Title: Intrigue at 404 Appalling Street
Author: George S. Haines
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
ISBN: 979-8886226164
Pages: 226
Genre: Mystery / Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
Intrigue at 404 Appalling Street is an utterly gripping mystery novel by the talented writer George S. Haines, and a sequel to the previous adventure titled The Legend of the Bent Organ Pipes. Luckily, the author offers a synopsis of the previous book making this book a wonderful standalone. The story follows Colonel Helmut Schmidt, dubbed Red Fox, as he comes up with a devious plan to produce a deadly substance known as BrainX, which will enable wicked people to control the minds and actions of human beings, made in a makeshift laboratory at a vacant mansion and carriage house at 404 Appalling Street.
The house is believed to be haunted, and with the colonel’s ambitious and nefarious activities, the place slowly adds to ongoing anxiety among the residents. He is sure the perfected chemical compound will be worth millions in cold cash offering him his long-awaited comfort after his failed attempt to gain a bag of gold coins supposedly hidden in the mountains of New Mexico two years ago with his evil allies, Bruno and Udo. Will Sheriff Neverfine and his two detectives Sam and Howie salvage the situation before it is too late? Can they manage to outwit the astute and sly Red Fox before his evil plans manifest insidiously?
Despite the beat-by-beat narration, the book keeps its action moving. When not focused on hiding from the authorities, Red Fox’s greed for money takes center stage in this narrative. Haines has managed to write a deliciously inventive thriller brimming with revenge, secrets, and action. With well-wrought characters and a villainous anti-hero as its epicenter, the story pitter-patters rapidly leaving little room for readers to catch their breath. The author gives ample attention to other characters, their emotions, quirks, and personalities. This provides an all-round picture throughout the story. The characters’ exchanges are often succinct and captivating and offer hints and red herrings along the chapters.
Shrouded in mystery, Intrigue at 404 Appalling Street is a suspenseful novel with memorable characters from an author with remarkable mastery in this genre!