Shade and Shadow

by Francine G. Woodbury

TAKING A BYTE OUT OF CRIME
Raoul Smythe wanted nothing more than to be left alone with his computer research. Unfortunately, such uninterrupted study wasn't an option for a mere assistant professor of modern magic at Oxford, especially the black sheep of the department. And when his department head turned up dead, Raoul found that he was the prime suspect in a murder case.
Raoul had to clear himself or risk having his magic permanently and completely stripped away. His course was clear: he must find the real murderer. Armed only with his magical talents and his wits, he would have to untangle a web of office politics, concealed hatreds, jealousies, and betrayals . . .
And time was running out.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

313 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was mixed up on my shelves with a bunch of novels based on roleplaying settings (like Warhammer Fantasy and Forgotten Realms). It's been many years since I read it the first time; it was an okay read as an adult.


Del Rey Discovery: Fantasy & Science Fiction novels

Shade and Shadow by Francine G. Woodbury

TAKING A BYTE OUT OF CRIME
Raoul Smythe wanted nothing more than to be left alone with his computer research. Unfortunately, such uninterrupted study wasn't an option for a mere assistant professor of modern magic at Oxford, especially the black sheep of the department. And when his department head turned up dead, Raoul found that he was the prime suspect in a murder case.
Raoul had to clear himself or risk having his magic permanently and completely stripped away. His course was clear: he must find the real murderer. Armed only with his magical talents and his wits, he would have to untangle a web of office politics, concealed hatreds, jealousies, and betrayals . . .
And time was running out.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how to explain this book. It's an alternative (historical now) history mixed with magic.

This was one of a few books I read while finishing my Masters in I believe 2019? And this book hit me at just the sweet spot. I still love the comfy vibes it gives me, but in my opinion it's more well written than it should be.

It's primarily mystery driven with computers and a dash of magic. The magic system in this book is refreshing, it's lovely having a 'modern' magic system that's not bogged down by heavy fantasy elements (Looking at Dresden Files). It's always nice to have magic that just *is*. I love the academic setting, again read during a time when I was deeply sequestered in academia myself.

I wish I could find more from this writer as she has a very refreshing voice, the pacing, dialogue and overall feel of the book was wonderful. Leaves me wanting more from this world, and this writer.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could find other books by this author, she wrote a totally new fantastic fiction, that had tones of Rick Cook, but it was truly all her own take on magic and computers and so creative. I couldn't wait to find out what the next twist would be and even though the story was complete in itself, you wanted to know more when it was done. The characters were so charming & well-written that you wanted to know more, about their back story or what will happen to them going forward. If you like Sci-Fi-Fa and detective mysteries with magic thrown in, then this is the book for you, I gave it 4 stars, because I loved the book, the premise, the characters, and will be keeping this in my library, hoping to one day find another book like it, or by this author. Just outstanding!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird. A strange mix of fantasy and detection. Not sure I understood everything by the end but compelling.