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AN OLDE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Storm Ketchum Tale
Another slice of life on the Outer Banks, from the author who took you to PORT STARBIRD! In this companion short story to the STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES series of Outer Banks island mysteries, a stolen item is recovered and a Victorian lesson is relearned. Ketch, a new and damaged emigre to North Carolina's picturesque Outer Banks, simply wants to be left alone. Now that he's finally where his soul belongs, he thinks he doesn't need anyone but his dog. But in the tradition of Scrooge, he learns otherwise at the annual Banker celebration of Olde Christmas. Join reluctant amateur sleuth Storm 'Ketch' Ketchum and his loyal dog Jack as they embark on a winter journey of self-discovery and redemption on historic Hatteras Island, where intrigue (and Old Buck) could be just around the next corner. "QUIRKY & ENGAGING!"
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2015
74 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 11, 2019
Modern version of Dickens
A nice, quick modern take on Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The story doesn't reveal much about Ketchum except that he is retired for health reasons. Reading between the lines I would guess that he is some kind of retired law enforcement. He certainly solves the case of the stolen cash box in short order.
A nice, quick modern take on Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The story doesn't reveal much about Ketchum except that he is retired for health reasons. Reading between the lines I would guess that he is some kind of retired law enforcement. He certainly solves the case of the stolen cash box in short order.
February 28, 2017
Cute short story
I enjoyed this short tale. It was predictable but ignore that and just get to know the character. I am looking forward to the other Storm Ketchum books I got. Read the book, enjoy it and I'll see you at my next review of Mr. Dennis' books.
I enjoyed this short tale. It was predictable but ignore that and just get to know the character. I am looking forward to the other Storm Ketchum books I got. Read the book, enjoy it and I'll see you at my next review of Mr. Dennis' books.
January 1, 2018
Loved this modern take on Christmas Carol. It leaves you smiling and feeling good. Hope to read more by Garrett Dennis. I am recommending this book to all my friends and family.
April 21, 2018
This was an interesting variation on Dicken’s Christmas Carol. At first I was wondering if there was going to be a supernatural theme to the story, but realized the connection to Dickens. It was very well done and kept my attention. I would certainly recommend this to anyone that enjoys a mystery.
March 7, 2018
A short Christmas tale
A cute Christmas story in the manner of a Christmas Carol. It was written in the Outer Banks area, not older London's, so it is more pertinent to Storm's home. Enjoyable.
A cute Christmas story in the manner of a Christmas Carol. It was written in the Outer Banks area, not older London's, so it is more pertinent to Storm's home. Enjoyable.
January 19, 2018
Enjoyed this prequel
Enough to look for the next book in the series.
Looks like a great action series in the making. Enjoyed
Enough to look for the next book in the series.
Looks like a great action series in the making. Enjoyed
January 23, 2018
Not Kindle Unlimited, have read 1 & 2, probably freebies from somewhere by The Storm Ketchum Adventures: Volumes 1 & 2 which also had one AN OLDE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) and also had the short one as single on amazon freebie day.
PORT STARBIRD: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 1)
PORT OF REFUGE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 2)
THE PORT FEE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 3)
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1 & 2
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1-3
AN OLDE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) - THE SAD BLUE BOAT: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 2) - CORA'S TREE: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 3) DIXIE ISLAND: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 4)
PORT STARBIRD: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 1)
PORT OF REFUGE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 2)
THE PORT FEE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 3)
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1 & 2
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1-3
AN OLDE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) - THE SAD BLUE BOAT: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 2) - CORA'S TREE: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 3) DIXIE ISLAND: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 4)
January 23, 2018
A little bit quirky...the hook was interesting and actually surprised me a bit. I probably should have seen it coming but I have not read anything in the mystery genre in about a decade. But still it intrigued me enough that I'm interested in reading more Storm Ketchum stories.
December 1, 2017
Cute story
What a great taste of writing! I love the Outer Banks so this was fun! I will certainly check out the books!
What a great taste of writing! I love the Outer Banks so this was fun! I will certainly check out the books!
December 30, 2015
"An Olde Christmas Carol: "A Storm Ketchum Tale," a short story by Garrett Dennis, is a delightful winter evening read by the fireplace. I confess I am not familiar with the author or his character of Ketchum, but I am glad I got this Christmas story for my Kindle. Although it is subtitled a "A Storm Ketchum Tale," one does not have to know the main character Ketchum in order to enjoy or follow the story. As one can guess from its title, the story does borrow a bit from Dickens' classic story of a similar title: "A Christmas Carol." Yet, Dennis' "An Olde Christmas Carol" remains its own story with a few echos of the past.
The story opens on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ketch is sitting in his rocking chair on the porch of a rented cottage on a cold January morning with his beagle named Jack; he is about to retire to Cape Hatteras. As he rocks in his chair petting his dog, his life is about to change.
"An Olde Christmas Carol" is an interesting take on a old tale with a few enjoyable twists. There are echoes of Dickens, most obviously a chance at redemption and a new beginning. Still, the story is clever and surprising, but certainly not completely predictable. The story slowly draws the reader into the book. Not a great book, but it is a delightful read for all ages: teens and adults alike. I did struggle between a 3 and a 4, but I did give it a "3" as I felt the ending was a little disappointing. (You'll need to read and decide for yourself!) Regardless, someday, I'll have to read one of his novels to find out more about the character of Storm Ketchum.
The story opens on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ketch is sitting in his rocking chair on the porch of a rented cottage on a cold January morning with his beagle named Jack; he is about to retire to Cape Hatteras. As he rocks in his chair petting his dog, his life is about to change.
"An Olde Christmas Carol" is an interesting take on a old tale with a few enjoyable twists. There are echoes of Dickens, most obviously a chance at redemption and a new beginning. Still, the story is clever and surprising, but certainly not completely predictable. The story slowly draws the reader into the book. Not a great book, but it is a delightful read for all ages: teens and adults alike. I did struggle between a 3 and a 4, but I did give it a "3" as I felt the ending was a little disappointing. (You'll need to read and decide for yourself!) Regardless, someday, I'll have to read one of his novels to find out more about the character of Storm Ketchum.
December 6, 2015
Part of a series of books focusing on the character of Storm Ketchum and a series of mysteries which take place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This particular short story is an introduction or a companion piece to that series.
Ketch is sitting in his rocking chair on the porch of a rented cottage on a cold January morning with his beagle named Jack; he is about to retire to Cape Hatteras. Thinking about what to do, he vacillates between staying put or attending the Rodanthe celebration. Following a strange feeling pulling Ketch to drive there, he is startled to meet his ex-wife with whom he reminisces about the past, confront the ghost Old Buck, and together with Jack, solve a crime. Did Ketch imagine all these things, or did they really happen?
There are echoes of Dickens in this short story, a chance at redemption and a new beginning. A pleasant read for teens and adults and a great way to get into the mood for the Christmas season.
Ketch is sitting in his rocking chair on the porch of a rented cottage on a cold January morning with his beagle named Jack; he is about to retire to Cape Hatteras. Thinking about what to do, he vacillates between staying put or attending the Rodanthe celebration. Following a strange feeling pulling Ketch to drive there, he is startled to meet his ex-wife with whom he reminisces about the past, confront the ghost Old Buck, and together with Jack, solve a crime. Did Ketch imagine all these things, or did they really happen?
There are echoes of Dickens in this short story, a chance at redemption and a new beginning. A pleasant read for teens and adults and a great way to get into the mood for the Christmas season.
January 16, 2016
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without at least one Dickens’ style story, that this is set on the 12th day of Christmas or Olde Christmas, is a fun twist. I know nothing about Storm Ketchum, but he sounds just like the grizzled, skeptical PI that makes for great detective fiction. This story makes a pass at detectiving but focuses on leading Ketch through a surreal dream beginning with his ex- wife, followed by a local merchant in his new hometown and ending with a grisly text message that seemed to show, his lonely death. Just imagine what Dickens could have done with technology. The title clued the reader into the homage, still it was a nice way to spend the afternoon.
April 28, 2017
Storm Ketchum and his dog Jack, have moved to Hatteras Island, North Carolina for some rest and recuperation. It is Christmas and he forces himself to attend the local Christmas Festival where he is visited by his former wife in the form of a ghost. She tells him he must move on and make a new life for himself. He needs to mingle with the crowd and make friends and that he does.
A fun, short read. At some point I might like to read another story in the series.
A fun, short read. At some point I might like to read another story in the series.
August 14, 2015
It was brave of this author to update a Dickens' story but he did a great job and readers are going to love this short story. When you meet Ketch,you worry about him and some of his ways, but apparently so do others and reminiscent of the original A Christmas Carol the author teaches Ketch an important life lesson. Good job.
December 5, 2015
I enjoyed this story in one day. I really liked visiting Cape Hatteras. Garrett Dennis in An Olde Christmas Carol: A Storm also visits Rodanthe. I felt a bit familiar with that place because it's mentioned in another author's title. I felt shocked that a cash box was stolen at Cape Hatteras. I just hate to think of bad pranks or small crimes taking places on the beach. Please say hi to Jack.:)
August 30, 2015
Dickenson would be proud of this modern retelling with a twist.
A fun story to read every year around that time of the season. What would it take for you to change your perspective on life?
A fun story to read every year around that time of the season. What would it take for you to change your perspective on life?
December 6, 2015
An Olde Christmas Carol
I enjoyed the short story, An Olde Christmas Carol. It's a simple little story that captures the confusion of old age and offers a couple of admonitions regarding lifestyles. Nicely done.
I enjoyed the short story, An Olde Christmas Carol. It's a simple little story that captures the confusion of old age and offers a couple of admonitions regarding lifestyles. Nicely done.
January 10, 2017
A good read to get you in the spirit of the season
If you enjoyed Dickens "A Christmas Carol" then you should enjoy this, I know I did. It is a short story, but does get you into the spirit of the season.
If you enjoyed Dickens "A Christmas Carol" then you should enjoy this, I know I did. It is a short story, but does get you into the spirit of the season.
December 20, 2015
Short but satisfying
A nice, quick read. Well worth t top time. A true Outer Banks tale at its finest. Loved it, and want more.
A nice, quick read. Well worth t top time. A true Outer Banks tale at its finest. Loved it, and want more.
December 26, 2015
Cute short story about a recently retired man who decides it is not too late to make some changes.
September 9, 2016
Loved the story
Interesting. Twist from normal. Really enjoyed this author. Will be reading more . Characters were real and believable. The descriptions real.
Interesting. Twist from normal. Really enjoyed this author. Will be reading more . Characters were real and believable. The descriptions real.
December 11, 2016
Well written Christmas dream
December 23, 2016
Good Christmas story. I liked Ketch and will be looking for more of this series.
December 21, 2019
How the Dickens did we get here. . .
Ketch is no Scrooge, but I suppose there was the potential. . . for that matter, I suppose we all have a Scrooge-ish potential lurking somewhere deep inside if we lose sight of our shared humanity. . . And in our evermore secular/scientific worldview we become immune to a sense of wonder and mystery. Life rendered as abstract mathematical models and equations bereft of spirit. Check on the kid that looks hungry, don't pass up the barbecued oysters to try them later, go ahead and dance. . . your kid needs you now. . . don't sacrifice joy. . .
Ketch is no Scrooge, but I suppose there was the potential. . . for that matter, I suppose we all have a Scrooge-ish potential lurking somewhere deep inside if we lose sight of our shared humanity. . . And in our evermore secular/scientific worldview we become immune to a sense of wonder and mystery. Life rendered as abstract mathematical models and equations bereft of spirit. Check on the kid that looks hungry, don't pass up the barbecued oysters to try them later, go ahead and dance. . . your kid needs you now. . . don't sacrifice joy. . .
July 11, 2019
Mr. Dennis makes this book available on his web site for free. It is an interesting take of 'A Christmas Carol', though it does not take place on December 25. Storm is recently retired. Renting a home in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina and with nothing to do, he and his dog, Jack decide to take a trip to 'Olde Christmas' time just up the road. In typical Dickens style he is visited by three Ghosts of Christmas. From these he learns the lessons he needed to so that he could start a new, good life in his new home.
Recommended for anyone, it is a cute tale.
Recommended for anyone, it is a cute tale.
July 13, 2018
A Christmas Carol remixed with a mystery
A great take on the Christmas Carol that will have you loving it. Actually it wasn't until the end that you realised that that was what it was. Wonderfully written and a great introduction to Storm plus with the extra of having a bit of a mystery thrown in.
A great take on the Christmas Carol that will have you loving it. Actually it wasn't until the end that you realised that that was what it was. Wonderfully written and a great introduction to Storm plus with the extra of having a bit of a mystery thrown in.
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August 4, 2019An Olde Christmas Carol: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) is my first read from author Garrett Dennis. I got this back in February of 2017 and never got around to reading it even though I'd been buying Garrett Dennis books as far back as July of 2014. My loss. Now that I've read a Storm Ketchum book I'll be looking to read more. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 5, 2018
This was a short story, basically it’s about a retired gentleman whom moves away from the city to the country with his dog. It’s similar a little to a Christmas Carole hence the name, I think it puts his life into perspective being alone and he finally realizes that at the end of the book.
August 12, 2019
Very interesting
I usually don't like short stories but this was an exception. It was interesting it was made me want to learn more about the people it was kind of a lesson learned more than one really I thoroughly enjoyed it I think most people would.
I usually don't like short stories but this was an exception. It was interesting it was made me want to learn more about the people it was kind of a lesson learned more than one really I thoroughly enjoyed it I think most people would.
September 2, 2020
I really liked this story. It didn't dawn on me until near the end that this might be a different take on Dickens's Christmas story. Really well done. A ghost story, although a gentle one, around Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews