The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal

The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (2015) KJ Charles

Set in England in 1894-

“I inherited it from my uncle three months ago. The house has stood empty for many years because of its evil reputation. I felt that was an absurd superstition, and I need to sell the place, so I thought I could come and put paid to the nonsense with a bit of nineteenth-century common sense.” Both of us looked at the dull brown-red streaks on the wall, where the blood had bubbled, flowed and dried. “I have now decided I was wrong.”

He was covered in writing. It was scrawled in black and red ink, from wrist to shoulder of both muscular arms, across his broad, powerful shoulders and chest. None of it was in a language I recognised, or could read, but it was unmistakably writing…and it was still being written. I gaped. The lines, some spidery, some looping, still others jagged, etched themselves over his skin, a constant silent chatter of messages.

“What—” My voice failed.

“The stories write themselves,” he said, very matter-of-fact. “I serve as their page.”

Characters: Simon Feximal, Robert Caldwell, Miss Theodosia Kay, Cornelia, Dr. Merridew, Dr. Berry, Mrs. Fontley, Mr. Fontley, Henry Fontley, The Fat Man, Lord Westerbury, Ranjit Singh, Mrs. Martha Robey, Skip Robey, Peggy Flowers, Molly Flowers, Mr. Jeremiah Sweetly, Eugene “Gene” Simon Robey, Joanie Robey, Julian Karswell, Jo, Sam

Cover design by Kanaxa

Rating: 7.5/10

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