The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal

By: KJ Charles

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

A story too secret, too terrifying - and too shockingly intimate - for Victorian eyes.

Dear Henry,

I have been Simon Feximal's companion, assistant, and chronicler for 20 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 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

©2013, 2015 K. J. Charles (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

KJ Charles is magic

A Gothic supernatural romance is not my usual cup of tea. But I have never been disappointed in KJ Charles so I gave it a try. And was well rewarded with a great narrator telling creepy supernatural stories set in pre-WWI England. Main character Robert Caldwell has written countless published stories of the great ghost hunter Simon Feximal, now he shares stories to his editor that give the intimate background of the two men as long time partners. Robert's compassionate (and passionate) love for a difficult man makes this more than the average m/m romance. And Simon as a man hardened by the evil he fights, is a hidden true romantic adding more emotion than expected. Edwardian Britain is well described adding a nice atmosphere to the proceedings. Gary Furlong is a narrator I haven't heard before and will now keep an eye out for because of his great performance. My dearest hope is that he will be tapped as narrator for Spectred Isle as it is set in the same supernatural world. Quite frankly I look forward to anything audible puts out for KJ Charles if it continues to be of this quality.

Beautiful audio for one of the best books

Audio: I was worried about the audio for this book because Furlong narrates another book that I forget the title of and I hated it. I was worried that a book I love without measure would be ruined. But. No. He does an outstanding job with this story. His voice for Simon is swoonworthy, his voices are all distinct, and he does great with the accents. Fantastically well narrated.
This is one of two Charles' books that I haven't re-read compulsively. This one because it hurts at the end, in a hopeful way, but still painful. I adore this book, and, in it's way it may be the most(?) romantic relationship she's written. Two men that find a connection that, at first, shouldn't be broken, and then, eventually, can't be broken. How many romances have two characters that bind themselves together in such a permanent way? How many people would be willing to take on what Robert does to save Simon? Yes, this is her most heart breaking and strongest character connection.

Don't miss this- one of my favorites KJ Charles

The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal is not one of K.J. Charles's most popular or flashiest books, but it holds a very special place in my heart.

I loved this book in ebook form, and I loved it just as much in audio. The narrator (Gary Furlong) did an amazing job with the voices and really helped the story come to life. I couldn't stop listening. I didn't want it to end.

If you love audiobooks and K.J. Charles, this is a must-buy.

It's incredible

The Secret Casebook is already one of my favourite books, but the narrated version was somehow even better. Kudos to Gary Furlong for his incredible performance

Gothic Victorian mystery romance

Somewhat in the style of Watson writing the escapades of Sherlock Holmes but with witchcraft. Robert & Simon meet at an erotic exorcism and, well, hijinks ensue.

I don’t usually go for horror novels or shows - thankfully this didn’t trip over my “too much horror” limit. Probably because the series of mysteries told have our heroes being compassionate for those who need it and serve justice where there otherwise might not be.

Their clients/subjects range from terrified to bemused, annoyed to confused. Ghosts, devils, king’s blessings, or curses, Simon and Robert figure it out. It’s a fun little journey and a look at how an HEA plays out for people who live and work partly on the down low.

Best KJ Charles book yet!

I've gone through most of the authors work at this point, and this book is definitely my favorite. all of the readers so far have been great, but I definitely like this reader best. I also love the depth of character that's displayed and the supernatural elements. very well done.

Perfectly written. Perfectly performed.

Romantic but believable, authentically Victorian atmosphere yet also mysterious and sexy. The characters are so endearing and their romance so warm that I wish the author would write many more.

Great story telling! Amazing narrator,,

Great story telling with memorable characters, brought to life by the gifted Gary Furlong. Thanks Audible,,Gwen S.

Very entertaining

This was a collection of stories – or adventures – by Simon and Robert. We followed them through some harrowing moments, through poverty and curses. We see them fall in love and create a life during madness and in a time where such things were utterly forbidden. I had a great time with them, yet at the same time I wish I’d felt more, was more connected. A part of that stems from knowing the kind of stories and characters KJ Charles can create. And maybe that’s not fair, but here we are. I do recognise that it is difficult to craft short stories and adding the depth to them as longer ones. On the other hand, Charles did create a very interesting and intricate world that I wouldn’t mind exploring more of.

I did enjoy Gary Furlong’s narration. I am partial to his accent and deep voice, so all in all, I’ll still add this book to the win column.

Paranormal Cases

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.

Amazing narration

I loved this story, although the ending broke my heart. The narration was perfection, and I couldn't have asked for more.

Short stories cobbled together with sex

Have enjoyed many books by the author, and others less so (Any Old Diamonds is fabulous and funny). Sadly the excellent narration could not keep my interest in what is essentially a book of short ghost stories cobbled together with alot of sex. I like to get into the meat of a book, which is impossible with short stories. Gave up at 2hr mark. DISAPPOINTING

Favourite book, lesser narrator

This is a favourite book of mine and I was very much looking forward to the audio. I find it hard to be critical of narrators, but I have to say that I found the narration rather monotone. Not so much the dialogues, and voices and accents are OK. But the narrative sentences all seem to sound the same, thus turning it relatively dull. The book deserved more.