John Llewellyn Probert - Chasing Spirits

[dem bones]

Out now!

John Llewellyn Probert - Chasing Spirits (Black Shuck, Nov. 2022)

Harry T. Fisk

Fistlock!
Give My Regards To Alan Smithee
Hush Hush Sweet Charlatan

Arrived yesterday evening. The plan was to hold fire, save this for THE BIG DAY, so you can guess how that worked out. Just the one story to go, and we'll attempt to do the Right Hon. Lord Probert's ghastly micro-collection some kind of justice ...

[dem bones]

Fistlock!: The unsought supernatural adventures of John Glory, once of medical profession, now a desperate hack author. Glory has been contracted to speed ghost-write a final Fistlock! paperback, series creator, Ralph Brightman, having met with the nastiest of mysterious death's (and he'll not be the only one). Sheila Partington, agent to the deceased, is desperate to cash in on next month's lifting of a ban on the notorious '90s animated TV series based on the novels. The screen Fistlock! was pulled after a handful of viewers committed random acts of violence, claiming it was Gareth Fistlock made them do it. Dr. Gerald Bathurst FRC Psych. (forensic), a former colleague of Glory, remains an outspoken critic of the show, so we're not greatly surprised when what's left of him is slopped up on the slab. Glory pays a call (with cakes) on his ex, Dr. Jenni Harris, the brilliant and, needless to say, sexy forensic pathologist who confirms that Gerry died of a massive brain haemorrhage, his skull squashed and shattered by instrument — or thing — unknown. No sooner has he left the mortuary than Glory receives a text warning, Fistlock will be coming for you, as does Sheila ... The late Brightman and his homicidal hard-boiled dick are back!

Give My Regards to Alan Smithee; Student film crew in peril thrills as, off the back of his recent adventure, Glory is hired in a "paranormal detective" capacity to investigate queer goings-on at Parkland Studios, as four rich kids attempt to complete work on the project set them by their late slave driving tutor. Could it be that the ghost of Adrian Miller has returned to make sure the combined talents of Felicia, Petey, Oliver, Jimi, Betsy and the supremely waspish Jo/e do justice to his 'brilliant screenplay'? Happily, the case necessitates John to make further grovelling demands on Jinni's expertise - we're very taken with Ms. Harris.

Hush Hush Sweet Charlatan: Our man in the flamboyant dressing gown is now gainfully employed as a script doctor for the Silver Digital (home of the celebrated It Was All Much Better Back Then). Glory works on The Other Side, a hit series devoted to exposing old age bogus psychic mediums live on air. Alas, John's cushy number takes a turn for the ghastly when three of those outed are very murdered by an enormous cycloptic meatball from the Pit. Dr. Harris again present and correct on unrequited love-lust duty but, on this occasion, it's the formidable Madame Mirabelle Richter, psychic medium, steals the limelight.

If you're still undecided on that budget price Christmas gift for the Black Book/ Pan Horror fiend in your life, you really need look no further. My one regret is I didn't leave it until the 24th!

[Johnlprobert]

Many thanks for the kind words, Mr D! The response to John Glory's first three adventures has been way more enthusiastic than I was expecting from all quarters (including sales, which is always a bonus) so there will be more. In fact that's what I'm working on now. I can promise more monsters, more alcohol and more Dr Harris (probably - I hadn't realised she'd be such a hit either and I'm nothing if not audience-led).

[dem bones]

Delighted Glory — and Dr Jenni — will be coming back for more. God knows, we need an inside man to keep an eye on the Silver Digital studio audiences. No telling what fresh Hell they'll plunge us into in '23. Bride of Dem wants me to ask if Mr. G. "dresses like Jason King."

Will attempt a listing of these Black Shuck Shadows when time permits, as we've entries on a few now, though nothing approaching the full count of 31. I'm not sure the reliance on stories linked by a theme always works, but it does in the case of Chasing Shadows!