Malice in Puzzle Land - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a recent release. Malice in Puzzle Land by Roz Noonan is the third book in the Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery series. 

 

Blurb:

Alice is excited that the library is going to host its first-ever speed-puzzling competition—until time runs out on a prominent local woman. Glamorous realtor to the rich, Babe Kinkaid, is found floating in her own infinity pool. What police first suspect is an accident or medical crisis turns out to be a homicide when the autopsy reveals that Babe has been shot.

Babe’s complicated love life leaves no shortage of suspects—including two ex-husbands and a fiancé. Then there’s her family, complete with a spoiled daughter, a ne’er-do-well son, and an always overlooked sister. All of them have the same motive: Babe’s massive inheritance.

Alice faces a ticking clock in this investigation. There are a lot of moving pieces, and before she can shake loose a killer, an explosion and disappearance throw the town into even more of a tumult. It’s up to Alice to click all the clues into place before those nearest and dearest to her become the next victims . . .  

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Hellenic Abduction - A Review

 Review

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE HELLENIC ABDUCTION
By Columbkill Noonan
The Fifth Barnabas Tew Mystery 

While practicing their yoga on the banks on the Ganges, Victorian private investigator Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are unceremoniously whisked away and deposited in Ancient Greece. Upon Odin's recommendation Zeus has summoned the duo to help him rescue a princess. Barnabas and Wilfred undertake the mission, but find Zeus's intentions not entirely honorable and are unsure if they should indeed find the woman for him. Running into various deities and other mythological beings from Ancient Greece Barnabas and Wilfred will have to keep on their toes or risk death...again! 

I absolutely love Barnabas Tew and was happy to have him and Wilfred enter another realm with which I am quite familiar, that of Greek Mythology. I couldn't help but smile as Barnabas compared the Greek and Roman pantheon. I also love how he incorporates the meditation and yoga he learned from the Hindu pantheon.

In fact, so many things made me smile in this, the fifth Barnabas Tew adventure. The rapport between Barnabas and Wilfred, the bemusement of the various gods and other mythological characters by their antics, and the fact that the bumbling duo do always, somehow, manage to solve the case...even if they die in the process. Perhaps my favorite joy comes from seeing mythological characters in a new light. My favorite aspect of that here was with Minnie the minotaur.

Throughout the series, there have been serious moments and introspective moments as well as adventure and laughs, most notably concerning the lost loves of each of the heroes. Therefore, I was much pleased with the chain of events leading up to the mystery's conclusion. I am, however, greatly concerned that the fifth Barnabas Tew Mystery may be the last book in this delightfully unique series.

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE HELLENIC ABDUCTION is a rip-roaring good time twining Greek mythology and Victorian sensibilities in a laugh out loud story.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Hellenic Abduction by Columbkill Noonan. This book is the fifth in the Barnabas Tew Mystery series.

While practicing their yoga on the banks on the Ganges Victorian private investigator Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are unceremoniously whisked away and deposited in Ancient Greece. Upon Odin's recommendation Zeus has summoned the duo to help him rescue a princess. Barnabas and Wilfred undertake the mission, but find Zeus's intentions not entirely honorable and are unsure if they should indeed find the woman for him. Running into various deities and other mythological beings from Ancient Greece Barnabas and Wilfred will have to keep on their toes or risk death...again!

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow - A Review

Review

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE ENLIGHTENED COW 

By Columbkill Noonan

The Fourth Book in the Barnabas Tew Mystery Series

After a challenging investigation with the Mayan gods, Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are ready for a break. While Barnabas intends for them to return to Egypt, Wilfred thinks of going to Midgard first, consequently, despite both of their wishes, the detectives wind up in India. Meeting the various Hindu gods is disconcerting to say the least, green skin, too many arms, talking fish…and what those people were depicted doing in that tapestry!!! Although suspicious, the pair agree to help Kamadeva and his consort save their friend Rama. As the detective duo navigate the world of Hindu gods they discover that things aren’t always what they seem and motivations are shadowy. Will their willingness to help prove disastrous?

This fourth adventure of Barnabas Tew is a bit different from the other books in the series and that just may be the point. The hilarious bantering still exists as do the various gods and how Barnabas and Wilfred cope with them. There's less of a mystery here though. True, our detectives have a mission, which evolves, but the story isn't so much about saving Rama as the journey they take.

Barnabas Tew is growing spiritually, while still maintaining his blustery Victorian gentlemanness. Ganesha got to the heart of the matter as he cleared the duos auras, describing their essences perfectly. While there is a lot of heart in this story, there's a lot of laugh out loud humor that one expects in a Barnabas Tew novel as well. A fish out of water story here becomes a fish IN water story too! I love the part with the water dragon, indeed, I enjoyed the dealings with all the new friends they made here.

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE ENLIGHTENED COW is a delightfully funny journey with the Hindu gods looking at dharma while showing the inner spirit of our intrepid detectives.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow by Columbkill Noonan. This book is the fourth in the Barnabas Tew Mystery series.

After a challenging investigation with the Mayan gods, Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are ready for a break. While Barnabas intends for them to return to Egypt, Wilfred thinks of going to Midgard first, consequently, despite both of their wishes, the detectives wind up in India. Meeting the various Hindu gods is disconcerting to say the least, green skin, too many arms, talking fish…and what those people were depicted doing in that tapestry!!! Although suspicious, the pair agree to help Kamadeva and his consort save their friend Rama. As the detective duo navigate the world of Hindu gods they discover that things aren’t always what they seem and motivations are shadowy. Will their willingness to help prove disastrous?

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent - A Review

Review

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE CURSED SERPENT

by Columbkill Noonan

The Third Barnabas Tew Mystery

Still in the heavy clothes from their Norse adventure Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, find themselves sweltering in the tropical heat of Cozumel. Odin recommended the pair to the Mayan goddess Ixchel who requires their assistance to once again prevent the end of the world. It's up to the Victorian detectives to figure out who cursed Kukulkan and break said curse so that Uncle Rabbit can be resurrected and the cycles of life can continue.

Bat-monsters, a pus demon, gods with impossible names, and the dreaded ball game are just some of the things our heroes must contend with in their third adventure. I'm not familiar with Mayan mythology and enjoyed learning about the various gods and demons found here. I did know about their ball game, however, resulting in gasps and "oh no"s whenever the subject was brought up, as Barnabas and Wilfred had no clue about the truth of the game.

The Barnabas Tew Mysteries make me laugh. I find myself snickering, giggling, and even laughing out loud. Even more uplifting than the laughter is the heart. Despite the fact that many of the characters are gods and demons, there is so much humanity to be found here, friendship, loyalty, the pain of unfulfilled relationships and missed people and places. In their otherworldly adventures, our heroes are also learning what it is to be human. I adore the indomitable spirit of Barnabas Tew. He may not have a clue of what he's doing, he may be facing certain death, but he gallantly soldiers on doing his best.

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE CURSED SERPENT is a delightful adventure with plenty of action, humor, and an intricate mystery. It's a book that continues to make me smile long after I read its last page.

2018 - A Year of Reviews in Review

As 2018 draws to a close I thought I'd take a look back at some of the great books I was privileged to read.

By the time the year ends I will have read at least 91 books. The most books I've read in a year, primarily due to me overextending myself...and also because so many interesting books are being published!

I was introduced to a lot of new series this year. I think my favorite is one that cannot fully be categorized. It's a historical, a paranormal, and a comedy all rolled up in a traditional mystery: the Barnabas Tew Mystery series by Columbine Noonan. I actually read the first two in the series this year. Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Missing Scarab and Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds are a delightful romp through mythology and great mysteries.

It should come as no surprise that I am partial to historical mysteries as well as paranormal ones.  MURDER ON MILLIONAIRES' ROW by Erin Lindsey also fits both of those categories. 

Vampires are quite popular and I was delighted to discover a Vampire Mystery series. THE VAMPIRE KNITTING CLUB is the first in this series by Nancy Warren. Other top paranormal entries this year include A MAGICAL MATCH by Juliet Blackwell, CLAIRVOYANT AND PRESENT DANGER by Lena Gregory, and the new Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower which starts with FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY.

I also love Gothics and THE BOOK OF THE BELOVED by Carolyn Haines fits that bill.

A historical series that really stood out for me is the Art Deco series by L. A. Chandlar. This series really should be read in order so start with THE SILVER GUN and continue with THE GOLD PAWN. Other historical mysteries that stood out this year include DEADLY FASHION by Kate Parker, MURDER, SHE REPORTED by Peg Cochran, and TURNING THE TIDE by Edith Maxwell. I also adore series that combines the present with the past. PAST AND PRESENT by Judy Sheluk is the second Marketville Mystery and I read all three of the Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery series by L.J. M Owen this year: OLMEC OBITUARY, MAYAN MENDACITY,  and EGYPTIAN ENIGMA.

The return I was most excited about was seeing Jack Shepard again. I waited ten years to hear from my PI and was thrilled for his return in THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER by Cleo Coyle.

I also love food and was thrilled to find two new series showcasing Chinese and Mediterranean restaurants. I love Vivien Chien's Noodle House Mystery series, not only for her great characters and intriguing mysteries, but the setting, Cleveland, Ohio, where I once lived. Start with DEATH BY DUMPLING and continue with DIM SUM OF ALL FEARS. Baklava is one of my favorite desserts and, although known for their hummus bar, I might be able to find some in Tina Kashian's Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. Start with HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE and continue onto STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA. Want some breakfast? I love Sarah Fox's Pancake House Mystery series. The fourth book in this series was released this year, YEAST OF EDEN. She also started a new series, the Literary Pub Mystery series. I really enjoyed WINE AND PUNISHMENT. When speaking of food we can't forget beverages and I love the Whisky Business Mystery series by Melinda Mullet. DEADLY DRAM, the third book in the series, was released this year.

I'm fond of several religious mysteries and was delighted to discover Sister Agnes. You can find her in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series by Jane Willan. Check out my review of the second book in the series, THE HOUR OF DEATH.

New books in favorite series also include LETHAL IN OLD LACE by Duffy Brown and TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET by Donna Andrews.

If you like short stories, you mustn't miss Gigi Pandian's THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES: A JAYA JONES TREASURE HUNT MYSTERY COLLECTION.

I read many more delightful mysteries and I know that I'm leaving out some great ones...but I hope you enjoy seeing some of the books that meant a lot to me this year. I'm certain that 2019 will bring even more great reading.

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds - Guest Post, Giveaway, & Review

Today we sit down with Brynhild, a Viking seer who plays a major part in the just-released BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE NINE WORLDS, which is the second book in the best-selling Barnabas Tew mystery-fantasy series. She’ll talk about what it was like to be a Viking woman working with two Victorian British detectives! 

So, Brynhild, can you describe to us what role you play in “Nine Worlds?”

I’m what’s known in the Viking world as a skald, which is what most people would think of as a seer. Whatever term you use for me, it means the same: I know things. I know history, I know geography, I know the politics of the land. But, probably most importantly, I know all about the personalities of the Viking gods.

How do you think all this knowledge helped Barnabas and Wilfred as they try to solve their case?

I think they wouldn’t have gotten very far without my help, to be honest. They wouldn’t have known which gods to be wary of, or which ones they could push for information. Barnabas in particular has a way of speaking his mind without thinking out the consequences first, and so it was up to me to get him out of more than one mess because of that.

You come from a very different time and place than Barnabas and Wilfred, with very different ideas on the role of women in society. Did you find that there was a cultural barrier to be overcome while working with them?

Not at all, actually. Even though Barnabas can be a bit of a stick-in-the-mud at times, he is also very good at recognizing when someone else might be more capable than him at something, and letting them take the lead. Although, he is a gentlemen to a fault, which makes him do some astonishingly silly things sometimes… (Brynhild breaks off, laughing and shaking her head)…But you’ll have to read the book to see those things for yourselves. I really shouldn’t say any more.

Working so closely with the two of them for such a long time, did you develop any feelings?

Well, of course! Barnabas is so well-meaning that it’s impossible not to be fond of him, and Wilfred….well, Wilfred is just wonderful. They’ll both always be special to me.

You are a seer, and a capable warrior-woman on top of that. Still, the case was a dangerous one, and often took you to some of the less-than-savory places in the Viking world (or worlds, I should say!). Were you ever afraid during the case? If so, what was the one thing that scared you the most?

Yes, very much so! There were plenty of times where I was sure one or all of us were toast. If I had to choose one, I’d say it was definitely the wolves…no, wait, probably it was the dragons. Or the Dark Elves. Or the drowning. Hmmm. I think there was a lot to be scared of with this case! But I’m glad to have been through all that with Barnabas and Wilfred at my side.

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Website: https://columbkill.weebly.com/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/columbkillnoon1





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Buy link: mybook.to/BarnabasNineWorlds

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Review

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE NINE WORLDS

by Columbkill Noonan

The Second Barnabas Tew Mystery

Victorian private detective Barnabas Tew and his loyal assistant, Wilfred, have left the heat of the Egyptian Underworld behind them and are now facing the cold of the Norse afterlife. Tasked by Odin, with Brynhild as their guide, the intrepid due travel the nine worlds of Norse Mythology in search of a stolen silver bowl. Will they be able to find the bowl and return it to Sigyn before Loki escapes or will it be the end of the world?

I am absolutely delighted by the further adventures of Barnabas Tew. I will admit to having a periodic Wagner soundtrack in my head as I read since most of my Norse mythology knowledge is based on Der Ring des Nibelungen, which made reading about the characters even more fun. But you don't need to know anything about Vikings in order to enjoy this book. Vivid descriptions, exquisite characterizations, and plenty of humor make BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE IF THE NINE WORLDS a delight to read.

The mystery is quite complex. There are lots of places to go and characters to meet and remembering them all can be a bit of a challenge. But every meeting gives us an opportunity to see Barnabas' and Wilfred's reactions to such unusual encounters. Indeed, most of the fun comes from seeing how our two fish out of water react to things so far from their normal life in Maryleborne and how they are coping with their new lives, or should I say unlives. We should all aspire to be like Barnabas and Wilfred when it comes to perseverance and adaptability. Mistakes are made (boy, are they made!) but they press on, do their duty, and ultimately succeed...for the most part.

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE NINE WORLDS is a completely unique and utterly charming mystery that captivated me and made me laugh. I'm still chuckling over Ragnarok tea! And if you don't like it, I summon my inner Barnabas and say "Good day".

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Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds by Columbkill Noonan. This book is the second in the Barnabas Tew Mystery series.

Victorian private detective Barnabas Tew and his loyal assistant, Wilfred, have left the heat of the Egyptian Underworld behind them and are now facing the cold of the Norse afterlife. Tasked by Odin, with Brynhild as their guide, the intrepid due travel the nine worlds of Norse Mythology in search of a stolen silver bowl. Will they be able to find the bowl and return it to Sigyn before Loki escapes or will it be the end of the world?

Male Protagonists in Cozy Mysteries

I saw a post the other day on one of the cozy mystery pages I follow. It was from a male cozy reader who was wondering about male protagonists in cozy mysteries. The majority of cozy mysteries are written by women and feature female protagonists. However, some female authors have male protagonists, and there are male cozy authors who have both male and female protagonists.

So who are some of these male leads?

One of my favorite series is The King Harald Mystery series by Richard Audry. King Harald is actually a dog (male at that) and the human protagonist is Andy Skyberg. Andy is a laid back, ordinary guy whose lovable dog keeps finding trouble in Minnesota. Grab some Biberschwanz Pilsners and settle in for a fun time.

Jeffrey Cohen writes a few mystery series using a few names. I first was introduced to him via his Double Feature Mystery series. Elliot Freed owns the Comedy Tonight cinema in New Jersey where he only shows comedy films. I loved this laugh out loud series, which sadly, is only comprised of three books. Some of his other series feature female protagonists, but he has another male protagonist in his current Asberger's Mystery series.

Tim Myers is another prolific mystery writer. Writing under the names Time Myers, Elizabeth Bright, Melissa Glazer, Casey Mayes, Jessica Beck, and Chris Cavender, Tim features both male and female protagonists. The Lighthouse Inn Mystery series (Tim Myers) first introduced me to this author. I really enjoyed Alex Winston. I also liked both his Candlemaking series with Harrison Black, and Soapmaking Mystery series with Benjamin Perkins.

I love John J. Lamb's Bear Collector's Mystery series. It features retired homicide detective Brad Lyon who now makes collectable teddy bears with his wife.

Miranda James in actually Dean James who pens a few mysteries. As Miranda James he features librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series while as Dean James he has the Simon-Kirby Jones Mystery series set in England.

Terry Ambrose writes a few series including the Seaside Cove Bed and Breakfast Mystery series. These feature single dad Rick Atwood and his precocious 10 year old daughter. Jeffrey Allen writes the Stay at Home Dad Mystery series set in Texas with Deuce Winters. Tim Cockey's protagonist is undertaker Hitch Sewell, featured in the Hitch Sewell Mystery series while Stephen Kaminski has Damon Lassard in his Damon Lassard Dabbling Detective series.

There are several female authors who chose male protagonists for their series. Of course, we have our founding traditional mysteries which include Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael. Lilian Jackson Braun features Jim Qwilleran, a journalist, in her long running Cat Who Mystery series. The Barnabas Tew Mystery series features a male Victorian private investigator who investigates in the Egyptian Underworld in his first outing by female author Columbkill Noonan. Nupur Tustin features Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn in her historical mystery series while Sheri Cobb South features bow street runner John Pickett in her Regency Mystery series.

I haven't really touched on the traditional mysteries, many with well known male protagonists such as Father Brown and Hamish Macbeth, and I'm sure I've left out many other male cozy protagonists. Have you read any of these mysteries? Do any of these men rank as a favorite protagonist for you? Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.

A Barnabas Tew Interview, Review, and Giveaway

I'm ever so pleased to welcome Columbkill Noonan to the blog today.  Columbkill pens the Barnabas Tew Mystery series. BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB is the fist book in the series and will be released June 3rd.

Kathy: BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB is set in Victorian London. How did you choose this location and time period?

CN: I've always loved London (AND been fascinated with the genre of British detectives in Victorian London...thanks to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I'm sure!) I'm also fascinated with mythology, and when I had the thought of putting a somewhat neurotic, quintessentially British detective smack in the center of the Egyptian afterlife...well, it struck me as a situation with a lot of potential for fun.


Kathy: Historical mysteries require an extra special brand of research. What's your favorite method to research this time period?

CN: I'm old-school, so I go straight to books. I order histories from Amazon, and I also use the library at the university where I teach. You'd be amazed at the obscure historical moments that scholars have written dissertations on!


Kathy: I've always had an interest in Egyptology and was delighted to see that Anubis is a character in your mystery. Have you always been interested in Egyptology as well?

CN: I've always loved all mythology: Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Vikings, Mayans...I'm fascinated by them all. In fact, Barnabas' next adventure will take him to Valhalla and the Nine Worlds of the Vikings, and the one after that has him working with the Mayans.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

CN: Well, I like mysteries and thrillers, but sometimes you need something a bit more lighthearted. Cozy mysteries are perfect for those times. There's excitement, but you also know that nothing truly awful is going to happen.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

CN: I like to throw some fantasy/mythology into almost everything I write. I see no reason why a cozy mystery has to be confined to the world as we know it!


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

CN: Barnabas is an adorably neurotic character, who gets terribly nervous when things aren't just so. So, when he's thrown into the mix with a pack of slightly crazy Egyptian gods, he has a bit of difficulty adjusting, to say the least! Luckily, he has his trusty assistant Wilfred with him to help him solve the case.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

CN: Definitely Barnabas. He's got an anxiety disorder, for sure, but he manages. It's not always smooth, and he's definitely not cool, but he keeps trying, and that's what's important.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

CN: Not really, the idea just came to me one day: why not insert a Victorian detective into a mythological setting? I chose Egyptian mythology for the first book because there are so many gods and goddesses, which gave me no shortage of characters to chose from. The idea is for Barnabas to go to a different afterlife with each book.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

CN: There was never a question of NOT publishing. I couldn't just leave Barnabas and Wilfred to languish in the depths of my computer, could I? They needed to go out and meet the world.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

CN: Janet Evanovich, because she's hilarious. Leo Tolstoy, because he's not. What would those two talk about? Could she get him to lighten up, or would he have her mired in a quagmire of bleak social observations? Third would have to be Stephen King, to add some scariness to the mix (although he does have a quirky sense of humor too, doesn't he?) Lastly would be Clive Barker; his imagination is so vivid and delighfully odd, so I'd love to see what he'd make of the conversation between the other three!


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

CN: "The Raven Boys", by Maggie Stiefvater. It's the first book of hers I've read, and it's really great.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

CN: I have a horse that I got from a rescue farm, and I love to hang out with her. When I got her she was all skin and bones, and now she's so spoiled that she'll only eat apples that are organic, and then only if they're sliced just so. It makes me so happy that she's come this far; I think it means I've done something right!


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

CN: I'm a vegan, so this might be a weird list. Cabbage, homemade ginger-beet juice, tofu, and vegan "bacon" from Sweet Earth .


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

CN: Oh yes! Barnabas' Viking adventure is coming out September 4 of this year, and his Mayan adventure should be next year. After that I'm not sure where he'll go, but I know he'll go somewhere!


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

CN: Seeing a review on Amazon from someone that loved the book. It's so surreal to me that people I don't know are reading what I wrote, and that they like it! Every time I see a new review I run over to my husband and read it to him. It never gets old (well, to me, at least..he might have a different opinion on that!)

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Review

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB
by Columbkill Noonan

The First Barnabas Tew Mystery

Barnabas Tew had visions of becoming the next Sherlock Holmes. Apart from having an amiable assistant and a kindly landlady, Barnabas Tew was, sadly, nothing like Sherlock Holmes. In fact, he simply wasn't a good detective at all. However, he did have one satisfied customer who recommended his services. Unfortunately, said services were recommended to Anubis, Egyptian god of the dead, who had no problem bringing Barnabas to the Underworld to solve a kidnapping. Now Barnabas and his assistant, Wilfred, have to deal with a variety of difficult gods in order to prevent the destruction of the world!

I love this delightfully different book. I have always had an interest in Egyptology and enjoy the Victorian time period. Connect these two, add some humor and a mystery and I'm sold! One of my favorite things about the book is the humor. I was chuckling at the situations, and the dialogue, more than once, had me laughing out loud. Great characterization humanizes not only our detectives, but the assortment of gods they encounter. As silly as things sometimes get, there remains a depth of feeling. Barnabas and Wilfred try their best and we admire them and root for them to succeed and be happy.

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB is highly entertaining and immensely pleasurable, if somewhat preposterous. A fussy, not too terribly clever Victorian detective is thrown into the Egyptian Underworld and forced to deal with capricious gods. It is simply great fun!

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