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The Hook – An Iron Seas Urban Legend

Meljean’s Note: This is a very short story that I wrote for a blog post at All Things Urban Fantasy during their Spooky Legends week. The challenge was to write about a famous urban legend in our characters’ voices, and my urban legend was The Hook.

This story features Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth and Constable Newberry from The Iron Duke.

5 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Meljean Brook

49 books2,570 followers
Book info: I am the author of the Iron Seas steampunk romance series. I've written a guide to the world (including a map) on my website.

I also write a paranormal romance series, the Guardians. That series guide is also on my website, including a "The Story So Far" feature, which allows you to catch up on all of the books that previously released in the series if you start after the first installment.

Goodreads info: I am slowly, slowly adding to my shelves and reviews. It's unlikely that I will join many book discussions (especially of my own work) simply because I don't want to stifle reader conversation.

Bio: Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
57 (17%)
4 stars
89 (27%)
3 stars
152 (46%)
2 stars
22 (6%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Keertana.
1,138 reviews2,275 followers
May 6, 2013
Well, this is short. As in so short I almost feel bad this counts as a "book" I read on my GoodReads Reading Challenge, but hey, I'm not one to complain. You can find this short story on the author's website. It basically follows a short conversation between Mina and Newberry. While I am usually not one to enjoy stories with a simple heroine in it and no mention or sight of the hero, Mina can pull off even this short story with just her brain, conversation, and charm. Once again, this is not necessary to the arc of the story and does nothing for the depth of the characters - presumably because they have so much already - but it's a short and quick read. Nothing that will harm the two minutes of time it takes up or the solid book it adds to your yearly count.
Profile Image for Moon .
3,343 reviews230 followers
April 11, 2017
It's not often Detective Inspector Mina and Constable Newberry are in a story where they are not in danger. It was lovely to see Mina pulling Newberry's leg in a lighter manner.
Profile Image for Midu Hadi.
Author 2 books180 followers
August 24, 2021

Doesn't contain much but relates the conversation between Mina and Newbury as they share a carriage ride on their way to meet an informant. In other words, you wouldn't be missing anything if you skip this one. On the other hand, it's on the author's blog and free for reading. You decide!
Profile Image for Luisartbook.
191 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2021
Quiero hacer un llamado, para que la escritora haga más largo este relato.

Este hasta ahora a sido mi favorito, ya que tiene ese toque de suspenso y misterio. Volvemos a ver los personajes Mina y Newberry, tratando de resolver un caso.

Pero 5 páginas no fueron suficiente, extremadamente corto. Me está gustado la creatividad de la autora y hasta ahora, lo he disfrutado.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books374 followers
December 29, 2017
What a hoot! An Iron Seas' version of a campfire ghost story.

And yes, it would have scared the willies out of me, too, Constable Newberry.

Newberry and Mina are out one night doing a stake0ut of sorts and she entertains him with the urban legend of The Hook murderer.
Profile Image for Emily S.
350 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2021
I love these little shorts bu the author. And I love the world she created, I dont think I could have read steampunk by anyone else
Profile Image for Amy.
204 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2013
story can be found here: http://meljeanbrook.com/extras/the-hook-an-iron-seas-urban-legend/

This is very very short, like a 2 to 5 minute read. It's basically Mina teasing Newberry with an urban legend while they are stuck together on a late night case.

Cute faux urban legend, but it kind of fell flat on the creepy/suspense factor, but more Newberry blushing is always a good thing!

and maybe it's been too long since I've read Iron Duke, but the teasing did seem slightly out of character for Mina.
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,825 reviews44 followers
December 24, 2014
THE HOOK is a short story featuring Constable Newberry and Mina Wentworth from THE IRON DUKE. It is a urban legend story that Mina uses to scare and tease her intrepid Constable who is a sweet blushing man. I liked the story as it is short, sweet and free. I think it might be better to read this after THE IRON DUKE when readers are more familiar with the characters.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,810 reviews61 followers
March 8, 2015
A cute little ghost story by the campfire type story.

I am in the middle of reading the second book, and I must say I do think I like the stories better when Mina is involved... and if Newberry is there, that is even better.

Profile Image for Katherine.
2,750 reviews9 followers
September 16, 2015
Just a quick little urban legend told in the fog between Wentworth and Newberry. It was sweet though, just to see how their relationship is when they are away from the rest of the world; they truly are excellent partners, with the trust and confidence they have between one another. Short and sweet.
Profile Image for Maxi Bolongaita.
350 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2013
Excellent short story. A quick laugh and now I want to read the Iron Duke again.
107 reviews
September 10, 2016
Not much to say about such a short piece, I enjoyed it though, it's always fun to read Mina and Newberry interactions.
Profile Image for Claire.
1,162 reviews19 followers
Read
September 11, 2016
Short story available for free on author's website. Based on "The Hook" urban legend.
Profile Image for GONZA.
6,825 reviews111 followers
May 18, 2014
Only funny part is that Constable Newberry is back and I love him.

La parte migliore é che c'é l'agente Newberry e io l'adoro.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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