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The Creature from the Grim Mire

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There’s no chance of a quiet life when you’ve aliens in your attic.

Felicity Westmacott craves solitude.

But something with a hearty appetite is stalking the moor and terrifying the locals.

And things going bump in the night puts paid to her equilibrium.

As does the mysterious appearance of an elderly gentleman.

He claims to be a time traveller.

Obviously as nutty as a fruitcake, he wants her to run a creche.

For baby aliens.

Now her secret’s out and other people are interested in Felicity’s unusual house guests.

Her ‘children’ are in terrible danger.

Will Felicity save her young charges? Or will she finish her novel instead?

Find out in The Creature from the Grim Mire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you’ve ever wondered what HG Wells got up to in his spare time, you’ll love this alien invasion tale set on Dartmoor in South Devon, UK. This is the perfect light-hearted read for lovers of humorous sci-fi mysteries or cozy animal mysteries, or indeed anyone seeking a bit of fun escapism with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

But keep an eye on your snacks – there are hungry aliens loose. Some of them can eat their body weight in Custard Creams!

The Creature from the Grim Mire is a collaboration between father and daughter, Peter Alderson Sharp (The Sword, the Wolf and the Rock) and Jeannie Wycherley (the Wonky Inn books, Crone, The Municipality of Lost Souls etc.).

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2020

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Jeannie Wycherley

72 books171 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.1k reviews373 followers
August 26, 2020
Eighty-nine-year-old Aunt Maud walked her dog late at night along the dark and cold moor. She made sure to stay on the path. But a bright explosion in the sky caught her attention as something crashed nearby. Her little dog ran to investigate and ignored Maud’s efforts to call him back. So she returned home, knowing he would find his way back.

Felicity Westmacott (“Flick”) is a writer struggling with writer's block, hoping to find her inspiration by moving to Dartmoor where she had inherited a house from Great-Aunt Maud. But she awoke, hearing strange noises and tapping. Aunt Maud’s old ginger tom, Mister Ogilvy, stood rigid, claws out, fangs showing, and making a high-pitched keening sound. She looked down the stairs and thought she saw people moving around! That was impossible. She flicked on the lights and went downstairs, fireplace poker held tightly in her hand.

There were more sounds, a high-pitched whine, perhaps coming from the Gurney farm next door? The sound got louder until it was almost intolerable, then suddenly it stopped. A flash of light in the sky startled her, but there was no thunder following. The brilliant light had been close, over the moor. Would she go out to investigate? Can Flick and her childhood friend from the farm next door, John Gurney (“Jan”), find out what the strange lights are coming from? Is something uninvited sharing her house with her?

This is so totally different from the other books I have read by this author. It was very intriguing, chill-inducing, and I loved the literary references and how even the bog, Foxtor Mire, just south of Flick’s house was “believed to be the model for the notorious ‘Grimpen Mire’ of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles fame”. There are so many things thrown in here to keep the reader fully invested in the story and making mental connections to keep the chills coming. Grab your copy and experience a well-told story.
Profile Image for Catrina.
540 reviews91 followers
July 16, 2026
I picked up The Creature from the Grim Mire because the combination of sci-fi, mystery, time travel, and alien contact sounded like a lot of fun, and it definitely delivered a unique listening experience. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the time travel element. I also thought making H.G. Wells an integral character was a brilliant touch that added charm and creativity to the plot.

The mystery unfolds in unexpected ways, and there are plenty of intriguing twists along the journey. The story is imaginative and ambitious, blending humor, science fiction, and mystery into something that feels different from the typical genre offering. David Winter's narration helped bring the various characters and situations to life, making the adventure engaging to follow.

That said, there were a few points where I found myself getting a bit lost while listening. With all the moving pieces, timelines, and unfolding events, I occasionally had to work to reconnect the dots. Fortunately, I stuck with it and always found my way back into the story, and the payoff was worth the effort.

I did notice a minor audio issue as well. In Chapter 18 there was a section of dead space that briefly pulled me out of the listening experience. It wasn't a major problem, but it was noticeable enough to mention.

Overall, this was an entertaining and inventive sci-fi mystery with a creative premise and some memorable characters. If you enjoy time travel stories with humor and a touch of the unexpected, this audiobook is worth checking out.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
4,098 reviews73 followers
August 26, 2020
The Creature From the Grim Mire - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Aliens in the attic, monsters in the marsh, a time-machine in the barn-loft...whatever next!?!!

Felicity 'Flick' Westmacott, a horror-novelist with writer's block, moves into the large house on the edge of Dartmoor, (inherited from her late Great-Aunt Maud), with her cat Mister Ogilvy, hoping the wild beauty of the location she knows so well from childhood visits, will do the trick and 'kick-start' her imagination, before her money and her editor give out/up on her.

Can Flick and neighbouring farmer Jan Gurney solve the mystery of the lights in the barn and things that go bump (or slither), in the night?
Is Mister Ogilvy really the 'villain' who wrecks Flick's kitchen and steals her food every night?

'Indubitably, my dear Watson!' you might well answer, as Jeannie Wycherley's cleverly plotted, impeccably-constructed novel, The Mystery pays not only a great homage to H.G. Wells and his epic The War of the Worlds, but also to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles and even The Creature From the Black Lagoon!

Get your copy of this fantastic, heart stopping-then-warming, tale of mystery and suspense, The Creature From the Grim Mire, today.

Hopefully it will prove to be the first of many Flick Westmacott tales of the unexpected, to issue forth from Jeannie Wycherley's magical imagination!
Simply wonderful and highly recommended!
6,029 reviews42 followers
September 16, 2020
Our heroine wants to get over her writer's block and finish her novel, but the time traveler from the future has a very different request in mind. Maybe playing nanny to a bunch of alien kids is the just the inspiration she needs.

This is sort of a SF mystery story, with several odd bits thrown in. This is very different from the Wonky Inn series that I am used to in terms of plot and substance. The story is very well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting and a diverse cast of well developed characters. There is also a healthy dose of both humor and mystery throughout, as well as several SF references sprinkled in as well. It all combines into a delightful mix that keep me turning pages. Overall, a wonderful story and I would be happy to see this extended into a series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
545 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of The Creature from the Grim Mire, and while it wasn’t quite my usual type of story, I have to admit it was entertaining. The storyline is definitely silly and quirky, with aliens, a time traveler, and an unexpected alien daycare situation that makes for some pretty funny moments.

The story had me laughing in parts, especially with some of the ridiculous situations and humor. It’s definitely not a serious sci-fi read, so if you’re looking for something lighthearted and a little absurd, this could be a fun choice.

I also really enjoyed David Winter’s narration. He did a great job bringing the characters and humor to life, and his delivery made some of the sillier moments even funnier.

Overall, I’d give this one three stars. The story was silly and a little unusual for my taste, but it was entertaining and gave me some good laughs. It’s a nice choice when you’re in the mood for something light, quirky, and different.
1,014 reviews
June 22, 2026
Audiobook review: The narrator was very good. I enjoyed his voice and thought he enhanced the story with his reading.

Story review:
I enjoyed this fun mystery adventure story. Unusual activity, noises and lights, animals disappearing, horror like creatures seen plus questionable clean bones found in the small community has everyone wondering what is occurring.

The co-authors have created an imaginative story, building from famous past literary works, combining time travel, creatures living in the mire, aliens, mad scientists, and every day villagers. Flick and Jan are great main characters, as is H.G Wells and the alien creatures. I thought this book was very entertaining.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
27 reviews
July 2, 2026
Felicity (Flick) Westmacott inherited her aunt’s house in Dartmoor and, although a little spooky, thinks it’s a great atmospheric place to write her next novel. When a mysterious man who claims to be a time traveler appears and introduces her to 3 alien babies, things start to get really weird. There’s a hell hound on the moors and farm animals are being slaughtered. Flick, HG Wells, and Jans need to stop those who want to interfere with the aliens and find the creature from the Grim Mire. The characters are quirky, interesting and relatable. The mystery is clever and twisty. The whole story is a mashup of different genres and is absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed it so much and was so sorry when it ended. The narration is fantastic. The performance brought the characters and story to life.
1,017 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2020
Found this book so good it was hard to put down. Find this author writes a variety of genres but I love them all. This book built the Devon environment so well that I felt myself shivering with the cold, although the quietness of the moors was enticing. The relationships built with all the characters was sweet and I felt for Flick with the ending. Would have liked the relationship between Flick & Jan to have developed more, she really needed him at the end, would like to know what happens with them in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,259 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2020
Time travel, H.G. Wells, aliens. Flick recently inherited her great aunt’s home and loves living in the peace and quiet of the country and can hopefully concentrate on writing her next book. But something is happening on the moor and in the bog. Large farm animals are found dead, bones completely cleaned. And mysterious lights are briefly appearing. Some in her barn, but when she investigates there isn’t anything there. But when she finds out what is going on she will be amazed, charmed, and involved in returning delightful creatures to their proper homes, a million years into the future. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
79 reviews
December 10, 2020
Very good enjoyable book. I love the mix of sci-fi and real life English countryside. It gives just the right amount of back-story to guide the reader with out slowing the progression of the story. Once you get into the main story-line, you will not want to stop. It's about a woman, a writer, coming home to the place she calls home. She experiences strange lights and noises going on at night with mysterious intruders always leaving her kitchen a mess. She investigates and it leads to 4 most surprising individuals. I do not want to give more story away. I was pleasantly surprised. I love this book.
2,279 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2026
Audiobook: I was entertained by the story which resulted from the collaboration of these two authors. I admired the setting as the moors of Scotland have often fired my imagination. I liked the characters. I appreciated the addition of H G Wells as he was a perfect foil for this time travel and alien contact mystery. I thought the humor and the familial relationships added to the charm of the story. I enjoyed David Winter's narration as his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
6,096 reviews46 followers
August 23, 2020
Flick would discover the legacy her aunt left her was not only a cozy home and the means to keep it up. Much is ado by foggy dark of night on the Moor

A surprisingly diverse bunch of orphans find themselves needing temporary succor

Old friends have grown, and spark new sorts of interest

Wild media and reports of mysteries and too much media reveal creative solutions

Slightly sad and great mad fun adventures

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,840 reviews35 followers
August 30, 2020
Solid 4..5 star
This was a fun read which had you turning the page to see what would happen next, you get small hints about things to come and oh boy are there some laughs to be had. I just loved HG, Flick and Jan as well as the children and the adventures they all have have you laughing, apprehensive and wanting them to all be safe while needing to know whats next for them. This was such a great read and would have loved more books as it opened up a whole new world of possibilities!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
118 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2020
Amazing book, it is way different than the books previously written, it is not as light hearted as wonky inn nor as serious as crone, its in the sweet spot in the middle.if you wished for a sequel to time machine this is for you its a wholesome book which has adventure, romance, even a monster what else do you need

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,440 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2020
Beautiful world building combined with whimsical and exquisite characters make for a delightful story involving a young woman, Felicity, and her eccentric, time traveling uncle, H. G. Wells. This book was fill with laugh out loud moments, intensely frightening times and fist pumping heroic actions. I love the children, Helly, Penny, and Mr. Polly. They were quite incredible. I loved reading this book!
1,432 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2020
All Flick wanted to do when she moved to Devon was to write her next best seller in the cattage she had inheritted from her Aunt Maude in Devon.
She did not expect to find that the famous HG Wells was Aunt Maude's father - or aliens in her attic!
A cool story, whoch also shows just how quickly rumours can spread and chinese whispers twist the truth! Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,489 reviews49 followers
September 20, 2020
I loved this story there is so much going on like baby/ kid aliens time travel mystery and hilarious scenes, sorry guys I’m not going to get into this story because the blurb nearly says it all. I loved the characters and the storyline and once I started this story I had to read it right until the end it had me hooked and I hope that this author brings out more stories like this and I definitely recommend this book.
2,667 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2026
The Creature from the Grim Mire by Jeannie Wycherley and Peter Anderson Sharp is a mind-blowing mishmash of mystery meets time traveling meets SciFi story with some humor thrown in for good measure. It’s nothing like Ms. Wycherley has written before and very entertaining. I loved the addition of H.G. Wells it’s perfect. Loved this story and David Winter’s narration is so good his voice just sucked me right into the story! I hope Ms. Wycherley does more books like this one in the future.
13k reviews76 followers
August 23, 2020
The authors have pulled us into a story that keeps your heart pounding. The things that go bump in the night is the least of your worries. Mystery and suspense, as well as your imagination, keep you turning the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2020
A Sci-Fi Cozy
This is a great story. It took me a little bit to get into the plot, but then it just took off. The story has some fun twists and bends and is completely believable. Well, except for the science fiction part. I really enjoyed it and would love to see more episodes or at least similar stories. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,793 reviews71 followers
September 6, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan May.
739 reviews14 followers
September 7, 2020
Felicity (Flick) inherits a home from her aunt. She has hopes of concentrating on her next book. Soon there are strange lights in the sky & unexplainable noises. She will have to discover the secrets of this house. This was a fun read with times that made me laugh out loud. It also has some intense moments as well. A great read. I always enjoy books from this author.
Profile Image for Tom Logan.
11 reviews
September 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this new title from one of my favourite authors, as usual it is well written with many fantastical new characters to fall in love with. Jeannie has a knack for creating memorable and believable stories, filled with great humour, highly reccomended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,848 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2020
I love a book that can make me, not only laugh, but cry. This is one of those books. My favorite parts are Helly and his stinky issues. Trust me, when you get to those parts you will laugh so hard! The bath part was good too. The cry parts were hard, but necessary. Such a heartfelt story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Josepha Dattore.
50 reviews
June 22, 2022
AMAZING!

What a unusual story. It was so different from anything I've read before. It was quirky and funny. I wish it was a series. Everything that I've read from this author has been wonderful. If you want to be entertained and would love a completely different story line, don't wait, get this book now.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,573 reviews95 followers
August 25, 2020
This contemporary sci-fi PG puzzle, set on Dartmoor, features a horror author with writer's block and takes about a day to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,499 reviews97 followers
August 26, 2020
This is an interesting cozy mystery. I really liked it! It is exciting, a bit spooky, and a whole lot of fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Willow Webster.
530 reviews26 followers
August 27, 2020
It was different & I liked it. I love Sci Fi & Mysteries & it was a good combination of both. I started reading it & it kept me reading until I finished it,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews36 followers
August 29, 2020
The Creature from the Grim Mire is a wonderful adventure with aliens in the attic. I loved this book and found that it drew me to the moors along with Flick and the children. This a very entertaining read with mystery, aliens, and humour.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
1,147 reviews14 followers
August 31, 2020
What a wild tale! The characters are out there. Odd as they come. I really liked Felicity. Reading this book was a crazy time. It was fun but suspenseful. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews