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Society for Paranormals #0.3
Miss Knight and the Night in Lagos
Where African myth meets Victorian manners.
The mission is simple: Travel to Lagos, save the Brownies, and don’t die in the process. Unfortunately for paranormal investigator Miss Beatrice Knight, her employer is a werewolf which means nothing is ever simple. Upon arrival, Miss Knight is insulted by the police, chased by a vampire, and visited by a talking chimp. Everything is going according to plan, just not her plan. At least they serve tea in the colonies, but will that be enough to survive the night?
Miss Knight and the Night in Lagos is a prequel to the Society for Paranormals series, in which a paranormal detective refuses to let danger, death, and unsolicited suitors inconvenience her in colonial Kenya. Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology, and the search for a perfect spot of tea.
The mission is simple: Travel to Lagos, save the Brownies, and don’t die in the process. Unfortunately for paranormal investigator Miss Beatrice Knight, her employer is a werewolf which means nothing is ever simple. Upon arrival, Miss Knight is insulted by the police, chased by a vampire, and visited by a talking chimp. Everything is going according to plan, just not her plan. At least they serve tea in the colonies, but will that be enough to survive the night?
Miss Knight and the Night in Lagos is a prequel to the Society for Paranormals series, in which a paranormal detective refuses to let danger, death, and unsolicited suitors inconvenience her in colonial Kenya. Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology, and the search for a perfect spot of tea.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2020
About the author
Vered Ehsani
84 books310 followersI've been a writer since I could hold pen to paper, which is a lot longer than I care to admit. I live in Kenya with my family and other animals. When I'm not writing, I pretend to work as an environmental consultant.
Visit my world at http://veredehsani.co.za/free-books/ & pick up 3 FREE books about paranormal mysteries set in colonial Africa.
Visit my world at http://veredehsani.co.za/free-books/ & pick up 3 FREE books about paranormal mysteries set in colonial Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 6, 2020
The current chronological beginning of the series
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020
Verified Purchase
This story of Miss Knight's first encounter with Koki who can take the form of an elephant sized praying mantis, is a prequel to GHOSTS OF TSAVO. I generally want to read books in chronological order but in this case I recommend reading GHOSTS OF TSAVO before the two prequels as it develops the character of Miss Knight more fully than the prequels.
The Night in Lagos features Koki, the shape shfting West African Demon, African vampires called Obayifos, various thugs, brownies (the little people who do nothing in this story except get rescued.), a drug addicted, arrogant police inspector, an African mermaid and some I've left out. Miss Knight escapes with her life. Telling much more would spoil the story.
I will quote Vered Ehsani about her series: Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology and the search for a perfect spot of tea. If you love historical mysteries, Victorian steampunk, British humor, & would love an adventure in colonial Africa, get Society for Paranormals: The Complete Series to start your supernatural safari today." I will add that this series has a touch of P.G. Wodehouse about it.
At present this volume is free on Amazon.
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020
Verified Purchase
This story of Miss Knight's first encounter with Koki who can take the form of an elephant sized praying mantis, is a prequel to GHOSTS OF TSAVO. I generally want to read books in chronological order but in this case I recommend reading GHOSTS OF TSAVO before the two prequels as it develops the character of Miss Knight more fully than the prequels.
The Night in Lagos features Koki, the shape shfting West African Demon, African vampires called Obayifos, various thugs, brownies (the little people who do nothing in this story except get rescued.), a drug addicted, arrogant police inspector, an African mermaid and some I've left out. Miss Knight escapes with her life. Telling much more would spoil the story.
I will quote Vered Ehsani about her series: Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology and the search for a perfect spot of tea. If you love historical mysteries, Victorian steampunk, British humor, & would love an adventure in colonial Africa, get Society for Paranormals: The Complete Series to start your supernatural safari today." I will add that this series has a touch of P.G. Wodehouse about it.
At present this volume is free on Amazon.
January 30, 2024
Review of this prequel to the Society For Paranormals series to follow and here it is:
The current chronological beginning of the series
Verified Purchase
This story of Miss Knight's first encounter with Koki who can take the form of an elephant sized praying mantis, is a prequel to GHOSTS OF TSAVO. I generally want to read books in chronological order but in this case I recommend reading GHOSTS OF TSAVO before the two prequels as it develops the character of Miss Knight more fully than the prequels.
THAT NIGHT IN LAGOS features Koki, the shape shfting West African Demon, African vampires called Obayifos, various thugs, brownies (the little people who do nothing in this story except get rescued.), a drug addicted, arrogant police inspector, an African mermaid, a talking chimpanzee and some I've left out. Miss Knight escapes with her life. Telling much more would spoil the story.
I will quote Vered Ehsani about her series: "Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology and the search for a perfect spot of tea. If you love historical mysteries, Victorian steampunk, British humor, and would love an adventure in colonial Africa, get Society for Paranormals: The Complete Series to start your supernatural safari today." I will add that this series has a touch of P.G. Wodehouse about it.
This book is no longer available under this title on Amazon. It is available as MISS KNIGHT AND THE NIGHT IN LAGOS. At present this volume is free on Amazon.
The current chronological beginning of the series
Verified Purchase
This story of Miss Knight's first encounter with Koki who can take the form of an elephant sized praying mantis, is a prequel to GHOSTS OF TSAVO. I generally want to read books in chronological order but in this case I recommend reading GHOSTS OF TSAVO before the two prequels as it develops the character of Miss Knight more fully than the prequels.
THAT NIGHT IN LAGOS features Koki, the shape shfting West African Demon, African vampires called Obayifos, various thugs, brownies (the little people who do nothing in this story except get rescued.), a drug addicted, arrogant police inspector, an African mermaid, a talking chimpanzee and some I've left out. Miss Knight escapes with her life. Telling much more would spoil the story.
I will quote Vered Ehsani about her series: "Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology and the search for a perfect spot of tea. If you love historical mysteries, Victorian steampunk, British humor, and would love an adventure in colonial Africa, get Society for Paranormals: The Complete Series to start your supernatural safari today." I will add that this series has a touch of P.G. Wodehouse about it.
This book is no longer available under this title on Amazon. It is available as MISS KNIGHT AND THE NIGHT IN LAGOS. At present this volume is free on Amazon.
August 25, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Quote: Or better yet, I could’ve said no to my employer, the Director of the Society for Paranormals & Curious Animals. I couldn’t possibly abandon my domestic post to gallivant around the world without so much as a chaperone. After all, what would the neighbors think?-
Quote: The fabric seller glowed rosy as he pushed a piece of silk at me. I swiveled about, studying the crowd. Apart from the scraggly stray dogs, a herd of goats, a few chickens and the flies, all the energy fields were human.
except one. That particular energy field surrounded a humanoid beast that was glaring over the crowd at me. I immediately recognized the being from my studies of West African folklore and groaned. I was being followed by an Obayifo.-
Where African myth meets Victorian manners.
The mission is simple: Travel to Lagos, save the Brownies, and don’t die in the process.
Unfortunately for paranormal investigator Miss Beatrice Knight, her employer is a werewolf which means nothing is ever simple. Upon arrival, Miss Knight is insulted by the police, chased by a vampire, and visited by a talking chimp. Everything is going according to plan, just not her plan.
At least they serve tea in the colonies, but will that be enough to survive the night?
This prequel offered an insight and foreshadowing of battles to come, in future books. Adventure and tongue in check with humor. It what we all need in these troubled times.
Relax with a cup of tea, or something stronger, and hunt paranormals with the intrepid Miss Knight. I did.
Quote: Or better yet, I could’ve said no to my employer, the Director of the Society for Paranormals & Curious Animals. I couldn’t possibly abandon my domestic post to gallivant around the world without so much as a chaperone. After all, what would the neighbors think?-
Quote: The fabric seller glowed rosy as he pushed a piece of silk at me. I swiveled about, studying the crowd. Apart from the scraggly stray dogs, a herd of goats, a few chickens and the flies, all the energy fields were human.
except one. That particular energy field surrounded a humanoid beast that was glaring over the crowd at me. I immediately recognized the being from my studies of West African folklore and groaned. I was being followed by an Obayifo.-
Where African myth meets Victorian manners.
The mission is simple: Travel to Lagos, save the Brownies, and don’t die in the process.
Unfortunately for paranormal investigator Miss Beatrice Knight, her employer is a werewolf which means nothing is ever simple. Upon arrival, Miss Knight is insulted by the police, chased by a vampire, and visited by a talking chimp. Everything is going according to plan, just not her plan.
At least they serve tea in the colonies, but will that be enough to survive the night?
This prequel offered an insight and foreshadowing of battles to come, in future books. Adventure and tongue in check with humor. It what we all need in these troubled times.
Relax with a cup of tea, or something stronger, and hunt paranormals with the intrepid Miss Knight. I did.
October 24, 2020
Not your usual Victorian paranormal mystery.
This was weird, but I really enjoyed it. Bee is a plucky young lady with an intrepid spirit and a generous dash of intelligence. She knows the reception she will receive in Lagos, yet she pokers up and soldiers on as per her orders. Unfortunately this was a short story and there was not a lot of space given to fleshing out the few other characters we encounter. I’m hoping that the following books in the series are full length as Bee was a fascinating character that I quickly became attached to.
4 stars ⭐️
This was weird, but I really enjoyed it. Bee is a plucky young lady with an intrepid spirit and a generous dash of intelligence. She knows the reception she will receive in Lagos, yet she pokers up and soldiers on as per her orders. Unfortunately this was a short story and there was not a lot of space given to fleshing out the few other characters we encounter. I’m hoping that the following books in the series are full length as Bee was a fascinating character that I quickly became attached to.
4 stars ⭐️
November 1, 2020
!is Knight and the Night in Lagos
Interesting story of creatures and evil. I am not one to read these books, but this caught my imagination. Very good story of intriguing characters.! Enjoy!
Interesting story of creatures and evil. I am not one to read these books, but this caught my imagination. Very good story of intriguing characters.! Enjoy!
September 28, 2016
My only complaint was how kick butt the main character (Bee) was through out the story but then had to tuck tail & run at the end. It was understandable but disappointing. This story is more for filling in gaps of info than to tell a full story...not that it wasn't entertaining. That is why I think I should have read this AFTER I read the first few books instead of before. I was trying to read the series in a chronological order (based on the story-line instead of the publishing of the books). I feel that this short story really can't be appreciated if it's read on it's own. Read the first 2 books at least but it may be best to read the first 3 books before reading this short story (prequel). I TRULY enjoy this series & highly recommend it! The first few books are as follows: Ghosts of Tsavo, The Automaton's Wife, Revenge of the Mantis. FYI, if you join the author's mailing list she happily gives you free stories-no strings attached. The free stories I received (over time) are: From Africa With Bite (Small compilation of supernatural legends), Mrs. Knight's Photo Journal of Victorian Nairobi (self-explanatory-old pics, etc), Ghosts of Tsavo (first full book in series), & The Mantis & the Cage (a short story with more Koki the Mantis from That Night In Lagos & Revenge of the Mantis). Vered Ehsani's website is at: http://veredehsani.co.za/
July 1, 2023
This was a short story that introduces a series of steampunk fantasy mysteries. Miss Beatrice Knight is sent by the Society for Paranormals to Africa to stop brownie smuggling. (Brownies are useful house spirits, think JK Rowling's "House Elves"). The story doesn't really explain that though, and we don't really see them. Once Miss Knight arrives, she meets a bombastic, chauvinistic, idiotic local British policeman, and a native African vampire. The vampire is running a smuggling operation and the cop refuses to listen to Beatrice - even when he sees evidence of something paranormal going on with his own eyes.
The story is very short, meant to introduce Miss Knight and her world, but I liked it, even though the horror aspects were played up a bit more than I'd liked. I received several books in the series for free from one of my free books newsletters, and I've bought book 1 which wasn't included in the offer. I'm looking forward to reading a full-length story in this universe. This short story is a good introduction.
The story is very short, meant to introduce Miss Knight and her world, but I liked it, even though the horror aspects were played up a bit more than I'd liked. I received several books in the series for free from one of my free books newsletters, and I've bought book 1 which wasn't included in the offer. I'm looking forward to reading a full-length story in this universe. This short story is a good introduction.
October 22, 2016
Miss Bee is sent to Africa to prevent the smuggling of brownies. The young paranormal investigator from England is quite confident she can prevent the smuggling. There is a moment when she does question her ability to possibly having to defend herself with her trusty walking stick. It is fully loaded and so far has come in very handy. Suspend your beliefs and go along for an adventure with Miss Bee and meet the mystical creatures would love nothing better but to snap her head off. I have been delighted with this line of story telling and would recommend them to everyone. Miss Bee has a wicked sense of humor (in a good way) and with words whether they are spoken or just in her head.
April 10, 2016
Amusing enough
November 19, 2020
First contact with Koki
Having read the entire series featuring Beatrice Knight, it was a real pleasure to read about her first encounter with Koki.
This prequel offers readers insight and foreshadowing of battles to come. I love this series and this book compliments the rest of the series. If you haven't met Miss Knight, you will certainly be hooked. If you have met her, you will surely enjoy this episode.
Having read the entire series featuring Beatrice Knight, it was a real pleasure to read about her first encounter with Koki.
This prequel offers readers insight and foreshadowing of battles to come. I love this series and this book compliments the rest of the series. If you haven't met Miss Knight, you will certainly be hooked. If you have met her, you will surely enjoy this episode.
March 11, 2021
Very enjoyable
I almost didn't get this even though it was free. I am not a fan of cozy mysteries but this was only 75 pages so I thought I'd give it a try. I really enjoyed it. It solves the case, introduces the characters and the main theme of the series. It is not a cliffhanger but ends with just an inkling of what may be included in the next book. I know I'll be reading this series again.
I almost didn't get this even though it was free. I am not a fan of cozy mysteries but this was only 75 pages so I thought I'd give it a try. I really enjoyed it. It solves the case, introduces the characters and the main theme of the series. It is not a cliffhanger but ends with just an inkling of what may be included in the next book. I know I'll be reading this series again.
September 1, 2021
I loved reading about Beatrice's encounter with Koki the Mantis. The Miss Knight series hints around at this encounter so it was nice to finally find out what happened. Vered always captures my interest quickly in her books, even shorter stories and novellas. If you're a fan of Miss Knight and the paranormal society, you don't want to miss reading this.
September 7, 2021
Where is the confounded Tea and why is there a praying mantis in the foyer?
I simply love Vered's writing style and story telling, all of her books are a must read for anyone who is a fan of Steampunk, gaslight and cozy mysteries 🖤🖤🖤
I simply love Vered's writing style and story telling, all of her books are a must read for anyone who is a fan of Steampunk, gaslight and cozy mysteries 🖤🖤🖤
January 15, 2023
A fun little book
The inclusion of the paranormal and the slightly Victorian writing style makes this a very interesting read. I hope to read additional books in the series.
The inclusion of the paranormal and the slightly Victorian writing style makes this a very interesting read. I hope to read additional books in the series.
July 10, 2023
Interesting story where a Victorian paranormal investigator meets African paranormal beings.
February 7, 2024
2.5
It was a good, wild ride of fantastically paranormal creatures and mystery until the last few chapters.
It was a good, wild ride of fantastically paranormal creatures and mystery until the last few chapters.
November 13, 2020
Fantastic
Bea is such a fantastic character and I enjoy reading more stories of her adventures. This book is wonderfully delightful.
Bea is such a fantastic character and I enjoy reading more stories of her adventures. This book is wonderfully delightful.
April 18, 2017
Set before The Ghosts of Tsavo, this short prequel introduces us to young Bee Anderson, before she married and when she was just a young investigator with The Society for the Investigation of Paranormals & Curious Creatures. This short worked well for me just having the read first book; had I read this in chronological order, I do not think I would have enjoyed it so much. Here, Ms. Bee is sent to Lagos to investigate the smuggling of Brownies (we don't get much background on them), but we do get lots of other Western African paranormals - a sorcerer vampire, a beautiful mermaid named Mami Wati, and the deadly shapeshifting Mantis Koki. I'm really enjoying the setting and the series as a whole.
January 21, 2016
Fantastic book, there are great and unique characters, amusing situations, and humorous encounters, and also great danger. Beatrice, is a heroine above compare. She doesn't quibble, when there are paranormal beings to save, document, or fight. She rushes into dangerous situations with little or no hesitation, determined to save the world. If that doesn't work, there's nothing wrong with winning on the important issues, and then putting a little distance between her and her foes, in order to rally the troops, and live to fight another day. This book is not witten for those of weak constitution, be brave dear readers, and tally ho....
August 15, 2016
This prequel novella (an introductory free offering) provides some background to a series. Interesting to find an unusual setting - Africa during the late Victorian period (not sure if the date is specified) and there is also some action set in London.
I'll be returning to the series as I also have the first volume to read.
Also free was a 'bestiary' of African paranormal entities. Not really a 'read' as such, but short enough to do so. Could do with an index or contents list for reference purposes.
I'll be returning to the series as I also have the first volume to read.
Also free was a 'bestiary' of African paranormal entities. Not really a 'read' as such, but short enough to do so. Could do with an index or contents list for reference purposes.
November 3, 2016
A prequel for the Society For Paranormals, this is the story of Beatrice's first encounter with the character who is arguably her nemesis. The characters are well-developed and the story well written. Vered Ehsani presents an entertaining paranormal mystery with a strong Victorian flair. I recommend this series for anyone who enjoys paranormal adventure with a period flavor.
February 2, 2017
A female Victorian paranormal investigator - what's not to love?!
I really enjoyed this quick glimpse into the fantastical world of Beatrice Knight. She's witty, clever, and isn't going to take anything from anyone, especially an incompetent man who thinks he's above her in every way. I look forward to reading more about her and her adventures!
I really enjoyed this quick glimpse into the fantastical world of Beatrice Knight. She's witty, clever, and isn't going to take anything from anyone, especially an incompetent man who thinks he's above her in every way. I look forward to reading more about her and her adventures!
May 4, 2017
This novella gave a glimpse into what Beatrice was like when she was first getting started investigating the paranormal (before she got married). I don't know if I would have been 'hooked' on Beatrice's storyline if I had read this story before "Ghosts of Tsavo" but the novella was very good to read after "Ghosts" as it filled in a lot of the back-story.
December 3, 2018
I first read Ghosts of Tsavo, and I really enjoyed it, that is why I decided to read the prequel, although i still have too many questions...
I will have to buy the whole Beatrice Knight series to quench my curiosity.
I will have to buy the whole Beatrice Knight series to quench my curiosity.
November 29, 2016
Loved it! It was great to read about how Bee came to be involved with the mantis and see how she was when she was younger and before she was married and not as confident and so self-assured.
March 16, 2017
E-book also includes From Africa ... With a Bite which is about creatures, including paranormal ones.
December 27, 2017
This book has cleared up some of the unknowns from Society for Paranormals. Characters are different.
March 7, 2018
A fun introduction to the series that totally has me curious to read the rest.
May 14, 2018
This was one of the books the author sent to me. It is a prequel to the series. It explains in detail many of the things brought up in the last book I read. I enjoyed this one just as much.
June 14, 2018
This tale features the paranormal in a witty,victorian setting! Love all the characters,and locations! What's not to like about this story/author?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews