In this exciting sequel to The Giving of Things Cold & 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.
SERVANT OF THE RED QUILL has been read by many horror fans since its release and has appeared frequently in the top ten Amazon horror short stories bestseller list.
"With Servant of the Red Quill, West picks up the story two years later, with Baker having become a poor, drunken, sullen recluse, rather than the dark sort of avenging hero we may have expected after the first chapter. While he has no interest in resurrecting the Black Room, much less ever filling it again, an unwelcome visitor drags him back into the world of parapsychology. The initial battle of wills with a clever, manipulative lawyer reminds both the reader and Baker himself of the man he once was, drawing him out of the shadows of gloom, and thrusting him back to the edge of true darkness once again. The man he's been summoned to assist, Jeremiah Simms, is an old confidante of his grandfather and a fellow collector of haunted objects. What convinces Baker to take his case, however, is the demon that is haunting the old man's daughter - an affliction that tugs at his heartstrings, reminding him of his own lost daughter. The haunted object in question is what initially prompted me to give these stories a read. Simms is in possession of a rare, handwritten manuscript from the Marquis de Sade, containing a tale that even his scholars never suspected to exist, written in a strange language. His daughter has been working on translating it, and the deeper she's gotten into the text, the worse her affliction has become. At the risk of saying too much, it all adds up to an exorcism the likes of which is rarely seen in fiction, and a climax that more than delivers on the tension and the fear that West so carefully stokes."-Bob Milne, BEAUTY IN RUINS
Madeline settled her head more firmly into the pillow and she stared at Baker intensely. “I miss you, Baker. I miss you very much.”
“Why did you leave me?” he asked. “We could have healed each other but you left me to grieve Ramona and you.”
Madeline’s face saddened. “I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my daughter all alone in the blackness. I wanted to be with her.”
“Are you? Does she exist beyond flesh?” Baker questioned.
“I don’t know. I haven’t found her yet,” Madeline said. “But I continue to look, in the cold abysmal darkness. I have been given a reprieve this night, and I sought your company. I know you have questions, Baker, but my time is short so please just kiss me.”
Baker drew her into his arms and he tasted his wife’s lips. His dedication to this vision strengthened. He slipped his hands into her clothing and suddenly his wife’s body felt cold and alien.
Baker opened his eyes and he grasped the bosom of Nadia Simms. She smiled haughtily. “Finally, a man with some strength in his loins,” she said, giggling. “Father is far too old to properly please a lady and Masterson likes young boys, I am convinced. Our gardener is usually good for a go but he is on holiday.”
“Get off of me,” Baker commanded her. He tried to pull away but Nadia grabbed his wrists. She was incredibly strong.
“Please, Mr. Johnson, make me your plaything this evening,” she said. She was close to Baker’s face. Her breath was foul and her teeth were gray. Something was rotting her from the inside. “Use me and be very cruel about it.”
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Italian
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Already translated.
Translated by Carmelo Massimo Tidona
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Author review: Another fantastic translation from Carmelo! Great to work with! One of the best! |
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by Mel Blumen
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Author review: Another terrific translation from Mel! I highly recommend her! |
