SuperNOIRtural Tales
Ian Rogers
Burning Effigy Press (October 2025)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham
First, I have to say that I’m at all times delighted to learn something by Ian Rogers. His writing is nothing wanting good, and I by no means really feel something however honored to evaluate his work.
SuperNOIRtural Tales is not any exception. It is a assortment of six tales, of which I’m hard-pressed to discover a favourite, as they’re all so fantastically written. They don’t seem to be the skinny gruel of so many brief tales I‘ve learn recently, however somewhat, are jam-packed with fascinating characters, concepts that I needed I had had first, and the philosophy of coping with a hostile dimension proper subsequent door to ours—a hostile dimension that may enter ours via portals which have appeared everywhere in the world. This hostile dimension has been named ‘The Black Lands,’ and the moniker is sort of applicable, as there isn’t a solar there and all the things desires to kill you (very similar to the wildlife in Australia). However the supernatural creatures that do make their means throughout usually can’t be put down with common bullets, or bullets in any respect, which complicates issues.
One of many of us coping with such problems is Non-public Investigator Felix Renn. He doesn’t attempt to discover supernatural circumstances, however they at all times appear to seek out him—nicely, hey, a flat price plus bills when he can get them isn’t something to stroll away from, and that’s the explanation he’s dubbed the Supernatural Detective, or ‘Tremendous Dick’ for brief. He simply loves that title…
In these tales, Rogers has created a model new style—Supernatural Noir. Image Mickey Spillane in Madame Lalaurie’s mansion, and also you’ve just about acquired it. And the wisecracks and banter are paying homage to Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor at their finest. My two favourite genres are mixed like a Cordon Bleu Mille-Feuille, and are simply as scrumptious.
Right here’s what you get:
“Non permanent Monsters” – Some Hollywood actors will do absolutely anything to have an edge over the competitors.
“The Ash Angels” – Christmas Eve has been the night time of many suicides, and Felix Renn lastly finds out why—and it’s not melancholy.
“Black-Eyed Children” – They arrive from The Black Lands, they usually need you to allow them to in…they usually gained’t go away till you do. Creepy…very creepy.
“The Brick”—There’s a lot motion packed into this story that you just’ll discover it onerous to consider it’s solely 96 pages lengthy. With the wealthy quirkiness widespread to Raymond Chandler, it had me on the sting of my seat proper to the top. What begins out as a lacking little one case takes on Black Lands problems when Felix is loaned a brick taken from Rosedale Cottage—a spot that “makes Shirley Jackson’s Hill Home appear to be the Playboy Mansion” in accordance with Jerry, the native actual property agent who solely sells haunted homes. He tells Renn that the brick will assist him together with his case. Ohhhhhkkkkkaaayyyyy.
“My Physique”—was a kind of candy, kind of unhappy little story a few little one Renn finds on the facet of the highway late at night time. I shed a tear or two. Properly finished.
“The Historical past of the Black Lands” – is so believably written that you just’ll suppose it’s true. An interesting ending to a e book that made me eagerly anticipate Felix Renn’s subsequent foray into the Black Lands mythos.
Ian Rogers additionally has one other e book out about Felix Renn and The Black Lands—and simply as glorious as SuperNOIRtural Tales—it’s referred to as Sycamore. However I like to recommend studying SuperNOIRtural Tales first. I’ve reviewed Sycamore on Hellnotes.
Must you be focused on studying extra about Felix Renn and the Black Lands, right here’s the place to go: www.theblacklands.com
You’ll most positively wish to get a duplicate of this e book for your self and choose up a couple of extra for Christmas items that these in your checklist are positive to treasure.
6 out of 5 stars! I imply it!
About Carson Buckingham
Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her means in life doing all method of issues, most of which contain arson. She is presently employed as a contract author on a piece launch program. In her spare time, she research forensics, in hopes of making use of her new data to eluding the authorities extra successfully the following time.
She is initially from Connecticut, however now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.
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