Baker(Demons and other Night Things)
Author: Terry M. WestPublisher: Pleasant Storm Entertainment, Inc
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Baker Johnson is a psychical researcher, demonologist and exorcist living in 1930s New York City. Brilliant but deeply flawed, Baker has an otherworldly perception that allows him to read people with but a glance. In "A Weird Tale" (the story begun at the end of Night Things: Undead and Kicking), Baker is summoned to Providence by dying author of the macabre, H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft makes a confession that threatens Baker's life and sanity.
In "A Fiend's Errand", Baker is approached by a dangerous mobster known as Johnny Stücke. Baker's black room, a place where haunted items are cataloged and kept, holds an ancient item that Stücke is determined to possess. Baker is introduced to the secret society known as the Night Things. And he may be the only thing standing between the world of man and the most dangerous threat it has ever known.
Also included are the previous Baker Johnson tales, "The Giving of Things Cold and Cursed", "Servant of the Red Quill" (with an introduction by Paula Cappa, author of The Dazzling Darkness), and "The Dark Alp".
Critically-acclaimed horror author Terry M. West continues his Magic Now series with this collection that introduces Baker Johnson to the Magic Now universe.
Also included: an exclusive preview of the next Night Things book, THE HORDE FREQUENCY.
“Baker(Demons and other Night Things)” consists of five ‘Baker’ stories(“The Giving of Things Cold and Cursed”,”Servants of the Red Quill”,”The Dark Alp”,”A Weird Tale”,”A Fiend’s Errand”).
With “Baker”, author Terry M. West seamlessly introduces Baker into “The Night Things” universe. Baker is a character ripped from the pages of centuries past and meshes well with the new universe and characters. The author’s well crafted world and characters leave me eagerly waiting for more of Baker in The Night Things setting.
“The Dark Alp” is an interesting read that has Baker facing off with a nightmare demon. This was a refreshing story and spin that I didn’t expect but I loved it. One thing I keep thinking of when reading the Baker stories is …. ‘Baker reminds me so much of Sherlock Holmes’. Maybe it’s just me but it is what it is. Overall, I would give “The Dark Alp” 4/5 skulls.
“A Weird Tale” finds Baker meeting up with H.P. Lovecraft. A story that was at the end of “Night Things: Undead and Kicking”. The meeting between the characters was such a joy to read and experience. After the meeting, Baker is burdened by the same nightmares of Mr. Lovecraft. A maddening vision of an ancient evil that will send the world to it’s end. This story for me ended too soon and I wish we could have gotten more from this. Still it’s a worthy read and I give it 4/5 skulls.
In “A Fiend’s Errand”, the author,places Baker squarely in “The Night Things” universe leading to the meeting of Baker and Johnny Stucke. Baker has an artifact held in his ‘Black Room’ that can aid Stucke , but will Baker willingly hand over the item and help Stucke’s cause. This is an epic meeting that is just a tease for what I hope is to come.
Overall “Baker(Demons and other Night Things)” is a great collection that gathers the both the original and new titles for fans that are eager to catch up on the titular character or newbies to the universe. It’s a good read read for any horror fan and a book that I wholeheartedly recommend.
