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Society for Paranormals #5
Curse of the Nandi
Mrs. Beatrice Knight is preparing to start a life of marital bliss, or at least marital satisfaction, with her new husband who fortunately is very much alive and can’t float through walls. While she is no expert on honeymoons, she’s certain that they shouldn’t involve brainless heads, bloodsucking fireflies and Bubonic Plague. These however are mere inconveniences, for there’s another threat of greater the Nandi are rising up against their colonial masters and are determined to rid the land of all things British. The intrepid Mrs. Knight faces all this with her usual aplomb, her hefty walking stick and, of course, a pot of tea. But will her marriage survive?
246 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2016
About the author
Vered Ehsani
99 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 6, 2019
Exciting tale written with verve and wit
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: May 7, 2016
Language: English
ASIN: B01FC8QAS0
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 581051
246 pages
Mr. Timmons and Miss Knight, now Mrs. Timmons, go to an isolated spot on the shore of Lake Naivasha for their honeymoon. Not isolated enough. They end up sharing the honeymoon with brother and sister Adze, African vampires; Kam, the African god of lightning; the ghost of Mr. Knight, Mrs Timmons' first husband; the odd servant Jonas and various examples of the local wildlife.
Meanwhile, Nairobi is threatened by a strange mutation of the Bubonic plague with zombie-like symptoms and a hostile Nandi tribe who don't appreciate the benefits of civilization, “Particularly when civilization means they lose their lands and traditional rights in exchange for cheap liquor and manual labor.” Oh. There is also a brain eating monster lurking about. As usual it is up to Miss Knight now Mrs. Timmons to solve these problems without the uninitiated becoming aware of the paranormal things around them. Also as usual, Vered Ehsani has written the tale with verve, wit and excitement.
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: May 7, 2016
Language: English
ASIN: B01FC8QAS0
Amazon.com Sales Rank: 581051
246 pages
Mr. Timmons and Miss Knight, now Mrs. Timmons, go to an isolated spot on the shore of Lake Naivasha for their honeymoon. Not isolated enough. They end up sharing the honeymoon with brother and sister Adze, African vampires; Kam, the African god of lightning; the ghost of Mr. Knight, Mrs Timmons' first husband; the odd servant Jonas and various examples of the local wildlife.
Meanwhile, Nairobi is threatened by a strange mutation of the Bubonic plague with zombie-like symptoms and a hostile Nandi tribe who don't appreciate the benefits of civilization, “Particularly when civilization means they lose their lands and traditional rights in exchange for cheap liquor and manual labor.” Oh. There is also a brain eating monster lurking about. As usual it is up to Miss Knight now Mrs. Timmons to solve these problems without the uninitiated becoming aware of the paranormal things around them. Also as usual, Vered Ehsani has written the tale with verve, wit and excitement.
May 10, 2016
The Curse of The Nandi is a great addition to an already fantastic series. Mrs. Bee is ready to live her life as a newly married woman, but the African paranormal wildlife is of a different opinion. Add to the mix ethnic vampires and the plague and you have one rocambolesque adventure.
May 30, 2016
I am a big fan of Mrs. Beatrice Knight - er - sorry, of Mrs. Beatrice Timmons, the plucky former investigator for the Society for Paranormal and Curious Animals who leads what can only be described as an interesting life in the wilds of East Africa during the 1890s.
As a mostly proper Victorian widow who has only recently remarried (her new husband is a roguish fellow with his own paranormal attributes), Bea is the daughter of a witch, the sister of a werewolf, the cousin-in-law of a man who can turn into a giant bat, the owner of a horse that can fly (when she's not dozing sleepily in a barn), and is apparently eternally bound - despite his death - to her first husband, the ghostly Gideon Knight who has the unfortunate habit of walking through walls when he wants to chat with her.
In addition, she lost a hand in a confrontation with a giant, shape-shifting praying mantis (who can also appear as a stunningly beautiful woman), and now sports a mechanical one. She was once bitten by a werewolf (she has a mangled ear to bear witness to that fact), and can summon a wolf spirit when she needs to (and, sometimes, even when she doesn't want to.) She carries a gadget-laden walking stick that she occasionally uses to thump both normal and paranormal people and creatures; is an expert with a bow and arrow, and has both a sharp tongue and a sharp wit.
In "The Curse of the Nandi," author Vered Ehsani's most recent installment in Bea's African adventures, she is trying very hard to settle into married life with her new husband but cannot do so because (a) some paranormal beast in beheading people and eating their brains, (b) there is a Bubonic Plague outbreak in the fledgling settlement that is Nairobi, and (c) a pair of bloodsucking vampires - who flit around as fireflies when they are not in human form - have intruded upon her honeymoon.
Bea is one of the great heroines of Indie fiction, in my opinion. She is brave, smart, loyal, and independent. If she is sometimes a little rough around the edges when it comes to the social niceties, she makes up for that fault (if it truly is one) with her unfailing willingness to "do the right thing" on behalf of those in trouble even if it means putting her own life at risk. Other reviewers have compared her to Lara Croft, the fictional Tomb Raider, but I'm not certain that I agree with that characterization. Croft is a wealthy woman seeking treasure and adventure. Bea is an impoverished woman - or was until she remarried - whose life has been dedicated to protecting both normal and paranormal people and creatures from exploitation and - sometimes - from injury and even death. In my opinion, she has her own special identity and is motivated not by a sense of adventure or a desire for gain but by a sincere desire to be of service to others.
Ehsani has, in this book and in her previous ones chronicling Bea's adventures, delved deeply into the myths and legends of East Africa, something few other writers have done. This makes her books not only more enjoyable but also gives her readers a glimpse into a fascinating world that most Westerners know little or nothing about.
We are better for that.
"Curse of the Nandi" is an excellent read with elements of a Steampunk adventure, fantasy, and a touch of horror; an intriguing heroine; and a fast-paced narrative. It is a book I highly recommend.
As a mostly proper Victorian widow who has only recently remarried (her new husband is a roguish fellow with his own paranormal attributes), Bea is the daughter of a witch, the sister of a werewolf, the cousin-in-law of a man who can turn into a giant bat, the owner of a horse that can fly (when she's not dozing sleepily in a barn), and is apparently eternally bound - despite his death - to her first husband, the ghostly Gideon Knight who has the unfortunate habit of walking through walls when he wants to chat with her.
In addition, she lost a hand in a confrontation with a giant, shape-shifting praying mantis (who can also appear as a stunningly beautiful woman), and now sports a mechanical one. She was once bitten by a werewolf (she has a mangled ear to bear witness to that fact), and can summon a wolf spirit when she needs to (and, sometimes, even when she doesn't want to.) She carries a gadget-laden walking stick that she occasionally uses to thump both normal and paranormal people and creatures; is an expert with a bow and arrow, and has both a sharp tongue and a sharp wit.
In "The Curse of the Nandi," author Vered Ehsani's most recent installment in Bea's African adventures, she is trying very hard to settle into married life with her new husband but cannot do so because (a) some paranormal beast in beheading people and eating their brains, (b) there is a Bubonic Plague outbreak in the fledgling settlement that is Nairobi, and (c) a pair of bloodsucking vampires - who flit around as fireflies when they are not in human form - have intruded upon her honeymoon.
Bea is one of the great heroines of Indie fiction, in my opinion. She is brave, smart, loyal, and independent. If she is sometimes a little rough around the edges when it comes to the social niceties, she makes up for that fault (if it truly is one) with her unfailing willingness to "do the right thing" on behalf of those in trouble even if it means putting her own life at risk. Other reviewers have compared her to Lara Croft, the fictional Tomb Raider, but I'm not certain that I agree with that characterization. Croft is a wealthy woman seeking treasure and adventure. Bea is an impoverished woman - or was until she remarried - whose life has been dedicated to protecting both normal and paranormal people and creatures from exploitation and - sometimes - from injury and even death. In my opinion, she has her own special identity and is motivated not by a sense of adventure or a desire for gain but by a sincere desire to be of service to others.
Ehsani has, in this book and in her previous ones chronicling Bea's adventures, delved deeply into the myths and legends of East Africa, something few other writers have done. This makes her books not only more enjoyable but also gives her readers a glimpse into a fascinating world that most Westerners know little or nothing about.
We are better for that.
"Curse of the Nandi" is an excellent read with elements of a Steampunk adventure, fantasy, and a touch of horror; an intriguing heroine; and a fast-paced narrative. It is a book I highly recommend.
May 9, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This is now the fifth book in Ms. Ehsani's Society for Paranormals series, and it is another winner in my library. The story begins with Bee and her new husband Simon setting out for their honeymoon in the wilds of Africa. The fact that Bee is no longer lonely or alone - despite having always been surrounded by various relatives, a former husband who continues to haunt her from the grave, and all manner of dangerous paranormals and beasts - pleases me to no end. She is a lovely character who strives to be all stern and "stiff upper lip", but subtle suggestions of her vulnerability have always been there, and my heart broke for her repeatedly in books one through four. In this book, Bee is surrounded by a loving husband and her family and friends, which is a good thing considering the constant danger and chaos surrounding all of them. Heads are being decapitated, the Plague is encroaching, rebellion is threatening, and vampires are popping up everywhere - because what's a honeymoon without vampires, right? But of course our heroine is having none of that nonsense, and will use her intellect and tools of the trade, plus help from some wonderful and not-so-wonderful allies, to set things right again. And once again, I laughed, cried (well just a little sentimental sniffling), and cringed, while I hoped, dreaded, and cheered. Typical of me while engrossed in these books! So if you love quirky, extremely well-written, fantastical stories with engaging characters, don't pass this one by - and make sure to read all of them. You won't regret it, and will look forward to book six as much as I do.
This is now the fifth book in Ms. Ehsani's Society for Paranormals series, and it is another winner in my library. The story begins with Bee and her new husband Simon setting out for their honeymoon in the wilds of Africa. The fact that Bee is no longer lonely or alone - despite having always been surrounded by various relatives, a former husband who continues to haunt her from the grave, and all manner of dangerous paranormals and beasts - pleases me to no end. She is a lovely character who strives to be all stern and "stiff upper lip", but subtle suggestions of her vulnerability have always been there, and my heart broke for her repeatedly in books one through four. In this book, Bee is surrounded by a loving husband and her family and friends, which is a good thing considering the constant danger and chaos surrounding all of them. Heads are being decapitated, the Plague is encroaching, rebellion is threatening, and vampires are popping up everywhere - because what's a honeymoon without vampires, right? But of course our heroine is having none of that nonsense, and will use her intellect and tools of the trade, plus help from some wonderful and not-so-wonderful allies, to set things right again. And once again, I laughed, cried (well just a little sentimental sniffling), and cringed, while I hoped, dreaded, and cheered. Typical of me while engrossed in these books! So if you love quirky, extremely well-written, fantastical stories with engaging characters, don't pass this one by - and make sure to read all of them. You won't regret it, and will look forward to book six as much as I do.
May 15, 2016
In the continuing series of tending to the difficulties of being an extraordinarily gifted paranormal investigator set in Victorian times, Miss Knight is back once again ! A thoroughly entertaining read complete with humour, adventure, a solid plot, and well developed characters.
A reader isn't required to start at the first book of this series in order to understand the ongoing adventures of Miss Knight and her assortment of friends, be they the living or a ghost like her first husband, or an assortment of vampires, bats, werewolves or otherwise. They all help to defeat the paranormal 'bad guys'. A great read that I would recommend to anyone.
A reader isn't required to start at the first book of this series in order to understand the ongoing adventures of Miss Knight and her assortment of friends, be they the living or a ghost like her first husband, or an assortment of vampires, bats, werewolves or otherwise. They all help to defeat the paranormal 'bad guys'. A great read that I would recommend to anyone.
May 9, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A very good & well-written story.
Another very good book from this author. Bee is a wonderful character and it seems nothing will stop her from what she sets herself to do. And that can be sharing her honeymoon with bloodsucking fireflies & other creatures, blowing a dart filled with a sleeping narcotic into the body of the British medical officer, enjoying the African scents and of course, never missing the opportunity of a good cup of tea.
A very good & well-written story.
Another very good book from this author. Bee is a wonderful character and it seems nothing will stop her from what she sets herself to do. And that can be sharing her honeymoon with bloodsucking fireflies & other creatures, blowing a dart filled with a sleeping narcotic into the body of the British medical officer, enjoying the African scents and of course, never missing the opportunity of a good cup of tea.
November 29, 2016
Loved this book! I highly recommend it!
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 1, 2022
I still very much enjoy this series. The humour is fun, the characters are likeable. I particularly liked the scene of Mr Timmons running in clothes too big for him.
I enjoy reading the facts of the book at the end, and which characters were real people. It also brings to light problems that are still problems today: Spread of disease, racism and sexism.
Very quick read, I would highly recommend!
I enjoy reading the facts of the book at the end, and which characters were real people. It also brings to light problems that are still problems today: Spread of disease, racism and sexism.
Very quick read, I would highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2018
I just LOVE Bee's adventures!
I know this book dealt with some serious issues; the bubonic plage, zombies and Kerits and vampires and Cilla moving away; but I enjoy her wit (they're all a bit witty) and the rest of the cast of charector's! Can't wait to see how her meeting with the spider goes!!!
I know this book dealt with some serious issues; the bubonic plage, zombies and Kerits and vampires and Cilla moving away; but I enjoy her wit (they're all a bit witty) and the rest of the cast of charector's! Can't wait to see how her meeting with the spider goes!!!
July 20, 2018
Another terrific story!
The fifth book of this series continues to keep my interest in the characters and story line. The writing style and humor makes this read more than enjoyable. The history of the tales of this African nation is an added bonus. I continue to highly recommend this series to all readers especially those that love paranormal tales!
The fifth book of this series continues to keep my interest in the characters and story line. The writing style and humor makes this read more than enjoyable. The history of the tales of this African nation is an added bonus. I continue to highly recommend this series to all readers especially those that love paranormal tales!
November 25, 2017
Sheer enjoyment
I enjoyed all Vered Ehsani’s books so much that I’ve sent messages to all my nieces in the UK (also voracious readers) telling them to add her to their reading lists.
I enjoyed all Vered Ehsani’s books so much that I’ve sent messages to all my nieces in the UK (also voracious readers) telling them to add her to their reading lists.
April 9, 2020
Lovely lighthearted story
I love Mrs Timmons ' wit and sarcasm. The delightful logical and irreverent world view in Victorian Kenya never fails to entertain and distract.
I love Mrs Timmons ' wit and sarcasm. The delightful logical and irreverent world view in Victorian Kenya never fails to entertain and distract.
February 24, 2021
The twists, the turns!!!
February 21, 2022
I'm really enjoying this mix of Victorian Kenya, supernatural beings and mystery.
July 6, 2020
Another fun one! Though not as good as the previous ones, but still really enjoyable.
February 4, 2021
Beatrice is having trouble making it to her second wedding. First she lost her hand to the giant mantis. Then she discovered the betrayal of her mentor. Now Nairobi is threatened by a zombie plague. Join the fun in Kenya today.
February 24, 2017
Paranormal adventure and tea
Again the author weaves intriguing characters and a twisty plot into a fun and entertaining tale. Mrs Timmons, Mr Timmons, Jacob and the rest of the party face plague, incompetence and new paranormal creatures as they discover more about themselves and their world. And of course a pot of tea continues to be the remedy for almost everything.
Again the author weaves intriguing characters and a twisty plot into a fun and entertaining tale. Mrs Timmons, Mr Timmons, Jacob and the rest of the party face plague, incompetence and new paranormal creatures as they discover more about themselves and their world. And of course a pot of tea continues to be the remedy for almost everything.
January 9, 2017
Strong Female Heroine
Miss Knight, as the locals call Mrs. Timmons, is a strong woman. Not in the physical sense, but mentally. She faces all manner of unusual even malevolent creatures. And she can make very tough decisions, such as those pertaining to life and death. Fortunately, she has some powerful friends and supporters. Because she is going to need it in this tale of death and destruction. I love this series. It is original, and I love the British stoicism and sarcasm from these Victorian era characters. Even more, I love Miss Knight's refusal to follow all the stuffy rules of the Ton.
Miss Knight, as the locals call Mrs. Timmons, is a strong woman. Not in the physical sense, but mentally. She faces all manner of unusual even malevolent creatures. And she can make very tough decisions, such as those pertaining to life and death. Fortunately, she has some powerful friends and supporters. Because she is going to need it in this tale of death and destruction. I love this series. It is original, and I love the British stoicism and sarcasm from these Victorian era characters. Even more, I love Miss Knight's refusal to follow all the stuffy rules of the Ton.
February 5, 2017
Vampire fireflies, Kerit and werewolves, oh my! The East African countryside is littered with paranormals and they all seem to hone in on where Mrs Timmons resides. She is definately a magnet for strange going-ons.
I was thinking of taking a break after reading book 4 and starting on my book club book, but I enjoy Vered's writing so much that I just jumped on in. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the past 4, not exactly sure why. I still love her writing style and wit but I think its time to take a break and rest poor Bee and the gang. Seems you can have too much of a good thing.
I was thinking of taking a break after reading book 4 and starting on my book club book, but I enjoy Vered's writing so much that I just jumped on in. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the past 4, not exactly sure why. I still love her writing style and wit but I think its time to take a break and rest poor Bee and the gang. Seems you can have too much of a good thing.
May 16, 2016
Curse of the Nandi
This book I must say is her best book so far in this series. I just love all the characters and the land where they are living. I love how she combines facts and fiction to weave this story. I look forward to book number six to find out more of this story. You will love this book.
This book I must say is her best book so far in this series. I just love all the characters and the land where they are living. I love how she combines facts and fiction to weave this story. I look forward to book number six to find out more of this story. You will love this book.
June 19, 2016
I bought this,and finished it..too quickly...I hate when that happens! I can't say enough how much I love this series. The characters are each coming into their own and the plot is thickening. Humorous,riveting,exciting,it's hard to put them down. This one was the same,it was almost sad when it ended,but at least I know another ones on its way.
October 24, 2016
This is the 5th installment in this series. You do need to read them in order. More like a serial then individual stories. The characters are quirky, creepy, and fun. A true romp through Africa
April 18, 2017
Love her crazy books. Reading the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews