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Society for Paranormals #1
Ghosts of Tsavo
Armed with Victorian etiquette, a fully loaded walking stick and a dead husband, Beatrice Knight arrives in colonial Kenya desperate for a pot of tea and a pinch of cinnamon. But she’ll need more than that if she’s to unravel the mystery of the Ghosts of Tsavo without being eaten in the process. All this while surviving the machinations of her best friend’s dashing godfather and the efforts of her safari guide to feed her to any lion willing to drag her away. What is a ghost-chasing widow to do?
This is Case #1 in the “Society for Paranormals” series: A series concerning dead husbands, African legends and the search for a perfect spot of tea. For those readers who adore “Pride & Prejudice” and would love to experience “The Parasol Protectorate” set in colonial Africa, this is for you!
This is Case #1 in the “Society for Paranormals” series: A series concerning dead husbands, African legends and the search for a perfect spot of tea. For those readers who adore “Pride & Prejudice” and would love to experience “The Parasol Protectorate” set in colonial Africa, this is for you!
206 pages, ebook
First published February 14, 2015
494 people are currently reading
1512 people want to read
About the author
Vered Ehsani
99 books313 followersI've been a writer since I could hold pen to paper, which is a lot longer than I care to admit. I live in Kenya with my family and other animals. When I'm not writing, I pretend to work as an environmental consultant.
Visit my world at http://veredehsani.co.za/free-books/ & pick up 3 FREE books about paranormal mysteries set in colonial Africa.
Visit my world at http://veredehsani.co.za/free-books/ & pick up 3 FREE books about paranormal mysteries set in colonial Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 224 reviews
March 24, 2017
An decent distraction read that will likely appeal to genre fans. I needed the distraction as I was waiting in the emergency room with my mom who had broken her arm (for those of you who know of my broken finger last year, you can tell I come by my grace honestly). So without damning it with faint praise, it worked for me, in this situation, where my normal critical thinking skills were otherwise occupied. That doesn't mean I would have tolerated just anything, however. The tv in the E.R. room stayed 'off.'
This is the first in a series staring Beatrice, investigator for a clandestine Society of Paranormals. The head of the society is a werewolf, so right away we're keyed in to the dimensions of the occult. Beatrice is also haunted the ghost of her dead husband, Gideon. Alas, fortunes in the household have changed dramatically, and they must follow Father as he accepts a post in Africa. On the boat, Beatrice meets an effusive young woman. Initially off-putting with her refusal to bow to Victorian decorum, Beatrice realizes she might not have much opportunity for socializing out in the bush and should make the best of it.
"We hadn’t been formally introduced, but I was so startled that rather than ignore the person (the socially appropriate response to such an intrusive and offensive question), I turned to face a young woman with a pleasant, rosy countenance, a charmingly plump figure and dark-blue eyes."
It's light, it's generally cute and ought to appeal to those who enjoy Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate. I feel like there's might have been thing going on here with the Magical Negro and White Savior which was sadly unsurprising. Take Victorian attitudes about non-white races, and what is an author left with? Still, there's also fierce lions, a robot and a gently developing love interest, so it has plenty to keep one distracted--although for me the love interest description became an irritation. Why must authors use 'taunt' and 'smirk' when they mean 'tease?' I counted at least four instances of 'smirk' after this one.
"He smirked as if delighted to be the object of my attention."
It's not particularly intense, which is nice for those times when one's read is interrupted by emergency room staff. There is the feeling of the novella about it as the ending felt a bit rushed--but that could have been us getting ready to leave the E.R. It could have been the author juggling a bit much to wrap everything up, but at least there are subsequent books available.
Two and a half stars, rounding up for keeping my mind busy
This is the first in a series staring Beatrice, investigator for a clandestine Society of Paranormals. The head of the society is a werewolf, so right away we're keyed in to the dimensions of the occult. Beatrice is also haunted the ghost of her dead husband, Gideon. Alas, fortunes in the household have changed dramatically, and they must follow Father as he accepts a post in Africa. On the boat, Beatrice meets an effusive young woman. Initially off-putting with her refusal to bow to Victorian decorum, Beatrice realizes she might not have much opportunity for socializing out in the bush and should make the best of it.
"We hadn’t been formally introduced, but I was so startled that rather than ignore the person (the socially appropriate response to such an intrusive and offensive question), I turned to face a young woman with a pleasant, rosy countenance, a charmingly plump figure and dark-blue eyes."
It's light, it's generally cute and ought to appeal to those who enjoy Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate. I feel like there's might have been thing going on here with the Magical Negro and White Savior which was sadly unsurprising. Take Victorian attitudes about non-white races, and what is an author left with? Still, there's also fierce lions, a robot and a gently developing love interest, so it has plenty to keep one distracted--although for me the love interest description became an irritation. Why must authors use 'taunt' and 'smirk' when they mean 'tease?' I counted at least four instances of 'smirk' after this one.
"He smirked as if delighted to be the object of my attention."
It's not particularly intense, which is nice for those times when one's read is interrupted by emergency room staff. There is the feeling of the novella about it as the ending felt a bit rushed--but that could have been us getting ready to leave the E.R. It could have been the author juggling a bit much to wrap everything up, but at least there are subsequent books available.
Two and a half stars, rounding up for keeping my mind busy
January 8, 2021
Dry wit, adventure and stiff upper lips, September 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Ghosts of Tsavo (Society for Paranormals Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
An entertaining, quirky story of British colonial Africa, ghosts, shape shifters and things which go bump in the night. Told with verve and dry wit, this novel comes to an end with a humorous twist. Just as one crisis is handled, another.....
This novel should entertain fans of the paranormal as well as those who appreciate British humour. For the historically inclined, the author has used the maneaters of Tsavo (The Ghost and The Darkness) and the building of the British East Africa Railroad as the setting for the story. Most of the story is set in late 1800's Nairobi which was little more than a railway construction camp at the time. Author Vered Ehsani lives in present day Nairobi which has become considerably larger than a construction camp.
For me, the hook was set with the opening lines:
"It’s an uncommonly known fact that a strong pot of tea will obscure a werewolf’s stench. Given that one doesn’t normally walk around with a teapot in hand, this fact will be of little comfort to a human unless she happens to be sitting in a teahouse. So it was a jolly good thing I was, at that moment, in a teahouse. I slurped down that most marvelous of beverages and eyed the suspected werewolf. I say ‘suspected’ since I had yet to confirm if she was in fact one, or simply a naturally hairy woman of dubious lineage."
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Ghosts of Tsavo (Society for Paranormals Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
An entertaining, quirky story of British colonial Africa, ghosts, shape shifters and things which go bump in the night. Told with verve and dry wit, this novel comes to an end with a humorous twist. Just as one crisis is handled, another.....
This novel should entertain fans of the paranormal as well as those who appreciate British humour. For the historically inclined, the author has used the maneaters of Tsavo (The Ghost and The Darkness) and the building of the British East Africa Railroad as the setting for the story. Most of the story is set in late 1800's Nairobi which was little more than a railway construction camp at the time. Author Vered Ehsani lives in present day Nairobi which has become considerably larger than a construction camp.
For me, the hook was set with the opening lines:
"It’s an uncommonly known fact that a strong pot of tea will obscure a werewolf’s stench. Given that one doesn’t normally walk around with a teapot in hand, this fact will be of little comfort to a human unless she happens to be sitting in a teahouse. So it was a jolly good thing I was, at that moment, in a teahouse. I slurped down that most marvelous of beverages and eyed the suspected werewolf. I say ‘suspected’ since I had yet to confirm if she was in fact one, or simply a naturally hairy woman of dubious lineage."
June 15, 2016
Rating: 3.5* of five
New #review! GHOSTS OF TSAVO http://tinyurl.com/zu7jnao
Vered Ehsani brings paranormal steampunk humor to the African Savannah & it's BIG fun!
New #review! GHOSTS OF TSAVO http://tinyurl.com/zu7jnao
Vered Ehsani brings paranormal steampunk humor to the African Savannah & it's BIG fun!
August 5, 2021
This book has one of the best opening lines I have ever read: “It’s an uncommonly known fact that a strong pot of tea will obscure a werewolf’s stench.” What follows is just as good as those first words. Miss Knight (or Mrs. Knight as she insists as she considers herself to be still married to her husband who has become a ghost) is a rather atypical adventuress. In many ways she struggles to maintain a façade as a proper Victorian lady, but in practice she is an agent of a society that investigates and regulates the paranormal—something she is well suited to do because of her peculiar gift to recognize the paranormal and speak with ghosts.
The plot of this book involves her and her adopted family having to travel to Africa after the father of the family’s poor investment strategy leaves them bankrupt. So much of this book reads like a colonial novel—the reactions of Miss Knight and her family to living in a part of the world very different than London society. The other part is an investigation into two ghost lions that are still killing people. It’s frankly a delightful story, sedately paced but never feeling overly slow. There are some nice surprises along the way and a great setup for the next book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
The plot of this book involves her and her adopted family having to travel to Africa after the father of the family’s poor investment strategy leaves them bankrupt. So much of this book reads like a colonial novel—the reactions of Miss Knight and her family to living in a part of the world very different than London society. The other part is an investigation into two ghost lions that are still killing people. It’s frankly a delightful story, sedately paced but never feeling overly slow. There are some nice surprises along the way and a great setup for the next book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
June 16, 2015
Vered Ehsani has taken up her literary pick and shovel and gone mining where few other writers of paranormal fiction have: The rich soil that is Africa with its myriad myths and legends of shape-shifting animals, demonic possession, haunted places and people with strange - often wonderful - powers.
To carry that analogy one step further, she has struck gold.
"Ghosts of Tsavo" is the first book in a planned series about Beatrice Knight, a widowed Victorian lady who finds herself in Africa at the dawn of the 20th Century with a family of disagreeable relatives who look upon her as part servant and all-around inconvenience. Beatrice, however, has a secret identity: She is an investigator with the Society for Paranormals and Curious Animals, a position she obtained because she has the rare gift of being able to see (and smell) ghosts and other supernatural beings. When in London she has dealt with rogue werewolves and the occasional vampire so when she is forced by circumstance to move to Nairobi with her relatives the Society is thrilled that she will now be able to investigate paranormal activity there.
Bee, as she is known to her friends and the ghost of her late husband Gideon - who comes along for the ride - isn't quite as thrilled as the Society at this prospect. As all well-bred Englishwomen of the Victorian Era, however, she is prepared to keep her chin up and do her duty.
That turns out to be a little more difficult than anyone at first imagined for the spirits and beasties that prowl the East African savannas are very different from those she encountered in London. Her first encounter with one, for example, occurs on the day she arrives at the family's new home. It's not a werewolf - which she knows how to deal with - but a possessed zebra that, among other things, eats silk flower arrangements.
As it turns out, though, a possessed zebra is the least of her worries.
Bee is a delightful heroine - a cross between Eliza Braun of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences books and Mary Poppins. She is a proper lady but she's not afraid to get her hands dirty or to deliver a solid thumping to anything - or anyone - that has the audacity to lay hands upon her. She is plucky and she can be quite sarcastic when the occasion calls for it. The other members of the cast of "Ghosts of Tsavo" are equally interesting, especially the mysterious Kam - who may or may not be an ally - and Mr. Timmons, the godfather of a friend Bee makes on the journey to Nairobi. Timmons in an old Africa hand and, like Bee, he also has a secret.
The narrative flows smoothly and is enhanced by the fact Ehsani weaves historical fact into it. There is a fair amount of action spaced through the story as well as some subtle - but sharp - observations on the role of women in the late 19th Century. Ehani's descriptions of the area in and around Nairobi give the reader a real sense of not only the time but also the place.
All in all, "Ghosts of Tsavo" is an excellent read and a wonderful beginning to what I hope will be a long series.
To carry that analogy one step further, she has struck gold.
"Ghosts of Tsavo" is the first book in a planned series about Beatrice Knight, a widowed Victorian lady who finds herself in Africa at the dawn of the 20th Century with a family of disagreeable relatives who look upon her as part servant and all-around inconvenience. Beatrice, however, has a secret identity: She is an investigator with the Society for Paranormals and Curious Animals, a position she obtained because she has the rare gift of being able to see (and smell) ghosts and other supernatural beings. When in London she has dealt with rogue werewolves and the occasional vampire so when she is forced by circumstance to move to Nairobi with her relatives the Society is thrilled that she will now be able to investigate paranormal activity there.
Bee, as she is known to her friends and the ghost of her late husband Gideon - who comes along for the ride - isn't quite as thrilled as the Society at this prospect. As all well-bred Englishwomen of the Victorian Era, however, she is prepared to keep her chin up and do her duty.
That turns out to be a little more difficult than anyone at first imagined for the spirits and beasties that prowl the East African savannas are very different from those she encountered in London. Her first encounter with one, for example, occurs on the day she arrives at the family's new home. It's not a werewolf - which she knows how to deal with - but a possessed zebra that, among other things, eats silk flower arrangements.
As it turns out, though, a possessed zebra is the least of her worries.
Bee is a delightful heroine - a cross between Eliza Braun of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences books and Mary Poppins. She is a proper lady but she's not afraid to get her hands dirty or to deliver a solid thumping to anything - or anyone - that has the audacity to lay hands upon her. She is plucky and she can be quite sarcastic when the occasion calls for it. The other members of the cast of "Ghosts of Tsavo" are equally interesting, especially the mysterious Kam - who may or may not be an ally - and Mr. Timmons, the godfather of a friend Bee makes on the journey to Nairobi. Timmons in an old Africa hand and, like Bee, he also has a secret.
The narrative flows smoothly and is enhanced by the fact Ehsani weaves historical fact into it. There is a fair amount of action spaced through the story as well as some subtle - but sharp - observations on the role of women in the late 19th Century. Ehani's descriptions of the area in and around Nairobi give the reader a real sense of not only the time but also the place.
All in all, "Ghosts of Tsavo" is an excellent read and a wonderful beginning to what I hope will be a long series.
July 21, 2015
The concept and premise of this book are very intriguing: a secret society for the investigation of paranormal activity set against the backdrop of the turn of the 20th century England (and Africa), a blend of very different cultures, and a heroine with a sharp wit combine for a potentially very satisfying read.
Mrs. Beatrice Knight, who is gifted with paranormal abilities and haunted by her dead husband, finds herself solving a mystery involving the ghosts of man-eating lions in Africa. Her character is so endearing and witty that the weaker parts of the book are easily tolerated. Aside from some blatant copy editing errors, this book really could have soared with some more depth and fleshing out.
I liked so much about the book that it is hard to point out the flaws, but I think the author is capable of even more. The threads of the plot don’t hang together as tightly as they could, and some characters are one-dimensional. I particularly misunderstood the relationship with Mr. Timmons, which was more complex than at first presented.
The author has a solid handle on humor and this is the source of the book’s greatest strength. I think I would greatly enjoy a pot of tea with Mrs. Knight, preferably at a decent hour well after sunrise.
Mrs. Beatrice Knight, who is gifted with paranormal abilities and haunted by her dead husband, finds herself solving a mystery involving the ghosts of man-eating lions in Africa. Her character is so endearing and witty that the weaker parts of the book are easily tolerated. Aside from some blatant copy editing errors, this book really could have soared with some more depth and fleshing out.
I liked so much about the book that it is hard to point out the flaws, but I think the author is capable of even more. The threads of the plot don’t hang together as tightly as they could, and some characters are one-dimensional. I particularly misunderstood the relationship with Mr. Timmons, which was more complex than at first presented.
The author has a solid handle on humor and this is the source of the book’s greatest strength. I think I would greatly enjoy a pot of tea with Mrs. Knight, preferably at a decent hour well after sunrise.
August 11, 2023
Read Around the World: South Africa
4.14 - 4.18.2018
THIS was so much fun and I really enjoyed it.
There are quite a few characters so I had some trouble keeping track of people and whether or not they were good, bad or paranormal. But overall, I kept up and really enjoyed this; there are some real laugh-out-loud moments as well. Beatrice is fantastic and so prim and proper all whilst talking about how to spear someone with her big stick in case they come after her. So very enjoyable. I cannot wait to dive into the next one!
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7.23 - 7.25.2021
I *KNOW* I read this book, but for as little as I remembered, it might as well have been the first time around and to be honest, that doesn't make it a bad thing. Thankfully, I enjoyed this just as much the second time around as I did the first [that doesn't always happen] and cannot wait to [finally] start book 2 tomorrow!
4.14 - 4.18.2018
THIS was so much fun and I really enjoyed it.
There are quite a few characters so I had some trouble keeping track of people and whether or not they were good, bad or paranormal. But overall, I kept up and really enjoyed this; there are some real laugh-out-loud moments as well. Beatrice is fantastic and so prim and proper all whilst talking about how to spear someone with her big stick in case they come after her. So very enjoyable. I cannot wait to dive into the next one!
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7.23 - 7.25.2021
I *KNOW* I read this book, but for as little as I remembered, it might as well have been the first time around and to be honest, that doesn't make it a bad thing. Thankfully, I enjoyed this just as much the second time around as I did the first [that doesn't always happen] and cannot wait to [finally] start book 2 tomorrow!
February 9, 2017
I enjoyed this Victorian paranormal mystery more than I thought I would. It takes place in Kenya in the 19th century when Nairobi was a small settlement. Beatrice Knight is the English sleuth protagonist who has been able to see ghosts and smell werewolves since she was a child. She is sarcastic and fearless with a superb sense of humor. Her first-person narration was delightful.
September 1, 2015
I enjoyed the African location of this book and the use of lesser known historical events in the plot. Beatrice is a feisty heroine and it will be interesting to see how the characters develop over the course of the series.
March 29, 2015
Bee, the main character is hilarious!
I loved this book. Everything about this book is awesome. You know how much I loved it? I pre-ordered the next one.
First of all, Bee, the main character is hilarious. Her wit, her dry humor, her observations are not only refreshing but addictive (read: I wanted more and more! Thus my relief that this is a series.) Her powers only add to what makes her character interesting. And the tension between her and Mr Timmons ... Exciting! Can't wait to see if anything happens there.
I also loved the twist in the end - will not give it away of course. Plus all the other characters are funny! Jonas the all around African household staff made me laugh too!
Another thing that makes this book a must-read? It's setting. It takes place in the late 1800s in Nairobi, Africa. There are elephants, zebras, and of course lions in Bee's backyard. And of course, ghosts. Lots of them!
I greatly appreciated the Fact and Fiction chapter at the end of the book. And Vered Ehsani's writing is just excellent. I knew from page one that I found a new favorite author. Am I gushing too much? Maybe it's time you one-clicked this winner and see why!!!
I loved this book. Everything about this book is awesome. You know how much I loved it? I pre-ordered the next one.
First of all, Bee, the main character is hilarious. Her wit, her dry humor, her observations are not only refreshing but addictive (read: I wanted more and more! Thus my relief that this is a series.) Her powers only add to what makes her character interesting. And the tension between her and Mr Timmons ... Exciting! Can't wait to see if anything happens there.
I also loved the twist in the end - will not give it away of course. Plus all the other characters are funny! Jonas the all around African household staff made me laugh too!
Another thing that makes this book a must-read? It's setting. It takes place in the late 1800s in Nairobi, Africa. There are elephants, zebras, and of course lions in Bee's backyard. And of course, ghosts. Lots of them!
I greatly appreciated the Fact and Fiction chapter at the end of the book. And Vered Ehsani's writing is just excellent. I knew from page one that I found a new favorite author. Am I gushing too much? Maybe it's time you one-clicked this winner and see why!!!
August 21, 2017
3.5 Amusing, steampunk, paranormal adventures in Africa
February 10, 2015
I was offered the ARC for “Ghost of Tsavo” in exchange for an honest review. At the time, I had no idea the treat I was in for.
Beatrice Knight, a proper, no-nonsense English lady, possesses the ability to see, sense (and smell) the supernatural. Enlightened of her talents, Professor Runal, a respectable and highly-educated werewolf, recruits her into the “Society of Paranormals and Curious Animals,” where she is trained as an investigator (Imagine Mary Poppins as a paranormal detective. Yes, that delightful.). When the young widow decides to accompany her benefactors to Kenya, Professor Runal takes advantage of the opportunity and assigns a rather reluctant Miss Knight to investigate the things-that-go-bump-in-the-night there. Unsurprisingly, Kenya is teeming with the unearthly and eerie, and in short order, Beatrice finds herself hunting man-eating ghost lions.
I knew within the first few pages I would love this story and the quirky and practical Beatrice Knight. Her voice is charming and authentic, and she and her supporting cast leap from the pages. Vered Ehani is a gifted and skilled writer, and breathes life into her characters. I adored them— humans and non-humans, and find myself even now smiling over their antics and funny quirks.
A solid 5 stars for this extraordinary work of fiction, which has also earned a spot at the top of my “must-read” list. Well done, Vered. I look forward to more from Bea and you.
Beatrice Knight, a proper, no-nonsense English lady, possesses the ability to see, sense (and smell) the supernatural. Enlightened of her talents, Professor Runal, a respectable and highly-educated werewolf, recruits her into the “Society of Paranormals and Curious Animals,” where she is trained as an investigator (Imagine Mary Poppins as a paranormal detective. Yes, that delightful.). When the young widow decides to accompany her benefactors to Kenya, Professor Runal takes advantage of the opportunity and assigns a rather reluctant Miss Knight to investigate the things-that-go-bump-in-the-night there. Unsurprisingly, Kenya is teeming with the unearthly and eerie, and in short order, Beatrice finds herself hunting man-eating ghost lions.
I knew within the first few pages I would love this story and the quirky and practical Beatrice Knight. Her voice is charming and authentic, and she and her supporting cast leap from the pages. Vered Ehani is a gifted and skilled writer, and breathes life into her characters. I adored them— humans and non-humans, and find myself even now smiling over their antics and funny quirks.
A solid 5 stars for this extraordinary work of fiction, which has also earned a spot at the top of my “must-read” list. Well done, Vered. I look forward to more from Bea and you.
July 19, 2015
As a fan of Gail Carriger, I was told to read this book.
When her uncle's family is forced to travel to Nairobi after finances go awry, Bee Knight has the dubious honor of documenting the paranormals of the African continent with her unique ability to sense the energy of others and tease out their . . . eccentricities.
I admit, it took me a moment to clean by brain of Carriger's world and the rules there for werewolves and vampires and the like. With a fresh start, it was fun to try and piece together how these creatures function and fit in society in Ms. Ehsani's world. The first few pages of the book bore an uncanny resemblance, in my mind, to the parasol protectorate, but as soon as we left England, everything in the book felt new and fresh and not just someone else's work rehashed, which was a relief.
I am interested to continue the story. I am not sure yet which characters I should like and which I shouldn't and the only person I think I can trust is Bee. It makes for a very interesting plot as we deal with the ghost of Bee's husband and other people aware of the paranormal scene in Africa.
When her uncle's family is forced to travel to Nairobi after finances go awry, Bee Knight has the dubious honor of documenting the paranormals of the African continent with her unique ability to sense the energy of others and tease out their . . . eccentricities.
I admit, it took me a moment to clean by brain of Carriger's world and the rules there for werewolves and vampires and the like. With a fresh start, it was fun to try and piece together how these creatures function and fit in society in Ms. Ehsani's world. The first few pages of the book bore an uncanny resemblance, in my mind, to the parasol protectorate, but as soon as we left England, everything in the book felt new and fresh and not just someone else's work rehashed, which was a relief.
I am interested to continue the story. I am not sure yet which characters I should like and which I shouldn't and the only person I think I can trust is Bee. It makes for a very interesting plot as we deal with the ghost of Bee's husband and other people aware of the paranormal scene in Africa.
April 10, 2016
I found this an entertaining read, very much in the style of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate. In fact, if I had a major complaint, it would be that, despite a different setting and carrying a walking stick instead of a parasol, the character is just a little too like Alexia Tarabotti. Be that as it may, I did really quite like this. It's not an elaborate plot or an overly-detailed world and it takes a little while to settle down, in the beginning. But I enjoyed the African setting, Bee's voice as a narrator, the mystery, etc.
I did think the shrill of a wife was a bit cliched, as was the character's sense that all other females and all their silly femaleness were utterly ridiculous and dismissible. I thought the conclusion seemed a bit abrupt and I would have liked a little more of a wrap up of what happened to Kam and the twins. I was also disappointed to find it a bit of a cliffhanger, but all in all, I ended this happy enough to search out sequels.
I did think the shrill of a wife was a bit cliched, as was the character's sense that all other females and all their silly femaleness were utterly ridiculous and dismissible. I thought the conclusion seemed a bit abrupt and I would have liked a little more of a wrap up of what happened to Kam and the twins. I was also disappointed to find it a bit of a cliffhanger, but all in all, I ended this happy enough to search out sequels.
March 22, 2015
I am a huge fan of author Vered Ehsani's writing style so I was very eager to read Ghosts of Tsavo and even though I knew it was going to be brilliant, it blew me away! The main character is lovable and extremely believable - she is layered and complex which I love to find because I often find characters can be flat. The plot is fast-paced and gripping and the way it has been written is reminiscent of the time it's set - highly recommended.
June 6, 2015
Cliffhanger!
I hate cliffhangers where you are forced to buy the next book. Why don't they sell these as sets? It not a bad story, not great, but not an ok read. I will never buy a next book no matter how good it is, if they give the first part free but force you to buy another book to end the story. Just finish one story then finish that one and write the next one with same characters. End of rant. Thanks.
I hate cliffhangers where you are forced to buy the next book. Why don't they sell these as sets? It not a bad story, not great, but not an ok read. I will never buy a next book no matter how good it is, if they give the first part free but force you to buy another book to end the story. Just finish one story then finish that one and write the next one with same characters. End of rant. Thanks.
December 1, 2016
Excellent first novel by Vered Ehsani. Not a big fan of 1st person books but really liked the wit and often sarcasm of Bee. She had me imagining ladies wandering the wilds of Africa in 18th Century clothes and manners, after "ghost" lions. All the while being haunted by her late husband, who is plotting some way to get back to his beloved Bee. He obviously won't let a little thing like death part them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2015
Paranormal delight
Delightfully written with wit and humour, much of it tongue in cheek.Beatrice Knightly is an investigator, often unwillingly but always professional. The Society for Paranormals would have it no other way.
Delightfully written with wit and humour, much of it tongue in cheek.Beatrice Knightly is an investigator, often unwillingly but always professional. The Society for Paranormals would have it no other way.
July 26, 2016
I liked the book. It was a fun book set in the Victorian era but in Africa. It was steampunk, light book. The main character is very funny with out being sarcastic it was my first book read on my kindle. I want to read the rest of the series.
October 5, 2016
STARS : 4 and a 1/2
October 19, 2017
Decided to read this on the spur of the moment, while stuck at the airport. I needed something light and funny to take my mind of things and this book delivered. I enjoyed the language and the British (?) humour and as a plus I got this book for free! Unfortunately, I can't say any more positive things about it, the story had no real beginning and ending. In fact, the end was so sudden that the preview of the sequel started on the same page as it ended (almost on the same line, I've never seen this before). Also, I never really knew what the story was about as there wasn't any purpose or drive behind it. And finally, what made me read this was the supposedly African background (a continent that I love to explore) and in this point the author failed miserably. If it wasn't for the word (haunted) Zebra on every seconde page I would have thought to be in London... and my really last comment: I don't like cinnamon, so no thank you to the sequels.
October 14, 2020
Perfect spooky paranormal mystery
April 13, 2015
From England to Nairobi in one leap in late 1890s.
Stir a pot full of ghosts, displaced English people in Nairobi, Africa, wild animals and an hysterical aunt and then sit back and enjoy the tale. This seems to me to be more of a YA genre adventure because of the way the main character, Beatrice Knight (Bee) relates this story. She is an investigator for the Society for Paranormal and Curious Animals, being a natural psychic, and her employer is Professor Ray Runl. Bee has been widowed, and her ex-husband Gideon is a ghost who pops in and out of her life to give her his two cents worth. Bee has no financial recourse but to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Steward. Mr. Steward has lost all of his finances but has secured a job in Nairobi, Africa building a railroad. Mrs. Steward is one of those overweight, over-emotional women who uses her hysteria to get her way at the drop of a hat.
Bee can discern ghosts by seeing or smelling them and where they are going, in years past, the gossip is that two ghostly man-eating lions killed and ate over 135 men. When everyone alights in Nairobi, the town is about two building on an unpaved street and their house is long, unappealing and one story, just sufficient for them all to live in.
The story then wraps itself around Bee attempting to find these ghostly lions and determine what the circumstances now are surrounding them. Bee does have a humorous way of describing events. The weakness of the story is that it starts out slowly and drags for a while before the action begins to play itself out. This is not a deep emotional story, but it is an enjoyable read.
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Stir a pot full of ghosts, displaced English people in Nairobi, Africa, wild animals and an hysterical aunt and then sit back and enjoy the tale. This seems to me to be more of a YA genre adventure because of the way the main character, Beatrice Knight (Bee) relates this story. She is an investigator for the Society for Paranormal and Curious Animals, being a natural psychic, and her employer is Professor Ray Runl. Bee has been widowed, and her ex-husband Gideon is a ghost who pops in and out of her life to give her his two cents worth. Bee has no financial recourse but to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Steward. Mr. Steward has lost all of his finances but has secured a job in Nairobi, Africa building a railroad. Mrs. Steward is one of those overweight, over-emotional women who uses her hysteria to get her way at the drop of a hat.
Bee can discern ghosts by seeing or smelling them and where they are going, in years past, the gossip is that two ghostly man-eating lions killed and ate over 135 men. When everyone alights in Nairobi, the town is about two building on an unpaved street and their house is long, unappealing and one story, just sufficient for them all to live in.
The story then wraps itself around Bee attempting to find these ghostly lions and determine what the circumstances now are surrounding them. Bee does have a humorous way of describing events. The weakness of the story is that it starts out slowly and drags for a while before the action begins to play itself out. This is not a deep emotional story, but it is an enjoyable read.
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
March 1, 2016
Well, I am not regretting my decision to take on the 2016 Reading Challenge from Goodreads Groups. The reason for being that I wanted to expand my reading repertoire. So when it was suggested that I read a book about Africa (or from an African author) I chose this one called the Ghosts of Tsavo and I am glad that I did (it would never have come to my attention otherwise!)
What an interesting read and what a quirky, engaging writing style. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't one of those books you read in one sitting (though you most likely could). Rather it is the kind of book you want to savour and just absorb leisurely. At least that is what I wanted to do as I was reading it.
I especially, genuinely liked the heroine, Bee. She was freakin' awesome! For an English widow living in the very late 1800's, almost 1900's, she was very open minded and independent. She did have paranormal skills which enabled her to be so in such a time but she was such a refreshing read even by today's standards! She also remained true to the time period by being highly persnickety about manners (including her dead husband's ghost) and an avid tea drinker.
My only complaint about this one was that it is part of a two part series (maybe more) and now I need to read The Automaton's Wife to find out what happens to Bee.
I do believe that Ehsani has written quite a few stories and I have made a new shelf, thanks to her called "Read More From This Author", because I certainly plan to.
What an interesting read and what a quirky, engaging writing style. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't one of those books you read in one sitting (though you most likely could). Rather it is the kind of book you want to savour and just absorb leisurely. At least that is what I wanted to do as I was reading it.
I especially, genuinely liked the heroine, Bee. She was freakin' awesome! For an English widow living in the very late 1800's, almost 1900's, she was very open minded and independent. She did have paranormal skills which enabled her to be so in such a time but she was such a refreshing read even by today's standards! She also remained true to the time period by being highly persnickety about manners (including her dead husband's ghost) and an avid tea drinker.
My only complaint about this one was that it is part of a two part series (maybe more) and now I need to read The Automaton's Wife to find out what happens to Bee.
I do believe that Ehsani has written quite a few stories and I have made a new shelf, thanks to her called "Read More From This Author", because I certainly plan to.
February 4, 2017
Anyone who would compare this with Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series must have read a different series than I did.
I'm not entirely sure what sort of book this was intended to be, because it fails at all the possibilities I can think of. Comedy of manners? It's not funny, and the language is contrived & forced. Paranormal? Marginally, but poorly done in that any original or fresh ideas are only ever hinted at, not developed enough to determine whether they are indeed original or fresh. It's not a romance. Mystery? Again, marginally. There are two plot threads, one of which is resolved, while the other is left off as a tacky cliff-hanger so that you'll be "forced" to buy the next installment.
More problematic that the question of classification is the crap writing. There's little to no world-building. The alleged "Society" is barely explained and given no purpose. The protagonist refers to her "work" for them as her profession near the very end, but had never previously mentioned payment of any sort. Previous "adventures" are hinted at frequently, but never explained or elaborated on. If they're not relevant, why bother?
The real problems are weak writing combined with a complete lack of explanations or development. This book reads like a bad report written by a third grader who used the first two hits of a google search as the only sources.
I'm not entirely sure what sort of book this was intended to be, because it fails at all the possibilities I can think of. Comedy of manners? It's not funny, and the language is contrived & forced. Paranormal? Marginally, but poorly done in that any original or fresh ideas are only ever hinted at, not developed enough to determine whether they are indeed original or fresh. It's not a romance. Mystery? Again, marginally. There are two plot threads, one of which is resolved, while the other is left off as a tacky cliff-hanger so that you'll be "forced" to buy the next installment.
More problematic that the question of classification is the crap writing. There's little to no world-building. The alleged "Society" is barely explained and given no purpose. The protagonist refers to her "work" for them as her profession near the very end, but had never previously mentioned payment of any sort. Previous "adventures" are hinted at frequently, but never explained or elaborated on. If they're not relevant, why bother?
The real problems are weak writing combined with a complete lack of explanations or development. This book reads like a bad report written by a third grader who used the first two hits of a google search as the only sources.
September 9, 2015
If I had to sum up this book in one word, I don't think I could, because it has so many qualities. It is irreverent, thrilling, dry-humoured and gripping all in one story. The only reason it doesn't have 5 stars is because it needs a bit more of an edit for spelling and misused words, something the rest of the series does not suffer from, I might add.
Mrs Beatrice Knight, widowed and dependent on her uncle and his family, is not quite your ordinary widow, in fact, she is extraordinary. She knows how to defend herself against many different types of paranormal trouble, she tramps into danger with very little regard for herself or Victorian etiquette, and she has a gloriously irreverent view of her position in society. In short, she's a great lead for this and the other Society for Paranormals series.
Apart from Beatrice, I also like the fact that not every character is black and white. They have flaws, they have their own agendas and Bea is often conflicted about them, which leads to some great plot twists and turns.
I smiled, I sighed, I frowned and I laughed with this book. Great story!
Mrs Beatrice Knight, widowed and dependent on her uncle and his family, is not quite your ordinary widow, in fact, she is extraordinary. She knows how to defend herself against many different types of paranormal trouble, she tramps into danger with very little regard for herself or Victorian etiquette, and she has a gloriously irreverent view of her position in society. In short, she's a great lead for this and the other Society for Paranormals series.
Apart from Beatrice, I also like the fact that not every character is black and white. They have flaws, they have their own agendas and Bea is often conflicted about them, which leads to some great plot twists and turns.
I smiled, I sighed, I frowned and I laughed with this book. Great story!
April 27, 2015
4.5 stars
Witty and well-written, Ghosts of Tsavo scratches the surface of the supernatural underworld dwelling in the plains of British East Africa. The characters were memorable and well-drawn in this historical piece, set in the Victorian Era.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, there were a few issues keeping me from endorsing the full five stars. The attempts at humor get a bit predictable and wearisome at times, having an almost injected feel, and the prose, while often vivid and beautiful, tended to meander into loquaciousness, dragging down the pace of otherwise intense scenes. There were also a couple of odd moments near the beginning when the narrator directly addressed the reader. It was off-putting and unnecessary.
I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series, The Automaton’s Wife, since the automaton business was my favorite part of this one.
Witty and well-written, Ghosts of Tsavo scratches the surface of the supernatural underworld dwelling in the plains of British East Africa. The characters were memorable and well-drawn in this historical piece, set in the Victorian Era.
While I enjoyed the book for the most part, there were a few issues keeping me from endorsing the full five stars. The attempts at humor get a bit predictable and wearisome at times, having an almost injected feel, and the prose, while often vivid and beautiful, tended to meander into loquaciousness, dragging down the pace of otherwise intense scenes. There were also a couple of odd moments near the beginning when the narrator directly addressed the reader. It was off-putting and unnecessary.
I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series, The Automaton’s Wife, since the automaton business was my favorite part of this one.
Read
September 11, 2016Armed with Victorian etiquette, a fully loaded walking stick and a dead husband, Beatrice Knight arrives in colonial Kenya desperate for a pot of tea and a pinch of cinnamon. But she’ll need more than that if she’s to unravel the mystery of the Ghosts of Tsavo without being eaten in the process. All this while surviving the machinations of her best friend’s dashing godfather and the efforts of her safari guide to feed her to any lion willing to drag her away. What is a ghost-chasing widow to do?
This is Case #1 in the “Society for Paranormals” series: A series concerning dead husbands, African legends and the search for a perfect spot of tea. For those readers who adore “Pride & Prejudice” and would love to experience “The Parasol Protectorate” set in colonial Africa, this is for you!
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