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The Chronicles of Mister Marmee #1
The Case of Jack the Nipper
It all began on a Wednesday, and everyone knows life changing experiences hardly ever happen on a Wednesday.
Mister Marmee was a Victorian gentlecat first and foremost, not a detective, or so he thought; that is until he took up residency at Hanover Place with London's premier doctor of veterinary medicine, Stephen Hanover, and met his vivacious dachshund detective, Sir Happy Heart. With a nose for finding and following clues, Sir Happy soon began teaching his feline friend the tricks of the investigative trade. It was not long before Mister Marmee was earning his tabby stripes as an amateur detective along side his canine friend.
The Case of Jack the Nipper is the chronicle of Mister Marmee and Sir Happy's first case together and incidentally the moment when they first met. Within short order of making himself at home in Hanover Place, Mister Marmee finds himself whisker-deep in one of the most perplexing and brutal crime sprees London has ever seen. Drawn into the fray by the charming but bewildered Hyrum Farley of Scotland Yard, Mister Marmee and Sir Happy endeavor to track down a killer canine before it strikes again. It is a chase that takes them from the slums of Cheapside and the dogfighting rings of the warehouse district to the sleepy manors of the countryside onto the very doorstep of Hanover Place itself. It is a race against the clock.....and time is running out.
Mister Marmee was a Victorian gentlecat first and foremost, not a detective, or so he thought; that is until he took up residency at Hanover Place with London's premier doctor of veterinary medicine, Stephen Hanover, and met his vivacious dachshund detective, Sir Happy Heart. With a nose for finding and following clues, Sir Happy soon began teaching his feline friend the tricks of the investigative trade. It was not long before Mister Marmee was earning his tabby stripes as an amateur detective along side his canine friend.
The Case of Jack the Nipper is the chronicle of Mister Marmee and Sir Happy's first case together and incidentally the moment when they first met. Within short order of making himself at home in Hanover Place, Mister Marmee finds himself whisker-deep in one of the most perplexing and brutal crime sprees London has ever seen. Drawn into the fray by the charming but bewildered Hyrum Farley of Scotland Yard, Mister Marmee and Sir Happy endeavor to track down a killer canine before it strikes again. It is a chase that takes them from the slums of Cheapside and the dogfighting rings of the warehouse district to the sleepy manors of the countryside onto the very doorstep of Hanover Place itself. It is a race against the clock.....and time is running out.
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First published June 3, 2012
15 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Stephens
3 books66 followersConnect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLStephensAu...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/HL_Stephens
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhlste...
Find my books at: http://www.amazon.com/H.L.-Stephens/e...
A little bit about the author:
H.L. Stephens grew up in with the wild marshlands and pristine beaches of Charleston, SC as the backdrop of her childhood adventures. Growing up in a military family, Stephens met people from all over the world which helped to inspire her imagination and nurture her desire to create new and fantastic realms for others to explore.
By day, Stephens works for a software company near her home in the Appalachian mountains. In her spare time, she is dedicated to weaving stories for her readers. Writing in a variety of genres from mystery to science fiction to fantasy, Stephens continues to uncover the possibilities of new and exciting places in the worlds she creates.
Stephens is proudly owned by a delightful Pomeranian named Sassafras Marshmallow Muffin who is her constant companion and writing partner. "I have always had pets throughout my life, but in so many ways, Sassy is the better half of my heart."
Stephens is currently working on the release of her third Mister Marmee novel and the first book in a new fantasy series.
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/HL_Stephens
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhlste...
Find my books at: http://www.amazon.com/H.L.-Stephens/e...
A little bit about the author:
H.L. Stephens grew up in with the wild marshlands and pristine beaches of Charleston, SC as the backdrop of her childhood adventures. Growing up in a military family, Stephens met people from all over the world which helped to inspire her imagination and nurture her desire to create new and fantastic realms for others to explore.
By day, Stephens works for a software company near her home in the Appalachian mountains. In her spare time, she is dedicated to weaving stories for her readers. Writing in a variety of genres from mystery to science fiction to fantasy, Stephens continues to uncover the possibilities of new and exciting places in the worlds she creates.
Stephens is proudly owned by a delightful Pomeranian named Sassafras Marshmallow Muffin who is her constant companion and writing partner. "I have always had pets throughout my life, but in so many ways, Sassy is the better half of my heart."
Stephens is currently working on the release of her third Mister Marmee novel and the first book in a new fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 30, 2013
It took me a while to get into the style of the language, but once I did I really enjoyed it. The characters have real purrsonality and you find yourself actually caring about what happens to them.
June 25, 2014
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes you will feel right at home with this new four legged intrepid duo. Written in the language style of the Victorian era, it is not at first apparent that the writer, Mister Marmee, is in fact a cat. His sweet Annie has to go away and he is left to board with London’s top veterinarian, Dr. Stephen Hanover, and his dachshund, Sir Happy. As he arrives a man is accusing a little dog of biting him, the dog is quickly cleared of the crime but Sir Happy realise that there is a serial biter out on the streets of London. Then a child is seriously injured, and a man killed; Sir Happy decides to find the attacker and solve the crime! As the investigation proceeds he teaches Mister Marmee the art of crime detecting. The two animals are not the only critters to appear on the pages of the story – there is a rather wonderful pigeon, a mother dog and her pups rescued from a dire situation and Lady Jasmine who was forced to fight for her owner from the time she was just a puppy. She knew killing other dogs for sport was wrong and one day she made her decision to stop. The story flowed beautifully as the investigation proceeded and emotions ran high – warning you WILL need a handkerchief. H.L. Stephens is a very descriptive writer, without resorting to wordiness. The characters (both good and bad) the scenery and the actions were recreated perfectly into pictures in my mind. I loved the scene were Mister Marmee goes to Church to appeal to a higher power and also loved the scene where Inspector Farley finally realises that the animals are trying to communicate with him when they find clues. There is suspense, action, cuteness, plot twists and drama in this first instalment of ‘The Chronicles of Mister Marmee.’
February 25, 2018
This SHOULD have been one of the best cozy mysteries I've ever read, if you go by the blurb, the setting and the characters. I adore cat cozies, the Victorian era, and books from an animal perspective. Yet I HATED this book! The writing is sloppy and repetitive, the narrative slow. Basically this book could have been written with half the pages and the story would have been better for it. The sheer times that 'manners' got in the way of the story and Marmee and Sir Happy had to spend page after page apologizing and saying jolly good show was beyond irritating. Is it possible for a book to be TOO Victorian? I think I found one.
This book actually put me into a reading slump. Not only did I not want to read it, I didn't want to read anything else either and I couldn't move on until I'd finished it. Despite hating every second, I still like the idea of this book and that frustrates me more than anything; the wasted potential. Even the mystery turned out to be simple and easily solved. Will I read the second? You can bet your Sweet Annie I won't! Just leave me weeping in the corner for what might have been :(
This book actually put me into a reading slump. Not only did I not want to read it, I didn't want to read anything else either and I couldn't move on until I'd finished it. Despite hating every second, I still like the idea of this book and that frustrates me more than anything; the wasted potential. Even the mystery turned out to be simple and easily solved. Will I read the second? You can bet your Sweet Annie I won't! Just leave me weeping in the corner for what might have been :(
September 2, 2013
The book was recommended by a friend of mine! I most say that I dont regret one bit , that I bought this book! First of all, I love the language, the way she so carefully have selected all the refined words and put it together in this absolutly wonderfull book! From the first moment reading the book I was captured! I love mysteries, and this book is indeed a fantastisk mysterie! How she is able to tell this storie so, lively so intriguing is beyond me! There is never a dull moment reading this book! And that her inspiration is that little very real Doxie is just amazing ( R.I.P Happy Dog) I LOVE this book, and cant wait till the next one is comming out! Not many books makes me cry, but this one sure do...
June 5, 2013
I thought this book was great! It combines my favorite genre (mysteries) and animals. It held my attention and I just had to find out how it ended. The characheters are well written (especially the 4 legged ones!)
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 25, 2013
Thought it was a marvelous, funny, captivating book. A story with some of the best characters I have ever read.
January 27, 2016
So this book takes a similar idea to Rita Mae Brown's Mrs Murphy books - the animals investigating the crime and moving forward the plot - and runs with it.
The two main protagonists are a dachshund, who takes the role of Sherlock Holmes, with a slightly plump marmalade cat as his Watson. They are ably supported by a variety of other charming - and less than charming - characters, both human and animal. It's mostly a cozy, with a tinge of fantasy to it as there is a certain amount of suspension of disbelief required that the lead characters are animals that are as smart as (if not more than) humans. However, the darker elements, especially to do with dog fighting, mean its definitely not a definitely not a kids book, despite having animal protagonists.
Nicely done, and I've already bought the second one in the series.
The two main protagonists are a dachshund, who takes the role of Sherlock Holmes, with a slightly plump marmalade cat as his Watson. They are ably supported by a variety of other charming - and less than charming - characters, both human and animal. It's mostly a cozy, with a tinge of fantasy to it as there is a certain amount of suspension of disbelief required that the lead characters are animals that are as smart as (if not more than) humans. However, the darker elements, especially to do with dog fighting, mean its definitely not a definitely not a kids book, despite having animal protagonists.
Nicely done, and I've already bought the second one in the series.
May 4, 2019
Written in the voices of the two main animal characters, Mr. Marmee, an orange marmalade cat, and Mr. Happy (a miniature tan and black dachshund), this is a charming book. It takes place in Victorian London and follows the lead of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Of course, there are several mysterious and violent attacks upon unsuspecting people which seem to originate from a large canine beast. Mr. Marmee and Mr. Happy have several human helpers in this novel and Dr. Stephen Hanover, a local veterinarian, among others help the animals in their investigation. I enjoy novels where the animals are the main voices and humans take second place. This novel especially explores the strong emotional bonds between pet and owner. However, it does not lack for action. After Dr. Hanover is brutally assaulted the crime solving team (with help from the humans) track down the terrible criminal which takes them from London to the English countryside. Being the owner of a dapple colored long-haired dachshund, I was predisposed to like this novel. I must say, however, it was an interesting and entertaining read. I am looking forward to the next investigative exploits of the clever lads!
October 4, 2014
I purchased The Case of Jack the Nipper by H. L. Stephens to fulfill a reading challenge from the Cozy Mysteries group here on Goodreads. I am so glad that I did! The detective dachshund, Sir Happy Heart and his feline friend and detective-in-training, Mister Marmee made a fantastic team using their wit and cunning to help their human friends bring some vile and nasty evildoers to justice! The affection and respect between the animals and their human friends enriched the story immensely!
The Case of Jack the Nipper was a really fun & entertaining read! I look forward to reading more about this delightful duo's future endeavors.
The Case of Jack the Nipper was a really fun & entertaining read! I look forward to reading more about this delightful duo's future endeavors.
February 6, 2015
This is a hugely enjoyable read. Beautifully written: with an affectionate nod towards the classic, melodramatic, Victorian “who-done-it”. Only this is a Victorian murder mystery with a unique difference. Forget Sherlock Holmes and Watson. The super-sleuths this time around are a cat and a dog, no less! An ingenious twist to the genre... So, suspend belief, and prepare yourself to be thoroughly entertained.
June 14, 2014
A delightful read, funny and clever. The author captures Victorian England so precisely and the characters (especially the four legged ones and Horace) are vividly written. The plot is ingenious and kept me guessing. My only criticism is that it sometimes gets rather cloying with "my sweet Annie" etc.
I look forward to more adventures with Mr Marmee and Sir Happy.
I look forward to more adventures with Mr Marmee and Sir Happy.
September 6, 2013
Very cute, dauchsand and marmalade cat in Victorian England. This is Marmie and Sir Happy's first adventure. Mr Marmie is the narrator. He is very precise in the telling of his story and it is fun to imagine these two are a pair of detectives.
September 17, 2013
I enjoy Sherlock Holmes and found this to be along the same style and mystery gendre. It drew me into the characters and their plight in solving the case. If you enjoy mysteries and animals, this is a must read.
May 21, 2014
Marmie the marmalade cat as Dr. Watson and the narrator of the story and Sir Happy the Black and Tan Dachshund as Sherlock Holmes in a victorian mystery that has both a canine & human as the bad guys. Wonderful Characterizations that make the animals seem more human and humane than the people.
December 1, 2013
Loved this book. It takes a lot to keep my interest in a book but this one managed to do that from start to finish. Fun read with believable characters.
March 24, 2017
This book was enjoyable, tasteful, and edifying.
September 11, 2015
Took me a while to get into the faux dickens era writing. But one whole silly entertaining cat and dog mystery.
March 14, 2015
Cute book! Worth reading the others in the series!
did-not-finish
December 31, 2021I didn’t make it very far with this one. I thought the concept sounded really fun—a Sherlock Holmes-type dog and his cat companion solving mysteries in Victorian London. But the writing style really grated on me. It was very stilted and strange and overly complicated. I understood that, as the cat Mister Marmalade is telling the story, and as he considers himself quite the well-bred gentleman, the narration should sound like that of a Victorian gentleman. The problem is, it doesn’t sound authentically Victorian; it sounds like a modern author painstakingly trying to sound as old-fashioned and flowery as possible, while also trying too hard to be Very Cute And Clever. I decided that I couldn’t handle an entire book of it.
October 23, 2018
This is such a great book! Within the first chapter I already checked if she was writing more adventures of Mister Marmee! The setting, the descriptions, were full of heart and sweetness, something fairly rare in books or indeed in real life. What escapism! I enjoyed the character building and the writing was really great.
I was, however amazed that this was a debut book, this author is onto a winner. With more widespread advertising and product placement at bookstores here in the UK i feel this would really take off to become a classic children/adult book in the future. A few more in the series, this could easily be the next Harry Potter.
I will await the next case with great anticipation and want to congratulate H.L. Stephens on a superb book!
I have already informed all of my cat-loving friends they must read this book!
I was, however amazed that this was a debut book, this author is onto a winner. With more widespread advertising and product placement at bookstores here in the UK i feel this would really take off to become a classic children/adult book in the future. A few more in the series, this could easily be the next Harry Potter.
I will await the next case with great anticipation and want to congratulate H.L. Stephens on a superb book!
I have already informed all of my cat-loving friends they must read this book!
October 22, 2016
An engaging voice, attractive characters and a fun mystery. I enjoyed the Victorian style of the writing, which was well-maintained and consistent. The setup with detective animals could have been twee but was actually fascinating and well-done.
December 27, 2016
I did not enjoy this book because of the author's style of writing, the often repetitive language put me off slightly less than the concept of reading an entire book from the vantage point of a cat. I will recommend this book to a younger age group - where I believe it would receive better reviews.
April 7, 2014
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews