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The Haunting Scent of Poppies
A spine-chilling winter ghost story set in the months after the Great War. Perfect for lovers of MR James and Susan Hill
The War is over, but for petty criminal Charlie his darkest days are only just beginning.
Charlie Briggs is never off-duty, even when a botched job means he's forced to lay low in a sleepy Hampshire town for the holiday season. Always searching for his next unwitting victim, or a shiny trinket he can pilfer, he can't believe his luck when he happens upon a rare book so valuable it will set him up for life. All he needs to do is sit tight until Boxing Day. But there's a desperate story that bleeds beyond the pages; something far more dangerous than London's mobsters is lurking in the shadows.
Could the book be cursed? Why is he haunted by the horrors of war? Can he put things right before he's suffocated by his own greed?
The War is over, but for petty criminal Charlie his darkest days are only just beginning.
Charlie Briggs is never off-duty, even when a botched job means he's forced to lay low in a sleepy Hampshire town for the holiday season. Always searching for his next unwitting victim, or a shiny trinket he can pilfer, he can't believe his luck when he happens upon a rare book so valuable it will set him up for life. All he needs to do is sit tight until Boxing Day. But there's a desperate story that bleeds beyond the pages; something far more dangerous than London's mobsters is lurking in the shadows.
Could the book be cursed? Why is he haunted by the horrors of war? Can he put things right before he's suffocated by his own greed?
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2022
6 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Williamson
27 books78 followersA lifelong storyteller and daydreamer, Victoria Williamson is an author and teacher who has lived and worked in Africa, China, America and the UK.
Victoria grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills on the edge of a forest estate where many of her early ghost stories and fantasy tales were born amid the magical trees and spooky old ruined buildings.
After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real life adventures, which included teaching Maths and Science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with special needs in the UK.
A qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Mandarin Chinese from Yunnan University and a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, Victoria is passionate about creating inclusive worlds in her novels where all children can see a reflection of themselves in a heroic role.
Victoria’s experiences of teaching young children in a deprived area of Glasgow, many of whom were asylum seekers, inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of friendship between Glasgow girl Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.
Victoria writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction and contemporary issue novels for Middle Grade (9-12), Teen, and Young Adult readers. Many of her books have been inspired by children she has met on her travels, both abroad and in the UK. She is currently working on a Middle Grade novel exploring the issues faced by a boy with ADHD who is struggling to fit in with his new step-family, and a spooky adventure novel for Teens, centred around a cast of characters with special needs including deafness, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.
You can find out more about Victoria's books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com
Victoria grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills on the edge of a forest estate where many of her early ghost stories and fantasy tales were born amid the magical trees and spooky old ruined buildings.
After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real life adventures, which included teaching Maths and Science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with special needs in the UK.
A qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Mandarin Chinese from Yunnan University and a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, Victoria is passionate about creating inclusive worlds in her novels where all children can see a reflection of themselves in a heroic role.
Victoria’s experiences of teaching young children in a deprived area of Glasgow, many of whom were asylum seekers, inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of friendship between Glasgow girl Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.
Victoria writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction and contemporary issue novels for Middle Grade (9-12), Teen, and Young Adult readers. Many of her books have been inspired by children she has met on her travels, both abroad and in the UK. She is currently working on a Middle Grade novel exploring the issues faced by a boy with ADHD who is struggling to fit in with his new step-family, and a spooky adventure novel for Teens, centred around a cast of characters with special needs including deafness, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.
You can find out more about Victoria's books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 4, 2024
The Haunting Scent of Poppies is an enjoyable traditional ghost story, reminiscent of M.R. James. It takes place in Interwar England, where prolific thief (and conscription dodger) Charlie Briggs is hiding out from the law in a small town in Hampshire. When he can't resist swiping a valuable book from a local bookshop owner, he inadvertently brings the horrors of World War I straight to his own metaphorical doorstep.
Seasoned horror readers likely won't find this story particularly scary, at least not in the traditional sense. It has some spooky moments, sure, but the real horror here is found in gruesome flashbacks to the trenches of the Great War. They're truly the stuff of nightmares, both literally and figuratively as it turns out, and I learned far more about mustard gas's effects on the human body than I probably would have preferred.
It perhaps goes without saying that Charlie isn't the most sympathetic character. He cares only for himself and has no consideration for other people and their belongings, something directly leads to the events of this story. While I wouldn't necessarily wish his ghostly haunting on anyone (okay, fine, almost anyone), it's also a little hard to feel bad for him. The phrase “couldn't have happened to a nicer person” comes to mind.
If you like traditional ghost stories, definitely consider giving this spooky tale a read. It's atmospheric and gothic-y and entertaining, and it's certainly worth the short amount of time that it'll take to read it.
My overall rating: 3.95 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for providing me with a copy of this book to review. It's on sale now.
Seasoned horror readers likely won't find this story particularly scary, at least not in the traditional sense. It has some spooky moments, sure, but the real horror here is found in gruesome flashbacks to the trenches of the Great War. They're truly the stuff of nightmares, both literally and figuratively as it turns out, and I learned far more about mustard gas's effects on the human body than I probably would have preferred.
It perhaps goes without saying that Charlie isn't the most sympathetic character. He cares only for himself and has no consideration for other people and their belongings, something directly leads to the events of this story. While I wouldn't necessarily wish his ghostly haunting on anyone (okay, fine, almost anyone), it's also a little hard to feel bad for him. The phrase “couldn't have happened to a nicer person” comes to mind.
If you like traditional ghost stories, definitely consider giving this spooky tale a read. It's atmospheric and gothic-y and entertaining, and it's certainly worth the short amount of time that it'll take to read it.
My overall rating: 3.95 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for providing me with a copy of this book to review. It's on sale now.
December 9, 2023
In a Nutshell: A paranormal historical novella dealing with two kinds of horrors: the horror of war and the ghostly one. Both are equally haunting. A quick and fairly satisfying read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
At just a hundred pages long, this novella is a quick read that can be easily completed in a single sitting. But don’t assume that it is an easy read, as well. There are many gut-wrenching scenes in the descriptions of the war scenes. It is painful to remember that such events actually occurred, and men did suffer because of such weapons. The paranormal elements are also eerie, but at some corner of our minds, we always think of paranormal content as fiction. Therefore, to me, the war-related horrors were more traumatising. It was quite ironic that the book Charlie was trying to fence was Sun Tzu’s famous ‘The Art of War’.
The titular poppy is the perfect floral choice for this book. Not only do poppies symbolise remembrance and respect for veterans of WWI and later wars, but the flowers also stand for imagination, sleep, and blood in various interpretations, all of which are applicable to this plot. The haunting scent of the flowers is quite visceral in the storyline.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the book. Though things get a tad bit repetitive in between because of the similarity of Charlie’s nightmares, the writing is still gripping enough to keep the reader going. Some scenes are so vivid that I felt almost claustrophobic while reading them.
The writing creates a nice interplay between actuality and imagination. Even until the end, it is tough to figure out how many of Charlie’s experiences were a result of his distraught mind and how many were genuinely caused by the ghost. This adds a nice layer of complexity to the already intriguing plot. The story being set at Christmas time adds to the impact as everything in Charlie’s life is exactly the opposite of what Christmas stands for.
Charlie is an unusual main character in that he is a person you would love to hate. It is tough to feel sorry for him when the rare book turns his life upside down. This is one of the stories where you would be supporting the ghostly entity rather than its (his?) victim.
That said, I wish there was some more detailing to Charlie and his experiences. One basic fact that is skipped out is Charlie’s age. Age isn’t always material to understanding characters, but it sure helps. In this case, knowing how old Charlie was would have guided me much in evaluating his life choices and his behaviour. Moreover, I never figured out why Charlie was the “chosen one” for the ghost. There were others who owned the book before and they didn’t seem to suffer the same way. The repeated “Remember me” also didn’t clarify matters. Keeping in mind the personality of the human who haunts Charlie in the ghostly avatar, the post-death behaviour didn’t make sense.
The ending is a winner in every way except one. There’s no closure, no explanation of the whats and whys. Things just happen and then they end. That was a big disappointment to me as I like to know the justifications behind a supernatural entity’s actions so that I can sleep better at night. 😛
All in all, if you are looking for a dark Christmas story with no frivolity and much eeriness, this would be a good choice for you, as long as you aren’t bothered much by the lack of ghostly closure.
I have read two books by this author, both meant for middle-graders. However, this book is definitely not for children. Officially, it is aimed at adult readers, and I am glad about this, because it means that this talented author will now find an expanded readership.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to TheWriteReads and author Victoria Williamson for a complimentary copy of 'The Haunting Scent of Poppies’. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Story Synopsis:
Just a few months after the Great War has ended, petty criminal Charlie Briggs is forced to lay low in a small Hampshire town during the holiday season. But he hasn’t stopped looking for the next victim to be cheated or the next object to be purloined.
When he discovers a precious antique book, he steals it and waits for his fence to set up a life-altering transaction that will bring him enough moolah. The book, however, has other plans.
The story comes to us through the limited third-person perspective of Charlie.
At just a hundred pages long, this novella is a quick read that can be easily completed in a single sitting. But don’t assume that it is an easy read, as well. There are many gut-wrenching scenes in the descriptions of the war scenes. It is painful to remember that such events actually occurred, and men did suffer because of such weapons. The paranormal elements are also eerie, but at some corner of our minds, we always think of paranormal content as fiction. Therefore, to me, the war-related horrors were more traumatising. It was quite ironic that the book Charlie was trying to fence was Sun Tzu’s famous ‘The Art of War’.
The titular poppy is the perfect floral choice for this book. Not only do poppies symbolise remembrance and respect for veterans of WWI and later wars, but the flowers also stand for imagination, sleep, and blood in various interpretations, all of which are applicable to this plot. The haunting scent of the flowers is quite visceral in the storyline.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the book. Though things get a tad bit repetitive in between because of the similarity of Charlie’s nightmares, the writing is still gripping enough to keep the reader going. Some scenes are so vivid that I felt almost claustrophobic while reading them.
The writing creates a nice interplay between actuality and imagination. Even until the end, it is tough to figure out how many of Charlie’s experiences were a result of his distraught mind and how many were genuinely caused by the ghost. This adds a nice layer of complexity to the already intriguing plot. The story being set at Christmas time adds to the impact as everything in Charlie’s life is exactly the opposite of what Christmas stands for.
Charlie is an unusual main character in that he is a person you would love to hate. It is tough to feel sorry for him when the rare book turns his life upside down. This is one of the stories where you would be supporting the ghostly entity rather than its (his?) victim.
That said, I wish there was some more detailing to Charlie and his experiences. One basic fact that is skipped out is Charlie’s age. Age isn’t always material to understanding characters, but it sure helps. In this case, knowing how old Charlie was would have guided me much in evaluating his life choices and his behaviour. Moreover, I never figured out why Charlie was the “chosen one” for the ghost. There were others who owned the book before and they didn’t seem to suffer the same way. The repeated “Remember me” also didn’t clarify matters. Keeping in mind the personality of the human who haunts Charlie in the ghostly avatar, the post-death behaviour didn’t make sense.
The ending is a winner in every way except one. There’s no closure, no explanation of the whats and whys. Things just happen and then they end. That was a big disappointment to me as I like to know the justifications behind a supernatural entity’s actions so that I can sleep better at night. 😛
All in all, if you are looking for a dark Christmas story with no frivolity and much eeriness, this would be a good choice for you, as long as you aren’t bothered much by the lack of ghostly closure.
I have read two books by this author, both meant for middle-graders. However, this book is definitely not for children. Officially, it is aimed at adult readers, and I am glad about this, because it means that this talented author will now find an expanded readership.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to TheWriteReads and author Victoria Williamson for a complimentary copy of 'The Haunting Scent of Poppies’. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
May 2, 2025
Remember Me!
THE HAUNTING SCENT OF POPPIES:
A Ghost Story
by Victoria Williamson
5 stars. Charlie Briggs, stuck in a small town outside of London at Christmas time, was wanted by the police...
He was always looking for a way to get unearned cash...
Charlie needed to lay low for a while, so he resigned himself to petty crime until things cooled down...
When he suddenly thought...
Books!
Books were safe enough. The police never seriously looked into stolen books...
Except for the rare ones...
Charlie scoped out the bookshop on the square. It was the perfect target. He could steal a rare book and unload it in the back rooms on Charing Cross...
His eyes went to a priceless copy of The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a 1772 French first edition, sitting on the counter...
When no one was looking...
Charlie put the book under his coat and fled the bookshop...
Charlie had never seen a day of military service himself. In fact, he had dodged the draft, stealing his way across London while the war raged on...
While inspecting the book to ensure it was in pristine condition, he saw an inscription...
To my darling son Arthur, on his 18th birthday
The boy, Arthur, had entered the service on his birthday, serving in the Great War, where he eventually died pleading...
Remember me!
But...
This sentimentality was lost on Charlie, who was already mentally counting up the loot he'd get from fencing the stolen book...
He hadn't yet noticed...
A shadowy figure with glowing red eyes was following him through the fog shrouded streets of London...
This was an excellent and atmospheric ghost story worthy of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. The anti-hero of the story was a real scoundrel who considered murdering for that book.
If you liked this story, you might also like SHILOH by Philip Fracassi.
Recommended!
THE HAUNTING SCENT OF POPPIES:
A Ghost Story
by Victoria Williamson
5 stars. Charlie Briggs, stuck in a small town outside of London at Christmas time, was wanted by the police...
He was always looking for a way to get unearned cash...
Charlie needed to lay low for a while, so he resigned himself to petty crime until things cooled down...
When he suddenly thought...
Books!
Books were safe enough. The police never seriously looked into stolen books...
Except for the rare ones...
Charlie scoped out the bookshop on the square. It was the perfect target. He could steal a rare book and unload it in the back rooms on Charing Cross...
His eyes went to a priceless copy of The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a 1772 French first edition, sitting on the counter...
When no one was looking...
Charlie put the book under his coat and fled the bookshop...
Charlie had never seen a day of military service himself. In fact, he had dodged the draft, stealing his way across London while the war raged on...
While inspecting the book to ensure it was in pristine condition, he saw an inscription...
To my darling son Arthur, on his 18th birthday
The boy, Arthur, had entered the service on his birthday, serving in the Great War, where he eventually died pleading...
Remember me!
But...
This sentimentality was lost on Charlie, who was already mentally counting up the loot he'd get from fencing the stolen book...
He hadn't yet noticed...
A shadowy figure with glowing red eyes was following him through the fog shrouded streets of London...
This was an excellent and atmospheric ghost story worthy of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. The anti-hero of the story was a real scoundrel who considered murdering for that book.
If you liked this story, you might also like SHILOH by Philip Fracassi.
Recommended!
December 15, 2023
The Haunting Scent of Poppies is a chilling little ghost story that feels authentically early 20th century and is reminiscent of the works of M.R. James.
A year after the end of the Great War, unapologetic burglar and swindler Charlie Briggs is hiding out just before the Christmas holidays in the small town of Petersfield, Hampshire, waiting for the dust of his recent crimes to settle in London. But a true professional is never on vacation, so Charlie can't resist the opportunity of a lifetime when he spots a rare French translation of Sun Tzu's The Art of War in the hands of the proprietor of the local bookshop.
Charlie is soon haunted by nightmarish visions of the horrors of a war he had evaded conscription into through a phony medical exemption, and which previously saw as nothing but a boon to his own criminal activity as he preyed on vulnerable war veterans. But he is also haunted by something much more tangible; something shambling and tattered dogging his every step through Petersfield.
A year after the end of the Great War, unapologetic burglar and swindler Charlie Briggs is hiding out just before the Christmas holidays in the small town of Petersfield, Hampshire, waiting for the dust of his recent crimes to settle in London. But a true professional is never on vacation, so Charlie can't resist the opportunity of a lifetime when he spots a rare French translation of Sun Tzu's The Art of War in the hands of the proprietor of the local bookshop.
Charlie is soon haunted by nightmarish visions of the horrors of a war he had evaded conscription into through a phony medical exemption, and which previously saw as nothing but a boon to his own criminal activity as he preyed on vulnerable war veterans. But he is also haunted by something much more tangible; something shambling and tattered dogging his every step through Petersfield.
April 20, 2025
A genuinely fantastic and atmospheric short horror story, perfect for fans of M.R. James, such as myself!
As a veteran, I particularly appreciated the symbolism of Poppies, which was beautifully woven into this creepy tale.
As a veteran, I particularly appreciated the symbolism of Poppies, which was beautifully woven into this creepy tale.
March 22, 2025
Victoria Williamson has done it again! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 is an eerie, atmospheric ghost story that delivers a powerful punch of revenge despite its short length. As someone who absolutely loves ghost stories, this one had me hooked from page one and didn’t let go.
Charlie Briggs is the kind of main character you know is heading straight for disaster, a career thief always looking for his next easy steal. When he stumbles upon a rare book in a quiet little town, he thinks he’s struck gold. But some things aren’t meant to be taken, and soon he’s haunted by something far worse than the criminals he’s used to running from. The lingering scent of mustard gas and poppies adds a chilling touch, a reminder that the horrors of war never truly fade.
The use of poppies in this story is particularly fitting. Traditionally, poppies symbolize remembrance, loss, and the lingering scars of war. Their presence in the story isn’t just a haunting detail, it’s a ghostly reminder that the past cannot be ignored, and those who suffered will not be forgotten. The way Williamson weaves this theme throughout the novella adds even more weight to the supernatural revenge unfolding within its pages.
I’ve loved Williamson’s writing ever since 𝙍𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙪𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝’𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙, which I devoured, and 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 was just as incredible. Her descriptive style is so vivid, pulling me right into the story and making every eerie moment feel real.
For a novella, this story is packed with tension, retribution, and an ending that delivers the perfect dose of karma. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more from Victoria Williamson!
(𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴!)
Charlie Briggs is the kind of main character you know is heading straight for disaster, a career thief always looking for his next easy steal. When he stumbles upon a rare book in a quiet little town, he thinks he’s struck gold. But some things aren’t meant to be taken, and soon he’s haunted by something far worse than the criminals he’s used to running from. The lingering scent of mustard gas and poppies adds a chilling touch, a reminder that the horrors of war never truly fade.
The use of poppies in this story is particularly fitting. Traditionally, poppies symbolize remembrance, loss, and the lingering scars of war. Their presence in the story isn’t just a haunting detail, it’s a ghostly reminder that the past cannot be ignored, and those who suffered will not be forgotten. The way Williamson weaves this theme throughout the novella adds even more weight to the supernatural revenge unfolding within its pages.
I’ve loved Williamson’s writing ever since 𝙍𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙪𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝’𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙, which I devoured, and 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 was just as incredible. Her descriptive style is so vivid, pulling me right into the story and making every eerie moment feel real.
For a novella, this story is packed with tension, retribution, and an ending that delivers the perfect dose of karma. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more from Victoria Williamson!
(𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴!)
December 23, 2024
"Remember me! Remember!"
This captivating novella had my undivided attention from the very first page. Let me just say, the MMC gets the karma he so dearly deserves.
Charlie Briggs, is a notorious thief, often relocating from town to town to elude law enforcement. In his last venture, he discovers a bookstore, with a rare French edition of The Art of War, worth more than enough to fill his wallet. After swiping the book, things take a grave turn for Charlie. He finds himself haunted by an unwanted presence and the horrors of war. The scent of mustard gas and poppies will follow him forever....
This novella was everything I crave in a ghost story! From the chilling supernatural to the historical fiction backstory. I cannot wait to explore more work by this author!
Thank you NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This captivating novella had my undivided attention from the very first page. Let me just say, the MMC gets the karma he so dearly deserves.
Charlie Briggs, is a notorious thief, often relocating from town to town to elude law enforcement. In his last venture, he discovers a bookstore, with a rare French edition of The Art of War, worth more than enough to fill his wallet. After swiping the book, things take a grave turn for Charlie. He finds himself haunted by an unwanted presence and the horrors of war. The scent of mustard gas and poppies will follow him forever....
This novella was everything I crave in a ghost story! From the chilling supernatural to the historical fiction backstory. I cannot wait to explore more work by this author!
Thank you NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2023
"No matter how fast he ran, he'd never be able to escape the stench of mustard and the haunting scent of poppies."
Set a few months after The Great War, this novella focuses on Charlie Briggs, a conniving thief who's used to pilfering valuable objects to get by. He decides to get his hands on a rare, valuable book from a bookshop that could potentially set him up for life. But upon obtaining the book, he discovers something strange that affects him unlike his previous thieving shenanigans: he starts hallucinating and envisions the horrible scenarios that the previous owner of the book (a soldier) went through.
Charlie Briggs often fabricates his background story depending on the circumstances, but he often mentions having been in the army — despite never having served before. However, he's also very clearly uneasy at the mention or thought of the war, and has a certain complex about it: "He might not have fought in the War, but hadn't he done his time too?" While people often feel the need to glorify wars and participating in them regardless of the tragedies they bring, Charlie's disposition on the opposite spectrum, scoffing at the idea of anything related to the military.
It's almost like he's on some kind of high horse to compensate the fact that he's a criminal. However, he soon sees a few glimpses of what it's actually like to be a soldier in war. Eroding in a state of stupefaction and delirium, the line between reality and imagination starts to blur, but Charlie knows that something much more eerie and supernatural is happening, with a particular phrase being etched into his mind "Remember me!"
A short yet effectively spooky, gothic novella that lingers on your mind even with its length.
Thank you Silver Thistle Press and The Write Reads for the copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Set a few months after The Great War, this novella focuses on Charlie Briggs, a conniving thief who's used to pilfering valuable objects to get by. He decides to get his hands on a rare, valuable book from a bookshop that could potentially set him up for life. But upon obtaining the book, he discovers something strange that affects him unlike his previous thieving shenanigans: he starts hallucinating and envisions the horrible scenarios that the previous owner of the book (a soldier) went through.
Charlie Briggs often fabricates his background story depending on the circumstances, but he often mentions having been in the army — despite never having served before. However, he's also very clearly uneasy at the mention or thought of the war, and has a certain complex about it: "He might not have fought in the War, but hadn't he done his time too?" While people often feel the need to glorify wars and participating in them regardless of the tragedies they bring, Charlie's disposition on the opposite spectrum, scoffing at the idea of anything related to the military.
It's almost like he's on some kind of high horse to compensate the fact that he's a criminal. However, he soon sees a few glimpses of what it's actually like to be a soldier in war. Eroding in a state of stupefaction and delirium, the line between reality and imagination starts to blur, but Charlie knows that something much more eerie and supernatural is happening, with a particular phrase being etched into his mind "Remember me!"
A short yet effectively spooky, gothic novella that lingers on your mind even with its length.
Thank you Silver Thistle Press and The Write Reads for the copy, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2025
This was a captivating ghost story set just after World War I, combining the supernatural with profound historical themes. The tale follows Charlie, a thief and conman, who steals a mysterious book.
What I loved most about this novella was how it connects literal hauntings with metaphorical ones. It’s not just about ghosts—it’s about the lingering scars of war and the toll it takes on those it leaves behind. The exploration of haunted objects felt reminiscent of stories about cursed paintings or artifacts, adding a unique layer of intrigue to the narrative.
After reading, I wanted to read up on the symbolism of the poppie flower. The symbolism of poppies plays a significant role in the story, adding depth and meaning. Poppies are often associated with remembrance, death, and eternal sleep—fitting themes for a tale that grapples with loss, memory, and the lingering impact of war. This symbolism enhances the narrative, making it as much about human resilience and reflection as it is about the supernatural.
What I loved most about this novella was how it connects literal hauntings with metaphorical ones. It’s not just about ghosts—it’s about the lingering scars of war and the toll it takes on those it leaves behind. The exploration of haunted objects felt reminiscent of stories about cursed paintings or artifacts, adding a unique layer of intrigue to the narrative.
After reading, I wanted to read up on the symbolism of the poppie flower. The symbolism of poppies plays a significant role in the story, adding depth and meaning. Poppies are often associated with remembrance, death, and eternal sleep—fitting themes for a tale that grapples with loss, memory, and the lingering impact of war. This symbolism enhances the narrative, making it as much about human resilience and reflection as it is about the supernatural.
December 15, 2023
I finished reading the Gothic novella "The Haunting Scent of Poppies" in one go; it was easy to read, addictive, and made me reflect on the horrors of war and the devastating impact of mustard gas in the trenches. The main protagonist, Charlie, is portrayed as a highly greedy and selfish individual that the reader is intended to despise. The story effectively underscores the repercussions of theft and greed through the use of a haunted book. Can't imagine the horror those soldiers felt during the great war, it's truly distressing and serves as a testament to the soldiers' courage. The scenes were both realistic and heart-wrenching.
Brilliantly executed, the flashbacks in the post-war setting depicted the horrors of war. The smooth transportation between present and past and vice versa unsettled me and kept me on edge. It was difficult to read about what happened.
Despite its brevity, it left a lasting impression.
Many thanks to @strangelymagic @The_WriteReads @WriteReadsTours for a spot on the tour.
Brilliantly executed, the flashbacks in the post-war setting depicted the horrors of war. The smooth transportation between present and past and vice versa unsettled me and kept me on edge. It was difficult to read about what happened.
Despite its brevity, it left a lasting impression.
Many thanks to @strangelymagic @The_WriteReads @WriteReadsTours for a spot on the tour.
December 22, 2024
Charlie Briggs, con man, thief, and occasional murderer when the situation arises, has left London to gain a little respite from those who would harm him, and has arrived in the quiet town of Petersfield. Always on the lookout for something of value he can steal and launder through his underworld contacts, he is drawn to a rare book shop…..”The smell of books came wafting from every corner of the shop. The sweet musk of old volumes lovingly bound in soft leather”....By chance he identifies a first edition of “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu which had belonged to a young man called Arthur Richards, presented to him by his father on his 18th birthday. Arthur was yet another sacrificial lamb in the senseless slaughter of innocents that was WW1. True to his vocation Charlie steals the book, knowing that this is the key to his fortune, and his future, but unfortunately for him this simple act of theft opens his mind to all the horrors, death, and indiscriminate use of mustard gas that was WW1…..”Yet somehow Charlie couldn’t shake the chill that closed around his bones and bit deep. His fear took shape, manifesting as a yellow fog that rolled in from the narrow alleyways and enveloped the gaslights. He’d seen that fog before, and he knew what it meant. He forced his aching feet on faster fighting the urge to look over his shoulder”....
The background of the 1st world war is perfect material to showcase horror.Those who fought everyday, and indeed died, endured and witnessed the most diabolic acts forever imprinted on their minds, never to recover. Charlie Briggs by his selfless act of theft and total lack of respect will soon be drawn into the bloody conflict there to see and experience the short life of Arthur, and live to regret his action, and his greed which will be repaid in full. This is a book that is suitable to both teenagers and adults, as the author brilliantly encompasses an edge of the seat horror story with the terror of young men trapped in mud filled trenches, mown down by machine gun fire, their bodies forever maimed by the barbaric use of chemical warfare. Highly recommended.
The background of the 1st world war is perfect material to showcase horror.Those who fought everyday, and indeed died, endured and witnessed the most diabolic acts forever imprinted on their minds, never to recover. Charlie Briggs by his selfless act of theft and total lack of respect will soon be drawn into the bloody conflict there to see and experience the short life of Arthur, and live to regret his action, and his greed which will be repaid in full. This is a book that is suitable to both teenagers and adults, as the author brilliantly encompasses an edge of the seat horror story with the terror of young men trapped in mud filled trenches, mown down by machine gun fire, their bodies forever maimed by the barbaric use of chemical warfare. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2024
Horror is not my usual genre, but when I see a novel set during the First World War, I can't resist reading it. I'm glad I picked up this story - it's a well-written ghost tale rooted in the classics. I really liked how the terror of the Great War intertwined with the terror derived from speculative elements. The concept was executed very well, and although the plot is somewhat repetitive, it's emotionally engaging enough to draw you in.
I am a bit disappointed with the ending because, in my opinion, it leaves too many questions unanswered—it essentially suggests that the paranormal events just happened. We don't know why, we don't know why these things happened to this particular character, and we don't know where they came from. I understand that classic ghost novels, which aim to frighten, often don't provide clear answers, but here I expected at least some interpretive hint.
That said, I still recommend this quick and engaging read to fans of speculative literature with World War I themes, as well as to fans of classic ghost stories.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am a bit disappointed with the ending because, in my opinion, it leaves too many questions unanswered—it essentially suggests that the paranormal events just happened. We don't know why, we don't know why these things happened to this particular character, and we don't know where they came from. I understand that classic ghost novels, which aim to frighten, often don't provide clear answers, but here I expected at least some interpretive hint.
That said, I still recommend this quick and engaging read to fans of speculative literature with World War I themes, as well as to fans of classic ghost stories.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2025
A Beautiful Novella with Paranormal Elements
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it between my phone and tablet using the Kindle app.
This is a short historical novella that also contains paranormal elements. It is only one hundred pages, and I read it in one sitting.
Set in post-First World War UK, the story follows Charlie Briggs, who is always on the lookout for unique items. His search leads him to a bookstore, where he encounters a rare version of The Art of War by Sun Tzu. However, this book is more than it seems and transports him to the trenches of the already-ended war, forcing him to relive past episodes.
This book perfectly blends paranormal-horror elements with historical aspects of the Great War, such as trench warfare and the post-traumatic effects on those who fought.
I genuinely enjoyed this novella and wholeheartedly recommend it.
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it between my phone and tablet using the Kindle app.
This is a short historical novella that also contains paranormal elements. It is only one hundred pages, and I read it in one sitting.
Set in post-First World War UK, the story follows Charlie Briggs, who is always on the lookout for unique items. His search leads him to a bookstore, where he encounters a rare version of The Art of War by Sun Tzu. However, this book is more than it seems and transports him to the trenches of the already-ended war, forcing him to relive past episodes.
This book perfectly blends paranormal-horror elements with historical aspects of the Great War, such as trench warfare and the post-traumatic effects on those who fought.
I genuinely enjoyed this novella and wholeheartedly recommend it.
February 13, 2025
A well-written novella about the supernatural taking revenge on a bad egg. The author uses the odd judicious detail to bring the streets, bookstores, pubs, and guest houses of a Hampshire town in 1918 to life.
Draft dodger and professional thief Charlie is on the run from the police in London and has arrived on the train wearing a stolen suit. He enters a book shop, steals an expensive copy of the Art of War, and from there his troubles begin.
He has a frightening dream about the recently concluded Great War that he avoided through a fake medical report. On learning that the former owner of the book he stole was a soldier, Charlie’s dreams and visions start to make sense. Because of his greed, he can’t pull himself out of the situation.
Charlie spends much of the book enveloped in yellow fog and running from a man in a gas mask. The scenes were always well written but somewhat repetitive. The roles of the cowardly draft dodger and heroic soldier ring true for attitudes at the time, but a modern take might be different. Sun Tsu’s Art of War was an interesting choice for the stolen book … one which added to the mystery and gothic feel.
This is the second supernatural tale with a historical setting and an irredeemable protagonist I’ve read by Williamson. I would definitely read a third.
Draft dodger and professional thief Charlie is on the run from the police in London and has arrived on the train wearing a stolen suit. He enters a book shop, steals an expensive copy of the Art of War, and from there his troubles begin.
He has a frightening dream about the recently concluded Great War that he avoided through a fake medical report. On learning that the former owner of the book he stole was a soldier, Charlie’s dreams and visions start to make sense. Because of his greed, he can’t pull himself out of the situation.
Charlie spends much of the book enveloped in yellow fog and running from a man in a gas mask. The scenes were always well written but somewhat repetitive. The roles of the cowardly draft dodger and heroic soldier ring true for attitudes at the time, but a modern take might be different. Sun Tsu’s Art of War was an interesting choice for the stolen book … one which added to the mystery and gothic feel.
This is the second supernatural tale with a historical setting and an irredeemable protagonist I’ve read by Williamson. I would definitely read a third.
December 13, 2023
The Haunting Scent of Poppies by Victoria Williamson
Thank you @thewritereads for having me on tour. I loved this book mail with something extra.
The War is over, but for petty criminal Charlie his darkest days are only just beginning.
Charlie Briggs, a ruthless criminal, finds a valuable book in a Hampshire town during the holiday season. He is determined to protect it until Boxing Day, but a dangerous secret lurks beyond the pages.
He is haunted by war horrors and wonders if the book is cursed. He must rectify his actions before succumbing to his greed.
What an interesting and haunting book! Till the end, I wasn't sure whether it was a curse, the poppies or, nightmares that led to what happened, but definitely his greed.
The flashbacks of the horrors of the war in the post-war setting were brilliantly done. The transportation from present to past and back to present is seamless and made me uneasy and on edge. It was painful to read what happened.
It was a quick read with just 100 pages. Charlie's character was well-written, with falsifying his identity depending on the situation. All his greed and sins are catching up to him. The use of the poppy as a flower was a perfect and brilliant choice for what it represents.
I just felt the ending could have given a bit more, and I have a question or two, but that didn't deter me from enjoying this.
This mysterious, complex, and hallucinating story is the perfect pick for spooky reads.
This is available on KU as well.
Thank you @thewritereads for having me on tour. I loved this book mail with something extra.
The War is over, but for petty criminal Charlie his darkest days are only just beginning.
Charlie Briggs, a ruthless criminal, finds a valuable book in a Hampshire town during the holiday season. He is determined to protect it until Boxing Day, but a dangerous secret lurks beyond the pages.
He is haunted by war horrors and wonders if the book is cursed. He must rectify his actions before succumbing to his greed.
What an interesting and haunting book! Till the end, I wasn't sure whether it was a curse, the poppies or, nightmares that led to what happened, but definitely his greed.
The flashbacks of the horrors of the war in the post-war setting were brilliantly done. The transportation from present to past and back to present is seamless and made me uneasy and on edge. It was painful to read what happened.
It was a quick read with just 100 pages. Charlie's character was well-written, with falsifying his identity depending on the situation. All his greed and sins are catching up to him. The use of the poppy as a flower was a perfect and brilliant choice for what it represents.
I just felt the ending could have given a bit more, and I have a question or two, but that didn't deter me from enjoying this.
This mysterious, complex, and hallucinating story is the perfect pick for spooky reads.
This is available on KU as well.
December 14, 2023
I read this superb Gothic novella “The Haunting Scent of Poppies” in one sitting, it was easy to read, very addictive and does leave you pondering on the horrors of war and how awful the use of mustard gas must have been in the trenches.
Charlie the main protagonist is a really greedy and selfish man that the reader is supposed to dislike and the consequences of theft and greed came across strongly in this story, using a haunted book to highlight these sins.
I wasn’t just haunted by the scent of poppies but by the haunting scents of war during the Great War. Truly upsetting and shows just how brave the soldiers were. Captured concisely and without preamble the scenes were realistic and saddening.
It’s often known that short stories don’t always work due to needing to cover so much in such a short period but this really worked for me and packed a punch in its beautifully designed size.
The author has a deep interest in history and archaeology which shows in abundance in all her novels. Combining her love of exploring the past with her fascination with supernatural tales makes her well placed to write this absorbing ghostly gothic tale and having read a few of Victoria Williamson’s short stories before, I will continue to follow this author and I am happy to recommend.
#TheHauntingScentOfPoppies - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charlie the main protagonist is a really greedy and selfish man that the reader is supposed to dislike and the consequences of theft and greed came across strongly in this story, using a haunted book to highlight these sins.
I wasn’t just haunted by the scent of poppies but by the haunting scents of war during the Great War. Truly upsetting and shows just how brave the soldiers were. Captured concisely and without preamble the scenes were realistic and saddening.
It’s often known that short stories don’t always work due to needing to cover so much in such a short period but this really worked for me and packed a punch in its beautifully designed size.
The author has a deep interest in history and archaeology which shows in abundance in all her novels. Combining her love of exploring the past with her fascination with supernatural tales makes her well placed to write this absorbing ghostly gothic tale and having read a few of Victoria Williamson’s short stories before, I will continue to follow this author and I am happy to recommend.
#TheHauntingScentOfPoppies - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 3, 2025
I should write a more concise review than simply "wow", but "wow" feels like it explains everything.
This is a brilliantly paced short story in the tradition of the writers mentioned in the blurb and it's more than a fair comparison. It's a chilling mystery and even more chilling as an audio book.
This is a brilliantly paced short story in the tradition of the writers mentioned in the blurb and it's more than a fair comparison. It's a chilling mystery and even more chilling as an audio book.
December 11, 2023
I usually steer well clear of any book that has the genre of horror attached to it. However, when I was offered a copy of this for a blog tour and saw it was authored by the talented Victoria Williamson, who I have read and enjoyed previously, I could not resist.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
December 6, 2024
“The haunting scent of poppies” is a quick, spooky read perfect for Christmas time!
The writing makes you want to keep reading and does a great job of creating a creepy atmosphere.
My only complaint is that I thought the story got a bit repetitive towards the middle.
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!
The writing makes you want to keep reading and does a great job of creating a creepy atmosphere.
My only complaint is that I thought the story got a bit repetitive towards the middle.
𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬!
December 5, 2023
I received this book from the publisher/The Write Reads in exchange of an honest review.
When I saw the blog tour sign up I knew I had to do a review, which is quite rare for me, generally I pick excerpts, pre-written guest posts, giveaways, or just spotlights. But this book really sounded interesting and I wanted to give it a go!
Since it is an honest review I have to say that in the start I stopped reading a few times. The character, Charlie, was insufferable and I found him a real arse. But when karma came biting his ass? Oh boy, I was so invested. I was curious how far this karma would go. Would it leave him alone after a few harrowing moments? Or would it go all out? Well, it was a ride! I was all curled up in bed and gasping at all the right moments. I should have had more compassion for Charlie, he hasn’t had the best life, but seriously, I just wanted to punch him and was happy that for once something he stole didn’t turn out to be a good thing.
And seriously, things get dark very soon! Charlie is getting visions. Now that isn’t the worst, well OK, maybe it is given where he is transported, right in the trenches, right in the moment of mustard gas, but things get worse from that point. Charlie sees things. Something follows him. Something dark is lurking in each corner. And oh yes, his body is getting worse with each encounter (which at times was a bit ick). It is like he is experiencing what happened in those trenches himself. It was awesome, gruesome, exciting, and OMG.
While Charlie was an ass, I did like that he tried to bring back the book. Or well, I say tried. That is all. There were many options there he could have picked from that point but he went with X.
The writing also took a bit of getting used to, but eventually I settled into it and started to really enjoy it.
I loved that this one took place around the holidays/Christmas. Perfect for those who want a bit more haunting read for those times instead of snow and happiness (and I am the type who wants both, haha).
The ending made me gasp. That is all I will say.
Oh, and I love love that cover, it is just so pretty!
All in all, this was a fast-paced haunting, gruesome read full of poppies and war and I would recommend it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
When I saw the blog tour sign up I knew I had to do a review, which is quite rare for me, generally I pick excerpts, pre-written guest posts, giveaways, or just spotlights. But this book really sounded interesting and I wanted to give it a go!
Since it is an honest review I have to say that in the start I stopped reading a few times. The character, Charlie, was insufferable and I found him a real arse. But when karma came biting his ass? Oh boy, I was so invested. I was curious how far this karma would go. Would it leave him alone after a few harrowing moments? Or would it go all out? Well, it was a ride! I was all curled up in bed and gasping at all the right moments. I should have had more compassion for Charlie, he hasn’t had the best life, but seriously, I just wanted to punch him and was happy that for once something he stole didn’t turn out to be a good thing.
And seriously, things get dark very soon! Charlie is getting visions. Now that isn’t the worst, well OK, maybe it is given where he is transported, right in the trenches, right in the moment of mustard gas, but things get worse from that point. Charlie sees things. Something follows him. Something dark is lurking in each corner. And oh yes, his body is getting worse with each encounter (which at times was a bit ick). It is like he is experiencing what happened in those trenches himself. It was awesome, gruesome, exciting, and OMG.
While Charlie was an ass, I did like that he tried to bring back the book. Or well, I say tried. That is all. There were many options there he could have picked from that point but he went with X.
The writing also took a bit of getting used to, but eventually I settled into it and started to really enjoy it.
I loved that this one took place around the holidays/Christmas. Perfect for those who want a bit more haunting read for those times instead of snow and happiness (and I am the type who wants both, haha).
The ending made me gasp. That is all I will say.
Oh, and I love love that cover, it is just so pretty!
All in all, this was a fast-paced haunting, gruesome read full of poppies and war and I would recommend it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
December 14, 2023
This story may be short and only takes a matter of time to read, but it packs in a lot of depth. With a simple yet evocative concept, it effortlessly achieves a haunting sense of atmosphere and foreboding that carries you along throughout while remaining engaging and easy to follow.
The setting and time period were both very effective choices, playing significant roles in the plot. Taking place shortly after the First World War, the way it is depicted makes what happens to Charlie more frightening and perhaps even unsettling. The visions are creepy, and it is quite shocking to see what kind of destructive power the stolen book has over him, as the walls close in and he slowly wastes away.
In some ways, this reads like a dark fable. Charlie is, after all, a petty criminal who cares about nobody other than himself and is only interested in money. The way the story plays out is almost like him being taught the harshest of lessons, but even when he is under the spell of the book, he does not appear to recognise the error of his ways.
You certainly do not feel sorry for Charlie during his plight, but as a character he is fun to read about rather than someone you seriously hate. After all, the book has some dark moments, but it is not that dark. One impressive factor is how the supporting characters were well developed, even when they only have a fleeting role in the story. In just a few words, you got the measure of the likes of Dr Roberts, Mary, and Miss Richards, which in turn made me connect more the plot.
Overall, if you are looking for an eerie, captivating short story that does not take too much effort to get through, then this has everything you could possibly want. The writing is good and the atmosphere executed superbly, with Charlie’s opportunism and the eventual consequences he suffers certain to live long in the memory. I very much enjoyed this book.
The setting and time period were both very effective choices, playing significant roles in the plot. Taking place shortly after the First World War, the way it is depicted makes what happens to Charlie more frightening and perhaps even unsettling. The visions are creepy, and it is quite shocking to see what kind of destructive power the stolen book has over him, as the walls close in and he slowly wastes away.
In some ways, this reads like a dark fable. Charlie is, after all, a petty criminal who cares about nobody other than himself and is only interested in money. The way the story plays out is almost like him being taught the harshest of lessons, but even when he is under the spell of the book, he does not appear to recognise the error of his ways.
You certainly do not feel sorry for Charlie during his plight, but as a character he is fun to read about rather than someone you seriously hate. After all, the book has some dark moments, but it is not that dark. One impressive factor is how the supporting characters were well developed, even when they only have a fleeting role in the story. In just a few words, you got the measure of the likes of Dr Roberts, Mary, and Miss Richards, which in turn made me connect more the plot.
Overall, if you are looking for an eerie, captivating short story that does not take too much effort to get through, then this has everything you could possibly want. The writing is good and the atmosphere executed superbly, with Charlie’s opportunism and the eventual consequences he suffers certain to live long in the memory. I very much enjoyed this book.
December 26, 2024
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Victoria Williamson delivers an atmospheric gem with The Haunting Scent of Poppies, a short yet deeply immersive ghost story set in the aftermath of the Great War. Clocking in at about 100 pages—or an hour and a half in audiobook format—it’s the perfect bite-sized read or listen for fans of eerie historical fiction.
Frits Zernike’s narration is phenomenal. Their expressive voice brought the chilling atmosphere to life, perfectly capturing the story’s suspenseful tone with impeccable accents that made the characters distinct and memorable. The audiobook was so well done that I felt completely drawn into the story, unable to tear myself away for even a moment.
Charlie Briggs is an intriguing and morally ambiguous protagonist. You don’t root for or against him—you feel for him one moment, and the next, he reminds you just how terrible he is. Williamson’s ability to craft such a complex character, alongside a vivid and haunting post-war setting, is truly impressive, especially considering the story’s length.
The pacing was spot-on, with not a single dull moment. The narrative grips you from the start and doesn’t let go until the final sentence. While it wasn’t overly horrifying or terrifying, it was exactly what it needed to be: a spooky, atmospheric ghost story.
I received this audiobook in a giveaway from Silver Thistle Press, and I’d like to thank them for the opportunity. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
If you’re looking for an easy, engaging read or listen that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night, I can’t recommend The Haunting Scent of Poppies enough.
Victoria Williamson delivers an atmospheric gem with The Haunting Scent of Poppies, a short yet deeply immersive ghost story set in the aftermath of the Great War. Clocking in at about 100 pages—or an hour and a half in audiobook format—it’s the perfect bite-sized read or listen for fans of eerie historical fiction.
Frits Zernike’s narration is phenomenal. Their expressive voice brought the chilling atmosphere to life, perfectly capturing the story’s suspenseful tone with impeccable accents that made the characters distinct and memorable. The audiobook was so well done that I felt completely drawn into the story, unable to tear myself away for even a moment.
Charlie Briggs is an intriguing and morally ambiguous protagonist. You don’t root for or against him—you feel for him one moment, and the next, he reminds you just how terrible he is. Williamson’s ability to craft such a complex character, alongside a vivid and haunting post-war setting, is truly impressive, especially considering the story’s length.
The pacing was spot-on, with not a single dull moment. The narrative grips you from the start and doesn’t let go until the final sentence. While it wasn’t overly horrifying or terrifying, it was exactly what it needed to be: a spooky, atmospheric ghost story.
I received this audiobook in a giveaway from Silver Thistle Press, and I’d like to thank them for the opportunity. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
If you’re looking for an easy, engaging read or listen that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night, I can’t recommend The Haunting Scent of Poppies enough.
September 24, 2025
On the run from Scotland Yard, petty criminal Charlie Briggs finds himself in a sleepy little town where he must lie low for a while. But when he comes across a rare copy of the Art of War, his thieving instincts kick in and he swipes the book without anyone the wiser.
Just when he thinks he’s set for life, things start to fall apart. He gets robbed of all his stolen goods, is hounded by a terrifying apparition and beset by nightmares in which he finds himself in the carnage of the Great War (the one he’d managed to avoid).
This well-written and compelling novelette is based on historical fact, immersing the reader in a time (1919) and place (Hampshire, England). The description of warfare (specifically, the German army’s use of mustard gas on English soldiers in trenches) is horrific and really brings to life the cruelty and atrocity of war, and the great sacrifice made by so many men.
The message urged by the young solder who died so horrifyingly is to remember. And this story does a great job of making us do just that. Lest we forget.
Just when he thinks he’s set for life, things start to fall apart. He gets robbed of all his stolen goods, is hounded by a terrifying apparition and beset by nightmares in which he finds himself in the carnage of the Great War (the one he’d managed to avoid).
This well-written and compelling novelette is based on historical fact, immersing the reader in a time (1919) and place (Hampshire, England). The description of warfare (specifically, the German army’s use of mustard gas on English soldiers in trenches) is horrific and really brings to life the cruelty and atrocity of war, and the great sacrifice made by so many men.
The message urged by the young solder who died so horrifyingly is to remember. And this story does a great job of making us do just that. Lest we forget.
October 13, 2025
A perfect ghost story.
This had everything I want out of haunting tale: Gorgeously rendered and eerie atmosphere, slow build of menace, a terrific backstory for the ghostly presence, and just the right amount of creepiness.
I loved spooky books but am not a fan of anything gratuitous or grotesque, and I think the best ghost stories are often the least bloody. This book is so haunting and builds such a fantastic sense of dread and menace, slowly and enchantingly.
Neither the cursed book nor the war ghost is a new concept, but they both feel new and unique here because Williamson did such an outstanding job of weaving this story.
Perfect for those who love to be scared but not horrified, and for those like me who think that atmosphere is the single most important element of a story, especially a haunting one. I loved it.
This had everything I want out of haunting tale: Gorgeously rendered and eerie atmosphere, slow build of menace, a terrific backstory for the ghostly presence, and just the right amount of creepiness.
I loved spooky books but am not a fan of anything gratuitous or grotesque, and I think the best ghost stories are often the least bloody. This book is so haunting and builds such a fantastic sense of dread and menace, slowly and enchantingly.
Neither the cursed book nor the war ghost is a new concept, but they both feel new and unique here because Williamson did such an outstanding job of weaving this story.
Perfect for those who love to be scared but not horrified, and for those like me who think that atmosphere is the single most important element of a story, especially a haunting one. I loved it.
December 2, 2023
Thank you to TheWriteReads for letting me be part of this tour, and to Silver Thistle Press and Victoria Williamson for the amazing book post with extra goodies.
I'm not normally one for YA books, but the cover and synopsis of this one had me intrigued. Ghosts and War all in one short story were always bound to peak my interest and *hopefully* deliver a story that would be hard to forget.
Set just after the end of WW1, we follow Charlie; a petty criminal so desperate for money that he pilfers and pawns the wares of others in order to live. For him, it is a way of life. Until one day he steals a book so rare that it will change his life, but not in the way he expected.
This is a haunting story of the horrors of war, thievery to survive and the value of a book; monetarily and sentimentally.
It is a short but gripping story that really leaves you thinking about the effects of war and how life would have been at the time. The ghostly hauntings that followed his thievery, and the visions he was thrown into, add a darkness to this tale that I really liked. It sparked in me a sense of conscience; is it a real haunting or is it his conscience speaking to him loud and clear that some books have more of a sentimental value than monetary? Is he only feeling guilty for stealing the book or is he guilty for the life he chose to lead instead of enrolling in the war with his peers?
If you want to read a snappy and powerful story, with ghosts, soldiers and the beauty of books, then this is for you. Even if you are not a fan of YA, this might just surprise you.
4 star rating.
*As a small side note - the smell of Poppies emanating from the incense and packaging made me feel like I was being haunted with Charlie, fully immersed in the story I was reading, so the packaging really added to it!
I'm not normally one for YA books, but the cover and synopsis of this one had me intrigued. Ghosts and War all in one short story were always bound to peak my interest and *hopefully* deliver a story that would be hard to forget.
Set just after the end of WW1, we follow Charlie; a petty criminal so desperate for money that he pilfers and pawns the wares of others in order to live. For him, it is a way of life. Until one day he steals a book so rare that it will change his life, but not in the way he expected.
This is a haunting story of the horrors of war, thievery to survive and the value of a book; monetarily and sentimentally.
It is a short but gripping story that really leaves you thinking about the effects of war and how life would have been at the time. The ghostly hauntings that followed his thievery, and the visions he was thrown into, add a darkness to this tale that I really liked. It sparked in me a sense of conscience; is it a real haunting or is it his conscience speaking to him loud and clear that some books have more of a sentimental value than monetary? Is he only feeling guilty for stealing the book or is he guilty for the life he chose to lead instead of enrolling in the war with his peers?
If you want to read a snappy and powerful story, with ghosts, soldiers and the beauty of books, then this is for you. Even if you are not a fan of YA, this might just surprise you.
4 star rating.
*As a small side note - the smell of Poppies emanating from the incense and packaging made me feel like I was being haunted with Charlie, fully immersed in the story I was reading, so the packaging really added to it!
December 2, 2023
The Haunting Scent of Poppies is a captivating historical fiction novella that immerses readers in the tumultuous landscape of the First World War. Written by the talented Victoria Williamson, this book skillfully weaves together a compelling narrative that combines historical accuracy with engaging characters to provide a vivid and emotional portrayal of a pivotal period in human history.
The synopsis instantly drew me in. it was a difficult topic with that was dealt with the utmost dignity and respect. His characters are edgy and relatable and its most definitely inspiration from everyday life. The story focusses on Charlie Briggs a masterful and conniving thief who operates in the shadowy realms of the criminal underworld. He steals to get by, not that that is excusable but it is what it is. His next target – a rare and valuable book. This would be the artifact that would set him up for life – no stealing, no secrets, that would be it. Finally.
Charlie takes on multiple personalities to suit each job. He hints at being in the army multiple times but what is the real backstory? Tragic and astounding. The story immediately calls for audience participation. You want to jump into the book and knock some sense into a lot of people but that is what’s just brilliant about this story. This story is an escape, it made realise just how boring and dull my everyday life is.
The synopsis instantly drew me in. it was a difficult topic with that was dealt with the utmost dignity and respect. His characters are edgy and relatable and its most definitely inspiration from everyday life. The story focusses on Charlie Briggs a masterful and conniving thief who operates in the shadowy realms of the criminal underworld. He steals to get by, not that that is excusable but it is what it is. His next target – a rare and valuable book. This would be the artifact that would set him up for life – no stealing, no secrets, that would be it. Finally.
Charlie takes on multiple personalities to suit each job. He hints at being in the army multiple times but what is the real backstory? Tragic and astounding. The story immediately calls for audience participation. You want to jump into the book and knock some sense into a lot of people but that is what’s just brilliant about this story. This story is an escape, it made realise just how boring and dull my everyday life is.
May 9, 2023
Charlie Briggs is a seasoned crook who is always on the lookout for someone or something. When he discovers a rare book, previously owned by a deceased soldier, he thinks his luck is changing and his crooked ways can come to an end, as he'll be set for life now.
That's what he thinks, the book or rather what's lurking between its pages has other ideas in store for Briggs after he burns a poppy he found nestled within its pages.
We all know poppies produce opium, so did he fall into a drug induced sleep, was he simply having a nightmare or had the book and its predecessor come back to haunt him?
So good!
The books available on KU if you're interested in giving it a read.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
That's what he thinks, the book or rather what's lurking between its pages has other ideas in store for Briggs after he burns a poppy he found nestled within its pages.
We all know poppies produce opium, so did he fall into a drug induced sleep, was he simply having a nightmare or had the book and its predecessor come back to haunt him?
So good!
The books available on KU if you're interested in giving it a read.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 12, 2023
A haunting and captivating novella that I devoured in one sitting. I received a copy of this book along with some opium incense so whilst the main character tries to outpace the nightmarish images of decaying soldiers and the haunting scent of mustard and poppies that clung to the surrounding air, the scent cascaded around me adding to the atmosphere. The protagonist is a thief attempting to hide away from the city until the heat of his criminal activity dies down, but he is enticed by a rare book, one that is haunted by a dark and menacing history. As soon as it is in his possession, the haunting begins and he is tortured by the sights and sounds of war and the smell of the poppies. His Own dark deeds begin to haunt him, too. An absolute page-turner that now haunts me! #thehauntingscentofpoppies #victoriawilliamson #war #poppies #mustardgas #haunting #TheWriteReads #silverthistlepress
January 15, 2025
4 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an eARC of this book!
While this wasn't particularly scary, it was still unsettling. It is a traditional ghost story that follows a thief who stole the wrong thing.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a well written, quick and easy read that had great horror elements. It was dark and very unsettling/creepy. I love a story where the main characters descends into madness and this fit that perfectly!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an eARC of this book!
While this wasn't particularly scary, it was still unsettling. It is a traditional ghost story that follows a thief who stole the wrong thing.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a well written, quick and easy read that had great horror elements. It was dark and very unsettling/creepy. I love a story where the main characters descends into madness and this fit that perfectly!
March 27, 2023
I was lucky enough to win this through the author's Twitter page and I am so glad I discovered Williamson who is a very talented writer. This short story centres around a thief who gets more than he bargained for when he steals a rare book that once belonged to a soldier who died in the Great War. It's atmospheric and spooky as owt
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