Servant of the Red Quill

A Baker Johnson Tale

By: Terry M. West

Narrated by: Jason Mills

Length: 1 hr and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In this exciting sequel to The Giving of Things Cold and Cursed, psychical researcher Baker Johnson returns. The year is 1927. The place is New York City. Baker Johnson is reluctantly pulled into a case involving a troubled family in Yonkers. Jeremiah Simms, a wealthy collector of haunted objects, has acquired a rare tome penned by the infamous Marquis de Sade. Titled Servant of the Red Quill, this cursed book unleashes an evil spirit that threatens to destroy the Simms family. Baker must face a cunning and powerful demon to save the innocent. But the deadliest demons of this battle lie within Baker. Servant of the Red Quill is an 11,000 word novelette featuring an introduction by Paula Cappa, the award-winning author of The Dazzling Darkness.

©2015 Terry M. West (P)2015 Terry M. West

Disturbing Short Story

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have enjoyed all of Terry West's short stories that I've listened to, and this one is no exception. Servant of the Red Quill is spooky and disturbing in the best way. Mills performed it well, and made the listening experience that much more enjoyable. When you are short on time but want a quick read, these short stories by West are the perfect solution. I can't wait to read more by this talented author!

A Baker Johnson Tale

Any additional comments?

Servant of the Red Quill is a period piece (New York City, 1927) in which West builds on a character developed in an older story of his, Baker Johnson, is a psychical researcher that has a knack for judging the book by its cover—that is, he gives accurate and thorough impressions of people’s character, insecurities, and strengths with nothing more than a look at their face. He’s also a bit of an exorcist who specializes in objects containing possession-causing properties. This audio book is very interesting.

A Short Powerhouse

Every time I crack open a Terry M. West story, I'm reminded why I love his writing. Equal parts straightforward and elegant, Servant of the Red Quill is a perfect introduction to the author.

A psychical researcher is called upon by an acquaintance of his late uncle. Something dark disturbs the man's home, and he believes it to be related to a book. The book itself is truly unique, and some influence seems to have latched onto his daughter through it. What follows is a short, brilliantly written tale of an exorcism by a man with a few demons of his own.

The narrator is superb, with distinct voices for each of the characters. You'll know exactly what's going on in each moment.

As a bonus, if you've read some of Terry's other works, you're sure to catch an Easter egg or two.

really good!

this was a really good quick listen. I did not listen to the previous Baker Jonson tale(s) and had no problem keeping up with the story. I would listen to more in this series. Jason Mills reads it and does a great job.
I requested this audio book in exchange for a honest review.

Scary Tale

Troubled Baker Johnson is the perfect protagonist to lead us into this short tale of horrors in 19th Century US. He has just the right touch of hard bitten bravado and heart. Excellent voice performance by Jason Mills. Recommend!

Servant of the Red Quill

I enjoyed this short, interesting story. I think I will look to pick up other Baker Johnson tales. I think I could get into this series if they are similar to this story. It was well-written and concise and the narration was spot on. I wasn't sure that I would enjoy it, to begin with, as Baker seemed like a hot turd on toast... I really think I can like his character though.