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The Undead King of New York City
A rip-roaring occult detective adventure that tears through the twisted heart of Victorian London’s supernatural underworld.THE FANGS OF NEW YORK!London 1894
A horrifying murder in one of London’s most exclusive hotels suggests that sinister and supernatural forces are at play.With the authorities baffled, they quickly call upon the aid of the renowned paranormal investigator Mr Percival Percy – The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares – and his redoubtable assistant Madame Wu.But as the case develops it soon becomes apparent that all is not what it seems, and that the hunters might just become the hunted!
A horrifying murder in one of London’s most exclusive hotels suggests that sinister and supernatural forces are at play.With the authorities baffled, they quickly call upon the aid of the renowned paranormal investigator Mr Percival Percy – The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares – and his redoubtable assistant Madame Wu.But as the case develops it soon becomes apparent that all is not what it seems, and that the hunters might just become the hunted!
- GenresFantasy
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2018
11 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 20, 2019
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Caractacus Plume's The Undead King of New York City was a pleasant surprise to me, because it turned out to be a highly enjoyable fantasy romp with mystery, horror and adventure elements. When I began to read it, I was immediately taken by its atmosphere, freshness and entertainment values, and found myself amazed by what I was reading. This novella-length novel is one of the best and most captivating reading experiences I've had this year.
The Undead King of New York City was my first introduction to Caractacus Plume's fiction, but I can mention that it won't be the last novel I'll be reading by the author, because I loved the story (I intend to read all of the author's stories). I consider this novel to be unputdownable fantasy entertainment with plenty of freshness and captivating plot twists. It has clearly been written out of love for storytelling, because there's a charming lightness to it that is seldom found in this kind of fiction.
This novel is spendid in many ways. It features plenty of extraordinary characters, dastardly deeds and surprises, not to mention loads of supernatural action. There are also several delicious and humorous details to be found throughout the story that will intrigue and entertain the reader.
The events in this novel take place in Victorian London where the The Unseen League protects the British Empire from maleficent supernatural threats. The agents of The Unseen League do their best to protect the realm by making sure that various supernatural threats are confronted and thwarted.
The story begins with Captain Jeremiah Teale, an agent of The Unseen League, investigating the mutilated remains of a body in a penthouse suite at Brown's Hotel. He's sure that what has occurred there is of supernatural persuasion. Soon he meets Madame Wu, who is the assistant of Mr Percival Percy, the world's greatest paranormal detective. Madame Wu begins to investigate what's left of the body and confirms Teale's suspicions about supernatural goings-on. Soon, Teale and Madame Wu meet an American agent, Agent Kane, who informs them of what vampires have been doing recently...
What follows this premise is highly enjoyable and the happenings become increasingly captivating towards the end, because the author reveals many things and delivers surprises. I have to admit that I was surprised by how enjoyable and evocative a story the author has managed to write, because it flows effortlessly from the very first page to the final page. There are no flaws in the storytelling, because the story grabs the reader's attention from the start.
The cast of characters is fascinatingly diverse. I found myself captivated by the characters, because they had their own unique quirks and habits. I enjoyed reading about Captain Teale, John Adams (Dandy), Madame Wu, Mr Percival Percy (The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares) and Agent Kane. It was interesting to read about Captain Teale and Madame Wu's pasts, because the author told intriguingly about their lives and terrifying experiences. I was also delighted to find out that there was more to the characters than meets the eye and not everything was what it seemed to be.
The murder investigations are carried out in an entertaining manner. The author pays attention to how the investigators do their work and what kind of things they must take into consideration when solving supernatural crimes. I was pleased to notice that the author doesn't shy away from gory and macabre details concerning the mutilated bodies, because these descriptions are an essential part of the dark and alluring atmosphere.
I enjoyed reading about the vampires and vampire lore, because the author's vision of vampires and how they have organised their activities is well-realised. The author also writes immersively about other supernatural beings (were-hounds etc) and their powers, which adds to the uniqueness of the story. I was impressed by the detailed comparison between the wit-wolf and the were-wolfhound in one of the chapters, because it was something different and wholly unexpected.
I find the author's prose wonderfully engaging, jovial and swift. The prose is filled with small details and turns of phrase that emphasise the entertainment values of the story. The author's way of using gruesome and humorous elements works perfectly, because there's a fine balance between them (the combination of dark and light elements feels incredibly refreshing).
The notes at the end of the novel are useful and offer interesting information to the reader. They clarify a few things and add depth to the story.
I think that this novel will - without any kind of doubt - be of interest to everybody who wishes to read a captivating and entertaining fantasy story with mystery elements. If there are readers out there who happen to be familiar with Vaughn Entwistle's novels and G.S. Denning's Warlock Holmes series, this novel will most likely be of interest to them. I also firmly believe that readers who love urban fantasy will be delighted by the story and its many twists and turns.
Caractacus Plume's The Undead King of New York City is a little gem that deserves to be read by those who love immersive and fast-paced stories. I sincerely hope that as many readers as possible will find this novel, because it's a fully satisfying reading experience with gruesome and humorous moments that will take the reader by surprise.
My final words are:
Caractacus Plume's The Undead King of New York City is an excellent and wonderfully entertaining fantasy romp. More, please!
Caractacus Plume's The Undead King of New York City was a pleasant surprise to me, because it turned out to be a highly enjoyable fantasy romp with mystery, horror and adventure elements. When I began to read it, I was immediately taken by its atmosphere, freshness and entertainment values, and found myself amazed by what I was reading. This novella-length novel is one of the best and most captivating reading experiences I've had this year.
The Undead King of New York City was my first introduction to Caractacus Plume's fiction, but I can mention that it won't be the last novel I'll be reading by the author, because I loved the story (I intend to read all of the author's stories). I consider this novel to be unputdownable fantasy entertainment with plenty of freshness and captivating plot twists. It has clearly been written out of love for storytelling, because there's a charming lightness to it that is seldom found in this kind of fiction.
This novel is spendid in many ways. It features plenty of extraordinary characters, dastardly deeds and surprises, not to mention loads of supernatural action. There are also several delicious and humorous details to be found throughout the story that will intrigue and entertain the reader.
The events in this novel take place in Victorian London where the The Unseen League protects the British Empire from maleficent supernatural threats. The agents of The Unseen League do their best to protect the realm by making sure that various supernatural threats are confronted and thwarted.
The story begins with Captain Jeremiah Teale, an agent of The Unseen League, investigating the mutilated remains of a body in a penthouse suite at Brown's Hotel. He's sure that what has occurred there is of supernatural persuasion. Soon he meets Madame Wu, who is the assistant of Mr Percival Percy, the world's greatest paranormal detective. Madame Wu begins to investigate what's left of the body and confirms Teale's suspicions about supernatural goings-on. Soon, Teale and Madame Wu meet an American agent, Agent Kane, who informs them of what vampires have been doing recently...
What follows this premise is highly enjoyable and the happenings become increasingly captivating towards the end, because the author reveals many things and delivers surprises. I have to admit that I was surprised by how enjoyable and evocative a story the author has managed to write, because it flows effortlessly from the very first page to the final page. There are no flaws in the storytelling, because the story grabs the reader's attention from the start.
The cast of characters is fascinatingly diverse. I found myself captivated by the characters, because they had their own unique quirks and habits. I enjoyed reading about Captain Teale, John Adams (Dandy), Madame Wu, Mr Percival Percy (The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares) and Agent Kane. It was interesting to read about Captain Teale and Madame Wu's pasts, because the author told intriguingly about their lives and terrifying experiences. I was also delighted to find out that there was more to the characters than meets the eye and not everything was what it seemed to be.
The murder investigations are carried out in an entertaining manner. The author pays attention to how the investigators do their work and what kind of things they must take into consideration when solving supernatural crimes. I was pleased to notice that the author doesn't shy away from gory and macabre details concerning the mutilated bodies, because these descriptions are an essential part of the dark and alluring atmosphere.
I enjoyed reading about the vampires and vampire lore, because the author's vision of vampires and how they have organised their activities is well-realised. The author also writes immersively about other supernatural beings (were-hounds etc) and their powers, which adds to the uniqueness of the story. I was impressed by the detailed comparison between the wit-wolf and the were-wolfhound in one of the chapters, because it was something different and wholly unexpected.
I find the author's prose wonderfully engaging, jovial and swift. The prose is filled with small details and turns of phrase that emphasise the entertainment values of the story. The author's way of using gruesome and humorous elements works perfectly, because there's a fine balance between them (the combination of dark and light elements feels incredibly refreshing).
The notes at the end of the novel are useful and offer interesting information to the reader. They clarify a few things and add depth to the story.
I think that this novel will - without any kind of doubt - be of interest to everybody who wishes to read a captivating and entertaining fantasy story with mystery elements. If there are readers out there who happen to be familiar with Vaughn Entwistle's novels and G.S. Denning's Warlock Holmes series, this novel will most likely be of interest to them. I also firmly believe that readers who love urban fantasy will be delighted by the story and its many twists and turns.
Caractacus Plume's The Undead King of New York City is a little gem that deserves to be read by those who love immersive and fast-paced stories. I sincerely hope that as many readers as possible will find this novel, because it's a fully satisfying reading experience with gruesome and humorous moments that will take the reader by surprise.
My final words are:
Caractacus Plume's The Undead King of New York City is an excellent and wonderfully entertaining fantasy romp. More, please!
February 24, 2020
This is the first piece of work I have read by Caractacus, and he didn’t let me down. This fast-paced book kept me glued to its pages. Fall into London 1894 where a gang of vampires have just arrived, intent on assassinating the well-known supernatural detective Mr Percival Percy. On this journey Caractatus has written, he gives you everything, from bloody crime scenes, vampires, sorcerers, werewolves and even a werehyena! Never have I read a book with a werehyena in the mix! I highly recommend this book! 5 stars.
December 27, 2018
Another cracking one from old Plume with a fantastic prequel that details the start of Profesor Dandy Lyons and The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares. I absolutely loved the new book The Undead King of New York City - From the casebook of Lyons & Hound, it might be the best one yet but then again I say this about each and every one of the books he writes. Once more the universe is incredibly diverse and perfectly detailed without being too boring and long winded, the action is so real and so intense that once you dig into it you cannot put it down. Caractacus manages to seamlessly introduce some new characters, all of which have great arches and are perfectly balanced. You really understand their motivations and if you haven’t read the earlier books you can still understand the book in totality, such skill. I loved the story line that is interesting and exciting and has some absolutely wonderful plot twists and turns and is always keeping the reader interested and engaged though the complex characters he build that are instantly lovable and the fun, exciting and interesting story line. If you haven’t ever read anything of his, this is a perfect start although in all honesty you can pick up any book as they are all fantastic.
June 14, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Undead King of New York City
Author: Caractacus Prime
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Humor
Publication Date: December 5, 2018
Genre: Fantasy Humor
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 139
Synopsis: London - 1894. A ruthless gang of villainous vampires arrives in London with the diabolical intent of assassinating the celebrated paranormal detective (and champion of good form and decency) Mr Percival Percy; the most feared and implacable enemy of the vile and fiendish forces of the supernatural - known, and in certain quarters feared, as The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares.
Success in their pernicious pursuit will not only rid the repugnant rotters of their deadliest foe but also see their despicable leader crowned as The Undead King Of New York City.
Review: While the book seemed to be fairly good with grim humor I just couldn’t get into it. It’s more than likely me and my mood, but I’ve tried for a bit to get into it and it’s not worked. But the reviews on Goodreads are amazing and I highly recommend you check it out.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you.
Book: The Undead King of New York City
Author: Caractacus Prime
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Humor
Publication Date: December 5, 2018
Genre: Fantasy Humor
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 139
Synopsis: London - 1894. A ruthless gang of villainous vampires arrives in London with the diabolical intent of assassinating the celebrated paranormal detective (and champion of good form and decency) Mr Percival Percy; the most feared and implacable enemy of the vile and fiendish forces of the supernatural - known, and in certain quarters feared, as The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares.
Success in their pernicious pursuit will not only rid the repugnant rotters of their deadliest foe but also see their despicable leader crowned as The Undead King Of New York City.
Review: While the book seemed to be fairly good with grim humor I just couldn’t get into it. It’s more than likely me and my mood, but I’ve tried for a bit to get into it and it’s not worked. But the reviews on Goodreads are amazing and I highly recommend you check it out.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you.
December 31, 2019
Whether or not you have previously engaged with Caractacus Plume’s tales of ‘the other side of things’ there is much to enjoy in this densely-packed standalone tale from the ‘Casebook of Lyons and Hound’ collection. The story contains all the delights I have come to expect from a Caractacus Plume book; that is to say it is a fast-paced and expertly plotted mystery with extraordinary and engaging characters, elements of grim humour and a fully-realised and vividly-evoked sense of time and place (in this case, late-Victorian London). Plume’s lightly-worn but considerable knowledge of social history and world mythology combine to create a tale of ‘a supernatural persuasion’ as muscular and compelling as any contemporary urban thriller.
October 11, 2019
This story was highly interesting, it kept me on my toes. I didn’t where it was heading, or if I did, it completely went in a different direction. The style with the brackets was a bit weird to get used to, took me a while.
Liked how at the end it had a lot of information about the history involved in the story.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
Liked how at the end it had a lot of information about the history involved in the story.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
August 16, 2022
A Fun Paranormal Jaunt
I originally started reading The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares book 1 (The Wild Hunt) as a break from my normal SF reading and was captivated by Mr. Plumes witty, original prose. These books bring together legends of Elves, vampires, werewolves as well as many other mythical, mystical beings in a fun way. Definitely worth a read.
I originally started reading The Hound Who Hunts Nightmares book 1 (The Wild Hunt) as a break from my normal SF reading and was captivated by Mr. Plumes witty, original prose. These books bring together legends of Elves, vampires, werewolves as well as many other mythical, mystical beings in a fun way. Definitely worth a read.
January 6, 2025
Short and easy read
A good short story to explain the first meeting between the Hound and Cornelius. Easy and quick to read and gives a little background at the same time.
A good short story to explain the first meeting between the Hound and Cornelius. Easy and quick to read and gives a little background at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews