The Half Killed

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for heartfelt bacon poetry.

One of the first things that stands out about The Half Killed is the sense of atmosphere. And I don't mean physical atmosphere, though the vivid descriptions of a deadly heat wave tearing through Victorian London paint an ominous picture of the story's setting. Olson is a skilled wordsmith, using language to instill an ever-present sense of dread as the story unfolds. We don't just see the underlying horror; we feel it along with the characters.

The story is told through the eyes of Dorothea Hawes, one of the few actual psychics in London. When we first meet her, she's a bit of a recluse, still recovering from a tragic accident during her youth. She's sworn off using her abilities as a psychic, as well as the society of fake psychics who'd love to take advantage of her. That is, until she meets Chissick, a charming gentleman who enlists Dorothea's assistance in solving a string of grisly murders.

All of this is filtered through a stylized prose that enriches the story. Things kick off with a jarring, second-person prologue that intentionally leaves you reeling, wondering what the hell just happened. From there, the first-person narration roots you in Dorothea's struggle, while still withholding just enough information to keep you guessing.

Target Audience

People who enjoy:

Gaslamp FantasyGothic horror
Murder mysteriesDescriptive and poetic prose