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pewterwolf's review
2.0
Review taken from The Pewter Wolf, which will be going live in early/mid April 2020
***eProof given by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction, even though I listened to audiobook via Scribd***
I had such high hopes for this series. It sounded right up my street: a crime mystery with paranormal elements. What more can I ask for? So when I saw this collection of short stories set in this world was on available on NetGalley, I went straight for it. Perfect way to get into the world, I thought. ... well...
This is a collection of six short stories, each with their own twist in the tale. And while these, I believe will be great little extras for fans of the Essex Witch Museum Mystery series, not sure this was the greatest entrance for me. With each story, I kept going "How? How does this relate to the rest of the series?"
Basically, I was this gif every time a short story ended:
I think most fans of this series will like this collection (though I would recommend fans to buy [b:The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas|44540914|The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas (An Essex Witch Museum Mystery)|Syd Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559018826l/44540914._SY75_.jpg|69125332] as this contains all six short stories in this collection and six new short stories), but for me... these stories didn't really leave an impression on me and, because of that, I'm a little more wary to try this series, starting with [b:Strange Magic|32073145|Strange Magic (Essex Witch Museum Mystery #1)|Syd Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485260662l/32073145._SY75_.jpg|52720646].
***eProof given by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction, even though I listened to audiobook via Scribd***
I had such high hopes for this series. It sounded right up my street: a crime mystery with paranormal elements. What more can I ask for? So when I saw this collection of short stories set in this world was on available on NetGalley, I went straight for it. Perfect way to get into the world, I thought. ... well...
This is a collection of six short stories, each with their own twist in the tale. And while these, I believe will be great little extras for fans of the Essex Witch Museum Mystery series, not sure this was the greatest entrance for me. With each story, I kept going "How? How does this relate to the rest of the series?"
Basically, I was this gif every time a short story ended:
I think most fans of this series will like this collection (though I would recommend fans to buy [b:The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas|44540914|The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas (An Essex Witch Museum Mystery)|Syd Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559018826l/44540914._SY75_.jpg|69125332] as this contains all six short stories in this collection and six new short stories), but for me... these stories didn't really leave an impression on me and, because of that, I'm a little more wary to try this series, starting with [b:Strange Magic|32073145|Strange Magic (Essex Witch Museum Mystery #1)|Syd Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485260662l/32073145._SY75_.jpg|52720646].
pam_sartain's review
4.0
The Strange Casebook is an enjoyable collection of six paranormal and fantastical short stories, with the stories all short enough to read one in a sitting quite easily.
This is from the same world as the Essex Witch Museum Mystery series, none of which I've read, but I could still like the short stories, although I'm sure I will have missed the background of the characters in the stories, so if you have read the series, I'm sure you'll really get a kick out of them.
The Strange Casebook by Syd Moore is due to be published on 31st October, which is very appropriate, as these are quite spooky! Here's the pre-order link from Amazon!
I was given this book for free in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and OneWorld Publications (the publishers) for this book.
This is from the same world as the Essex Witch Museum Mystery series, none of which I've read, but I could still like the short stories, although I'm sure I will have missed the background of the characters in the stories, so if you have read the series, I'm sure you'll really get a kick out of them.
The Strange Casebook by Syd Moore is due to be published on 31st October, which is very appropriate, as these are quite spooky! Here's the pre-order link from Amazon!
I was given this book for free in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and OneWorld Publications (the publishers) for this book.
andyn5's review
4.0
A quick, enjoyable read, these six short stories are the perfect read for fans of the horror genre. These fascinating, mysterious and brief stories grow in intensity and it’s very easy to connect with them, no matter how strange they get. They’re all written very nicely, carefully selected from the world of Essex Witch Museum Mystery series. Even though I haven’t read the series before, I highly enjoyed the tales and their twists.
The style of writing is clear and it changes according to the story and its protagonist. Syd Moore was able to bring out the feeling of horror and suspense from the pages of this little book in a way that will keep you glued to its pages.
Let's take a look at each short-story individually.
'Death Becomes Her' – Stacey Winters, a police officer, is more than she seems and knows death a bit more personally than just in the line of work. Trying to escape a traumatizing childhood, she slowly begins to understand that there is no escape from death. For me, it was a soft way to start, but no less engaging.
‘Snowy’ - Norah is a widow who lives with her numerous cats, but they’re not all that they seem. This story goes into the world of reincarnation. While I enjoyed it, I can’t say it marked me.
'Madness in A Coruña' is my favourite story. A young, recently-divorced, semiotics academic man is visiting his friend, Xose, in the city of Coruña, Spain. While waiting for his friends, he sees more than he should and witnesses a deadly incident on the beach. His encounter with a strange, vindictive creature drives the meaning of this tales’ title. We find out from the beginning that the main character isn’t a very nice guy. Even so, I ended up feeling both satisfied and sorry for him in the end.
‘She Saw Three Ships,’ - Ethel-Rose Strange arrives in Cornwall, travelling ahead of her family to prepare the cottage they’re to stay for their arrival. Despite the warnings she receives, Ethel-Rose decides to spend the night in Lilia Cottage. It’s the Feast of All Angel, a night that reveals more than Ethel is ready for in the most gruesome kind of way. While I enjoyed this tale, I think it would have had more depth if I’d known the historical period it took place. The language the author uses makes it impossible to place it.
'Jocelyn's Story' – Rita watches has her ex-husband successfully seduces another woman. She tells us the story in her own words, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye. What you should know in advance: Rita is a big fan of Betty Grable, the American actress and pin-up model, and her legs… It’s a twisted tale with a great narrator. Meet my second favourite.
‘House of Savage Lane’ - Innocent Cordelia meets a dangerous man and gets more than she bargains for. A gruesome and ghoulish way to end this amazing short-story collection.
In all, they are the perfect length so we don’t grow bored, but at the same time, they manage to capture the horror and mystery in a way that makes these stories memorable. It helps that they're all creepy and scary in their own way. While I haven’t read any of Moore’s books, but reading this little book, made me want to discover more about them.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Accent Press and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
The style of writing is clear and it changes according to the story and its protagonist. Syd Moore was able to bring out the feeling of horror and suspense from the pages of this little book in a way that will keep you glued to its pages.
Let's take a look at each short-story individually.
'Death Becomes Her' – Stacey Winters, a police officer, is more than she seems and knows death a bit more personally than just in the line of work. Trying to escape a traumatizing childhood, she slowly begins to understand that there is no escape from death. For me, it was a soft way to start, but no less engaging.
‘Snowy’ - Norah is a widow who lives with her numerous cats, but they’re not all that they seem. This story goes into the world of reincarnation. While I enjoyed it, I can’t say it marked me.
'Madness in A Coruña' is my favourite story. A young, recently-divorced, semiotics academic man is visiting his friend, Xose, in the city of Coruña, Spain. While waiting for his friends, he sees more than he should and witnesses a deadly incident on the beach. His encounter with a strange, vindictive creature drives the meaning of this tales’ title. We find out from the beginning that the main character isn’t a very nice guy. Even so, I ended up feeling both satisfied and sorry for him in the end.
‘She Saw Three Ships,’ - Ethel-Rose Strange arrives in Cornwall, travelling ahead of her family to prepare the cottage they’re to stay for their arrival. Despite the warnings she receives, Ethel-Rose decides to spend the night in Lilia Cottage. It’s the Feast of All Angel, a night that reveals more than Ethel is ready for in the most gruesome kind of way. While I enjoyed this tale, I think it would have had more depth if I’d known the historical period it took place. The language the author uses makes it impossible to place it.
'Jocelyn's Story' – Rita watches has her ex-husband successfully seduces another woman. She tells us the story in her own words, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye. What you should know in advance: Rita is a big fan of Betty Grable, the American actress and pin-up model, and her legs… It’s a twisted tale with a great narrator. Meet my second favourite.
‘House of Savage Lane’ - Innocent Cordelia meets a dangerous man and gets more than she bargains for. A gruesome and ghoulish way to end this amazing short-story collection.
In all, they are the perfect length so we don’t grow bored, but at the same time, they manage to capture the horror and mystery in a way that makes these stories memorable. It helps that they're all creepy and scary in their own way. While I haven’t read any of Moore’s books, but reading this little book, made me want to discover more about them.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Accent Press and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
nichola's review
5.0
This was so much better than I expected it to me. MORE PLEASE? What an excellent little collection. I love the mixture of new and old characters, of real horrors and awful ones.
Just stunning and I really wish more people would read this series.
Just stunning and I really wish more people would read this series.
chloesmusings's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3.8, rounded up to 4 stars.
The Strange Casebook caught my attention because it promised a collection of short stories that suited my fascinations well. Admittedly I yet to read the main Strange books, but these stories stand so perfectly alone that I didn’t have a worry about whether or not I would be missing something.
Short stories collections are an inherently hit-and-miss sort of thing; some are liked, others not so liked. The Strange Casebook is no different. Jocelyn’s Story was my least favourite; it felt wholly disjointed from the rest, focused on human vanity and obsession rather than what I had come to expect from the collection – the paranormal. Conversely, I enjoyed She Saw Three Ships supernatural and chilling aspects, but its length had my focus wavering.
Despite my differentiating opinions on the short stories, the one thing that they all have in common is that they are well-written. Indeed, they remain intriguing and the horror of the thriller lies within the suspense. Whilst I predicted the first twist of The House of Savage Lane quickly, the latter twist-come-cliffhanger caught me completely unawares. Yes, the stories are entrenched in the tropes of horror and thrillers, but those tropes do not weak these stories. Instead the tropes give the stories strength, as they play on our preconceived notions and fears.
Except, that is, for Snowy. This one is my favourite, and not merely because it includes cats. The second of the short stories, Snowy is perfectly placed to create a small break in the suspense and horror. Indeed, it exists without any of that and instead is a beautiful and gentle ode to love, loss and hope.
In all, The Strange Casebook is a perfectly spooky and quick short story collection to read on Halloween.
The Strange Casebook caught my attention because it promised a collection of short stories that suited my fascinations well. Admittedly I yet to read the main Strange books, but these stories stand so perfectly alone that I didn’t have a worry about whether or not I would be missing something.
Short stories collections are an inherently hit-and-miss sort of thing; some are liked, others not so liked. The Strange Casebook is no different. Jocelyn’s Story was my least favourite; it felt wholly disjointed from the rest, focused on human vanity and obsession rather than what I had come to expect from the collection – the paranormal. Conversely, I enjoyed She Saw Three Ships supernatural and chilling aspects, but its length had my focus wavering.
Despite my differentiating opinions on the short stories, the one thing that they all have in common is that they are well-written. Indeed, they remain intriguing and the horror of the thriller lies within the suspense. Whilst I predicted the first twist of The House of Savage Lane quickly, the latter twist-come-cliffhanger caught me completely unawares. Yes, the stories are entrenched in the tropes of horror and thrillers, but those tropes do not weak these stories. Instead the tropes give the stories strength, as they play on our preconceived notions and fears.
Except, that is, for Snowy. This one is my favourite, and not merely because it includes cats. The second of the short stories, Snowy is perfectly placed to create a small break in the suspense and horror. Indeed, it exists without any of that and instead is a beautiful and gentle ode to love, loss and hope.
In all, The Strange Casebook is a perfectly spooky and quick short story collection to read on Halloween.
rabbitholereader's review
3.0
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[b:The Strange Casebook|40917426|The Strange Casebook|Syd Moore|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1536859711s/40917426.jpg|63793227] by [a:Syd Moore|5008398|Syd Moore|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is a perfect Halloween read.
Containing six short stories, each tale is a strangely woven creation, embracing morbid, creepy elements, breathing life into old and new monsters.
To put it bluntly, it's weird.
"'People say that it's love that separates us from the animals, but it's not. We can't be sure of much in life, but we all know we're going to die. No other species on the planet knows it, right? Dogs don't. Cats don't. Just us. And because we know it - we fear it. I don't know why we're afraid of a fact.'"
I think my favourite story was The House On Savage Lane which is the last story in the collection. It held everything I'm scared of, with a clever unexpected turn thrown in at the end.
The reason I've rated this series of stories only a three star is because I found that the twists were not always evident. Some stories I liked. Some stories I didn't. It's a balanced average. However;
The stories served their purpose.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
fionayule's review
4.0
I did not realise that this book collection was linked to another series, but this did not stop my enjoyment of the short stories.
There are 6 spooky short stories that are very different to each other. The policewoman who can see death, the Professor who goes to Coruna on holiday, a twist on the cat woman, the scary ghost story set in Cornwall that was terrifying, Jocelyn the 40s bomb shell, and the creepy horror when a good woman meets a deplorable man.
The stories are creepy and the book itself is a quick read. Pull up the chair, pull down your blinds and enjoy some good old fashioned ghost stories.
There are 6 spooky short stories that are very different to each other. The policewoman who can see death, the Professor who goes to Coruna on holiday, a twist on the cat woman, the scary ghost story set in Cornwall that was terrifying, Jocelyn the 40s bomb shell, and the creepy horror when a good woman meets a deplorable man.
The stories are creepy and the book itself is a quick read. Pull up the chair, pull down your blinds and enjoy some good old fashioned ghost stories.
saccalai's review
3.0
Six creepy stories that you probably won't want to read on your own at night! The ending of one of them actually made me gasp out loud. That was my favourite, though I didn't love all of them.
brinocheeze's review
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this ARC an exchange for an honest review
The Strange Casebook by Syd Moore is a enjoyable spooky quick read.
The Strange Casebook is six short stories, well written and crafted. These short stories are perfect for readers getting into the spooky mood for Halloween. My favorite story of this collection had to be "Snowy" not because it was scary per say, but because of the meaning and ending to it. My 4 star review comes from not particularly enjoying all six stories. Some of the stories were a bit weird to me.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys spooky reads!
The Strange Casebook by Syd Moore is a enjoyable spooky quick read.
The Strange Casebook is six short stories, well written and crafted. These short stories are perfect for readers getting into the spooky mood for Halloween. My favorite story of this collection had to be "Snowy" not because it was scary per say, but because of the meaning and ending to it. My 4 star review comes from not particularly enjoying all six stories. Some of the stories were a bit weird to me.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys spooky reads!
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