Jason Dark, Ghost Hunter: Volume VI, From a Watery Grave, by Guido Henkel

Jason Dark, Siu Lin, and Herbert return in yet another thrilling adventure.  A seaport town is being terrorized by the appearance of ghostly figures, and one person has already died.  Jason and Siu Lin travel to the town to investigate the case.  The ghosts are the spirits of mariners, cursed to forever protect the treasure they were carrying when their ship wrecked.  Someone has stolen a piece of the treasure, and the ghostly protectors will not rest until it is returned.  Will Jason, Siu Lin, and Herbert be able to put the ghosts to rest?


Going into this book, I was a little concerned that I would have difficulty understanding parts of it.  My knowledge of seafaring and such is limited to that presented in a popular trilogy of pirate moves courtesy of the Disney company.  However, once I started into the book, I realized it was not terribly important if I did not understand all the nautical terms used in the opening pages.  I got the jist of it, and was able to continue on the the brilliant story that followed.

Once again, I find myself so impressed with Henkel's ability to continuously give us small glimpses into the persons behind the characters of Jason Dark and Siu Lin.  I love that, for such a prim and proper time setting as Victorian England, Henkel chooses an Asian woman to be Dark's sidekick.  It is not something that is played up for principle, she really is the most appropriate character for the job I feel, regardless of her ethnicity or gender.  I also love that this particular novella is ripe with literary references.  We see quite obvious nods to Sax Rohmer and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but there are also some fun little nuggets when we learn more about who Herbert is, as well as his good friend Jules.

I have been waiting for the moment when I stumble upon a part of a Jason Dark story that seems confusing, or just does not hold my interest, and that moment has never come.  I have found all the volumes to be incredibly well written, appealing to a large audience including lovers of horror, mystery, thrillers, action/drama, and classic literature.  Henkel creates memorable characters, enticing storylines, and a deep appreciation for the artistic side of horror literature.

I am absolutely certain I will be reading more of the Jason Dark series.

An electronic copy of this book was provided for review courtesy of the author.