Special Circumstances

Looking forward to reading this.

21 hours ago, chris191070 said:

Looking forward to reading this.

Thx! Bear with me.

A real great love story told in police real-time, it seems.  It’s damn good 😊 

On 2/25/2024 at 7:45 AM, Gary L said:

A real great love story told in police real-time, it seems.  It’s damn good 😊 

Thank you!

Pace is going to increase a bit. I hope you are up for the ride.

This story is so well written by a budding author with accomplished editors (also authors), how can you not "Follow"? Enjoying it immensely. Well done! 

5 hours ago, Anton_Cloche said:

This story is so well written by a budding author with accomplished editors (also authors), how can you not "Follow"? Enjoying it immensely. Well done! 

Thank you! That is very kind. A lot of work went into this.

Exceptional writing! Amazing characters. I have caught up with all chapters released so far (six), and can't wait to read more.

On 3/6/2024 at 8:26 AM, drown said:

Exceptional writing! Amazing characters. I have caught up with all chapters released so far (six), and can't wait to read more.

Thank you so much! High praise!

Please be aware this comment contains spoilers.

Special Circumstances by lawfulneutralmage is not badly written and has the element of British policing as seen from the inside, the author's own experience, which is a hook that draws the reader in and adds realism. There is the sub plot relationship between Jamie and Mike, the special constable, to add the human touch. All so far so good, until we come to the "manifested spiritual entities," which is the paranormal part of the mystery. This aspect of the story surprised a number of readers. " I feared that we were heading into sci-fi..." one reader commented. Another took a shot at a rational explanation, "If he is not hypoglycaemic I am at a loss as to what has happened." "...has Jamie hallucinated the whole thing? Is this chapter a dream (ala Bobby Ewing in Dallas)?" Then someone spots the genre tag, "Paranormal in the story description." Another reader admits, like me, he never paid much attention to the genre tag.

We are five chapters in when things get weird and the comments come flooding in from readers: "I think the most intriguing aspect of this chapter is the potential superhero powers Jamie has acquired.  He ran 8 miles in 20 minutes!" "...was the large man a Ghost?" "What is the reason for Jamie's suspension - fighting with the air?!?" "I was not expecting such a drastic shift in the story..." In contrast to the drift into the paranormal, we have the gripping real life element, as someone observed, "What is based on reality though, is the impact getting grounded has on dedicated police officers who have done nothing wrong."

I have to admit, launching into the paranormal lost me, not the majority of readers who were happy to accommodate this shift or even welcomed it. "...paranormal it is... I'm all in, let's go." Why did I lose interest? I think because the paranormal had no anchor in reality, it was quite simply unbelievable and you can do anything with the unbelievable, take the story anywhere, with nothing defined and no limits. It's an easy vehicle to drive! The ever present police procedural descriptions were a little too present, "Sierra-Papa, Papa-Charlie, Papa-Charlie Three-Six." One radio exchange too many, but that's my personal point of view.

How the story turns out you will have to read for yourself, I can't tell you because I've stepped out. What I can say is, it's popular and readable and full of interesting aspects of British policing, you will have to decide for yourself how much you are into that and if you enjoy "manifested spiritual entities."

1 hour ago, E K Stokes said:

Special Circumstances by lawfulneutralmage is not badly written and has the element of British policing as seen from the inside, the author's own experience, which is a hook that draws the reader in and adds realism. There is the sub plot relationship between Jamie and Mike, the special constable, to add the human touch. All so far so good, until we come to the "manifested spiritual entities," which is the paranormal part of the mystery. This aspect of the story surprised a number of readers. " I feared that we were heading into sci-fi..." one reader commented. Another took a shot at a rational explanation, "If he is not hypoglycaemic I am at a loss as to what has happened." "...has Jamie hallucinated the whole thing? Is this chapter a dream (ala Bobby Ewing in Dallas)?" Then someone spots the genre tag, "Paranormal in the story description." Another reader admits, like me, he never paid much attention to the genre tag.

We are five chapters in when things get weird and the comments come flooding in from readers: "I think the most intriguing aspect of this chapter is the potential superhero powers Jamie has acquired.  He ran 8 miles in 20 minutes!" "...was the large man a Ghost?" "What is the reason for Jamie's suspension - fighting with the air?!?" "I was not expecting such a drastic shift in the story..." In contrast to the drift into the paranormal, we have the gripping real life element, as someone observed, "What is based on reality though, is the impact getting grounded has on dedicated police officers who have done nothing wrong."

I have to admit, launching into the paranormal lost me, not the majority of readers who were happy to accommodate this shift or even welcomed it. "...paranormal it is... I'm all in, let's go." Why did I lose interest? I think because the paranormal had no anchor in reality, it was quite simply unbelievable and you can do anything with the unbelievable, take the story anywhere, with nothing defined and no limits. It's an easy vehicle to drive! The ever present police procedural descriptions were a little too present, "Sierra-Papa, Papa-Charlie, Papa-Charlie Three-Six." One radio exchange too many, but that's my personal point of view.

How the story turns out you will have to read for yourself, I can't tell you because I've stepped out. What I can say is, it's popular and readable and full of interesting aspects of British policing, you will have to decide for yourself how much you are into that and if you enjoy "manifested spiritual entities."

This is a very detailed reflection on what is promising to be a popular story. And is written with honesty. As one quoted above, I too was thrown by the paranormal aspect, although it is there from the start in the summary.  Finally, I decided to stay and have enjoyed so much about this story that I’m with it until the end, but can certainly understand that it’s not for everyone.

regards

5 hours ago, E K Stokes said:

[...] Another reader admits, like me, he never paid much attention to the genre tag.

Thank you!

Because I use the tags every time to determine whether I start reading something, I apologize having assumed that people would do the same. Sorry!

No, this is not for everyone. I don't read stuff I do not like either! Why waste time?

Unlike some, I don't believe the paranormal aspect is a difficult shift.  Also, I don't believe it's easy to write. In addition, the paranormal, ghosts, are popular subjects and have been written about for many years.  They have been written well by big name authors (Shakespeare and Stephen King et al), not only on GA and have also been successful films. 

I am very much grounded in reality, not a believer so to speak, but I've witnessed strange things that I cannot explain, nor have others been able to explain to me. Both as a police officer and personally.

So, to make this topic believable, to keep readers following the story, takes skill. Yes, we readers have to be open minded enough as well, and frankly I'd rather be open minded and willing to trust, than not. 

I have said before, I do not read a lot of fiction, but this story is worth my time and effort. 

2 hours ago, lawfulneutralmage said:

use the tags every time to determine whether I start reading something

That is exactly why the tags/genre info is recommended both for the author and the reader.  You can hardly blame the author, if the tags are there but not used.

This story is compelling and very well-written.

Frankly, I found this story realistic when I first read it. I feel the paranormal aspects of this story were introduced properly over time, as the main character himself wasn't fully aware he had any special 'talents' in that area.

9 hours ago, E K Stokes said:

Why did I lose interest? I think because the paranormal had no anchor in reality, it was quite simply unbelievable and you can do anything with the unbelievable, take the story anywhere, with nothing defined and no limits. It's an easy vehicle to drive!

I wanted to address this point in your review, as I feel it might not fully capture the intent of the story.

Labeling these elements as "unbelievable" disregards a core aspect of genres like fantasy, science fiction, and the paranormal. While it's perfectly fine to have preferences, your comments seem more like a general critique of the paranormal genre than a specific assessment of "Special Circumstances". Importantly, the genre was clearly labeled, and many comments praise the effective blend of realism and the fantastical.

Thank you.

8 hours ago, E K Stokes said:

Special Circumstances by lawfulneutralmage is not badly written and has the element of British policing as seen from the inside, the author's own experience, which is a hook that draws the reader in and adds realism. There is the sub plot relationship between Jamie and Mike, the special constable, to add the human touch. All so far so good, until we come to the "manifested spiritual entities," which is the paranormal part of the mystery. This aspect of the story surprised a number of readers. " I feared that we were heading into sci-fi..." one reader commented. Another took a shot at a rational explanation, "If he is not hypoglycaemic I am at a loss as to what has happened." "...has Jamie hallucinated the whole thing? Is this chapter a dream (ala Bobby Ewing in Dallas)?" Then someone spots the genre tag, "Paranormal in the story description." Another reader admits, like me, he never paid much attention to the genre tag.

We are five chapters in when things get weird and the comments come flooding in from readers: "I think the most intriguing aspect of this chapter is the potential superhero powers Jamie has acquired.  He ran 8 miles in 20 minutes!" "...was the large man a Ghost?" "What is the reason for Jamie's suspension - fighting with the air?!?" "I was not expecting such a drastic shift in the story..." In contrast to the drift into the paranormal, we have the gripping real life element, as someone observed, "What is based on reality though, is the impact getting grounded has on dedicated police officers who have done nothing wrong."

I have to admit, launching into the paranormal lost me, not the majority of readers who were happy to accommodate this shift or even welcomed it. "...paranormal it is... I'm all in, let's go." Why did I lose interest? I think because the paranormal had no anchor in reality, it was quite simply unbelievable and you can do anything with the unbelievable, take the story anywhere, with nothing defined and no limits. It's an easy vehicle to drive! The ever present police procedural descriptions were a little too present, "Sierra-Papa, Papa-Charlie, Papa-Charlie Three-Six." One radio exchange too many, but that's my personal point of view.

How the story turns out you will have to read for yourself, I can't tell you because I've stepped out. What I can say is, it's popular and readable and full of interesting aspects of British policing, you will have to decide for yourself how much you are into that and if you enjoy "manifested spiritual entities."

Thank you for stepping out. 

18 hours ago, E K Stokes said:

Why did I lose interest? I think because the paranormal had no anchor in reality, it was quite simply unbelievable and you can do anything with the unbelievable, take the story anywhere, with nothing defined and no limits. It's an easy vehicle to drive!

I have learned that it may be "a easy vehicle to drive" but not all authors, big screen writers, or film directors / producers, can drive their '"vehicles" to a successful conclusion. There have been many "car wrecks" along the way.

I would be disappointed in a world without the likes of Lord Of The Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars. If we chose to read or watch only the believable, defined, and limited; we would deny our self many of lives pleasures.  

On 3/10/2024 at 3:12 PM, MichaelS36 said:

So, to make this topic believable, to keep readers following the story, takes skill. Yes, we readers have to be open minded enough as well, and frankly I'd rather be open minded and willing to trust, than not. 

I’ve found this a fascinating discussion.  And I am v pleased that I stepped back into the story and have been reading, and am now really enjoying, it on its own terms. I very much enjoy your comments @MichaelS36, thank you.