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The Journal of Reginald Perigar
The Jacques’s Emporium, hidden amongst the icy alleyways of Victorian London, hoarding its shadowy secrets against the winter snow.
The Basil Jenkins, collector of intriguing objects, who becomes fascinated by his newest purchase – an exquisite chessboard.
The written by the mysterious Reginald Perigar, recording the ferocious chess matches he played throughout history.
The black versus white, living versus dead, as Jenkins fights to save himself from becoming a pawn in Perigar’s endgame…
The Journal of Reginald Perigar is a chilling short story for the dark months. From the author of the nightmarish 'A Gathering of Ghosts' and modern horrors 'The Cage' and 'Beneath The Boards'.
The Basil Jenkins, collector of intriguing objects, who becomes fascinated by his newest purchase – an exquisite chessboard.
The written by the mysterious Reginald Perigar, recording the ferocious chess matches he played throughout history.
The black versus white, living versus dead, as Jenkins fights to save himself from becoming a pawn in Perigar’s endgame…
The Journal of Reginald Perigar is a chilling short story for the dark months. From the author of the nightmarish 'A Gathering of Ghosts' and modern horrors 'The Cage' and 'Beneath The Boards'.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
David Haynes
26 books213 followersWhen 12 year-old David Haynes picked up a battered copy of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, he never looked back.
Writing in the grand tradition of the horror paperback originals of his misspent youth, Haynes populates his spine-chilling novels with ancient evils and small-town terrors, mutant monstrosities and knife-wielding psychopaths, and is dedicated to disproving the depressing observation that “...they don’t write ‘em like they used to.”
David Haynes is the author of sixteen horror novels and three collections of macabre short fiction, and lives in England with his wife and dog - that he wasn’t allowed to call Cujo.
Writing in the grand tradition of the horror paperback originals of his misspent youth, Haynes populates his spine-chilling novels with ancient evils and small-town terrors, mutant monstrosities and knife-wielding psychopaths, and is dedicated to disproving the depressing observation that “...they don’t write ‘em like they used to.”
David Haynes is the author of sixteen horror novels and three collections of macabre short fiction, and lives in England with his wife and dog - that he wasn’t allowed to call Cujo.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 29, 2015
4.5*
A copy of this book was gifted to me by the author. There were no expectations of a review and this has not influenced my honest review of the book.
Basil Jenkins is a collector of rare artifacts, all sourced through a unique shop called Jacques Emporium. Basil is delighted to find his latest piece is an exquisite chess set along with a diary chronicling the chess matches of it's previous owner, Reginald Perigar. As he decides to play through all the match moves, Interest turns to obsession as he works through match after match, is it just an innocent game or are there higher stakes at play.
The author returns to the Victorian era for this short story, it's a welcome return as he creates so much believable atmosphere is his stories as well as easily nailing the feel of the period.
The characters are well done, Basil is likeable and it's easy to feel concerned for him as he starts to become more obsessed with the game. Jacques was also well done, his character was subtly creepy and he set the story up well, building dread from the first few pages and making the reader uneasy at his 'special' item.
I did see the ending a mile off but it was none less enjoyable for it and I'd highly recommend this for lovers of victorian gothic.
A copy of this book was gifted to me by the author. There were no expectations of a review and this has not influenced my honest review of the book.
Basil Jenkins is a collector of rare artifacts, all sourced through a unique shop called Jacques Emporium. Basil is delighted to find his latest piece is an exquisite chess set along with a diary chronicling the chess matches of it's previous owner, Reginald Perigar. As he decides to play through all the match moves, Interest turns to obsession as he works through match after match, is it just an innocent game or are there higher stakes at play.
The author returns to the Victorian era for this short story, it's a welcome return as he creates so much believable atmosphere is his stories as well as easily nailing the feel of the period.
The characters are well done, Basil is likeable and it's easy to feel concerned for him as he starts to become more obsessed with the game. Jacques was also well done, his character was subtly creepy and he set the story up well, building dread from the first few pages and making the reader uneasy at his 'special' item.
I did see the ending a mile off but it was none less enjoyable for it and I'd highly recommend this for lovers of victorian gothic.
February 7, 2017
Spooky and unique
The Journal of Reginald Perigar was really enjoyable. Wonderful gothic setting with lots of atmosphere which pulled me into the very heart of the story. I had an inkling as to where it was going, but it didn't make it any less satisfying as a quick read. Perfect for dark, cold nights in front of an open fire. I've read David Haynes' work before, and will be reading more from him without a doubt. 4 stars out of 5
The Journal of Reginald Perigar was really enjoyable. Wonderful gothic setting with lots of atmosphere which pulled me into the very heart of the story. I had an inkling as to where it was going, but it didn't make it any less satisfying as a quick read. Perfect for dark, cold nights in front of an open fire. I've read David Haynes' work before, and will be reading more from him without a doubt. 4 stars out of 5
November 18, 2015
I love Haynes' Victorian stories. He nails the descriptions and captures what I imagine to be the atmosphere of the era.
In "The Journal of Reginald Perigar" you feel and taste the cold, bitter London air as described by Haynes. He captures the gritty surroundings of the alleyway and the haunting but somehow comfortable, close environs of the emporium. And, more importantly, you feel the story closing in on you as you turn page to page.
5 STARS
In "The Journal of Reginald Perigar" you feel and taste the cold, bitter London air as described by Haynes. He captures the gritty surroundings of the alleyway and the haunting but somehow comfortable, close environs of the emporium. And, more importantly, you feel the story closing in on you as you turn page to page.
5 STARS
November 29, 2015
I've said it before that I'm a bit of a David Haynes fan boy. Ever since reading his Victorian era collection 'The Ballet of Bones' his books have always slipped into the top of my TBR list when they are released. And this latest novella from him has only cemented that. This story is a return to the Victorian era (there's a few nods to his other stories set in that time) and his shorter form and quite simply it's a fantastic horror read.
The author's style of writing suits the age the story is set in and evokes the feel of that time. The story is a fascinating one, a mystery that builds with each page. And as your curiosity is engaged the horror builds, layer by layer.
The core of the story revolves around a beautiful chess set and the records of several chess games. It's an unusual choice for a story of this nature, but an effective one. I love the game, even though I'm not particularly good at it! I also make chess sets and the one described in the story makes me want to build one :-)
It's the mystery in the story and how it comes together that sets the story apart for me. It's a novel idea that is masterfully executed. It's a short read and if you haven't read any of his work before then this is an ideal introduction. If you're a fan of horror then this is a recommended read.
The author's style of writing suits the age the story is set in and evokes the feel of that time. The story is a fascinating one, a mystery that builds with each page. And as your curiosity is engaged the horror builds, layer by layer.
The core of the story revolves around a beautiful chess set and the records of several chess games. It's an unusual choice for a story of this nature, but an effective one. I love the game, even though I'm not particularly good at it! I also make chess sets and the one described in the story makes me want to build one :-)
It's the mystery in the story and how it comes together that sets the story apart for me. It's a novel idea that is masterfully executed. It's a short read and if you haven't read any of his work before then this is an ideal introduction. If you're a fan of horror then this is a recommended read.
November 18, 2015
This is a shortish story by the Master of Macabre David Haynes, but it's back in his smoggy London that he evokes so well.
Basil Jenkins is an old widower who likes to visit Jacques' Emporium to collect ever more exotic trinkets. This time, Jacques has something a bit different for him.
Considering this book is about reading a book about chess, it is filled with creepy moments. I was drawn in from the off with wondering what was going to happen.
I love this author's works so much I refuse to read any synopses, so I rarely have any idea what's ahead. To me, this makes the reading experience even more exciting, like Basil's anticipation as he returns home.
Basil Jenkins is an old widower who likes to visit Jacques' Emporium to collect ever more exotic trinkets. This time, Jacques has something a bit different for him.
Considering this book is about reading a book about chess, it is filled with creepy moments. I was drawn in from the off with wondering what was going to happen.
I love this author's works so much I refuse to read any synopses, so I rarely have any idea what's ahead. To me, this makes the reading experience even more exciting, like Basil's anticipation as he returns home.
November 6, 2017
4 Stars
Dark, cold and haunting. What is this journal about and the game attached??
What starts off as a collector's fancy turns into a haunting nightmare. Nice build-up and ending.
47 Pg (free on kindle)
Dark, cold and haunting. What is this journal about and the game attached??
What starts off as a collector's fancy turns into a haunting nightmare. Nice build-up and ending.
47 Pg (free on kindle)
November 18, 2015
This is a novella length story about a Victorian gentleman who is fascinated by intriguing objects. His whole house is a cabinet of curiosities. His latest acquisition is a beautiful chess set which he opens with eager enthusiasm. This sets in motion a chain of events which he (and the reader) could not have foreseen. The writing so immerses you in the cadences of Victorian speech that it is a real jolt to read the final couple of pages set in modern times. That’s good writing!
The story has a great sense of time and place with the darkness and grime of London and the candle and oil-lamp lit home being particularly well-created. If you like a solid, traditional horror story, you’re in for a treat with this one.
The story has a great sense of time and place with the darkness and grime of London and the candle and oil-lamp lit home being particularly well-created. If you like a solid, traditional horror story, you’re in for a treat with this one.
November 24, 2015
David Haynes returns with another slice of ghostly perfection. The Journal of Reginald Perigar is written convincingly and authentically and wouldn’t look out of place alongside Dickens’ ghost stories.
I don’t usually guess where the plot is going in Haynes’ books and it’s with some smugness I declare that I predicted the outcome ahead of time but it was no less delicious when it came.
This is a perfectly-formed story with an ending that is clever and fittingly spooky. Short enough to devour in one session, it nevertheless packs the punch I have come to expect from this author’s work.
I don’t usually guess where the plot is going in Haynes’ books and it’s with some smugness I declare that I predicted the outcome ahead of time but it was no less delicious when it came.
This is a perfectly-formed story with an ending that is clever and fittingly spooky. Short enough to devour in one session, it nevertheless packs the punch I have come to expect from this author’s work.
December 14, 2016
I downloaded this book when I saw it on a free promotion because it looked interesting but it was only after it arrived on my Kindle that I realised it was by David Haynes, an author I have read and enjoyed in the past.
This short book did not disappoint. Basil Jenkins is the collector of ‘intriguing objects’ so when he acquires a boxed chess set along with a journal recording matches played by Reginald Perigar, clearly a master of the game, he immediately begins to re-enact the matches one by one.
This Victorian Gothic story is perfectly pitched; the icy streets of London so apt. That the story was fairly predictable didn’t matter at all. Tales such as these are to be savoured in the telling. The twist at the very end is a really nice touch.
Best enjoyed on a cold winter’s night, along with a glass of rich mulled wine.
This short book did not disappoint. Basil Jenkins is the collector of ‘intriguing objects’ so when he acquires a boxed chess set along with a journal recording matches played by Reginald Perigar, clearly a master of the game, he immediately begins to re-enact the matches one by one.
This Victorian Gothic story is perfectly pitched; the icy streets of London so apt. That the story was fairly predictable didn’t matter at all. Tales such as these are to be savoured in the telling. The twist at the very end is a really nice touch.
Best enjoyed on a cold winter’s night, along with a glass of rich mulled wine.
December 18, 2016
Absolutely mesmerizing
This book had me from the get go. It is a perfect book to read in one sitting and will thrill and enthrall the reader. The beginning was all about the excitement and quest for novelty and curiosity. Then come the harbingers mixed with the thrill of discovery.
I really cannot recommend this book any higher. It is a masterpiece.
This book had me from the get go. It is a perfect book to read in one sitting and will thrill and enthrall the reader. The beginning was all about the excitement and quest for novelty and curiosity. Then come the harbingers mixed with the thrill of discovery.
I really cannot recommend this book any higher. It is a masterpiece.
March 13, 2016
A snippet of a book, but well worth a read. Great descriptions of the shop and home which really enables you to set the scene. Sit down on a cold dark evening light the fire and enjoy.
December 16, 2016
Good winter short story
As a chess player I found this an intriguing story. Good build up, you kind of know where this is going. Still a good short story for winter.
As a chess player I found this an intriguing story. Good build up, you kind of know where this is going. Still a good short story for winter.
December 19, 2016
An enjoyable, atmospheric, creepy short story.
January 14, 2023
Short but sweet.
Again David Haynes didn't disappoint. Fantastic short story which captivates its reader from start to finish. Now to move on to his next book.
Again David Haynes didn't disappoint. Fantastic short story which captivates its reader from start to finish. Now to move on to his next book.
December 9, 2016
It was ok for a short story.
May 30, 2016
Even though one could see what was coming, this was very well done, and thoroughly chilling.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews