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The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy
Fifty years ago, a group of college friends dabbled in the occult and released a malign presence on the world. Now, on his deathbed, the last of the students enlists the aid of three newcomers to banish the thing they summoned.
Hampered by the old man's greedy son, the wizened director of the university library, and a private investigator with a troubled past, can Russian anthropologist Anna Rykov, Doctor Harry Lamb, and Father Sean O'Malley gather the knowledge and resources needed to defeat the entity?
The Old Man's Request is a pulp adventure set in the 1920s, and the first part of the Utgarda Trilogy.
Hampered by the old man's greedy son, the wizened director of the university library, and a private investigator with a troubled past, can Russian anthropologist Anna Rykov, Doctor Harry Lamb, and Father Sean O'Malley gather the knowledge and resources needed to defeat the entity?
The Old Man's Request is a pulp adventure set in the 1920s, and the first part of the Utgarda Trilogy.
- GenresHorror
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
33 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Joab Stieglitz
32 books27 followersJoab Stieglitz is an accomplished author best known for his evocative Utgarda and Thule Trilogies. Delving into the depths of the supernatural, mythology, and the arcane, Stieglitz crafts tales that are as captivating as they are eerie.
A keen enthusiast of history, he masterfully blends elements of the past with fantastical horror, transporting readers to worlds both familiar and mysterious. His Utgarda Trilogy, comprising of "The Old Man’s Request", "The Missing Medium", and "The Other Realm", established him as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of supernatural fiction. Not one to rest on his laurels, Stieglitz further expanded his literary universe with the Thule Trilogy, featuring titles such as "The Hunter in the Shadows", "The Worlds I Know", and "Reversing the Cataclysm".
But Joab's creative prowess doesn't end with epic trilogies. His "Larry Nodens Mysteries" series adds a detective twist to his repertoire, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a writer. "Designed for Slaughter", the first book in that series, delves deeper into the realms of horror and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Drawn to the world of myth and legends from a young age, Stieglitz's works reflect his passion and deep understanding of ancient lore, while also touching upon universal themes of human nature, destiny, and the ever-present battle between light and darkness.
Through his stories, Joab Stieglitz not only entertains but also encourages readers to explore the shadowy corridors of history, myth, and the human psyche. His contributions to the genre have earned him a devoted readership, eagerly awaiting each new journey into the realms he so vividly portrays.
A keen enthusiast of history, he masterfully blends elements of the past with fantastical horror, transporting readers to worlds both familiar and mysterious. His Utgarda Trilogy, comprising of "The Old Man’s Request", "The Missing Medium", and "The Other Realm", established him as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of supernatural fiction. Not one to rest on his laurels, Stieglitz further expanded his literary universe with the Thule Trilogy, featuring titles such as "The Hunter in the Shadows", "The Worlds I Know", and "Reversing the Cataclysm".
But Joab's creative prowess doesn't end with epic trilogies. His "Larry Nodens Mysteries" series adds a detective twist to his repertoire, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a writer. "Designed for Slaughter", the first book in that series, delves deeper into the realms of horror and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Drawn to the world of myth and legends from a young age, Stieglitz's works reflect his passion and deep understanding of ancient lore, while also touching upon universal themes of human nature, destiny, and the ever-present battle between light and darkness.
Through his stories, Joab Stieglitz not only entertains but also encourages readers to explore the shadowy corridors of history, myth, and the human psyche. His contributions to the genre have earned him a devoted readership, eagerly awaiting each new journey into the realms he so vividly portrays.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 16, 2020
This book reminded me of the horror novels I read back when I was in high school. Dark, brooding, paranormal with a Gothic feel. It will keep upi on the edge of your seat.
Do not read this book if you will be alone in the house for the rest of the night.
Great characters and enough plot twists to keep you consumed with curiosity.
Do not read this book if you will be alone in the house for the rest of the night.
Great characters and enough plot twists to keep you consumed with curiosity.
April 2, 2020
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy is a supernatural thriller written by Joab Stieglitz. Jason Longborough, a senior trustee of Reister University, was ailing and had asked for both Anna Rykov, an anthropologist and expert in Ancient Russian Vikings, or Varangians, and Father Sean O'Malley, an ancient history professor who specialized in middle and far eastern history, to attend his bedside in the university hospital. His doctor, Harry Lamb, was also included in the conference. Each of these visitors had been new appointees to Reister, and had become friends as they got to know their new environment. And Longborough had been instrumental in getting each of them their places within the University. When they gathered around him, he had a very strange story to tell them. It was late spring in 1929, but the tale he had to tell was of a different time, spring of 1871, when Longborough was a freshman at Reister and had joined with four other students in a group devoted to exploring the strange truths and uncovering the secrets of the universe. They called themselves The Cabal and eventually moved their ceremonies to a farm in a neighboring town for privacy. Brent Hanke, one of the five, came from a family whose shipping interests allowed him to gather rare and arcane items from around the world. One such item, a golden box containing a small chunk of amber, was reputed to have the powers to contact an oracle. The five students decided to give it a try, and the results were not at all what they had been expecting.
Joab Stieglitz's supernatural thriller, The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy, is a tantalizing and utterly delicious homage to H.P. Lovecraft that will have fans of Cthulhu Mythos literature swooning and shivering in delight as they read of The Cabal's disastrous ritual and the task Longborough's three visitors are charged with. As I read The Old Man's Request, I was excited as I recognized through some of the signs and portents that this book might indeed concern the elder gods of Lovecraft's classic dark fantasy. After all, the setting, timeline, and certain tell-tale references seemed designed to pique the fancy of those readers who were all too familiar with chants invoking Yog Sothoth and the other gruesome elder gods who really shouldn't be invoked under any circumstances. And then I read the invocation, and I realized that, yes, Joab Stieglitz's Utgarda Trilogy will resonate with the eldritch and cosmic horror that Lovecraft fans are always on the lookout for. Stieglitz's story is taut and suspenseful, and his characters are perfectly suited for the task at hand. His Reister University, with its enigmatic librarian and riverside setting, had me remembering reading my first Lovecraft book and thinking that Miskatonic University would be a grand place to go for an education. Frankly, I can't wait for the next volume in this series. The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy is most highly recommended.
The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy is a supernatural thriller written by Joab Stieglitz. Jason Longborough, a senior trustee of Reister University, was ailing and had asked for both Anna Rykov, an anthropologist and expert in Ancient Russian Vikings, or Varangians, and Father Sean O'Malley, an ancient history professor who specialized in middle and far eastern history, to attend his bedside in the university hospital. His doctor, Harry Lamb, was also included in the conference. Each of these visitors had been new appointees to Reister, and had become friends as they got to know their new environment. And Longborough had been instrumental in getting each of them their places within the University. When they gathered around him, he had a very strange story to tell them. It was late spring in 1929, but the tale he had to tell was of a different time, spring of 1871, when Longborough was a freshman at Reister and had joined with four other students in a group devoted to exploring the strange truths and uncovering the secrets of the universe. They called themselves The Cabal and eventually moved their ceremonies to a farm in a neighboring town for privacy. Brent Hanke, one of the five, came from a family whose shipping interests allowed him to gather rare and arcane items from around the world. One such item, a golden box containing a small chunk of amber, was reputed to have the powers to contact an oracle. The five students decided to give it a try, and the results were not at all what they had been expecting.
Joab Stieglitz's supernatural thriller, The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy, is a tantalizing and utterly delicious homage to H.P. Lovecraft that will have fans of Cthulhu Mythos literature swooning and shivering in delight as they read of The Cabal's disastrous ritual and the task Longborough's three visitors are charged with. As I read The Old Man's Request, I was excited as I recognized through some of the signs and portents that this book might indeed concern the elder gods of Lovecraft's classic dark fantasy. After all, the setting, timeline, and certain tell-tale references seemed designed to pique the fancy of those readers who were all too familiar with chants invoking Yog Sothoth and the other gruesome elder gods who really shouldn't be invoked under any circumstances. And then I read the invocation, and I realized that, yes, Joab Stieglitz's Utgarda Trilogy will resonate with the eldritch and cosmic horror that Lovecraft fans are always on the lookout for. Stieglitz's story is taut and suspenseful, and his characters are perfectly suited for the task at hand. His Reister University, with its enigmatic librarian and riverside setting, had me remembering reading my first Lovecraft book and thinking that Miskatonic University would be a grand place to go for an education. Frankly, I can't wait for the next volume in this series. The Old Man's Request: Book One of the Utgarda Trilogy is most highly recommended.
November 23, 2016
As a life long gamer, many spent playing in the settings created by Lovecraft and Call of Cthulhu, the first thing that caught my eye was the cover of The Old Man's Request. The cover art captured the feel and spirit of those worlds instantly and I knew I was going to be in for a treat with this story.
The characters are well thought out and guided by Joab's deft hand with physical descriptions, speech nuances, and behavioral quirks they were brought to life quickly in my mind. Joab's attention to detail was not limited to the core characters, but their world as well. It is very easy to see that Joab researched the era and worked in little things here and there to give the reader a sample of life in that time.
The pace and plot of the story lends itself to a quick read, but not an unfulfilling one and definitely leaves you wanting more once the last page arrives. To keep this review spoiler free, I will just say that playing the "I know what will happen next" game may give you the right answer on what the climax of the first book is, but I missed on my guess and was happy that I did.
I am very pleased with this book and look forward to the next part in the trilogy.
The characters are well thought out and guided by Joab's deft hand with physical descriptions, speech nuances, and behavioral quirks they were brought to life quickly in my mind. Joab's attention to detail was not limited to the core characters, but their world as well. It is very easy to see that Joab researched the era and worked in little things here and there to give the reader a sample of life in that time.
The pace and plot of the story lends itself to a quick read, but not an unfulfilling one and definitely leaves you wanting more once the last page arrives. To keep this review spoiler free, I will just say that playing the "I know what will happen next" game may give you the right answer on what the climax of the first book is, but I missed on my guess and was happy that I did.
I am very pleased with this book and look forward to the next part in the trilogy.
August 18, 2016
Phenomenal book! The author did an awesome job of putting me in the middle of the action. The details of the 1920's characters and scenery were so real. I read most of the book in one sitting. I could not put it down! I spent most of the time on the edge of my seat and had to finish it. I can't wait for the next book of the trilogy. This is a must-read for anyone who likes a books of a lite horror genre.
April 7, 2019
Not a huge fan I have to admit. The story had promise but petered out two thirds of the way through. There was no sense of urgency or suspense and I didn’t care one way or the other if the characters were successful or not. #NetGalley
September 16, 2021
What an electrifying storyline. The Old Man’s Request, the first I have read from this author was suspenseful and kept me interested until the very end.
The story is about a group of college friends who fifty years prior got involved with the occult and not in a good way. All of the friends have died except one and on his deathbed, he asks the help of three newcomers to banish the evil they summoned.
This is an edge of your seat type of book and I highly recommend it.
The story is about a group of college friends who fifty years prior got involved with the occult and not in a good way. All of the friends have died except one and on his deathbed, he asks the help of three newcomers to banish the evil they summoned.
This is an edge of your seat type of book and I highly recommend it.
July 13, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Old Man's Request is the first book in the Utgarda series by Joab Stieglitz. Released 3rd Nov. 2018, it's 113 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. The author is an experienced gamer and it shows in the narrative. This is a very plot driven horror novel set in a very Lovecraftian/pulp type universe.
It's a group mission plot with several specialist adventurers and lots of encounters with nasty supernatural creatures and malign human agents. The author has a deft touch with atmospheric horror and there are a number of well done jump scares scattered throughout the book (not easy to do on the written page).
There are some rough spots with the dialogue, it's stiff in some places, but not egregiously so. The plotting is uneven, but again, not substantially and doesn't destroy the flow of the book. It reminded me in a lot of ways of my old regular tabletop gaming group. For readers who enjoy that gamer 'vibe' this book will likely be a hit.
It is horror and there's a fair bit of graphic violence, along with demonic/infernal content. For readers who are sensitive to the subject matter, blood, gore, etc, it might be a tough read.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Old Man's Request is the first book in the Utgarda series by Joab Stieglitz. Released 3rd Nov. 2018, it's 113 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. The author is an experienced gamer and it shows in the narrative. This is a very plot driven horror novel set in a very Lovecraftian/pulp type universe.
It's a group mission plot with several specialist adventurers and lots of encounters with nasty supernatural creatures and malign human agents. The author has a deft touch with atmospheric horror and there are a number of well done jump scares scattered throughout the book (not easy to do on the written page).
There are some rough spots with the dialogue, it's stiff in some places, but not egregiously so. The plotting is uneven, but again, not substantially and doesn't destroy the flow of the book. It reminded me in a lot of ways of my old regular tabletop gaming group. For readers who enjoy that gamer 'vibe' this book will likely be a hit.
It is horror and there's a fair bit of graphic violence, along with demonic/infernal content. For readers who are sensitive to the subject matter, blood, gore, etc, it might be a tough read.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 4, 2019
I picked this book up (along with the others in the series) after meeting and having a discussion with the author at a con.
Overall, it was a decent plot, but it would have benefited from a bit more editing. There were several mis-usued or overused phrases and grammatical mistakes. In one case, a single sentence says two contradictory statements regarding timing of an event. The descriptions seemed to be a little forced rather than flowing into the narrative and the final contest between the heroes and the horror was not really gripping - nor did it have a clear resolution. (That may have been on-purpose, but it left me feeling a little let down.)
The author might also benefit from a little more research into technology, costs and culture in the 1920s as the presentation seemed like a more modern event with the caption (in the 1920s) as a subtitle. (e.g. the ubiqituousness and description of cars, the cost of things in the story and the specific descriptions of medicine and treatments)
It did keep me interested enough to read the next book - but I switched to read/finish a different series before taking up book two.
Overall, it was a decent plot, but it would have benefited from a bit more editing. There were several mis-usued or overused phrases and grammatical mistakes. In one case, a single sentence says two contradictory statements regarding timing of an event. The descriptions seemed to be a little forced rather than flowing into the narrative and the final contest between the heroes and the horror was not really gripping - nor did it have a clear resolution. (That may have been on-purpose, but it left me feeling a little let down.)
The author might also benefit from a little more research into technology, costs and culture in the 1920s as the presentation seemed like a more modern event with the caption (in the 1920s) as a subtitle. (e.g. the ubiqituousness and description of cars, the cost of things in the story and the specific descriptions of medicine and treatments)
It did keep me interested enough to read the next book - but I switched to read/finish a different series before taking up book two.
January 26, 2019
I loved Mr. Stieglitz's "The Old Man's Request." I loved the title, and it is what first hooked me. It was easy to get hooked by the characters as well, though I never got to like the doctor very much. But the Russian anthropologist and the priest were easy characters to love or be captivated by, as was the detective, a late entrant into the story. At first, I wasn't sure if he was a good guy or a bad one. And I remain perplexed by what happened to Dr. Rykov when she slept in Dr. Lamb's living room. Was she raped? Something happened, but her reaction upon waking was puzzling. I hope Book 2 will reveal what happened to her, but she is definitely a strong character, perhaps the strongest in the story, even ahead of Father O'Malley. If you love dark mysteries, then you should love "The Old Man's Request" too. The only reason I did not give a 5 star was that the current edition does still have many typographical and other such errors in it, which tend to cause me to stumble. The story, however, is a 5 star. LADP.
February 5, 2019
I've read four books in the Utgarda series, and I adored them all. So much that is resonant of H. P. Lovecraft and other Weird Fiction of the 1920's and 1930's, of that hopeful yet subconsciously disillusioned era between "the War to end all Wars" and the next, possibly even worse, World War, colours this series. For a lover of History and of Weird Fiction, this is a total delight. The characters are well-delineated, the plot is simultaneously exciting and adventurous. Mr. Stieglitz talentedly paints his monsters and monstrous otherworldly settings. I highly recommend this series, whether or not one is already familiar with the Lovecraft Mythos and classic Weird Fiction of the early 20th century.
July 14, 2019
An original story line featuring several very unique characters. Joab Stieglitz has built an "Outer Limits" back story around a university. This is the first book in a trilogy, so the time and effort taken to develop the characters and back story not only make this book much better, it sets up the reader to move into the next book. The cover and the description were enough to catch my attention but the book delivers much more than expected.
January 20, 2017
I received this book free from the author after winning it on Goodreads for a honest review. I always like paranormal and demons but this book is certainly different. A couple characters I didn't suspect were the bad guys actually were or possessed by the demon. And this is not the end. More to come I think.
April 27, 2019
This was a really fun read with an exciting plot that sucks you in. I also got a liking for several of the characters, such as the Russian anthropologist Anna Rykov, Doctor Harry Lamb, and Father Sean O'Malley. Now I'm keen on reading the rest of the series. If one is into mysteries and horror, The Old Man's Request is worth the read.
April 27, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Joab Stieglitz; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2020
This is book 1 in The Utgarda series. I thought this was a great book. The story and characters are well written and developed. The story is interesting and keeps you pulled in. I can’t wait to read the next book. This is a great paranormal mystery that I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2019
I really liked this book. It was fast paced from beginning to the end. Sure there were a few eyebrow raising events, but this is just the beginning of a hair-raising trilogy..
Can't wait for the next two !
Can't wait for the next two !
April 20, 2020
A compelling read with three amazing characters doing something really frightening. I really loved the characters and found them realistically developed. I am looking forward to the second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2019
Joab Stieglitz has written a interesting story and I will be interested in reading the rest of the series. This was well written and worth the read.
June 11, 2019
Book Tour 3/29 on the Blog!!
October 30, 2023
Most kids can remember a time when they pretended at a young age to cast spells, make potions, or pretended to talk to otherworldly beings via a Ouija board. “The Old Man’s Request” goes far beyond scaring even the bravest adult. As college kids, several friends dabbled in summoning a demon, and now, on his death bed, he seeks to hand over the key to set things right.
Reister University trustee Jason Longborough, an alumnus of the institution himself, has been instrumental in placing Anna Rykov, Dr. Harry Lamb and Father Sean O’Malley in positions at Reister. So, Anna feels she can’t deny this dying man his final wish, no matter how unbelievable it may be to her scientist brain. Seemingly innocent enough, Longborough requests they cast a spell and fix the undoings he caused back in the spring of ’71 with five of his friends, in a group they called “the Cabal.”
Author Joab Stieglitz has created a fictional world within the pages of “The Old Man’s Request” that leaves readers at the edge of their seat. Making the unbelievable believable in the way he captures every aspect of the barrier between our world and theirs. His use of strategically crafting a team of individuals with skillsets and backgrounds perfectly suited for this endeavor is extraordinary. From Father O’Malley who received complementary skills for this request through his mentorship to the supporting cast looking on to these three’s attempt to fulfill Longborough’s final request.
I found myself quickly succumbing to the world Stieglitz has created within. The trio of friends, spells, potions, demons, and townsfolk add to the university setting and life scattered amongst the pages. Readers will find themselves hungry for the next in this Utgarda Trilogy.
Reister University trustee Jason Longborough, an alumnus of the institution himself, has been instrumental in placing Anna Rykov, Dr. Harry Lamb and Father Sean O’Malley in positions at Reister. So, Anna feels she can’t deny this dying man his final wish, no matter how unbelievable it may be to her scientist brain. Seemingly innocent enough, Longborough requests they cast a spell and fix the undoings he caused back in the spring of ’71 with five of his friends, in a group they called “the Cabal.”
Author Joab Stieglitz has created a fictional world within the pages of “The Old Man’s Request” that leaves readers at the edge of their seat. Making the unbelievable believable in the way he captures every aspect of the barrier between our world and theirs. His use of strategically crafting a team of individuals with skillsets and backgrounds perfectly suited for this endeavor is extraordinary. From Father O’Malley who received complementary skills for this request through his mentorship to the supporting cast looking on to these three’s attempt to fulfill Longborough’s final request.
I found myself quickly succumbing to the world Stieglitz has created within. The trio of friends, spells, potions, demons, and townsfolk add to the university setting and life scattered amongst the pages. Readers will find themselves hungry for the next in this Utgarda Trilogy.
September 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first time reading a story with cosmic horror elements and it surprised me how much I enjoyed it. I was also able to meet the author and personally talk to him about his books. I cannot wait to continue the series and see what it holds. The only reason I did not give this a 5/5 is because some of the writing/style of it I did not enjoy. However, that is my view/opinion and not a dig at the author or his skills.
April 9, 2025
Well-written and easy to read, I finished the Old Man’s Request in two sittings. I particularly liked the characters, who each had their own reasons for wanting to get rid of the mysterious, evil demon that a group of unsuspecting college friends summoned and released fifty years earlier. Great read!
August 11, 2018
This was an interesting Lovecraftian story about three people fulfilling a dying man's request to stop a demon summoned many years before. The prose and dialogue were a little stiff, but once I got into the story, it was interesting and held my attention.
January 25, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed this book but felt like there were area's that could of had more detail. That's why I gave it four stars.
I enjoyed this book but felt like there were area's that could of had more detail. That's why I gave it four stars.
December 28, 2025
I enjoyed some of the writing style in this book. The first half felt like it had a lot of potential. The pacing, overall language and mood were appropriate for a supernatural mystery/thriller.
-What was not appropriate was the se***l assault that takes place completely out of the blue within the first 30 pages and is NOT ADDRESSED until the last 15 pages. The author never investigates it, never explores the actual feelings a person would have after waking up to find they were assaulted. He even goes as far to describe the victim as “ less scared than annoyed “. The assailant is re introduced later as a savior character, and only in the final moments of the book is revealed to be evil and have been possessed by a demon… so the assault serves only as a plot device as evidence for a characters possession. It was pointless and careless. It read as if the author just really wanted to include something shocking but didn’t want to do any of the actual work to deal with it.
-The characterization of the demonic forces as “middle eastern robed” and “black skinned” made me cringe.
-The characters are very flat. All of the blond and redheaded women in the story boob boobily in their tight white vests and tight red silk dresses, while the male characters all have very few differences in voice.
Overall it was extremely disappointing. I hate to leave a negative review but it’s important feedback. I met the author at a local event and he seemed really passionate about his work. I wish I could be more supportive. I could have really loved this story had it been more thoughtful, less exploitative and had deeper, more fully realized characters.
-What was not appropriate was the se***l assault that takes place completely out of the blue within the first 30 pages and is NOT ADDRESSED until the last 15 pages. The author never investigates it, never explores the actual feelings a person would have after waking up to find they were assaulted. He even goes as far to describe the victim as “ less scared than annoyed “. The assailant is re introduced later as a savior character, and only in the final moments of the book is revealed to be evil and have been possessed by a demon… so the assault serves only as a plot device as evidence for a characters possession. It was pointless and careless. It read as if the author just really wanted to include something shocking but didn’t want to do any of the actual work to deal with it.
-The characterization of the demonic forces as “middle eastern robed” and “black skinned” made me cringe.
-The characters are very flat. All of the blond and redheaded women in the story boob boobily in their tight white vests and tight red silk dresses, while the male characters all have very few differences in voice.
Overall it was extremely disappointing. I hate to leave a negative review but it’s important feedback. I met the author at a local event and he seemed really passionate about his work. I wish I could be more supportive. I could have really loved this story had it been more thoughtful, less exploitative and had deeper, more fully realized characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2016
Excellent occult mystery in the tradition of H. P.Lovecraft. Shades of Sherlock Holmes, too, in a tale of cosmic horror. Good storytelling and a fast-paced style makes this well worth a read! Looking forward to the next volumes in this series!
February 10, 2017
Interesting read. I enjoyed this one.
September 29, 2016
Re-reading in order to absorb
more!
So glad I did. Three dimensional characters, fast moving plot, very descriptive scenes (especially the supernatural ones). Eagerly awaiting the second book.
more!
So glad I did. Three dimensional characters, fast moving plot, very descriptive scenes (especially the supernatural ones). Eagerly awaiting the second book.
October 15, 2016
Goodreads win
A quick and good read. It really held my attention. Written well. The characters really pulled the story together
A quick and good read. It really held my attention. Written well. The characters really pulled the story together
April 4, 2019
The Old mans request is the first book in a trilogy by Joab Stieglitz, the story follows three main characters Professor Anna Rykov, Father O'Malley and Dr Lamb an unlikely trio that come together because Jason Longborgh the universities trustee is dying and calls them in because when he was younger him and his friends released some kind of malevolent spirit in a house and he needs their help in returning it.
The book took a bit of getting into it, Whilst I was reading it I felt there were bits missing which was why it took a while to get into it but it did come together in the end and I liked the characters and the story was engaging so I will probably go on to read the others.
The book took a bit of getting into it, Whilst I was reading it I felt there were bits missing which was why it took a while to get into it but it did come together in the end and I liked the characters and the story was engaging so I will probably go on to read the others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews