I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Two friends, John Doyle and Thomas Braham, are investigators of the strange events. Think of Watson & Holmes working as myth busters. While living in Philadelphia in 1889, John developed a reputation for investigating cases that challenged belief. There are an abundance of charlatans that he feels compelled to disprove. Many of the cases he is asked to look at involve the supernatural world. He involves his friend Thomas Braham and his niece as fresh eyes to help him. He firmly believes that they must remain objective in order to assess the issue and determine a solution.

Doyle receives a letter from an old friend asking for assistance. The friend explains that his former girlfriend is gravely ill. The girlfriend has seen a variety of physicians with no diagnosis or cure. Doyle is asked to review the information his friend has received and give his opinion. As he shares the information with Braham, another letter arrives requesting his help since the old friend is missing. What is happening? Why would his friend disappear? What are they not being told? Doyle and Braham are concerned.

As they begin their investigation, they feel stymied at every turn. Each person they question seems to be withholding information. This case also has one significant drawback – they have an emotional attachment in this case. Will it hinder their progress? As they investigate, it becomes clear that this case is very complicated and not solved with one simple answer. They discover a cover-up regarding the true nature of the girlfriend’s illness. The closer they come to the truth, the more gruesome the answer becomes.

Chad Miller tells this story in the form of diary entries. Initially we have entries from Doyle and Braham and as the case proceeds, we read entries from other key characters. These entries give the feeling of being unfiltered thoughts and insight. The deeply personal insight gives an emotional tie to the characters and story. Miller is sneaky, luring us page by page into this twisted tale until the horror is revealed. When the depth of the horror is revealed, it almost sneaks past you. Suddenly you realize what is meant. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! Wait, how did we get from a couple of investigators to this?
The mystery involving his friend and the girlfriend will be solved but there is an outstanding element that will keep you guessing.

How will Doyle and Braham continue their investigation? The answer will be found in the next book in the series…I think. So now we are left to wait for sneaky Mr. Miller to deliver the next book and ease our minds. Well played.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5

This is a horror story but it certainly doesn’t present as one initially. When you arrived at the horrific part, you are caught unaware. This is exactly the kind of thing I love to read. Nice, interesting and then BAM! When you get to this part of the book, stop for a minutes and really think about the implications of what is being said. It’s really gross to think about. That is good horror. I’m not a fan of the in-your-face, super descriptive stuff. My imagination is nice and healthy and I can envision the ickiness, just point me in the right direction. This is a great read for Halloween season. Go and check it out, it’s unique, imaginative, and shocking.