Customer Reviews

Heretofore: Unknown

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

What a refreshing and enjoyable experience it is to read yet another installment of Lee Murphy's Kodiak books. Mr. Murphy keeps the reader engaged from the first word until the last paragraph. Indeed, when the book ends, the reader finds himself wanting more. And, of course, this is just what a good writer intends. "How can he stop here?" One cannot help but ask. Let's hope that our next opportunity to enjoy this fine author's work comes sooner rather than later.

In this volume we again find Mr. Murphy's primary protagonist in the thick of the action. He is both a scholar and adventurer. His presence looms large as he treads through the pages. In fact, it will come as somewhat of a surprise if this character and the books chronicling his exploits do not someday appear as the basis for cinematic productions.

However, since those cinematic efforts are not yet in evidence, we must content ourselves with reading the written word. And this written word is produced with such skill and craft that you find yourself living the story quite vividly in your imagination while flying through the pages. There are few writers who can create this virtual reality experience from their prose, and Mr. Murphy is one of that rare breed.

As you enter this experience you will find George Kodiak holding forth on the ancient Indian mounds found abundantly in the United States. However, he goes many steps further by beginning to educate us about some of the inexplicably strange anomalies associated with them. This investigation ends up taking us to the depths of the mysterious swamps in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Here in the swamps we begin to learn about some of the seemingly fantastic animals that "hide from man." Some are simply extraordinary examples of their species that have grown to prodigious size because of their isolation, while others are seen so seldom that they are not yet officially catalogued. As most students of cryptozoology are aware, both categories present challenges, but the latter is the most difficult to address.

In our modern day society the general capacity for open minded and inquiring thought into new discoveries is somewhere in the stone age, especially in the fields of archaeology and zoology. These sciences adopt a stance that what they currently accept as known comprises indisputable fact, and they will not change their views, even in the light of new evidence. It takes years for them to move from skepticism about new discoveries to acceptance. Unfortunately, in that time, many important archaeological discoveries are lost and some rare animals become extinct. In the case of relict members of certain species that are beginning to reassert themselves, the more traditionally minded "scholars" in these fields will only acquiesce to their existence, it seems, if one of these rare animals bites them on the behind. Even then, they would doubt their own experience since it does not jive with the text in print they are using.

And this, my friends, is where skilled writers and researchers like Lee Murphy shine. He takes the difficult to understand, wraps it in an adventure story that is impossible to put down, and leaves the reader excited, entertained, and wanting more. Though the reader may not realize it, their level of understanding and ability to think globally about the subject matter has received a significant boost.

In this engaging story we follow George Kodiak as he encounters not only the storied Honey Island Monster, but also human enemies, and voodoo practitioners. You find yourself wondering if Kodiak will ever get out alive and whether or not he will be able to help the innocents under attack. As the casualties mount, and the destruction proceeds you find yourself horrified, enthralled, and entertained all at the same time. This is a rare combination in a book and is hard to describe in a review. Perhaps the best thing one can say is that you owe it to yourself to read this book and enjoy this titillating adventure.

And just in case you are wondering how Lee Murphy came up with such a multifaceted and interesting character as George Kodiak, you need look no further than Mr. Murphy himself. Lee Murphy is George Kodiak in the flesh. Let's hope we soon see more of his engrossing books and that they are soon the subject of epic adventure on the silver screen.

Lee Murphy has given us the third and darker insallment of the kodiak series. Heretofore: Unknown introduces the reader to the Honey Island Swamp Monster and mixes in a voodoo element that takes you on a heartpounding page turning adventure. The descriptions of the swamp, its surrounding areas and the locals are so well written it gives you a great picture what it's like in the swamps of Louisiana and what creatures known and unknown live there.

The voodoo element is a creepy addition that gives you two great stories in one book. I suggest reading the first two books "Where Legends Roam" and "Naitaka" to introduce you to George Kodiak from the begining of this great series.

I enjoyed all three books and have to say they get better with each story, this one being my favorite so far. The last line of the back cover says it all..........Some things are meant to remain unknown!

I can only compare Lee's latest cryptonovel to a roller coaster ride of pure horror, driven with the help of my hero, George Kodiak, a Korean war veteran who is even older than I am, but with a great deal more stamina to fight these fearsome creatures. I can only hope that Lee won't be so slothful in getting his next novel out, although this one will be a hard act to follow, for sure. Everyone assumed (almost) that this loathesome creature was either an ill-tempered Bigfoot or Godzilla on crack, or a combination thereof, but he's worse than either, and for those who don't know, just wait for the surprise!

Now as for you, Lee, don't rest on your laurels by being slothful. Rather, get busy on your next cryptothriller.

Has anyone seen Lee's magnificent artistic talent? Go to his web site and get a breathtaking surprise. The painting on the cover looks like Mondrian's "Red Tree", for one. And many thanks, Lee, for mentioning me in your acknowledgments for badgering you for several years not to be so slothful!

This, the third in this cryptozoological fiction series, is a most worthy addition, indeed. Much more than the story of the Honey Island swamp monster, the protagonist, George Kodiak wends his way not only through the Louisiana swamps, but also into the mysterious world of Haitian voodoo and myriad conspiracies.

Although this is a fiction book, it is very well researched and the story is most timely and captivates the reader to the last page. The characterizations are well written and compelling and this is a must-read for anyone with even a hint of interest in the subjects involved.

This reader is looking forward to the next book in this series. Can't wait!

I like a horror story, really like a horror story, and Lee not only serves up a tension filled, scary read, but somehow he sneaks in a bit of voodoo, some hoodoo, a monster based on myth or maybe fact, because by the time you're halfway through the story you will believe.

Then you'll start looking over your shoulder as George Kodiak wanders from one gut wrenching situation into another. Kodiak keeps coming back for more, he's a hero for our times and each of Lee's books is better than the last. I for one cannot wait for the next.

By the way, after I read the manuscript this is what I wrote.

"If you haven't read Lee Murphy yet, you're in for a pleasant and chilling surprise. HERETOFORE UNKNOWN takes horror and cryptofiction to a whole 'nother level. A masterpiece of crypto-horror fiction. It chilled me to the bone."

It's been a long time since I wrote that and a long time since I read that early draft, long enough so that when I picked up the book yesterday I thought I could approach it fresh, but not so, because some of the characters and situations just stayed with me, a few words into a scene and it all came rushing back. The book is substantially the same as that manuscript, more polished to be be sure, but the gripping story is the same, the characters real as life, the writing and tone of voice first rate. What I said back then goes double now. This is a good book, one you won't want to miss.

PS. I don't know exactly just what hoodoo is, but it sure as heck sounds good coming after voodoo.

Cryptozoology and adventure fans - it was worth the wait! I was hooked after the first book (Where Legends Roam) and enjoyed the second one (Naitaka) even more. I couldn't wait for the third novel.
Well Kodiak is back and this latest installement is even darker than the previous ones. Once again Mr. Murphy integrates fascinating facts about an unknown creature with fast paced action. The honey Island Swanp monster comes across as malicious and extremely dangerous. Yet it is not the only danger Kodiak faces this time. The Louisianna swamps are the background for this latest adventure and the voodoo elements add a new creepy dimension. I highly recomment this book to all adventure fans. The only question is: when is the next book coming out and what will the next creature be? Ah the cruel wait...

Another great read from Lee Murphy. Murphy weaves a tale of mystery, action, voodoo, and monsters amidst the Spanish moss-laden cypress trees of Southern Louisiana. Lots of fun and recommended.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. Lee Murphy takes you inside the story. He researchs his subject, and presents a valid case. It would be hard to not believe.

This is, so far, the best book in the series. Murphy really hit his stride with this one, the action is non-stop and the characters really come into their own. A+! Can't wait til the next one comes out.

I once read the first few pages of this book which can only be described by two words. DISGUSTING & SICKING. If anyone wants some real information about the Honey Island Swamp Monster. Look on Amazon under the DVDs by just typing in these words (Honey Island Monster).