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Domini Mortum
Domini Mortum is a supernatural murder mystery novel set in late Victorian London. It is the story of Samuel Weaver, an illustrator and correspondent for The Illustrated Police News, the biggest selling tabloid newspaper of the day. Weaver is renowned for his work, using his employer's influence and money to regularly enjoy unrestricted access to scenes of murder and crime. His sensationalist style of drawing and writing make him, in turn, both popular with the public, who love his bloodthirsty and violent stories, and hated by other members of the press and the police, who see him as a self serving monster. Originally from York he moved to the capital because of his obsession with a series of child murders committed in Whitechapel six years earlier by a man named Sibelius Darke, a post-mortem portrait photographer. Weaver is writing his own account of Darke's murders which he hopes to publish and find fame with. As he investigates the life of Sibelius Darke, he finds himself meeting people who knew Darke; from the policemen that let him get away, to those who believe in his innocence and who claim that the murders were committed by a higher power. Meanwhile another pattern of killings has begun in Paddington, and Weaver begins to suspect that these new deaths are somehow linked to the trail of terror left by Darke in the East End six years earlier. The journey will push Weaver to his limits and cause him to question everything that he believes and everyone that he trusts. Domini Mortum is a dark, fast paced adventure which rattles through the cobbled streets of Victorian London and York, visits villages haunted by the terrible deeds of the past, and comes face to face with high society, where power and corruption have sunk to new depths.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2018
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Paul Holbrook
15 books29 followersPaul Holbrook is a writer from North Yorkshire.
Although rushing headlong towards middle age at a nauseating speed, Paul only started writing with any serious intent a couple of years ago after finding that his subconscious had been unnaturally busy, trapping an ever growing and dangerous gang of ideas deep within his brain.
This fragile cage, in which they had been sat drumming their fingers and dreaming of freedom for so long, had reached bursting point and so he decided that the only safe thing to do for all concerned was to release some of them into the community.
It started, as all terrible addictions do, small and seemingly harmless.
First a couple of poems, then the odd short story, until finally, one morning, he awoke with a fully formed 112,000 word novel in his head waiting to be written. Before stopping to think of the consequences he scribbled it down in a little over 8 months and promptly started another straight afterwards… the fool.
He currently spends his days working at a secondary school, supporting the development of the next Great British generation and his nights plotting and planning the next Great British novel.
Although rushing headlong towards middle age at a nauseating speed, Paul only started writing with any serious intent a couple of years ago after finding that his subconscious had been unnaturally busy, trapping an ever growing and dangerous gang of ideas deep within his brain.
This fragile cage, in which they had been sat drumming their fingers and dreaming of freedom for so long, had reached bursting point and so he decided that the only safe thing to do for all concerned was to release some of them into the community.
It started, as all terrible addictions do, small and seemingly harmless.
First a couple of poems, then the odd short story, until finally, one morning, he awoke with a fully formed 112,000 word novel in his head waiting to be written. Before stopping to think of the consequences he scribbled it down in a little over 8 months and promptly started another straight afterwards… the fool.
He currently spends his days working at a secondary school, supporting the development of the next Great British generation and his nights plotting and planning the next Great British novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 1, 2019
I have finished this book!! I am so happy! I say this because I started reading this book on Pigeonhole and I fell behind and I could not keep up. So the despair started because I was really enjoying this book and I could not keep up and I was worried it would be archived and as I had it outstanding since November….but I finished it!
WOW! that was a journey I was not expecting. It has the occult, mystery, ghouls and set in a time where there is a nod to Jack the Ripper!
It was fun reading this along with other people all over the world everyone with their own take on different passages and quotes that it gave a new insight into the book. Things that you may not have noticed as you were picking up on different things.
Samuel Weaver is a tabloid illustrator in London for a local paper, a most grisly job if it is murder you are covering! Which he seems to do a lot! As we delve further into each stave, each with a different cliffhanger and you question who you can trust and who, in fact, is actually likeable in this book…answer well no one really!
The gore in this is quite graphic but also so well done (don’t eat breakfast when reading it!) and the story of Samuel Weaver is the most intriguing one as he is investigating gruesome murders that have been linked to the infamous murderer Sibelius Darke, this man has been compared to (the legendary) Jack the Ripper and who is very dead!
What is going on? Who is behind it?
The story has been executed perfectly (probably not the best word to use here considering the executions carried out in the book!!). The gore was spot on, the story flowed constantly at a fast-paced, and the mystical was just fantastic and so fitting for the period. You can tell so much research has carried out in this book, just the little details and the descriptive words used had you feeling you had been transported back in time and living and breathing the moments with each character.
You would find that you read at such a pace because you had to know what would happen. Would Samuel escape unscathed? Would any of us? We race through the present, thrown back into the past and see a glimpse of the future. It is such an exciting book and it was hard reading it stave by stave because you had to wait until the next day for the instalment. All adding to the anticipation and building up the tension which just added to the reading experience and it allowed you to savour the book.
There are shocks galore to be had, but it is so worth it.
I loved Mr Holbrook’s writing, and I loved that he interacted with everyone when we were reading it on Pigeonhole! Even when he was getting shouted at for different things which were quite amusing. It made the experience so much more enjoyable. This is a follow on from Memento Mori which is the story of Sibelius Darke, which is currently on Kindle Unlimited so yes this is the first book I got for the year is this one!!
One thing I loved was learning this story is not over by a long shot! I can not wait for the next book to be written and published because Mr Weaver has a lot more to tell me. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
November 2, 2018
Hello everyone!
The weekend is in sight and why not kick it off with a book review?!?
Domini Mortum: The Ghastly Investigations of Samuel Weaver by Paul Holbrook.
Genre: Horror, Gothic Noir (I might have made this one up but it fits)
Publication Date: October 2018
Edition Read: Unbound Digital, eBook format
Single Song Soundtrack for Domini Mortum: “Sober” by Tool
Domini Mortum is a project that I supported at Unbound; the same publisher who released my debut novel, Transilience. I would even consider Paul a friend in the modern sense. And by that, I mean we are friends on Facebook and follow each other on other social media plaforms, but we have never met in person. I would like the think that if he, or I, were in the other's respective neck of the woods we would try to get together for a chat and maybe dinner.
I am telling you this at the start of my review because I don't want you to level your finger at me and shout "nepotism!" or "friendship has biased his opinion!" I have given Domini Mortum a 5 star review because it deserves nothing less than that. Domini Mortum is a very good book with a great story, interesting (and complex) characters, and a setting that feels transportive to another time and place (if you are not a London native).
Set in 19th century London, the story follows Samuel Weaver, a twenty-something reporter and artist for a newspaper titled The Illustrated Police News. Sam revels in capturing the brutal side of humanity with his illustrations, and his position with the newspaper is perfect for his disposition. In his free time, cultivating material on his one great obsession - Sibelius Darke, The Pale Demon. Darke is a sort of Jack the Ripper type individual who terrorized the Whitechapel area of London before going out in a blaze infamy; literally. Darke's demise came during an assault on a gentlemen's club wherein several men with impressive facial hair lost their lives. Darke then set the institution of fire and was consumed in the conflagration.
Ultimately, Weaver's passion over the Darke case is what drives the narrative in Domini Mortum and when Sam is invited by a trusted confidant with the police department, Inspector Abe Thomas, to record a series of gruesome murders, he is convinced that Darke might still be alive. Weaver's quest to find answers and expose the killer take him on a journey from seedy locals in London to a small village with a dangerous secret, and finally, a journey of self-discovery that will put him face to face with the killer.
As I wrote above, Domini Mortum is a very good book. I thought that I would have trouble reading it because I am an unapologetic coward when it comes to horror stories. It's not a genre that I find entertaining in the least. This novel, however, certainly had its frightening moments but I never felt scared. For this, I credit the author. Holbrook can write at a high level. With each murder, he sets the scene capably but without over-indulging. He leaves it to the reader's imagination to supply the terror. In this way, I would compare Domini Mortum to the likes of Edgar Allen Poe. Hence, the gothic element in gothic noir.
The characters in Domini Mortum are complex and well-written. The protagonist, Sam Weaver, is a borderline sociopath. Again, I would draw parallels to Sherlock Holmes because they both operate in a morally grey area. As the story unfolds, Holbrook provides the reader with snippets of Weavers past and things start to make sense about how he is and why he's the way that he is. However, at nearly the literal midpoint on the novel, something happens and Weaver's characterization begins to shift. At the moment when you, as a reader, might start to loose interest in a person who relishes in the macabre and the suffering of others, Holbrook changes the stakes. He gives Weaver a cause for empathy and it works. Weaver begins to care without it feeling like a plot device. In turn, you care because you fear the worst; death and tragedy follow Sam Weaver around like a diligent friend.
The supporting cast are equally developed and feel alive. Weaver's family, his friends, his employer, his coworkers, the barkeep in a local pub all have a depth to them that adds to most scenes in the novel. Some are bigger than life and rightfully take center stage. Others help to build Weaver's character.
The real genius in Domini Mortum, however, is Paul's ability to subvert your expectations. This isn't a simple matter of tricking the reader. Oh no no. I mean, don't get me wrong, Domini Mortum has its fair share of moments of misdirection. But, there are several scenes where you think one thing will happen because its a trope but then happens in a totally obvious way that still manages to surprise. Without giving too much away, a scene that involves a ghost tour comes to mind. The balance between throwing plot devices in your face and subtly hiding them just outside the purview of the scene are what distinguished Domini Mortum as a work of excellence to me.
So do I recommend this novel? At 5 stars, obviously I do. Everything about it - the writing, the characters, and the setting - will keep you engaged until the final punctuation of the final sentence. It is a brave novel that does not treat its characters with kid gloves. However, it is not needless with any of them. Even the victims (and there are many) are included with thought, care and purpose. Maybe not tenderness but that only serves to remind the reader of the cruelty of which we are all capable. In the end, though, it is a story of duplicity and dependability, hope and redemption, sacrifice and love.
You should read this book. Although, if you are of a nervous disposition, I would recommend doing so with the lights on.
Kevin
The weekend is in sight and why not kick it off with a book review?!?
Domini Mortum: The Ghastly Investigations of Samuel Weaver by Paul Holbrook.
Genre: Horror, Gothic Noir (I might have made this one up but it fits)
Publication Date: October 2018
Edition Read: Unbound Digital, eBook format
Single Song Soundtrack for Domini Mortum: “Sober” by Tool
Domini Mortum is a project that I supported at Unbound; the same publisher who released my debut novel, Transilience. I would even consider Paul a friend in the modern sense. And by that, I mean we are friends on Facebook and follow each other on other social media plaforms, but we have never met in person. I would like the think that if he, or I, were in the other's respective neck of the woods we would try to get together for a chat and maybe dinner.
I am telling you this at the start of my review because I don't want you to level your finger at me and shout "nepotism!" or "friendship has biased his opinion!" I have given Domini Mortum a 5 star review because it deserves nothing less than that. Domini Mortum is a very good book with a great story, interesting (and complex) characters, and a setting that feels transportive to another time and place (if you are not a London native).
Set in 19th century London, the story follows Samuel Weaver, a twenty-something reporter and artist for a newspaper titled The Illustrated Police News. Sam revels in capturing the brutal side of humanity with his illustrations, and his position with the newspaper is perfect for his disposition. In his free time, cultivating material on his one great obsession - Sibelius Darke, The Pale Demon. Darke is a sort of Jack the Ripper type individual who terrorized the Whitechapel area of London before going out in a blaze infamy; literally. Darke's demise came during an assault on a gentlemen's club wherein several men with impressive facial hair lost their lives. Darke then set the institution of fire and was consumed in the conflagration.
Ultimately, Weaver's passion over the Darke case is what drives the narrative in Domini Mortum and when Sam is invited by a trusted confidant with the police department, Inspector Abe Thomas, to record a series of gruesome murders, he is convinced that Darke might still be alive. Weaver's quest to find answers and expose the killer take him on a journey from seedy locals in London to a small village with a dangerous secret, and finally, a journey of self-discovery that will put him face to face with the killer.
As I wrote above, Domini Mortum is a very good book. I thought that I would have trouble reading it because I am an unapologetic coward when it comes to horror stories. It's not a genre that I find entertaining in the least. This novel, however, certainly had its frightening moments but I never felt scared. For this, I credit the author. Holbrook can write at a high level. With each murder, he sets the scene capably but without over-indulging. He leaves it to the reader's imagination to supply the terror. In this way, I would compare Domini Mortum to the likes of Edgar Allen Poe. Hence, the gothic element in gothic noir.
The characters in Domini Mortum are complex and well-written. The protagonist, Sam Weaver, is a borderline sociopath. Again, I would draw parallels to Sherlock Holmes because they both operate in a morally grey area. As the story unfolds, Holbrook provides the reader with snippets of Weavers past and things start to make sense about how he is and why he's the way that he is. However, at nearly the literal midpoint on the novel, something happens and Weaver's characterization begins to shift. At the moment when you, as a reader, might start to loose interest in a person who relishes in the macabre and the suffering of others, Holbrook changes the stakes. He gives Weaver a cause for empathy and it works. Weaver begins to care without it feeling like a plot device. In turn, you care because you fear the worst; death and tragedy follow Sam Weaver around like a diligent friend.
The supporting cast are equally developed and feel alive. Weaver's family, his friends, his employer, his coworkers, the barkeep in a local pub all have a depth to them that adds to most scenes in the novel. Some are bigger than life and rightfully take center stage. Others help to build Weaver's character.
The real genius in Domini Mortum, however, is Paul's ability to subvert your expectations. This isn't a simple matter of tricking the reader. Oh no no. I mean, don't get me wrong, Domini Mortum has its fair share of moments of misdirection. But, there are several scenes where you think one thing will happen because its a trope but then happens in a totally obvious way that still manages to surprise. Without giving too much away, a scene that involves a ghost tour comes to mind. The balance between throwing plot devices in your face and subtly hiding them just outside the purview of the scene are what distinguished Domini Mortum as a work of excellence to me.
So do I recommend this novel? At 5 stars, obviously I do. Everything about it - the writing, the characters, and the setting - will keep you engaged until the final punctuation of the final sentence. It is a brave novel that does not treat its characters with kid gloves. However, it is not needless with any of them. Even the victims (and there are many) are included with thought, care and purpose. Maybe not tenderness but that only serves to remind the reader of the cruelty of which we are all capable. In the end, though, it is a story of duplicity and dependability, hope and redemption, sacrifice and love.
You should read this book. Although, if you are of a nervous disposition, I would recommend doing so with the lights on.
Kevin
November 15, 2018
I read this via The Pigeonhole app which made the reading experience even more interesting as you got to share your immediate thoughts daily with other readers and the author himself - and he seemed to enjoy the range of responses - mostly shock and horror! -that Domini Mortum brought out in us all!
I haven't read Memento Mori - but will be rectifying that as soon as I can! - but I found the darkness of this story so instantly entrancing! There were many times I found myself not knowing where the story was going to lead to, a cast of characters who one minute you're on their side, the next they betray you, and full of darkness in a grizzly murderous kind of way!
Sam Weaver is at the centre of the story. His talent is for drawing and he uses it to portray crime scenes for the local press. And the scenes he gets to witness never seem to turn his stomach, although they turned mine as a reader when described in this book! He becomes obsessed by these crimes that all seem to be linked, but is constantly met with people at the top trying to hush things up.
He meets some very interesting characters along the way - some help, many hinder his investigations - and you also get to find out more about Sam and his past proving that darkness can be found everywhere!!
I loved the ride that this book too me on and the shocking ending has left things nicely poised for more!
I haven't read Memento Mori - but will be rectifying that as soon as I can! - but I found the darkness of this story so instantly entrancing! There were many times I found myself not knowing where the story was going to lead to, a cast of characters who one minute you're on their side, the next they betray you, and full of darkness in a grizzly murderous kind of way!
Sam Weaver is at the centre of the story. His talent is for drawing and he uses it to portray crime scenes for the local press. And the scenes he gets to witness never seem to turn his stomach, although they turned mine as a reader when described in this book! He becomes obsessed by these crimes that all seem to be linked, but is constantly met with people at the top trying to hush things up.
He meets some very interesting characters along the way - some help, many hinder his investigations - and you also get to find out more about Sam and his past proving that darkness can be found everywhere!!
I loved the ride that this book too me on and the shocking ending has left things nicely poised for more!
November 14, 2018
A dark and twisted tale of the macabre kind! Samuel Weaver is a crime illustrator for a police newspaper in London. He is obsessed with deceased but infamous evil killer, Sibilius Darke, and after several grisly murders which appear linked, he decides to carry out a bit of investigating himself which leads him on a terrifying journey.
This is an amazing read. It’s full of twists and turns and it had me on the edge of my seat at times. I read this via the Pigeonhole app and was eager each day to read the next stave. It’s definitely a page turner, fast paced and well written, too, with a sense of humour running through it to keep things in perspective. Samuel Weaver makes a strange sort of anti-hero, being not quite on the straight and narrow himself to say the least, but in the end I couldn’t help but like him! 🙀. I do hope I hear more from him and that he will be featuring in a sequel.
A fantastical, gripping and fabulous tale with elements of the supernatural. If you were ever or are a Dennis Wheatley fan, I’m sure you’d love this one!
This is an amazing read. It’s full of twists and turns and it had me on the edge of my seat at times. I read this via the Pigeonhole app and was eager each day to read the next stave. It’s definitely a page turner, fast paced and well written, too, with a sense of humour running through it to keep things in perspective. Samuel Weaver makes a strange sort of anti-hero, being not quite on the straight and narrow himself to say the least, but in the end I couldn’t help but like him! 🙀. I do hope I hear more from him and that he will be featuring in a sequel.
A fantastical, gripping and fabulous tale with elements of the supernatural. If you were ever or are a Dennis Wheatley fan, I’m sure you’d love this one!
November 14, 2018
Brilliant. One of my books of the year. This is a wonderfully dark tale, full of twists and turns, in which we uncover the gruesome mysteries of a secret society, as well as the history of the protagonist, Sam Weaver. We find out why he's the man he has become: unlikeable, flawed, and a true tragic hero. I love him. He's a well-developed character, as are all the characters in the book, which is so well-written, the gothic atmosphere is palpable, and I often found myself holding my breath as I read. I was lucky to be one of the people reading the book with the Pigeonhole, and was pleased to discover that I wasn't the only one on the edge of my seat. Well done Paul, and I shall be looking out for your previous book, and the promised sequel to this one.
January 6, 2019
If you've seen the sketched images of Jack the Ripper's victims--those gruesome relics of our ancestor's appetite to revel in the worst aspects of their times--and wondered what kind of man might have produced them, then meet Paul Holbnook's anti-hero, Samuel Weaver. There's an extent to which Domini Mortum is a fascinating glimpse at a mindset in a particular time, but it doesn't stop there. The fierce market in visceral depictions of murder are where we begin, but soon we plunge into a world of aristocratic death cults, grand conspiracies, and the raising of evil forces not of this earth... A brilliant read for a winter's night, written with pace and a real sense of the period by Holbrook, and finishing with the promise of more to come. Lovely stuff!
November 14, 2018
This story follows Memento Mori. Even though I did not read the first book, I was able to enjoy this novel fully - a dark, twisted macabre tale about Samuel Weaver, a flawed tabloid illustrator and reporter for The Illustrated Police News. Sam is obsessed with the infamous murderer and member of the Dolorian Club, Sibelius Darke.
I am not usually a reader of horror stories but the exemplary writing and unexpected twists of this tale had me on the edge of my seat, and I’m ashamed to admit, calling for the heads of several of the characters.
There are several bloody scenes, debauchery and more than a touch of the fantastical in the form of supernatural experiences, intermingled with dark humour and exceptional writing.
The ending was unexpected and leaves room for a sequel, clever of the author, as I have no doubt readers who enjoyed this will be clamouring to see what happens next time around.
A full five stars. Bloody Brilliant!
I am not usually a reader of horror stories but the exemplary writing and unexpected twists of this tale had me on the edge of my seat, and I’m ashamed to admit, calling for the heads of several of the characters.
There are several bloody scenes, debauchery and more than a touch of the fantastical in the form of supernatural experiences, intermingled with dark humour and exceptional writing.
The ending was unexpected and leaves room for a sequel, clever of the author, as I have no doubt readers who enjoyed this will be clamouring to see what happens next time around.
A full five stars. Bloody Brilliant!
November 14, 2018
I was given the opportunity to read Domini Mortum via Pigeon Hole and it’s been one of my favourite novels this year.
As a newspaper illustrator in Victorian London, Samuel Weaver has seen his share of violence and is no stranger to causing it. His latest case follows a string of brutal murders of young women. What follows is a dark and dangerous path in to the supernatural and unknown.
Filled with characters where villains and heroes tread a fine line, Domini Mortum is full of dark twists that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
A must read for anyone who loves their fiction dark, gory and full of twists.
As a newspaper illustrator in Victorian London, Samuel Weaver has seen his share of violence and is no stranger to causing it. His latest case follows a string of brutal murders of young women. What follows is a dark and dangerous path in to the supernatural and unknown.
Filled with characters where villains and heroes tread a fine line, Domini Mortum is full of dark twists that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
A must read for anyone who loves their fiction dark, gory and full of twists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
This is a gruesome gothic supernatural murder mystery set in Victorian London (mostly) and I cannot believe I really enjoyed it! I actually really liked the characters especially our leading man Sam Weaver despite his massive faults. The writing was very good and kept me breathless at times and also left me with several cold cups of tea as I was sucked in to the story. This is the second book in the series, the first is already on my TBR pile and I can’t wait for a sequel. I highly recommend this.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Paul for a great read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Paul for a great read.
November 14, 2018
Wow! What a brilliant book. It was deliciously dark and gruesome but very entertaining and witty too. I really enjoyed the setting and language used throughout. Very reminiscent of the excellent TV series Ripper Street. Lots of twists and turns and heart stopping moments! I was lucky enough to read this very well written book via the Pigeonhole App, one Stave a day over ten days. I immediately became hooked and couldn’t wait for each stave to arrive. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!
November 14, 2018
I love a story that starts dark, and just gets darker.
Samuel Weaver has a rather grisly job. He is a crime scene artist; one who is called in to attend court cases, murder scenes, and related tableaux, for printing in the news. He is fascinated with a particular crime, however; one that seems to be connected with a refined gentlemans' club in a posh London neighborhood. Along the way, Weaver meets some "interesting" characters, in a chain of events where nobody seems worthy of trust.
Domini Mortum ticks several of the boxes that lead to a good read for me. There's a mystery, an unreliable narrator, a spooky old mansion, and lots of suspense. As an added bonus, I read this as a serialisation through Pigeonhole, in ten installments. Each installment ended on a cliffhanger, leading me to be very anxious to get the next part of the story each day. That doesn't happen to me too often.
Fair warning to those who might be sensitive: there is a fair amount of violence (some of it written in disturbing detail). Much like I sometimes think about Stephen King or Dean Koontz, I worried a bit for Paul Holbrook's peace of mind, given the elaborate, creative ways that he found for his characters to do away with one another. Very little in the way of a simple gunshot in the night, here. I read some of it by peeping through the fingers over my eyes, but that doesn't mean it wasn't excellent. Maybe I should worry for my own peace of mind, as well?
Gothic, creepy, propulsive, and clever, Domini Mortum is well worth your time. You may want to leave a light on after you've finished reading it, though.
Samuel Weaver has a rather grisly job. He is a crime scene artist; one who is called in to attend court cases, murder scenes, and related tableaux, for printing in the news. He is fascinated with a particular crime, however; one that seems to be connected with a refined gentlemans' club in a posh London neighborhood. Along the way, Weaver meets some "interesting" characters, in a chain of events where nobody seems worthy of trust.
Domini Mortum ticks several of the boxes that lead to a good read for me. There's a mystery, an unreliable narrator, a spooky old mansion, and lots of suspense. As an added bonus, I read this as a serialisation through Pigeonhole, in ten installments. Each installment ended on a cliffhanger, leading me to be very anxious to get the next part of the story each day. That doesn't happen to me too often.
Fair warning to those who might be sensitive: there is a fair amount of violence (some of it written in disturbing detail). Much like I sometimes think about Stephen King or Dean Koontz, I worried a bit for Paul Holbrook's peace of mind, given the elaborate, creative ways that he found for his characters to do away with one another. Very little in the way of a simple gunshot in the night, here. I read some of it by peeping through the fingers over my eyes, but that doesn't mean it wasn't excellent. Maybe I should worry for my own peace of mind, as well?
Gothic, creepy, propulsive, and clever, Domini Mortum is well worth your time. You may want to leave a light on after you've finished reading it, though.
May 19, 2020
Outstanding! a dark, twisted macabre tale about Samuel Weaver, a tabloid illustrator and reporter for The Illustrated Police News. Sam is obsessed with the infamous murderer and member of the Dolorian Club, Sibelius Darke. This is a wonderfully dark tale, full of twists and turns, in which we uncover the gruesome mysteries of a secret society, as well as the history of Sam himself. The story is gripping, a real page turner with some fabulous twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final page.
November 17, 2018
A beautifully twisted Victorian gothic horror/crime novel. This is a gripping read from start to finish, full of twists and turns and enough blood and gore to satisfy even the most blood-thirsty reader.
This story tells the tale of one Samuel Weaver who is established from the outset, not so much as a flawed hero, but as a fairly despicably amoral and elitist antihero who lusts after the macabre. This is a character with a very high opinion of himself and his abilities who considers himself at the very top of his game and who, unsurprisingly, falls in way out of his depth. Sam’s character journey takes him to new heights and new lows and it’s fair to say his development as a character prove to be one of the most compelling parts of the story.
The tone for the novel is established very much from the outset as the narrative moves from one gory murder scene to another, each described in exquisite detail, and each more gruesome than the last. This is certainly not a book for the squeamish. Gradually, as the story unfolds, the plot thickens and we are taken deep into a very satisfying story of the occult. All in all, this is a traditional gothic horror and will satisfy any such reader. I could easily imagine the book as a classic-era Hammer Horror, with all the necessary strange and fascinating characters you’d expect in such a story making an appearance: the drunken, heroic veteran police officer, the east-end smart mouthed crooks, the haunted landlords and the sinister occult figures that emerge from the very heights of society.
As I suggested above, Holbrook proves himself a master of description. Whether describing crime scenes, bustling streets or deserted villages, the narrative always has a distinct sense of place and atmosphere, and this proves very effective in maintaining the undertones of horror. Equally, his use of pace and tension is, on the whole, superb. The novel weaves through two separate but parallel threads, both full of intrigue, and Holbrook uses these to expert affect, keeping the reader forever in suspense and wanting more. Furthermore, he has clearly put a great deal of research into making this as realistic a supernatural horror as possible. The use of the Kentish village of Pluckley in particular is a nice touch and helps to weave this tale into established ghost stories. It’s not a novel without flaws. Some of the characters felt a little two-dimensional or inconsistent, and there are moments in the narrative where the pace and tension Holbrook had taken such pains to develop are dropped unnecessarily. The biggest flaw came in the fairly drawn out sections of exposition in the later half of the story. A particular chapter, which came on the back of some really great writing, when the pacing was at its height, seemed to drop everything for a gentlemanly fireside chat and, whilst I felt that scene had the potential to be truly creepy, given the nature of the interlocutor, it felt that the author was more concerned to demonstrate the extent of his research into Finnish folklore. The folk story was certainly interesting, but it felt a little superfluous and the narrative struggled to regain its momentum for a while afterwards.
But the above is a minor complaint. On the whole, this was an excellent read and I believe this is a writer we should see a lot from in the future. A definite page turner and a real treat to encounter.
This story tells the tale of one Samuel Weaver who is established from the outset, not so much as a flawed hero, but as a fairly despicably amoral and elitist antihero who lusts after the macabre. This is a character with a very high opinion of himself and his abilities who considers himself at the very top of his game and who, unsurprisingly, falls in way out of his depth. Sam’s character journey takes him to new heights and new lows and it’s fair to say his development as a character prove to be one of the most compelling parts of the story.
The tone for the novel is established very much from the outset as the narrative moves from one gory murder scene to another, each described in exquisite detail, and each more gruesome than the last. This is certainly not a book for the squeamish. Gradually, as the story unfolds, the plot thickens and we are taken deep into a very satisfying story of the occult. All in all, this is a traditional gothic horror and will satisfy any such reader. I could easily imagine the book as a classic-era Hammer Horror, with all the necessary strange and fascinating characters you’d expect in such a story making an appearance: the drunken, heroic veteran police officer, the east-end smart mouthed crooks, the haunted landlords and the sinister occult figures that emerge from the very heights of society.
As I suggested above, Holbrook proves himself a master of description. Whether describing crime scenes, bustling streets or deserted villages, the narrative always has a distinct sense of place and atmosphere, and this proves very effective in maintaining the undertones of horror. Equally, his use of pace and tension is, on the whole, superb. The novel weaves through two separate but parallel threads, both full of intrigue, and Holbrook uses these to expert affect, keeping the reader forever in suspense and wanting more. Furthermore, he has clearly put a great deal of research into making this as realistic a supernatural horror as possible. The use of the Kentish village of Pluckley in particular is a nice touch and helps to weave this tale into established ghost stories. It’s not a novel without flaws. Some of the characters felt a little two-dimensional or inconsistent, and there are moments in the narrative where the pace and tension Holbrook had taken such pains to develop are dropped unnecessarily. The biggest flaw came in the fairly drawn out sections of exposition in the later half of the story. A particular chapter, which came on the back of some really great writing, when the pacing was at its height, seemed to drop everything for a gentlemanly fireside chat and, whilst I felt that scene had the potential to be truly creepy, given the nature of the interlocutor, it felt that the author was more concerned to demonstrate the extent of his research into Finnish folklore. The folk story was certainly interesting, but it felt a little superfluous and the narrative struggled to regain its momentum for a while afterwards.
But the above is a minor complaint. On the whole, this was an excellent read and I believe this is a writer we should see a lot from in the future. A definite page turner and a real treat to encounter.
November 18, 2018
If the Victorian Age is your favourite era and Jack the Ripper your favourite villain, if you like your reads dark, gothic, gory and with a few litres of blood and many pounds of flesh, then this is the novel for you.
This is a multi-layered, mind-bending story. Paul Holbrook has a beautiful writing style, almost poetic at times, but without reverting to any kind of purple prose. Despite the blood and gore, there are no cheap thrills in this novel; there’s a purpose behind every gruesome detail.
Our main character, Sam Weaver, definitely has some psychopathic tendencies and it was fun discovering what lies beneath his charming exterior. We discover Sam’s past through flashbacks and I found those confusing at times, although that probably says more about me than about the book, since few of the other Pigeonhole readers seemed to have that problem. I, however, prefer flashbacks neatly announced by a Then or a Before, or marked by a different font.
Although interested in Sam’s story, I failed to connect with him, which is why I liked this novel, but didn’t love it, I was never fully invested, never completely immersed. I’d love to tell why that is, and I’ll let you know once I figure it out myself, because I can’t for the life of me put my finger on it (and believe me, I tried). I can tell you this though: I Loved (yes, capital L) the ending, the finale was awesome!
So if you’re on the fence about this one, I’d urge you to give it a try. Chances are you won’t regret it.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and Unbound Digital for giving me the opportunity to read this.
This is a multi-layered, mind-bending story. Paul Holbrook has a beautiful writing style, almost poetic at times, but without reverting to any kind of purple prose. Despite the blood and gore, there are no cheap thrills in this novel; there’s a purpose behind every gruesome detail.
Our main character, Sam Weaver, definitely has some psychopathic tendencies and it was fun discovering what lies beneath his charming exterior. We discover Sam’s past through flashbacks and I found those confusing at times, although that probably says more about me than about the book, since few of the other Pigeonhole readers seemed to have that problem. I, however, prefer flashbacks neatly announced by a Then or a Before, or marked by a different font.
Although interested in Sam’s story, I failed to connect with him, which is why I liked this novel, but didn’t love it, I was never fully invested, never completely immersed. I’d love to tell why that is, and I’ll let you know once I figure it out myself, because I can’t for the life of me put my finger on it (and believe me, I tried). I can tell you this though: I Loved (yes, capital L) the ending, the finale was awesome!
So if you’re on the fence about this one, I’d urge you to give it a try. Chances are you won’t regret it.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and Unbound Digital for giving me the opportunity to read this.
November 14, 2018
A brilliant gothic tale set in Victorian London, where we follow a protagonist (with some SERIOUS flaws ... as in, serial killer flaws!) as he tries to unravel the mysterious and quite gruesome deaths of servant girls. Never has a baddie been so good!
The writing by Holbrook is superb as he manages to elicit from his readers real empathy for his main character, despite his evil misdeeds, and he skilfully entwines the chilling atmosphere with a very real dose of carnage, humour and a sprinkling of the supernatural! The story kept me guessing and had twists and turns galore. The ending has been left open for a very obvious sequel, but this in no way detracts from the satisfying conclusion.
I read this book via the Pigeonhole app and would thank both Pigeon and the author for sharing the story. I enjoyed it so much that I will be purchasing a physical copy so that I can share it with friends and family.
The writing by Holbrook is superb as he manages to elicit from his readers real empathy for his main character, despite his evil misdeeds, and he skilfully entwines the chilling atmosphere with a very real dose of carnage, humour and a sprinkling of the supernatural! The story kept me guessing and had twists and turns galore. The ending has been left open for a very obvious sequel, but this in no way detracts from the satisfying conclusion.
I read this book via the Pigeonhole app and would thank both Pigeon and the author for sharing the story. I enjoyed it so much that I will be purchasing a physical copy so that I can share it with friends and family.
November 15, 2018
The phrasing and language of Domini Mortum seem to come straight out of the 19th century. By the time I had finished the book, I realized that its theme is also in line with moral storytelling - that you pay for the evil that you do but there remains a chance for redemption.
Paul Holbrook’s #Domini Mortum took me straight into the gothic horror stories that trended in 19th century England. Through the words of the narrator, you experience it all, live and direct. I am not a lover of horror (in books or otherwise) but I managed to soldier on to the end because the writing is excellent and keeps you enthralled, whether you want to be or not. Be warned - it’s not for the faint hearted. My thanks to ThePigeonhole and Paul Holbrook for the opportunity to read.
Paul Holbrook’s #Domini Mortum took me straight into the gothic horror stories that trended in 19th century England. Through the words of the narrator, you experience it all, live and direct. I am not a lover of horror (in books or otherwise) but I managed to soldier on to the end because the writing is excellent and keeps you enthralled, whether you want to be or not. Be warned - it’s not for the faint hearted. My thanks to ThePigeonhole and Paul Holbrook for the opportunity to read.
November 14, 2018
First book I had read by this author and it ticked all the boxes until the ending which Lacked something for me. The book was different and had a supernatural quality. Shades of Ripper Street and it's gothic feel made every stave enjoyable.Set in late Victorian London Samuel Weaver who has moved from York is a illustrator for the Police News. His obsession with Sibellius Drake a notorious killer has been his motivation for being there. Weaver himself is not without flaws. A series 0f gruesome murders captivates Weaver and opens up a supernatural mystery. I loved it but the end was a little surprising and a little disappointing nevertheless it is still a recommended read.
November 14, 2018
If you like Victorian, gothic horror then you will love this. Sam Weaver is an artist for a newspaper, who visits crime scenes to document the evidence in pictures. He’s also obsessed with an evil criminal, Sibelius Darke. This leads to some truly horrific murders and I wouldn’t advise reading this while eating ! There are many twists and turns, with betrayal and murder to the fore. The writing is so well done, it just flows and you certainly lose track of time. I thoroughly recommend it.
Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this and give my honest review
October 23, 2018
As a man who enjoys the horror from the turn of the century, Domini Mortum was a most pleasant surprise in the most unpleasant of ways. A slow build suddenly catapults you into a story filled with past sins, dark arts, and an ever opening onion of lies, subterfuge, and the type of twists born of an intricate mind.
Along with the smooth prose and clever plotting, fans of the claret will enjoy the detail the author places within his tales. Dismemberment, debauchery, and all manner of horror both supernatural and perfectly natural, make this tome a must read for all fans of the ancient evils.
Highly recommended, with a raised glass of cherry brandy to boot.
Along with the smooth prose and clever plotting, fans of the claret will enjoy the detail the author places within his tales. Dismemberment, debauchery, and all manner of horror both supernatural and perfectly natural, make this tome a must read for all fans of the ancient evils.
Highly recommended, with a raised glass of cherry brandy to boot.
November 15, 2018
A clever, interesting and entertaining book. With thanks to Pigeonhole and the author, Paul Holbrook. Whist it isn’t a genre I normally read, nevertheless it was an interesting read.
August 18, 2020
An entertaining and gruesome tale of supernatural murder and mystery. Not for the faint-hearted - there's a high body count, and no details are spared as our voyeuristic narrator describes the carnage. This bleak brutality may at times leave you wondering about the author's own state of mind (on this evidence, I wouldn't care to meet him on a dark Victorian street...), but he also adds humour and heart through some well-painted, sympathetic side characters. Just don't get too attached - many of them meet a sticky end.
An enjoyable and gripping read, with a few surprises along the way. The ending left me hoping for a follow-up (once I've had a few months to recover). There is surely more to come from the vivid, twisted imagination of Mr Holbrook...
An enjoyable and gripping read, with a few surprises along the way. The ending left me hoping for a follow-up (once I've had a few months to recover). There is surely more to come from the vivid, twisted imagination of Mr Holbrook...
November 21, 2018
I read this book using The Pigeonhole App which is a collaborative reading platform that divides a book up into balanced chunks or 'staves' and releases one a day until the book is complete. Usually they're around 30-45 minutes long each and so for those who struggle to make time for themselves, it can make finding the time to read a little easier. One of the best parts of the app though is that you can comment on the stave, and individual parts of the book as you go along, and read and reply to other readers comments too. Sometimes, as in this case, the author tags along to answer questions and reply to your comments, which adds a little something to an already innovative and fun experience.
Onto the book - Domini Mortum is a (very) gruesome murder mystery set in Victorian London and York, and centres around our protagonist, Samuel Weaver. Samuel is a character of contradiction - a terribly arrogant and self-focused young man, he is either chronically unlucky, or a potential serial killer, and even having finished the book I'm not quite sure which category he falls into. The Victorian equivalent of a crime-scene photographer, Samuel gets some kind of thrill from sketching the horrendous murder scenes he finds himself standing alongside. To give you a clue as to his character type, he's obsessed with Sibilius Darke, a long-dead serial killer and member of the Dolorian Club, and alongside his crime-scene work, which has recently taken a surprising turn for the even more ghoulish and confusing, Samuel sets off on his own little project - to track down more information about Darke and feed his obsession.
A gothic horror that touches on Finnish mythology and ritualistic activity, this novel has a strong supernatural edge, and follows on from Holbrook's previous novel, Memento Mori. I haven't yet read Momento Mori and although there were characters revisited, and a few small parts of the book that I think tipped a hat to events in the previous novel, it didn't have any dependencies that caused me confusion.
If you're squeamish, this is not the book for you. If you can't suspend disbelief, and don't believe in the supernatural, this probably isn't the book for you either. However if you want a good Victorian gothic horror, with strong characters that leave a nasty taste in your mouth, then this might just be the book to keep you company as the nights draw in…just remember to keep the light on!
3.5
Onto the book - Domini Mortum is a (very) gruesome murder mystery set in Victorian London and York, and centres around our protagonist, Samuel Weaver. Samuel is a character of contradiction - a terribly arrogant and self-focused young man, he is either chronically unlucky, or a potential serial killer, and even having finished the book I'm not quite sure which category he falls into. The Victorian equivalent of a crime-scene photographer, Samuel gets some kind of thrill from sketching the horrendous murder scenes he finds himself standing alongside. To give you a clue as to his character type, he's obsessed with Sibilius Darke, a long-dead serial killer and member of the Dolorian Club, and alongside his crime-scene work, which has recently taken a surprising turn for the even more ghoulish and confusing, Samuel sets off on his own little project - to track down more information about Darke and feed his obsession.
A gothic horror that touches on Finnish mythology and ritualistic activity, this novel has a strong supernatural edge, and follows on from Holbrook's previous novel, Memento Mori. I haven't yet read Momento Mori and although there were characters revisited, and a few small parts of the book that I think tipped a hat to events in the previous novel, it didn't have any dependencies that caused me confusion.
If you're squeamish, this is not the book for you. If you can't suspend disbelief, and don't believe in the supernatural, this probably isn't the book for you either. However if you want a good Victorian gothic horror, with strong characters that leave a nasty taste in your mouth, then this might just be the book to keep you company as the nights draw in…just remember to keep the light on!
3.5
April 24, 2025
READ THIS BOOK!!! It is very clever, interesting, very imaginative and a real page turner. I loved it from start to finish. A ton of twists and turns. Mystery, intrigue, gore, death and love. What else do you want in a book??? LOL! I cannot wait for the prequel. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It's up there with The Witches of New York by Ami McKay but with more gore. Not awful gorey but just enough. I don't like horror or gore but I really enjoyed this.
January 19, 2019
My first work by this author, but I'll most certainly be looking out for his other works.
So what is Domini Mortum? It's a very gripping, fast paced and well researched Victorian Gothic novel that will have you under its spell from beginning to end. If you manage to escape its grasp and put the book down for a bit, the story will haunt your mind until you cannot help but want to know what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed it in all its dark and supernatural glory.
Now, if you're thinking of giving it a try, what can you expect?
First and foremost expect a Victorian Gothic work that fits in both mystery and horror genres, with all its dark themes. If you are looking for a story of grisly murders that takes you to the grimy streets of Victorian London, with lots of twists and turns and beautifully written scenes (including the best description of a hangover I have ever read), then please do give it a try.
The work blends all its scenes well and the various elements and threads of the plot weave into a beautiful tapestry that you want to go back to again and again. The characters are flawed in a very natural way, giving them dimension, and I'll guarantee you'll amaze yourself by how you feel towards them throughout the story. Nothing is what it seems and everything can change at the drop of a hat.
I thought the protagonist, Samuel Weaver, to be a very interesting character and was surprised about how I felt towards him. The use of the first person narrative most definitely helped in establishing these feelings as it brought me as reader even closer to world, the action and the thoughts and feelings of our lead. I felt for Samuel, even when at times I was utterly appalled by some of his actions or thoughts. But it.. he... just works.
As mentioned above, the work is well written and feels well researched. The setting feels natural and the locations seem to correspond to ones the real world. When reading, you just about see the dark cobblestone streets -the damp stones reflecting the light of the streetlights-, and smell the city's dank aroma laced with rain in the air as a carriage passes you by. You are there. As for those readers that actively try to take an outsider perspective, I dare say the various references to Victorian elements and stories, hidden or in plain sight, will most certainly delight when found and recognized. Furthermore, I feel like I learned a thing or two.
In all, this work most definitely was a read I thoroughly enjoyed and will most certainly want to re-read. I am sure that I'll look at some scenes in a different light and discover references I missed on my first read.
So what is Domini Mortum? It's a very gripping, fast paced and well researched Victorian Gothic novel that will have you under its spell from beginning to end. If you manage to escape its grasp and put the book down for a bit, the story will haunt your mind until you cannot help but want to know what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed it in all its dark and supernatural glory.
Now, if you're thinking of giving it a try, what can you expect?
First and foremost expect a Victorian Gothic work that fits in both mystery and horror genres, with all its dark themes. If you are looking for a story of grisly murders that takes you to the grimy streets of Victorian London, with lots of twists and turns and beautifully written scenes (including the best description of a hangover I have ever read), then please do give it a try.
The work blends all its scenes well and the various elements and threads of the plot weave into a beautiful tapestry that you want to go back to again and again. The characters are flawed in a very natural way, giving them dimension, and I'll guarantee you'll amaze yourself by how you feel towards them throughout the story. Nothing is what it seems and everything can change at the drop of a hat.
I thought the protagonist, Samuel Weaver, to be a very interesting character and was surprised about how I felt towards him. The use of the first person narrative most definitely helped in establishing these feelings as it brought me as reader even closer to world, the action and the thoughts and feelings of our lead. I felt for Samuel, even when at times I was utterly appalled by some of his actions or thoughts. But it.. he... just works.
As mentioned above, the work is well written and feels well researched. The setting feels natural and the locations seem to correspond to ones the real world. When reading, you just about see the dark cobblestone streets -the damp stones reflecting the light of the streetlights-, and smell the city's dank aroma laced with rain in the air as a carriage passes you by. You are there. As for those readers that actively try to take an outsider perspective, I dare say the various references to Victorian elements and stories, hidden or in plain sight, will most certainly delight when found and recognized. Furthermore, I feel like I learned a thing or two.
In all, this work most definitely was a read I thoroughly enjoyed and will most certainly want to re-read. I am sure that I'll look at some scenes in a different light and discover references I missed on my first read.
November 17, 2018
This is definitely not a book for the squeamish or the faint of heart, full of gruesome murders with a potential supernatural felon the gore is relentless and described in loving and vivid detail. If you found The Limehouse Golem or The Alienist too much then this is most definitely NOT the tale for you. If however, they spoke to your inner twistedness then you are going to love it. As you can probably tell, I am firmly in the latter camp.
The tale does swap about quite a bit from the past to the present with no real indication of which particular time you are in so you do need to pay attention otherwise it could easily become an exercise in confusion. Personally I felt this worked well within the confines of the tale as to reveal too much about our narrator, Samuel Weaver, too soon would lessen the impact of his actions. This is definitely opne book that would not be improved by telling in chronological order. The narrator's voice is very strong within the book and it is fortunate that the author is up to the task of creating a despicable character that somehow you find yourself caring about - no matter what he has, or will do.
The only downside for me was the mixing in of Norwegian folklore, it felt bolted on and not really of intrinsic benefit to the story. In my opinion it would have worked just as well without it - after all, this is a tale about the search for absolute power so the little tributary that runs off in to these tales is not really necessary.
The setting is also well realised. Be it the foggy slums of London, the eerie village or the upper echelon clubs and "other" establishments, each has a ring of authenticity that brings to life the time period in a wonderfully evocative way. Surprisingly there is a fair bit of attention to the costume of our characters and this helps to not only gel them in place but gives us, the reader, a real sense of their relative stations in life without it having to be explicitly explained to us.
In short a gore-filled romp full of dark humour and twisted characters where nobody is who they seem.
THIS IS AN HONEST REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
The tale does swap about quite a bit from the past to the present with no real indication of which particular time you are in so you do need to pay attention otherwise it could easily become an exercise in confusion. Personally I felt this worked well within the confines of the tale as to reveal too much about our narrator, Samuel Weaver, too soon would lessen the impact of his actions. This is definitely opne book that would not be improved by telling in chronological order. The narrator's voice is very strong within the book and it is fortunate that the author is up to the task of creating a despicable character that somehow you find yourself caring about - no matter what he has, or will do.
The only downside for me was the mixing in of Norwegian folklore, it felt bolted on and not really of intrinsic benefit to the story. In my opinion it would have worked just as well without it - after all, this is a tale about the search for absolute power so the little tributary that runs off in to these tales is not really necessary.
The setting is also well realised. Be it the foggy slums of London, the eerie village or the upper echelon clubs and "other" establishments, each has a ring of authenticity that brings to life the time period in a wonderfully evocative way. Surprisingly there is a fair bit of attention to the costume of our characters and this helps to not only gel them in place but gives us, the reader, a real sense of their relative stations in life without it having to be explicitly explained to us.
In short a gore-filled romp full of dark humour and twisted characters where nobody is who they seem.
THIS IS AN HONEST REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
November 24, 2018
It is not very often I give out 2 star reviews and this one is no reflection on the author, it was just not my kind of book.
It is quite supernatural with ghosts and gold women who go around killing people and I just found it completely unbelievable. I thought from the first few chapters that it might be a crime novel or even horror so was quite shocked when the supernatural made an appearance.
Samuel Weaver also didn't appeal to me. I found him very arrogant and disliked him very quickly into the story. As the story developed, unfortunately for me, the character did not. As we find out more about how he became who he is, although it explains a lot, it doesn't really shine him in any better light.
I think I may have enjoyed this more if it didn't have the supernatural factor as I did find the further I read that I wanted to finish it and see how it ended, which surprised me as I thought after I didn't enjoy the first 30% that it would be abit of a chore to finish but it actually wasn't. The premise of the story of a group of rich men running a group who pretty much do what they want would have been interesting for me I feel but the golden woman spoiled that for me. I also felt that it was built into a huge drama and the ending of her was a bit of a let down. I'm not sure how it could have been improved but I was expecting something bigger.
I did however like the twist at the end. I didn't see that ending whilst reading, and although again, the supernatural part spoiled it for me I did enjoy not knowing what was coming.
This wasn't an awful book and I think there will be lots of people that will really enjoy it. It is well written, unpredictable and very detailed, however it just wasn't for me.
It is quite supernatural with ghosts and gold women who go around killing people and I just found it completely unbelievable. I thought from the first few chapters that it might be a crime novel or even horror so was quite shocked when the supernatural made an appearance.
Samuel Weaver also didn't appeal to me. I found him very arrogant and disliked him very quickly into the story. As the story developed, unfortunately for me, the character did not. As we find out more about how he became who he is, although it explains a lot, it doesn't really shine him in any better light.
I think I may have enjoyed this more if it didn't have the supernatural factor as I did find the further I read that I wanted to finish it and see how it ended, which surprised me as I thought after I didn't enjoy the first 30% that it would be abit of a chore to finish but it actually wasn't. The premise of the story of a group of rich men running a group who pretty much do what they want would have been interesting for me I feel but the golden woman spoiled that for me. I also felt that it was built into a huge drama and the ending of her was a bit of a let down. I'm not sure how it could have been improved but I was expecting something bigger.
I did however like the twist at the end. I didn't see that ending whilst reading, and although again, the supernatural part spoiled it for me I did enjoy not knowing what was coming.
This wasn't an awful book and I think there will be lots of people that will really enjoy it. It is well written, unpredictable and very detailed, however it just wasn't for me.
July 11, 2024
Domini Mortum follows tabloid illustrator and reporter for the Illustrated Police News, Samuel Weaver, in 1883. Weaver is obsessed with the infamous murderer, Sibelius Darke, and is determined to learn the truth behind the atrocities. Meanwhile, a chain of ghastly murders has developed, believed to be linked to Darke’s reign of terror. Originally from York, Weaver is a layered character, both popular yet hated for his sensationalist illustrations and writings, with his own turbulent past. A journey infused with sin, subterfuge, and gore pushes Weaver to his limits and makes him question everything and everyone.
This book is imbued with mystery, horror, and many gruesome incidents. Despite having supernatural elements, the vivid descriptions and chilling atmosphere immerse you in crime-riddled Victorian London; Holbrook’s writing embraces a nineteenth-century ambience as he delves into secret societies, aristocratic death cults, and murder.
Domini Mortum is a twisty, gruesome, macabre tale with a palpable gothic atmosphere. It is perfect for fans of Victorian crime, notably Jack the Ripper, gothic-horror, and Victorian death culture.
I will definitely be reading his other work!
This book is imbued with mystery, horror, and many gruesome incidents. Despite having supernatural elements, the vivid descriptions and chilling atmosphere immerse you in crime-riddled Victorian London; Holbrook’s writing embraces a nineteenth-century ambience as he delves into secret societies, aristocratic death cults, and murder.
Domini Mortum is a twisty, gruesome, macabre tale with a palpable gothic atmosphere. It is perfect for fans of Victorian crime, notably Jack the Ripper, gothic-horror, and Victorian death culture.
I will definitely be reading his other work!
November 18, 2018
I was lucky enough to read this with my book club The Pigeonhole and the author Paul Holbrook 'read' along with us. Domini Mortum is like Dennis Wheatley meets Ripper Street - full of Gothic horror and surprising twists but brought up to date with the terrific writing. Murder, the supernatural and witchcraft - what more could you ask for. The only thing missing is Christopher Lee shining his car lights on the devil incarnate and reciting the last few lines of the Susamma Ritual while some poor soul is about to become a human sacrifice.
Domini Mortum takes place in Victorian England, from London to haunted rural Kent and back again. With strains of Jack the Ripper, but slightly tongue-in-cheek at times, this book is full of light and shade, with tremendous crescendos and cliff-hangers that leave you wanting more. Am now reading the prequel - Memento Mori - and waiting for the next instalment. Great stuff.
Domini Mortum takes place in Victorian England, from London to haunted rural Kent and back again. With strains of Jack the Ripper, but slightly tongue-in-cheek at times, this book is full of light and shade, with tremendous crescendos and cliff-hangers that leave you wanting more. Am now reading the prequel - Memento Mori - and waiting for the next instalment. Great stuff.
January 11, 2019
Highly recommend this book. If I had known there was a previous book to this series I would have read that first as found I couldn’t put the story down and if written like this book would have found the same with the previous novel. The gothic horror felt like a Victorian novel and so many surprises. Looking forward to what I’m sure will be another brilliant novel.
November 16, 2018
Loved this book. A cracking read. Keeps you guessing till the last.
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