Scouse Gothic: The Pool of Life... and Death

by Ian McKinney

Melville wakes with a pounding headache – there had been too many hangovers recently, but this one felt different. What had he been drinking last night? Then he remembered – it was blood.
Enter the bizarre world of Scouse Gothic where a reluctant vampire mourns a lost love and his past lives, where a retired ‘hit man’ plans one more killing and dreams of food, and a mother sets out to avenge her son’s murder, and, meanwhile, a grieving husband is visited by an angry angel.
Set in present day Liverpool, vampires and mortals co-exist, unaware of each others’ secrets and that their past and present are inextricably linked.
But as their lives converge, who will be expected to atone for past sins?

Genres: Paranormal, Horror, Thriller

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2015

About the author

I was born and bred in Liverpool, but after leaving for University I didn't return to live in the city for many years.
When I did return I found the city had changed out of all recognition; gone were the boarded up shops and derelict docks, replaced by a modern vibrant city.
However many of the old buildings I remembered from my youth still remained, even if they now had different uses. An abandoned docks was now a tourist destination, and a church now a night club.
It was this that inspired to write the Scouse Gothic books.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ A Unique Vampie Thriller!

I'm a big vampire fan and always on the look out for something a little different and this definitely ticked that box!

It's not your typical Vampire book or sexy Vampire Romance, this is a hard hitting Thriller with a twist of horror.

I think the intriguing blurb pretty much gives you a good insight into this engrossing storyline so I won't delve any more.

Scouse Gothic (Book 1) ‘The Pool of Life..and Death’ is very much a strong character driven story.
Each Character very unique and complex, there is even a Guardian Angel Pidgeon lol brilliant right!
Each Characters stories weave together seamlessly, making for an Engrossing read with enough cleverly plotted twists to keep readers on their toes!

The story is based in Liverpool and the Author paints the sights, history and settings perfectly. Which was compelling as i have never been to Liverpool.

Scouse Gothic (Book 1) ‘The Pool of Life..and Death’ Is a unique and dark suspenseful Thriller, laced with dark humour, plots, murder, revenge, bloodlust, sadness, history, hit men, villains, and a pidgeon.
This is the first book in the series and I can't wait for the next instalment.

So if you are looking for a Vampire Read with a difference, that has a captivating mix of eclectic characters, a dark twisting and engrossing storyline, then you won't want to miss out on reading this Gritty horror/Thriller!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...

[James Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deep, multi-layered journey through Liverpool´s past and present which intermingles five character´s stories in a plot worthy of a thriller.
Told with humour and panache, Scouse Gothic happily turns conventions on its head as it roams Liverpool´s streets, bumping into itself at various nightspots and city locations. There are vampires, hitmen, pensioners, criminals and talking pigeons but the novel is always human, always concerned with the struggle of life and living with the nearness of death.
Its tight, compact style means you´re never far from a sweet, violent, bloody interlude and MacKinney´s local knowledge, worn lightly, means Liverpool emerges from the pages a character in its own right, somehow still alive despite the night before, blinking blearily in the morning sunshine glinting off the Mersey.

[Leonard Tillerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix vampires, a hitman, a grief stricken mother recently released from a mental institution who is bent on revenge- and a plump little angel with the appearance of a pigeon?  You get one fantastic story...that's what!  Scouse Gothic by author Ian McKinney is by no means your typical vampire tale.  For those who are seeking the traditional "stake through the heart" good versus evil battle, you will not find it here.  However, readers who are interested in a brilliant novel with a gripping plot, which intertwines the lives of its many complex characters into a wholly mesmerizing story...look no further!

To provide a summary of this book without giving away too much of the plot is actually quite difficult.  The novel has many "stories within the story" which are cleverly woven together into a collective whole as the story events gradually unfold.  Essentially, the book begins with the vampire Melville, who after trying to stop killing humans and drinking their blood, finds himself recovering from a binge kill.  The reader is allowed to see Melville's past as he reminisces about time gone by and he feels intense sorrow at its passing.  However, when he encounters the pretty and lively vampire Sheryl, the future begins to look much brighter for Melville.  Nevertheless, unbeknownst to Melville, there are many events unfolding which may have a dramatic impact upon his newfound happiness.  A hitman named Lathom who has recently tried to kill his latest mark has set a number of unfortunate events into motion.  Revenge and chaos will ensue!

Speaking of revenge...we are also introduced to Catherine who has spent the last part of her life in a mental institution.  After the murder of her son, she will stop at nothing to have her vengeance.  Lastly, we see the despondent Peter, who has recently lost his beloved wife and is planning a suicide so that he can join her in the next life.  But after encountering a rather caustic angel in the form of a pigeon, Peter is convinced to reconsider.  How can all these distinct events possibly be related you ask?  Read on with both your mouth and mind open wide and the answer will become readily apparent!

In my opinion, truly great novels have a wonderful plot, dynamic characters and a vivid setting which can easily be pictured within the mind.  Scouse Gothic has all of the above.  First of all, the plot is entirely engrossing and captivating.  There are a number of themes which run throughout the story, but resilience and atoning for one's past mistakes is the most dominant one for me.  The author manages to convey the theme through a series of engrossing and intricate story events.  I found the manner in which all the action and characters were ultimately tied together to be simply brilliant and very engaging.  Subtle, intelligent and very effective!  There is no doubt in my mind that Ian McKinney planned his plot development meticulously.

As great as the plot of this novel is, it would really not have worked without well developed characters.  There is no fear of that happening here.  This is a very character driven story.  While there are a number of significant characters, Melville does stand out as the chief protagonist.  The characters are all developed in great depth and we are able to examine their past and present circumstances which are presented from their own unique viewpoint and perspective.  The reader is able to get into all of their heads.  While I was reading I found myself becoming very emotionally invested in the characters.  The only one I could not empathize with was Kelly, but he nonetheless stands out as a perfect villain.

Last but not least, the author has obviously devoted a lot of time and effort to the setting of the novel.  As a reader you pretty much feel like you are actually there and part of the adventure.  I quite enjoyed the way the buildings and architecture of Liverpool was presented from a historical and cultural perspective.  It was touching to see characters such a Melville and Sheryl  reminisce about how certain areas or buildings had changed dramatically through the many years, while others not at all. The author manages to describe the setting in such a way that it can easily be visualized and appreciated, but not lose the reader's interest with excessive detail at the same time.  That is no easy feat!

Overall I found this to be an entirely enjoyable reading experience.  I actually read the book twice in order to complete this review.  While I really liked it the first time, I enjoyed it even more the second time around.  That says a lot about the quality of writing.  There are some violent scenes and sexual overtones and as such it is recommended for adult readers.  However...recommended it most certainly is!

5 out of 5 Gothic Stars for this one!   *****

[David Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melville is a vampire but he’s trying to quit drinking blood. Last night he may have killed someone but at least he feels better than he has in a while and he found someone to love. Peter is a man who can’t get over the death of his wife but hopefully his guardian angel can help him even if the angel looks mysteriously like a pigeon. Lathom is a hitman who has been double crossed and wants revenge but a man he tried to kill has something sinister in store for him. Kelly is an evil man who loves to hurt people and create chaos but his luck is running out. Last but not least we have Catherine whose life has been spent in a mental hospital since the murder of her son but now she may have the knowledge she needs for vengeance.

These five stories have two things in common, they all take place in Liverpool England and they are all part of Ian McKinney’s Scouse Gothic. I was interested in reading this book because I enjoy reading vampire fiction but this book was not what I expected. We start with a vampire but vampires in Scouse Gothic aren’t the same as they are in other books. This book doesn’t fit easily in any genre. It starts as a horror novel but becomes more of a human drama with horror and mystery elements.

Several times while reading this book I thought to myself: “Where is this story going and who is the main character?” I got the impression that the author was much more interested in creating interesting characters that you don’t meet every day than making a long cohesive story. The best part of the story is learning how each character is connected and how they have influenced each other. This is a different type of book but if you love character driven fiction it’s a great read.

The characters are complex and no one acts like you think they should act. For instance Melville may be a vampire but he has no fangs and can go out in daylight. He’s immortal but he’s just trying to live a normal life like everyone else except he has memories going back to the 1800’s. Some of my favorite scenes in this book had Melville walking down streets and remembering how that street was in the past and mourning the people who use to live there who have long since died. You feel for these characters even when they’re doing bad things. My favorite character was Catherine because everyone around her thinks she’s stupid and she uses this to her advantage. Catherine puts on an act for the general public and knows how to get what she wants, such as the knowledge to build a bomb to get revenge against the man who killed her son.

While reading Scouse Gothic I found myself thinking of the movie Pulp Fiction. That movie was different from other movies of the time, plot wasn’t as important as creating memorable characters and putting them in odd situations. Scouse Gothic is the same way, all of the characters are fascinating and they all brought a different element to the novel. Scouse Gothic has the feel of a great ongoing series and I’m happy to see that there are two other books in the series.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: SCOUSE GOTHIC: THE POOL OF LIFE AND DEATH by Ian McKinney

When I read Vampire Fiction (rarely), I think in terms of the blessings of eternity {books! Time to read whatever I wish, all I wish! and health: no arthritis! No aches and pains and general debility}. I don't think in terms of the issues our protagonist Melville experiences. He, like the proverbial elephant, never forgets, not even after centuries. Also, Melville still has a heart: feelings, emotions, even compassion and empathy. Everywhere he travels or settles, memories arise. Geography, buildings, lives long ended, lost friendships, lost loves.

SCOUSE GOTHIC: THE POOL OF LIFE AND DEATH.... is Book 1 in Ian McKinney' s SCOUSE GOTHIC series, set in Liverpool, England.

[Nev Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Pending

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual and compelling read.

Scouse Gothic has a wonderful cast of believable and flawed characters, whos seemingly individual tales become seamlessly, and cleverly, interwoven. Amongst this party of oddballs, are vampires (not your typical vamps), criminals, humans and an angel disguised as a pigeon... or is that last one a figment of someone's imagination?

An atmospheric story that brings the Liverpool setting, past and present, to life, with a superb mix of revenge, love, hate, history, light & dark humour, and much more.

[Mike Finn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Scouse Gothic" is a fun, if uneven read, strong on originality, dialogue and characters but sometimes a little under-written in its descriptions and not entirely satisfying in its structure.

The pull of the novel for me was that it was a vampire story set in contemporary Liverpool, a city that I know well. I recognised every building in "Scouse Gothic" and enjoyed seeing Ian McKinney coat them with a plausible gothic veneer.

McKinney makes Liverpool a character in the novel. In an early chapter, two (very) long-term residents try to sum up Liverpool in a way that shows McKinney's affection for the place (and explains the subtitle of the novel):

‘Carl Jung called Liverpool ‘the pool of life’,’ she said.
´What did he mean by that?’
´Who knows, babe. He was a Swiss psychologist so your guess is as good as mine.’
´What’s your guess then?’
´Well, I think he meant that it’s everything in one place, good, bad, rich and poor. Just like a pan of scouse —throw everything in together, then heat it up, and what you get is something unique.’

One of the vampires lives in a modern apartment building next to Chavasse Park, in the heart of Liverpool One. The choice of building amused me as I think this is a block that reached for innovation and instead ended up having all the charm of a modern office building in Canary Wharf, so I assume Ian McKinney intended it to a symbol of soulless wealth, especially as the vampire living there decorated everything in beige and magnolia. Unfortunately, the building isn't described in enough detail for anyone unfamiliar with Liverpool to get the reference.

What Ian McKinney does very well is to describe the people of Liverpool. It isn't easy to walk the line of accurate depiction without falling into parody because Liverpudlians are aware of their history and their culture and they feel free to take the piss out of it whenever they want. It’s their birthright, a sign of their affection and an irresistible impulse. This is something that gets summed up in a vampire's description of the use of humour in Liverpool.

"You can’t appreciate it unless you know the rules. It’s sort of a non-contact martial art. It’s like ‘Gob-Judo’.

It’s the great leveller in this city, why no one in Liverpool is allowed to get too ‘up themselves’.

You can be rich and famous, people don’t mind that —‘local boy made good’ etc… But, if you ever act as though you’re better than anyone else, watch out. One day you'll be out with your mates, bathing in the warm glow of your self-satisfaction, telling anyone who’ll listen that the sun shines out of your arse, when someone will have had enough and just say one line, a stiletto of wit to puncture your ego, and suddenly, there you are, flat on your back, feeling a twat while your friends laugh at you."
I loved the subtle mournfulness of a long vampire life filled with too many Emmas (women as food, also referred to as takeaways) to remember and too many lost loves to bear and yet surrounded by the life and vitality of Liverpool. Here's how two of the vampires talk about it:

‘I used to know the people who lived here,’ he said. ‘
´When?’ ‘
1918.’ ‘
And?’ ‘
They died.’ ‘
They always do, babe. They’re like goldfish, lovely to look at but don’t get too attached because they don’t last long.’
I was touched by the daily visits one vampire, who still looks late teens, makes to her younger sister, now in her eighties and suffering from dementia, When the old woman tells her carers that she's happy because her big sister is visiting her, none of them believes her.

The book was a little uneven. Some passages, like the one where a very dangerous man returns to his isolated farmhouse and finds four killers waiting for him, are vivid and completely engaging. Other seem too lightly sketched. This is partly a problem of structure. Reading "Scouse Gothic" is like bingeing on the first ten episodes of a bold new TV series and then realising that you've only bought Part 1 of a twenty episode set: you find it novel and stimulating, and you're hungry for more and then, suddenly, it comes to a halt.

There are three Scouse Gothic books in all and I suspect that all three are needed before the relationships between the characters in the first novel are understood. In "Scouse Gothic" their lives overlap, sometimes with violent consequences but the role of some of the characters remains unclear.

We spend the second chapter with a recently widowed man who had a:

"...simple plan: get drunk, buy drugs, take drugs, then more alcohol and commit suicide. But now all that was messed up..."
and he finds himself .talking to a pigeon-shaped angel. I was fascinated but, although the character reappears in some later chapters, why he is in the novel isn't revealed.

I liked "Scouse Gothic" well enough to want to read the other two books but I wish they'd all been published in one volume.

[M.H. Thaung]

This is supernatural crime fiction where being a vampire doesn't come with the benefits that you might expect. The author weaves together the lives and histories of several characters, both vampire and non- (and one pigeon, sorta) against the backdrop of current day Liverpool.

I loved the ambience and snippets of history. The way the characters faced their problems made me chuckle (dang! another body to dispose of). However, I found it challenging to keep track of who they all were and their relationships with each other. This may have been partly because I read the book over a few train journeys rather than at one sitting. But I think it was mainly because of the extensive use of flashbacks to give us their various histories—I couldn't remain orientated enough to integrate the information with current events. Although I was keen to see what happened next, the setting stuck with me more strongly than the characters did.

I noticed just one typo (a "reek" instead of "wreak") and a few odd comma placements, but nothing significantly distracting.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I'm curious to pick up the next book in the series.

[Annatasia Meehleder · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHADOW STALKER: NIGHTBLADES

*** I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. ***

I couldn’t wait to read this book when I found out about it because I thought the blurb was fascinating and I knew I was in for a treat. Boy, was I! This book became so much more than I ever thought it could be. It is a completely different spin on a vampire novel and I absolutely loved it. Melville is so interesting and he doesn’t even know it.

I FEEL LIKE THIS IS SUCH A CLASSIC. I KNOW I CAN READ THIS WHEN I AM OLD AND GREY AND I WOULD LOVE IT JUST AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE. SCOUSE GOTHIC IS FOR ALL AGES REALLY, I BELIEVE ALL CAN CONNECT TO THE STORY ON SOME LEVEL. THAT’S PRICELESS.

THIS BOOK IS SOMETHING TO BE APPRECIATED BECAUSE OF THE HISTORY HE GIVES THE CHARACTERS. ALSO HOW THE AUTHOR TIES IN ACTUAL PLACES FROM LIVERPOOL. ADDING THE MAP IN THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK WAS AWESOME TOO! I KEPT GOING BACK TO IT. I DON’T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE DOES THAT OR NOT… BUT I DO, SO THANKS IAN MCKINNEY!!!!! YOU’RE THE BEST.

I really enjoyed the background of Melville the most throughout the book. I feel like everything was well thought and planned for the book and it shows. It was thoroughly executed. I am just surprised about the ending though! Also a little traumatized, I do have to say because I wasn’t expecting the one part to happen so abruptly. I NEED to know what happens next though!!

Can’t just leave me hanging like that! I want answers Ian! Like what happened to Melville after all that? Where was he? Where did Jean go? What happened to Kelly? Michelle? Oh and the hitman? I really need to get the next book to find these things out because I have other questions burning inside me that could keep us here all day.

I think I was also surprised by the humor that was in the book too. It was added here and there and gave the book some extra flare. The angry angel was pretty funny. I could just picture the scenes happening in my head and it was so comical. I do hope that after this series Ian continues to write because he has a knack for it.

[KT Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a series, Scouse Gothic: The Pool Of Life… And Death is an addictive and entertaining read. I love a good vampire story, and this one is a breath of fresh air in terms of how it tackles the whole vampire trope. No pale skin, no aversion to sunlight, no unearthly beauty. Just lovesick Melville, a vampire who doesn’t seem overly keen on being a vampire, abstaining from blood only to fall off the wagon every now and then much in the same style as an alcoholic.

I’ve never been to Liverpool before but all the detailed descriptions of the city, past and present, painted a vivid picture in my mind and had me feeling as if I’d been strolling the streets myself! With the chapters smoothly transitioning between past and present, it was interesting to gain insight on Melvilles past, learning about his previous stints in the city over the years.

Alongside Melville, we of course have a whole host of other interesting, entertaining and funny characters. There’s Sheryl, the bold, cocktail loving vampire who stumbles into Melvilles life, and Lathom, the antique dealer who moonlights as a hired assassin. We also have Peter, a night shift concierge in an apartment complex, and his newest companion, Frank the guardian angel/talking pigeon. Now, I know Frank sounds like a bit of an odd addition there, even for a vampire novel, but trust me he’s just the right brand of weird. In fact, I think the sarcastic, grumpy little pigeon is my favourite character in the whole novel!

Between all those guys, and plenty other great characters who slot in over the course of the story, this book hooks you in right from the start. As the characters seemingly separate plot lines slowly converge together, it gets harder and harder to put the book down. I’m excited to go pick up book two!

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disclaimer, first, that might help some of you – I have no interest in vampire stories.

I was drawn to this book after finding author, Ian McKinney, on Twitter, and because the book is set in my hometown. It wasn’t a difficult decision to go ahead and get all 3 books in the series, and I am glad I did.

So, don’t be put off if you’re not really into vampires either. This book is a great read, and is so much more than just “vampires”! I kept forgetting it was even about vampires – it’s definitely not your average vampire setting, that’s for sure.

I realise it held a lot of significance to me because of its location, but you won’t be disadvantaged if you’re not familiar with the city. (Although you might benefit from a translator in parts!) And if you’re into history, you’re in for an extra treat, as you head back to the Napoleonic Wars and World War I.

It’s such a unique read. The story will quickly draw you in, the history will make you wonder why you never read about Melville in school, and the humour will keep you turning the pages. Keep a look out for Frank the pigeon, too. He’ll forever change those birds for you.

All in all, an amazing jigsaw of story parts, cocktail recipes, and maps that all seem bizarre or random in their own right, but perfectly fit together.

No spoilers from me in my reviews, but the ending sent me straight into Book 2.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to my Melville cocktail.

[Helen Whistberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one! Innovative and entertaining. Each section reads like a stand alone short story mixing acutely-observed character studies with action and horror and even some sly humor. We get to know a wide cast of beings, some human and some not so human, as we observe a slice of their lives. Then the satisfaction of seeing all the story lines come together in the exciting and slightly terrifying climax to the book. I really like novels with this structure of introducing us to different pieces of the puzzle of a plot and then tying them all together at the end. Always makes me want to go back and reread the book immediately to take even greater pleasure in watching all the chess pieces moving on the board to the final checkmate. And if I tell you my favorite character of all was a rather unique pigeon, well, that should give you some idea of the originality and imagination at work here. Recommended for fans of thoughtful horror and action with a healthy dose of humanity in the best sense of the word.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scouse Gothic is innovative, compelling, and something I love more, the more I think about it!

This book is made up of five stories that are seemingly unrelated, aside from the idea that they take place in Liverpool England. What is really cool is when you start learning how each story is intertwined. It is really something different! I don’t think I’ve read a story quite like this.

Ian McKinney has created some really fantastic characters. I am beyond impressed with how real, flawed, and well-rounded each one was. Complex isn’t even a great adjective to describe them. Each character is their own, unique individual and they don’t really act the way you’d expect. I absolutely love character-driven novels and this is a wonderful example of why I love them so much!

I’m really looking forward to reading more from Ian McKinney! I absolutely loved this novel. Highly recommended!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources.*

Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com

[Angela Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scouse Gothic: The Pool of Life and Death is a character driven dark comedy/horror novel. In the pages of this novel we get to know Melville, a vampire who has fallen off the wagon and his new love interest, Sheryl. Frank, an irreverent angel who appears to Peter, a man grieving the loss of his wife. Latham is a hitman who has to solve the mystery of who double crossed him and why. Last but not least we have Catherine, a woman seeking revenge for the murder of her son. Every time I thought I figured out how these people where connected there was a new twist leading to an ending that left me wanting more. I loved traipsing through Liverpool with Melville, Franks explanation of organized religion had me laughing out loud, and Latham was kind of a badass. This is the first book in the Scouse Gothic series so I’ll be catching up with Melville and the other fascinating denizens of Liverpool soon. A funny and intriguing 4 star read.

[Horror DNA · Rating 3 out of 5]

The City and the gothic is a literary relationship with plenty of history and street cred behind it. London and Edinburgh have had more than their fair share, so it's an enjoyable dig at our preconceptions that Ian McKinney's Scouse Gothic comes across as a curiously oxymoronic premise. Well-rooted in Liverpool's geography and vernacular yet never overwhelming its story with either, Book 1: The Pool of Life is as grounded in its time as it is in its place. Vampires may be immortal, but they still live in a very recognisable, real world of affordable bars, patronising officials, messy relationships and deadly feuds.

You can read Rachel's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Melville, a vampire who fought in both the Napoleonic Wars and World War I, returns to Liverpool after nearly a century abroad, the memories flood back. Alone and feeling that everything of meaning to him is long gone, he is thrilled to meet another of his kind, the vivacious Sheryl. But as the two become increasingly involved, they fail to see the threats gathering around them. Liverpool, a city with a dark past, is full of murderous humans and an old enemy of Melville’s whose plots and schemes McKinney weaves together with amazing skill. With sharply drawn characters, historically interesting detail, and even a humorously cynical angel disguised as a pigeon, Scouse Gothic: The Pool of Life… and Death kept me reading long after I should have been fast asleep. A fun read for vampire lovers!

[Catherine Cavendish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in a trilogy is an attention compeller. Over the years, I have become increasingly tired of 'sparkly' vampires or the over-cliched Christopher Lee wannabees. With Scouse Gothic, the author has created an eclectic cast of characters with their all too believable flaws. Each has their own story to tell and all are fascinating. The way the author draws all the threads together shows skill, imagination and a real flair for the unusual. In addition, he paints a vivid picture of the city that is Liverpool with its big heart and hidden, sometimes extremely murky, undercurrents. There is sadness, humour... and a pigeon called Frank. It sort of shouldn't work but it certainly does. Eagerly staring on book two now

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 Stars

Scouse Gothic was unique tale. Set in Liverpool, UK, Scouse Gothic has a really diverse mix of characters.  I enjoyed the amalgamation of human and less than human characters that make up the story. 

 All of the  individual parts of the story come together at the end. The parts come together well and the conclusion is satisfying, but this stories  layout wasn't one that I find easy to read. 

While the writing style wasn't one that I found an easy read, I liked the unique story and the diverse character range. I do believe that Scouse Gothic could be a good choice for lovers of horror style reads.

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a splendid story! A great mixture of intrigue, humour and bloody murder. Some good, strong characters too. This is the first in a trilogy, but it's also a complete story, although clearly with more to come.
And the setting was a real bonus: my home town of Liverpool. I loved the references. If you didn't know the place and the people, I'm sure it wouldn't detract from the story, although you might not quite get every nuance of that very special brand of humour.
Highly recommended.

[James Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin with this wonderfully written book.
From the first page I was hooked. Melville, a Vampire living in modern day Liverpool has seamlessly adapted to modern life. Expertly written part. Peter, Catherine and Lathom are written just as expertly. And how they all come together is testament to the authors ability.
The only downside was that it ended. I am looking forward to reading books two and three.

[Gregg Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read which was more of a 3.8 than a 3 but not quite a 4. This is because I got a little bit lost at the end. It is the first in a series and I will definitely be reading the next one.

I especially enjoyed references to real streets in Liverpool, getting the ferry, trains etc as it reminded me of my younger days.

[Jack Volante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living abroad now and reading this great story really gave me homesickness. A fantastic Vampire story written around our great city of Liverpool throughout the centuries.

Some of the characters were hilarious and I really felt the age of the protagonist, as he recalls his past experiences over the centuries.

Well worth a read if you miss your Liverpool home.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different unique take on vampire and their rivals! 3 vampire lives somehow become entangled with humans including a hitman and a mentally I’ll grieving mother. In a short space in time we see how all these lives collide. It was certainly different and I’m not exactly sure what I feel about it. 3.5 stars maybe instead of 3 or 4!

[Anna Bazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the characters, I enjoyed the story without it being a cliche vampire story. The area and history were very well researched and I felt at home. Good read and leaves you wanting the second book

[Kitty Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, especially the characters who I thought were really vivid and exciting, but I felt like it tailed off a little towards the end when it became more exciting and less about history - it's entirely possible I'm just a nerd, though.

[Brian Comerford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing and confusing

It can be a bit difficult to follow the weaving of the characters and how their paths will cross, but it's worth sticking with it. I can see me downloading the follow-up very soon

[D.E. McCluskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based in Liverpool (obviously) it is a rich tapestry of the modern city mingled into the old... Vampires, angels, hit men and resourceful old age pensioners... A brilliant read

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pretty good once it gets going. It took a ways into the book before it really started rolling for me, but I dug it once it did.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTF