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In a Black Monk Funk
Spooks can’t murder you. Only people can do that.
On her way to recover a stolen scroll with occult power, retired professor Blythe Golightly glimpses the supernatural Black Monk. Just like her, he’s after the scroll. He’s the same Black Monk that Chekhov wrote about—a monk in a black robe whose image was captured in a mirage and has been reflected in duplicate mirages ever since.
Unnerved, Blythe goes on to her planned meeting with a U.S. Customs agent at the thief’s refuge—a castle nestled like a medieval vision on his Colorado ranch. The agent confiscates the scroll, but later is found murdered in a Vail hotel room. What’s more, the scroll is missing.
Who killed the agent? The thief, who is an Enochian magician? His apprentice? One of his ranch guests? Or the inhuman Black Monk? One of them is a murderer.
In her zeal to recover the occult scroll, Blythe becomes the killer’s next target. She must rely on ranch foreman “Cognac Kody” for protection… if she can trust him. Blythe soon discovers one too many secrets—and unearths a conspiracy beyond her worst nightmares.
On her way to recover a stolen scroll with occult power, retired professor Blythe Golightly glimpses the supernatural Black Monk. Just like her, he’s after the scroll. He’s the same Black Monk that Chekhov wrote about—a monk in a black robe whose image was captured in a mirage and has been reflected in duplicate mirages ever since.
Unnerved, Blythe goes on to her planned meeting with a U.S. Customs agent at the thief’s refuge—a castle nestled like a medieval vision on his Colorado ranch. The agent confiscates the scroll, but later is found murdered in a Vail hotel room. What’s more, the scroll is missing.
Who killed the agent? The thief, who is an Enochian magician? His apprentice? One of his ranch guests? Or the inhuman Black Monk? One of them is a murderer.
In her zeal to recover the occult scroll, Blythe becomes the killer’s next target. She must rely on ranch foreman “Cognac Kody” for protection… if she can trust him. Blythe soon discovers one too many secrets—and unearths a conspiracy beyond her worst nightmares.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2021
4 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Lesher
6 books6 followersAn award-winning business writer and ghostwriter, “indie” author Gloria Lesher is published both traditionally and independently. Her supernatural thriller, L’incantesimo Della Sciamana (SPELL OF THE SHAMAN), was published in Italy in 1997 by RCS Libri under her maiden name, Gloria Cook.
Lesher is the author of two independently-published paranormal cozy mysteries: THE SKINNY ON THE JINNI (2021), and IN A BLACK MONK FUNK (2021).
Her fascination with all things preternatural began in the Land of Enchantment—New Mexico. She spent her early grade school years in Roswell, renowned site of a 1947 UFO crash with dead aliens. Gloria earned her master’s degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado. She lives in Aurora, Colorado, with her husband, Willy, and a miniature poodle named “Pierre.”
Lesher is the author of two independently-published paranormal cozy mysteries: THE SKINNY ON THE JINNI (2021), and IN A BLACK MONK FUNK (2021).
Her fascination with all things preternatural began in the Land of Enchantment—New Mexico. She spent her early grade school years in Roswell, renowned site of a 1947 UFO crash with dead aliens. Gloria earned her master’s degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado. She lives in Aurora, Colorado, with her husband, Willy, and a miniature poodle named “Pierre.”
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2021
Well, this book surprised me, which is great when you are reviewing a lot of books.
It means it stands out. In this case, the opening definitely grabbed me – as I read it I though THIS is how a cozy mystery should start. Okay, so this one is a paranormal cozy mystery, but the writing is sharp and witty. The first paragraph tells you everything about the theme of the book in a way that is moving and genuinely funny, and my favorite line is from this wonderful start:
"If I’d been Eve, I would’ve thanked the Serpent for the apple, set it aside for later, and asked him for an interview"
But it’s a bit of a red herring! Not to say this is not a good book, because it really is. A good book breaks the formula, and this book does just that.
It’s well written, and I read through it in one sitting, but the tale has a dark thread through it. The darker mood that permeates the story, means that the humor becomes more muted, the further into the book you go, and it becomes almost a cozy thriller! There is a fledgling romance that keeps the book from descending fully into thriller mode, as romance seems to be the last thing on the minds of either of the two characters, so to see it coming so subtly is entertaining, you know before they do.
The setting of the book is almost gothic, and suits the darker storyline. The books focus is philosophical, and looks at censorship, forbidden knowledge, and the good of the people. Heavy topics indeed, but the author handles them very well, helping the reader to see the various agendas of the characters, which are deftly intertwined. The changing perceptions of the situation they are in means that the main character are interesting to watch.
A great read if you want a "paranormal cozy mystery thriller"!
A word of warning, if you are not open to questioning faith, this one might not be for you. Such as reference to the Book of Enoch and it’s content; the theological arguments are interesting if you are open minded. 4.5 out of 5 – the humor is there, but I would have like just a little more, otherwise, what a great book!
It means it stands out. In this case, the opening definitely grabbed me – as I read it I though THIS is how a cozy mystery should start. Okay, so this one is a paranormal cozy mystery, but the writing is sharp and witty. The first paragraph tells you everything about the theme of the book in a way that is moving and genuinely funny, and my favorite line is from this wonderful start:
"If I’d been Eve, I would’ve thanked the Serpent for the apple, set it aside for later, and asked him for an interview"
But it’s a bit of a red herring! Not to say this is not a good book, because it really is. A good book breaks the formula, and this book does just that.
It’s well written, and I read through it in one sitting, but the tale has a dark thread through it. The darker mood that permeates the story, means that the humor becomes more muted, the further into the book you go, and it becomes almost a cozy thriller! There is a fledgling romance that keeps the book from descending fully into thriller mode, as romance seems to be the last thing on the minds of either of the two characters, so to see it coming so subtly is entertaining, you know before they do.
The setting of the book is almost gothic, and suits the darker storyline. The books focus is philosophical, and looks at censorship, forbidden knowledge, and the good of the people. Heavy topics indeed, but the author handles them very well, helping the reader to see the various agendas of the characters, which are deftly intertwined. The changing perceptions of the situation they are in means that the main character are interesting to watch.
A great read if you want a "paranormal cozy mystery thriller"!
A word of warning, if you are not open to questioning faith, this one might not be for you. Such as reference to the Book of Enoch and it’s content; the theological arguments are interesting if you are open minded. 4.5 out of 5 – the humor is there, but I would have like just a little more, otherwise, what a great book!
July 20, 2021
In a Black Monk Funk is a delicately constructed story created by interlacing thoughts and snippets of patterns or other elements into a whole; a woven story that conveys you to places you’ve never been and experiences you’ve never had, and she does this while keeping you balanced between two divergent worlds. One is caused to wonder if this author has perhaps experienced the supernatural herself as she portrays in such a realistic and believable way. Be prepared for the unexpected, for surprises where no surprised should be, for twists and turns that totally take you down unexpected paths - for a joyful ride!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 21, 2021
Oh, my. This is the second book in this series and it's better than the first one.
I really like the main character in this series. She is so funny, smart, and brave, and gets into all kinds of sticky situations that are dangerous.
This was such well written fun, suspenseful read. I could not wait to turn the next page and was a little sad when I came to the last page.
You won't be able to put it down. Read, you won't regret it.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
I really like the main character in this series. She is so funny, smart, and brave, and gets into all kinds of sticky situations that are dangerous.
This was such well written fun, suspenseful read. I could not wait to turn the next page and was a little sad when I came to the last page.
You won't be able to put it down. Read, you won't regret it.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
August 14, 2021
Our Friend Blythe is the main character this time around.
Blythe is hired to find and retrieve the Watchers scroll. It is a religious artifact also an occult artifact. But she is not the only one who is after it. The mysterious and dangerous black monk is also after it. And he is willing to kill to get it back.
Read how Blythe manage get herself into another super natural adventure, as she tries to solve the mystery surrounding the Watchers scroll!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blythe is hired to find and retrieve the Watchers scroll. It is a religious artifact also an occult artifact. But she is not the only one who is after it. The mysterious and dangerous black monk is also after it. And he is willing to kill to get it back.
Read how Blythe manage get herself into another super natural adventure, as she tries to solve the mystery surrounding the Watchers scroll!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2021
Although I don't generally go for paranormal stories, In a Black Monk Funk drew me in from the start with the siting of the black-clad monk. Aspects of the story were reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code and a gripping tale was told. However, my enthusiasm for the writing waned in the two transcript chapters. It picked up again after that when the action and threat to Blythe kicked in. I recommend this book to paranormal lovers.
June 5, 2021
Another fun story for this series. The old lady sure can find trouble. Very interesting characters and plot. Well written with tons of info to follow. No sexual content but it does have some mention of violence. I would recommend this story for all ages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2021
An interesting story. Biblical - from the Torah at least - quoting parts of the Book of Genesis. I found parts of it facinating, parts just sad, parts funny and very human - finding others to blame for Man's failings to the planet.
I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
August 5, 2021
Blythe is at it again. This time it is an ancient scroll and a Monk that will lead her into adventure. She will be following the trail to Red Cliff Dude Ranch and there she meets a whole cast of characters. This was a fun read and kept your interest throughout.
May 16, 2021
Enjoyed the book. It drew me in within a few pages. Could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews