Jacob's Letters

This story is pure intrigue for me - opening with a lost journal and escalating in perfect timing to a mystery laced with occult theory and the most notorious time and people in contemporary European history. The character of Rhona is perfect, because she's not a mysterious or quirky character herself, and so I believe readers will relate to her as she seeks to uncover the truth. Beautifully written and polished, this book, in my opinion, is ready for publication. If I could download it to my kindle right now, I would.
Bravo,
Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Jacob's Letters is an intriguing book that will take you by surprise. I was expecting a spy thriller involving Rudolf Hess, but what I got was a time-traveling mystery that will resonate soundly with today’s readers. Author C.S. Adams has created a believable plot that starts innocently enough with a book found in the back of a cab. Only the book is quite old and the author claims to have advanced a full century while unconscious. The secret turns out to be rooted in Nazi Germany, deep within their blending of occult and science. Unlike just about every other sci-fi novel I’ve read, and I do read a lot of them, Jacob’s Letters actually seems completely believable due to the author’s blending of historical facts and mysteries into the story. Also, the towns in Scotland are described in great detail to the point that I suspect Adams lived there, visited frequently, or did a heck of a lot of research. Very crisp dialog (also believable) is icing on the cake for this sci-fi tale that will appeal to sci-fi enthusiasts and laymen alike.

This is my kind of book. The style is crisp and lean, no wasted words. A hard boiled tale of the Lee Child, Mickey Spillane type. The premise is fascinating. I hope it gets through then I'll be able to read it properly.
You handle it very proffesionally, and there is nothing I can tell you.
Good luck with it, Chris.

An outstanding story with an intelligent plot and fascinating characters. Rich imagery. Crisp dialogue. Polished writing. Backed.

I like this. I really do. It's clever, complicated and set largely in Glasgow (tho' the trip up to Eigg conjured memory, for which many thanks). I'm still trying to bend my brain round the time travel elements. Or is a it timeslip to an alternative reality? There are all sorts of good things here: masonic conspiracies, war time, secrets, Scottish dynasties, architectural motifs. The city itself felt real and solid; a indispensable part of the story and not just a backdrop to a tale. Your use of dialogue to convey plot is well done although, perhaps because of this, I don't get a terribly strong sense of character at times (I mean I can't always tell who is speaking merely from the words they say. I don't mean the dialogue is hard to attribute - it's not - rather that many characters share similar vocabularies despite originating from diffferent times and places). On the other hand I haven't finished it yet so such a judgement may be premature and, if no one else has mentioned it, it might just be me. All readings are subjective. But you have a really strong plot and the sense not to rush it. The ground is prepared properly so that the construction is sound. Very best wishes with this, Harriet

JACOB’S LETTERS
This is an interesting story. Made me wonder if I received a copy of someone’s diary if I would read it. Decided I probably would – but it wouldn’t be as interesting as the one the main character in this story discovers. I like the whole idea of this: part mystery; part scifi. I’m adding it to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Here is an intricate story crammed with twists and turns that poses a new question and delivers a new clue in every chapter; plus, it is dotted with cliffhangers, eclectic vocab and interesting local idiom. Jacob´s Letters is a truly enjoyable script.

At Chapter 10 the journalist, McEwan, has emerged as the main character, and this is not surprising: When we let a well rounded, profoundly thought through character loose, he just takes off and romps all over the script, making room for himself. His caustic sense of humor and cheeky remarks make me look forward to his next quip, particularly those about the so-called fairer sex.

Backed and starred with pleasure. You are too funny, C.S.

Elina
CLASH

Fabulous writing and hugely intriguing the way the narrative time travels. There’s a line about Caplin orchestrating things from the grave and this is the feel of the book, that the past is still pushing up shoots, still an active force in the composition of the present day. Really enjoying this, Chris.

Fabulous writing and architecturally ambitious. There’s a haunted quality to this. We feel as we read that we’re being called upon to decipher a secret code, fit together the pieces of a puzzle. I like the fact that you give us very little solid ground at the beginning. It’s like a ghost story. Big thumbs up from me.

Re-visiting this. Very impressive read. The tone is great - immediate and accessible so that I whizzed down the first page - not an easy thing to achieve. Your subject matter should be a winner, too. Second world war, nazis, the occult, mystery, all extremely popular with readers, but you've added a new twist and new possibilities. I have rarely wanted to go to a new chapter on here as much as I did at the end of yours. Carrying on now. Consider yourself backed at shelf change.
Cariad
STONES.

Chris -

Jacob's Letter - Already the hangover scene impresses. And, ah, the famous Clyde. And sentences like ... the house was in a quite cul de sac that fate usually passes by ... or ... fractal swirls of starlings ... all sketches drawn in Zen-like fashion to introduce us to Ronny, of who we learn much in a very short time. A synchronistic moment and Ronny is drawn into a mystery, a story which hauntingly interweaves. Hugely enjoyable read. I wished the book was in my hands. I came back to refresh an earlier comment and well-rate your book, Pia

Hi CS,
Great start to this book. Your crisp, edgy prose is at a standard I hope to achieve someday. Six stars.
John Campbell
(Walk to Paradise Garden)

CS,
This is a substantial, rich offering. Great premise. Great writing. Six stars and on my WL with intent.
John B Campbell . . . Walk to Paradise Garden, historical fiction.

This is an absolutely stunning piece of writing, the best I have read on here for a long time. You clearly have an 'intriguing' plot which has hooked myself and many of your other readers. But in addition to this you also have a fabulous style of writing which flows effortlessly and delivers (sometimes quite shocking) information with ease: 'the flicker of pain clouded her eyes, an echo of the low point, not long after the termination...' I also loved: '...to find his morning detritus, suspended in time, waiting for McGodot's return...' (I have entered that apartment, many times ;) You skill was also in evidence with the extracts from the journal, which brilliantly capture the more flowery style of Edwardian writers. The only advice I can offer is to suggest that, to help the reader understand what is happening, you add a couple more sceptical thoughts from Rhona about the journal as she begins to read it. I appreciate that that at the end she dismisses it as 'melodramatic' but I felt you could have broken up the lengthy sections of the journal with a couple of wry thoughts. (I never read the pitch before I start a book on here so at that point I was beginning to wonder what the hell was happening and needed some reaction from Rhona to guide me through it.)
Backed with pleasure and highly starred. Well done.
Susanna
'Catching the Eagle'

the story doesn't dawdle -- moves with a deft eye and hand, plot-driven commercial fiction -- reminds me of a dean koontz novel. starred and backed. hope this gets picked up. k x

A fabulous book and recommeded to me by my mother. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 chapters and will come back for me. I've given this high stars too - backed.
Alice

Jacob's Letters - This is one of the very best openings I've seen here and the pitch is good. I'm shelving now and will return with comments after reading more if I think I have anything of interest to mention.

G
Einstein's Road Trip [ I would like to see your take on Einstein, mystical realism in an offbeat lit. fiction, when your time allows. Thanks.

C.S.ADAMS JACOB'S LETTERS'

The pitch brought me in and the mention of Rudolph Hess, and the line ' is she being conned? which makes for intrigue. books written in that period of time, the 40s usually very interesting, and this book certainly hold up. The author John Banville came to mind making you feel there and involved in the story, its quite detailed.and thats a compliment. i had only intended reading a chapter of two but got so engrossed that i found myself reading on and on.
it's quite a complex read and one has to get one's head around , however the dialogue is smart fast and crisp
and brings the book along and makes this an enjoyable read.
backed with pleasure and good luck with it
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'

C.S.ADAMS JACOB'S LETTERS'

The pitch brought me in and the mention of Rudolph Hess, and the line ' is she being conned? which makes for intrigue. books written in that period of time, the 40s usually very interesting, and this book certainly hold up. The author John Banville came to mind making you feel there and involved in the story, its quite detailed.and thats a compliment. i had only intended reading a chapter of two but got so engrossed that i found myself reading on and on.
it's quite a complex read and one has to get one's head around , however the dialogue is smart fast and crisp
and brings the book along and makes this an enjoyable read.
backed with pleasure and good luck with it
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'

The premise of Jacob's Letter's is clever - your pitch attracted me even though I wouldn't have thought it my genre! Altogether an exciting/intriguing read and with editing should stand a real chance of publication.
Now I'm not one of the world's competent punctuationist! But I think you have the edge over moi. Chapter three; for example, opening sentence must be the longest on record - I know what you are trying to get across but I don't think that a publishing editor will have any truck with it? My advice - for what it's worth- read the whole through aloud as for an audio book. It will become clear where you have to correct. And I'm willing to bet that you will not get through that chp.3 sentence without becoming breathless!

JACOB'S LETTERS
A fascinating story this and what a wonderfyl story-line. I too funnily enough have a journal within both my books, and I find this to be a great catalyst to a story.
Mysterious, dark and brooding at times with excellent descriptions, well spoken dialogue that fits for the period and rounded and believable characters. Well done, I liked this before and I still think this is one of the better books on here.
Backed
Faith
THE ASSASSINS VILLAGE

This story is pure intrigue for me - opening with a lost journal and escalating in perfect timing to a mystery laced with occult theory and the most notorious time and people in contemporary European history. The character of Rhona is perfect, because she's not a mysterious or quirky character herself, and so I believe readers will relate to her as she seeks to uncover the truth. Beautifully written and polished, this book, in my opinion, is ready for publication. If I could download it to my kindle right now, I would.
Bravo,
Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

I went for weird. Ch 10, I took notes as I read and posted them here:

The dialogue helped me anchor myself--since I missed 9 chapters.

The scene felt fairly modern and I kept trying to place it in time. Didn't feel 70 years old. So I assumed someone from the present was investigating the past.

I was right.

"out slides..." right? With an 's'?"

When I got to the digits my interest really peaked.

The entrance into the office is rich with tension: dark, old, etc.

If there were any way to slow that scene down, to build it up, drag it out--you'd have some serious suspense. Maybe you've already provided the background of the building, set the setting so the anticipation is high. I hope so.

The dialogue makes the characters come alive. Remember I've only met them here. You get a real sense of their personalities.

Hell of and ending. You can guess what I did. Yep, turned the page.

You got a real mystery thriller here. Very hard to put down. This story grabbed me and held on.

Hooked, lined and sinkered..after three chapters!

Hooked, lined and sinkered..after three!

Intriguing thriller. I find this topic very interesting. You have a unique voice and style that takes your story to a new level. On my watchlist as a must read. Well done. All the best, Katherine - The Quizzical Wizards of Id

Hi Chris, there are some things I don't understand about this site and the ranking of your book is one of them. What an extremely well-written, original, perfect work you have composed. Your language is sublime, this is literature! You own the words you write, you own your characters, you own the story. Why does your work stay at 1000 when some books under 100 are second-rate repetitions of second-rate authors? Anyway, don't worry! It's brilliant, so keep believing in your talent. Backed Hannah

Really well written. Love the pace and idea. It's a strong piece of work and I see no reason why it shouldn't be published.

Reminded me a lot of Lightning by Koontz.

Happily backed. Marcus

Glad to back this. An intriguing premise, presented with assured style.
sc

Jacob's Letters is an intriguing book that will take you by surprise. I was expecting a spy thriller involving Rudolf Hess, but what I got was a time-traveling mystery that will resonate soundly with today’s readers. Author C.S. Adams has created a believable plot that starts innocently enough with a book found in the back of a cab. Only the book is quite old and the author claims to have advanced a full century while unconscious. The secret turns out to be rooted in Nazi Germany, deep within their blending of occult and science. Unlike just about every other sci-fi novel I’ve read, and I do read a lot of them, Jacob’s Letters actually seems completely believable due to the author’s blending of historical facts and mysteries into the story. Also, the towns in Scotland are described in great detail to the point that I suspect Adams lived there, visited frequently, or did a heck of a lot of research. Very crisp dialog (also believable) is icing on the cake for this sci-fi tale that will appeal to sci-fi enthusiasts and laymen alike.

This is the type of book my husband would love and having read a few of his when I'm at a loose end I must say this is better than most. The exchange of dialogue in ch. 3 is so well written, without the superflous attributions, that I never once felt that I had to start at the beginning again to see who was speaking. Fast paced and exciting. The little black book and its contents are fascinating. Good Luck K.J. Rabane According to Olwen.

I'm a sucker for time travel stories, so I read the first 6 chapters of your story with interest. Ill finish reading when I get a chance.

My only criticism is it takes a leap of faith to believe how easily the characters connect Hess with Holms and whatever secret is going to be revealed. But I do want to believe because I love stories like The Di Vinci Code, that reveal ancient secrets.

That you chose Nazi Germany for your secret is brilliant. I'm curious as to how it will all work out, so for that reason I am backing your book.
Sandra Davidson - COLD MOON RISING

Good characters, good plot, excellent prose; I liked this very much. Backed unreservedly.
RT

Great job!! You formatted it quite well. Interesting content as well. Captivating!

Chris,

In the opening dream scene (do you have any idea how many works on Authonomy open with dreams?) you make extensive use of elipses. Perhaps too extensive. Be that as it may, you should know elipses have three dots, not two.

Otherwise, though, the writing is clean (just a though, but setting the diary in italics makes it difficult to read on screen, normally such matter would be set with a double indent, but I'm not sure how well Authonomy accommodates that).

I like the style, economic with the words, the odd descriptive passage well chosen, and more hinted at than said.

Backed

As I can offer no additional comments that have not been covered already...

I offer you my BACKING

An absorbing read...the smooth, vivid prose brings the scenes alive...this is good...

Investigative reporters Rhona Baird and Jim McEwan are in interested in the disapearance of a Mr Stanlely Holms a chartered accountant who lived in the early twentieth century. A briefcase containing his writing is their only clue, but when they visit an address, it has changed beyond recognition.
Stylish mystery and a great inside look at the cut and thrust world of journalism, where a range of information comes from cab drivers and barmaids.
Nicely written contemporary and upbeat, as Mc Ewan tries to beat drink driving wrap by evading the police, and inadvertently finds another lead.
Backed with pleasure
Daniel Manning

Solid thriller, good opening (read the first 3 chapters). Looks like a well constructed tale and certainly engages the reader. Nice touch to have cliffhangers in the writings of the notebook. Like the long pitch which is actually quite short. I can see how this works, raising all sorts of questions.

Happily backed! Fabrice, Club Wars

I really love your dialogue style--Quick, Sharp, To the Point. I like that you made it clear at the start it was a dream--good call. I wish I had more to add, but the content isn't my usual choice of read. The writing seems polished to me, though.
xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

Well written, well paced. Happy to back this
Vall
Midwyf

I like this. I really do. It's clever, complicated and set largely in Glasgow (tho' the trip up to Eigg conjured memory, for which many thanks). I'm still trying to bend my brain round the time travel elements. Or is a it timeslip to an alternative reality? There are all sorts of good things here: masonic conspiracies, war time, secrets, Scottish dynasties, architectural motifs. The city itself felt real and solid; a indispensable part of the story and not just a backdrop to a tale. Your use of dialogue to convey plot is well done although, perhaps because of this, I don't get a terribly strong sense of character at times (I mean I can't always tell who is speaking merely from the words they say. I don't mean the dialogue is hard to attribute - it's not - rather that many characters share similar vocabularies despite originating from diffferent times and places). On the other hand I haven't finished it yet so such a judgement may be premature and, if no one else has mentioned it, it might just be me. All readings are subjective. But you have a really strong plot and the sense not to rush it. The ground is prepared properly so that the construction is sound. Very best wishes with this, Harriet

Chris, Intriguing, involving and very well crafted. Just the kind of story I like to read. Best of luck with it.
Backed,
Ann Mynard (Windshadow)

Well done! Hooked me then reeled me in! Didn't get to read much, but liked what I read. Backing.

Camille
Curse of the Golden Fly

Chris -

Jacob's Letter - Already the hangover scene impresses. And, ah, the famous Clyde. And sentences like ... the house was in a quite cul de sac that fate usually passes by ... or ... fractal swirls of starlings ... all sketches drawn in Zen-like fashion to introduce us to Ronny, of who we learn much in a very short time. A synchronistic moment and Ronny is drawn into a mystery, a story which hauntingly interweaves. Hugely enjoyable read. I wished the book was in my hands.

Backed with pleasure, Pia (Course of Mirrors)

An outstanding story with an intelligent plot and fascinating characters. Rich imagery. Crisp dialogue. Polished writing. Backed.

This is my kind of book. The style is crisp and lean, no wasted words. A hard boiled tale of the Lee Child, Mickey Spillane type. The premise is fascinating. I hope it gets through then I'll be able to read it properly.
You handle it very proffesionally, and there is nothing I can tell you.
Good luck with it, Chris.

C.S. Adams: Jacob’s Letters

Dear Chris,
This is a rather unusual read and one that differs so much from the typical Nazi reads we get in the market. The plot is unique and the idea of a diary surfacing that spells eventually some connection to a Nazi past, remains the factor that drew my interest.

Your writing is profound and your sentences, though long, are beautifully connected. Language flow is so important and what matters is a read that draws interest and some connection with the reader, so yes….I would applaud this manuscript for the interest it beckons me, for the lucidity in language flow and most of all, for the imagination that it stirs within its covers!

Fascinating read and shelved!

Romilla
Forgetting Sally

Pitchwise it's a cracker. What the hell has an Ewardian accountant/Rip van Winkle got to do with a madman like Hess? Simply had to read to find out. Then the quality of the writing, the mysterious dream in the haze of waking from a Tequila fueled sleep, the quick icy wash before the dash across town. Absolutely loved it. Backed

Wow. I only read the first chapter because I need to do some catching up but this is one that I'm going to keep reading. I love the voice in the diary entries and how you tie Ronny in right at the end in a very subtle, yet obvious way. And the writing... well you're clearly talented that's all I can say. Definitely backed.

Lacey

I'm going to stop briefly before I read the last four chapters. I'm kind of anxious for the end, right now everyone seems to be in different times so I need to get back. Anyway, as far as the structure of the story, you've made it seem effortless. Anytime you use different times or time travel, it gets hard to fabricate it enough to feel believable or even to follow. I didn't get any of that with yours. I'm fascinated by old documents and books too so this really was fun for me. Plus, I picked it up quickly as I remembered reading the first three chapters earlier.

The only problem I had with this was with the dialogue. Don't worry the dialogue itself is great, it flowed and felt natural, really accented your story. I just got confused as to who was talking, you don't use a lot of dialogue tags. It may be a style thing but a few times I found myself going back over it to see who said what. Another thing related to dialogue was you had something like,

'I have to go.'

He grabbed his coat.

'See you guys later.'

I'm just used to seeing it as 'I have to go.' He grabbed his coat. 'See you guys later.' all in one line or paragraph. I think if you did it that way it would tighten up some of your chapters, condense them down a little. But again, it might be a style thing. If that's the case, don't listen to me!

That's honestly the only parts that I stumbled on. You have a couple really long paragraphs here and there that with a thriller like this you may wanna break them up. But it's not a huge deal. I have enjoyed this immensely and I'm really glad I came back and asked to read more. People are missing out by only reading a couple chapters! I love books that combine history and thrills and adventure (as you can see by my writing) so I'm a little impartial but your book is well thought out and written. I admire the hard work you put into this!

I hope that is helpful even just a tiny bit, I get so distracted by reading most times I seem to miss a lot of editing issues!

Missy

I was enthralled with your style--so immediate, so vivid and evocative. Raymond Carver came to mind but I think not for the style--yours is much more poetic--but for the sharp-edged feel of this, the sense that this is humanity, exposed. You introduce enough elements at the start to engage the reader and keep us reading. Really a strong start; I'm happy to back this.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

'A culdesac that fate passes by' - love it. I do enjoy your style of writing; it's kind of sharp and succinct. It's also rather nostalgic as I grew up just outside Glasgow and went to college there. Sorry, digressing - excuse the self indulgence. Back to the book. The atmosphere is set in the first chapter and we're in for a bumby ride - I can tell this is going to be a good read.
Katy Christie
No Man No Cry

I've finished the first three chapters and find this a fascinating read. The pitch and your tags added to the interest. This is well written and so far I have not found anything out of place on which to comment.

I will be reading more and will comment as appropriate.

Backed.

Steven Lloyd
THE AUDACITY OF HOPE AND CHANGE

Hi CS

What a lovely writing - you can do gritty world-weary hack, realistic dialogue, and also something altogether more lyrical. There's more to this than the usual thriller cliches. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen