Thursday, 15 October 2026

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume II - Richard Paolinelli

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume II 
ISBN 9798906107244
eISBN 9798906107244
ASIN B0HFDV2GJF


I first encountered the works of Richard Paolinelli in the Anthology Cracked An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories edited by Bokerah Brumley, in 2020. And that story appears in this collection. Since that first story, I have read work by Richard 40 times. The stories in this collection span years of writing, and encompasses numerous genres and styles. That being said they are great stores. And between this and the companion Volume II we have all of Richard’s publishes stories (outside his Sherlock pastiches) and a few new works see print for the first time.

The description of this volume states:

“Dreams of the Storyteller by Richard Paolinelli gathers the imaginative short stories of his Dreams of the Storyteller series into a definitive two-volume collection.
From the far reaches of space—where desperate missions to Mars go awry, polar shifts strand survivors on the Moon, and humanity faces extinction-level threats or alien invitations that may doom Earth—to haunted lodges where the living confront the departed, post-apocalyptic landscapes stalked by the undead, tense hunts for serial killers, and even a hilarious barnyard parody of interstellar epics, these tales span classic science fiction, supernatural mystery, thriller, and unexpected humor.

Paolinelli, an award-winning author and former sportswriter whose works include Dragon Award finalist Escaping Infinity, delivers tightly crafted stories that draw readers in with vivid characters, high-stakes dilemmas, and the classic storytelling flair of mid-century speculative fiction, while adding modern twists of sacrifice, survival, friendship, and the thin line between life and what lies beyond.

Whether exploring the last human on a dying world, a War of the Worlds-style invasion in the American West, ghostly “fixers,” or time-traveling pirate crews, this two-volume set offers a rich tapestry of dreams that linger long after the final page—perfect for fans of imaginative short fiction who crave wonder, chills, and the occasional laugh.”

The stories in this volume are:

Spinster’s Manor 
The Sorceress Curses 
The Medallion 
The Last Hunt 
A State Of Revenge 
Memory Island 
Death On The Range 
Far Away 
The Guardian 

Most of these stories is available as an individual eBook. They are collected here and available as an eBook or in print direct from the publisher. I have yet to work through the complete canon of Paolinelli’s back catalogue but have been working my way through it. It was wonderful to resist these stories. I enjoyed them the first time I read them so much I wrote an overview of the series. This new collection of the 15 stories in a single collection is excellent, and almost half of them are new stories. 

I love that each of these stories is preceded by the story behind it. They are well worth reading and I highly recommend them.


This story has a different plot that took me by surprise. With how much I read that is saying something. There were several occasions while reading 12 of the other stories in this collection, where I almost started this one. But I kept putting it off. This story involves a ghost hunter’s type crew from a show called Haunted America looking for disappearing staircases in a national park. The head ranger, District Ranger Blanchard tries to dissuade them. Their leader is Larry Kincaid, and he is supposed to be the brains of the outfit. Vicki Grace is his co-host and Randy Phillips is the cameraman and tech crew.

But Larry has a plan, and his picked a few locations to check out. Unfortunately for the three of them he plotted correctly. And with disastrous consequences. To Find out what befalls them you will need to read this chilling tale.


This story took me by surprise. A little bit supernatural, in part a ghost story. It is about friendship, betrayal, forgiveness and life after death. It is a story that will stay with readers. I find myself still thinking about it days after reading it. 

This is a great short story. It draws you in quickly, it keeps your attention. The main character is excellently written. The plot will surprise you. I look forward to the other stories in this series and many of Richard’s other series.


This is a dark and disturbing story, especially once we start putting all the pieces together. It is a chilling tale for mature readers. And having read both stories that contain this surprising character, I can only hope there will be more.   

This is another great short story from Paolinelli’s masterful pen. It really took me by surprise and I had a pretty good idea who the surprise character was going to be. I can easily recommend this story for mature readers!


Judas is given a mission by the Pope, it is delivered in person by the Camerlengo, Cardinal John E. Konecsni in person. The bishop of Luna, Bishop Joseph Igwe, was surprised by the mission of the Camerlengo, and the hermit he was here to visit. The story begins on Armstrong City, Moon Base Alpha, 2117, Cardinal John E. Konecsni is there to begin an investigation of the Diocese on Mars. He is there to task The Jesuit with this mission. Traveling under the name Brother Julian, he soon realizes thing are in fact dire on the red planet. And The Jesuit must face off with an old foe. To find out more you will need to read this excellent story.

Spinster’s Manor 

An intriguing story. Set just before Thanksgiving in 1868 Tessa Palmquist, a 25 year old spinster had a traveling house guest. A mister William Charles Aspinwall III. Aspinwall does not appear to be a nice character and has unsavoury plans. But Tessa has plans of her own. A dark horror story with some real bite. Or should I say nibbles. Read and find out. 

The Sorceress Curses 

The author describes it as a mash up of Ladyhawke and Lord of the Rings lite, and it is a good description. It is an intense and moving story. And they are willing to take great risks for a valued reward. Weary traveller named Rodrym Maglar arrives in the village of Tenaxx driving a covered wagon. He seeking out Arexnar, a renowned wizard. Trying to end a curse of opposing slumbers. Does it work, read and find out.

The Medallion 

Something things are worth far more than they appear. And some things come with a bigger price than ever expected. In this story we encounter both scenarios and for the same object. A thief gets far more than they bargained for. And has a very hard decision to make. An excellent story. Would love to see it expanded into a novel there is so much that could be done in this world and with this story.


A previous edition had the subtitle “The Dyson's Comet Killer” which reveals a bit more about the story. This story starts with an event at the Golden Gate Bridge and then jumps back in time. I loved the sequence in the story about the Motorcycle Bandit, would love to see that expanded into a full story itself. The main story is a hunt for a serial killer. The lack of clues gives Bolton a clue and sharing that hunch changes everything. 

This is the most intense of the stories I have read in this collection. It draws you in and though you see a train wreck coming you just cannot look away. By the ends you will understand the beginning and feel the same sense of loss as characters in the story.

The Last Hunt 

Written three years before Covid they story could almost be prophetic. Far in the future most humans live in walled mega cities. In North America there is groups is smaller independent cities. A plague rips through The Walled Cities, some escape, they are a threat to all of humanity. This story follows the last hunter tracking for the last kill. An intense read!

A State Of Revenge 

It was interesting to return to Paolinelli’s handling of Churchill. A story of revenge and maybe by the end regret. A secret mission that is intended to send a message but without harm to humans. But things do not go as planned. Historic fiction at its best.

Memory Island 

You wake up on a desert island with no memory, not even your name. There are several bodies and 1 other survivor. You do what needs to be done to survive and have a plan. But then a mysterious chest floats towards shore, And things are never the same. A great little story tightly written. Would love to see other stories with the main character. 

Death On The Range 

The shortest offering in the collection. Written as flash fiction and under 1100 words. But does it ever leave you wanting more. A great story with a nice twist at the end.


This is a hilarious story and a mush up parody of some many fandoms. It is well written. It will have you laughing out loud. Join Brooster on his training regime. Be thrilled by his first battle with the hound dog. And watch as he loves ‘when a plan comes together’ to go after the four legged farm animals and the Evil lord the old farmer.  

At the end of the volume it states:

Coming Soon - BARN WARS 2: The Hare Menace

It has been a few years and we have not seen it yet. But after how much fun this story was, I can hope we someday see it in print.  It was fitting that this was the last story in the series I read as it was my introduction of Richard’s work.

Far Away 

Originally published under the pen name Lucca DeJardins. I had read and reviewed this not knowing it was a pen name. This was a fantastic read right from the get go. I was hooked very early on and as the story progressed appreciated the skill and craft in writing this story even more. Novels give you a lot of room to tell a story, but short stories and novellas are a very different creature. Not all people who write novels can write novellas, or short stories. But this story is masterfully written. The characters are amazing. The plot is engaging, intense and deeply moving. In some ways the story reminds me of some of Frank Herbert’s non Dune stories, or some of the stories of Alfred Bester. The writing is tight, clean and crisp. 

The Guardian 

I have picked up several of the Fantastic Middle Schools Anthologies over the last few years. But Have yet to read them. This appeared in the volume Wisecraft. It is an interesting story. Feels like a mashup of A Wizard of Earthsea and Potter. It is a short story that sets the stage. I cannot help but wonder where Paolinelli would take it in future works. An excellent little story. 

I read this collection thus rereading these stories over a long weekend. Reading some of the stories was like a visit with long lost friends. Some were more like nightmares revisited. All were great reads! Writing short fiction is a very different skill that writing novels. Paolinelli is a master of both; trust me. So I encourage you to pick up this collection and the companion volume and you will be in for some very entertaining reads! I guarantee it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:
Maelstrom
When the Gods Fell
The Calling
The Last Lonely Trail
A Zombie Christmas Carol

Infinity Series:
Exploring Infinity
Expanding Infinity
…

Starguest 4th Age Series:
Ranger
Cassandra's Line
…
Starquest 4th Age The Complete Saga
...

Timeless Series:
Odin’s Runes
Empire Of The Golden Dragon
Blackbeard’s Treasure
The Last Quest
…

Jack Del Rio Series:
Betrayals
Endgames
…
Del Rio Omnibus Edition
Del Rio The Complete Trilogy 
…

Divine Trolls Comedies:
The Fall Of The House Of 770 Vile Aromas 
The Corvo
…

SeaDragon:
SeaDragon 1 May 1986
SeaDragon 2 June 1996
Sherlock Holmes Pastiches:

Non Fiction:
Perfection’s Arbiter
From The Fields
The Space Shuttle: 1981–2011 
…

Contributed to:
To Be Men 
Places Beyond The Wild
Space Force Building The Legacy
Secret Stairs 
A Tribute To H.G. Wells (2019 Edition)
Beyond Watson 
Holmes Away From Home, Vol. 2 
Sherlock Holmes Adventures In The Realms Of H.G. Wells 
Sherlock Holmes Aventures In The Realms Of Edgar Allan Poe
The Art Of Sherlock Holmes 
The Mx Book Of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part Xxii
…

Planetary Anthology Series:
Sol
Earth
Luna
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
…
Best Of Planetary Anthology Series
…

Dreams of the Storyteller Series - Richard Paolinelli

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume I - Richard Paolinelli

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume II - Richard Paolinelli


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Wednesday, 14 October 2026

He Is Coming Rise of the Antichrist - Joe McClane

He Is Coming Rise of the Antichrist
Chi Rho Impact Media
ISBN 9798996599400
eISBN 9798996599424
ASIN B0H6KNNH3R

He Is Coming Rise of the Antichrist - Joe McClane

I must admit I picked up this volume and a nonfiction volume called, Catholic by Design: God's Blueprint for His Church from Eden to the Garden of Revelation, as soon as I saw them on social media. I knew nothing about the books, but based on my social media interactions with Joe I knew I wanted to read them. I pre-ordered both, and read this one first. Wow! This is an excellent debut novel. It completely blew me away. I could hardly put it down. 

The description of this volume states:

“December 2030. In America the Mass is a crime, practicing Catholics are classified as domestic terrorists, and an AI surveillance system called the Task List watches every citizen, every hour, everywhere. The visible Church has made its peace with the regime. The real Church has gone underground.

Father Edmund Fisher tends a community garden on Long Island. To the state, he is a gardener with a clean record and a quiet manner. To the hunted faithful of his sector, he is something else: the priest who hears confessions among the roses and offers the ancient Mass in hidden rooms before dawn.

One year ago, Edmund watched his bishop die rather than surrender the secret entrusted to him — a sealed cedar box, carved with the Keys of Saint Peter, to be opened on a single appointed date and carried to a man whom God would reveal. That date has come. Edmund opens the letter, lifts the Box, and steps onto dark water with no idea that he has exactly three days — or that the most powerful man in the world wants what he carries.

Because the regime’s master is about to reveal himself. The world will call him a savior. Scripture has another name for him.

Hunted by Richard Topcliffe — a priest-hunter who carries a deck of cards bearing the faces of the men he has sworn to kill slowly — and guarded by a federal agent living a double life sworn to a dead bishop, Edmund must cross a surveilled America with the Church’s last treasure, and decide, mile by mile, whether he has the courage to follow his bishop all the way to the end.

He Is Coming: The Rise of the Antichrist opens a trilogy — a Catholic apocalyptic thriller with the pace of a techno-thriller and the clock of a countdown. Three days. One box. The fate of the Church on earth.

For readers who sense the headlines beginning to rhyme with the Apocalypse — and who wonder what they would do when the knock comes.”

About the author we are informed: 

“Joe McClane has spent more than twenty years behind the microphone and the camera—in radio broadcasting, podcasting, and internet video—using every medium he can get his hands on to share the good news of Jesus Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. He is the producer of two feature-length documentary films and the founder of Chi Rho Impact Media.

He Is Coming: The Rise of the Antichrist, the first novel of a trilogy, is his fiction debut.

Joe lives with his wife, Michell; they have six children and a growing crowd of grandchildren—the people for whom, in the end, all of it is made.
Connect with him at his site.”

In the author’s note he states:

“He Is Coming is fiction. The Task List, the garden, Father Edmund and the men who hunt him came out of my imagination, and any resemblance to real people or places is the accident of a writer borrowing from the world he lives in. But the thing underneath the story is not fiction. The Church has always taught that history is going somewhere, that the Lord who came once in Bethlehem will come again in glory, and that before He does there will be a testing such as the world has not seen. I did not invent the Antichrist, and I did not invent the warning to keep our lamps lit. I only asked what it might feel like to live in the hour when the lamps begin to go out—and whether I, or you, would have the courage to keep ours burning.

Let me be plain about what this book is not. It is not a prediction. I have set no dates and decoded no headlines; the year on the page is a storyteller’s “what if,” nothing more. Where the novel touches doctrine—the Mass, the sacraments, the Last Things, Our Lady—I have tried to stay inside the lines the Church has drawn, leaning on Scripture, the Fathers, the Roman Catechism, St. Thomas, and the apparitions the Church has approved. Where I have used material that is devotional rather than defined, I have tried to treat it as exactly that: color, not certainty. Nothing here is meant to contradict a single article of the Catholic faith, and if it does, the fault is mine, and I submit it without reservation to the judgment of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.”

This is a compelling story. And I am sure there will be comparisons made with the evangelical Left Behind Series. Or Jenkin’s Shadowed series written later. Writing about the end of days is not new, evangelical Christians have had a fascination with it for decades now. And there are other Catholic offerings. But this volume is a stand out in the genre. It is one of the best debut novels I have every read. And I would say the best End Times one!

This story is an apocalyptic thriller. It is written by a documentary filmmaker and broadcaster. It could easily be done as a movie. The story begins in December 2030 set in a dystopian future. The US still has a president, but the real power appears to be at the UN. Most traditional religions are repressed, but especially Catholicism. Nearly everything we do and say is tracked and that surveillance and monitoring is called the Task List. Our protagonist is Father Edmund Fisher he lives working in a community Garden and offers clandestine sacraments. But this is after he is given a heavy burden by his bishop. That mission is to survive a year, and deliver hidden artefact, a sealed cedar box carved with the keys of Saint Peter. He has a letter to open on a specific date and that letter will provide directions. Father Edmund is being hunted by Richard Topcliffe. And from our first encounter with him we know something is off. It is the story of faith and faithfulness.

Some fiction you read and it was entertaining, some are informative, some are transforming. This one is that third type. It has left me thinking and praying for several days. It prompted me to pray often while reading. It inspired and it has challenged me. Over the last decade I have averaged reading about a book a day, and this is one of the best debut novels, if not one of the best novels I have read!

When I started this I was unaware that it is the first in a planned trilogy. And by the end it leaves you desperate for the next volume. This is an excellent novel. I could not put it down. The characters are masterfully written. The plot moves at an excellent pace. And the story grabs your attention and does not let go. This is an excellent read, once I can easily recommend it. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Joe McClane:
Muscle Memory: Beating the Porn Temptation!
Catholic by Design: God's Blueprint for His Church from Eden to the Garden of Revelation 
Catholic By Design Sorrowful Mysteries 
…

He is Coming Series:
The Great Tribulation
…

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Tuesday, 13 October 2026

My Den – Home Office 2026

My Den – Home Office 2023

A few years ago I wrote a piece called My Den – Home Office 2022, and then it was updated a year later My Den – Home Office 2023; since that time we had to move because the landlord sold the house we were renting. After we moved I had my den set up, but waited until all the public living spaces and my three children's room were set up and they were happy before deciding how I wanted to do the den. I work in a hybrid model and om only in the office 5 days a month. I also read and write reviews as evidenced by this blog, so I spend a lot of time in this room. It is used for work, fore devotional time, for my hobby of reviewing and more.

We have been settled here nearly a year now, and this is my current space. It is my space to Work, Play, Pray! 

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 1

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 2

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 3

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 4

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 5

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 6

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 7

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 9

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den

Across the top above the desk:

Saint Pier Gorgieo Frassati 
Saint Josemaria Escriva
Our Lady Immaculate Heart 
Divine Mercy (a copy of the one in our church.)
Our Lady of La Salette 
Pope Benedict Praying the Rosary
Mary (Have had this one for years from my grandmother)

The three coming down from these on the left of the desk are my children's confirmation saints.


Inside these my:

On the right of the desk are a series of mini icons:

Top Row:

Two icons of Jesus.

Middle Row:

Saint Patrick of Ireland
Saint Brigid of Ireland
Saint Brendan

Bottom Row:

Pope John Paul II
Damien of Molokai
4 Archangels
Saint Gemma Galgani

On the wall to the left of the desk:

Top Row:

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Middle Row:

Sint Nicholas
Saint Charles de Foucauld
Saint David of Wales
Saint George and the Dragon

Bottom Row:

Our Lady of the Snows
Saint Genesius of Rome
Saint Kyriaki

Beside bookcase:

The Father Icon (from St Mark's School of Reading)
Jerusalem Cross
Holy Water Font
Venerable Emil Kapaun
Saint Kevin of Glendalough

On the desk:

Memento Mori Skull
2 Stands for Prayer Cards That I have a box I rotate through.
Statue of Mary
Desk Standing Crucifix Wood
Desk Standing Crucifix Metal
Pope Leo Challenge Coin

On the Bookcase:

Second Class Relic of Fulton Sheen
Homeless Jesus - Timothy Schmalz
When I Was a Stranger - Timothy Schmalz
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Saint Joseph
Saint Gabriel Challenge Coin
Armour of God Challenge Coin
A crucifix with candle holder base a friend made for me.

The new icons and artwork come from a variety of sources, for some I have linked to the sites above. Some more detailed pictures below. 



Timothy Schmalz has some incredible sculptures, and they are all over the world.


These are icons from Theophilia on Deviant Art. I love that they are younger versions of the saints than often we encounter. I picked up Saint Patrick for me, Joan of Arc for my 26 year old daughter I just found out about last year. And the other three for my children here at home. 


These are 3 of 6 Greek Orthodox Catholic Icons I purchased. They are smaller than I expected. But on a nice thick piece of stained wood. The Smaller icons come from Holy Art.

Finally the two painting on either side of the entrance were both painted by my youngest. She is 11 now Jack Skellington was painted a few years ago. The Fall Scene this last fall at school.

The Divine Mercy at out church was painted by a local artist for a previous pastor. I love her rendition of it.


The main sources for my religious art are:


As a side note about the confirmation saints for my children I pray for them each time the icon catches my attention. When they are older and moving out for work or school I plan on taking them down and giving them to them. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my space. And maybe it will inspire you to add an icon, sculpture or two to your own work space. 

Related Posts:
…
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Monday, 12 October 2026

Whales A Short Supernatural Eco-Thriller - Simone Nespolo - Dark Futures Book 2

Whales: A Short Supernatural Eco-Thriller
Dark Futures Short Sci-Fi Horror Book 2
ASIN B0GX2GZY2P

Whales A Short Supernatural Eco-Thriller - Simone Nespolo

This is the eighth volume I have read by Simone, and I have picked up a number of others, almost all his fiction that is available in English, and a few of the non-fiction. At the time of writing this I believe there are 19 available in English and a few others that currently are not available. After reading The Baptism of Lucid: A Sacrament in the Red Silence of Mars I became fascinated with Simone’s works and wanted to dive deep. Some of his fiction titles really grabbed my attention. It is hard to categorize this volume. Some would claim it is science fiction, some as Eco-Thrillers, some as Horror. But no matter how you classify it, it is an intriguing read. I had picked this up weeks ago, but only just got along to reading it. 

The description of this volume states:

“When animals begin attacking humans across the world, no one can explain why.

Paolo, a mountain park ranger, has lived with a secret since childhood: animals speak to him through flashes of intuition and vision. When a mysterious seagull appears in the mountains and shows him terrifying images of slaughtered whales and a sea turned red with blood, Paolo realizes the attacks are not random. They are a warning.

As fear spreads and powerful forces close in, Paolo and his partner Stefania are drawn into a dangerous race to uncover the truth before the balance between mankind and nature is broken forever.

A short supernatural eco-thriller about instinct, guilt, and nature striking back.”

About the author we are informed:

“Simone Nespolo is the author of practical guides focused on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and automation for small and medium-sized businesses. He holds a degree in Economics and has developed solid experience in professional training, customer service, and the creation of strategic, results-driven content.

Occasionally, he devotes time to writing fantasy short stories and to analyzing contemporary geopolitics, approached with a critical and accessible perspective.”

The disclamer states:

“This work is a piece of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, and events are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously for narrative purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or existing, organizations, or real events is purely coincidental. Created with AI assistance under the author’s supervision.”

I will state I did enjoy this, but desperately want more. It feels more like a summary or outline than a completed work. The mystery focuses around the animals, snakes, … from around the world are attacking and killing humans. Intentionally, deliberately, and started as a coordinated attack. Paolo is a park ranger and has had the ability to receive communications from animals for most of his life. He has kept this hidden. 

It is an interesting piece. But it could be so much more. Each section could be a chapter in a much larger book. As it is it feels like it could be amazing but has just not been developed yet. It is a good read and an interesting story; it just really feels unfinished!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Simone Nespolo:
A Collection of Three Film Plots
Ancient Maps for New Journeys
Local autonomy: The Natural Antidote to Fascism and Communism
Praying for Money
The Imperial Revival and Japan’s Demographic Crisis
The Necessary Schism of the American Catholic Church

Books of Guided Prompts:
10 Prompts to Sell with ChatGPT
15 AI Prompts for Small and Medium Enterprises
20 AI Prompts Ready for eBook Writers
…

Fiction:
Doge – Martian Colonial Ship
The Garden of Ashes
The Last Venetian Painter
…

Dark Futures Series:
…

Catholic Science Fiction Series: 
…

Selfie A Psychological Urban Horror Synopsis - Simone Nespolo

Whales A Short Supernatural Eco-Thriller - Simone Nespolo
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Sunday, 11 October 2026

Blood on the Tracks - Guy Hale - The Comeback Trail Book 2

Blood on the Tracks
The Comeback Trail Book 2
ISBN 9781915036810
eISBN 9781738444847
ASIN B0DWT6536F

Blood on the Tracks - Guy Hale - The Comeback Trail Book 2

I picked up the first volume in this series for a few reasons. First some author and publishing friends call me a ‘completionist’; in that when I find an author I love I try and read everything they have in print. Second I have been absolutely loving Hale’s Shakespeare Murders Series. Third I absolutely love the artwork. Including the album of songs inspired by the book that has limited availability. But I am getting ahead of myself. About the author on his site we are informed:

“Guy Hale lives in rural Worcestershire with his wife and son. He spent his early life avoiding serious employment as a professional golfer. He then spent several years trying to end it by racing motorcycles. Having failed, he then concentrated on business, which proved to be a safer and more suitable destination for his talents. He sold up and retired in 2018, and then started a record label in Texas. This led him to becoming a songwriter, and writing novels was a natural progression. He confesses to having a low boredom threshold.”

The description of this volume is:

“Jimmy Wayne is headed for LA to make the new album that will hopefully make him a star. In a quiet, deserted canyon a few miles outside Blackjack lie the bodies of his victims who inspired each song - all his secrets are buried in that dry and arid ground.

Can he leave his past behind or will the ghosts of his past come back to haunt him?”

The dedication in book 1, Killing me Softly, states:

“MIKE ZITO This book came out of a conversation Mike and I had in a restaurant in LA. The character of Jimmy Wayne is based on Mike … without the murdering … I think. As an aspiring musician, Mike had played venues like the Riviera and he told me that he had an idea about a down-on-his-luck singer who accidently kills someone and then discovers the ability to write a song whenever he kills. The idea blew my mind, and I asked him if I could turn it into a novel. The soundtrack that I wrote to go with the novel is performed by Mike and he arranged all the music. Mike is like a brother to me … his talent and generosity seem to have no bounds and I am forever grateful that we have got to work on so many great records and now the Jimmy Wayne saga together.” 

The chapters in the work are:

      1: LA Bound
      2: Drinking, God And Heavy Metal
      3: Weird Scenes Inside The Goldmine
      4: Artistic Differences
      5: Heard It Through The Grapevine
      6: All That Glitters
      7: Studio Daze
      8: Internet Sensation
      9: Cast A Long Shadow
     10: New Songs For Another Day
     11: Aksel’s Gold
     12: All Roads Lead To Vegas
     13: Carpenters Casino
     14: A Star Is Re-Born
     15: Sign Of Good Faith
     16: Streets Paved With Gold
     17: Vegas Baby!
     18: All The World’s A Stage
     19: No Going Back

The track list for the album is:

Vacant Stare
Safe
To Your Scattered Bodies Go
Hanging Around
Lonely Old Lady
Rage
Too Much
When The Day Is Done
Late Blossom
Stairway To Hell
Déjà vu
Cold Winds Blowing

Again, I will say pay close attention to the chapter titles some are terribly clever. And play a key role in the story. This story follows Jimmy Wayne and the Second Chance, was almost a has-been, he was up the charts and just sort of never converted. Then after accidentally killing his girlfriend he writes a song that could become a hit. In the first volume as the bodies pile up so do the great new songs. In this volume Jimmy and the band head to LA to record. Soon Jimmy is doing a media junket, visiting Las Vegas to prep for the residency there for the band, and trying to find a way to write songs without killing. But soon Jimmy has some new songs, and the mysterious Mister John R. Deal, he is popping up all over the place, and appears to be trying to guide Jimmy and the band to even greater success. Add a strange adventure at a gold mind, and old friend, a Sheriff still after Jimmy, a thug kingpin from the UK and there are a lot of elements in this volume.

This is an excellent second novel in this trilogy. As the sophomore novel from Hale it is again very well written. This book is dark, disturbing and yet also very humorous.  The characters in this story and series are a strange mix. You have the antihero, a corrupt cop, a mob boss, the owner of a music studio, a promoter, a hotel and casino manager. In the middle of it all, bodies just keep dropping, though the count in this one is significantly less than the first. The plot is twisted, but in a good way, and the story stays terribly fresh. The book leaves you desperate for the final instalment! After reading the first I ordered a copy for my father and recommended it to a few friends. There are some friends that would just not get the humour. It is soft of a mash up of Dexter and Get Smart, with a musician in the leading role. And I cannot but help picture a younger Bruce Campbell in the leading role, And Helena Bonham Carter as Wendy. This is another excellent read, it was fun, and dark, and darkly amusing. I can easily recommend the book and series.  

Books by Guy Hale
Comeback Trail Series:
3. All The World's A Stage (2023)
…

Shakespeare Murders Series:
4. Sleep No More (2025)
…

Guy Hale The Shakespeare Murders Series

The Comeback Trail - Guy Hale - Trilogy and Album

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Saturday, 10 October 2026

Have Saint Will Travel - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus, Vol. II

Have Saint Will Travel 
Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus, Vol. II
Declan Finn
eISBN 9781865243467
ASIN B0HFDTK2WS
 
Have Saint Will Travel - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. II

This is the second of the new Omnibus editions of this excellent series I have read. I must state that Declan Finn is one of my favourite contemporary authors. I have read all the published books and short stories, and many contributions to anthologies. I had been planning to reread this series for a while now, especially as I await the republication of the Pius series. These new omnibus editions look amazing! My son and I both absolutely love these new editions. Without the words on the covers we would both do them as prints and put them up on our wall with Icons we have. 

The description of this omnibus edition states:

“In the mean streets of New York—and beyond—evil has a scent. And one cop can smell it.

Detective Thomas “Tommy” Nolan is a good man: devoted husband and father, faithful Catholic, and an NYPD officer who shows mercy to the desperate while hunting the truly wicked. Then the gifts arrive—the charisms of the saints. He can smell evil. He can bilocate. He heals fast, levitates when needed, and stands as a living target for the legions of Hell.

From a demon-possessed serial killer tearing through Queens to death cults, warlocks in high office, Nazi vampires, sex-trafficking succubi, witches, zombies, Lovecraftian horrors, and worse, every force of darkness marks Tommy for destruction. They learn the hard way that “good” does not mean “harmless.” With prayer, fists, firearms, allies from the Vatican to the streets, and an unshakable faith, Tommy sends them all back to Hell—or dies trying.

This complete collection gathers every novel and short story in Declan Finn’s acclaimed Saint Tommy, NYPD series: the full arc of Tommy’s battles across New York, Europe, and the supernatural underworld, plus the connecting tales that fill the gaps between major cases. Experience the Catholic action-horror that readers call a streamlined, faith-fueled answer to urban fantasy classics—fast-paced, gun-and-grace-filled, and unapologetically on the side of the light.

One saint. One badge. An army of demons. The war against Evil starts here.

With a bounty on his head in New York, Nolan is sent abroad as part of the NYPD’s intelligence unit. Instead of being a glorified tourists, all the forces of Hell are still out to get him.

City of Shadows: When a robbery at the British Museum turns into a war zone, Nolan finds himself on the trail of a prehistoric weapon of mass destruction.

Crusader: Chasing human traffickers turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a succubus who is about to open a portal to Hell in the middle of Europe.

Deus Vult: A nearby monastery has been desecrated, the exorcist monks slaughtered. A legion of demons is gathering, and Tommy’s the only one to stand in their way.

They Burn Witches, Don't They?: Alex Packard may not be a saint, but when a coven of witches come to his city, he has a few tricks up his sleeve.”

About the author we are informed:

“As penance for his sins, Declan Finn spent over 40 years in New York City. He has since made his escape from New York to Texas. He is the author of books ranging from thrillers to urban fantasy to SciFi, including the Dragon Award Nominated Novel for Best horror in 2016, Honor at Stake, and the 2017 follow-up, Live and Let Bite. He was also nominated for "Best Apocalypse" novel at the Dragons in 2017. He also won the book of the year award with his novel Hell Spawn from CLFA.

Finn is known for being annoyingly Catholic, his action sequences, and writing faster than most readers can keep up with. In less than a decade, he has written over 30 novels, and is waiting for all of them to be published. He's been part of multiple anthologies, and will write for anyone.”

This is another incredible collection. I was even more impressed reading these stories the second time. Spiritual warfare and the war on crime collide. Officer Nolan thought he had his work cut out for him. 

This story is told from Alex Packerd’s point of view. He has been staying in Tommy’s house while he is overseas and he is prepared for what happens. Being Tommy’s partner had given him some skills, some tools, and he has been doing his research.

Soon Alex, the chief medical examiner Doctor Sinead Holland and Father Freeman realize what they are up against and they start to work to stop something that will be bad, very, very bad. But can they take on a coven, some of whom are super powered without Tommy?


This story starts a little slower than the last one. And Tommy is out of new York, first to the Vatican and then to London. But the action sequences in this story are just as intense if not more so than in the previous offerings. A mysterious artifact from Hussein’s personal collection, a super wealthy couple in England trying to influence the whole world, and not for the good. Political correctness around calling crimes crimes, and criminals criminals. A clear look at the acid and knife attacks so prevalent in England, including a look at certain recent histories.  

Some great one liners. A lot of action. And An important reminder of the power of prayers and value of memorizing a wide variety of prayers. Tommy prays to the three Arch Angels before heading into the penultimate battle sequence.

Tommy’s new assignment, and being on loan to the Vatican has sort of made him a Cop Spy is proving even more interesting and challenging than Tommy ever expected. And using the charisms is a huge help in his work. 

Declan definitely pushing the line with these works. He is not afraid to punt political correctness out the door. He uses fiction to write about issues, and concerns that most media completely ignores. He is willing to confront the expediential growth in rape gangs in Europe, human trafficking. And Several other issues. But Written into a story about a New York Cop just trying to do the right thing and live his faith. Tommy Nolan wants his actions to live up to his theology, which is something I can greatly respect. But he is also willing to trust that God can do almost anything. Some examples include using charisms typical of saintly men and women in the past; speaking in tongues, fluent in speaking German which he has never learned. Sensing and smelling evil. And even miraculous healings. 

In this one, not only is Tommy called back into duty early, and on American soil again, his police partner, his wife, children and even close friend a New York Medical Examiner, Doctor Sinead Holland are all in on the action. And in each novel the action gets more intense, and to some extent terrifying! In this one someone is trying to raise a demon and wipe out much of North America. But to get there they first start with an investigation of a massacre at a monetary. All the exorcist monks have been murdered. And the whole place has been desecrated. Tommy, his partner with NYPD Alex Packard, and Father Michael Pearson his partner at the Vatican a combat exorcist, are on the case and they soon realize not only is it serious but also very time sensitive. Soon it is a race against time to see if they can save the people of earth again!  

This is another amazing read. Excellent stories in a series that are now available in 4 Omnibus editions and a collection of all the short stories. I highly recommend this series for mature readers. I have recommended these books to dozens of people and all have loved them. Therefore I recommend them to you. Pick this up and read this awesome series!    

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Declan Finn:
Love At First Bite Series:

The Last Survivors Series:
…

Convention Killings Series:
…

Pius Series:
A Pius Legacy
A Pius Stand
Pius History
Pius Tales (Anthology)
…
Pius Trilogy Short Stories:
...

St. Tommy Series:

Land&Sea Season 2:
...

Other books:
...

Anthologies contributed to:
Luna: Planetary Anhtology Series Book 2
Supernatural Streets
Starflight: Tales From The Starport Lounge
Mercury: Planetary Anthology Series Book 4
Venus: Planetary Anthology Series Book 5
Mars: Planetary Anthology Series Book 7
Places Beyond the Wild: A Z-Day Anthology
Shoot the Devil: Ten Tales of Humans Defeating the Demonic
Fantastic Schools, Volume 6
This Saint For Hire - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. I

Have Saint Will Travel - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. II

A Fistful of Relics - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. III

Dead Saint Walking - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. IV

Pathway to Heaven - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD The Complete Short Stories
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