Little Agnes and the Ghosts of Kelpie Wharf

A Little Agnes Tale

By: Stella Drexler

Narrated by: Julie Hoverson

Dreary, foggy, fishy-smelling Port Enshus is host to the 305th Annual Aquatic Life Acquisition Simplification Exposition featuring the infamous inventor, Dr. Nimrod Crowley. Expressly forbidden from concussing any gulpy townspeople, assisting any villainous scientists, blowing anything up - even just a shanty or two - or having any fun whatsoever, lovable, precocious and clinically insane young scientist Agnes Crowley is bored out of her skull.

To alleviate her boredom, she visits the local pub where the fishy dregs regale her with tales of twisted ghosts and deadly monsters lurking about the mysterious Kelpie Wharf. Agnes is eager to investigate the dubious claims, but when she arrives at wharf, instead of kelpies, she and the fishy dregs discover two ships come to port, whose crews have vanished without a trace.

Armed with naught but tremendous precociousness, an arsenal of death rays, stun guns, ear trumpets, and concussion cannons, Agnes and her ubiquitous companion, Vic, a re-animated clockwork cadaver, set out to discover what has become of the missing men. But to uncover the secrets of the disappearance and the enigmatic island that may hold the key to the mystery, they must first face an army of werewolves, bogeymen, revenants, bog monsters, Spring-Heeled Jacks, and other legendary monsters of lore.

©2013 Stella Drexler (P)2016 Stella Drexler

More like 3.5 stars but up it goes.

What made the experience of listening to Little Agnes and the Ghosts of Kelpie Wharf the most enjoyable?

Having pretty much listen to most of Julie Hoverson's 19 Nocturne Boulevard's library and her additional roles in Edict Zero, she has definitely improved her voice acting and has served her quite well in this story taking on many different characters. I normally listen to audio dramas like the aforementioned as the droning and incessant narration of audio books usually put me to sleep, but Julie takes her experience and transferred it quite well for a more fulfilling telling.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Little Agnes and the Ghosts of Kelpie Wharf?

When Agnes' father catches up to her and her doings. It was a lovely father-daughter interaction.

Which scene was your favorite?

When various characters told their stories of supernatural events and the publican questioned one of them resulting in the person exasperating with, "I did, I did, I did!"

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was.

Any additional comments?

I thought the first half dragged on too long setting up the story and made for a chore getting to the meat of the matter, but once there it started motoring on the Autobahn.

I loved it.

What did you love best about Little Agnes and the Ghosts of Kelpie Wharf?

I loved Little Agnes herself. She is such a fun character.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Little Agnes and the Ghosts of Kelpie Wharf?

I liked when she was playing with all the gadgets in the scientist's lair.

What does Julie Hoverson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Julie really shines as always with the way she voices the young girl. She does a good job with Vic as well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was a lot of fun when her father disciplined her and their work putting everyone back right.

Adorable Steam Punk Mystery Tale

I'm not really a steam punk fan, but this story surprisingly wins on all levels. Our heroine is delightfully sassy and diabolical- a junior mad scientist, accompanied by her mature sidekick- a re-animated clockwork cadaver. Hijinks ensue when Agnes whiffs a mystery where she can apply her wits, scientific know-how, and can-do zanyness to solve the problem (cause more mayhem)?
The writing is lyrical and clever. The reading is top-notch- characterizations and accents bring this slice of wharf-side steam punk to life! I highly recommend this as a good value, and fun foray into something different!