In the Moonlight Hours and Poutine
Who does not love a Canadian novella about necromancers, ghosts, and supernatural serial killers trying to destroy dimensions? In his debut book, “In the Moonlight Hours,” Rory Spickett takes us to Montreal following necromancer-for-hire, Lucien LaArgent. He just comes back from Nova Scotia but there are some strange things happening in his homebase. A masked supernatural killer calling themselves “the Mind Doctor,” is on the loose, targeting innocent people associated with his girlfriend Zara’s nightclub. In order to stop this entity’s horrifying rampage, Lucien and Zara must put an end to their diabolical experiments. But can they succeed?
In the Moonlight Hours by Rory Spickett
The Story
Solitary and scholarly necromancer Lucien LaArgent has just finished crossing over some ghosts in Nova Scotia and is eager to get back home to Montreal. There his beautiful, elegant, extroverted girlfriend Zara is running her popular nightclub, “the Moonlight Hours” which they both take residence in. Little do the two of them realize is that Zara’s friend and charming crooner of the nightclub has been stalked and murdered along with her boyfriend in the most sadistic way possible. After the two young lovers are found, Lucien and Zara are on the case.
On one of his frequent hunts in another dimension that he calls the Ethereal, Lucien bumps into a masked killer with their own supernatural skills. They are working on a series of experiments that could be the end of both realms as he knows it. But that won’t stop the mysterious self-named Mind Doctor from achieving their unknown goals. Although reluctant to get involved with his world Zara is determined to get justice. But can Lucien protect her from what he fears the most?
It’s wine o’clock somewhere!
My Review
Absolutely fantastic. This book is as scary as it is intriguing. Rory Spicket paints such a picture with his words that you can see, feel, and experience everything that is happening whether it is in the characteristic cobblestones of Montreal or the decrepit despair of the Ethereal. It’s spine-chilling mystery just drew me in and I could not put the book down.
His characters are extremely unique but also believable. I can see how Lucien prefers to be by himself as he often has frequent discussions with the dead along with going into another world that no human should ever venture. He clearly is just trying to figure out what life and death means. Zara who is his only wanted companion, lover, and best-friend is the opposite. She loves being around people, has a head for business, and can find things out that Lucien just can’t. One could say that they are not only the perfect team but soulmates as well. There are a few romantic points between these two but that is not what this is about.
It is about finding justice in an otherwise dark world especially since Cordelia’s ghostly brazen boyfriend is pushing the two of them to get the answers he so desperately needs and reunite with his beloved. He refuses to cross-over until he can find her spirit too. You can see why he loves her so much. It is touching to see a love so strong between those two star-crossed lovers and the heroes looking to help them.
Then there is the mystery itself. A person has to have an open mind when it comes to a supernatural thriller. You may find out who has done all the dirty deeds but you never quite figure out how and why. Spickett gives you a unique perception and the odd clue to figure out what is happening and why. It was titillating all the way through and you can not help but mentally shout out to the characters. “Behind you! Behind you!”
I honestly could not find anything wrong with this book. It is a must read for sure!
A Montreal staple for a book that is set there
The Pairings
The best and tastiest dish to have with this special book is non-other than the world-famous Canadian staple; poutine. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside fries with some salty but savoury gravy and above all the cheese curds. Oh, how my mouth waters at the thought of that. The gravy melting that dairy yumminess into the rich and creamy goodness that tastes like heaven just makes you want to hunt for more. Just like our hero Lucien who goes from what we see everyday into a dark world but helps ghosts find the light. Now tell me that does not sound like poutine mixing with your taste buds?
The wine to go with this is a sexy little number called Wine O’clock. This particular bottle of wine is a Merlot. Deep like the ghosts of the past, red like rubies that adorn an exquisite necklace, and smooth like silk that caresses the skin. A perfect reminiscence of the streets of Montreal and this book. The taste of berries is prominent especially the strawberries. There is a hint of passion there and the two protagonists in this book are passionate people.
The Rating/Final Thoughts
10/10
This book was so fabulous! It gave me a good scare but still made me swoon with the bits of romance (although not prominent) that I did catch in there. I only hope we get to see these characters again. I want to know what else they will experience. I guess it will take a little more poutine and another glass of wine before I know for sure. All I can say to the author is, “Give me more, Rory!”
