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A Peril in Ectoplasm: Just Once More
In 1920s Florida, Spiritualism enjoys renewed interest. Daphne Moultrie, the most powerful medium of her time, receives a warning from the other side, “Find her, and keep her with you. Or you will die.” All Daphne knows about this girl is what her crystal ball showed her — a four-leaf clover, and each leaf had a human eye.
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Meanwhile, Daphne’s fiancé has designs of his own. He pressures her to continue séances for a strange and very demanding woman. With each of those séances, Daphne becomes weaker and closer to death.
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This novella captures the Roaring Twenties, as only acclaimed author, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene can. Settings, descriptions, and language all come to vibrant life. The ensemble cast has a number of characters, including one you will love to hate. It’s a genre mash-up, part mystery, part suspense, with a dash of light horror.
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Meanwhile, Daphne’s fiancé has designs of his own. He pressures her to continue séances for a strange and very demanding woman. With each of those séances, Daphne becomes weaker and closer to death.
.
This novella captures the Roaring Twenties, as only acclaimed author, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene can. Settings, descriptions, and language all come to vibrant life. The ensemble cast has a number of characters, including one you will love to hate. It’s a genre mash-up, part mystery, part suspense, with a dash of light horror.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2022
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
58 books73 followersTeagan Ríordáin Geneviene is certain that “the pen is in your hand.” After a life shaped by the tragedy of losing a sibling to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, along with the abuse she herself survived, Teagan took that metaphorical pen into her hand. She wrote her way to a new chapter of life with a successful career authoring and editing technical documentation. With another “revision” that pen took her to the next chapter, working alongside highly placed Federal executives to compose their communications.
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However, Teagan wasn’t finished. The pen was still in her hand. In her latest chapter she is an acclaimed multi-genre author, living in a high desert town in the Southwest of the USA. Rescue cats, the “Scoobies” — Velma and Daphne, offer unsolicited advice on all stories, as well as the book covers Teagan designs.
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This author’s stories range from paranormal to high fantasy and urban fantasy, to various steampunk (and other types of punk), to mysteries with historic settings. In addition to fiction, she has created the “Author Tool Chest” series of non-fiction works as resources for writers and anyone who loves language. In free time she enjoys conversations with friends, singing karaoke, and playing her piano.
Her talents also include book covers and promotional images. She makes all of her own.
Social Media
You can also visit me at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordai...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teagangeneviene
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeagansBooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teagangenev...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagangen...
.
However, Teagan wasn’t finished. The pen was still in her hand. In her latest chapter she is an acclaimed multi-genre author, living in a high desert town in the Southwest of the USA. Rescue cats, the “Scoobies” — Velma and Daphne, offer unsolicited advice on all stories, as well as the book covers Teagan designs.
.
This author’s stories range from paranormal to high fantasy and urban fantasy, to various steampunk (and other types of punk), to mysteries with historic settings. In addition to fiction, she has created the “Author Tool Chest” series of non-fiction works as resources for writers and anyone who loves language. In free time she enjoys conversations with friends, singing karaoke, and playing her piano.
Her talents also include book covers and promotional images. She makes all of her own.
Social Media
You can also visit me at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordai...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teagangeneviene
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeagansBooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teagangenev...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagangen...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 3, 2022
I have long admired Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene’s stories, and although, in general, I prefer longer fiction, in her case I am happy to read her short(er) fiction as well, in any genre, as she always manages to create complex characters, places them in compelling settings, and the action usually takes place in a more-or-less distant historical period that she brings to life in a vivid manner making use of all five senses, from a smell, to an image, a sound, a song, a texture, the fashion, the dishes, the inventions, the latest models of cars, the expressions and language, and the news, beliefs, and fads of the era. Her research is woven into the story without calling attention to it, and we get to learn about places and their history without realising it.
This story came out in time for Halloween, and it is the perfect read for it, but having read it a bit later, I think it is suitable for any time readers fancy something a bit unusual and chilling.
We have a set of strong female characters (even though some might not realise they are strong), with Daphne, a medium, as the main protagonist. Her fiancé, Crespo, a Cuban aristocrat, has been trying to take charge of her career and his insistence on her seeing a particular client is having a terrible effect on the young woman. She gets a warning from beyond this world, but one that it is not straightforward to interpret, even for her. Thankfully, her long-time housekeeper and mother figure, Maisy, Maisy’s nephew, and his journalist friend help her make sense of the clues and head the warning, which proves very apt.
Because Daphne is at risk from a particular client, a Mrs Smith, who, as the title hints, wants to see somebody she has lost ‘just once more’, no matter how high the price might be for everybody else involved. She is bad but also desperate, and although she is neither ambiguous nor likeable, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people would have tried the same if they thought they could.
Crespo is slimy and manipulative, but he is not totally bad, as he is genuinely worried for Daphne in the end and seems to love her, in his own way. Even if that is not much, he is an interesting and complex character, although if I had to choose a male character, I’d go for one that only makes a few fleeting appearances in the story, and I won’t say any more.
Daphne comes into her own and has tremendous potential as a character, and I loved Maisy and the new secretary, but I will not go into any more details to avoid spoiling the story for readers.
There are some dark and truly scary moments, and, as you can imagine from the title and the description, plenty of paranormal elements, but there is no gore, and there is more menace than true violence, although all the more effective for that.
Apart from the characters and the eerie story, I particularly enjoyed the setting, which I was not familiar with, and the many true details about the historical period. I felt as if I had walked into Coral Gables, Florida, in the 1920s. Those who love research and having access to extra information will be pleased to know that the author adds some historical notes at the end, explaining some aspects of the story, especially those to do with spiritualism, and also referring to some of the vehicles and inventions mentioned.
Another winner for the author, and because of its length, one particularly suited to people with little time who prefer to read a story from beginning to end in one sitting or close enough. Highly recommended for fans of the author and those who love short and spooky historical fiction stories.
This story came out in time for Halloween, and it is the perfect read for it, but having read it a bit later, I think it is suitable for any time readers fancy something a bit unusual and chilling.
We have a set of strong female characters (even though some might not realise they are strong), with Daphne, a medium, as the main protagonist. Her fiancé, Crespo, a Cuban aristocrat, has been trying to take charge of her career and his insistence on her seeing a particular client is having a terrible effect on the young woman. She gets a warning from beyond this world, but one that it is not straightforward to interpret, even for her. Thankfully, her long-time housekeeper and mother figure, Maisy, Maisy’s nephew, and his journalist friend help her make sense of the clues and head the warning, which proves very apt.
Because Daphne is at risk from a particular client, a Mrs Smith, who, as the title hints, wants to see somebody she has lost ‘just once more’, no matter how high the price might be for everybody else involved. She is bad but also desperate, and although she is neither ambiguous nor likeable, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people would have tried the same if they thought they could.
Crespo is slimy and manipulative, but he is not totally bad, as he is genuinely worried for Daphne in the end and seems to love her, in his own way. Even if that is not much, he is an interesting and complex character, although if I had to choose a male character, I’d go for one that only makes a few fleeting appearances in the story, and I won’t say any more.
Daphne comes into her own and has tremendous potential as a character, and I loved Maisy and the new secretary, but I will not go into any more details to avoid spoiling the story for readers.
There are some dark and truly scary moments, and, as you can imagine from the title and the description, plenty of paranormal elements, but there is no gore, and there is more menace than true violence, although all the more effective for that.
Apart from the characters and the eerie story, I particularly enjoyed the setting, which I was not familiar with, and the many true details about the historical period. I felt as if I had walked into Coral Gables, Florida, in the 1920s. Those who love research and having access to extra information will be pleased to know that the author adds some historical notes at the end, explaining some aspects of the story, especially those to do with spiritualism, and also referring to some of the vehicles and inventions mentioned.
Another winner for the author, and because of its length, one particularly suited to people with little time who prefer to read a story from beginning to end in one sitting or close enough. Highly recommended for fans of the author and those who love short and spooky historical fiction stories.
October 28, 2022
Teagan Geneviene has created the perfect Halloween tale, full of rich descriptions, interesting characters, and with a fast paced plot involving a frightening demon.
Daphne Moultrie is a gifted medium with a lot of empathy and a kind nature. Daphne was born to wealth and lives in a beautiful mansion with her aging housekeeper, Maisy, who has cared for her since the death of her parents many years before.
Recently engaged to the outwardly charming Crespo Irigoyen, a Cuban Count, Daphne has everything to be joyous about, but she is not thriving. Fatigued and wan, she is finding giving seances overwhelming, especially those for the demanding and selfish Mrs Smith. Daphne senses something evil in this foreboding woman and does not want to see her. Her determined fiancé is, however, determined that the relationship with, and seances for Mrs Smith, should continue.
Maisie is concerned and does not trust Crespo. She doesn't know what to do until the spirit of a dead soldier manifests and gives Daphne a warning.
Is the dead soldier good or evil? Can the outcome he warns of be avoided? Does Crespo really love Daphne or is he a charlatan? Read the book to find out!
A few samples of Ms. Geneviene's vivid writing:
"A gust of wind caused the tall palm trees to sway. The vivid sunrise faded to clear blue and the sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds. Yet there was something to the air that hinted of a storm in the distance."
"Regardless, there were dark circles under Daphne's eyes, and her complexion was ashen. The roses were gone from her cheeks. There was no bounce in her step. That morning the poor thing looked so fragile that Maisy wanted to telephone the doctor."
"Her murky black aura extends to make a huge sphere around her. I've never seen an aura so large or so ... revolting. I can feel an oil texture just looking at it,' Daphne whispered with a shudder, but collected herself quickly."
A fabulous and entertaining Halloween read.
Daphne Moultrie is a gifted medium with a lot of empathy and a kind nature. Daphne was born to wealth and lives in a beautiful mansion with her aging housekeeper, Maisy, who has cared for her since the death of her parents many years before.
Recently engaged to the outwardly charming Crespo Irigoyen, a Cuban Count, Daphne has everything to be joyous about, but she is not thriving. Fatigued and wan, she is finding giving seances overwhelming, especially those for the demanding and selfish Mrs Smith. Daphne senses something evil in this foreboding woman and does not want to see her. Her determined fiancé is, however, determined that the relationship with, and seances for Mrs Smith, should continue.
Maisie is concerned and does not trust Crespo. She doesn't know what to do until the spirit of a dead soldier manifests and gives Daphne a warning.
Is the dead soldier good or evil? Can the outcome he warns of be avoided? Does Crespo really love Daphne or is he a charlatan? Read the book to find out!
A few samples of Ms. Geneviene's vivid writing:
"A gust of wind caused the tall palm trees to sway. The vivid sunrise faded to clear blue and the sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds. Yet there was something to the air that hinted of a storm in the distance."
"Regardless, there were dark circles under Daphne's eyes, and her complexion was ashen. The roses were gone from her cheeks. There was no bounce in her step. That morning the poor thing looked so fragile that Maisy wanted to telephone the doctor."
"Her murky black aura extends to make a huge sphere around her. I've never seen an aura so large or so ... revolting. I can feel an oil texture just looking at it,' Daphne whispered with a shudder, but collected herself quickly."
A fabulous and entertaining Halloween read.
October 19, 2022
“A Peril in Ectoplasm” is a paranormal thriller that centers on a rich spiritualist, Daphne, and is set in the roaring twenties. Daphne is engaged to a Cuban Count whose intentions toward her are very sketchy. He is a character that was created to dislike, and I did! During a séance, Daphne is warned she needs to find someone but is given little clues other than an image with eyes. Her life may depend on locating this person. Being a medium has taken its toll on Daphne, but her fiancé pushes just one more time. The settings immersed me in Florida in the 1920s, while the search for the person with limited information was intriguing. The fight between good and evil made it hard to put the story down. I loved the relationship between Daphne and her protective housekeeper, while I kept hoping Daphne would really see the man in front of her. This was a well-written story that I can easily recommend.
January 29, 2023
As a fan of this author’s paranormal series, Atonement, Tennessee, I was excited to see her venture into that genre again.
I love the Roaring Twenties Florida setting for this story. For some reason, that time period has always appealed to me. Daphne Moultrie is a powerful medium, but the séances take their toll on her and she’s becoming weaker – they’re potentially life-threatening. Despite this danger, her supposedly loving fiancé, Crespo, insists she conduct séances for a demanding and horrible woman so she can speak to her deceased son. I didn’t care for Crespo at all. He’s a fortune hunter who puts money above the welfare of Daphne, but I admit he did show up for her near the end. Still, she should send him packing in my opinion.
My favorite characters are Clover, who has a sweet love story with her deceased fiancé and finds a real home with Daphne, and Maisy, a housekeeper who’s cared for Daphne for years. Both are very protective of Daphne and also don’t care for Crespo.
The vivid writing allowed me to easily picture the beautiful, swaying Florida palm trees and gorgeous sunrises, as well as the thrilling and eerie séance segments. The buildup to the spine-tingling end scene is well worth the wait. This is a quick read I highly recommend to paranormal/supernatural fans.
I love the Roaring Twenties Florida setting for this story. For some reason, that time period has always appealed to me. Daphne Moultrie is a powerful medium, but the séances take their toll on her and she’s becoming weaker – they’re potentially life-threatening. Despite this danger, her supposedly loving fiancé, Crespo, insists she conduct séances for a demanding and horrible woman so she can speak to her deceased son. I didn’t care for Crespo at all. He’s a fortune hunter who puts money above the welfare of Daphne, but I admit he did show up for her near the end. Still, she should send him packing in my opinion.
My favorite characters are Clover, who has a sweet love story with her deceased fiancé and finds a real home with Daphne, and Maisy, a housekeeper who’s cared for Daphne for years. Both are very protective of Daphne and also don’t care for Crespo.
The vivid writing allowed me to easily picture the beautiful, swaying Florida palm trees and gorgeous sunrises, as well as the thrilling and eerie séance segments. The buildup to the spine-tingling end scene is well worth the wait. This is a quick read I highly recommend to paranormal/supernatural fans.
September 5, 2023
I hear there's another book on the way for these characters in time for Halloween 2023 -- and I'm so excited!
A purrrrfect read for Halloween. I loved the beautiful moody cover. It's perfect for the story, which is a combination of moody, picturesque, and all-out scary. Once I got my cat-paws on it, I couldn't put it down.
I haven't read many books that are told the way this one is. There are like four main characters -- but one of them, I wouldn't call a hero at all. Each one is as important as the other. That actually made it feel a lot like a TV series. Everything is so easy to imagine. A cat-tastic genre mashup.
A purrrrfect read for Halloween. I loved the beautiful moody cover. It's perfect for the story, which is a combination of moody, picturesque, and all-out scary. Once I got my cat-paws on it, I couldn't put it down.
I haven't read many books that are told the way this one is. There are like four main characters -- but one of them, I wouldn't call a hero at all. Each one is as important as the other. That actually made it feel a lot like a TV series. Everything is so easy to imagine. A cat-tastic genre mashup.
January 24, 2025
The roaring 1920s is the perfect setting for this entertaining story. I loved how the author put the reader into the story with the characters.
Daphne Moultrie is a talented medium. She holds seances to communicate with the deceased. She lives in a Victorian mansion in Coral Gables, Florida. The way the author describes it, I could see every detail.
Daphne is engaged to a supposed Cuban Count. But at the story unfolds, the reader begins to see that the count, while he does appear to genuinely care for Daphne, seems to care more about what marriage to her could do for him.
The other characters in the story, Maisy, the faithful and loyal housekeeper, her son, Albert, a journalist, Phineas and a young woman just finishing up secretarial school, Clover. We find that Clover comes from an abusive family situation and wants nothing more than to make her own way in the world. So, when Daphne offers her a job as her personal assistant, it seems Clover's dreams can come true. Then there is the horrible woman, Mrs. Smith, who will do anything to have contact with her deceased child, even if it means taking lives. There are so many different nuances to this story. From the automobiles, a pink trolley car, the time period, the dress styles and the characters, I was engrossed in the story from the first page to the last. If you have a penchant for a historical adventure into the world of Spiritualism and Mediumship, you are going to love this story!
Daphne Moultrie is a talented medium. She holds seances to communicate with the deceased. She lives in a Victorian mansion in Coral Gables, Florida. The way the author describes it, I could see every detail.
Daphne is engaged to a supposed Cuban Count. But at the story unfolds, the reader begins to see that the count, while he does appear to genuinely care for Daphne, seems to care more about what marriage to her could do for him.
The other characters in the story, Maisy, the faithful and loyal housekeeper, her son, Albert, a journalist, Phineas and a young woman just finishing up secretarial school, Clover. We find that Clover comes from an abusive family situation and wants nothing more than to make her own way in the world. So, when Daphne offers her a job as her personal assistant, it seems Clover's dreams can come true. Then there is the horrible woman, Mrs. Smith, who will do anything to have contact with her deceased child, even if it means taking lives. There are so many different nuances to this story. From the automobiles, a pink trolley car, the time period, the dress styles and the characters, I was engrossed in the story from the first page to the last. If you have a penchant for a historical adventure into the world of Spiritualism and Mediumship, you are going to love this story!
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February 22, 2023This was a super read. Daphne is a medium, engaged to a Spanish count, cared for by her loyal housekeeper Maisy, and plagued by the demanding Mrs. Smith, a grieving mother who insists that Daphne contact Smith’s deceased child. Under pressure from her fiancé, Daphne proceeds with multiple seances even though something isn’t right and each contact drains her health. A young woman joins the household with a connection that just might hold off the forces of darkness and save her employer’s life.
The pace is snappy, and I read this book in two sittings. Geneviene writes vibrant characters and these are no exception, their personalities distinct and engaging. Maisy was my favorite, an eavesdropper who, despite her station, is a powerful ally to Daphne. Even Count Crespo, who isn’t particularly likable, is nuanced.
Descriptions are rich with a strong sense of place, in this case, a mansion in Coral Gables, Florida. This writer is also talented in applying details and dialog that point to a particular era, and I found the read highly visual. I have no qualms about recommending this book to readers who enjoy paranormal/occult stories with fun characters and a fast-paced plot.
The pace is snappy, and I read this book in two sittings. Geneviene writes vibrant characters and these are no exception, their personalities distinct and engaging. Maisy was my favorite, an eavesdropper who, despite her station, is a powerful ally to Daphne. Even Count Crespo, who isn’t particularly likable, is nuanced.
Descriptions are rich with a strong sense of place, in this case, a mansion in Coral Gables, Florida. This writer is also talented in applying details and dialog that point to a particular era, and I found the read highly visual. I have no qualms about recommending this book to readers who enjoy paranormal/occult stories with fun characters and a fast-paced plot.
October 27, 2023
Welcome to the extravagant 1920s where we meet Daphne Moultrie, a spiritualist engaged to a Cuban Count named Crespo Irigoyen. He’s a creepy guy, and I got a real sense that he was only out for a buck. You immediately know something isn’t right about him. He keeps pushing Daphne to hold seances with a woman called Mrs. Smith.
Daphne is a gifted medium. She comes from a wealthy family and lives in a mansion run by her elderly housekeeper, Maisy. The woman has taken care of Daphne since the death of her parents. They have a great relationship, and Maisy is very protective of Daphne. In fact, Maisy suspects the Count is up to no good. She just could be right!
Daphne is exhausted from all of the spiritual communications. A dead soldier appears and issues a stark warning! During a seance, the medium is advised to find a certain person, as her life depends on it!
What a great Halloween read! I enjoyed the characters and the author excels at putting the reader in the middle of the action by her use of terminology and even 1920s slang!
Daphne is a gifted medium. She comes from a wealthy family and lives in a mansion run by her elderly housekeeper, Maisy. The woman has taken care of Daphne since the death of her parents. They have a great relationship, and Maisy is very protective of Daphne. In fact, Maisy suspects the Count is up to no good. She just could be right!
Daphne is exhausted from all of the spiritual communications. A dead soldier appears and issues a stark warning! During a seance, the medium is advised to find a certain person, as her life depends on it!
What a great Halloween read! I enjoyed the characters and the author excels at putting the reader in the middle of the action by her use of terminology and even 1920s slang!
August 24, 2023
This little gem is a paranormal tale of a gifted medium, her arrogant and self-serving fiancé and a warning from beyond the grave of great danger.
The writing is wonderful and atmospheric. As the situation grows darker, a storm both real and metaphorical develops that hangs over the story, threatening a malevolence beyond words.
Part of the delight is the vivid and authentic detail of society in the 1920s. My Kindle only copes with monochrome images and so I looked at the colourful pictures on my iPad afterwards and I recommend that you appreciate them too to add to the overall sense of time and place. Another great addition is the use of colloquialisms of the time dropped naturally into the conversations but picked out in italics.
This is a tale of love and hatred, good and evil, generosity and avarice.
The atmosphere builds steadily and hauntingly to the powerful and dramatic conclusion.
The writing is wonderful and atmospheric. As the situation grows darker, a storm both real and metaphorical develops that hangs over the story, threatening a malevolence beyond words.
Part of the delight is the vivid and authentic detail of society in the 1920s. My Kindle only copes with monochrome images and so I looked at the colourful pictures on my iPad afterwards and I recommend that you appreciate them too to add to the overall sense of time and place. Another great addition is the use of colloquialisms of the time dropped naturally into the conversations but picked out in italics.
This is a tale of love and hatred, good and evil, generosity and avarice.
The atmosphere builds steadily and hauntingly to the powerful and dramatic conclusion.
October 15, 2022
Just in time for Halloween
Seances. A psychic medium. A warning from a ghost. A manipulative fiance. A woman who can't go home. An older woman who might lose her job and home. A freakishly strong woman with a soul tie to an evil entity. All these people come together in 1920s Coral Gables, Florida.
Seances. A psychic medium. A warning from a ghost. A manipulative fiance. A woman who can't go home. An older woman who might lose her job and home. A freakishly strong woman with a soul tie to an evil entity. All these people come together in 1920s Coral Gables, Florida.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews