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Society for Paranormals #2
The Automaton's Wife
Beatrice Knight has enough to contend with: a zebra is dead on her lawn, her horse is possessed and a gentleman has arrived with the temerity to propose to her. To top it off, her dead husband Gideon has absconded with an automaton, threatening to return for his wife. The wife in question however soon has other issues, for a killer has moved into town with a nasty habit of carving up the victims. As luck should dictate, who should be the next target but Mrs Knight herself?
Case 2 in “Society for Paranormals”: 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, you'll LOVE this Historical Women's Fiction.
Case 2 in “Society for Paranormals”: 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, you'll LOVE this Historical Women's Fiction.
230 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2015
49 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Vered Ehsani
97 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 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 8, 2021
Paranormal adventure and dry humour in British East Africa circa 1900, September 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Automaton's Wife (Society for Paranormals Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
With the second volume in this series Ms. Ehsani continues to entertain with well written adventure and dry British humour. The possessed zebra is dead but what happened to the serpent entity which had possessed it? I will not reveal the answer as I don't like spoilers. But to give a feel for the book, here is a passage from the prelude to THE AUTOMATON'S WIFE:
"Given my line of work, it is rather fortuitous that I’m not such a refined woman; it would never do to faint while escaping hungry lions or battling supernaturally enhanced insects. Being a pragmatic sort, I’m quite prepared to accept a little less refinement in exchange for an alert mind, a superiorly equipped walking stick, and a decidedly unladylike refusal to easily succumb to demonic possession and other inconveniences."
Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Automaton's Wife (Society for Paranormals Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
With the second volume in this series Ms. Ehsani continues to entertain with well written adventure and dry British humour. The possessed zebra is dead but what happened to the serpent entity which had possessed it? I will not reveal the answer as I don't like spoilers. But to give a feel for the book, here is a passage from the prelude to THE AUTOMATON'S WIFE:
"Given my line of work, it is rather fortuitous that I’m not such a refined woman; it would never do to faint while escaping hungry lions or battling supernaturally enhanced insects. Being a pragmatic sort, I’m quite prepared to accept a little less refinement in exchange for an alert mind, a superiorly equipped walking stick, and a decidedly unladylike refusal to easily succumb to demonic possession and other inconveniences."
October 29, 2015
I fear that I am in danger of developing a serious crush on Mrs. Beatrice Knight, the fierce and funny heroine of "The Automaton's Wife."
A mostly proper Victorian lady (well, she has been known to thump people with her walking stick and she can be a tad sarcastic), she currently resides in the wilds of Africa where she moved with relatives of her late husband when they were forced to leave London due to some financial reversals.
Oh, and that dead husband - Gideon - has come along as well.
He's a ghost, you see.
Author Vered Ehsani introduced us to Ms. Knight ("Bee" to those who know her well) in her first installment in the Society for Paranormals series "The Ghosts of Tsavo" and she carries the story of the admirable lady's adventures further in "The Automaton's Wife." In that first novel of the formidable Ms. Knight's adventures she had to cope with a possessed zebra that insisted on eating flowers - both real and artificial - and shape-shifting children who can transform into lions. In this second book of her adventures she must continue to deal with the family she lives with (to them she is little more than a dependent inconvenience) fend off a very unsuitable suitor, rescue Gideon from the clutches of a killer (I know, he's already dead but...) and cope with more of the "peculiar creatures" that live in and around Nairobi.
As she did in "Ghosts of Tsavo," Ehsani infuses her narrative with some interesting details about Nairobi in the days when it was little more than a railroad construction camp and describes the surrounding area in interesting detail. That adds a little extra spice to the story, in my opinion. In "The Automaton's Wife" she also takes time to flesh out her characters, providing some more details about Bee's life before she became an investigator for the society and giving more depth to the family she lives with.
The narrative itself runs as smoothly as it did in the first installment and the new characters in this one are fascinating. Some are evil incarnate, others are just trying to stay alive and a few are actually helpful. As she has done in all of her novels to date, Ehsani also uses humor to good effect; just enough to lighten the load as Bee struggles to solve a mystery or two and stay alive in a place where dangerous creatures - both normal and paranormal - lurk seemingly behind every bush. Her writing is crisp and the plot is well thought out.
"The Automaton's Wife" is an excellent read and a novel that I highly recommend.
A mostly proper Victorian lady (well, she has been known to thump people with her walking stick and she can be a tad sarcastic), she currently resides in the wilds of Africa where she moved with relatives of her late husband when they were forced to leave London due to some financial reversals.
Oh, and that dead husband - Gideon - has come along as well.
He's a ghost, you see.
Author Vered Ehsani introduced us to Ms. Knight ("Bee" to those who know her well) in her first installment in the Society for Paranormals series "The Ghosts of Tsavo" and she carries the story of the admirable lady's adventures further in "The Automaton's Wife." In that first novel of the formidable Ms. Knight's adventures she had to cope with a possessed zebra that insisted on eating flowers - both real and artificial - and shape-shifting children who can transform into lions. In this second book of her adventures she must continue to deal with the family she lives with (to them she is little more than a dependent inconvenience) fend off a very unsuitable suitor, rescue Gideon from the clutches of a killer (I know, he's already dead but...) and cope with more of the "peculiar creatures" that live in and around Nairobi.
As she did in "Ghosts of Tsavo," Ehsani infuses her narrative with some interesting details about Nairobi in the days when it was little more than a railroad construction camp and describes the surrounding area in interesting detail. That adds a little extra spice to the story, in my opinion. In "The Automaton's Wife" she also takes time to flesh out her characters, providing some more details about Bee's life before she became an investigator for the society and giving more depth to the family she lives with.
The narrative itself runs as smoothly as it did in the first installment and the new characters in this one are fascinating. Some are evil incarnate, others are just trying to stay alive and a few are actually helpful. As she has done in all of her novels to date, Ehsani also uses humor to good effect; just enough to lighten the load as Bee struggles to solve a mystery or two and stay alive in a place where dangerous creatures - both normal and paranormal - lurk seemingly behind every bush. Her writing is crisp and the plot is well thought out.
"The Automaton's Wife" is an excellent read and a novel that I highly recommend.
February 18, 2018
In The Automation's Wife, they are still in Kenya and the serpent zebra has died. We suppose he used up the zebra, but wonder where he went. It turn's out he went into Bee's nag, Nelly, who was formerly a lazy, hungry girl with audible problems with her digestion. She is no longer lazy but has a latent ability to fly, which is comical when Bee discovers this.
The Automation belong's to Dr. Cricket, and unbeknown to him, his dead wife was the reason the Automation's heart was running. It seems they had a secret because his wife was wasting away from a muscular disease and she was searching for another body to possess, but the robot was good for the moment. She continues her murderous ways searching for the perfect body, which happens to have Bee and her cousin Lilly, in her radar. In the meantime, Lilly is to marry a bat shifter, and discovers that the paranormal world is real, which brings the cousin's together.
Again, this book was a mixture of suspense with a bit of comedy to balance it out as well as history. She again included the "Facts and Fiction" at the end, to which I enjoyed.
The Automation belong's to Dr. Cricket, and unbeknown to him, his dead wife was the reason the Automation's heart was running. It seems they had a secret because his wife was wasting away from a muscular disease and she was searching for another body to possess, but the robot was good for the moment. She continues her murderous ways searching for the perfect body, which happens to have Bee and her cousin Lilly, in her radar. In the meantime, Lilly is to marry a bat shifter, and discovers that the paranormal world is real, which brings the cousin's together.
Again, this book was a mixture of suspense with a bit of comedy to balance it out as well as history. She again included the "Facts and Fiction" at the end, to which I enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
I do believe I enjoyed this more than the first. I'm not entirely sure if it was because it was a better book or because the addition of a truly wonderful narrator (Alison Larkin) made the audio experience more fulfilling than reading it. I liked book one, but I really liked this one.
As before, I found Beatrice witty and self-reliant. I liked the tension between her and Mr. Timmons, though it's much downplayed here, and the mystery held its own. I did think it wrapped up a little too quickly and Larkin's insistence on saying Zeebra (American), instead of zebra, in the English style irked me. But all in all, I look forward to continuing the series.
As before, I found Beatrice witty and self-reliant. I liked the tension between her and Mr. Timmons, though it's much downplayed here, and the mystery held its own. I did think it wrapped up a little too quickly and Larkin's insistence on saying Zeebra (American), instead of zebra, in the English style irked me. But all in all, I look forward to continuing the series.
July 28, 2021
I really love this series, but the lack of audiobooks past book 2 makes it almost impossible for me to continue on with it. I am very disappointed. Still, I highly recommend this one, especially if you like paranormal and just a touch weird. ;-)
April 21, 2020
The Automaton’s Wife is an amusing, quick read, although I do suggest reading the first in the series before this one.
Bee continues her adventures in Africa with the help and also complications of her friends and family. This time around she meets a large bat, her husband’s ghost has seemingly disappeared and her horse is posessed by a snake spirit. In the meantime, a local woman has been found dead in a mysterious manner.
I like the Kenya 1899 setting and the author provides a brief fact or fiction section after the story. Bee and her family don’t fit in, but they are doing their best. Bee tries to keep an open mind when dealing with people, but she is a part of her British culture. Bee also learns a few things about her past that puts her prejudices in a different light.
It’s a cute series. It’s light and enjoyable. And Bee is fun to hang out with.
Bee continues her adventures in Africa with the help and also complications of her friends and family. This time around she meets a large bat, her husband’s ghost has seemingly disappeared and her horse is posessed by a snake spirit. In the meantime, a local woman has been found dead in a mysterious manner.
I like the Kenya 1899 setting and the author provides a brief fact or fiction section after the story. Bee and her family don’t fit in, but they are doing their best. Bee tries to keep an open mind when dealing with people, but she is a part of her British culture. Bee also learns a few things about her past that puts her prejudices in a different light.
It’s a cute series. It’s light and enjoyable. And Bee is fun to hang out with.
June 10, 2015
A lot of fun!
Beatrice Knight is still in Africa, studying the local Paranormal entities. Her cousin Lilly and Aunt, Mrs Steward, are bemoaning the fact that they are far from the social whirl of London now that Lilly is in need of a husband - even though London is stricken with an Influenza epidemic - when they hear that the new Governor is due to arrive, and rumour has it that he has two sons! Surely one of them will be smitten with Lilly.
Meanwhile Dr Cricket's Automaton is still missing. Beatrice suspects that her husband Gideon stole it so that he could possess it and return to her in a semblance of life. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that the Automaton harbours another spirit as well, and one not nearly so amiable as her Gideon.
I'm really enjoying this series. Plenty of humour, an interesting look at a Victorian Lady in Darkest Africa at the very end of the 19th century.
Beatrice Knight is still in Africa, studying the local Paranormal entities. Her cousin Lilly and Aunt, Mrs Steward, are bemoaning the fact that they are far from the social whirl of London now that Lilly is in need of a husband - even though London is stricken with an Influenza epidemic - when they hear that the new Governor is due to arrive, and rumour has it that he has two sons! Surely one of them will be smitten with Lilly.
Meanwhile Dr Cricket's Automaton is still missing. Beatrice suspects that her husband Gideon stole it so that he could possess it and return to her in a semblance of life. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that the Automaton harbours another spirit as well, and one not nearly so amiable as her Gideon.
I'm really enjoying this series. Plenty of humour, an interesting look at a Victorian Lady in Darkest Africa at the very end of the 19th century.
April 22, 2015
I loved the first book in this series and I was captivated by the second right away. Beatrice Knight is a force to reckon with, and the characters populating her stories are both delightful and maddening, but always interesting. As for the first book, I truly enjoyed the witty and engaging narrative style, the exotic setting, and the plot that had me devouring pages to get to the end of the story. The Automaton's Wife has dead husbands possessing automatons, malevolent ghosts possessing pretty much everyone else, handsome bat-men and other interesting and dangerous creatures, one charming-yet-too straightforward gentleman, a cadre of unfortunate relatives, and one incredibly brave heroine, all set in Africa. A must read for anyone interested in Regency paranormal with a strong sense of humor. I was given the book for an honest review and I can't wait to read the third in the series.
September 9, 2015
After reading the first book in this series, I went and bought the next one and started reading it immediately, because there were a few tantalizing strings of thought left dangling in the previous book, not too much, it was its own story, but with just enough teasing ideas to make me want to jump to the next story.
Bea continues her adventures in Africa with the help and also complications of her friends and family. And there is extra depth to her character in this story as she worries about her dead husband's motives for disappearing on her (yes, she is haunted by his ghost), while also handling the absurdity of a horse possessed by a snake spirit. In this story, Bea is beginning to question all she knows and has been told by people she trusted and loved.
This story is compelling, I didn't want to put it down. Great characters, great plot and a romping good read.
Bea continues her adventures in Africa with the help and also complications of her friends and family. And there is extra depth to her character in this story as she worries about her dead husband's motives for disappearing on her (yes, she is haunted by his ghost), while also handling the absurdity of a horse possessed by a snake spirit. In this story, Bea is beginning to question all she knows and has been told by people she trusted and loved.
This story is compelling, I didn't want to put it down. Great characters, great plot and a romping good read.
February 29, 2016
I've received the copy of the book from the author in return for my honest review.
I loved the 2nd book of this series just as much as the 1st. The writing style is the same, the humor is there and it's a fairly short book which makes it a quick and enjoyable read.
I especially love the possessed zebra from book 1, but Nelly being possessed was even more fun.
The end of the book was quite a surprise to me and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I loved the 2nd book of this series just as much as the 1st. The writing style is the same, the humor is there and it's a fairly short book which makes it a quick and enjoyable read.
I especially love the possessed zebra from book 1, but Nelly being possessed was even more fun.
The end of the book was quite a surprise to me and I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 15, 2016
Another excellent read! I downloaded the first book, and went right back for the second. I love the growing cast of characters and how they meld into the storyline. Never a dull moment. Beatrice Knight, she is such a relatable personality. There are times when all you really want is that good cup of tea.....usually best enjoyed while not battling with the paranormal.
I highly recommend this immensely enjoyable series, but clear your schedule, it's addictive reading.
I highly recommend this immensely enjoyable series, but clear your schedule, it's addictive reading.
February 9, 2016
I am enjoying comical and mischievous paranormal stories by Vered Ehsani. Looking forward to the next two in this series. Never having read paranormal books, it is a neat break from some of the more serious books I read for my Book Clubs. Thanks to Ms. Ehsani, who mailed this book to me.
October 9, 2015
Weird, interesting and funny. Historical mystery with a fantastical twist.
The story continues, the plot thickens. Another mystery and crime solved, yet it ends with the promise of more!
The story continues, the plot thickens. Another mystery and crime solved, yet it ends with the promise of more!
July 4, 2016
This is the second book of the series and is even better than then first. Beatrice learns more about herself and her family while dealing with a demonic spirit. On to the third!!
December 27, 2016
AN excellent 2nd book. I love her style and wit. Bee is become a firm favourite character of mine.
Onto number 3!!
Onto number 3!!
November 25, 2018
5 stars
Funny, action-packed, and fantastic!
I love this audiobook so much! It is the most entertaining urban fantasy or cozy mystery that I have ever read. FYI, this series must be read in order, starting with Book 1, “The Ghosts of Tsavo.”
This is better than Book 1, and I loved that audiobook. In “The Automaton's Wife”, the series really gets going, with action, humor, and revelations! In addition, the narrator did a perfect job, convincingly portraying a cast of characters and making the story even more exciting with excellent pacing. I was at the edge of my seat many times. This is a first-person memoir-like account of the fictional adventures of Beatrice Knight, intrepid undercover paranormal investigator in 1900 Nairobi, Kenya. African mythological creatures are real in this imaginative historical fiction. Bea's voice takes a few minutes to get accustomed to, but you will find that it sounds just right for this property, sarcastic, and outrageous character. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Funny, action-packed, and fantastic!
I love this audiobook so much! It is the most entertaining urban fantasy or cozy mystery that I have ever read. FYI, this series must be read in order, starting with Book 1, “The Ghosts of Tsavo.”
This is better than Book 1, and I loved that audiobook. In “The Automaton's Wife”, the series really gets going, with action, humor, and revelations! In addition, the narrator did a perfect job, convincingly portraying a cast of characters and making the story even more exciting with excellent pacing. I was at the edge of my seat many times. This is a first-person memoir-like account of the fictional adventures of Beatrice Knight, intrepid undercover paranormal investigator in 1900 Nairobi, Kenya. African mythological creatures are real in this imaginative historical fiction. Bea's voice takes a few minutes to get accustomed to, but you will find that it sounds just right for this property, sarcastic, and outrageous character. I highly recommend this audiobook.
September 3, 2017
This series is just way too much fun! I loved the first book, but I think this one was even better! Beatrice is such a fun character, you can't help but loving her and her snarky but still just a little bit prim attitude.
I liked seeing her relationship with Mr. Timmons grow a bit in this one. It's clear to the reader that there are feelings there, but it seems like Bee started realizing it herself a little bit in this novel. My only real complaint about this novel is that the central "case" got a bit blurred between the Popobawa and the automaton, but everything wrapped up relatively well so it wasn't a huge issue.
I'll admit that I saw the ending coming, but I still enjoyed it a lot and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
I liked seeing her relationship with Mr. Timmons grow a bit in this one. It's clear to the reader that there are feelings there, but it seems like Bee started realizing it herself a little bit in this novel. My only real complaint about this novel is that the central "case" got a bit blurred between the Popobawa and the automaton, but everything wrapped up relatively well so it wasn't a huge issue.
I'll admit that I saw the ending coming, but I still enjoyed it a lot and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
December 7, 2020
There are not very many series that can really hold up well for more than 4 or 5 books. There are even fewer that can hold you attention to complete the entire series from book 1 to book 10 with that desperate need to know how it all ends. Miss Knight is like Parasol Protectorate meets Amelia Peabody. Victorian ladies all with little regard for the societal strictures of their day. Then there is Yao (a personal favorite of the many characters in this series). If this was a sitcom, he would be the one-off character who garnered so many fans that he had to be written in as a regular. Highly recommend.
February 21, 2021
I am jumping in without reading the first book. Found this at the library. I love the story! Beatrice Knight is a widow and she’s living with relatives in Africa! Who knew there were paranormal beasties in Africa? Her dead husband is a ghost. There is a man size bat who does some courting. Hints of werewolves and witches! The writing is smooth and easy to read. Enough action to hold my interest. Easy to follow along with the different characters. I like the setting of Africa. An intriguing series. I can’t wait to read the other books.
May 12, 2017
I got the book set 1-3 and after a short space began to enjoy the quirky setting and the heroine. What I didnt like was the cliffhanger endings to each book. It seems like a kind of blackmail to get the next one that I dont appreciate. I think a book should be a complete whole and not a monthly serial in a magazine.
June 6, 2018
Mrs. Knight is an amazingly fun character to read about. While she makes sure to keep to her Victorian English woman’s sensibilities she also knows when to put that nonsense aside and do what needs to be done. To not only survive what trouble she has gotten herself into but also to investigate the truth about paranormals and the unusual creatures she discovers.
July 10, 2018
The series continues with this book, "The Automaton's Wife". The author uses the fast paced story to keep th wanting to know more as quickly as possible. The characters are not only the ones introduced in the first book but new ones are added. The reader is easily able to visualize & connect to the story line. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal fans.
November 24, 2021
I really enjoy this series. Miss Knight is the perfect balance between snobby and fun.
I love the characters, their backstories and how the main story progresses.
These are really well thought out books and good fun, they flow well and are a quick read.
I would definitely recommend and will continue reading the series.
I love the characters, their backstories and how the main story progresses.
These are really well thought out books and good fun, they flow well and are a quick read.
I would definitely recommend and will continue reading the series.
April 12, 2018
One thing I like about this series is each volume has been solving one problem while also continuing the main story line. Beatrice is a fun character and narrator, and her adventures continue to amuse.
October 14, 2021
I LOL so often in this story. Very enjoyable and entertaining. There is so much I want to mention but I don't want to post spoilers. I so want to carry on with this series but will have to delay it until my challenges are completed.
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed this second adventure of Mrs Beatrice Knight in Nairobi, Kenya in 1899. I like how the characters are expanded on. I continue to enjoy the author's fact vs fiction section at the end of the story.
May 23, 2017
A bit creepy, a lot of mystery, and a culmination of personality clashes at the end, resulting in some unexpected surprises! Well worth the read!
February 5, 2018
Actually, I liked it more than the first book. The mood was already set and the intrigue is nice. I still feel like a couple of things need to be added. Guess I'll have to read the next issue.
June 24, 2018
I thought this was a bit better than the first book, but I’m still can’t get into it. Still, I’ve the next book to read, since I got an omnibus of the first three books cheap.
March 9, 2019
What a great story. Vered really brings the characters alive in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews