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Witches of the Water #1
The Golden Merra
It's the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Bootlegger and ex-pilot from World War I Wil Driscoll has reluctantly accepted an invitation from an old foe to attend a dog race in New Orleans. He's on the lam from the gangster he works for after losing his cargo in a plane crash and desperately needs to strike it big. Wil soon discovers that he has to share a hotel room with Albert Crow, an eccentric but ambitious treasure hunter who hopes the weekend's race will finance his long sought-after expedition to the Chichen Itza ruins of the Maya in Mexico. During a weekend he hoped would be his ticket to riches, Wil crosses paths an old flame, who is now a jazz singer and flapper, has a run-in with the notorious New Orleans Black Hand gang, and begins an adventure to unknown and exotic places with supernatural secrets. It will be much more than just a day at the races.
The Golden Merra is a thriller that delivers the action fans of pulp fiction, noir and all things gangster have come to expect. This piece of historical fiction will appeal to readers of action/adventure, history and even the paranormal alike.
The Golden Merra is a thriller that delivers the action fans of pulp fiction, noir and all things gangster have come to expect. This piece of historical fiction will appeal to readers of action/adventure, history and even the paranormal alike.
100 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2013
475 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Moore
6 books39 followersKevin has been writing since he was eight years old, pecking away on his mom’s typewriter. He enjoys reading and writing fiction. Kevin decided to pivot his life toward studying history professionally about ten years ago and hasn’t looked back since. He now gets to research, preserve and share history as the curator of artifacts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums in Fremont, Ohio. He also hosts "Can’t Make This Up: A History Podcast," where he gets the privilege of interviewing authors and historians. Kevin lives in Toledo with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 2, 2014
So, I received an ARR copy - actually, I requested one from Mr. Moore, because the premise of the novel appealed. A 1920s-inspired hard-nosed adventure tale, with an old-time radio [OTR] show as framing device.
Now, this novella has problems. It needs some plot holes plugged and some substantive editing for pacing. When I began, I wasn’t sure whether to expect Chandler or Hammett inspiration . . . I got a bit of Hammett, which is great. There are some good lines; good setups. But it missed . . . but not by much.
The plot: A radio show introduces Wil Driscoll, adventurer with a dicey past, on his first outing - then the reader gets to “hear” the show. Wil - down on his luck - is faced with his past twice over: a lawyer who didn’t handle a past case well; and a former girlfriend whose opinion of Wil now is nebulous at best. Wil gets stuck in an awkward and dangerous plot against both him and his new friend - Albert - and has to think and move fast to extract them both from it. The story concludes, and the reader is returned to the OTR device - told to look for the next instalment!
Clever. There are some good “buddy” moments. I liked the characters [except the ones I wasn’t supposed to!], so all good.
I hovered on a star-rating fence because of the problems [on one side] and the OTR premise [on the other]. Every time the novella lost me, it found me again on the premise. I think this could be an utterly brilliant series with the right handler [editor]. I would have liked to hear more of the sense of the radio show. Having heard my share [recent discovery and fan of The Black Museum and Suspense], I had hoped for that feel in the prose of Driscoll’s story. Now, not sure how to accomplish that, exactly. The dialogue suited - mostly short, snappy bits. But the descriptions and inner thoughts didn’t. Think of the sound effects used in OTR - the pitter-patter and sploosh of rain; the tapping of footsteps; the crack of gunshots. All this in the prose would have assisted this novella greatly.
[As an aside, I was reminded at one point of the race scene in The Black Stallion - it was so-so in the movie version, but in the book, it was brilliant: The announcer’s voice dutifully calling the track positions of Sunraider and Cyclone. And then - Here comes The Black! So powerful. The Golden Merra would be well served - in its OTR frame - by such a treatment . . . and not merely in the greyhound race scenes. It’s the overarching idea of it.]
I’ll continue to read the series as Mr. Moore writes it. Very interested to see where it goes. It is a challenging prospect that I'm sure will be ultimately rewarding for Mr. Moore, and his readers.
Now, this novella has problems. It needs some plot holes plugged and some substantive editing for pacing. When I began, I wasn’t sure whether to expect Chandler or Hammett inspiration . . . I got a bit of Hammett, which is great. There are some good lines; good setups. But it missed . . . but not by much.
The plot: A radio show introduces Wil Driscoll, adventurer with a dicey past, on his first outing - then the reader gets to “hear” the show. Wil - down on his luck - is faced with his past twice over: a lawyer who didn’t handle a past case well; and a former girlfriend whose opinion of Wil now is nebulous at best. Wil gets stuck in an awkward and dangerous plot against both him and his new friend - Albert - and has to think and move fast to extract them both from it. The story concludes, and the reader is returned to the OTR device - told to look for the next instalment!
Clever. There are some good “buddy” moments. I liked the characters [except the ones I wasn’t supposed to!], so all good.
I hovered on a star-rating fence because of the problems [on one side] and the OTR premise [on the other]. Every time the novella lost me, it found me again on the premise. I think this could be an utterly brilliant series with the right handler [editor]. I would have liked to hear more of the sense of the radio show. Having heard my share [recent discovery and fan of The Black Museum and Suspense], I had hoped for that feel in the prose of Driscoll’s story. Now, not sure how to accomplish that, exactly. The dialogue suited - mostly short, snappy bits. But the descriptions and inner thoughts didn’t. Think of the sound effects used in OTR - the pitter-patter and sploosh of rain; the tapping of footsteps; the crack of gunshots. All this in the prose would have assisted this novella greatly.
[As an aside, I was reminded at one point of the race scene in The Black Stallion - it was so-so in the movie version, but in the book, it was brilliant: The announcer’s voice dutifully calling the track positions of Sunraider and Cyclone. And then - Here comes The Black! So powerful. The Golden Merra would be well served - in its OTR frame - by such a treatment . . . and not merely in the greyhound race scenes. It’s the overarching idea of it.]
I’ll continue to read the series as Mr. Moore writes it. Very interested to see where it goes. It is a challenging prospect that I'm sure will be ultimately rewarding for Mr. Moore, and his readers.
January 25, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review from the Goodreads ARR program. It is a great program and you get to read some wonderful stories!
This was a neat read! The Golden Merra is the start of a series of stories starring Wil Driscoll and Albert. Wil Driscoll is, well, how do describe him? He is a scoundrel, a pilot, and a smuggler. We meet him just after he has crashed his uncle's plane and is going to a dog meet in New Orleans to see if he can pay his uncle back.
He was invited by an old 'friend' from his days in the service (the story is set in the late 1920s) who seems to have done well for himself. The invite includes a free room in the Golden Merra as well as free drinks - what more could a guy want? However, Wil finds out that the hotel isn't exactly first class and that he will be sharing a room with Albert. Albert owns one of the dogs that will be running in the races.
I don't want to reveal much more of the story. I loved the setting and the way the story was told; it opens as if it is an introduction to an old radio show. And who doesn't love a story set during Prohibition? Dames, Gangsters, and action. Loved it and I can't wait for part two.
This was a neat read! The Golden Merra is the start of a series of stories starring Wil Driscoll and Albert. Wil Driscoll is, well, how do describe him? He is a scoundrel, a pilot, and a smuggler. We meet him just after he has crashed his uncle's plane and is going to a dog meet in New Orleans to see if he can pay his uncle back.
He was invited by an old 'friend' from his days in the service (the story is set in the late 1920s) who seems to have done well for himself. The invite includes a free room in the Golden Merra as well as free drinks - what more could a guy want? However, Wil finds out that the hotel isn't exactly first class and that he will be sharing a room with Albert. Albert owns one of the dogs that will be running in the races.
I don't want to reveal much more of the story. I loved the setting and the way the story was told; it opens as if it is an introduction to an old radio show. And who doesn't love a story set during Prohibition? Dames, Gangsters, and action. Loved it and I can't wait for part two.
February 8, 2023
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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
I obtained a copy of The Golden Merra from the author, Kevin Moore, a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review – thank you by the way.
The story is presented as a reading from a radio show from the 1920`s. An announcer essentially says, sit back and listen to the 1st installment of the story of Wil Driscoll. I found this an effective way of putting this reader back to that era. I was able to visualize listening to a radio from that era
radioI was pleasantly surprised in that I found the novella had just enough depth to get me interested and did not leave many loose ends when it was over. The pace was good and I felt I had had a satisfying read when it was over, and that is NOT a feeling I get often from novella`s.
If there was anything predictable about the story it was the `dame` in the story….old flame who in essence turns out to be with the bad guys. I was a bit disappointed with that predicable twist.
But overall, this was an enjoyable, quick read with good entertainment value.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
I obtained a copy of The Golden Merra from the author, Kevin Moore, a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review – thank you by the way.
The story is presented as a reading from a radio show from the 1920`s. An announcer essentially says, sit back and listen to the 1st installment of the story of Wil Driscoll. I found this an effective way of putting this reader back to that era. I was able to visualize listening to a radio from that era
radioI was pleasantly surprised in that I found the novella had just enough depth to get me interested and did not leave many loose ends when it was over. The pace was good and I felt I had had a satisfying read when it was over, and that is NOT a feeling I get often from novella`s.
If there was anything predictable about the story it was the `dame` in the story….old flame who in essence turns out to be with the bad guys. I was a bit disappointed with that predicable twist.
But overall, this was an enjoyable, quick read with good entertainment value.
October 21, 2018
4.5 stars.
I can't recall exactly how I found out about The Golden Merra--it might have been via a Booktuber on YouTube, known for reading and reviewing indie books, or it might have been through various other indie-related outlets. Whatever the reason, I read the summary, and couldn't pass up an opportunity to read it.
The Golden Merra was an excellent Historical Fiction piece revolving around the 1920s, New Orleans, and the criminal Underworld. The writing was, for the most part, masterfully done; each sentence lent something of itself to my senses, allowing me to experience the environment in exquisite detail alongside the book's main character, Wil. Likewise, Wil, and the other cast of characters, felt authentic to the last detail--from dialogue, to body language, to their clothing, and to the varying degrees of wit, charm, boisterousness, etc. Each character had their own distinct voice and their own motivations.
While the story was quite a bit shorter than I expected, it was by far one of the more enjoyable reads I've had of late, and I hope to read more of Wil Driscoll's adventures in the future.
I can't recall exactly how I found out about The Golden Merra--it might have been via a Booktuber on YouTube, known for reading and reviewing indie books, or it might have been through various other indie-related outlets. Whatever the reason, I read the summary, and couldn't pass up an opportunity to read it.
The Golden Merra was an excellent Historical Fiction piece revolving around the 1920s, New Orleans, and the criminal Underworld. The writing was, for the most part, masterfully done; each sentence lent something of itself to my senses, allowing me to experience the environment in exquisite detail alongside the book's main character, Wil. Likewise, Wil, and the other cast of characters, felt authentic to the last detail--from dialogue, to body language, to their clothing, and to the varying degrees of wit, charm, boisterousness, etc. Each character had their own distinct voice and their own motivations.
While the story was quite a bit shorter than I expected, it was by far one of the more enjoyable reads I've had of late, and I hope to read more of Wil Driscoll's adventures in the future.
August 9, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is vintage short-fiction at its finest.
The book is set up to introduce Wil Driscoll as the main character of a radio show an unknown listener is tuning in to. I thought it was a really cool way to sandwich the story, with the Man propping up his feet to listen to the show, and the story itself being the short program, and then the announcer ending the radio show with announcements and ads and telling the Man to tune in next time.
This is a short story, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It really was like a favorite show that you catch every week, and wait eagerly for the next installment. (warning - don't get thrown by the sub-title, it doesn't really seem to have much to do with this first episode. I think I caught a hint, but like I said, don't let it throw you off, just enjoy the show!)
Wil Driscoll, ex-pilot and bootlegger, is in debt to some angry guys. Seeing a quick way to make amends, Wil takes Barty Merra, an old enemy, up on an offer to visit The Golden Merra in the heart of New Orleans for a weekend of dining, gambling, and dog racing. Barty's "new" investment turns out to be less than stellar for a "high-end" weekend. The elevator is a death trap, the food is mediocre, and worst of all, Wil has been assigned to share a one-bed room with another invitee, Albert. Close quarters and a common hatred for Barty Merra quickly force Wil and Albert to alliance.
Shady dealings, a mega-mobster, and an ex-girlfriend push Albert and WIl further into the same corner, where the two must team up to push their way back out. I loved the ending - I could almost hear the sound effects (of what, I won't say to avoid a spoiler!) fading out as program ended and the announcer began reading the advertisements. Ready to see what Wil and Albert do next!
The book is set up to introduce Wil Driscoll as the main character of a radio show an unknown listener is tuning in to. I thought it was a really cool way to sandwich the story, with the Man propping up his feet to listen to the show, and the story itself being the short program, and then the announcer ending the radio show with announcements and ads and telling the Man to tune in next time.
This is a short story, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It really was like a favorite show that you catch every week, and wait eagerly for the next installment. (warning - don't get thrown by the sub-title, it doesn't really seem to have much to do with this first episode. I think I caught a hint, but like I said, don't let it throw you off, just enjoy the show!)
Wil Driscoll, ex-pilot and bootlegger, is in debt to some angry guys. Seeing a quick way to make amends, Wil takes Barty Merra, an old enemy, up on an offer to visit The Golden Merra in the heart of New Orleans for a weekend of dining, gambling, and dog racing. Barty's "new" investment turns out to be less than stellar for a "high-end" weekend. The elevator is a death trap, the food is mediocre, and worst of all, Wil has been assigned to share a one-bed room with another invitee, Albert. Close quarters and a common hatred for Barty Merra quickly force Wil and Albert to alliance.
Shady dealings, a mega-mobster, and an ex-girlfriend push Albert and WIl further into the same corner, where the two must team up to push their way back out. I loved the ending - I could almost hear the sound effects (of what, I won't say to avoid a spoiler!) fading out as program ended and the announcer began reading the advertisements. Ready to see what Wil and Albert do next!
February 2, 2014
Kevin sent me his book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is the first in a series of adventures featuring Wil Driscoll, a character with a somewhat colourful/dodgy past. It is set in the 1920s in New Orleans.
Wil is invited to come to The Golden Meera, a hotel owned by Batty Meera, one time lawyer (now very shady dealing hotelier) and who knows Wil from the past and Wil's background which unbeknown to Wil he wants to use against him. There Wil meets Albert who has come to do a bit of dog racing. The two characters skirt around each other and don't really trust one another. Working at the hotel is a rather attractive singer called Nell who turns out to be the one time love of Nell who he abandoned to follow his other love - flying. Batty Meera has financial problems and fixes the racing and Wil to make it look as if Wil owes money to Carollo, the Sicilian born thug, to whom Batty actually owes the money. Turns out hell hath no fury where Nell is concerned and she conspires with Batty to get Wil killed...they don't succeed of course as he'll be back in his next adventure...
I would have like a bit more characterization. Maybe this is deliberate and we'll get to know Wil and Albert(?) more in the next adventure. I was a bit disappointed at the end as I felt the book trailed off and there was just something missing. Not a criticism - just my personal view.
The book reminds me of one of those 'boys-own' stories. It isn't very long - only 73 pages so it doesn't take long to read. I look forward to reading the next part.
The book is the first in a series of adventures featuring Wil Driscoll, a character with a somewhat colourful/dodgy past. It is set in the 1920s in New Orleans.
Wil is invited to come to The Golden Meera, a hotel owned by Batty Meera, one time lawyer (now very shady dealing hotelier) and who knows Wil from the past and Wil's background which unbeknown to Wil he wants to use against him. There Wil meets Albert who has come to do a bit of dog racing. The two characters skirt around each other and don't really trust one another. Working at the hotel is a rather attractive singer called Nell who turns out to be the one time love of Nell who he abandoned to follow his other love - flying. Batty Meera has financial problems and fixes the racing and Wil to make it look as if Wil owes money to Carollo, the Sicilian born thug, to whom Batty actually owes the money. Turns out hell hath no fury where Nell is concerned and she conspires with Batty to get Wil killed...they don't succeed of course as he'll be back in his next adventure...
I would have like a bit more characterization. Maybe this is deliberate and we'll get to know Wil and Albert(?) more in the next adventure. I was a bit disappointed at the end as I felt the book trailed off and there was just something missing. Not a criticism - just my personal view.
The book reminds me of one of those 'boys-own' stories. It isn't very long - only 73 pages so it doesn't take long to read. I look forward to reading the next part.
July 30, 2014
My most recent read was The Golden Merra (Witches of the Water Book 1) by Kevin Moore. To sum up: I really enjoyed this quick read!
Moore sets up the story quite well by introducing it as a radio broadcast being listened to by an unknown man. This initially confused me, but as I began to read the opening pages, I quickly settled in to the plot.
The plotline moved fairly quickly. And while I found myself wishing that there was more than 65 pages, I enjoyed being able to read it all in one sitting. That element added to the idea that I was listening to a radio show broadcast.
The story is extremely well written, the dialogue was realistic, and the plot was captivating. It held my attention quite forcefully. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am very curious to find out what happens next!
Moore sets up the story quite well by introducing it as a radio broadcast being listened to by an unknown man. This initially confused me, but as I began to read the opening pages, I quickly settled in to the plot.
The plotline moved fairly quickly. And while I found myself wishing that there was more than 65 pages, I enjoyed being able to read it all in one sitting. That element added to the idea that I was listening to a radio show broadcast.
The story is extremely well written, the dialogue was realistic, and the plot was captivating. It held my attention quite forcefully. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am very curious to find out what happens next!
July 9, 2016
Fun pulp adventure
This is a fast, fun pulp noiresque adventure that brings a radio drama to life, putting you in the middle of the escapades of gambler Wil Driscoll, who in true Bogart fashion ends up over his head quickly. It's got crime bosses, sleazy gambling dens, and the requisite femme fatale. My only complaint is the problematic use of slurs and stereotypes of Romani people, which is an unfortunate relic of the period. Other than that I found it an enjoyable read.
This is a fast, fun pulp noiresque adventure that brings a radio drama to life, putting you in the middle of the escapades of gambler Wil Driscoll, who in true Bogart fashion ends up over his head quickly. It's got crime bosses, sleazy gambling dens, and the requisite femme fatale. My only complaint is the problematic use of slurs and stereotypes of Romani people, which is an unfortunate relic of the period. Other than that I found it an enjoyable read.
September 24, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Normally a fantasy/sci-fi/romance reader, I found this book very well written. I could see the characters, the ambience (or lack there of) of the hotel, feel the atmosphere of what was happening as I read. I'm not one to go into spoilers by writing out each detail and how I felt about it, but I will say that I will be reading more adventures of Will Driscoll because now I am hooked.
March 10, 2015
That was awesome!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews