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Strowg: A Bledbrooke Tale
Have you ever got fed up with your job? Changing profession is the obvious answer. Of course, that’s somewhat more difficult when it’s one of those lifestyle jobs.
And infinitely more difficult when your employer is Strowg, an age-old creature of the night.
A long time ago, Charles Hennessy struck a bargain with Strowg. This strange and darkly charming figure had a noble bearing, was clearly wealthy and offered something too tempting to resist.
The keys to immortality.
With hindsight, what a wonderful thing that is, the deal was a rather big mistake. The promise has yet to be fulfilled and being Strowg’s factotum grows more onerous and offensive with each passing year. Worse still, Strowg isn’t the same. The human skin shedding and the creature beneath it is terrifying even for someone acquainted with the diabolical.
They live a nomadic existence in order to satisfy Strowg’s thirst for blood but they need to rest and have come to one of their boltholes. More than that, Hennessy hopes that a spell in Bledbrooke may restore what is lost in Strowg. Because Bledbrooke isn’t like other places. It’s home to an unknowable entity that could swallow Strowg whole and spit out the warped bones.
Hennessy’s life has to change and he’s right insofar as Bledbrooke is where that will happen.
It just may not be how he expects.
And infinitely more difficult when your employer is Strowg, an age-old creature of the night.
A long time ago, Charles Hennessy struck a bargain with Strowg. This strange and darkly charming figure had a noble bearing, was clearly wealthy and offered something too tempting to resist.
The keys to immortality.
With hindsight, what a wonderful thing that is, the deal was a rather big mistake. The promise has yet to be fulfilled and being Strowg’s factotum grows more onerous and offensive with each passing year. Worse still, Strowg isn’t the same. The human skin shedding and the creature beneath it is terrifying even for someone acquainted with the diabolical.
They live a nomadic existence in order to satisfy Strowg’s thirst for blood but they need to rest and have come to one of their boltholes. More than that, Hennessy hopes that a spell in Bledbrooke may restore what is lost in Strowg. Because Bledbrooke isn’t like other places. It’s home to an unknowable entity that could swallow Strowg whole and spit out the warped bones.
Hennessy’s life has to change and he’s right insofar as Bledbrooke is where that will happen.
It just may not be how he expects.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 10, 2025
What is Bledbrooke? Hell, I don't know! I strode into this novella completely blind and was rewarded with a ripping tale of a vampire and his Renfield, (so to speak). Or maybe Barlow's Straker, from Salem's Lot? All I can tell you is: it was fun as hell.
Meet Charles Hennessy, mostly human servant of Strowg. He's well-dressed, good looking, enjoys a good life, and he's worked for Strowg for decades. Why? Strowg promised to give him the powerful gift of immortality, but so far he's only been stringing Charles along. On top of the that, Strowg has allowed himself to be taken over completely by the bestial nature of his kind, rather than continuing as Hennessy's companion and choosing his own meals at his leisure. Charles now has to do it all. As his resentment is growing, and his mind consumed with how to deal with his situation, he meets a beautiful woman. Shortly after that, all hell breaks loose and if you will have to read this because you won't be getting more out of me.
This was a blast! It reminded me of all the cool vampire stories I've read over the years. I love when an author can put his own spin on old tropes; it makes me nostalgic while exciting me for the story at hand. This is how I felt as I started Strowg. John's prose is well written and the words come to have a certain rythym as you're reading. It all just flows along to the point where you hardly notice the words. Then you come across lines like this:
What a perfectly vivid line-immediately I see it in my mind. If the very air is scared what chance do I have?
There are a few things going on here hovering just below the surface. Questions of what evil is, exactly? If a creature is born to do something, if it's in their very genes, then are they evil when they do it? Humans are born to live and eat, and in so doing-we kill a lot of things. We have to eat to survive, but does that make us evil? The other thing I want to touch on is Bledbrooke, the town where this tale is set. There are a multiple mentions of an evil underneath the town-perhaps an ancient being of some kind? It all feels vaguely Lovecraftian and I want more of that. I didn't realize John Leonard has a series about this town, though maybe I should have guessed, from the title.
I am off to check those out.
For now, I highly, highly recommend this terrific novella. Treat yourself to a good time!
*ARC from author
Meet Charles Hennessy, mostly human servant of Strowg. He's well-dressed, good looking, enjoys a good life, and he's worked for Strowg for decades. Why? Strowg promised to give him the powerful gift of immortality, but so far he's only been stringing Charles along. On top of the that, Strowg has allowed himself to be taken over completely by the bestial nature of his kind, rather than continuing as Hennessy's companion and choosing his own meals at his leisure. Charles now has to do it all. As his resentment is growing, and his mind consumed with how to deal with his situation, he meets a beautiful woman. Shortly after that, all hell breaks loose and if you will have to read this because you won't be getting more out of me.
This was a blast! It reminded me of all the cool vampire stories I've read over the years. I love when an author can put his own spin on old tropes; it makes me nostalgic while exciting me for the story at hand. This is how I felt as I started Strowg. John's prose is well written and the words come to have a certain rythym as you're reading. It all just flows along to the point where you hardly notice the words. Then you come across lines like this:
"The air shivered when Strowg spoke. As if to flee in fear of being drawn into that savage maw."
What a perfectly vivid line-immediately I see it in my mind. If the very air is scared what chance do I have?
There are a few things going on here hovering just below the surface. Questions of what evil is, exactly? If a creature is born to do something, if it's in their very genes, then are they evil when they do it? Humans are born to live and eat, and in so doing-we kill a lot of things. We have to eat to survive, but does that make us evil? The other thing I want to touch on is Bledbrooke, the town where this tale is set. There are a multiple mentions of an evil underneath the town-perhaps an ancient being of some kind? It all feels vaguely Lovecraftian and I want more of that. I didn't realize John Leonard has a series about this town, though maybe I should have guessed, from the title.
I am off to check those out.
For now, I highly, highly recommend this terrific novella. Treat yourself to a good time!
*ARC from author
January 2, 2026
I’ve read quite a few of John’s stories before and although all of them have monsters or other beings of the not so human kind, Strowg as a story in itself somehow felt darker, gloomier, more serious, with less hope. Yet, still brimming with John’s signature wholesome writing and descriptions. Horror, softly.
Strowg is a vampire. But not one of those hunky pieces of walking-talking-charming type of vampires we have come to know within the past 15+ years via Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and the like. Strowg is actually the exact opposite. Turning back into a savage menace – not so easy on the eyes, scary and wild. Thus, in need of assistance from a “minion” to keep him fed.
Enter Hennessy… the footman… the errand boy. Strowg promised Hennessy enternal life in exchange for being a… well… butler slash servant slash supplier of fresh human blood.
But, as corporate life has taught us all – you give a finger, they take a hand and you will be waiting for rewards for ever and ever and ever 😀 (this is somewhat tongue in cheek… maybe… definitely… is it? yeahhh…)
Anyway – Strowg, the story, clocks in at a 101 pages. As you can tell, it’s definitely to the side of horror more than your swoony, slicked back hair, bourbon drinking vamps kind of romantasy thriller. Although… ! Although, even in Strowg there is a hint of love! Cue swooning! Or, evil laugh.
Look, thing is John F Leonard has a particular way with words. His horror always has a bit of the undercurrent of something redeemable. What makes Leonard’s stories one of the best of its kind? Definitely the way this author writes. There is a certain smoothness and something that, when you read more than one of his stories, just feels and reads like Leonard. The turn of the words and use of similes. It all works very nicely to deliver horror, heart and a consistency of the supernatural.
I would recommend horror fans to dig into this now, but if you’re of a type that only reads horror once a year – maybe during Halloween – then I suggest you pencil this one in. In a nutshell, you get a pretty good look at what it would be like to make a deal with a vampire and maybe when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll think twice about it after having read Strowg.
Conservative within kissing distance of sombre.
Strowg is a vampire. But not one of those hunky pieces of walking-talking-charming type of vampires we have come to know within the past 15+ years via Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and the like. Strowg is actually the exact opposite. Turning back into a savage menace – not so easy on the eyes, scary and wild. Thus, in need of assistance from a “minion” to keep him fed.
Enter Hennessy… the footman… the errand boy. Strowg promised Hennessy enternal life in exchange for being a… well… butler slash servant slash supplier of fresh human blood.
But, as corporate life has taught us all – you give a finger, they take a hand and you will be waiting for rewards for ever and ever and ever 😀 (this is somewhat tongue in cheek… maybe… definitely… is it? yeahhh…)
Boil the bones and plug in the cremulator. The roses would be beautiful this year if he could be arsed making bone meal.
Anyway – Strowg, the story, clocks in at a 101 pages. As you can tell, it’s definitely to the side of horror more than your swoony, slicked back hair, bourbon drinking vamps kind of romantasy thriller. Although… ! Although, even in Strowg there is a hint of love! Cue swooning! Or, evil laugh.
Look, thing is John F Leonard has a particular way with words. His horror always has a bit of the undercurrent of something redeemable. What makes Leonard’s stories one of the best of its kind? Definitely the way this author writes. There is a certain smoothness and something that, when you read more than one of his stories, just feels and reads like Leonard. The turn of the words and use of similes. It all works very nicely to deliver horror, heart and a consistency of the supernatural.
I would recommend horror fans to dig into this now, but if you’re of a type that only reads horror once a year – maybe during Halloween – then I suggest you pencil this one in. In a nutshell, you get a pretty good look at what it would be like to make a deal with a vampire and maybe when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll think twice about it after having read Strowg.
November 13, 2025
Strowg is a new story from the Bledbrooke series of mild but creepy horror novella tales.
Charles Hennessy is a disgruntled servant/ butler/ chef/ man-of-all trades, to a dark being that lives in the bowels of their currant abode. His employer Strowg is no longer the man he was when they first met and the powerful aged being is demanding of Hennessy. However, Strowg is also the means that keeps Hennessy alive.
Distracted by a beguiling beauty, Hennesy gets clumsy while searching for Strowg’s next gourmet meal. An incident occurs and makes the news. While Hennessy needs help after he is savagely attacked, Strowg sources his own tasty meals which make their own news headlines.
I’ve now read a few of the tales from Bledbooke, so I am aware of the eerie atmosphere and strange events that often occur in this place. Hennessy was a likeable chap with a series of complaints about his employer that might have some parallels with any man-servant. I understood his quandary and how he solved some of his problems. An entertaining tale, that left a shiver down my spine.
Charles Hennessy is a disgruntled servant/ butler/ chef/ man-of-all trades, to a dark being that lives in the bowels of their currant abode. His employer Strowg is no longer the man he was when they first met and the powerful aged being is demanding of Hennessy. However, Strowg is also the means that keeps Hennessy alive.
Distracted by a beguiling beauty, Hennesy gets clumsy while searching for Strowg’s next gourmet meal. An incident occurs and makes the news. While Hennessy needs help after he is savagely attacked, Strowg sources his own tasty meals which make their own news headlines.
I’ve now read a few of the tales from Bledbooke, so I am aware of the eerie atmosphere and strange events that often occur in this place. Hennessy was a likeable chap with a series of complaints about his employer that might have some parallels with any man-servant. I understood his quandary and how he solved some of his problems. An entertaining tale, that left a shiver down my spine.
December 12, 2025
Bledbrooke is somewhere nobody should want to visit, and it's certainly not a destination they should want to return to if they do ever leave with body and/or soul intact, but the moment I saw that John F Leonard had published another Bledbrooke tale I couldn't wait to revisit the place. I've enjoyed reading every story set here, you see, and have an unquenchable thirst for more. And now Charles Hennessy and his diabolical master Strowg have come here by choice too, although their reasons are far more sinister than mine.
This short novel is an absolute joy to read. Leonard has an engaging way with words and an obvious relish for the macabre, on top of which he has created a truly wonderful character in Hennessy, whose bleak humour and self-deprecating mutterings make it impossible for me not to sympathise with - and even root for - the guy despite everything he does.
'Strowg' is a smooth, easy read that slips down as satisfyingly as a draft of, well, whichever full-bodied liquid happens to be your beverage of choice. Highly recommended.
This short novel is an absolute joy to read. Leonard has an engaging way with words and an obvious relish for the macabre, on top of which he has created a truly wonderful character in Hennessy, whose bleak humour and self-deprecating mutterings make it impossible for me not to sympathise with - and even root for - the guy despite everything he does.
'Strowg' is a smooth, easy read that slips down as satisfyingly as a draft of, well, whichever full-bodied liquid happens to be your beverage of choice. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2026
I rarely indulge in anything of the horror genre but when you love someone’s writing you read everything they’ve written and so, as a member of Rosie Ambers Book Review Team, I was delighted when this short story came up and I chose it immediately. I received a copy from the author, but that does not alter my review in any way.
Strowg is a creature that is never fully described, probably because no description could ever do him justice. He feeds on human blood, although the term vampire is never mentioned and his appetite is only increasing as the years pass.
We see Strowg through the eyes of Charles Hennessy, his employee, who agreed to take on the task of protecting him along with supplying all the nourishment he needs in return for immortality. It seemed like a good deal at the start, but the endless demands over countless years weigh heavily on Hennessy’s shoulders.
Strowg’s lifestyle causes him and Hennessy to lead a nomadic life, and it is this that brings them to Bledbrooke where something lives that could change things forever. At least that’s what Hennessy hopes, but then a beautiful woman enters his life as an unexpected complication.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping story. The writing was, as always, excellent, and I was surprised by the twist I didn’t see coming. Top stuff and highly recommended.
Strowg is a creature that is never fully described, probably because no description could ever do him justice. He feeds on human blood, although the term vampire is never mentioned and his appetite is only increasing as the years pass.
We see Strowg through the eyes of Charles Hennessy, his employee, who agreed to take on the task of protecting him along with supplying all the nourishment he needs in return for immortality. It seemed like a good deal at the start, but the endless demands over countless years weigh heavily on Hennessy’s shoulders.
Strowg’s lifestyle causes him and Hennessy to lead a nomadic life, and it is this that brings them to Bledbrooke where something lives that could change things forever. At least that’s what Hennessy hopes, but then a beautiful woman enters his life as an unexpected complication.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping story. The writing was, as always, excellent, and I was surprised by the twist I didn’t see coming. Top stuff and highly recommended.
November 14, 2025
*Huge thanks to John for sending me a digital ARC of this one!*
I’m always a huge fan of author’s creating their own worlds/mythos and expanding upon them with subsequent releases. One author who really has taken that and ran with it is Joseph Sale, a wonderfully talented UK author. It was around the time I first read Sale that he suggested I check out John F. Leonard, and as luck would have it, shortly thereafter, one of Leonard’s releases was offered for review while I was reviewing for Kendall Reviews and I snapped it up, excited to see what John was all about.
Spanning close to a dozen releases – novels and novellas alike – John has created the fictional town of Bledbrooke, this sort of portal city where Lovecraftian insanity creeps in the shadows. It’s been a ton of fun seeing the various complications John’s thrown at us readers. From odd bus rides, to mutant subterranean blobs, to strange shadow folk, John’s done a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes.
With ‘Strowg,’ we get a new entry. A Strigoi-ian tale of service, submission and dare we say it… love?
What I liked: The story follows Charles Hennessy, a well dressed chap who has found himself in a situation of his own doing. Many years ago, seeking immortality, he struck a deal with Strowg, who at that time was more human than monster. As the years have gone by, Strowg has hideously transformed, now more monster than man. One that requires sustenance. Which is where Hennessy comes in. He must procure said sustenance.
Over the years, that’s caused them to have to move frequently, never really settling into a place for long, the bodies stacking up and suspicion arising. That is, until they arrive at Bledbrooke, a town where Hennessy soon realizes things are different and they can remain more under the radar.
Leonard does a great job of painting the picture of their lives together. Strowg demands food in return to keeping Hennessy young, strong and safe. Hennessy provides food in return to keeping Strowg safe, alive and calm. It’s a tentative arrangement at best, one that has Hennessy analyzing it closer when he experiences something unexpected.
Love.
And so, the final quarter of the novella arrives with that theme hanging over the story. They must flee again, Hennessy barely survives an encounter on the streets and draws unwanted attention to them. As well, it appears Strowg itself has made some unexpected sojourn’s, in an effort to feed some more. All the while, Hennessy longs for a life of happiness with the woman that makes him feel so very very alive.
Much like David Sodergren’s ‘The Haar,’ this is an unexpected love story. A touching, brutal piece of fiction that has equal parts light to dark, life to death and hope to hopelessness. The ending is a poignant finish, one that really pushes forward the idea that love can be timeless.
What I didn’t like: Honestly, not enough Bledbrooke! The town is merely a backdrop in this one, the strangeness we see in the other connected books barely on display. I understand the why and it works great to give Hennessy and Strowg that temporary home, but I wished some of the craziness that we’ve seen elsewhere dipped its toes into this one a bit more.
Why you should buy this: I’ve often shared how I’m not a huge vampire fan, but when done this well, I can fall into the story just as easily as if it was taking place in the woods. Leonard has outdone himself here. A story that is so smooth, so sweet, yet so brutal and horrific that it ticks a lot of boxes that showcase why horror can be so much more than just a thing that goes bump in the night.
It’s wonderful to see a new release from John, and it’s even more wonderful to fall back into his amazing way with telling a story. I’ve always been a huge fan of John’s, but this one is an elevation of his storytelling, him creating another phenomenal story while also bringing us back to Bledbrooke.
A town I’ll always enjoy visiting fictionally, but would never want to step foot in!
I’m always a huge fan of author’s creating their own worlds/mythos and expanding upon them with subsequent releases. One author who really has taken that and ran with it is Joseph Sale, a wonderfully talented UK author. It was around the time I first read Sale that he suggested I check out John F. Leonard, and as luck would have it, shortly thereafter, one of Leonard’s releases was offered for review while I was reviewing for Kendall Reviews and I snapped it up, excited to see what John was all about.
Spanning close to a dozen releases – novels and novellas alike – John has created the fictional town of Bledbrooke, this sort of portal city where Lovecraftian insanity creeps in the shadows. It’s been a ton of fun seeing the various complications John’s thrown at us readers. From odd bus rides, to mutant subterranean blobs, to strange shadow folk, John’s done a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes.
With ‘Strowg,’ we get a new entry. A Strigoi-ian tale of service, submission and dare we say it… love?
What I liked: The story follows Charles Hennessy, a well dressed chap who has found himself in a situation of his own doing. Many years ago, seeking immortality, he struck a deal with Strowg, who at that time was more human than monster. As the years have gone by, Strowg has hideously transformed, now more monster than man. One that requires sustenance. Which is where Hennessy comes in. He must procure said sustenance.
Over the years, that’s caused them to have to move frequently, never really settling into a place for long, the bodies stacking up and suspicion arising. That is, until they arrive at Bledbrooke, a town where Hennessy soon realizes things are different and they can remain more under the radar.
Leonard does a great job of painting the picture of their lives together. Strowg demands food in return to keeping Hennessy young, strong and safe. Hennessy provides food in return to keeping Strowg safe, alive and calm. It’s a tentative arrangement at best, one that has Hennessy analyzing it closer when he experiences something unexpected.
Love.
And so, the final quarter of the novella arrives with that theme hanging over the story. They must flee again, Hennessy barely survives an encounter on the streets and draws unwanted attention to them. As well, it appears Strowg itself has made some unexpected sojourn’s, in an effort to feed some more. All the while, Hennessy longs for a life of happiness with the woman that makes him feel so very very alive.
Much like David Sodergren’s ‘The Haar,’ this is an unexpected love story. A touching, brutal piece of fiction that has equal parts light to dark, life to death and hope to hopelessness. The ending is a poignant finish, one that really pushes forward the idea that love can be timeless.
What I didn’t like: Honestly, not enough Bledbrooke! The town is merely a backdrop in this one, the strangeness we see in the other connected books barely on display. I understand the why and it works great to give Hennessy and Strowg that temporary home, but I wished some of the craziness that we’ve seen elsewhere dipped its toes into this one a bit more.
Why you should buy this: I’ve often shared how I’m not a huge vampire fan, but when done this well, I can fall into the story just as easily as if it was taking place in the woods. Leonard has outdone himself here. A story that is so smooth, so sweet, yet so brutal and horrific that it ticks a lot of boxes that showcase why horror can be so much more than just a thing that goes bump in the night.
It’s wonderful to see a new release from John, and it’s even more wonderful to fall back into his amazing way with telling a story. I’ve always been a huge fan of John’s, but this one is an elevation of his storytelling, him creating another phenomenal story while also bringing us back to Bledbrooke.
A town I’ll always enjoy visiting fictionally, but would never want to step foot in!
December 1, 2025
I am reviewing Strowg by John F. Leonard on behalf of Rosie Amber’s book review team #RBRT. Thank you for the advanced review copy. My review is honest, and my opinions are my own.
Not all vampires are sparkly teenage heartthrobs, or tall, dark and handsome lotharios. Some are vicious, evil, disgusting demons whose presence makes your skin crawl and heralds your painful demise. Unless you make a bargain with them.
This mild horror story may be named Strowg, but it is the story of Charles Hennessy, Strowg’s manservant, who made such a bargain many years ago, when Strowg appeared to be a more companionable master. Hennessy is tasked with providing food for Strowg on a daily basis, and Strowg has very particular tastes.
“Head cook and bottle washer for a demonic entity. Hennessy had more hats than a millinery shop, and they were all stained red with devilry.”
Strowg is that demonic entity, living in Bledbrooke, the horrific and fantastical setting for many of Leonard’s previous novellas. Leaving behind the facade that made him appear more human to Hennessy all those years ago, Strowg is now suffering from wylding; becoming more demonic and less personable as time passes.
In this novella, Leonard presents us with another set of characters from the dregs of society with whom Hennessy must interact to keep his and his master’s tracks covered:
“William Mallary had a face that wasn’t worth sunburn, a voice as rough as coarse grade sandpaper, and the subtlety of a brass band in a library.”
He also adds a well-presented, well-off love interest for Hennessy into the mix, named Ramona, who distracts him from his daily schedule and sets in motion a whole new possible future for him. This also brings an unexpected twist to the end of the book, which was highly enjoyable.
Leonard’s wonderful storytelling is, as always, smooth and tight, and he explores the relationship between Strowg and Hennessy without really focusing too much on it. There is a mutual need that is satisfied between them, each receiving something from the other, sustaining one another. Without the addition of Ramona to shake things up, their relationship might have gone on in the same despicable vein for much longer.
Strowg is an enjoyable short, standalone horror novella which fans of Leonard’s previous work will love. It also works as an entry point for anyone curious about his work and wanting to get to know some of the horrific characters and events that occur against the backdrop of the town of Bledbrooke.
Not all vampires are sparkly teenage heartthrobs, or tall, dark and handsome lotharios. Some are vicious, evil, disgusting demons whose presence makes your skin crawl and heralds your painful demise. Unless you make a bargain with them.
This mild horror story may be named Strowg, but it is the story of Charles Hennessy, Strowg’s manservant, who made such a bargain many years ago, when Strowg appeared to be a more companionable master. Hennessy is tasked with providing food for Strowg on a daily basis, and Strowg has very particular tastes.
“Head cook and bottle washer for a demonic entity. Hennessy had more hats than a millinery shop, and they were all stained red with devilry.”
Strowg is that demonic entity, living in Bledbrooke, the horrific and fantastical setting for many of Leonard’s previous novellas. Leaving behind the facade that made him appear more human to Hennessy all those years ago, Strowg is now suffering from wylding; becoming more demonic and less personable as time passes.
In this novella, Leonard presents us with another set of characters from the dregs of society with whom Hennessy must interact to keep his and his master’s tracks covered:
“William Mallary had a face that wasn’t worth sunburn, a voice as rough as coarse grade sandpaper, and the subtlety of a brass band in a library.”
He also adds a well-presented, well-off love interest for Hennessy into the mix, named Ramona, who distracts him from his daily schedule and sets in motion a whole new possible future for him. This also brings an unexpected twist to the end of the book, which was highly enjoyable.
Leonard’s wonderful storytelling is, as always, smooth and tight, and he explores the relationship between Strowg and Hennessy without really focusing too much on it. There is a mutual need that is satisfied between them, each receiving something from the other, sustaining one another. Without the addition of Ramona to shake things up, their relationship might have gone on in the same despicable vein for much longer.
Strowg is an enjoyable short, standalone horror novella which fans of Leonard’s previous work will love. It also works as an entry point for anyone curious about his work and wanting to get to know some of the horrific characters and events that occur against the backdrop of the town of Bledbrooke.
March 20, 2026
Strowg is a vampire tale with a twist that I found intriguing and unique. The author demonstrated a thorough knowledge of vampire fiction with his references to how other authors have skewed the perceptions of the public about vampires due to sharing what he refers to as misconceptions like they have no reflections. According to this author, vampires do have substance even if they are filled with the blood of their victims and must, as a result, have a reflection. The author also references Stephen King and states that he better captured the truth about vampires in his works. I assumed the book he is referring to is Salem's Lot which I have read twice. This information is shared through the thoughts and reflections of the book's main character, Charles Hennessy, and I found these references memorable and highly amusing. There is also a female cat called Carmilla which brought to mind the book by that name which I also enjoyed and which is also a different take on the traditional vampire tales.
Stowg is vile and evil personified as a physical creature. He is deceitful and has misled and abused his once loyal servant, Charles. It is not surprising that Charles feels resentful and only continues with his duties to Strowg out of fear of the repercussions. These feelings leave Charles ripe for a romantic entanglement as he seeks mental escapism. This is a novella but the characters of Charles and his friend, Ramona, develop nicely and I became quite attached to them in a short space of time. Strowg was not appealing and was easy to despise. Strowg was certainly the epitome of everything that is unpleasant and evil in this world.
The story is entertaining and tinged with dark humour which is a nice change from the usual heavy vampire lore. Lovers of vampire tales will enjoy this different take.
Stowg is vile and evil personified as a physical creature. He is deceitful and has misled and abused his once loyal servant, Charles. It is not surprising that Charles feels resentful and only continues with his duties to Strowg out of fear of the repercussions. These feelings leave Charles ripe for a romantic entanglement as he seeks mental escapism. This is a novella but the characters of Charles and his friend, Ramona, develop nicely and I became quite attached to them in a short space of time. Strowg was not appealing and was easy to despise. Strowg was certainly the epitome of everything that is unpleasant and evil in this world.
The story is entertaining and tinged with dark humour which is a nice change from the usual heavy vampire lore. Lovers of vampire tales will enjoy this different take.
November 22, 2025
This novella set in the present is a fantastic vampire story except it's not really about the vampire.
This is about the titular vampire's faithful and loyal servant. He's been doing this for a long time and, though he is loyal to Strowg to a fault, unhappiness, regret, and a desire for more is setting in.
His main job is making sure his master gets his meals but this is becoming more and more difficult without getting caught because Strowg is turning into something much more vile and hateful than his general vampiric self.
And when things get too heated one night, their relationship is going to come to a breaking point.
While this book focuses on the vampire's servant, there's enough information to know how absolutely terrifying Strowg actually is. He's brutal, unforgiving, and has no compassion. The modern setting factors in because of all the surveillance, the internet, cameras, etc which makes providing meals for the vampire's endless hunger more and more dangerous and daunting.
At it's heart this is a story about a man who's very unsatisfied with his job (something we can all relate to) but given the literal life or death results of doing his job well lends it a creepy and horrific atmosphere which you'll enjoy reading about.
I should also mention that the small English town it's set in has an eldritch evil of its own. While talked about but never explored, there are more books that will deal with this seemingly cursed town and I'm looking forward to reading them.
I highly recommend this one. I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
This is about the titular vampire's faithful and loyal servant. He's been doing this for a long time and, though he is loyal to Strowg to a fault, unhappiness, regret, and a desire for more is setting in.
His main job is making sure his master gets his meals but this is becoming more and more difficult without getting caught because Strowg is turning into something much more vile and hateful than his general vampiric self.
And when things get too heated one night, their relationship is going to come to a breaking point.
While this book focuses on the vampire's servant, there's enough information to know how absolutely terrifying Strowg actually is. He's brutal, unforgiving, and has no compassion. The modern setting factors in because of all the surveillance, the internet, cameras, etc which makes providing meals for the vampire's endless hunger more and more dangerous and daunting.
At it's heart this is a story about a man who's very unsatisfied with his job (something we can all relate to) but given the literal life or death results of doing his job well lends it a creepy and horrific atmosphere which you'll enjoy reading about.
I should also mention that the small English town it's set in has an eldritch evil of its own. While talked about but never explored, there are more books that will deal with this seemingly cursed town and I'm looking forward to reading them.
I highly recommend this one. I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
December 29, 2025
I've read most of John's ebooks and a few others are my absolute favorites. This is the first I've listened to, and I am quite favorably impressed with the automated narration - it was excellent! As usual, so was John's writing, but I'm going to have to buy the ebook version because I enjoy re-reading the nonfiction parts of his books so much!
While I am an aficionado of the traditional Dracula-type of vampires (I do not care for zombies), I must confess I found the character Strowg rather disappointing, as his predilections tended more toward ghoulishness, a zombieish sort of cannibalism that is a bite too far for me. Now, a little nip and sip a la vampires, I don't mind, but flesh nibbles are just indigestible for my horror consumption. Fortunately for me, Strowg's not the main character, Charles Hennessy, who was much more interesting.
The description of Strowg's descent into a more "natural"(?) form was interesting and a theory I've not seen before. Thus, it was a surprising twist that adds an additional horrifying ambiance to the story. It also complicates the main character's job. Or, maybe that should be jobs.
Finally, the other twists at the end of the book were delightful surprises that can provide a reader or listener with pleasing food for thought, if you'll forgive this last tidbit of culinary intellectualism.
No AI was injured - or even contemplated - in preparing this review.
While I am an aficionado of the traditional Dracula-type of vampires (I do not care for zombies), I must confess I found the character Strowg rather disappointing, as his predilections tended more toward ghoulishness, a zombieish sort of cannibalism that is a bite too far for me. Now, a little nip and sip a la vampires, I don't mind, but flesh nibbles are just indigestible for my horror consumption. Fortunately for me, Strowg's not the main character, Charles Hennessy, who was much more interesting.
The description of Strowg's descent into a more "natural"(?) form was interesting and a theory I've not seen before. Thus, it was a surprising twist that adds an additional horrifying ambiance to the story. It also complicates the main character's job. Or, maybe that should be jobs.
Finally, the other twists at the end of the book were delightful surprises that can provide a reader or listener with pleasing food for thought, if you'll forgive this last tidbit of culinary intellectualism.
No AI was injured - or even contemplated - in preparing this review.
December 29, 2025
I read John F Leonard's The Bledbrooke Works some years back and thought it was great, so my interest was piqued once more by another story set in the same place. Strowg is a novella that fits perfectly into its size, in that it doesn't need any more detail or backstory.
Charles Hennessey is Strowg's devoted factotum, and has been for many years ... Strowg himself is some form of vampiric creature, though the word 'vampire' is never used, but basically Charles's job is to find 'sustenance' for his master, who has now shed the human exterior and embrace his inner monster In exchange for his service, Strowg promises him eternal life. A slow drip, by passing on his own blood.
Despite the subject matter this is fairly low key horror, and it even has a subtle, darkly humorous thread running through it. This works really well, and Mr Leonard exhibits some suitably neat turns of phrase that added so much to this story. It's good, I recommend!
Charles Hennessey is Strowg's devoted factotum, and has been for many years ... Strowg himself is some form of vampiric creature, though the word 'vampire' is never used, but basically Charles's job is to find 'sustenance' for his master, who has now shed the human exterior and embrace his inner monster In exchange for his service, Strowg promises him eternal life. A slow drip, by passing on his own blood.
Despite the subject matter this is fairly low key horror, and it even has a subtle, darkly humorous thread running through it. This works really well, and Mr Leonard exhibits some suitably neat turns of phrase that added so much to this story. It's good, I recommend!
December 12, 2025
A very charming vampire tale. It has everything you need, first of all, a diabolical monster, a man that has been a trustworthy guardian, a creepy place to live, lots of juicy victims and a lovely female. I got into this for the horror, I stayed for ...well, more horror and some romance.
December 18, 2025
A very well written vampire tale. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this horror novella.
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