The Vengeance of The Invisible Man

The Universal Library #3

by Robin Bailes

The Universal Library is a series of horror/comedy books inspired by classic horror films of the 1930s and 40s. The stories are set in the present day but with a classic feel, tongue in cheek delivery and many references to the original films and other horror movies for film fans to spot. You don't have to have read the first two books to enjoy this one (although you may get more out of it as characters do recur, weaving in and out of the series).
Christmas in Cambridge and the must have gift is new book, The Life of an Invisible Man, thanks to an impressive marketing campaign by its author, known only as The Invisible Man. He’s been pulling off impossible stunts around his hometown, making him an overnight celebrity and media sensation. No one thinks this is anything other than a clever stage magician or a computer wizard posting videos to YouTube. Or at least, almost no one. Amelia Evans was there for the book’s extraordinary launch and she doesn’t think this is a trick. When things turn violent, Amelia calls in some old friends to help. Elsewhere in Cambridge, Inspector Clive Harrigan is starting his last month on the force before retirement. The last thing he needs is a serial killer murdering University Professors, especially one who seems able to walk past people and security cameras unnoticed. Is there a connection? Is the Invisible Man a dangerous serial killer? Or does he just want to be seen?

Genres: Horror

246 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2019

About the author

Robin Bailes is the writer and presenter of the web-series Dark Corners, based around comic reviews of old B movies and serious retrospectives of cult classics. Robin's love of old movies, and particularly the Universal horror cycle, was established by an old collection of Famous Monsters of Filmland (the seminal fanzine created by Forrest J. Ackerman), nourished by a film buff family, and is now inspiring a series of comedy/horror novels beginning with The Mummy's Quest and now running to 4 titles. The books are informed by classic horror, and are peppered with references to old movies and cult literature. The books are also a reaction to Universal Studios' baffling and uninspired efforts to turn their legacy into a comic book franchise. The latest title is The Immortal Dracula.
Outside of Dark Corners, Robin has written and directed the comedy/drama web-series Coping (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5XG...), among many other intriguing and diverse projects, as he attempts to make a living from writing. He also volunteers at the Cinema Museum at Elephant and Castle in London, and can be found behind the cafe for most silent film screenings. You can learn more about Robin (if you really want to) on his website, robinbailes.com.
Twitter: @DarkCorners3, @robinbailes
Facebook: Dark Corners of This Sick World

Reviews

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aren't reading this series, do yourself a favor and get to it. These stories stem from a genuine love for classic horror, with all the references and winks and nods. But, whether or not you are a fan of classic horror films, this series is for anyone who loves good storytelling, likeable characters, occasional genuine thrills and chills, and tongue-in-cheek humor. All the other books have a hint of mystery to them, but this one goes full on murder mystery and it is greatly enjoyable. The story also has a greater emotional depth and had some heartbreaking elements. I think as the series goes on, the books will just get better and better. I can't wait for the next one!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

TYPE MORE
NOW

I need these characters to go to Romania.
The stage is set and the road is clear.
Something strange at the dig site.
START NOW

[Steve Chaput · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dangerous Christmas in Cambidge

Much of this one story is told from the perspective of the title character. Has he really become a killer?

[NECaruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good horror/comedy romp in a series that's growing a wonderful, relatable ensemble cast. Per the title, this one follows the Invisible Man (?).

In no particular order, I appreciated the loads of horror classics references, just check everyone's name carefully to pick up a few; character development; and foreshadowing with follow through.

I'll give this one praise I rarely extend to horror novels (off the top of my head, I can only think of Straub's Ghost Story and Barker's Cabal, and they are VERY different books from this): worth a reread. You'll definitely get more out of it with subsequent readings.

Consider giving the whole series to a friend who's laid up sick. That's how I've been reading them and they're good medicine.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun entry in the Universal Library series finds Amelia Evans return home to Cambridge after her adventure in Egypt only to find herself in the midst of another weird crisis, one that includes murder. Like The Mummy's Quest and The Werewolf of Priory Grange there are innumerable little nods to Universal horror films embedded in character names and dialog. Robin Bailes again shows his love and knowledge of old movies, this time drawing mainly from 1933's The Invisible Man and 1940's The Invisible Man Returns. Seriously, how many authors would even think of dropping in an homage to B-movie director Ford Beebe? The humor of the previous books is here as well. On the serious side, there is some subtle commentary on modern society. The Invisible Man is anonymous and of course invisible, yet he obsesses over his social media profile and what people say about him; that is a deep cut at our obsession with on-line pseudo-fame. Also pretty biting was the scene where everyone in a crowd rushes to film the Invisible Man's antics on their phones ("the standard 21st century response to any crisis", page 59).