Something Happened on the Way to the World's Fair

Strange Happenings #1

by Kelsey Josephson

The year is 1893. Rosie Weston, fireman, is working on an overnight passenger train to the World’s Fair. Her routine shift has turned into a nightmare, beginning with a peculiar trunk in the baggage car. Worse, a passenger has gone missing. Can Rosie discover the truth behind the cargo before more passengers go missing?

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories, Fiction, Science Fiction

ebook

Published June 1, 2020

About the author

Kelsey Josephson is a sci-fi fantasy author and member of SFWA and ALLi from the Midwest. She has a deep love for Universal Monster movies, all things related to Nikola Tesla, and iced coffee.

Her work includes Strange Happenings, a gaslamp fantasy series set in an alternate timeline, and Forsaken Beauty and the Etherbeast, which was an Ongoing Serial Finalist in the Laterpress 2022 Genre Fiction Contest.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corker of a short story with a science fictiony theme.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great example of what a short story should be. The author moves quickly through some great actions, and still has time to offer a bit of character development. A couple of very nice twists set this aside from most short stories. Very well written. I saw no grammatical errors. At only 30 pages, it is designed to be read in one sitting. I can’t wait to read the next story. This is an example of a writer that knows the elements of a good short story.

[Christine Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Story

I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading this story, but having already been surprised by a female shoveling coal in a small in 1894, an adaptation of "Frankenstein" was just not it. However, it is a well written short story and definitely was worth the time taken to read it. I look forward to more adventures of Rosie and Lucille.

[Ron Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

~Has an essence of Frankenstein
~I definitely enjoyed the writing style. There was some predictability and some surprises. It was nice to read of a strong female main character. Loved the Steampunk setting.
~The actually only down side to this short story is just that…it is a very short story. I feel that in order to get a real story, one must purchase additional books in the series.

[Tim Shepard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

An interesting story with a well thought out character. Seems to be a little rushed in places while dragging at the same time. It feels like something important is missing from the story.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankkenstein?

Avoid short story one which like Frankenstein makes youhavemoresympathy for the monster than the creator. Good main character in Rosie, like to read more featuringher.

[James G. Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little short story. Little bit of steam punk fantasy with just a dash of mystery. My only complaint is that there was some repetitive noun usage, but other than that solid short story and editing. Definitely check it out!

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retelling of a classic gothic tale mashed up with “The Orient Express”.


Reading the next four stories in 'Monsters and Machines: A Strange Happenings Collection'.
The Blood is Life
The Living Metal Man
The Assistant
The Resurrection Experiment

[Frank Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something else that's good to read. I love the steampunk genre' and this is a great addition to those stories. Good character development and action. Would have liked it to be longer, but I'll get the next book in the series and read it soon.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like horror-lite. Frankenstein-esque but the twist was weak as could be. The writing seemed to start fairly strong but devolved as the story went on. This is 2.5 at best, but I'm being generous rounding up.

[Joannie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand that this is a short story bu it felt too short for all the content that was packed in.
That, or it is aimed for middle-aged readers, which is fine, but simply not my taste. Will not continue.

[Felipe Splawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

[Courtney Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story immediately pulled me in. It's a short thriller with a somewhat happy ending. If you like a strong female lead and a Frankenstein-esque Dr "villain," you'll enjoy this.

[Colin Parfitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather simplistic Murder on the Steampunk Express.

[Richard Larmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steampunk isn't really my cup of tea, but this was surprisingly good.

[Briar Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great opening to the series: a steampunk western that starts on a dark train and ends with a gruesome discovery.

I hope the characters appear in future stories.

[Byron Troutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely catches the imagination

A great start that captured my attention with a great twist as well a decent start to what should make an enjoyable series

[TAMMY WRIGHT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. I'm more the Stephen King ---Dean Koontz reader.

[Marna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun start to this series.

I am going to purchase each physically so I can have them as a collection when I am done.

Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A train mechanic encounters and savesa monster created by a mad scientist. they are en route to the Chicago World Fair

[A.F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and quirky short story that's an enjoyable read.

[Brandi2015f · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sci-fi of the past at worlds fair contains monsters. Interesting concept for sure.

[Lynn Bloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable short story

Lovely steampunk themed short story. I really enjoy this authors world building and characters. Love that this takes place on a train.

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claramente inspirado em Frankenstein, uma narrativa de ficção científica bem gostosa de ler. Gostei.

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

This was delightfully intriguing, I'll definitely try more from the author. Everything I read with a world fair involved is unusual.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book buy did not keep me enthralled. Haf a Stephen king feel but didnt meet my expectations

[Alan Behan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie is the trains mechanic and fixer uper, when she meets a strange woman in the baggage area, a biochemical engineering necromancer, but theirs something on train with them, a mechanical zombie, such a fun little story, highly recommend....😁