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The Hipposync Archives
Every Little Evil
When the Minister for Internal Affairs goes missing from a house under armed guard, the police are lost for an explanation. But the right honourable MP Sebastian O’Hoy is nowhere to be found. Worse, someone has daubed arcane symbols on his bedroom wall…in dripping blood. With no way in or out, no CCTV evidence of a break in and no body, alive nor dead, the police fear supernatural involvement. It’s time to call in specialist help. For Captain Kylah Porter of the DOF this is a chance to earn her spurs. But she knows she's up against systemic bigotry and cynicism in the shape of her Met counterpart, Sewell.
Occult abduction? Or just another murky urban crime? MI5 want answers and soon.
This is the first book--prequel--in the Hipposync Archives.
Occult abduction? Or just another murky urban crime? MI5 want answers and soon.
This is the first book--prequel--in the Hipposync Archives.
66 pages, ebook
Published May 29, 16
103 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
D.C. Farmer
7 books62 followersDC Farmer (as someone else--names changed to protect the innocent) began writing thrillers while the kids were in the bath. They grew up and so did he. Now he writes speculative fiction under the umbrella of the Hipposync Archives.
He lives in Wales and uses quite a lot of that umbrella.
He lives in Wales and uses quite a lot of that umbrella.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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October 2, 2024No rating.
This is a free download from D.C. Farmer's website. I thought I should read something outside my comfort zone and urban fantasy certainly is that. Too far as it turns out, this is not for me. As I love Rhys Dylan's books I wanted to give it a try.
This is a free download from D.C. Farmer's website. I thought I should read something outside my comfort zone and urban fantasy certainly is that. Too far as it turns out, this is not for me. As I love Rhys Dylan's books I wanted to give it a try.
June 20, 2021
I literally flew through this! I love this start to a brand new series for me - I've already downloaded the next book. 😊
February 21, 2019
This novella is a fun read and a fine introduction to the wonderfully named Department of Fimmigration. The DoF, as it's known, is a British Government department set up to monitor the comings and goings of Fae (fairies and elves) whether they are in the "real world" or New Thameswick.
The DoF is headed by Mr Ernest Porter with his daughter Kylah as a sort of second in command and staff from the Special Elf Service (SES). In this story, Sebastian O'Hoy Britain's Minister of Internal Affairs has vanished and symbols daubed in blood cover the walls of his bedroom.
Kylah investigates and proves more than a match for Britain's "normal" police and their colleagues, the Very Special Branch who are responsible for the nation's security.
The author, who writes these books under the name of DC Farmer, takes a number of swipes at British politics and British politicians. Sebastian O'Hoy is a thinly veiled former British Foreign Secretary with floppy blonde hair while his wife Sally is modelled on the wife of another politician who is still a Government minister. Sally writes an outspoken newspaper column, mostly about herself, which may give readers a clue as to her real identity.
This is a very funny book although the dry British humour may not suit everyone. It's part of The Hipposync Archives series and I'll be checking that out in the future.
The DoF is headed by Mr Ernest Porter with his daughter Kylah as a sort of second in command and staff from the Special Elf Service (SES). In this story, Sebastian O'Hoy Britain's Minister of Internal Affairs has vanished and symbols daubed in blood cover the walls of his bedroom.
Kylah investigates and proves more than a match for Britain's "normal" police and their colleagues, the Very Special Branch who are responsible for the nation's security.
The author, who writes these books under the name of DC Farmer, takes a number of swipes at British politics and British politicians. Sebastian O'Hoy is a thinly veiled former British Foreign Secretary with floppy blonde hair while his wife Sally is modelled on the wife of another politician who is still a Government minister. Sally writes an outspoken newspaper column, mostly about herself, which may give readers a clue as to her real identity.
This is a very funny book although the dry British humour may not suit everyone. It's part of The Hipposync Archives series and I'll be checking that out in the future.
November 11, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
It has potential to be an interesting verse but the narrative style kept me distant and didn't encourage me to read on.
Also politicians. 'SoHo' would seem to be based on 'BoJo' events since it was written makes it more obvious. The fact he was returned unharmed seems a wasted opportunity.
It has potential to be an interesting verse but the narrative style kept me distant and didn't encourage me to read on.
Also politicians. 'SoHo' would seem to be based on 'BoJo' events since it was written makes it more obvious. The fact he was returned unharmed seems a wasted opportunity.
October 31, 2016
This book is the first of a series called HIPPOSYNC ENTERPRISES.
This novella is a wonderful introduction to the author's world. In the real world (the one us humans inhabit) thr Minister for Internal Affairs, Sebastian O'Hoy (known to the tabloids as SoHo) has disappeared from his highly secure home and seems to have vanished into thin air. "They are certain he did not leave the premises last night, but there is no sign of him this morning ... There were symbols scrawled on the bedroom wall in what appears to be blood..."
Because of the strange symbols on the wall, the Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland decides that he needs to call the DOF - The Department of Fimmigration. "The DOF's real function, of course, was to monitor the comings and goings of their own people, those Fae (Homo Elementus) who wanted to try their luck in a world where their own toned-down supernatural skills might be of some use."
Captain Kylah Porter is a Fae and she is put in charge of finding the wayward Minister. The local police liason assigned to work with her thinks the DOF is a joke and that the regular police do not need their help. Kylah is sure that the disappearance has something to do with the Fae.
To that end, she travels to the hidden realm that most humans do not believe exists. It is a place where "Self-Stacking cutlery, bottomless drinking mugs, stay-warm toilet seats - all were a reality of daily life."
What follows is part mystery, part comedy, part thriller and even part love story. All these parts add up to one highly entertaining read.
My favorite line in the novella is the author's description of the facade of the building that houses Hipposync Enterprises, Dealers in Rare Books & Manuscripts (which is actually the Headquarters of the DOF).
"Its roots were exemplified by ornate signage: a hanging board with more calligraphic curlicues than a Christina Aguilera wig."
There is also a character in the story named Mr. Viarga, who "... stood beneath them with a wooden ruler pointing hither and thither." Get it? Viarga - wood? Ha ha!
I enjoyed this quick read and it has piqued my interest in the Hipposync Enterprises Series. I am not usually a fan of urban fantasy as it all seems the same to me, but EVERY LITTLE EVIL breaks the mold and creates its own niche genre.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 Stars for pure ingenuity and uniqueness. I am now a fan of author D.C. Farmer.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy such reads as Piers Anthony's Xanth series. Plus, the book is FREE, so you have nothing to lose.
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://AmiesBookReviews.wordpress.com
This novella is a wonderful introduction to the author's world. In the real world (the one us humans inhabit) thr Minister for Internal Affairs, Sebastian O'Hoy (known to the tabloids as SoHo) has disappeared from his highly secure home and seems to have vanished into thin air. "They are certain he did not leave the premises last night, but there is no sign of him this morning ... There were symbols scrawled on the bedroom wall in what appears to be blood..."
Because of the strange symbols on the wall, the Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland decides that he needs to call the DOF - The Department of Fimmigration. "The DOF's real function, of course, was to monitor the comings and goings of their own people, those Fae (Homo Elementus) who wanted to try their luck in a world where their own toned-down supernatural skills might be of some use."
Captain Kylah Porter is a Fae and she is put in charge of finding the wayward Minister. The local police liason assigned to work with her thinks the DOF is a joke and that the regular police do not need their help. Kylah is sure that the disappearance has something to do with the Fae.
To that end, she travels to the hidden realm that most humans do not believe exists. It is a place where "Self-Stacking cutlery, bottomless drinking mugs, stay-warm toilet seats - all were a reality of daily life."
What follows is part mystery, part comedy, part thriller and even part love story. All these parts add up to one highly entertaining read.
My favorite line in the novella is the author's description of the facade of the building that houses Hipposync Enterprises, Dealers in Rare Books & Manuscripts (which is actually the Headquarters of the DOF).
"Its roots were exemplified by ornate signage: a hanging board with more calligraphic curlicues than a Christina Aguilera wig."
There is also a character in the story named Mr. Viarga, who "... stood beneath them with a wooden ruler pointing hither and thither." Get it? Viarga - wood? Ha ha!
I enjoyed this quick read and it has piqued my interest in the Hipposync Enterprises Series. I am not usually a fan of urban fantasy as it all seems the same to me, but EVERY LITTLE EVIL breaks the mold and creates its own niche genre.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 Stars for pure ingenuity and uniqueness. I am now a fan of author D.C. Farmer.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy such reads as Piers Anthony's Xanth series. Plus, the book is FREE, so you have nothing to lose.
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://AmiesBookReviews.wordpress.com
November 21, 2017
An obnoxious Government minister vanishes from his own bedroom and strange markings are left on the walls. So the call goes out to the Department of Fimmigration. Just in case he's away with the fairies in more than a figurative sense....
Definitely be trying more of this series.
Fans of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London and Charles Stross' Laundry Files will likely enjoy this too.
Definitely be trying more of this series.
Fans of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London and Charles Stross' Laundry Files will likely enjoy this too.
May 8, 2025
I have book 1 of this series on my TBR following a recommendation on Facebook, when I discovered there was a free prequel on the author's website, so I thought I'd try out the series before buying the first in series.
What I got was a fun short story, set in a paranormal world where the DOF (Department of Fimmigration) keep law and order between the Fae realm and our own. An obnoxious UK politician has gone missing and DOF are called in to investigate. What follows is a clever supernatural tale with some fun characters .... and a wardrobe.
I'm looking forward to reading more about the characters, places and stories this short has set up.
What I got was a fun short story, set in a paranormal world where the DOF (Department of Fimmigration) keep law and order between the Fae realm and our own. An obnoxious UK politician has gone missing and DOF are called in to investigate. What follows is a clever supernatural tale with some fun characters .... and a wardrobe.
I'm looking forward to reading more about the characters, places and stories this short has set up.
January 1, 2019
Wonderful dry humor!
DC Farmer writes stories that hold your attention and keep you smiling all the way through. I could not put this story down until I finished it.
Give yourself a treat and read this and the rest of his books.
DC Farmer writes stories that hold your attention and keep you smiling all the way through. I could not put this story down until I finished it.
Give yourself a treat and read this and the rest of his books.
June 24, 2020
Very Entertaining and Well Written
I usually don’t read novellas and prequels, but I read this one because I have the next book. It was fun, light and humorous. An easy read. And now I’m looking forward to The 400 lb Gorilla.
I usually don’t read novellas and prequels, but I read this one because I have the next book. It was fun, light and humorous. An easy read. And now I’m looking forward to The 400 lb Gorilla.
August 6, 2023
New fantastic magical realm mystery
If you enjoy the magical world alongside the normal you'll enjoy this author. A great story and I can't wait to start the 400lb gorilla. Genuinely couldn't put this book down
If you enjoy the magical world alongside the normal you'll enjoy this author. A great story and I can't wait to start the 400lb gorilla. Genuinely couldn't put this book down
January 8, 2026
A short novella - Hipposync Archives Book 0 - Kylah Porter is charged by her uncle to investigate a missing persons case. This is a funny science fantasy story involving politicians, police, carpenters and other characters. It is a very short book at around 70 pages.
May 16, 2018
Ohoy
My favorite part of this book was the part where the police used pigeons for communication.
I also liked the part where the people in the British club called his phone a fun.
My favorite part of this book was the part where the police used pigeons for communication.
I also liked the part where the people in the British club called his phone a fun.
February 25, 2019
Mmmmm
Well what can I say. Not a lot really ending rushed and felt sort of like, not exactly tagged on the end but very bloody close.
Well what can I say. Not a lot really ending rushed and felt sort of like, not exactly tagged on the end but very bloody close.
June 25, 2021
It was ok
February 13, 2022
A very good read with solid world building, likable characters and a strong plot!
February 26, 2024
Inspired
Good well written novella to inspire me to read more books by DC Farmer. Recommended for all thriller lovers to read.
Good well written novella to inspire me to read more books by DC Farmer. Recommended for all thriller lovers to read.
March 23, 2025
What a great little story. I bought the first Hypposync novel, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet, book hoarder that I am. I'm happy to have gotten a taste of what's to come.
November 1, 2025
An intro to DC Farmer’s interesting world(s). We see Kyla’s for the first time. Fiends in High Places is a better place to start though
March 15, 2017
Fun read
This is really quite a gem of a book. Loved the characters and works building. Looking forward to reading more!
This is really quite a gem of a book. Loved the characters and works building. Looking forward to reading more!
June 29, 2016
Originally published at Risingshadow.
DC Farmer's Every Little Evil is a wonderful prequel novella to The Hipposync Archives series of humorous urban fantasy novels. It is being offered free for readers, because it's an introduction to the author's series. It's a relatively quick read, which gives readers a sense of what the series is all about.
Because there are probably readers out there who are not familiar with The Hipposync Archives, here are a few words about Hipposync Archives:
On the banks of the canal in Jericho, Oxford, there's an ordinary-looking commercial property with a sign that says, Hipposync Enterprises, Dealers in Rare Books & Manuscripts. It is the front for the Department of Fimmigration (Fae Immigration). Its function is to monitor the comings and goings of Fae. The owner is Mr Ernest Porter who has help from his young relative, Kylah Porter, and Trained Special Elf Service operatives.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The Prime Minister of Great Britain is contacted by MI5, because the Minister of Internal Affairs has disappeared. He seems to have disappeared into thin air, and arcane symbols were scrawled on his bedroom wall in what appears to be blood. They need the help of the Department of Fimmigration in solving the disappearance, because DOF has plenty of expertise on arcane matters. They contact DOF and soon DOF begins to investigate the strange disappearance...
This is the beginning of a highly entertaining story that reveals what kind of work DOF does and how they deal with problems. Their investigations are a joy to read due to the author's witty humour and wonderful imagination. The author handles various issues ranging from politics to relationships in a fascinating way.
I enjoyed reading about how Kylah investigated the disappearance of the Minister of Internal Affairs, because her investigations were interesting and revealed intriguing things. I liked the way the author wrote about her thoughts, deeds and deduction skills.
It was also enjoyable to read about what DC Farmer wrote about the minister's marital life, because the relationship between Sebastian and Sally O'Hoy was mercurial. His way of writing about the O'Hoy relationship was charmingly observant.
One of the best things about this story is that DC Farmer has an excellent sense of humour. There's something charmingly British about his humour that I find compelling (if you enjoy witty British humour, you'll most likely enjoy this story very much). As a tiny example of the author's sense of humour, I can mention that zombies are called 'vitally-challenged' in this novella.
The author has a keen eye for details and he knows how to keep up the reader's interest in the story. It's great that he keeps the story flowing all the time and doesn't get stuck at any places. He's also capable of maintaining a fine balance between serious issues and humorous elements.
DC Farmer's Every Little Evil is fluently written urban fantasy with an emphasis on entertainment and humorous happenings. It's just as good, humorous and entertaining as the novels (The 400lb Gorilla and Frivolous Pursuits), which reveal a lot more about various things related to non-human creatures and races etc.
I strongly urge urban fantasy readers to take a look at this free novella, because it's a wonderfully entertaining, humorous and well written piece of urban fantasy fiction. Please, invest a bit of time in reading this novella and treat yourself to an enjoyable story. If you like this novella, don't hesitate to read the novels, because they're addictively good and humorous urban fantasy.
Excellent entertainment!
DC Farmer's Every Little Evil is a wonderful prequel novella to The Hipposync Archives series of humorous urban fantasy novels. It is being offered free for readers, because it's an introduction to the author's series. It's a relatively quick read, which gives readers a sense of what the series is all about.
Because there are probably readers out there who are not familiar with The Hipposync Archives, here are a few words about Hipposync Archives:
On the banks of the canal in Jericho, Oxford, there's an ordinary-looking commercial property with a sign that says, Hipposync Enterprises, Dealers in Rare Books & Manuscripts. It is the front for the Department of Fimmigration (Fae Immigration). Its function is to monitor the comings and goings of Fae. The owner is Mr Ernest Porter who has help from his young relative, Kylah Porter, and Trained Special Elf Service operatives.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The Prime Minister of Great Britain is contacted by MI5, because the Minister of Internal Affairs has disappeared. He seems to have disappeared into thin air, and arcane symbols were scrawled on his bedroom wall in what appears to be blood. They need the help of the Department of Fimmigration in solving the disappearance, because DOF has plenty of expertise on arcane matters. They contact DOF and soon DOF begins to investigate the strange disappearance...
This is the beginning of a highly entertaining story that reveals what kind of work DOF does and how they deal with problems. Their investigations are a joy to read due to the author's witty humour and wonderful imagination. The author handles various issues ranging from politics to relationships in a fascinating way.
I enjoyed reading about how Kylah investigated the disappearance of the Minister of Internal Affairs, because her investigations were interesting and revealed intriguing things. I liked the way the author wrote about her thoughts, deeds and deduction skills.
It was also enjoyable to read about what DC Farmer wrote about the minister's marital life, because the relationship between Sebastian and Sally O'Hoy was mercurial. His way of writing about the O'Hoy relationship was charmingly observant.
One of the best things about this story is that DC Farmer has an excellent sense of humour. There's something charmingly British about his humour that I find compelling (if you enjoy witty British humour, you'll most likely enjoy this story very much). As a tiny example of the author's sense of humour, I can mention that zombies are called 'vitally-challenged' in this novella.
The author has a keen eye for details and he knows how to keep up the reader's interest in the story. It's great that he keeps the story flowing all the time and doesn't get stuck at any places. He's also capable of maintaining a fine balance between serious issues and humorous elements.
DC Farmer's Every Little Evil is fluently written urban fantasy with an emphasis on entertainment and humorous happenings. It's just as good, humorous and entertaining as the novels (The 400lb Gorilla and Frivolous Pursuits), which reveal a lot more about various things related to non-human creatures and races etc.
I strongly urge urban fantasy readers to take a look at this free novella, because it's a wonderfully entertaining, humorous and well written piece of urban fantasy fiction. Please, invest a bit of time in reading this novella and treat yourself to an enjoyable story. If you like this novella, don't hesitate to read the novels, because they're addictively good and humorous urban fantasy.
Excellent entertainment!
September 19, 2016
I received this book free in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story about a sleazy politician that disappeared from a locked room under video surveillance. The characters were a well written mixture of human and fae. It got my attention and kept it through the entire story. It was humorous and a decent mystery at the same time. It is short, but still entertaining.
I really enjoyed this story about a sleazy politician that disappeared from a locked room under video surveillance. The characters were a well written mixture of human and fae. It got my attention and kept it through the entire story. It was humorous and a decent mystery at the same time. It is short, but still entertaining.
February 17, 2017
Nice story, good dialogues, and a very British setting.
February 14, 2017
Humorous
I love this book. The authors sense of humor shines throughout the book. It slightly resembles another book by a piece of furniture.
I love this book. The authors sense of humor shines throughout the book. It slightly resembles another book by a piece of furniture.
July 22, 2016
A dual world intro to the Department of Fimmigration--investigators of crime and mischief on the border between this world and New Thameswick. Ooky, kooky, spooky, to paraphase a theme song from my childhood.
Check it out, this novella is free at DC Farmer's home page and don't miss the missives from Headquarters which just might explain that agouti polecat on Donald Trump's scalp.
The books can be read in any order--but start here. Got The Bewildered going now--an ARC from NetGalley. Review soon.
Check it out, this novella is free at DC Farmer's home page and don't miss the missives from Headquarters which just might explain that agouti polecat on Donald Trump's scalp.
The books can be read in any order--but start here. Got The Bewildered going now--an ARC from NetGalley. Review soon.
July 14, 2016
DC Farmer's Hipposync Archives are entertaining, irreverent, and an automatic "buy" for me. Each story is a standalone, although I have no idea why anyone wouldn't want to read all of them.
July 22, 2016
A great introduction... I am now officially a fan!
April 7, 2017
This tale starts off with a notorious gov't official making a stir again ... and the Prime Minister reels off a list of possible reasons which include swallowing a live fish and being stuck on a zipline in a gale. By the time we got to chapter 2 and I found the fae used "the interweb" to send "eelmails" I was laughing so hard I almost had coffee shoot out my nose. Will definitely have to check out the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews