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Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Seek
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Continues...
Seven years after the death of Edward Hyde, a stylish gentleman shows up in foggy London claiming to be Dr Henry Jekyll. Only Mr Utterson, Jekyll’s faithful lawyer and confidant, knows that he must be an impostor – because Jekyll was Hyde. But as the man goes about charming Jekyll’s friends and reclaiming his estate, and as the bodies of potential challengers start piling up, Utterson is left fearing for his life ... and questioning his own sanity.
This brilliantly imagined and beautifully written sequel to one of literature’s greatest masterpieces perfectly complements the original work. And where the original was concerned with the duality of man, this sequel deals with the possibility of identity theft of the most audacious kind. Can it really be that this man who looks and acts so precisely like Dr Henry Jekyll is an imposter?
Seven years after the death of Edward Hyde, a stylish gentleman shows up in foggy London claiming to be Dr Henry Jekyll. Only Mr Utterson, Jekyll’s faithful lawyer and confidant, knows that he must be an impostor – because Jekyll was Hyde. But as the man goes about charming Jekyll’s friends and reclaiming his estate, and as the bodies of potential challengers start piling up, Utterson is left fearing for his life ... and questioning his own sanity.
This brilliantly imagined and beautifully written sequel to one of literature’s greatest masterpieces perfectly complements the original work. And where the original was concerned with the duality of man, this sequel deals with the possibility of identity theft of the most audacious kind. Can it really be that this man who looks and acts so precisely like Dr Henry Jekyll is an imposter?
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
32 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Anthony O'Neill
14 books63 followersAnthony O’Neill is the son of an Irish policeman and an Australian stenographer.
He was born in Melbourne and lives in Edinburgh.
He is the author of Scheherazade, a revisionist Arabian Nights epic; The Lamplighter, a psychological horror novel set in Victorian Scotland; The Empire of Eternity, a history-mystery involving Napoleon Bonaparte and the early years of Egyptology; The Unscratchables, a Swiftian satire featuring dog and cat detectives; and The Dark Side, a crime novel set on the far side of the moon.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He was born in Melbourne and lives in Edinburgh.
He is the author of Scheherazade, a revisionist Arabian Nights epic; The Lamplighter, a psychological horror novel set in Victorian Scotland; The Empire of Eternity, a history-mystery involving Napoleon Bonaparte and the early years of Egyptology; The Unscratchables, a Swiftian satire featuring dog and cat detectives; and The Dark Side, a crime novel set on the far side of the moon.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
October 12, 2017
This is a retelling of the infamous classic text, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Seven years have passed, since the events of the original tale. Jekyll is presumed dead and his lawyer and good friend Gabriel Utterson is set to take over his prior home and fortunes, in just a few days.
But then Jekyll returns. Only Utterson does not believe that this is the case. He believes an impostor is posing as his former friend and has succeeded in fooling their entire social circle of this guise. Utterson can only rely on himself, to prove his assertions correct, uncloak the mystery, and protect his own fracturing sanity.
I was immediately and pleasantly surprised to find the penmanship evoking the feel of the original tale. The reader is transported to Victorian England, with startling ease, as O'Neill creates an evocative atmosphere similar to those I so adore in the Gothic classics. It is this fog-laden landscape that allow the truly chilling elements of both this story, and its predecessor, to permeate throughout, and allows the trickle of dread and anticipation access from the very first page.
What started as an authentic retelling soon, also, turned into an exciting story, in its own right. The elements of the former story are well known and so the author was very adept at continuing to keep his readers guessing, when so much remained true to the original. The characters, setting and bones of the story were known but O'Neill managed to take them in a direction I could not presuppose, and very much appreciated.
This is a truly brilliant re-imagining that does Stevenson the justice his work deserves and is also a perfect example of Gothic suspense, in its own right.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Anthony O'Neill, and the publisher, Black & White Publishing, for this opportunity.
But then Jekyll returns. Only Utterson does not believe that this is the case. He believes an impostor is posing as his former friend and has succeeded in fooling their entire social circle of this guise. Utterson can only rely on himself, to prove his assertions correct, uncloak the mystery, and protect his own fracturing sanity.
I was immediately and pleasantly surprised to find the penmanship evoking the feel of the original tale. The reader is transported to Victorian England, with startling ease, as O'Neill creates an evocative atmosphere similar to those I so adore in the Gothic classics. It is this fog-laden landscape that allow the truly chilling elements of both this story, and its predecessor, to permeate throughout, and allows the trickle of dread and anticipation access from the very first page.
What started as an authentic retelling soon, also, turned into an exciting story, in its own right. The elements of the former story are well known and so the author was very adept at continuing to keep his readers guessing, when so much remained true to the original. The characters, setting and bones of the story were known but O'Neill managed to take them in a direction I could not presuppose, and very much appreciated.
This is a truly brilliant re-imagining that does Stevenson the justice his work deserves and is also a perfect example of Gothic suspense, in its own right.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Anthony O'Neill, and the publisher, Black & White Publishing, for this opportunity.
August 26, 2017
Despite the overall setting and language of the book feeling right as a follow up to Stevenson's original, I am too unsettled by the author's mistreatment of Utterson to really get behind it. Before, the reader stayed with Utterson for the majority of the book, experiencing the increasingly strange occurrences through his eyes, and we have no reason to disbelieve his account thanks to the final evidence for the Jekyll/Hyde coming in the form of two corroboratory letters. In fact, it is part of the sinister nature of the novella that he is an intellectual man, ever more convinced of something inexplicable happening to his friend. So when in this novel it is Utterson, confounded by the appearance of a Dr. Jekyll he knows to be an imposter, who slips slowly into paranoia and madness, it overturns the former belief we had in him. He is portrayed as a contemptible man, seemingly obsessed with the house he is set to inherit from Jekyll's estate and one of his ex-amore's, the widow Nora.
what feverish children we become when our dreams are interrupted
That's not to say that the author took the book in an impossible direction, there was certainly scope for moving it in this way, and the evidence laid out in a final explanatory statement, mirroring the Stevenson's work, gave the 'evidence' in a convincing enough manner. And yet, if we are to believe the events of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, then why is the 'imposter' Dr. Jekyll a more sympathetic character in this book, when we, like Utterson, know he is such? This book seemingly both offers verification for both Utterson's theories of Jekyll's stolen identity and for his own crazed breakdown. I suppose we are meant to make up our own minds...
but it just didn't work for me.
ARC via Netgalley
what feverish children we become when our dreams are interrupted
That's not to say that the author took the book in an impossible direction, there was certainly scope for moving it in this way, and the evidence laid out in a final explanatory statement, mirroring the Stevenson's work, gave the 'evidence' in a convincing enough manner. And yet, if we are to believe the events of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, then why is the 'imposter' Dr. Jekyll a more sympathetic character in this book, when we, like Utterson, know he is such? This book seemingly both offers verification for both Utterson's theories of Jekyll's stolen identity and for his own crazed breakdown. I suppose we are meant to make up our own minds...
but it just didn't work for me.
ARC via Netgalley
September 14, 2017
Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Beginning Seven years after the ending of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, in which Mr. Hyde was found dead, meaning that Dr. Jekyll must of been dead too, as they were one and the same. A man claiming to be Dr. Jekyll has taken up residence in his old home. All of his old acquaintances believe the story of where he had been for the last seven years, all except Mr. Utterson, who knew him well as his friend, and lawyer.
Mr. Utterson was within days of become the sole beneficiary of the Dr. Jekyll estate and now some charlatan has arrived looking, sounding, and acting like his old friend, but he was one of the only people to know that Mr. Hyde and Dr. Jekyll were the same person, and that as Hyde is dead, then Jekyll is too, meaning that this man is most certainly an impostor.
Utterson makes it his mission to discredit the forger. After trying the police with no luck, he then visits his friends, one by one, but it would seem none of them agree with him. Doing many thinks out of the ordinary, for such a usually sane man, is Mr. Utterson right and this man is an impostor after stealing Dr. Jekyll’s estate, or has his desire to claim the estate for himself made him not be able to see that this man really is his friend?
I haven’t read the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but this book has given me the desire to go back and see where the story begins. At only 256 pages it was a quick read. It flowed beautifully with a wonderful plot that I’m sure Mr. Stevenson would of been proud of. It had me hooked right from the first page.
As daft as it may sound, this book reads as nice as it looks, and feels – there is a softness to the book that makes it feel lovely in your hands. Told you it sounds daft!
The story is told from Mr. Utterson’s point of view, and gives his account of him trying to discredit this man claiming to be Jekyll. The problem is, this possible impostor is always one step ahead of him, driving him to madness. He is adamant he knows the truth, but no-one will believe him.
I read the book in two days, as I didn’t want to put it down. It is flawless. Not very often I use that word, but I connected with the story and found myself totally enthralled and involved in the plot, one that had me thinking how it could very well work today, as identity theft is big business.
I have one little niggle though. Mr O’Neill you are a wicked man, I needed to know the answer, but you never gave it. Whilst I’m 99% sure of it, that 1% is annoying. I now know how Utterson truly felt!
Beginning Seven years after the ending of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, in which Mr. Hyde was found dead, meaning that Dr. Jekyll must of been dead too, as they were one and the same. A man claiming to be Dr. Jekyll has taken up residence in his old home. All of his old acquaintances believe the story of where he had been for the last seven years, all except Mr. Utterson, who knew him well as his friend, and lawyer.
Mr. Utterson was within days of become the sole beneficiary of the Dr. Jekyll estate and now some charlatan has arrived looking, sounding, and acting like his old friend, but he was one of the only people to know that Mr. Hyde and Dr. Jekyll were the same person, and that as Hyde is dead, then Jekyll is too, meaning that this man is most certainly an impostor.
Utterson makes it his mission to discredit the forger. After trying the police with no luck, he then visits his friends, one by one, but it would seem none of them agree with him. Doing many thinks out of the ordinary, for such a usually sane man, is Mr. Utterson right and this man is an impostor after stealing Dr. Jekyll’s estate, or has his desire to claim the estate for himself made him not be able to see that this man really is his friend?
I haven’t read the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but this book has given me the desire to go back and see where the story begins. At only 256 pages it was a quick read. It flowed beautifully with a wonderful plot that I’m sure Mr. Stevenson would of been proud of. It had me hooked right from the first page.
As daft as it may sound, this book reads as nice as it looks, and feels – there is a softness to the book that makes it feel lovely in your hands. Told you it sounds daft!
The story is told from Mr. Utterson’s point of view, and gives his account of him trying to discredit this man claiming to be Jekyll. The problem is, this possible impostor is always one step ahead of him, driving him to madness. He is adamant he knows the truth, but no-one will believe him.
I read the book in two days, as I didn’t want to put it down. It is flawless. Not very often I use that word, but I connected with the story and found myself totally enthralled and involved in the plot, one that had me thinking how it could very well work today, as identity theft is big business.
I have one little niggle though. Mr O’Neill you are a wicked man, I needed to know the answer, but you never gave it. Whilst I’m 99% sure of it, that 1% is annoying. I now know how Utterson truly felt!
October 14, 2018
Every once in a while I like to step outside my preferred genre of romance and give something new a try. And this fit that bill perfectly. A dark and twisted sequel to one of my all-time favorite books (Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.) We find ourselves plunged into a new mystery seven years after the death of Edward Hyde. Dr. Henry Jekyll has returned, and only Jekyll's faithful lawyer and friend Mr. Utterson seems to be suspicious. What follows is one man's delightfully twisted and dark descent into madness. 
This was a highly entertaining story for sure and I loved it. It was a relatively quick book, making it a very well paced read. The writing was fantastic. It was atmospheric, staying true to the original story. The plot was engaging and had me hooked from the get go, and the characters were well written and interesting. This author has taken one of our most well known (and loved) classic tales and cleverly written a wonderful sequel that does much to stay true to the original, while also injecting his own originality and spin on the characters.
September 10, 2017
This was a fun and short read- about the length of a novella. I don't know if I ever actually read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but I believe this is intended to be as a kind of sequel. Nowadays, I tend to think of identity theft as a modern crime, but of course this is a conceit. It is as old as time.
I always enjoy a Victorian London setting, the lamplighters, the pickpockets, the smog...
Is this a case of identity theft as the main character seems to believe? Is it paranoia? Is it a descent into madness and if so, whose? I enjoyed this book very much. I kind of guessed how the plot was playing out, but there is still room for doubt that we get to the bottom of the case.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I always enjoy a Victorian London setting, the lamplighters, the pickpockets, the smog...
Is this a case of identity theft as the main character seems to believe? Is it paranoia? Is it a descent into madness and if so, whose? I enjoyed this book very much. I kind of guessed how the plot was playing out, but there is still room for doubt that we get to the bottom of the case.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2018
NETGALLEY #2
Many thanks to Anthony O' Neill, Black & White Publishing, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
"If he be Mr. Hyde," he had thought; " I shall be Mr. Seek."-R L Stevenson
Good lord, Utterson be any more greedy? Regardless of the mystery of " Is he or isn't he?" I found Utterson's behavior atrocious. Constantly talking of possessions, deeds, culinary specialties. And his collection of canes is close to obsessive, but it is a bright connection to the original story. Utterson truly lost all sense of rationality in his pursuit of truth, which ultimately led to his ruin.
I thought this book deviated from the personality given this character in the original book. He seemed more concerned with winning his earnings than reuniting with his friend, or possibly reuniting. He was losing everything he had set all of his hopes on down to his woman. Sore loser.
Many thanks to Anthony O' Neill, Black & White Publishing, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
"If he be Mr. Hyde," he had thought; " I shall be Mr. Seek."-R L Stevenson
Good lord, Utterson be any more greedy? Regardless of the mystery of " Is he or isn't he?" I found Utterson's behavior atrocious. Constantly talking of possessions, deeds, culinary specialties. And his collection of canes is close to obsessive, but it is a bright connection to the original story. Utterson truly lost all sense of rationality in his pursuit of truth, which ultimately led to his ruin.
I thought this book deviated from the personality given this character in the original book. He seemed more concerned with winning his earnings than reuniting with his friend, or possibly reuniting. He was losing everything he had set all of his hopes on down to his woman. Sore loser.
July 28, 2018
I received a DRC from Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review
Growing up, I cut my teeth on classics like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. My love for the novel only intensified as I delved deeper into the psyche of Dr. Hyde and his monstrous alter ego in my literature class at university. I was fascinated with the concept of duality inherent in man’s nature; a concept brought to life by Robert Louis Stevenson's masterful writing. Needless to say I would have high expectations going into any book claiming to be a sequel of such a classic. I needed have bothered though. This book was an absolute travesty, a laughable parody of a novel that probably has R.L. Stevenson rolling in his grave. Honestly, this book was so bad that it crosses terrible territory and just becomes...funny? I was laughing my ass off and wiping away tears by the end of I kid you not! So, where did it all go wrong?
For one thing, this book took itself wayyyy too seriously trying to come off as this nail biting thriller of one man’s journey down the rabbit hole of madness. That man being Mr. Utterson, Dr. Jekyll’s faithful, sensible, reliable friend. But if the author was subtly hinting at Utterson slowly going mad, then they, um, failed. Because there is nothing subtle or slow about this. It’s like Utterson took a left turn into paranoia-ville while walking through a thick fog of character assassination. And then sliding full tilt into the lane of villainous debauchery. All in one night, fml.
Forget the level headed Utterson you know and love. Anthony O'Neill''s version of Utterson is the most shadiest character I’ve ever met in my life. Utterson comes off as a completely different character from the minute we are introduced to him. He seems entirely too obsessed with Dr. Jekyll, making plans to move into his house and even getting together with Jekyll’s old mistress (more on that in a bit). I understand that we are meant to notice the changes in his manner and bearing as a prelude to his oncoming manic transformation. But these changes are shown right in the very beginning and happen so abruptly that it feels like a entirely different character calling himself Utterson, rather than any kind of character progression.
And that’s just the beginning. There are so many things wrong with this book that gave up trying to write an organized review and just made a list instead. WARNING, spoilers ahead:
First off, the dialogues in this book are just terrible.
‘Then it is also seven years,’he went on, ‘since Jekyll disappeared?...Meaning that you, being Jekyll’s lawyer and sole beneficiary, will shortly be taking possession of his estate?’
Also,
‘How long has it been now?’ asked Enfield.
‘Nearly seven years,’his companion replied.
‘Seven years? Since he trampled ber that poor girl? And murdered Sir Danvers Carew?’
‘Ánd took his own life, in those very dissecting rooms.’
Who, other than the exposition fairy, talks like this? Certainly not longtime friends and confidentants.
Secondly, this book is set in Victorian England where the only thing more consistent than the layer of smog hanging over the country was the competency of an butler in an upper class household. No butler worth his salt would be so vulgar as to show curiosity, let alone actually peek over his master’s shoulder to read his correspondence regardless of who it's from. I can’t believe Poole would ever actually attempt to read over Utterson’s shoulder even if he recognized Dr. Jekyll’s handwriting on the envelope.
Utterson and Jekyll’s character assassination via that God awful subplot with the mistress! Utterson’s complete obsession with possessing everything that once belonged to Jekyll apparently includes his mistress. Because Utterson is in love with her? And this weirdly enough leads to Jekyll inviting Utterson for a fucking threesome. Utterson looking like someone shot him because his mistress likes his dead BFF and probable impostor, better than him. I mean, what kind of goddamned drama is this even??? This has less imagination than the scandal rags they sold back then! What even is this God awful attempt at sensationalism?
Something else that really bothered me was the casual nonchalance with which everyone greeted Jekyll’s return back from the land of the dead. Everyone was just happy to embrace this man who had been presumed dead for the better part of seven years and even bought that flimsy excuse about hiding abroad. Even Poole?? In theory, Utterson was the one sane person in this whole cast of characters since he was the only who was skeptical enough to find this whole story to be suspect. Which the writer probably realized and was all omg can’t have reason in this plot! Must make him insane instead! LOL.
It's ironic because you can clearly the writer tried to be profound/clever with this plot. You can tell from the throwaway mention of religion, dual nature of man, and even an attempt at incorporating the unreliable narrator. This could have been a thrilling page turner where we see Utterson drive himself mad as he slowly begins to question everything he knows as the truth. I saw a glimpse of what this novel could have been in the last 10%. It could have worked, if only we were given time to process the changes to Utterson’s characters. If only, Utterson wasn’t shady AF from page one of his stilted dialogue and the writing wasn’t quite so terrible.
Actually, the single most fun thing about reading this novel was probably just witnessing Utterson in all his gloriously shady/ paranoid/ dramatic moments. I mean seriously, he is freaking hilarious when he’s trying to be sneaky!
‘Oh, hullo again, sir-did you find your companion?
Utterson Tightened. ‘I…I’m terribly sorry, sir. I mistook this place for…’ But inspiration deserted him and
he backed awkwardly out of the door, stumbling over his heels and toppling into the street.
LOL!
It wasn’t all bad though. The last 10% of this book was actually pretty interesting. The events leading up to Utterson’s final burst of insanity followed by the closing words written in the letter in an echo of the original novel was especially well done. The ending leaves the reader with some questions to think about regarding the nature of reality that we were presented with in this novel. I only wish that the whole of it could have been written in the same manner. As it stands though, the lack of coherent plot and poor and poor writing would make most readers stop reading long before they ever get to the end. 1 star.
Growing up, I cut my teeth on classics like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. My love for the novel only intensified as I delved deeper into the psyche of Dr. Hyde and his monstrous alter ego in my literature class at university. I was fascinated with the concept of duality inherent in man’s nature; a concept brought to life by Robert Louis Stevenson's masterful writing. Needless to say I would have high expectations going into any book claiming to be a sequel of such a classic. I needed have bothered though. This book was an absolute travesty, a laughable parody of a novel that probably has R.L. Stevenson rolling in his grave. Honestly, this book was so bad that it crosses terrible territory and just becomes...funny? I was laughing my ass off and wiping away tears by the end of I kid you not! So, where did it all go wrong?
For one thing, this book took itself wayyyy too seriously trying to come off as this nail biting thriller of one man’s journey down the rabbit hole of madness. That man being Mr. Utterson, Dr. Jekyll’s faithful, sensible, reliable friend. But if the author was subtly hinting at Utterson slowly going mad, then they, um, failed. Because there is nothing subtle or slow about this. It’s like Utterson took a left turn into paranoia-ville while walking through a thick fog of character assassination. And then sliding full tilt into the lane of villainous debauchery. All in one night, fml.
Forget the level headed Utterson you know and love. Anthony O'Neill''s version of Utterson is the most shadiest character I’ve ever met in my life. Utterson comes off as a completely different character from the minute we are introduced to him. He seems entirely too obsessed with Dr. Jekyll, making plans to move into his house and even getting together with Jekyll’s old mistress (more on that in a bit). I understand that we are meant to notice the changes in his manner and bearing as a prelude to his oncoming manic transformation. But these changes are shown right in the very beginning and happen so abruptly that it feels like a entirely different character calling himself Utterson, rather than any kind of character progression.
And that’s just the beginning. There are so many things wrong with this book that gave up trying to write an organized review and just made a list instead. WARNING, spoilers ahead:
First off, the dialogues in this book are just terrible.
‘Then it is also seven years,’he went on, ‘since Jekyll disappeared?...Meaning that you, being Jekyll’s lawyer and sole beneficiary, will shortly be taking possession of his estate?’
Also,
‘How long has it been now?’ asked Enfield.
‘Nearly seven years,’his companion replied.
‘Seven years? Since he trampled ber that poor girl? And murdered Sir Danvers Carew?’
‘Ánd took his own life, in those very dissecting rooms.’
Who, other than the exposition fairy, talks like this? Certainly not longtime friends and confidentants.
Secondly, this book is set in Victorian England where the only thing more consistent than the layer of smog hanging over the country was the competency of an butler in an upper class household. No butler worth his salt would be so vulgar as to show curiosity, let alone actually peek over his master’s shoulder to read his correspondence regardless of who it's from. I can’t believe Poole would ever actually attempt to read over Utterson’s shoulder even if he recognized Dr. Jekyll’s handwriting on the envelope.
Utterson and Jekyll’s character assassination via that God awful subplot with the mistress! Utterson’s complete obsession with possessing everything that once belonged to Jekyll apparently includes his mistress. Because Utterson is in love with her? And this weirdly enough leads to Jekyll inviting Utterson for a fucking threesome. Utterson looking like someone shot him because his mistress likes his dead BFF and probable impostor, better than him. I mean, what kind of goddamned drama is this even??? This has less imagination than the scandal rags they sold back then! What even is this God awful attempt at sensationalism?
Something else that really bothered me was the casual nonchalance with which everyone greeted Jekyll’s return back from the land of the dead. Everyone was just happy to embrace this man who had been presumed dead for the better part of seven years and even bought that flimsy excuse about hiding abroad. Even Poole?? In theory, Utterson was the one sane person in this whole cast of characters since he was the only who was skeptical enough to find this whole story to be suspect. Which the writer probably realized and was all omg can’t have reason in this plot! Must make him insane instead! LOL.
It's ironic because you can clearly the writer tried to be profound/clever with this plot. You can tell from the throwaway mention of religion, dual nature of man, and even an attempt at incorporating the unreliable narrator. This could have been a thrilling page turner where we see Utterson drive himself mad as he slowly begins to question everything he knows as the truth. I saw a glimpse of what this novel could have been in the last 10%. It could have worked, if only we were given time to process the changes to Utterson’s characters. If only, Utterson wasn’t shady AF from page one of his stilted dialogue and the writing wasn’t quite so terrible.
Actually, the single most fun thing about reading this novel was probably just witnessing Utterson in all his gloriously shady/ paranoid/ dramatic moments. I mean seriously, he is freaking hilarious when he’s trying to be sneaky!
‘Oh, hullo again, sir-did you find your companion?
Utterson Tightened. ‘I…I’m terribly sorry, sir. I mistook this place for…’ But inspiration deserted him and
he backed awkwardly out of the door, stumbling over his heels and toppling into the street.
LOL!
It wasn’t all bad though. The last 10% of this book was actually pretty interesting. The events leading up to Utterson’s final burst of insanity followed by the closing words written in the letter in an echo of the original novel was especially well done. The ending leaves the reader with some questions to think about regarding the nature of reality that we were presented with in this novel. I only wish that the whole of it could have been written in the same manner. As it stands though, the lack of coherent plot and poor and poor writing would make most readers stop reading long before they ever get to the end. 1 star.
April 20, 2021
Este es una secuela del famoso cuento de Stevenson “El misterioso caso del doctor Jekyll y Mister Hyde.
Creo que esperaba otro tipo de historia y al terminarla me he quedado con un mal sabor de boca. Se me hizo pesada, muy corta y simple. Las últimas páginas las miraba atónita sin entender lo que sucedía.
Los personajes me parecieron bastante planos. Llegué incluso a aborrecer al señor Utterson, no recordaba para nada al abogado y fiel amigo del Jekyll del señor Stevenson.
En fin, otro libro que parecía que tenía expectativas pero no. Es una pena porque la historia original me encantó, pero bueno. Otra vez será.
Creo que esperaba otro tipo de historia y al terminarla me he quedado con un mal sabor de boca. Se me hizo pesada, muy corta y simple. Las últimas páginas las miraba atónita sin entender lo que sucedía.
Los personajes me parecieron bastante planos. Llegué incluso a aborrecer al señor Utterson, no recordaba para nada al abogado y fiel amigo del Jekyll del señor Stevenson.
En fin, otro libro que parecía que tenía expectativas pero no. Es una pena porque la historia original me encantó, pero bueno. Otra vez será.
January 5, 2018
2.5 stars
This is a sequel to the classic story of Dr Jekyll and Hyde. It is told through the eyes of Dr Jekyll's lawyer, Mr Utterson, who in a matter of days is due to inherit Jekyll's house and fortune. Mysteriously and with lots of sinister friends, Dr Jekyll reappears, but is it really Dr Jekyll or an imposter?
As we go further into this short novella, we see the deterioration of MR Utterson as he battles forces that seem to drive him to desperate acts and what might be considered madness. The author has been able to create the sinister feel of the time period well, but does ask the reader to make pretty big leaps buying the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book..
This is a sequel to the classic story of Dr Jekyll and Hyde. It is told through the eyes of Dr Jekyll's lawyer, Mr Utterson, who in a matter of days is due to inherit Jekyll's house and fortune. Mysteriously and with lots of sinister friends, Dr Jekyll reappears, but is it really Dr Jekyll or an imposter?
As we go further into this short novella, we see the deterioration of MR Utterson as he battles forces that seem to drive him to desperate acts and what might be considered madness. The author has been able to create the sinister feel of the time period well, but does ask the reader to make pretty big leaps buying the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book..
September 1, 2017
Sometimes you just decide to read a book because you fell in love with the cover.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell anyone the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Even if you’ve never read the original novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, you undoubtedly know the gist of it. And in case you really don’t, there’s no need to worry as things are explained quite brilliantly without breaking the flow of the story.
If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek
Seven years ago, Edward Hyde died and Dr. Jekyll went missing. A mere week before Dr. Jekyll will be officially declared dead and his trusted friend and lawyer, Gabriel Utterson, will inherit his belongings, a gentleman shows up claiming to be Dr. Jekyll. Only Mr. Utterson knows this man can only be an impostor but proving it is an entirely different matter.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde compliments the original novella beautifully. It seems like quite a brave thing to do, to pick a classic and decide to write a sequel. They are always so hard to do right, especially by another author. The story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde lends itself to it though and the language and the setting made it feel as if it was deliberately written in those days. It’s delightfully atmospheric from the very first sentence.
A sulphurous yellow fog, so thick it muffled the chimes of the Sunday church bells, had fastened overnight to London and refused to be dislodged by even the stiffest of breezes.
And with little details like someone knocking on a door with a cane or the mention of chimney sweeps, I was immediately transported back to that era. The story is quite dark, gritty and depressing and I’m not entirely sure I liked the ending. Having followed Mr. Utterson on his journey and to have him suddenly replaced by another narrator at the end didn’t sit well with me. There are also questions that remain unanswered, where I might have preferred some closure.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back in time and the author’s writing style. This is a beautifully written mystery full of intrigue and I think it has every reason to stand proudly on the bookshelf next to the original.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell anyone the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Even if you’ve never read the original novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, you undoubtedly know the gist of it. And in case you really don’t, there’s no need to worry as things are explained quite brilliantly without breaking the flow of the story.
If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek
Seven years ago, Edward Hyde died and Dr. Jekyll went missing. A mere week before Dr. Jekyll will be officially declared dead and his trusted friend and lawyer, Gabriel Utterson, will inherit his belongings, a gentleman shows up claiming to be Dr. Jekyll. Only Mr. Utterson knows this man can only be an impostor but proving it is an entirely different matter.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde compliments the original novella beautifully. It seems like quite a brave thing to do, to pick a classic and decide to write a sequel. They are always so hard to do right, especially by another author. The story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde lends itself to it though and the language and the setting made it feel as if it was deliberately written in those days. It’s delightfully atmospheric from the very first sentence.
A sulphurous yellow fog, so thick it muffled the chimes of the Sunday church bells, had fastened overnight to London and refused to be dislodged by even the stiffest of breezes.
And with little details like someone knocking on a door with a cane or the mention of chimney sweeps, I was immediately transported back to that era. The story is quite dark, gritty and depressing and I’m not entirely sure I liked the ending. Having followed Mr. Utterson on his journey and to have him suddenly replaced by another narrator at the end didn’t sit well with me. There are also questions that remain unanswered, where I might have preferred some closure.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back in time and the author’s writing style. This is a beautifully written mystery full of intrigue and I think it has every reason to stand proudly on the bookshelf next to the original.
September 28, 2018
“But it only proves, does it not, that all men’s memories can become unreliable in the haze of the past?”
Almost seven years have passed since Dr. Henry Jekyll disappeared and Edward Hyde was found dead. Mr. Utterson, trusted friend and lawyer, is only days away from inheriting Jekyll’s estate until a man appears claiming to be Jekyll.
Utterson’s shock quickly turns to anger because he knows the man is an impostor. Utterson has kept a dark secret for the last seven years: Dr. Jekyll and Edward Hyde were the same person.
The Jekyll impostor shares a similar appearance and intimate knowledge of the man he portrays, which is enough to make everyone believe Dr. Jekyll has returned.
Utterson confronts the impostor who is ready with a clever story of what happened the night Jekyll disappeared and Hyde’s body was discovered. When Utterson informs the impostor that he has a written statement that will prove he has stolen the identity of Dr. Henry Jekyll, the man seems unconcerned.
Jekyll’s half brother, doctor, dentist, and two closest friends are either missing or found dead in a short span of time and yet Utterson seems to be the only person to find this suspicious. It isn't long before the statements from the true Dr. Jekyll go missing from the safe in his home. It appears that all the documents and people that can prove the impostor is not the true Dr. Henry Jekyll have all disappeared... except for Mr. Utterson.
Angry that the large estate he was days away from inheriting has been reclaimed by an impostor who is accepted by everyone and has strategically eliminated those who could prove he’s lying, Utterson slips into madness. In an attempt to prove his suspicions are correct without revealing the truth of Jekyll/Hyde, Utterson’s rants and raves make him appear unhinged and greedy to those he’s trying to appeal to.
By the time he finally manages to gather real evidence to support his case of stolen identity, he has completely lost all rational behavior and no one will believe his story. Utterson’s rage fuels his frustration and he decides to take the situation into his own hands.
This was a clever sequel to the classic novella Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I enjoyed reading the account from Mr. Utterson’s perspective and the story the Jekyll impostor created to explain his long absence is convincing. My only issue with this story is how quickly Mr. Utterson goes from being level-headed and keeping a secret to save the reputation of his dead friend to a greedy, jealous, violent man. While it doesn’t feel true to the original character, I can also see it as a reminder by the author that we all hold both a Jekyll and Hyde inside ourselves.
Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for a DRC for review purposes. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Seek: The Strange Case Continues is scheduled for release on October 2, 2018.
For more full reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
Almost seven years have passed since Dr. Henry Jekyll disappeared and Edward Hyde was found dead. Mr. Utterson, trusted friend and lawyer, is only days away from inheriting Jekyll’s estate until a man appears claiming to be Jekyll.
Utterson’s shock quickly turns to anger because he knows the man is an impostor. Utterson has kept a dark secret for the last seven years: Dr. Jekyll and Edward Hyde were the same person.
The Jekyll impostor shares a similar appearance and intimate knowledge of the man he portrays, which is enough to make everyone believe Dr. Jekyll has returned.
Utterson confronts the impostor who is ready with a clever story of what happened the night Jekyll disappeared and Hyde’s body was discovered. When Utterson informs the impostor that he has a written statement that will prove he has stolen the identity of Dr. Henry Jekyll, the man seems unconcerned.
Jekyll’s half brother, doctor, dentist, and two closest friends are either missing or found dead in a short span of time and yet Utterson seems to be the only person to find this suspicious. It isn't long before the statements from the true Dr. Jekyll go missing from the safe in his home. It appears that all the documents and people that can prove the impostor is not the true Dr. Henry Jekyll have all disappeared... except for Mr. Utterson.
Angry that the large estate he was days away from inheriting has been reclaimed by an impostor who is accepted by everyone and has strategically eliminated those who could prove he’s lying, Utterson slips into madness. In an attempt to prove his suspicions are correct without revealing the truth of Jekyll/Hyde, Utterson’s rants and raves make him appear unhinged and greedy to those he’s trying to appeal to.
By the time he finally manages to gather real evidence to support his case of stolen identity, he has completely lost all rational behavior and no one will believe his story. Utterson’s rage fuels his frustration and he decides to take the situation into his own hands.
This was a clever sequel to the classic novella Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I enjoyed reading the account from Mr. Utterson’s perspective and the story the Jekyll impostor created to explain his long absence is convincing. My only issue with this story is how quickly Mr. Utterson goes from being level-headed and keeping a secret to save the reputation of his dead friend to a greedy, jealous, violent man. While it doesn’t feel true to the original character, I can also see it as a reminder by the author that we all hold both a Jekyll and Hyde inside ourselves.
Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for a DRC for review purposes. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Seek: The Strange Case Continues is scheduled for release on October 2, 2018.
For more full reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
March 2, 2019
Me ha defraudado un poco, aunque no sabría decir porqué.
Ante todo decir que no he leído el libro original de Robert Louis Stevenson, pero sí que he visto más de una adaptación en cine y televisión, por lo que conozco la trama.
También he leído otros libros del autor y de otros autores de la época, por lo que puedo decir que el estilo imita perfectamente el de la época, utilizando el mismo tipo de expresiones, de lenguaje... Se nota que el autor ha hecho un buen trabajo de documentación.
Los personajes, desarrollados según el peso que tienen en la historia, están de acorde con la época y la historia. Los ambientes están muy bien descritos y te hacen sentir como si realmente estuvieras en el Londres victoriano.
La historia empieza siete años después de los hechos descritos por Stevenson, con la desaparición del dr. Jekyll, que nombró a su abogado y confidente, mr. Utterson, su heredero universal.
Faltan unos días para que se cumplan los siete años pertinentes para poder declarar muerto al dr. Jekyll y que Utterson pueda acceder a sus bienes; cuando reaparece el doctor, acompañado de dos hombres de aspecto patibulario y se instalan en su antiguo hogar, al que Utterson pensaba mudarse.
El abogado afirma que es un impostor y hace todo lo posible para poder demostrarlo, sin tener que explicar os motivos que tiene para dudarlo (y yo tampoco, ya que sería hacer spoiler del original). Busca a los antiguos conocidos del dr. Jekyll para que apoyen su causa, pero estos no dudan de la autenticidad del personaje.
Entre medio de todo, hay algunos accidentes y crímenes, relacionados con la trama.
Me esperaba un poco más de ritmo, una narración un poco más ágil y quizás, una mayor aclaración de algunos de los sucesos, que no me han acabado de quedar claros.
Y también me gustaría una aclaración sobre el título!!!
Pese a todo, la recomiendo a aquellos que ya hayan leído el original
Ante todo decir que no he leído el libro original de Robert Louis Stevenson, pero sí que he visto más de una adaptación en cine y televisión, por lo que conozco la trama.
También he leído otros libros del autor y de otros autores de la época, por lo que puedo decir que el estilo imita perfectamente el de la época, utilizando el mismo tipo de expresiones, de lenguaje... Se nota que el autor ha hecho un buen trabajo de documentación.
Los personajes, desarrollados según el peso que tienen en la historia, están de acorde con la época y la historia. Los ambientes están muy bien descritos y te hacen sentir como si realmente estuvieras en el Londres victoriano.
La historia empieza siete años después de los hechos descritos por Stevenson, con la desaparición del dr. Jekyll, que nombró a su abogado y confidente, mr. Utterson, su heredero universal.
Faltan unos días para que se cumplan los siete años pertinentes para poder declarar muerto al dr. Jekyll y que Utterson pueda acceder a sus bienes; cuando reaparece el doctor, acompañado de dos hombres de aspecto patibulario y se instalan en su antiguo hogar, al que Utterson pensaba mudarse.
El abogado afirma que es un impostor y hace todo lo posible para poder demostrarlo, sin tener que explicar os motivos que tiene para dudarlo (y yo tampoco, ya que sería hacer spoiler del original). Busca a los antiguos conocidos del dr. Jekyll para que apoyen su causa, pero estos no dudan de la autenticidad del personaje.
Entre medio de todo, hay algunos accidentes y crímenes, relacionados con la trama.
Me esperaba un poco más de ritmo, una narración un poco más ágil y quizás, una mayor aclaración de algunos de los sucesos, que no me han acabado de quedar claros.
Y también me gustaría una aclaración sobre el título!!!
Pese a todo, la recomiendo a aquellos que ya hayan leído el original
March 10, 2018
This was a really interesting book, a complete bow to the classic Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Given the option, I would three and a half star it, as it is, the rating slips up to four star.
This twist, or continuation of the plot for one of the classic Gothic stories is a very good, no, I mean it VERY GOOD, storytelling experience. The style of writing is as vivid as the book that R.L. Stevenson wrote one hundred and thirty years ago. The style of writing, I think, must indicate a very strong love of the original style of literature. The narrative style, the descriptive atmosphere of the book is so very in keeping with the story, it's time and place, that I was instantly hooked. Anyone who loved Stevenson's work should read this one. The first chapter even starts with the famous London yellow, sulphurous fog; a bow to Elliot as well as Stevenson perhaps?
Now, as the story progressed, at times it did fall 'out of character' a little, I felt that a few of the descriptions and events were much too much from the twenty-first century viewpoint, and that, at times, grated a little. The dramatic mien of the main character, the lawyer Utterson, could at times be very florid and that could be somewhat difficult to read - though that over the top florridity (that is not a real word is it?) actually made the novel more in keeping with Stevenson's than more modern descriptions would have.
The plot was most appropriately convoluted. At the end, I still remained somewhat mystified as to exactly what the author wanted the reader to believe about the events. Sorry, O'Neill, it was really well done and well written but I just could not shake the wtf? feeling that was left with me at the end of the book. Was the reader meant to remain with that level of uncertainty? Perhaps. As an end reading experience however, it did not really leave me delighted. If it was meant to be a mystery ending, I feel like it should have been more obviously so, but as it was I just end up wondering if I am too stupid to see what it was getting at. Not my favourite feeling at the end of a book.
Still, fine book, excellent writing overall and the most delightful bow to the "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" that I can think of.
This twist, or continuation of the plot for one of the classic Gothic stories is a very good, no, I mean it VERY GOOD, storytelling experience. The style of writing is as vivid as the book that R.L. Stevenson wrote one hundred and thirty years ago. The style of writing, I think, must indicate a very strong love of the original style of literature. The narrative style, the descriptive atmosphere of the book is so very in keeping with the story, it's time and place, that I was instantly hooked. Anyone who loved Stevenson's work should read this one. The first chapter even starts with the famous London yellow, sulphurous fog; a bow to Elliot as well as Stevenson perhaps?
Now, as the story progressed, at times it did fall 'out of character' a little, I felt that a few of the descriptions and events were much too much from the twenty-first century viewpoint, and that, at times, grated a little. The dramatic mien of the main character, the lawyer Utterson, could at times be very florid and that could be somewhat difficult to read - though that over the top florridity (that is not a real word is it?) actually made the novel more in keeping with Stevenson's than more modern descriptions would have.
The plot was most appropriately convoluted. At the end, I still remained somewhat mystified as to exactly what the author wanted the reader to believe about the events. Sorry, O'Neill, it was really well done and well written but I just could not shake the wtf? feeling that was left with me at the end of the book. Was the reader meant to remain with that level of uncertainty? Perhaps. As an end reading experience however, it did not really leave me delighted. If it was meant to be a mystery ending, I feel like it should have been more obviously so, but as it was I just end up wondering if I am too stupid to see what it was getting at. Not my favourite feeling at the end of a book.
Still, fine book, excellent writing overall and the most delightful bow to the "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" that I can think of.
October 8, 2018
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek: The Strange Case Continues by Anthony O'Neill has an outstanding premise. It acts as a sequel to the classic tale from Robert Louis Stevenson. O'Neil does a good job of recreating the tone and feel of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when it comes to the atmosphere and writing style. The last ten to fifteen percent of the story is luckily fantastic. Overall, though, this new sequel was just a tad underwhelming when it counts - the lead character, Mr. Utterson. Utterson is supposed to progressively spiral down into madness, but he practically just jumps off the deep end. Regardless of the minor issues I had with this new release, it's still worth trying especially if you enjoy Stevenson's original.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek: The Strange Case Continues by Anthony O'Neill has an outstanding premise. It acts as a sequel to the classic tale from Robert Louis Stevenson. O'Neil does a good job of recreating the tone and feel of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when it comes to the atmosphere and writing style. The last ten to fifteen percent of the story is luckily fantastic. Overall, though, this new sequel was just a tad underwhelming when it counts - the lead character, Mr. Utterson. Utterson is supposed to progressively spiral down into madness, but he practically just jumps off the deep end. Regardless of the minor issues I had with this new release, it's still worth trying especially if you enjoy Stevenson's original.
December 3, 2017
A wonderful take on the Stevenson novella of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, that may even be darker and psychologically deeper than the original. It puts the whole story into question, using modern thinking tools and concepts to see it from new perspectives. It is also beautifully written, with some truly brilliant sentences and impressive insights into the human soul. Will look for more from this author.
August 6, 2017
There is something of a huge comfort in picking up a book that possesses that air of gentility which was common to works written in the latter part of the 19th century. The first pages of DR JEKYLL AND MR SEEK instantly catapult the reader into a murky world where deception and nefarious acts are committed by intelligent yet desperate men.
Many years have passed since Dr Jekyll suddenly left London society. Lawyer Mr Utterson, seemingly steadfast in his continued assistance to the absent Dr Jekyll, has been busy making plans. Lasting plans, and they include a lady’s affection. Dr Jekyll’s vacant town house is soon to come into the possession of Mr Utterson himself, now that the required seven year period has passed. Nothing can stop Mr Utterson in his ascension now. And yet it does. The return of Dr Jekyll is a sensation.
A bold imposter wastes little time in moving into Dr Jekyll’s home and social circle, skilfully manipulating former colleagues and acquaintances into accepting his presence as the triumph of a good man come home at last. The imposters ease at impersonating the deceased Dr Jekyll is breathtaking for the aggrieved Mr Utterson to witness and the secret knowledge that only Utterson holds burns deep. Jekyll, along with his dark half Mr Hyde, had indeed already paid the ultimate price for his madness and evil longings. Dr Jekyll has been dead for seven years.
DR JEKYLL & MR SEEK is a delightfully immersive read that quickly draws us into a world we never knew we had been missing. A relatively short foray back to 1800’s England, this book wastes no pages in being overly descriptive and instead well spends in gloriously period dialogue and the suitably outraged inner splutterings of Mr Utterson as he investigates this most grievous of wrongs. We’re easily caught up and sympathetic towards Mr Utterson who has had the best of intentions all along and seems quite deserving to inherit from the considerable burden of his secret knowledge.
DR JEKYLL & MR SEEK is neatly crafted of course around the key events of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE. You don’t need to know much about the first book in order to respect the homage paid in this modern day follow up and this novel is successful without the need to include an onerous summary of the first. A small but respectful continuation of a very grand tale.
Many years have passed since Dr Jekyll suddenly left London society. Lawyer Mr Utterson, seemingly steadfast in his continued assistance to the absent Dr Jekyll, has been busy making plans. Lasting plans, and they include a lady’s affection. Dr Jekyll’s vacant town house is soon to come into the possession of Mr Utterson himself, now that the required seven year period has passed. Nothing can stop Mr Utterson in his ascension now. And yet it does. The return of Dr Jekyll is a sensation.
A bold imposter wastes little time in moving into Dr Jekyll’s home and social circle, skilfully manipulating former colleagues and acquaintances into accepting his presence as the triumph of a good man come home at last. The imposters ease at impersonating the deceased Dr Jekyll is breathtaking for the aggrieved Mr Utterson to witness and the secret knowledge that only Utterson holds burns deep. Jekyll, along with his dark half Mr Hyde, had indeed already paid the ultimate price for his madness and evil longings. Dr Jekyll has been dead for seven years.
DR JEKYLL & MR SEEK is a delightfully immersive read that quickly draws us into a world we never knew we had been missing. A relatively short foray back to 1800’s England, this book wastes no pages in being overly descriptive and instead well spends in gloriously period dialogue and the suitably outraged inner splutterings of Mr Utterson as he investigates this most grievous of wrongs. We’re easily caught up and sympathetic towards Mr Utterson who has had the best of intentions all along and seems quite deserving to inherit from the considerable burden of his secret knowledge.
DR JEKYLL & MR SEEK is neatly crafted of course around the key events of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE. You don’t need to know much about the first book in order to respect the homage paid in this modern day follow up and this novel is successful without the need to include an onerous summary of the first. A small but respectful continuation of a very grand tale.
July 29, 2018
Really enjoyable gothic novella. It is seven years after the death of Hyde and the disappearance of Dr Jekyll. Utterson, Jekyll's lawyer and the person entrusted with Jekyll's confession, is about to inherit his estate when a stranger turns up claiming to be Dr Jekyll. Utterson is convinced that he is an imposter after the inheritance. If so, he is a very clever one who has managed to convince most of Jeykll's friends. Utterson becomes more and more obsessed with proving him a fake while everyone around him looks on in pity, thinking it's the inheritance he is reluctant to lose because he is unable to explain that he thiks he knows for a fact that Jekyll is dead.
This could easily be read without knowing 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', though I think it will enhance the story. I am planning on re-reading it to see how it all fits together.
This could easily be read without knowing 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', though I think it will enhance the story. I am planning on re-reading it to see how it all fits together.
September 5, 2018
Thanks, Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
"The measure of man's unhappiness is the distance between where he is and where he aspires to be."
I honestly don't know why I picked up this book. Probably because it was about Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. After reading this book, I feel like I want to read that classic book for the full experience.
Firstly, I would like to say that I did not in any way expect the twist at the end. I started the book with a very low expectation. I thought it was going to be extremely boring, but it was the opposite of that. A good surprise, I suppose. Everyone knows about Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde or I hope everyone has at least heard about them. Well, yeah they are purely fictional, but that is the place where the fun starts.
In this book, O'Neill writes extremely swiftly in a way that would give one a view of a professionally classic novel in this modern world with a new touch. The book starts 7 years after the strange case of the Doctor. It reminded me of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein with 'The Mad Scientist' trope. Only in this book, the doctor has disappeared and his benefactor is Mr. Utterson, which is a unique and humorous name since he utters a lot of nonsense shall we say throughout the novel. The doctor and his sidekick are back in the town and Utterson thinks that they are Charleton, as in Impostors. However, the things go way beyond towards the wrong side of the right.
I would recommend this book who can't get enough of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, and those who just wants a fast read.
Find more reviews on: The Secret of Drue Isle
"The measure of man's unhappiness is the distance between where he is and where he aspires to be."
I honestly don't know why I picked up this book. Probably because it was about Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. After reading this book, I feel like I want to read that classic book for the full experience.
Firstly, I would like to say that I did not in any way expect the twist at the end. I started the book with a very low expectation. I thought it was going to be extremely boring, but it was the opposite of that. A good surprise, I suppose. Everyone knows about Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde or I hope everyone has at least heard about them. Well, yeah they are purely fictional, but that is the place where the fun starts.
In this book, O'Neill writes extremely swiftly in a way that would give one a view of a professionally classic novel in this modern world with a new touch. The book starts 7 years after the strange case of the Doctor. It reminded me of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein with 'The Mad Scientist' trope. Only in this book, the doctor has disappeared and his benefactor is Mr. Utterson, which is a unique and humorous name since he utters a lot of nonsense shall we say throughout the novel. The doctor and his sidekick are back in the town and Utterson thinks that they are Charleton, as in Impostors. However, the things go way beyond towards the wrong side of the right.
I would recommend this book who can't get enough of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, and those who just wants a fast read.
Find more reviews on: The Secret of Drue Isle
November 7, 2017
I received a free copy through Netgalley, which didn't affect my opinion of the book. Many thanks anyway for letting me review this book.
Although I wasn't a fan of the classic Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I did enjoy this book very much. It starts 7 years after Dr Jekyll 'disappeared' and he reappears. The question is: is he an impostor or is he not? Everybody thinks that he's legit, except Utterson, his dear old friend and heir to his estate.
I loved the character of Utterson (read: Utter Nonsense XD). Short conclusion: everything spirals out of control, just like in the classic novel.
This is also a beautiful book, I'm in love with its cover. I saw the physical copy in a bookstore in Edinburgh and I would really like a copy for my library! ;-)
If you loved the classic, and even if you didn't all that much (like me), read this book anyway. It's so nice to re-visit this world.
Although I wasn't a fan of the classic Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I did enjoy this book very much. It starts 7 years after Dr Jekyll 'disappeared' and he reappears. The question is: is he an impostor or is he not? Everybody thinks that he's legit, except Utterson, his dear old friend and heir to his estate.
I loved the character of Utterson (read: Utter Nonsense XD). Short conclusion: everything spirals out of control, just like in the classic novel.
This is also a beautiful book, I'm in love with its cover. I saw the physical copy in a bookstore in Edinburgh and I would really like a copy for my library! ;-)
If you loved the classic, and even if you didn't all that much (like me), read this book anyway. It's so nice to re-visit this world.
June 2, 2025
CAWPILE 6.29
3.5 STARS
A sequel to the classic Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde- which I read before jumping into this one.
I liked the atmosphere, it was very gothic and at times quite eerie.
I wanted more oomph I suppose but I did think it was a fitting sequel and would be tempted to read from this author again in the future.
3.5 STARS
A sequel to the classic Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde- which I read before jumping into this one.
I liked the atmosphere, it was very gothic and at times quite eerie.
I wanted more oomph I suppose but I did think it was a fitting sequel and would be tempted to read from this author again in the future.
November 5, 2017
Anthony O’Neill has continued where R.L.Stevenson left off with his version of a possible next story in the infamous Jekyll & Hyde classic. It is set seven years after the death of Mr. Edward Hyde. When Dr. Henry Jekyll reappears, it is lawyer and confidante Mr Gabriel Utterson who is the only one aware that Jekyll and Hyde are one in the same person. As Utterson was witness to the death of Hyde he knows that Jekyll must be an impostor. Utterson takes it upon himself to prove this man to be false, a difficult task as Jekyll, in Utterson’s opinion, is ingratiating himself with his Jekyll’s old friends and colleagues, they believe the man they see before them to be the one they knew several years ago.
First off the cover for this book is beautiful, a simple, effective and almost an unassuming cover, but at the same time eye-catching with its reflective gold and embossing. Secondly it is a good book, that I did enjoy, but at the same time felt it lacked something in the prose that Stevenson had. I am a lover of classics and especially of the old gothic classics, and when I first chose this book I wasn’t sure which approach the author would take. The Jekyll and Hyde characters are notorious, infamous, as well as famous, with a strong following. Would he try to emulate Stevenson or via his own route? This is very much a contemporary gothic story and should be approached as such.
Once I realised it was going to be set in a contemporary style, I really enjoyed the story. I thought it was well described and thought out. The characters are taken on a plot that is deep, dark and twisted. O’Neill has captured the atmosphere of old Victorian London very well and also in giving some good character descriptions. The plot still has a similar basis of a person having two sides, and has been incorporated into this plot.
This is a book that I pretty much read in one sitting, it was a fun and intriguing read that captured me within the first couple of chapters. I feel O’Neill has kept true to some of the style of Stevenson, but as I have already mentioned, has a modern feel to it.
I would recommend this to readers of contemporary gothic fiction, as well as mystery readers within a Victorian England setting. It is a good story that gives an interpretation on what could happen next.
First off the cover for this book is beautiful, a simple, effective and almost an unassuming cover, but at the same time eye-catching with its reflective gold and embossing. Secondly it is a good book, that I did enjoy, but at the same time felt it lacked something in the prose that Stevenson had. I am a lover of classics and especially of the old gothic classics, and when I first chose this book I wasn’t sure which approach the author would take. The Jekyll and Hyde characters are notorious, infamous, as well as famous, with a strong following. Would he try to emulate Stevenson or via his own route? This is very much a contemporary gothic story and should be approached as such.
Once I realised it was going to be set in a contemporary style, I really enjoyed the story. I thought it was well described and thought out. The characters are taken on a plot that is deep, dark and twisted. O’Neill has captured the atmosphere of old Victorian London very well and also in giving some good character descriptions. The plot still has a similar basis of a person having two sides, and has been incorporated into this plot.
This is a book that I pretty much read in one sitting, it was a fun and intriguing read that captured me within the first couple of chapters. I feel O’Neill has kept true to some of the style of Stevenson, but as I have already mentioned, has a modern feel to it.
I would recommend this to readers of contemporary gothic fiction, as well as mystery readers within a Victorian England setting. It is a good story that gives an interpretation on what could happen next.
October 15, 2018
(I received a free eARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.)
Possibly 2.5 stars.
Admittedly I’ve only read Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde a few times, and years ago at that, so it’s not super clear in my mind and I’m sure I missed some subtleties in this book.
It’s kind of hard to write a comprehensive review when it doesn’t feel like there is much material to review. In any case this was a fast-paced read, much lighter than the blurb suggests. (I was expecting dark and twisty, but what I got was more of a semi-conscious stupor reflective of the state of mind of Mr. Utterson, aka the titular Mr. Seek.) That was probably my strongest impression: that it was over far too fast, which is at odds with the themes of questioning one’s sanity and the official report, investigating the truth through espionage and experimentation — these are processes that take time.
tl;dr As an homage it’s not half bad, but it’s not a super compelling story in its own right.
Possibly 2.5 stars.
Admittedly I’ve only read Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde a few times, and years ago at that, so it’s not super clear in my mind and I’m sure I missed some subtleties in this book.
It’s kind of hard to write a comprehensive review when it doesn’t feel like there is much material to review. In any case this was a fast-paced read, much lighter than the blurb suggests. (I was expecting dark and twisty, but what I got was more of a semi-conscious stupor reflective of the state of mind of Mr. Utterson, aka the titular Mr. Seek.) That was probably my strongest impression: that it was over far too fast, which is at odds with the themes of questioning one’s sanity and the official report, investigating the truth through espionage and experimentation — these are processes that take time.
tl;dr As an homage it’s not half bad, but it’s not a super compelling story in its own right.
August 28, 2017
I think anyone who is willing to take on a classic book and write a sequel of sorts is a brave soul. Those loyal to the classic seldom find a sequel as worthy. I feel that way about ‘Scarlett’, ‘Rhett Butler’s People’ and ‘Ruth’s Journey’, the three Gone With The Wind sequels. But I do find myself curious to read them nonetheless. There has to be someone out there who can write a sequel that is good. Right?
Now, I read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when I was…8 or 9. I was a voracious reader as a kid and I thoroughly remember enjoying it and finding it fascinating. That a man would create this formula to become someone else! And then that someone, Mr. Hyde, being so horrid, so terrible; a true blight on the world. It seemed so strange to me and mind-blowing. I always wondered if it could be done in real life. (Such is the mind of a child.) Of course, I know now that such an event couldn’t occur, but it did stay on my mind for a long while.
I must give Anthony O’Neill the props he so rightly deserves. He was able to evoke the same sort of Gothic feel one gets from reading the original. His descriptions were rich and it really brought you back to the 19th century where the story took place. There was something marvelous about he also made us feel everything that Utterson was going through–and you can imagine that was a lot! He was about to come into ownership of Jekyll’s possessions, since he would soon be declared legally dead since he was missing for seven years. He planned to move into his old friend’s house and to rent his house out to a widow and her son.
Then, all of a sudden, an impostor shows up. At least, that’s what Utterson thinks and he sets out to prove it. However, he’s met with a great deal of resistance, as all of his friends and even Mr. Poole, Jekyll’s old butler, fall under his spell and are convinced that it is the man himself. The fury, the frustration are all at a fever pitch and you really feel for him. To further add to the trouble, bodies begin to pile up. Utterson’s quiet, calm world is once again in shambles. He goes to some truly extreme lengths to prove that this man is not Jekyll–and when I say extreme, I mean, extreme. Be prepared to step into a man’s mind as he begins to lose it. That’s only a minor spoiler–I’m not telling you all what he does. (Seriously, read the book. You’ll find your mouth in a O shape like mine was. To quote Quicksilver from Avengers: Age of Ultron: “You didn’t see that coming!”)
It’s never quite concluded if it was an impostor or not; so it does beg the question, is it possible that Jekyll has indeed returned? But if you’ve read the original, we know he [Hyde] died. Or did he? Did he somehow make it possible to split into two? There’s a lot of questions. I was quite intrigued…and as I was a child, I am full of questions. That’s a sign of a good read to me.
Now, I read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when I was…8 or 9. I was a voracious reader as a kid and I thoroughly remember enjoying it and finding it fascinating. That a man would create this formula to become someone else! And then that someone, Mr. Hyde, being so horrid, so terrible; a true blight on the world. It seemed so strange to me and mind-blowing. I always wondered if it could be done in real life. (Such is the mind of a child.) Of course, I know now that such an event couldn’t occur, but it did stay on my mind for a long while.
I must give Anthony O’Neill the props he so rightly deserves. He was able to evoke the same sort of Gothic feel one gets from reading the original. His descriptions were rich and it really brought you back to the 19th century where the story took place. There was something marvelous about he also made us feel everything that Utterson was going through–and you can imagine that was a lot! He was about to come into ownership of Jekyll’s possessions, since he would soon be declared legally dead since he was missing for seven years. He planned to move into his old friend’s house and to rent his house out to a widow and her son.
Then, all of a sudden, an impostor shows up. At least, that’s what Utterson thinks and he sets out to prove it. However, he’s met with a great deal of resistance, as all of his friends and even Mr. Poole, Jekyll’s old butler, fall under his spell and are convinced that it is the man himself. The fury, the frustration are all at a fever pitch and you really feel for him. To further add to the trouble, bodies begin to pile up. Utterson’s quiet, calm world is once again in shambles. He goes to some truly extreme lengths to prove that this man is not Jekyll–and when I say extreme, I mean, extreme. Be prepared to step into a man’s mind as he begins to lose it. That’s only a minor spoiler–I’m not telling you all what he does. (Seriously, read the book. You’ll find your mouth in a O shape like mine was. To quote Quicksilver from Avengers: Age of Ultron: “You didn’t see that coming!”)
It’s never quite concluded if it was an impostor or not; so it does beg the question, is it possible that Jekyll has indeed returned? But if you’ve read the original, we know he [Hyde] died. Or did he? Did he somehow make it possible to split into two? There’s a lot of questions. I was quite intrigued…and as I was a child, I am full of questions. That’s a sign of a good read to me.
September 11, 2018
7 years has passed since the death of Edward Hyde and the sudden disappearance of Dr. Henry Jekyll. Gabriel Utterson, Jekyll's confidante and lawyer is the sole beneficiary of his estate. Just days before the official handover, Dr. Jekyll reappears claiming to be the man himself and manages to convince the society that he is indeed the missing doctor. But Utterson is convinced that the man is an impostor as he is the only one who knows that Hyde and Dr. Jekyll are the same person. Utterson is determined to seek the truth and expose this fraud even to the point of changing himself.
An intriguing sequel to Stevenson's classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This is a plot driven story where the plot is layered with mysteries and twists which had me guessing, doubting and questioning the true identity of the man - fraud or the genuine Dr. Jekyll - throughout the story. I think it is an intrepid and clever attempt to write a sequel to this classic and it did not fail to deliver that mysterious gothic vibe. I enjoyed the engaging storytelling and absolutely appreciate the language used. It is era-appropriate.
However, there are a couple of things that I find lacking in this book which unfortunately is pretty common in novellas. First, the characters are underdeveloped. Since the story is narrated from Utterson's POV, hence only his character really shines through. Nora Spratling is a widow whom Utterson cares deeply and who will also benefit from his inheritance. But I feel that her character is briefly delineated - she's there but then again she's not. This is the same issue with other characters - flat and brief. Secondly, the rushed and puzzling ending. After such an intense story build-up with all the twists, I was expecting a clever ending. Unfortunately that did not happen. It was rushed and left a lot of unanswered questions.
That being said, if you're looking for a quick read, fast-paced, plot driven gothic mystery, this may be the book you want to read. It is engaging enough to keep you turning the pages!
***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Skyhorse Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***
An intriguing sequel to Stevenson's classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This is a plot driven story where the plot is layered with mysteries and twists which had me guessing, doubting and questioning the true identity of the man - fraud or the genuine Dr. Jekyll - throughout the story. I think it is an intrepid and clever attempt to write a sequel to this classic and it did not fail to deliver that mysterious gothic vibe. I enjoyed the engaging storytelling and absolutely appreciate the language used. It is era-appropriate.
However, there are a couple of things that I find lacking in this book which unfortunately is pretty common in novellas. First, the characters are underdeveloped. Since the story is narrated from Utterson's POV, hence only his character really shines through. Nora Spratling is a widow whom Utterson cares deeply and who will also benefit from his inheritance. But I feel that her character is briefly delineated - she's there but then again she's not. This is the same issue with other characters - flat and brief. Secondly, the rushed and puzzling ending. After such an intense story build-up with all the twists, I was expecting a clever ending. Unfortunately that did not happen. It was rushed and left a lot of unanswered questions.
That being said, if you're looking for a quick read, fast-paced, plot driven gothic mystery, this may be the book you want to read. It is engaging enough to keep you turning the pages!
***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Skyhorse Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***
September 4, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
Anyone who knows me knows that I love my classics and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the best. So when I discovered that some brave author was taking on the task of writing a sequel, I was more than intrigued. And then I saw the cover which words cannot do justice - it is just that captivating. So how did the story fare when its predecessor was surely a masterpiece? Here are my thoughts on the intriguing DR JEKYLL AND MR SEEK by Anthony O'Neill:
Seven years ago, Edward Hyde was discovered dead and Dr Jekyll mysteriously disappeared out of sight. Only Jekyll's close friend, Mr Utterson understood that his beloved friend was dead too, as Jekyll and Hyde were one and the same. Finding himself the sole beneficiary of Jekyll's estate, Utterson let seven years pass by and was preparing to take possession of his inheritance in the hopes that it would transform his life for the better, with a woman who has always held his affection. But when an imposter arrives claiming to be Jekyll returned in the flesh, Utterson is the only person who knows that this man must be a fraud, a criminal with nefarious plans, and as people who knew the real doctor begin to have fatal accidents, Utterson is determined to unmask this murderer for who he truly is, even if he must change himself to do it.
But when everyone else in society accepts and welcomes Jekyll back into the fold, can Utterson be sure that he can trust himself?
Taking on a classic written in such a different time period where the language and style were so different from the society that we live and write in today, is a huge undertaking and I must doff my hat to Mr O'Neill, as the story seamlessly continued from the original and I was transported back in time. The story is energetic, consuming, and exciting and I enjoyed seeing the mystery unfold from Utterson's point of view as he tried to build his case against the imposter. DR JEKYLL AND MR SEEK by Anthony O'Neill is an intriguing and contemplative story about friendship, desperation, and the thirst for the truth, and while the ending did leave me with some unanswered questions, overall I enjoyed this sequel very much.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Anyone who knows me knows that I love my classics and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the best. So when I discovered that some brave author was taking on the task of writing a sequel, I was more than intrigued. And then I saw the cover which words cannot do justice - it is just that captivating. So how did the story fare when its predecessor was surely a masterpiece? Here are my thoughts on the intriguing DR JEKYLL AND MR SEEK by Anthony O'Neill:
Seven years ago, Edward Hyde was discovered dead and Dr Jekyll mysteriously disappeared out of sight. Only Jekyll's close friend, Mr Utterson understood that his beloved friend was dead too, as Jekyll and Hyde were one and the same. Finding himself the sole beneficiary of Jekyll's estate, Utterson let seven years pass by and was preparing to take possession of his inheritance in the hopes that it would transform his life for the better, with a woman who has always held his affection. But when an imposter arrives claiming to be Jekyll returned in the flesh, Utterson is the only person who knows that this man must be a fraud, a criminal with nefarious plans, and as people who knew the real doctor begin to have fatal accidents, Utterson is determined to unmask this murderer for who he truly is, even if he must change himself to do it.
But when everyone else in society accepts and welcomes Jekyll back into the fold, can Utterson be sure that he can trust himself?
Taking on a classic written in such a different time period where the language and style were so different from the society that we live and write in today, is a huge undertaking and I must doff my hat to Mr O'Neill, as the story seamlessly continued from the original and I was transported back in time. The story is energetic, consuming, and exciting and I enjoyed seeing the mystery unfold from Utterson's point of view as he tried to build his case against the imposter. DR JEKYLL AND MR SEEK by Anthony O'Neill is an intriguing and contemplative story about friendship, desperation, and the thirst for the truth, and while the ending did leave me with some unanswered questions, overall I enjoyed this sequel very much.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
October 15, 2018
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek is a continuation of the famous Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide. We are obviously playing Hide and Seek.
Attorney Utterson is set to inherit Dr. Jekyll’s substantial estate after the doctor is missing a full seven years. Two weeks prior to his inheriting, a person claiming to be Dr. Jekyll moves back into his house. Utterson believes it is an imposter. For the doctor left behind a confession for his attorney’s eyes only stating he was Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde had been found dead by his own hand in Dr. Jekyll’s house the same night.
The new Dr. Jekyll has a story of assault and amnesia to explain his long absence. He has convinced Scotland Yard, his long-time butler and all of his friends save Utterson that he is genuinely the doctor. Utterson already had ideas on how to spend his inheritance and so is unconvinced. Has Dr. Jekyll returned? Who is the mysterious man who bears a striking resemblance to Mr. Hyde? How will Utterson woo the love of his life, who was formerly the doctor’s beloved, away from Jekyll without any inheritance to bribe her with?
This is a really intelligent updating and continuation of the original Jekyll and Hyde tale. While reading the original first isn’t required, it is fun to see the subtle twists made to the story in this book.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek is intelligent horror like the original. It is historical fiction as it is still set in Victorian London. It reads more as a mystery than horror. It is recommended to mystery fans or those who enjoy a slow thriller. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars!
Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss+ for an advance copy.
Attorney Utterson is set to inherit Dr. Jekyll’s substantial estate after the doctor is missing a full seven years. Two weeks prior to his inheriting, a person claiming to be Dr. Jekyll moves back into his house. Utterson believes it is an imposter. For the doctor left behind a confession for his attorney’s eyes only stating he was Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde had been found dead by his own hand in Dr. Jekyll’s house the same night.
The new Dr. Jekyll has a story of assault and amnesia to explain his long absence. He has convinced Scotland Yard, his long-time butler and all of his friends save Utterson that he is genuinely the doctor. Utterson already had ideas on how to spend his inheritance and so is unconvinced. Has Dr. Jekyll returned? Who is the mysterious man who bears a striking resemblance to Mr. Hyde? How will Utterson woo the love of his life, who was formerly the doctor’s beloved, away from Jekyll without any inheritance to bribe her with?
This is a really intelligent updating and continuation of the original Jekyll and Hyde tale. While reading the original first isn’t required, it is fun to see the subtle twists made to the story in this book.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Seek is intelligent horror like the original. It is historical fiction as it is still set in Victorian London. It reads more as a mystery than horror. It is recommended to mystery fans or those who enjoy a slow thriller. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars!
Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss+ for an advance copy.
October 4, 2018
For more reviews & gothic essays, find me at abmostfiction.wordpress.com
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This one took me by surprise; I am always dubious of retellings or sequels to older, classic texts by different authors, but O'Neil manages to capture the atmosphere of the first one through his descriptions of Victorian London. The opening echoes the original novel and is able to draw in readers the same way.
O'Neil has managed to create a sequel that genuinely feels like a potential continuation of the classic gothic text and of these characters. Similar to the original novel, this one is a short read but manages to maintain a sense of mystery and is nicely paced, with a sense of control in the writing even when the described events are spiralling.
Some readers may not enjoy the direction O'Neil takes the story in, or the expanded characterisation of Utterson as he creeps into unlikeable narrator territory, but if you're looking for a short, gothic tale to read then this could be it.
TL;DR - O'Neil's sequel Dr Jekyll & Mr Seek manages to capture the flavour of the original gothic novel and whether readers agree or disagree with his continuation of the well-known characters this is still a solid read for horror fans.
4****(out of 5*****)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This one took me by surprise; I am always dubious of retellings or sequels to older, classic texts by different authors, but O'Neil manages to capture the atmosphere of the first one through his descriptions of Victorian London. The opening echoes the original novel and is able to draw in readers the same way.
O'Neil has managed to create a sequel that genuinely feels like a potential continuation of the classic gothic text and of these characters. Similar to the original novel, this one is a short read but manages to maintain a sense of mystery and is nicely paced, with a sense of control in the writing even when the described events are spiralling.
Some readers may not enjoy the direction O'Neil takes the story in, or the expanded characterisation of Utterson as he creeps into unlikeable narrator territory, but if you're looking for a short, gothic tale to read then this could be it.
TL;DR - O'Neil's sequel Dr Jekyll & Mr Seek manages to capture the flavour of the original gothic novel and whether readers agree or disagree with his continuation of the well-known characters this is still a solid read for horror fans.
4****(out of 5*****)
September 3, 2017
(just over 3 stars)
I wanted to read this book as I was curious what sequel to such a famous novel would be like. Though it has been a long time since I read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, I felt O’Neill did a good job making it read like a novel of its time. It made a very credible sequel that did justice to the original. I found myself questioning Mr Utterson’s sanity throughout and at the same time wondering whether he was right, and even after finishing I still wonder what the truth had been.
I am not entirely sure how to feel about this book. Objectively, this novel is well executed and cleverly written. However, personally I did feel quite distant from what was happening and I am still trying to figure out whether that is due to the writing, the plot or something else entirely. Whatever that the reason may be, it simply left me with a slight niggle at the back of my mind throughout.
*E-book courtesy of publisher via NetGalley*
I wanted to read this book as I was curious what sequel to such a famous novel would be like. Though it has been a long time since I read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, I felt O’Neill did a good job making it read like a novel of its time. It made a very credible sequel that did justice to the original. I found myself questioning Mr Utterson’s sanity throughout and at the same time wondering whether he was right, and even after finishing I still wonder what the truth had been.
I am not entirely sure how to feel about this book. Objectively, this novel is well executed and cleverly written. However, personally I did feel quite distant from what was happening and I am still trying to figure out whether that is due to the writing, the plot or something else entirely. Whatever that the reason may be, it simply left me with a slight niggle at the back of my mind throughout.
*E-book courtesy of publisher via NetGalley*
January 5, 2022
I have seen a lot of critiques of this book online, and I do not wish to join them. While this book is not perfect, I admire anyone willing to seriously take on a classic and strive to add to it.
I read this book right after reading Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde, and I really enjoyed the callbacks, or "Easter eggs" that Anthony O'Neill included throughout the book. I did not agree with his characterization of Mr. Utterson until I reached the end. Then, I felt like O'Neill provided a solid reason why he characterized Utterson the way he did.
It's an interesting idea, and exploration into reality and fantasy and I thought O'Neill kept that line blurry enough to keep me guessing.
If you enjoyed the Stevenson novel, I would recommend this one too. Don't read it analytically, just read it for the enjoyment of being with these characters again. It's a fun extension of the world of Jekyll and Hyde.
I read this book right after reading Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde, and I really enjoyed the callbacks, or "Easter eggs" that Anthony O'Neill included throughout the book. I did not agree with his characterization of Mr. Utterson until I reached the end. Then, I felt like O'Neill provided a solid reason why he characterized Utterson the way he did.
It's an interesting idea, and exploration into reality and fantasy and I thought O'Neill kept that line blurry enough to keep me guessing.
If you enjoyed the Stevenson novel, I would recommend this one too. Don't read it analytically, just read it for the enjoyment of being with these characters again. It's a fun extension of the world of Jekyll and Hyde.
January 21, 2018
A thoroughly chilling read, with a suitably creepy ending. Satisfying sequel for a classic by a modern author.
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