you in suspense into the early hours of the morning!
I am so glad and thankful that I was able to win this in a giveaway, it will now happily take its place in my book shelf for many years to come!
July 10, 2015
Someone is killing. Or something!! 'The Dolocher' by European P. Douglas draws the reader in and keeps the pages turning effortlessly. The author excellently portrays the atmosphere which makes horror-history work so well. Dublin is the perfect setting, and as the story moves forward, we become aware of some dark history. A perfect balance is struck between the 18th century Dublin as we know it and the supernatural aspects of this story. The words here are so descriptive but without being too wordy or long winded. It puts you in the centre of it all, in the forefront of everything that is going on around these characters. I look forward to more of the same from the author.
September 5, 2016
I won this book on Goodreads First Reads for free. As we all know, England had Jack the Ripper, but did anyone know that Dublin, Ireland had their own serial killer in the late 1700s? Well, they did and his name was, "The Dolocher". This is a very fascinating story and is one adaptation. I Googled "The Dolocher" and the article I read stated that one person was found to be the killer, but this story stated that a different person was the killer. I guess that there will always be speculation as to who "The Dolocher" really was. The Google story stated that "The Dolocher" was a legend. Who knows? All I know is that this story was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
October 23, 2014
I really liked this book. This was the first I had heard of the Dolocher (until the end of the book I didn't realize that there was a real myth about the Dolocher) and I really enjoyed the story. I was also completely shocked by the ending in the best of ways. This book is filled with action and mystery and I couldn't stop reading until the very last page.
I am so glad I won this book as a goodreads giveaway!
I am so glad I won this book as a goodreads giveaway!
October 27, 2014
This was a really interesting book it drags you from the beginning and won't let you go. It had wonderful character and a twist story plot and a specials ending. I love that it was base on a Irish myth. I recommend this to anyone who likes a great scary story. I won This book on Goodreads Thank you.
December 1, 2014
I won this from a goodreads giveaway =).
I loved how straightforward this novel was, the plot was fairly linear and there wasn't a lot of filler which made it easy to get through without being bored.
I totally didn't guess who the culprit was right up until just before it was announced which is always a large bonus for any mystery story.
Would recommend for a quick Halloween read.
I loved how straightforward this novel was, the plot was fairly linear and there wasn't a lot of filler which made it easy to get through without being bored.
I totally didn't guess who the culprit was right up until just before it was announced which is always a large bonus for any mystery story.
Would recommend for a quick Halloween read.
June 28, 2019
Set in Ireland long ago, the Dolocher is an old Irish story about a sadistic murderer. From what I've read, the author has stuck quite closely to the original story. Well researched and well written.
December 29, 2014
Good settings, characters, plot, dialogue. The ending seemed somewhat abrupt, not that anything else needed to be said.
January 11, 2015
Really enjoyed the book and was so involved in trying to figure out who the murder was. The ending came rather abruptly and left me feeling rather bummed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews