Title: Despatches

Author: Lee Murray

Release date: September 1st, 2023

Huge thanks to Lee for sending me a digital copy of this novella!

Over the last number of years, I’ve read a lot of Lee’s works – from her novels, to her short fiction and into her non-fiction – and one thing has become very clear throughout all of that.

Lee is a masterful storyteller.

Couple that with her being one of the kindest, most supportive and caring people in the horror world and it makes it easy to root for her and every one of her releases.

Which brings us to her latest, ‘Despatches,’ released through the wonderful PS Publishing.

When this was announced, I was tentatively excited. I knew full well that Lee would craft a story that would capture all of the emotions of this time period. But it was that dread ‘E’ word. Epistolary. I personally struggle with epistolary storytelling, and I was worried that it would diminish my ability to crack this one and make it work for me. But much like Craig DiLouie’s wonderful novel ‘Episode Thirteen,’ Lee’s story pushed through my own barrier and had me captivated.

What I liked: Told through journal entries, newspaper clippings and transcripts, the story takes place during World War I and follows Cassius Smythe as he covers the events occurring in two different areas.

At first, things seem ‘normal,’ or as normal as anything can be during one of the darkest periods of our modern world’s history. But it’s while crossing a channel that things begin to grow sinister, more supernatural. This leads to a chaotic and excellently crafted scene where men abandon ship, a fog sets in and something from the depths makes itself known.

As the story progresses, we also learn of the emotional toll the growing body count takes on those fighting and while discussing this aspect, Cassius learns that the tunnels themselves may be home to something increasing the body count, which only ramps up the horror within each communication.

The ending is a really solid ‘finish.’ It ties things off officially and un-officially, which is 100% vague, but I need to remain spoiler free here!

What I didn’t like: The reality is, this is an epistolary story, so if you do struggle with that I understand you’re hesitancy. Saying that, this one hums along. Lee actually sent this to me yesterday and I thought I’d just get a chapter read, but I ended up reading it in one feverish sitting.

The second reality is, this is a war based story and with the state of the world, Remembrance Day tomorrow – at least here in Canada – you may not want to visit this piece right now. Do add it to your TBR though, as I have hope things will get better!

Why you should buy this: While this novella hasn’t gone ‘wide’ yet, meaning it’s available through the publishers site at this moment, this is one you should absolutely seek out and grab. Lee’s prose is world class, this story is pristine, horrific and brings us to the heart of the battle full on.

I truly couldn’t put this one down and can’t recommend it enough.

5/5

Ebook:

https://www.pspublishing.co.uk/despatches-ebook-by-lee-murray-6169-p.asp?v=0&variantid=6170

Hardcover:

https://www.pspublishing.co.uk/despatches-hardcover-by-lee-murray-6119-p.asp?v=0&variantid=6120