The Hellhound of Derbyshire

The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom, Book 3

By: Page Zaplendam

Narrated by: Michael Langan

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

A historical detective mystery at its vampiric best!

John Grissom, vampire bacteriologist, has found a new purpose in life, joining up with friends Henrietta Isherwood and Gerhardt Van Helsing to comprise the off-book Bow Street Odd Crimes Division. What Mulder and Skully were to the FBI, John and Henrietta are to Bow Street.

When reports come in from the Peak District of an unexplained beast terrorizing the countryside, and a lynch mob is ready to pin the trouble on a young girl, the Odd Crimes division believes it's nothing more than an elaborate hoax. Finding hidden lairs with shrines to plague-era distorted skeletons has them rethinking everything, and wondering if they are going to leave Derbyshire alive....

©2018 Page Zaplendam (P)2023 Page Zaplendam

The Hellhound

I totally enjoyed this book.I wish this series would just keep going! Michael Langan was a terrific narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

The Eloquent Eulogy of The Hellhound of Derbyshire

As the moonlight bathes the world in its haunting glow and the shadows of night deepen, there's nothing quite like immersing oneself in the embrace of an audiobook that can transport you to a realm where history, mystery, and vampiric allure intertwine seamlessly. In "The Hellhound of Derbyshire: The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom, Book 3," authored by the talented Page Zaplendam and exquisitely narrated by the captivating voice of Michael Langan, listeners are treated to a riveting tale that redefines the allure of historical detective mysteries from a decidedly vampiric standpoint.

At the heart of this spellbinding narrative lies John Grissom, a vampire bacteriologist who has found purpose anew by forging unlikely alliances with the indomitable Henrietta Isherwood and the enigmatic Gerhardt Van Helsing. Together, they form the clandestine Bow Street Odd Crimes Division, a mirror image of the renowned FBI duo Mulder and Scully, albeit with a supernatural twist that makes their exploits all the more enthralling.

The Peak District, shrouded in mystery and folklore, becomes the backdrop for a spine-tingling series of events. Reports of a malevolent beast prowling the tranquil countryside spark a chain of investigations that reveal far more than the division bargained for. When a misguided lynch mob targets a young girl as the source of the mayhem, the Odd Crimes division discerns a grand ruse at play. Yet, as hidden lairs harboring shrines to plague-era contorted skeletons come to light, the boundaries between reality and the arcane blur, pushing our protagonists to question not only the validity of their assumptions but also the very survival of their existence.

What sets "The Hellhound of Derbyshire" apart from the countless entries in the supernatural genre is the ingenious manner in which Page Zaplendam melds the classic elements of vampires and werewolves to underscore profound themes of moral accountability. This ingenious premise elevates the narrative to unprecedented heights, offering readers and listeners a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

While the plot itself is a masterpiece of intrigue and suspense, it is the characters that truly breathe life into the tale. John Grissom, not merely a vampire, but a man of principle navigating the treacherous waters of his immortal existence, captivates our emotions. His camaraderie with Henrietta Isherwood, a woman of intellect and determination, showcases a dynamic that is as poignant as it is charming. And then there's Gerhardt Van Helsing, an enigmatic figure whose layers are peeled away with masterful precision, leaving us yearning for more.

The tapestry of "The Hellhound of Derbyshire" is woven with meticulous care, each thread interconnecting to create a mesmerizing tableau of mystery and revelation. Page Zaplendam's narrative prowess shines through her vivid descriptions, transporting us to the eerie landscapes of the Peak District and the shadowed alleyways of Victorian London. But it's the audiobook's narration by Michael Langan that truly amplifies its allure. Langan's voice, rich with depth and nuance, envelops the listener, effectively blurring the lines between reality and fiction, making the experience truly immersive.

Alas, as with all good things, "The Hellhound of Derbyshire" draws to its conclusion, leaving us with a bittersweet sense of fulfillment. The author's adeptness at crafting multifaceted characters and intricate plotlines has us yearning for more. The only shadow cast upon this otherwise radiant tale is the realization that this might be the final installment. It's a sentiment shared by this fledgling vampire listener, echoing the hope for a series finale that grants our beloved characters the favorable resolutions they so deserve.

Henrietta's unyielding virtue and John's battle for self-control stand as testaments to the enduring human spirit, even in the face of immortal tribulations. As a fervent advocate for their virtuous journey, one can't help but ardently desire that their paths will continue to be illuminated in the pages of future endeavors.

In summation, "The Hellhound of Derbyshire: The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom, Book 3" is an audiobook that beckons with the allure of midnight secrets and immortal enigmas. Page Zaplendam's narrative prowess combined with Michael Langan's entrancing narration form an alchemical union that transforms mere words into an enchanting symphony for the senses. Whether you're a devoted aficionado of supernatural mysteries or a curious traveler venturing into uncharted territory, this audiobook is a must-listen, a literary gem that will linger in your thoughts, much like a vampire's mesmerizing gaze captures its prey.