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The Ulrich Files #3
Darkside Blues
"Ghosts don't simply latch onto places, investigator. People can become haunted, too."
A missing person. A city plunged into unforgiving winter. A dangerous spirit.
Though enjoying an increase in business following his last case, life isn't all roses for private investigator Harlan Ulrich. His newest job, another missing person's case, is unlike any other he's ever taken on.
Local businessman Michael Poole hires Ulrich to find his estranged daughter.
The problem?
She's been dead for a decade.
Join Ulrich on a trip into the darkness, into the frostbitten underworld, as he seeks out a hateful phantom with only a cat and a thermos of good coffee on his side.
A missing person. A city plunged into unforgiving winter. A dangerous spirit.
Though enjoying an increase in business following his last case, life isn't all roses for private investigator Harlan Ulrich. His newest job, another missing person's case, is unlike any other he's ever taken on.
Local businessman Michael Poole hires Ulrich to find his estranged daughter.
The problem?
She's been dead for a decade.
Join Ulrich on a trip into the darkness, into the frostbitten underworld, as he seeks out a hateful phantom with only a cat and a thermos of good coffee on his side.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2017
34 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Ambrose Ibsen
58 books662 followersOnce upon a time, a young Ambrose Ibsen discovered a collection of ghost stories on his father's bookshelf. He was never the same again.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 20, 2017
Following The Sick House and Medicine For The Dead, this is the third book featuring coffee-addicted private investigator Harlan Ulrich. It works fine as a standalone. In the last two books, Ulrich dealt with some frightening cases involving supernatural phenomena that have made him well-known locally and his PI business is finally taking off. When Ulrich is approached by Michael Poole, a rich local businessman, who asks him to investigate the disappearance of his daughter, Ulrich is reasonably happy to take on the case as it appears to be more of a "normal" missing person's case. Of course, it doesn't quite turn out that way, and soon Ulrich is being followed. Initially, I thought this was going to be quite a straightforward ghost story, but getting further into it, little twists kept coming that made this into a less clear-cut, rather sad, and nicely atmospheric paranormal mystery. I've become quite fond of Harlan Ulrich over the course of the three audiobooks. The way he chats with his cat is pretty endearing and he is an all-round good guy. I enjoy Ambrose Ibsen's descriptive style of writing and the way he creates fear and suspense. This was a quick and easy listen made even more enjoyable thanks to the excellent narration by Jake Urry. Good range of voices, great pacing and intonation, and just perfect at getting the eerie atmosphere across.
Audio review copy provided, thank you!
Audio review copy provided, thank you!
September 28, 2017
This was a ghost story that with Jake Urry and Ambrose Ibsen as a team, it can't be beaten. The story is chilling and fast paced and kept me guessing all through. I enjoyed meeting Detective UIrich again and hearing his heartful moments as he tried to figure out why he seemed to be the haunted one.
I love his interactions with his cat as well as the psychic. He strikes a chord in me as a very real man and a very real reaction to his encounters. I did not quite expect the ending so I was engrossed by the time everything came out. Proving that Ibsen has amazing attention to detail.
When a ghost begins to haunt Detective Ulrich, he is hard-pressed to find out the reason why. He can't fathom the answer when it comes to him in the night. So Ulrich does what he does best, he digs deeper. The story creepy crawls along at a chilling pace and kept me so involved while looking over my shoulder.
Ibsen's writing just gets better and better and as a narrator, Urry takes ambrose's fine work to a higher level. This is one of my favorite teams and I hope they continue their partnership. This is one reason I love audiobooks. There is something about the hearing of a story with amazing accents and inflections.
I love his interactions with his cat as well as the psychic. He strikes a chord in me as a very real man and a very real reaction to his encounters. I did not quite expect the ending so I was engrossed by the time everything came out. Proving that Ibsen has amazing attention to detail.
When a ghost begins to haunt Detective Ulrich, he is hard-pressed to find out the reason why. He can't fathom the answer when it comes to him in the night. So Ulrich does what he does best, he digs deeper. The story creepy crawls along at a chilling pace and kept me so involved while looking over my shoulder.
Ibsen's writing just gets better and better and as a narrator, Urry takes ambrose's fine work to a higher level. This is one of my favorite teams and I hope they continue their partnership. This is one reason I love audiobooks. There is something about the hearing of a story with amazing accents and inflections.
April 29, 2017
10 years ago, Michael Poole’s precious daughter Vivian came to a very bad end. Now he has hired P. I. Harlan Ulrich to investigate the circumstance of her recent reappearance. It will be up to Ulrich to uncover the truth revolving around her estrangement from her family and untimely death.
I really like this series and even though I missed the second installment somehow, it did not detract from my enjoyment of this one. Of course, when I saw it was available for review, I jumped on it. This was a quick and easy listen. Entertaining and well-paced. Jake Urry does an excellent job on the narration and I really feel he nailed the character of Harlan Ulrich.
*I received a complimentary audiobook review copy from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. This was it.
I really like this series and even though I missed the second installment somehow, it did not detract from my enjoyment of this one. Of course, when I saw it was available for review, I jumped on it. This was a quick and easy listen. Entertaining and well-paced. Jake Urry does an excellent job on the narration and I really feel he nailed the character of Harlan Ulrich.
*I received a complimentary audiobook review copy from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. This was it.
May 16, 2017
So, P.I Harlan Ulrich's business is finally taking off and his life is pretty good, and when Michael Poole approaches him and tells him that he sometime sees his daughter, who has been missing for 10 years, Ulrich thinks it's a simple case and happily takes it because Mr. Poole is willing to pay handsomely. But things aren't as they seem and Ulrich quickly realises that this isn't a simple case, someone is lying to him and things are about to get out of hand when Ulrich starts being followed by.... something.
Harlan Ulrich has quickly grown on me! He is just such a nice character, whose reactions to events feel "real". He is scared of a lot of things, and has to talk himself into investigating anything unusual, which is what I like most about him. So often, nothing phases the protagonists, but Ulrich isn't like that!! His inner monologues are the best ;)
This, like the other 2, isn't primarily a ghost story. It's a paranormal mystery that will keep you on the edge of your toes, and constantly guessing what's what! I love how the author is so good at making his books so atmospheric and spooky. He doesn't just tell us, he shows us and makes our imagination take over!!
Jake Urry is the perfect narrator for these books. He can bring across the creepiness so well!!! He has plenty of tones and cadences and knows how to tell the story so you get shivers at certain parts!! Brilliant narrator :)
I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
Harlan Ulrich has quickly grown on me! He is just such a nice character, whose reactions to events feel "real". He is scared of a lot of things, and has to talk himself into investigating anything unusual, which is what I like most about him. So often, nothing phases the protagonists, but Ulrich isn't like that!! His inner monologues are the best ;)
This, like the other 2, isn't primarily a ghost story. It's a paranormal mystery that will keep you on the edge of your toes, and constantly guessing what's what! I love how the author is so good at making his books so atmospheric and spooky. He doesn't just tell us, he shows us and makes our imagination take over!!
Jake Urry is the perfect narrator for these books. He can bring across the creepiness so well!!! He has plenty of tones and cadences and knows how to tell the story so you get shivers at certain parts!! Brilliant narrator :)
I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
June 18, 2017
Note: Even though this is Book 3 in the series, it works fine as a stand alone novel.
Following upon his success with the Exeter House mystery, Harlan Ulrich’s private investigation business has been doing quite well. He’s got a decent apartment, an admirable collection of fancy coffees, and a cat. Now he’s been hired to find yet another missing person. However, there’s more than one twist with this one. The missing person isn’t really missing but she’s not alive either.
I do believe this is my favorite of this series so far. Harlan Ulrich is truly becoming a ghost talker. He’s got his paranormal experiences of the past two books to draw on, so with this one he starts off on firmer ground, knowing some of the rules of engagement right from the start.
And we have Sparkles! Well, he was renamed by Harlan. His new name is Beardsley though I don’t think the cat really cares what Harlan calls him as long as there is food in his dish. Beardsley has a thing for coffee too and that mainly involves batting the beans about the apartment once he’s torn a hole in the bag.
Michael Poole has hired Harlan to approach his estranged daughter, Vivian. He says he’s seen her three times in an old neighborhood they used to live in when she was a teenager. However, he can’t bring himself to approach her and needs an intermediary. He’s chosen Harlan to be that man. However, Harlan discovers right away that Vivian died 10 years ago. As he continues to dig into the case, he finds other things that don’t match what Michael told him. Someone is lying. It becomes a tangled web as Harlan tracks down the ex-wife (Laguerre) and speaks with the stepmother (Meredith).
Let’s not forget the apparition that appears to be the teen-aged Vivian. However, she’s walking about with a limp. In life, she was wheelchair bound. Harlan has to unravel the truth about her apparent suicide. As Harlan makes more attempts to communicate with her, she responds in turn. However, her attempts of communication are rather disturbing to both Harlan and Beardsley.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was getting to know more about Harlan. He’s a teetotaler and his father was an alcoholic. This tale provides more glimpses into his past and that also provides a starting place for Vivian to communicate with him.
I really wasn’t sure where the author was going to take me with this one. I liked that I couldn’t guess major plot points right away. The story’s ending hung on a tipping point right up to the end. Will this character go this way or that, will it end in justice or vengeance, will Harlan have nightmares for months or sleep like a man after a fulfilling day’s work? I found the ending to be satisfying and I expect Harlan can live with the horrors he’s seen knowing he helped where he could.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobook Worm.
The Narration: Jake Urry continues to be great as Harlan Ulrich. His British accent continues to diminish with each book as he smooths out his American accent. Harlan sounds like a proper gent who happens to live in Toledo, Ohio. I liked his spooky voice for Vivian, who has a messed up face. Urry also added in a few sound effects here and there that worked quite well. I especially enjoyed the wind sounds in the background of some of the final scenes of the book.
Following upon his success with the Exeter House mystery, Harlan Ulrich’s private investigation business has been doing quite well. He’s got a decent apartment, an admirable collection of fancy coffees, and a cat. Now he’s been hired to find yet another missing person. However, there’s more than one twist with this one. The missing person isn’t really missing but she’s not alive either.
I do believe this is my favorite of this series so far. Harlan Ulrich is truly becoming a ghost talker. He’s got his paranormal experiences of the past two books to draw on, so with this one he starts off on firmer ground, knowing some of the rules of engagement right from the start.
And we have Sparkles! Well, he was renamed by Harlan. His new name is Beardsley though I don’t think the cat really cares what Harlan calls him as long as there is food in his dish. Beardsley has a thing for coffee too and that mainly involves batting the beans about the apartment once he’s torn a hole in the bag.
Michael Poole has hired Harlan to approach his estranged daughter, Vivian. He says he’s seen her three times in an old neighborhood they used to live in when she was a teenager. However, he can’t bring himself to approach her and needs an intermediary. He’s chosen Harlan to be that man. However, Harlan discovers right away that Vivian died 10 years ago. As he continues to dig into the case, he finds other things that don’t match what Michael told him. Someone is lying. It becomes a tangled web as Harlan tracks down the ex-wife (Laguerre) and speaks with the stepmother (Meredith).
Let’s not forget the apparition that appears to be the teen-aged Vivian. However, she’s walking about with a limp. In life, she was wheelchair bound. Harlan has to unravel the truth about her apparent suicide. As Harlan makes more attempts to communicate with her, she responds in turn. However, her attempts of communication are rather disturbing to both Harlan and Beardsley.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was getting to know more about Harlan. He’s a teetotaler and his father was an alcoholic. This tale provides more glimpses into his past and that also provides a starting place for Vivian to communicate with him.
I really wasn’t sure where the author was going to take me with this one. I liked that I couldn’t guess major plot points right away. The story’s ending hung on a tipping point right up to the end. Will this character go this way or that, will it end in justice or vengeance, will Harlan have nightmares for months or sleep like a man after a fulfilling day’s work? I found the ending to be satisfying and I expect Harlan can live with the horrors he’s seen knowing he helped where he could.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobook Worm.
The Narration: Jake Urry continues to be great as Harlan Ulrich. His British accent continues to diminish with each book as he smooths out his American accent. Harlan sounds like a proper gent who happens to live in Toledo, Ohio. I liked his spooky voice for Vivian, who has a messed up face. Urry also added in a few sound effects here and there that worked quite well. I especially enjoyed the wind sounds in the background of some of the final scenes of the book.
April 2, 2025
Ulrich is hired to follow a girl (ghost) by her father. Along the way he finds out some dark secrets. Odd book but my favorite of the 3.
January 27, 2023
Ambrose Ibsen is an author who writes horror with depth. With 'Darkside Blues' he has surpassed himself. In addition to the layering in the story, there is an intriguing dynamic in this must-read about truth and lies. In my experience, this is Ambrose Ibsen's best book to date.
To begin with, there is an associative relationship between Harlan Ulrich and Thomas Carnacki (William Hope Hodgson) and Dr. John Silence (Algernon Blackwood). These three characters are all confronted with supernatural things. Thomas Carnacki and John Silence are brought to a case more from their expertise, where it happens more to Harlan Ulrich. His fear and uncertainty as his assignment takes on a paranormal side are accurately portrayed and very convincing. In this third part of The Ulrich files, the reader gets to know Ulrich better as a detective and that gives him more depth. It shows how the man who confronts ghosts also battles his few ghosts from his past.
In addition, there is another difference between Ibsen's book and the other two authors. In both Hope Hodgson and Blackwood, there is a clear distinction between the hero and the ghost. Ibsen late in 'Darkside Blues' takes a different approach. In a chapter sixteen he shows that there are similarities between Veronica Poole and Harlan Ulrich. Very subtle, but with an intense macabre beauty, this scares the reader.
Within the work of Ambrose Ibsen there is also a similarity between Harlan Ulrich and Stephen Barlow (The Afterlife Investigations). The confrontation with the supernatural causes both men to believe in the paranormal. Ulrich's development has some subtle traits of Arthur Schopenhauer's thinking. This is even more true for Stephen Barlow. What I enjoyed myself is that both characters come from completely different backgrounds: private detective and scientist. In my experience, Ibsen shows that asking questions about life and death is part of being human.
There is a balance between the realism and the fantastical elements. The situations, objects and places from daily life are recognizable to the reader. In addition, the atmosphere is a strong point in this novel. The story takes place in the last days of the year and the author knows how to show that to the reader in the right way: dark, twilight and snow. The transition from the realistic dark to the macabre is smaAnd then the fear symbolism. In the previous two parts of this series it was very good and in this concluding part it is genius! Siegfried Klein and Veronica Price have always been excellently terrifying characters, but with Vivian Poole, Ibsen has outdone himself! In my experience, that is in the dynamics of this character and the way in which she symbolizes the theme of the story. Its dynamics are in its appearances. Her most horrifying is literally scary to watch and is also described by a character as demonic. This can be seen as a manifestation of her hatred towards those responsible for her isolated life. Yet this interpretation only does her justice to a small extent, because figuratively, this form of Vivian is, in my opinion, a representation of her inner brokenness and therefore also has something tragic.
Her "demonic" form is the proper counterpart to her human manifestation. In this form, she is seen by her father who eventually enlists Harlan Ulrich and orders him to find her. Not only does this apparent wholeness form a balanced contrast to her brokenness, but it can also be seen as an embodiment of the theme, namely the truth hidden behind a mask. This makes her one of the most dynamic and fierce spirits in Ambrose Ibsen's work.
The intentions of the characters are also perfectly coordinated in this lurid page-turner. Lies and truth are central. It is poignant to read how certain characters have created an image of themselves that does not correspond to the truth. How one of them has behaved in his pursuit of prestige and especially power is appalling. The self-image they have as a result does not correspond to the truth. At the root of this behavior is guilt. Vivian is an embodiment of this guilt and is for some a mirror in which they see the truth about the result of their actions. Ulrich is approached to find out the truth and has to expose many lies in the process. His intention to uncover the truth and help Vivian takes an intriguing turn. How lies and truth always touch each other and how guilt plays a role in this is brillianly used in the story.
These themes are always shown to the reader in the right way. Ibsen shows that he not only has a literary message for his readers, he is also very strong visually. In a compelling way he always plays with the appearance and appearance of his characters. The strongest example of this is Vivian. Her appearances collectively reflect the theme, making her a lurid manifestation of the truth.
So with 'Darkside Blues' Ambrose Ibsen has outdone himself. It's literary horror in my experience. This macabre page-turner is all about more guilt. This book is also about truth, lies and loneliness. The in the relationships of the characters and in Vivian is amazing! 'Darkside Blues' has become a personal favourite.
To begin with, there is an associative relationship between Harlan Ulrich and Thomas Carnacki (William Hope Hodgson) and Dr. John Silence (Algernon Blackwood). These three characters are all confronted with supernatural things. Thomas Carnacki and John Silence are brought to a case more from their expertise, where it happens more to Harlan Ulrich. His fear and uncertainty as his assignment takes on a paranormal side are accurately portrayed and very convincing. In this third part of The Ulrich files, the reader gets to know Ulrich better as a detective and that gives him more depth. It shows how the man who confronts ghosts also battles his few ghosts from his past.
In addition, there is another difference between Ibsen's book and the other two authors. In both Hope Hodgson and Blackwood, there is a clear distinction between the hero and the ghost. Ibsen late in 'Darkside Blues' takes a different approach. In a chapter sixteen he shows that there are similarities between Veronica Poole and Harlan Ulrich. Very subtle, but with an intense macabre beauty, this scares the reader.
Within the work of Ambrose Ibsen there is also a similarity between Harlan Ulrich and Stephen Barlow (The Afterlife Investigations). The confrontation with the supernatural causes both men to believe in the paranormal. Ulrich's development has some subtle traits of Arthur Schopenhauer's thinking. This is even more true for Stephen Barlow. What I enjoyed myself is that both characters come from completely different backgrounds: private detective and scientist. In my experience, Ibsen shows that asking questions about life and death is part of being human.
There is a balance between the realism and the fantastical elements. The situations, objects and places from daily life are recognizable to the reader. In addition, the atmosphere is a strong point in this novel. The story takes place in the last days of the year and the author knows how to show that to the reader in the right way: dark, twilight and snow. The transition from the realistic dark to the macabre is smaAnd then the fear symbolism. In the previous two parts of this series it was very good and in this concluding part it is genius! Siegfried Klein and Veronica Price have always been excellently terrifying characters, but with Vivian Poole, Ibsen has outdone himself! In my experience, that is in the dynamics of this character and the way in which she symbolizes the theme of the story. Its dynamics are in its appearances. Her most horrifying is literally scary to watch and is also described by a character as demonic. This can be seen as a manifestation of her hatred towards those responsible for her isolated life. Yet this interpretation only does her justice to a small extent, because figuratively, this form of Vivian is, in my opinion, a representation of her inner brokenness and therefore also has something tragic.
Her "demonic" form is the proper counterpart to her human manifestation. In this form, she is seen by her father who eventually enlists Harlan Ulrich and orders him to find her. Not only does this apparent wholeness form a balanced contrast to her brokenness, but it can also be seen as an embodiment of the theme, namely the truth hidden behind a mask. This makes her one of the most dynamic and fierce spirits in Ambrose Ibsen's work.
The intentions of the characters are also perfectly coordinated in this lurid page-turner. Lies and truth are central. It is poignant to read how certain characters have created an image of themselves that does not correspond to the truth. How one of them has behaved in his pursuit of prestige and especially power is appalling. The self-image they have as a result does not correspond to the truth. At the root of this behavior is guilt. Vivian is an embodiment of this guilt and is for some a mirror in which they see the truth about the result of their actions. Ulrich is approached to find out the truth and has to expose many lies in the process. His intention to uncover the truth and help Vivian takes an intriguing turn. How lies and truth always touch each other and how guilt plays a role in this is brillianly used in the story.
These themes are always shown to the reader in the right way. Ibsen shows that he not only has a literary message for his readers, he is also very strong visually. In a compelling way he always plays with the appearance and appearance of his characters. The strongest example of this is Vivian. Her appearances collectively reflect the theme, making her a lurid manifestation of the truth.
So with 'Darkside Blues' Ambrose Ibsen has outdone himself. It's literary horror in my experience. This macabre page-turner is all about more guilt. This book is also about truth, lies and loneliness. The in the relationships of the characters and in Vivian is amazing! 'Darkside Blues' has become a personal favourite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
This is the third sequel of the Ulrich Files that I listened to within a relatively short time span.
Maybe I'm getting used to it, because it didn't feel as creepy as the previous two volumes.
However, that doesn't subtract from my enjoyment of the story in the least!
But before I go on, let me tell you, that just like the first two sequels, this can be read, understood and enjoyed without knowledge of the previous novels. Each can easily be read (or, preferably listened to) as a stand-alone novel.
As for the cover: this is not as bloody and gory a story as the cover makes us believe, which only goes to show that that old advice of not judging a book by its cover has its merit.
Jake Urry is the perfect narrator for this type of story, he absolutely manages to convey the atmosphere of this cold and bleary winter, and the horror Ulrich once again faces. In my opinion, the occasional sound effects didn't add to the story, but then I don't like sound effects in audio books at all, and I can only forgive it here because it isn't too loud, too obtrusive, occurs only a few times, and doesn't drown out the narration, and because Jake Urry does such a great job.
Now that I got that off my chest, let me talk about the book. I'd like to put my focus this time not so much on the content, but more on the characters.
At book #3 I feel as if I know Ulrich quite well, and I can relate to his love of coffee (although I'm by no means a coffee connoisseur), and his abhorrence of alcohol. I'm not teetotal, but I'm very moderate when it comes to alcohol intake, because I know how easily one can slip into an addiction, and I can see the consequences of that on a daily basis.
Ulrich is not fond of cats (another thing I can relate to), but he does his best to accommodate a cat whose owner can no longer care for it. This is something I really like about Ulrich, and I think he is becoming quite fond of the cat, even though he probably wouldn't admit it.
Ulrich isn't a person who is outgoing and friendly, and I feel that suffering from real or imagined wrongs is part of his character. His streak of bad luck seems to be broken, however, and he is on the up for once. He isn't even the person without any social contacts I took him for in book #1 (The Sick House).
All in all, Ulrich is a person with all the weaknesses and strengths that make a character believable, and his initial reactions to his otherworldly encounters are absolutely understandable and convincing.
The next character with a personality is Beardsley, the cat. I can just picture the havoc it wreaks in Ulrich's apartment, and it makes me smile.
The other characters in this story are of no great import, except for Vivian Poole, who has been dead for ten years. What happened back then, and why? Why does Michael see her, and what is his second wife's role in this? Though no main characters, they don't remain completely pale, we (i.e. Ulrich) find out quite some truths about them all.
I have to admit that I suspected something far more sinister than Michael claims -- but I won't let you know whether I was right or not.
Conclusion: A great story about negligence, lies, revenge,and friendship. Possibly not the strongest book in the series, but nonetheless very enjoyable.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Maybe I'm getting used to it, because it didn't feel as creepy as the previous two volumes.
However, that doesn't subtract from my enjoyment of the story in the least!
But before I go on, let me tell you, that just like the first two sequels, this can be read, understood and enjoyed without knowledge of the previous novels. Each can easily be read (or, preferably listened to) as a stand-alone novel.
As for the cover: this is not as bloody and gory a story as the cover makes us believe, which only goes to show that that old advice of not judging a book by its cover has its merit.
Jake Urry is the perfect narrator for this type of story, he absolutely manages to convey the atmosphere of this cold and bleary winter, and the horror Ulrich once again faces. In my opinion, the occasional sound effects didn't add to the story, but then I don't like sound effects in audio books at all, and I can only forgive it here because it isn't too loud, too obtrusive, occurs only a few times, and doesn't drown out the narration, and because Jake Urry does such a great job.
Now that I got that off my chest, let me talk about the book. I'd like to put my focus this time not so much on the content, but more on the characters.
At book #3 I feel as if I know Ulrich quite well, and I can relate to his love of coffee (although I'm by no means a coffee connoisseur), and his abhorrence of alcohol. I'm not teetotal, but I'm very moderate when it comes to alcohol intake, because I know how easily one can slip into an addiction, and I can see the consequences of that on a daily basis.
Ulrich is not fond of cats (another thing I can relate to), but he does his best to accommodate a cat whose owner can no longer care for it. This is something I really like about Ulrich, and I think he is becoming quite fond of the cat, even though he probably wouldn't admit it.
Ulrich isn't a person who is outgoing and friendly, and I feel that suffering from real or imagined wrongs is part of his character. His streak of bad luck seems to be broken, however, and he is on the up for once. He isn't even the person without any social contacts I took him for in book #1 (The Sick House).
All in all, Ulrich is a person with all the weaknesses and strengths that make a character believable, and his initial reactions to his otherworldly encounters are absolutely understandable and convincing.
The next character with a personality is Beardsley, the cat. I can just picture the havoc it wreaks in Ulrich's apartment, and it makes me smile.
The other characters in this story are of no great import, except for Vivian Poole, who has been dead for ten years. What happened back then, and why? Why does Michael see her, and what is his second wife's role in this? Though no main characters, they don't remain completely pale, we (i.e. Ulrich) find out quite some truths about them all.
I have to admit that I suspected something far more sinister than Michael claims -- but I won't let you know whether I was right or not.
Conclusion: A great story about negligence, lies, revenge,and friendship. Possibly not the strongest book in the series, but nonetheless very enjoyable.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jake Urry. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
October 16, 2017
My original Darkside Blues audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This book was a classic haunting story that was strong all the way through - the ghost was actually terrifying in both character and gore. I often feel let down in one of those two aspects when I read horror so this gets a round of applause from me!
This book is the third in The Ulrich Files series, I haven't heard either of the earlier books but this installment works perfectly well as a standalone with only a few references to what may have occurred in the past (and where PI Harlan Ulrich got his oddly charming cat from).
Ulrich is a good main character, he's suitably freaked out when he discovers a disfigured ghost is following him but he's empathetic enough a person to stick around to see things through. He's the perfect stereotype of the moody PI with a troubled past and a heart of gold, I love me a classic and this delivers perfectly.
The ending of this story is strong and balances the paranormal with the awfulness of humanity really well, you won't be disappointed! Ibsen definitely knows how to put a great horror story together - I'm glad that I listened to this in the lead up to Halloween, it has me itching for another good horror read to keep the creeps going.
Jake Urry was an excellent narrator for this kind of book, his character voices were the highlight for me - they sound completely different from his narration voice and really come to life (heh. Ghost puns). I found his standard narration voice a little bit slow and it didn't entirely hold my attention, though his haunted-house announcer style was very entertaining.
I'm not convinced that the sound effects that were added to the more tense moments in the book were a good move, it came across as a little bit cheesy for a book which was genuinely scary.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book - I think this is a brilliant match between author and narrator and would happily listen to more in this series.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
This book was a classic haunting story that was strong all the way through - the ghost was actually terrifying in both character and gore. I often feel let down in one of those two aspects when I read horror so this gets a round of applause from me!
This book is the third in The Ulrich Files series, I haven't heard either of the earlier books but this installment works perfectly well as a standalone with only a few references to what may have occurred in the past (and where PI Harlan Ulrich got his oddly charming cat from).
Ulrich is a good main character, he's suitably freaked out when he discovers a disfigured ghost is following him but he's empathetic enough a person to stick around to see things through. He's the perfect stereotype of the moody PI with a troubled past and a heart of gold, I love me a classic and this delivers perfectly.
The ending of this story is strong and balances the paranormal with the awfulness of humanity really well, you won't be disappointed! Ibsen definitely knows how to put a great horror story together - I'm glad that I listened to this in the lead up to Halloween, it has me itching for another good horror read to keep the creeps going.
Jake Urry was an excellent narrator for this kind of book, his character voices were the highlight for me - they sound completely different from his narration voice and really come to life (heh. Ghost puns). I found his standard narration voice a little bit slow and it didn't entirely hold my attention, though his haunted-house announcer style was very entertaining.
I'm not convinced that the sound effects that were added to the more tense moments in the book were a good move, it came across as a little bit cheesy for a book which was genuinely scary.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book - I think this is a brilliant match between author and narrator and would happily listen to more in this series.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
June 10, 2017
Audio Book
So after listening to the first two books in this series it’s the turn of Darkside Blues. Some series can get a little stretched, dull, repetitive but this is a genre that keeps giving.
I have formed a cosy attachment to Harlan and he is beginning to feel like part of the extended family now. Once you get past his gruff aloof demeanour he is a pussy cat.
After struggling to survive his PI business is at last beginning to reap rewards and this time he is approached by a guy who claims he sees his daughter … problem being she has been missing for ten years. Harlan expects it to be an easy case with a fruitful payout.
However nothing involving Harlan is straightforward so we are treated to some creepy ghostly goings on, steeped in mystery with a splash of paranormal. Follow the twists and turns and become embroiled in the tale.
Once again I can only extol the virtues of Jake Urry .. he is the most perfect narrator for this series and the pairing works brilliantly. He enables the reader/listener to slip into the darkness of a bleak winter and chills you to the bone with his range of vocals.
My favourite segments once again involve the tough exterior Harlan becoming mushy when he has a convo with his cat, love this insight into him and it speaks volumes about his character.
While this could be a stand alone I would suggest reading them in order. I hope to see more in the Ulrich series.
Thanks to the author and Jess at an Audiobookworm for my copy which I reviewed voluntarily.
So after listening to the first two books in this series it’s the turn of Darkside Blues. Some series can get a little stretched, dull, repetitive but this is a genre that keeps giving.
I have formed a cosy attachment to Harlan and he is beginning to feel like part of the extended family now. Once you get past his gruff aloof demeanour he is a pussy cat.
After struggling to survive his PI business is at last beginning to reap rewards and this time he is approached by a guy who claims he sees his daughter … problem being she has been missing for ten years. Harlan expects it to be an easy case with a fruitful payout.
However nothing involving Harlan is straightforward so we are treated to some creepy ghostly goings on, steeped in mystery with a splash of paranormal. Follow the twists and turns and become embroiled in the tale.
Once again I can only extol the virtues of Jake Urry .. he is the most perfect narrator for this series and the pairing works brilliantly. He enables the reader/listener to slip into the darkness of a bleak winter and chills you to the bone with his range of vocals.
My favourite segments once again involve the tough exterior Harlan becoming mushy when he has a convo with his cat, love this insight into him and it speaks volumes about his character.
While this could be a stand alone I would suggest reading them in order. I hope to see more in the Ulrich series.
Thanks to the author and Jess at an Audiobookworm for my copy which I reviewed voluntarily.
May 24, 2017
* I received a copy of this audio book to be honestly reviewed *
This was creeptastically fun! The description of poor Vivian was excellent, the story felt well paced, and the detail was just right, taking us along for the ride that Ulrich was led down. Really well done. The only issue I found was toward the end. I may have misunderstood (it does happen, after all!) but it seemed wrong. He talked about checking the papers for certain names for a while after the incident (trying really hard not to give spoilers haha), but then it was the next day after this part of the story, and I was a bit confused. It didn't really mess the book up or anything, but I noticed it and got pulled out of the tale at the end. Again, I may have just heard wrong!
The narrator is AMAZING! I admit to being a sucker for listening to accents, and he's got one! He did the regular-American-Joe accents just right, and, DUDE. He used sound effects. He didn't over use them, just occasionally, and just enough to really enhance the listening experience. I loved it!
Over all, I really enjoyed this. If you like detective stories, paranormal, hauntings, and a touch of heartbreak, I would definitely recommend this.
Bob says: 4 Platypires!
This was creeptastically fun! The description of poor Vivian was excellent, the story felt well paced, and the detail was just right, taking us along for the ride that Ulrich was led down. Really well done. The only issue I found was toward the end. I may have misunderstood (it does happen, after all!) but it seemed wrong. He talked about checking the papers for certain names for a while after the incident (trying really hard not to give spoilers haha), but then it was the next day after this part of the story, and I was a bit confused. It didn't really mess the book up or anything, but I noticed it and got pulled out of the tale at the end. Again, I may have just heard wrong!
The narrator is AMAZING! I admit to being a sucker for listening to accents, and he's got one! He did the regular-American-Joe accents just right, and, DUDE. He used sound effects. He didn't over use them, just occasionally, and just enough to really enhance the listening experience. I loved it!
Over all, I really enjoyed this. If you like detective stories, paranormal, hauntings, and a touch of heartbreak, I would definitely recommend this.
Bob says: 4 Platypires!
May 15, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.""
Just before Christmas, the weather bleak and cold, investigator Harlan Ulrich is approached by a man who wants him to find his daughter, a girl who had died almost exactly ten years before but who the father is certain he has recently seen walking each evening from a cafe to an hotel before vanishing. The man seems decent and desperate, so Harlan takes the case, one he and his cat will regret.
A good ghost story, with the tension growing as it progresses, and made increasingly creepy by Jake Urry's excellent narration, reinforced by occasional gentle background sound effects. A recommended listen.
"Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.""
Just before Christmas, the weather bleak and cold, investigator Harlan Ulrich is approached by a man who wants him to find his daughter, a girl who had died almost exactly ten years before but who the father is certain he has recently seen walking each evening from a cafe to an hotel before vanishing. The man seems decent and desperate, so Harlan takes the case, one he and his cat will regret.
A good ghost story, with the tension growing as it progresses, and made increasingly creepy by Jake Urry's excellent narration, reinforced by occasional gentle background sound effects. A recommended listen.
June 12, 2017
This is the third in the series.You can't go wrong with anything written by Ambrose Ibsen and read by Jake Urry!A man hires Harlan to find his daughter.Thinking this is a regular detective job,Mr Ulrich is not happy when he discovers that it really is another ghost problem.Even worse the ghost is the first to go home with Harlan and terrorize him.Can he figure it out?Let us hope!I was given this book free by the author, narrator or publisher.
March 18, 2018
Suspenseful!
PI Harlan Ulrich gets into another supernatural case involving a woman named Vivian Poole. I couldn't put the book down because I loved the suspense of what was going to happen next. There was so much information that kept coming out which made it so captivating. I really enjoyed reading this book as I have the previous 2 books. Thank you again Ambrose, for another great book!
PI Harlan Ulrich gets into another supernatural case involving a woman named Vivian Poole. I couldn't put the book down because I loved the suspense of what was going to happen next. There was so much information that kept coming out which made it so captivating. I really enjoyed reading this book as I have the previous 2 books. Thank you again Ambrose, for another great book!
July 24, 2017
Great installment in the series!
I have to say that Harlan Ulrich is one of my favorite characters in horror. Hell, I'd even go out on a limb to say he's among my favorite of any genre. Very scary story with not only a residual haunting but an intelligent and vengeful one as well.
I have to say that Harlan Ulrich is one of my favorite characters in horror. Hell, I'd even go out on a limb to say he's among my favorite of any genre. Very scary story with not only a residual haunting but an intelligent and vengeful one as well.
July 4, 2023
Finally finished the last book in the series! I had the set on audio and just love Jake Urry as the narrator. He has the perfect voice for this particular type of story. It’s quick and entertaining. I don’t think it was a good as the others, but still worth a listen. It’s quite a cozy little ghost story. There isn’t any gore and it’s not really scary. It would be nice for a newbie in the genre.
January 24, 2018
Excellent!!!
Absolutely loved this book!! It's great how Harlan has developed as a character.
I will most definitely be following his future investigations.... paranormal or otherwise. Humour, spooks and suspense; well worth a read ☺.
Absolutely loved this book!! It's great how Harlan has developed as a character.
I will most definitely be following his future investigations.... paranormal or otherwise. Humour, spooks and suspense; well worth a read ☺.
October 23, 2017
I will read more of these but I wish the endings weren't the same.
May 1, 2018
love this author
if you like to get scared, this author will get you scared. this series of books is no different. I love following in harlin's adventures.
if you like to get scared, this author will get you scared. this series of books is no different. I love following in harlin's adventures.
April 1, 2021
I have taken a liking to the character of Harlan Ulrich. His personalty truly suits the atmosphere of the novel and series. Beardsley needs more book lines or active participation!
March 5, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the Ulrich Files. I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't think it was as scary or suspenseful as the first two books in the series. It was still a good read.
April 29, 2017
Darkside Blues: The Ulrich Files, Book 3
Ambrose Ibsen
Private Investigator Harlan Ulrich is back with a new case. A missing person case that takes the listener into the dark side. The story builds slowly adding lots of suspense and the supernatural chills.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jake Urry brings the spooky feel to this tale!
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Ambrose Ibsen
Private Investigator Harlan Ulrich is back with a new case. A missing person case that takes the listener into the dark side. The story builds slowly adding lots of suspense and the supernatural chills.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Jake Urry brings the spooky feel to this tale!
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
May 3, 2017
Audiobook review: 5 stars (narrator - Jake Urry - 5 stars)
I've been waiting for the 3rd book in the Ulrich files for a long time, and the day has risen! Yay! I think this is the best book in the series so far. It didn't disappoint a bit and it contains a spellbinding story. Also a story full of suspense, chills and heartbreak. Ambrose Ibsen really did it this time.
Narrator Jake Urry is always perfect for this genre and in this book there where chilling sound effects, which made the setting so much better. I really felt I was there, which could seem not so cozy, because the story certainly wasn't. Jake is getting (again!) 5 stars for his magnificent performance and sound effects in this thriller.
I've been waiting for the 3rd book in the Ulrich files for a long time, and the day has risen! Yay! I think this is the best book in the series so far. It didn't disappoint a bit and it contains a spellbinding story. Also a story full of suspense, chills and heartbreak. Ambrose Ibsen really did it this time.
Narrator Jake Urry is always perfect for this genre and in this book there where chilling sound effects, which made the setting so much better. I really felt I was there, which could seem not so cozy, because the story certainly wasn't. Jake is getting (again!) 5 stars for his magnificent performance and sound effects in this thriller.
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