What do you think?
Rate this book
Vic: Mystery & Magic
Mystery & Magic Book 8 of The Incredible Adventures of Vic Challenger.
The series is static, The novels are in chronological order, but it isn’t necessary to read earlier books to know what is happening. Each novel is a complete tale that stands on its own (Think Nancy Drew).
Evelyn, a young detective friend of Vic's, has a case that involves a haunting (!?) And hairy monsters in the woods. She thinks Vic can help with the furry things. So, Vic and her friend Lin head for the backcountry of Washington state a few weeks before Christmas.
Challenger is a pen name, and Vic wasn't always an adventure travel writer. Victoria visited Africa in 1919 and had a mind-boggling experience - she vividly recalled a past life as a cave girl. Vic is no superhero, but her recall has awakened primitive abilities that put her head and shoulders above the average citizen. She has the potential for savagery to equal the fiercest predator. Her senses are heightened like a jungle animal, especially hearing and smell. She is fearless and has an uncanny sense of impending danger. On occasion, in a tight spot, her translucent amber eyes transform to the opaque black of perfect opals, and she will call out the spine-tingling war cry of her ancient tribe. When that happens, every living thing within earshot cowers, for no such savage cry has been heard on earth for 100 millennia!
As an unfortunate result of the recall, Vic seems to attract bad guys and deadly creatures wherever she goes. However, her extraordinary animal abilities, adeptness with any weapon, primitive or modern, and her two degrees - math and astronomy - and her rugged, self-imposed training make her a formidable opponent for all-comers!
OPINION / COMPARISONS The Midwest Book Review did a series review of the first nine novels and had this to “Harkening back to the Golden Age of pulp fiction, "The Incredible Adventures of Vic Challenger" uniquely features a young female heroine … action/adventure with elements of classic science fiction in the kind of narrative storytelling style that associated with such legendary authors as Edgar Rice Burroughs, H. Rider Haggard, and Robert E. Howard. … simply outstanding series is unreservedly recommended
OPINION / ORIGINALITY Ron Fortier (artist/author - Green Hornet, Captain Hazzard, Terminator) at Airship 27 says, "With Victoria Challenger, Jerry Gill has created one of the most original, fun, pulp heroines ever …This is a rousing tale expertly written ... Gill tags Vic as the Queen of the Pulps, and …She is clearly one of the most original such ever put to paper and worthy of your attention."
OPINION / COMPARISONS An Amazon Top 500 Reviewer “I absolutely love stories like this and, if you like Clive Cussler or James Rollins , these are definitely the books for you…with both non-stop adventure and some very likable characters.”
Vic works as an adventure travel writer to finance her search for the reincarnation of her mate from 100,000 years ago.
As Vic, Lin, and Evelyn arrive at the farm, they spot a huge hairy thing running into the woods. Vic gives chase but can't keep up! She does gain crucial information, though.
The haunting gets complicated, too. The de-haunting must occur by Christmas, just weeks away. Before then, there are trunk loads of personal papers from the late 19th century that they need to read, and it is all in Chinese! Then there are those other expect other things that the blizzard and the son gets lost in it; creatures from Vic's past; a rogue hunter; a hungry wolf; possession (?!); and a Christmas secret!
Like all Vic Challenger novels, this one is unpredictable. Enjoy an old-fashioned, snowy Christmas. Go adventuring with the Queen of New Pulp, the Reincarnated Cave girl Vic Challenger, in book 8, Mystery & Magic.
The series is static, The novels are in chronological order, but it isn’t necessary to read earlier books to know what is happening. Each novel is a complete tale that stands on its own (Think Nancy Drew).
Evelyn, a young detective friend of Vic's, has a case that involves a haunting (!?) And hairy monsters in the woods. She thinks Vic can help with the furry things. So, Vic and her friend Lin head for the backcountry of Washington state a few weeks before Christmas.
Challenger is a pen name, and Vic wasn't always an adventure travel writer. Victoria visited Africa in 1919 and had a mind-boggling experience - she vividly recalled a past life as a cave girl. Vic is no superhero, but her recall has awakened primitive abilities that put her head and shoulders above the average citizen. She has the potential for savagery to equal the fiercest predator. Her senses are heightened like a jungle animal, especially hearing and smell. She is fearless and has an uncanny sense of impending danger. On occasion, in a tight spot, her translucent amber eyes transform to the opaque black of perfect opals, and she will call out the spine-tingling war cry of her ancient tribe. When that happens, every living thing within earshot cowers, for no such savage cry has been heard on earth for 100 millennia!
As an unfortunate result of the recall, Vic seems to attract bad guys and deadly creatures wherever she goes. However, her extraordinary animal abilities, adeptness with any weapon, primitive or modern, and her two degrees - math and astronomy - and her rugged, self-imposed training make her a formidable opponent for all-comers!
OPINION / COMPARISONS The Midwest Book Review did a series review of the first nine novels and had this to “Harkening back to the Golden Age of pulp fiction, "The Incredible Adventures of Vic Challenger" uniquely features a young female heroine … action/adventure with elements of classic science fiction in the kind of narrative storytelling style that associated with such legendary authors as Edgar Rice Burroughs, H. Rider Haggard, and Robert E. Howard. … simply outstanding series is unreservedly recommended
OPINION / ORIGINALITY Ron Fortier (artist/author - Green Hornet, Captain Hazzard, Terminator) at Airship 27 says, "With Victoria Challenger, Jerry Gill has created one of the most original, fun, pulp heroines ever …This is a rousing tale expertly written ... Gill tags Vic as the Queen of the Pulps, and …She is clearly one of the most original such ever put to paper and worthy of your attention."
OPINION / COMPARISONS An Amazon Top 500 Reviewer “I absolutely love stories like this and, if you like Clive Cussler or James Rollins , these are definitely the books for you…with both non-stop adventure and some very likable characters.”
Vic works as an adventure travel writer to finance her search for the reincarnation of her mate from 100,000 years ago.
As Vic, Lin, and Evelyn arrive at the farm, they spot a huge hairy thing running into the woods. Vic gives chase but can't keep up! She does gain crucial information, though.
The haunting gets complicated, too. The de-haunting must occur by Christmas, just weeks away. Before then, there are trunk loads of personal papers from the late 19th century that they need to read, and it is all in Chinese! Then there are those other expect other things that the blizzard and the son gets lost in it; creatures from Vic's past; a rogue hunter; a hungry wolf; possession (?!); and a Christmas secret!
Like all Vic Challenger novels, this one is unpredictable. Enjoy an old-fashioned, snowy Christmas. Go adventuring with the Queen of New Pulp, the Reincarnated Cave girl Vic Challenger, in book 8, Mystery & Magic.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2018
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 21, 2020
It has probably been around 45 years since I have been in the habit of reading The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, so I'm tapping old memories from my early reading days. The tone, style, and story content of this title has made me think about those books. I can see their influence on the author's work throughout the Vic Challenger series of young adult novels.
I make this observation in this particular review because I noticed that influence a lot in this particular title in the series.
Years ago, when the author approached me on Goodreads about reviewing Double -Trouble because of some reviews I had done on some works by Edgar Rice Burroughs, another of the author's self-identified influences, because he thought I might like Vic Challenger. Well, he was right, I have greatly enjoyed the Vic Challenger books over the years and they do have elements that remind me of the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs (ERB). In fact, the more I read VC the more I revisit the works of ERB. To this I am grateful to the author.
I think more in terms of ERB than The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, but the elements from all of these series can be seen and enjoyed in the Vic Challenger books.
This book may have more of a soft side to it than the other books because Christmas and magic are central to the story. In this volume VC and her friend Lin Li go to Washington state to help their friend Evlyn, the niece of 1920s detective Charlie Chan, to solve a mystery about a haunting, and to understand some Sasquatch activities.
The author puts these together in a way that reminds me more of the books written for the young reading audience targeted by The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew than the works of ERBs, that targeted the more mature pulp fiction audience of his time.
All I am relaying is that the overall tone for this volume is a little different than what is found in the other eight volumes of the series. Once again, I highly recommend this book, especially to the fans of The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and the works of ERBs. If you like the mentioned series you might like the Vic Challenger books by Jerry Gill.
I make this observation in this particular review because I noticed that influence a lot in this particular title in the series.
Years ago, when the author approached me on Goodreads about reviewing Double -Trouble because of some reviews I had done on some works by Edgar Rice Burroughs, another of the author's self-identified influences, because he thought I might like Vic Challenger. Well, he was right, I have greatly enjoyed the Vic Challenger books over the years and they do have elements that remind me of the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs (ERB). In fact, the more I read VC the more I revisit the works of ERB. To this I am grateful to the author.
I think more in terms of ERB than The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, but the elements from all of these series can be seen and enjoyed in the Vic Challenger books.
This book may have more of a soft side to it than the other books because Christmas and magic are central to the story. In this volume VC and her friend Lin Li go to Washington state to help their friend Evlyn, the niece of 1920s detective Charlie Chan, to solve a mystery about a haunting, and to understand some Sasquatch activities.
The author puts these together in a way that reminds me more of the books written for the young reading audience targeted by The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew than the works of ERBs, that targeted the more mature pulp fiction audience of his time.
All I am relaying is that the overall tone for this volume is a little different than what is found in the other eight volumes of the series. Once again, I highly recommend this book, especially to the fans of The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and the works of ERBs. If you like the mentioned series you might like the Vic Challenger books by Jerry Gill.
December 5, 2018
A fantastic adventure novel with cryptozoology themes and a strong emphasis on friendship. Vic’s personality shines in this book, and her daring, loyal, intelligent and compassionate nature are seen clearly as the book progresses. With not one, but two mysteries to solve, Vic and her friends boldly accept these challenges and also manage to overcome a few others along the way!
I really enjoyed the way the author has cleverly interwoven other stories throughout the book, which are told through conversation about the history of a family and relatives long gone.
If you’re looking for a bold new heroine and non-stop adventure, then Vic Challenger is your girl.
This book also works as a stand-alone novel and a wonderful introduction to Vic and her friends, as well as a great addition to the Vic Challenger series.
I really enjoyed the way the author has cleverly interwoven other stories throughout the book, which are told through conversation about the history of a family and relatives long gone.
If you’re looking for a bold new heroine and non-stop adventure, then Vic Challenger is your girl.
This book also works as a stand-alone novel and a wonderful introduction to Vic and her friends, as well as a great addition to the Vic Challenger series.
November 29, 2018
Vic Challenger does it again! The suspense started literally 1/3 of the way through the book; and just like typical Vic Challenger novels, the ending leaves you speechless! The adventure is incredible. Jerry Gill is one my favorite authors. Vic: Mystery & Magic
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews