Robert Masello's "The Haunting of H.G. Wells" - A Thrilling Tale of Supernatural Suspense

Tony Stewart: Great and interesting concept written really well.

Australia on Apr 17, 2023

Minaxi: Kept me raptured right up until the end. Great reading for anyone who enjoys delving into a creative mind

Thank you Robert Masello :)

United Kingdom on Mar 17, 2023

Philip HendersonPhilip Henderson: Honest, I thought this might be a poor copy of HG Wells. It is not. The writer tells us of the horrible impact WWI had on everyone in Western Europe, affluent, grand, worker, soldier and famous author. The Haunting is an engaging and thought provoking story. I have read it twice, to consider some points again. Recommended to readers of World War One history and humanists.

Australia on May 29, 2021

Speed Demon: While I no longer give out five-star reviews haphazardly, I believe this book truly warranted one. I was enthralled from the very beginning and stayed engaged throughout the entire book. As I am a fan of HG Wells for many years ago although mostly from the movies of his publications I have read some of his books through the years and feel inspired to go and read more of them now. I felt that this story gave a true feeling of what the wars might have been like, but I like that it was more of the backstory. The supernatural touch was very well used within this story. The author did an excellent job intertwining the lives of so many people from fact in fiction that the story came across in a seamless manner. As you read this one you can't help but be engaged with what is happening to each of the characters with a definite interest in what their outcomes might be. You have a clear view of who the villains truly are and your left with feelings for the outcomes for some of the innocent. Haven't read this one it opens me to a definite interest in some of the authors other works to see if they are truly carried off as well. This is a worthy read for most anyone, especially if you are a...

United States on Oct 16, 2020

Takayav: I was waiting for this to come out and was very excited to read it. However, it just didn't have the 'need to keep reading' vibe his other books have had. I just didn't find the storyline or the characters enjoyable. Frankly, I just couldn't root for the main characters (except maybe Jane) as I just didn't like them very much. I did appreciate the way he described war and its horrors. Depressing to realize our species is just as idiotic now with no salvation in sight. I found the book dragged on a bit too long in some areas and I found myself skipping passages just to get to the point already...especially when some characters were involved (Rebecca - just didn't like her at all). I was bored.

Canada on Oct 15, 2020

The Paragon: A well-woven tapestry of fact and fiction, The Haunting of H. G. Wells follows the literary icon during the First World War.

The story begins with an account, seemingly from the Front, of a saintly visitation on the battlefield. Outflanked and outnumbered, the British soldiers seem set to be overwhelmed by the superior power of the German army, when suddenly, Saint George and a whole host of angelic bowmen appear to back their living allies.

And although the story is pretty rapidly retracted by its author, it’s too late. For the story of St George and the bowmen has already captured the hearts of the British public, and has proven enough for the War Office to send for celebrated, middle-aged, science fiction author, H. G. Wells. Within moments, and despite the inherent dangers of such a mission, H. G. agrees to go to the Front and send back reports to buoy British spirits. But he cannot know the trials that await him, nor the horrors of No Man’s Land.

I really think this is just the right novel for this time of year - it’s a proper autumn/winter, cuddle of a book. Beautifully written, with great characters, and a compelling, paranormal, wartime...

United Kingdom on Oct 01, 2020

Michael A. Burstein: I have been reading Robert Masello's books for many years and have loved every one of them. "The Haunting of H.G. Wells" is another thriller of his that has my highest recommendation.

First of all, Masello clearly does his research into history and it shows. He doesn't hit you over the head with facts, though; instead, his prose draws you into the world of the past that he has re-created and makes it feel authentic and real. As I read the book, I developed a greater understanding of what World War I was like for combatants and civilians on all sides, plus I felt as if I was really getting to know the many historic characters who populated the story. H.G. Wells, his wife Jane, Rebecca West, even Winston Churchill, all come across as the real people they were.

Secondly, Masello crafts a story that includes moments of poignancy and moments of danger. I found myself emotionally wrapped up in the tale as soldiers died and the villain furthered his plans. Even the villain was sympathetic and had clear motivations for what he was doing other than just being a bd guy.

Finally, Masello writes for the reader. He lays out the scenes clearly and carefully, putting the...

United States on Sep 27, 2020

Joanna D.: "Fake news" is nothing new: a news article that perhaps should have been published as a short story? A company of British soldiers overrun by the Germans at the front lines prays to St. George. Out of the fog of war, ranks of bowmen of the time of the Battle of Agincourt and a sword-wielding knight appear and save the day. Talk about the cavalry riding over the hill, just in the knick of time. So why was this supernatural event reported as "news" and not written up in the fiction section? Author and journalist H G Wells is dispatched to investigate.

This is the premise of "The Haunting of H G Wells" and the author Robert Masello uses a technique of mixing real events (there WAS a short story "The Bowmen" like the opening of this book) but the personal events that unfold for journalist and author H G Wells ("The Time Machine") are of course fictional.

The book is redolent of the awfulness of World War I--we often forget how deadly it was and as the first "modern war" it took a toll on civilians and military that was unprecidented. The "Baby Killers"--Zeppelins that killed civilians at home as well as soldiers on the battlefield, mustard gas and phosgene with its...

United States on Sep 01, 2020