Society for Paranormals Boxset

Society for Paranormals #1-4

by Vered Ehsani

3-in-1 boxed set. Lara Croft meets Jane Austen in colonial Kenya.

A paranormal detective refuses to let danger, death and unwanted suitors inconvenience her in the small town of Nairobi. If you enjoy historical fantasy, adore Victorian steampunk, appreciate British humor, or would love to experience adventure in colonial Africa, then get ready to start your supernatural safari.

Ghosts of Tsavo (Case 1): Armed with Victorian etiquette and a dead husband, Beatrice Knight arrives in the small colonial town of Nairobi desperate for a pot of tea. She’ll need more than that if she’s to unravel the mystery of the ghost lions of Tsavo without being eaten in the process.

The Automaton’s Wife (Case 2): Beatrice Knight’s dead husband has absconded with an automaton, but she has other problems: a killer has moved into town. As luck should dictate, who should be the next target but Mrs Knight herself?

Revenge of the Mantis (Case 3): Beatrice Knight’s arch nemesis is about to pay an unsolicited visit. Mrs. Knight must now answer one critical question: what, or whom, is she prepared to sacrifice in order to defeat the Mantis?

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Steampunk

812 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2016

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deal!

Verified Purchase

This review is from: Society for Paranormals (Kindle Edition)

What a deal. The first four books in this outstanding series for one low price. The series begins in London but quickly moves to the British East Africa Protectorate circa 1900. More specifically, to Narobi which at that time was a camp for the building of the East Africa Railway. Yes, the same railway that was plagued by the man eating lions of Tsavo which are featured in the first volume, THE GHOSTS OF TSAVO. Incidentally, the author, Vered Ehsani, lives in Nairobi. That first volume hooked me with a passage right at the beginning:

"It’s an uncommonly known fact that a strong pot of tea will obscure a werewolf’s stench. Given that one doesn’t normally walk around with a teapot in hand, this fact will be of little comfort to a human unless she happens to be sitting in a teahouse.

So it was a jolly good thing I was, at that moment, in a teahouse. I slurped down that most marvelous of beverages and eyed the suspected werewolf.

I say ‘suspected’ since I had yet to confirm if she was in fact one, or simply a naturally hairy woman of dubious lineage."

[Greymalkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This came recommended and was on sale on Amazon so I snapped it up. The description sounds right up my alley, especially as I love the Naturalist series by Marie Brennan. However I couldn't make it past the first two chapters. The writing was stilted and forced, the heroine was horrible (spoiled, petty, racist and arrogant), the world building was awkward, and I didn't like a single character I met. No thanks, this is not for me.

[T. Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! As I've said in my previous review (for 1st book Ghost of Tsavo-https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) the main character (Beatrice) reminds me of a young Jane Austen heroine, set in Victorian times, who happens to have some supernatural talents/abilities that lead her to investigate other supernatural creatures & occurrences. This brings her to meet various interesting & often dangerous characters as she finds herself in one adventure after another. She (Beatrice) is experienced in some ways that make her tough emotionally & not at all prone to fainting like other ladies of her time & upbringing are commonly known to do. A dead body or supernatural monster leave her relatively unmoved emotionally. She is instead curious to learn more (while still trying to stay alive herself).

Her experience is somewhat lacking in other areas of her life. She's had little affection in her life & has known great loss. Emotionally she has growing to do. She does in fact, I think, become a kinder & more charitable person from book one (Ghosts of Tsavo) to book four (The Fourth Mandate). While she is the type of woman to fight her own battles and to consider herself just as capable as any man, she does learn to accept help when it is truly needed. Seeing her grow and learn is part of the enjoyment of reading these stories and adds an extra layer of richness to the tale.

I adore her biting wit, intelligent mind, & can-do attitude. This book is full of characters that jump off the page & make you want to read more about them. This is a perfectly paced, fun read with humor, wit, action, adventure, romance, & monsters! I highly recommend this series & will continue to read EVERY other book that comes out!

On a side note: I recommend that you join the authors mailing list to get free stories! The free stories I received (over time) are: From Africa With Bite (small compilation of supernatural creatures of African legend), Mrs. Knight's Photo Journal of Victorian Nairobi (self-explanatory-old pics), Ghosts of Tsavo (first full book in series), & The Mantis & the Cage (a short story with more Koki the Mantis from That Night In Lagos (Prequel novella) & Revenge of the Mantis (3rd book). Vered Ehsani's website is at: http://veredehsani.co.za/

I also left a review for the Prequel novella, That Night In Lagos, in case anyone is interested. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... I HIGHLY suggest that you read the first 2-3 books BEFORE reading the prequel. Read my review (above) to understand why.

[Caryl Moulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overview is spot on...Jane Austin met Laura Croft in 1900 Victorian Africa. Our heroine goes to the continent with her family and dead husbands ghost (not a spoiler). It gets stranger with every book. Entertaining, worth the read. Reads like a serial

[Holly Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different books from my typical reading, but I enjoyed them, because they were different. You really need to suspend disbelief to get through them. I was sick with the flu when I read them and they were perfect for getting through my illness.

[Froggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved these books! I am so excited that I came across this series! The writing is fantastic. There is always something happening in the story, it moves along well, the characters are interesting and well fleshed out, you care about them and what happens to them and where the story goes next. After reading this boxed set I bought the rest of the books in the series and am anxiously awaiting the new book. The story is so interesting, there are paranormal elements in it, but with an unique twist and with it taking place in Africa that just makes it so much more interesting than if the story had remained in England. It opens up so many new and more interesting possibilities for what and who the characters can run into. There is some romance in the story, but in just the right amount and plenty of funny, funny moments, that I've found myself laughing out loud, you can't beat that! What's even better is that the main character is an irreverent, yet still proper Englishwoman who can kick ass!

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love these books. The world the author created and the over-arching plot was awesome and kept me really intrigued most of the time. However, there was just some things I couldn't get over. The protagonist was incredible unlikable and while in some aspects she matured, she mainly stayed a snobby brat and it seemed strange that she had so many people who really really loved her.

There was also a lot of deus ex machina going on, to the point of the absurd.

Also, colonialism is a big part of this book and while the author vaguely mentions some bad aspects of it, she mainly portrays it as something that's not that big of a deal, which is the main reason behind the 2 star review.

[Anoia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the change of setting, having things in Africa instead of Europe, but I found the pacing off for me and I wished that there had been a bit more done with African myths, etc., than there was.

There were some funny moments, but as the main character is described, by herself, and very often, as being practical, I found her lack of practicality and self-centeredness to get quite irritating after awhile.

There were a bit too many 'happy coincidences' in the narrative for my tastes as well.

[Elf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an imagination!

I have just finished reading the first 3 books of this series, plus the prequel. I'm going to get the rest of the books and continue to binge read. I also love getting chatty little emails from Vered. I heartily recommend this series. She says it's Jane Austin meets Laura Crofts, but I am reminded of Amelia Peabody with her love of tea.

[Brian Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun

Fans of Alexis Tarabotti or Amelia Peabody will love Beatrice Knight. Mystery, magic and proper manners abound in these delightful stories. The plots have a good level of complexity, the story is well-told and the characters have good depth. Can't wait to read more.

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually a really funny book. The juxtaposition between the manners of a proper Victorian lady, the realities of life in Africa in 1899, and a cast of characters from myth and legend is just hilarious.

I was initially interested in this series because of the first story, Ghosts of Tsavo. The Ghosts of Tsavo are not ancient African folklore but more of a modern legend. I had read about them earlier as several scientists, park rangers, and others were told about them upon arriving in Africa. They seem to have been a pair of man-eating lions who killed several people and were then shot themselves. Their names implied that they were ghosts, perhaps because they were so sneaky that they could attack without being heard. But as pointed out in one of the “fact and fiction” sections, they did not reappear as actual ghosts to continue killing people. In the story they turn out to be shape-shifting lions using the story of the dead real lions to cover their true identities.

Beatrice Knight, the narrator and protagonist of this group of stories, reminds me of a Victorian version of Miss Maxwell from The Chronicles of St. Mary’s. They share similar concern for – and occasional disdain for – the proprieties of life, and can’t seem to do anything without a cup, or a whole pot, of tea.

Beatrice, known to her family as Bee, is an investigator for the Society for Paranormals in London. She thinks she is a mostly normal human with especially sharp senses. But her full history, or most of it, comes out over the course of the four books in this boxed set. When the aunt and uncle she lives with are forced to move to Nairobi (at this time only a camp and supply depot for workers building the Uganda Railway), Bee is forced to go with them, and her boss at the Society for Paranormals has her assigned to do some investigations for him there.

By the end of the fourth story we find that Bee has a brother who is a werewolf, a deceased husband who is a ghost, a horse who has been possessed by the spirit of a snake, a niece who is married to a Popobawa, an inventor friend who has invented a robot, another friend who is a zebra-riding doctor, and another friend who is an energy manipulator/ identity thief.

The stories are all loosely (very loosely) based on actual people, places or events. In fact, there is a short segment on what is fact and what is fiction after each segment. In addition to the historical features, many of the creatures from various African mythologies appear here in one form or another. Thus we have Anansi, the spider god, a Popobawa (a bat shape-shifter), and a Tokolosh.

There are ten books in the Society for Paranormals series altogether. Sadly, this four-book set appears to be no longer available. However, the complete set of all ten is now available.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had this compilation of the first three books in the series on my Kindle for quite some time, and finally started reading it back in September 2017. I thought it would be an interesting read after reading the description, so I downloaded it. I am very glad I did. The story begins in London just before the turn of the century (1899 to 1900). The characters are mostly well written and have a reason for being there, although some of them are written with broad strokes. A lot of the minor people are only seen once or twice so there was no need to fully flesh them out. I love Beatrice Knight, who is a no-nonsense, I can take care of myself kind of woman, who leads a different kind of life than most young women of her age. She is a "poor" relations of the Stewart family and a widow, to boot, who has a very unusual job.

This series reminds me very much of the Amelia Peabody series written by Elizabeth Peters. There is much more paranormal in this than in Ms Peters' books, though. Which should be pretty obvious from the name.

I love that this series is set in Kenya and used African myths and legends. I also love that the author mixes fact and fiction, and takes the time to tell which is which at the end of the book.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone. We could learn something and be entertained at the same time. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the books in the series.

[Elaine Bidstrup · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Victorian England if a woman was widowed and was not independently wealthy, she became the dependent of the closest relative she had. This happens to Beatrice (aka Bee) Knight. Bee is employed, certainly unthinkable to Mr. and Mrs. Steward and their daughter Lilly, who consider themselves gentleman and ladies. If the knew anything about her employer, Prof. Runel (a werewolf) who is in charge of the Society for the Paranormal and Unusual Animals. Sadly, she earns but a pittance, and is treated as a servant by the Stewards. Mr. Steward loses his money because of poor investments, but does manage to secure a position in British East Africa (Kenya) as an accountant with the British railroad which is building a rail line between Nairobi and South Africa.
While there, Bee encounters twin were-lions, a giant python, a popawaba (a man sized bat, but not a vampire) who Lilly marries, a horse with a snake spirit, and the thunder spirit along with many others.
The book adheres to Victorian language and mores (except, of course, the paranormal spirits and animals). It also is drolly comic.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather enjoyable collection that brings together the first 4 stories in the Society for Paranormals series. It combines Victorian sensibilities and etiquette with the supernatural world including ghosts, shapeshifters, werelions, werewolves, automatons and witches into a series of adventure filled tales set in the heart of Africa. Added to this there are of course the traditional Victorian eccentrics and a matriach intent on keeping up appearances no matter what happens. Out of all 4, the first story, Ghosts of Tsavo, was my favourite as it beautifully combines historical events that have become adventure tales all on their own with the supernatural, adding another twist to the end of the tale. At the end of each story there is a fact and fiction section too, which the author invites readers who enjoy facts to read and those who don't to move on to the next. I found this quite a nice touch. Overall not bad, I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for this series in future.

[F. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming (if deadly) adventures in colonial Africa

Mrs. Beatrice Knight, a young widow who has been dependent upon her uncle’s family since the death of her husband, has arrived with them in Nairobi, British East Africa— a voyage made necessary by her uncle’s bankruptcy and offer of a position managing the construction of the Ugandan Railway. It’s 1899, and Victoria sits upon the throne, and the sun doesn’t set on the British Empire.

Nairobi is little more than a collection of tents and ramshackle shacks, with a few houses built for English “bwanas”. Beatrice will have to deal with the heat, the lack of company, the wildlife… and her dead husband’s ghost, were-lions, a malevolent snake spirit, and most difficult of all, her aunt.

The proper Victorian woman is prepared, though, working as she does for the Society for Paranormals & Curious Animals, and carrying a walking stick with enough gadgetry to make 007’s Q jealous.

Enjoyable, light hearted, and entertaining.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books surprised me...they are entertaining, quick reads that managed to make me laugh out loud a few times. I was fully prepared to dislike the main character in the first few chapters, as she struck me as prudish, judgmental, and cold. She grew on me, however, and the more I got to know her in the stories, the more I liked her.

These books are an interesting twist on the usual paranormal themes and the characters are diverse and colorful. I adore Nelly (the farting, belching horse) and was greatly amused by her antics. The action in the books is well-written and fast-paced, and I found myself buying all of the books in the series, including the first book in the companion series.

If you like paranormal themes and light-hearted reading, you'll very much enjoy these books. For those of you who care about such things, there is no vulgarity in the books...no swearing, nudity, or sexual scenes.

[Stacy Spoonster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Society for Paranormals

I really enjoyed the first 3 books in this series. I love history and it is really interesting to read about a place I know very little about. The stories are good, although I thought the first book was a little confusing at first. Events are mentioned that are not explained until later, which made me think I was missing a prequel. I really like the characters and their various quirks. Especially when Mrs. Knight tries to be proper but fails. I think this is a fun series and would happily recommend it to folks that like historical and/or paranormal mysteries.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable story about a young woman from Victorian England moving to Africa and investigating for a paranormal secret society group.The African paranormal are different from those in the west. It was a lot of fun to read about them. Everything was involved in these stories...action, paranormal, romance. It truly kept your attention. And the stories were written to just flow together.You didn't feel lost when one story ended and the next began. I would definitely recommend this to all who are interested in paranormal.

[Sandra Kelso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressed and want to read more.

Comedic paranormal stories that remind me of the Souless series. I appreciated the new spin of werewolf of the main character. The setting in Africa allowed new (to me) or alternate species of paranormals such as man-bats that are not vampires, psychic vampires, and mischievous healer water sprites, as well as snake possessed zebras, spirit absorbing horses, and werelions. Some beautiful imagery passages are sprinkled throughout but not overdone. Kudos..

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining I love Mrs. Knight's sharp wit (and tongue) , and Ehsani's sense of humor. I found an appreciation for British humor as a child through television ( alas I was cursed to be a dull American; though blessed enough to be from the South :-) ), and was pleased to find these stories follow through on delivering healthy doses of the elixir that is British humor ...... and an infatuation with tea. :-)

[Barbara Fricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended!

I received the first book in this series free and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I saw the other books within the series offered as well I couldn't wait to start reading. Although I enjoy the storyline, I am fascinated with the authors writing. I highly recommend this author and her series.

[Panthea14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was not at all what I expected (which was a historical mystery series with an interesting colonial background). What I got was more a paranormal/supernatural mystery with a historical, colonial setting. Once I got over my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed these quirky, off beat stories and recommend them to anyone looking for something paranormal but on the lighter side.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

They left me wanting more

If you are a lover of folklore, paranormal tales, and thoroughly enjoyable characters in your reading choices, then the Society for Paranormals is definitely for you. At times I was chuckling aloud and always I was needing to know what happened next. I even learned a few things along the way. Absolutely recommend!!

[Deborah Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story

I really enjoyed these books. The plot line was different, and I like the fantasy world. It was easy to get involved in the characters, and I'm glad that there will be more stories to look forward to.

[Alissa I am on Storygraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun!

In the best way possible, I describe this as a paranormal beach read. Each case is short, fast paced, and light hearted. You will fall in love with the charts and have a great time reading this series.

[Sheila Carsins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Mrs. Beatrice Knight's Victorian Decorum, mystery solving abilities, and spunk, you won't want to miss this delectable collection of treats!

[Anne Fletcher-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly different

Thoroughly engaging characters, and briskly-paced plots, I really enjoyed all three stories and am definitely going to read all other books by this author.

[LeAnne Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the first 3 books as a set. After reading the first one, I was glad I had 2 more! The story moves right along and the characters are engaging. Highly recommended for Amelia Peabody fans.

[Pat Welte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, some twists and turns very interesting, different.

[Shirley Jardine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this set ticked all the boxes for quirky enthralling paranormal and original with a bit of steam punk thrown in