A story too secret, too terrifying—and too shockingly intimate—for Victorian eyes.A note to the EditorDear Henry,I have been Simon Feximal’s companion, assistant and chronicler for twenty years now, and during that time my Casebooks of Feximal the Ghost-Hunter have spread the reputation of this most accomplished of ghost-hunters far and wide.You have asked me often for the tale of our first … wide.
You have asked me often for the tale of our first meeting, and how my association with Feximal came about. I have always declined, because it is a story too private to be truthfully recounted, and a memory too precious to be falsified. But none knows better than I that stories must be told.
So here is it, Henry, a full and accurate account of how I met Simon Feximal, which I shall leave with my solicitor to pass to you after my death.
I dare say it may not be quite what you expect.
Robert Caldwell
September 1914
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Wow, that was amazing! I didn’t expect to like it this much. There are many confusing reviews out there about how this book starts, and I hesitated for a long time. Thank goodness I read it and decided for myself. Somebody wrote that there was noncon scene in the beginning. That is absolute hogwash. There is an intimate scene in the beginning but it’s consensual. There is nothing wrong with rough sex if both parties are enjoying it. People, please learn the difference.
Told from Robert Caldwell’s POV we know him better than Simon Feximal, and what we do know about him is through Robert’s eyes. Both men have similar traits such as stubbornness, strong will and brilliant mind. The lives they led before meeting are vastly different and when their paths cross, it’s not easy or sure thing. But through the years two men become as close and devoted to each other as they dare in times where their love is forbidden by law. For all of Simon’s reserved nature and brooding demeanor, he shows Robert his feelings every day with his actions: love, loyalty and respect. I really admired him in the end. After everything he has been through he turned out to be a decent and caring man even if it was hard at times for him to show it.
Robert Caldwell is thrown into the world of arcane by chance and he adapts well. His keen intellect, sharp wit and way with words allows him to find himself professionally. His fierce love for Simon ensures his happiness. Two men working together and bringing different strengths to the table makes them a formidable team in their circle of acquaintance.
The book is a recollection of their various cases throughout their long career and the toll they have taken on them as ghost hunters and as men. I loved the detailed accounts of their cases that included historical facts, vivid descriptions of London and British countryside, gory and spooky snippets, myths and legends that made the basis of every one of them. I loved it all! The ending was a bit uncertain and bittersweet but I am sure that both men ended up exactly where they were meant to be. The book was engrossing, thought provoking and, simply put, unforgettable.
The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal was a fascinating book. Set in a paranormal version of pre-World War II London, Robert Caldwell details out his relationship with the celebrated ghost hunter, Simon Feximal. For years Robert has been known as Simon’s best friend and companion, but the true nature of their relationship is so much more. They are lovers and partners, the breath and light each other’s world, hiding their relationship from a society that would condemn them.
The book was fascinating, even having the same feel as older paranormal and horror novels like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein since KJ Charles structured the book as a story within a story. I really wished there was a sequel to this book, because there was so much left unsaid or just hinted at. I read Spectred Isle, which takes place 20 years later after this novel, and it provided some insight on the fate of Simon and Robert, but it did not do much to sate my curiosity. I do hope there is a sequel to this book because it was absolutely wonderful.
I really liked the audiobook narration by Gary Furlong. Gary does a great job and has some of the best character voices with a wide range of accents. It was a great performance and a very enjoyable listening experience.