The Occult files of Albert Taylor by Derek Muk

by Chris Bartholomew

This is a book of eleven stories that follow Albert Taylor, who is an anthropology professor who investigates cases of the supernatural on the side. Albert Taylor is a likable fellow, who has some friends who wander in and out of the chapters. The stories are nice, with some being deeper than others, but nice reads nonetheless.

One thing about this book is that the stories have all (except two) been published as stand alone stories in various venues. I say that to say this: the characterization of Albert Taylor might have been smoothed out a bit, as there are descriptions of him in all of the stories, as if we'd never met the character before, mentions of his old car is also in more than one place. The book would have been a better read if it flowed more, and had less repetition.

The stories all have nice twists in the end, and they were all enjoyable to read. I hope Derek Muk publishes another book, I look forward to reading more of his work.