Review: A late 19th century sci-fi tale...disappointing.  1 1/2 Stars
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 10 20, 2011
"The Chronological Man: The Monster in the Mist" is Sci-Fi adventure by author Andrew Mayne. This is a Kindle e-book that is a 389 Kb download and is priced at $0.99.SPOILERSThe year is 1890 and a sinister creature has followed a whaling vessel back to Boston harbor. People start to go missing in the foggy waterfront area...enter our heroes Smith and Malone to unravel the clues and try to save the day.END SPOILERSThe Pros:1.) the premise for this 19th century based Sci-Fi adventure was quite good.2.) the dark, foggy harbor setting was the perfect setting to enhance a foreboding, spooky atmosphere.3.) although not 'stunning', an intriguing cover...made me look twice and probably was a factor in my decision to buy this work.The Cons:1.) intended for adults (I think), but written in a style reminiscent of Young Adult fare.2.) a map of the 1880 Boston Harbor whose detail was so small and compact that it was useless. Also, it has no notations on the map to indicate where the action was taking place.Impressions:I'm not sure if author Mayne wrote this novel tongue in cheek OR if he was trying to be serious and write a thrilling action novel.  Early on I kind of liked this unusual tale and even the casual banter between Smith and Malone. However midway through, the story started to take on some features of a dime store detective novel...clichéd script and filled with events that were incredulous and unbelievable. I guess I was hoping for something completely different...sci- fi yes, but somehow this seemed to encroach on the border of being preposterous.Could I recommend this book to others...not really.As it is 1 1/2 Stars.Ray Nicholson