Letters of Cold Fire

The Occult Cases of John Thunstone, Book 1

By: Manly Wade Wellman

Narrated by: Andrew Nilles

Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

He declared a one-man war against the supernatural!

Thrill to the adventures of John Thunstone, straight from the pages of the world's greatest horror magazine—the legendary Weird Tales.

You've never met a ghost hunter or demon slayer like John Thunstone. Defying the naysayers' vision of a pale basement-dwelling hobbyist, Thunstone is tall, broad-shouldered, athletic, and handsome. He likes to spend his evenings in nightclubs, holding court and charming women. But does he lack focus? No! Thunstone is also a serious scholar, deeply studied in the occult and dark arts, and he carries a blade of silver inscribed with the motto sic pereant omnes inimici tui (thus perish all your enemies), forged by Saint Dunstan, patron saint of silversmiths, and one of the few men the Devil himself feared.

Thunstone's battles with the darkest forces haunting our world are the greatest creation of Edgar, World Fantasy, and British Fantasy Award winner Manly Wade Wellman (also the only dark fantasy author nominated for the Pulitzer Prize). You'll accompany our imposing hero on four of his most chilling adventures in the first volume of this series of his original, classic stories: "The Third Cry to Legba", "The Golden Goblins", "Hoofs", and "Letters of Cold Fire".

©2021 FuturesPast Editions (P)2022 Wordwooze Publishing

Loved hearing this classic performance

Set many years before my arrival, the story still is interesting today. Although short, the story goes into just enough depth and detail to give you room to think and imagine. Narration was great, although at one point I had a hard time distinguishing whom was speaking in the book due to the same inflection for all characters. Otherwise, fantastic.

Manliest writing I've ever heard

"Letters of Cold Fire: The Occult Cases of John Thunstone, Book 1" is a captivating audiobook that immerses its listeners in a world where the supernatural and the ordinary collide. Written by the acclaimed author Manly Wade Wellman and narrated by Andrew Nilles, this collection of stories invites us to join the enigmatic John Thunstone on his thrilling adventures. Wellman's storytelling prowess and Nilles' narration combine to create an atmospheric and mysterious experience, although not without its minor flaws.

The protagonist, John Thunstone, is far from the stereotypical ghost hunter or demon slayer. He defies convention, appearing as a tall, athletic, and handsome figure who enjoys evenings in nightclubs, charming women with his charisma. But make no mistake; Thunstone is a serious scholar of the occult and dark arts, wielding a silver blade inscribed with a powerful motto. His battles with the darkest forces haunting our world form the cornerstone of these tales, penned by Manly Wade Wellman, a renowned author who has received accolades like the Edgar, World Fantasy, and British Fantasy Awards and even earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his dark fantasy works.

The audiobook contains four gripping adventures that highlight Wellman's storytelling prowess. From "The Third Cry to Legba" to "Letters of Cold Fire," each tale blurs the line between the supernatural and the everyday, drawing the listener into a rich and mysterious world. These stories originally graced the pages of Weird Tales and continue to captivate audiences with their timeless appeal.

Wellman's command of the English language is evident throughout this collection. His prose is vivid, evocative, and rich, immersing the listener in eerie and mystifying landscapes. While "Letters of Cold Fire" might not be Wellman's magnum opus, it's certainly a testament to his storytelling abilities.

Manly Wade Wellman's name does raise an eyebrow or two. Did he bestow this appellation upon himself, or was it perhaps a quirky gift from his father, compensating for insecurities or channeling an era of rugged masculinity? Well, one thing is certain: his writing exudes a distinct testosterone-fueled vigor that sets it apart. Comparing it to the work of someone like Neil Gaiman, who might struggle to summon such manly energy even with a dose of 'roids, Wellman's narratives carry an unapologetic machismo that grabs you by the lapels and demands your attention. It's almost as if he's the Beck of the literary world, consistently winning the title of "Best Male Artist" with his tales that are unapologetically, well, manly.

Andrew Nilles, the narrator of this audiobook, does an admirable job in bringing Wellman's words to life. However, there is a minor drawback to his narration. At times, it can be challenging to distinguish between characters due to similar inflections. Despite this small hiccup, Nilles' narration remains captivating, drawing the listener deeper into the occult world of John Thunstone. One notable issue with the audiobook is the fluctuation in volume levels. At times, the audio shifts dramatically from indistinct to painfully sharp within a single sentence. While not a deal-breaker, this inconsistency can be distracting and is an aspect that could be improved to enhance the overall listening experience.

Among the tales in "Letters of Cold Fire," "The Golden Goblins" stands out as a highlight. Its storyline is captivating, showcasing Wellman's talent for blending the uncanny with the believable. The narrative is both unsettling and engaging, making it a standout within this collection.

John Thunstone, the central character, presents an intriguing dichotomy. While he is undoubtedly a capable, self-contained, and righteous protagonist, some listeners might find him to be more of a tool or device rather than a fully formed character. Thunstone appears to embody the essence of goodness, lacking the depth and complexity of a fully realized individual. While this may be a deliberate choice, it leaves room for character development in future volumes. Sharon, Countess Montesco, is a character that may not resonate with all listeners. Her portrayal and involvement in the narrative can be somewhat less appealing, and her presence does not contribute significantly to the overall story.

For those familiar with Manly Wade Wellman's body of work, it's worth noting that while "Letters of Cold Fire" offers a compelling foray into the supernatural, some of Wellman's other series, such as the John the Balladeer stories, might be even more captivating. Thunstone seems to serve as a placeholder for the embodiment of goodness rather than a fully fleshed-out character. While Thunstone is admirable, he might not resonate as deeply as other protagonists in Wellman's repertoire.

"Letters of Cold Fire: The Occult Cases of John Thunstone, Book 1" is a commendable introduction to the supernatural world of John Thunstone. Manly Wade Wellman's storytelling abilities and Andrew Nilles' narration make for an engaging experience. Despite minor narration quirks, a fluctuation in volume levels, and a somewhat one-dimensional protagonist, the audiobook offers a glimpse into a rich and mysterious realm. Wellman's storytelling remains a valuable contribution to the world of fantasy literature, making this audiobook worth a listen for those who appreciate classic tales of the occult. It may not be flawless, but it is a fascinating journey into the enigmatic world of John Thunstone as he wages a one-man war against the supernatural.

Available in a better version

-- The Third Cry to Legba and Other Invocations: Selected Stories of Manly Wade Wellman, Volume 1. It's much more complete, at 14 hours and 20 minutes, and has stronger narration, by the very good Brian Troxel.