The Supernatural Enhancements

Edgar Cantero

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love quirky, atmospheric mysteries with a supernatural twist, this one will be right up your alley! The format is a playful mix of diary entries, letters, security footage transcripts, and notes, which draws you into the heart of the creepy, puzzle-filled Axton House alongside the offbeat main duo, A and Niamh. Fans of The X-Files, secret societies, cryptography, and haunted house tales will find loads to delight in. There's clever humor, affectionate pop culture nods, and a delightfully oddball cast led by the unforgettable, punky Niamh. Expect surprises, a dash of eerie whimsy, and clues hidden at every turn.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Those who prefer straightforward storytelling might find the unconventional epistolary style confusing or jarring. If you're looking for non-stop horror or expect a classic haunted house tale, be aware this book jumps genres - think mystery, thriller, secret society intrigue, and a touch of sci-fi all mashed together. Some readers found the puzzles excessive, the character development on the light side, and the ending a bit abrupt or confusing. Also, if you're sensitive to ambiguous or unconventional relationships, the dynamic between the leads might not land for you.

A fun, genre-bending mystery packed with ghostly puzzles, secret societies, and sly humor - more about the adventure than pure chills. Unconventional and clever, it's great for fans of oddball mysteries and unique storytelling formats.

About:

'The Supernatural Enhancements' by Edgar Cantero is a unique and gripping tale that blends elements of turn-of-the-century ghost stories, mystery, cryptography, and occult action adventure. The story follows a young European referred to as A. who inherits a mansion in Point Bless, Virginia, from a mysterious cousin. Accompanied by his close friend Niamh, a mute punk girl, and a collie named Help, they delve into the eerie history of Axton House, uncovering secrets of a secret society, coded messages, and a haunted house that serves as a backdrop to a complex and intriguing plot.

The narrative unfolds through a collection of documents such as letters, video and audio transcripts, and notebook conversations, immersing the reader in a world of puzzles, codes, and hidden mysteries. The book weaves together elements of science and mysticism, offering a rich tapestry of characters, including the enigmatic Niamh, and explores themes of cryptography, dreams, and secret societies against the backdrop of a haunted mansion, creating a suspenseful and engaging reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are quirky and engaging, particularly Niamh, but are often described as somewhat underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is experimental and epistolary, combining various forms of documentation to create a unique narrative experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a young man inheriting a haunted mansion, uncovering its dark secrets and a mystery involving a secret society.

Setting:

The setting is a haunted mansion in Virginia, rich in atmosphere and local folklore, contributing to the story's eerie tone.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with some slower sections balanced by fast-paced and thrilling climactic moments.

Notes:

The story begins when the main character, known only as 'A', inherits a mansion in Virginia from a relative he never met.

A's inheritance comes after the suicide of his cousin Ambrose Wells, who jumped out of a window, mirroring the same fate as his father.

The novel is set in 1995 and features elements of pop culture, such as references to The X Files.

Niamh, A's companion, is a mute teenage girl from Ireland who communicates through writing and audio records.

The narrative is delivered through a mix of journal entries, letters, video transcripts, and other documentary formats, creating a unique reading experience.

The titular 'supernatural enhancements' refers to a ghostly presence in the house, but the story delves deeper into mystery and puzzles.

A and Niamh encounter a secret society that meets at Axton House every winter solstice, adding to the story's intrigue.

The characters, particularly A and Niamh, exhibit quirky personalities; A is portrayed as sarcastic and indifferent, while Niamh is described as a 'pixie' with unconventional skills.

The ambiance of the house contributes to a dreamlike, otherworldly feel, making the story both eerie and whimsical.

The book skirts traditional horror tropes, leaning more into a mix of mystery, fantasy, and adventure, while combining comedic elements.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of suicide, graphic violence, themes of mental health crises, and existential dread.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate presence of romantic tension between the main characters, but it is complex and layered with other themes.

From The Publisher:

The mesmerizing English debut from the bestselling author of Meddling Kids-what begins as a gothic ghost story soon evolves into a wickedly twisted treasure hunt.

Months after the last of the Wells sons jumped out of his bedroom window in Axton House (incidentally forgetting to open it first), a strange couple of Europeans arrive in Virginia to take possession of the estate. A. is the 23-year-old unforeseen scion; Niamh is the mute punk teen girl he refers to as his associate or his bodyguard. Both are ready to settle into their new cushy lifestyle, and the rumors about the mansion being haunted add to their excitement. But ghosts are not in any way the deepest secret of the house.

Through journals, letters, security footage, audio recordings, and ciphers, we follow A. and Niamh as they delve into Wells' dubious suicide, the secret society he founded and its mysterious Game -a "bourgeois pastime" of global proportions- in Edgar Cantero's dazzling and original gothic adventure.

August 2014

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367 pages

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The Supernatural Enhancements?

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About the Author:

Edgar Cantero is a writer and cartoonist from Barcelona working in Catalan, Spanish and English. He was born in 1981.

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