The Open and Shut Case

Octavius Bear #1

by Harry DeMaio

Alternative Universe Mysteries for Adult Animal Lovers that relate the exploits of super-sleuth Octavius Bear and his cohorts. Just for fun, this series swaps anthropomorphic animals for humans in a world very similar to our own 21st century Earth. Homo Sapiens disappeared in a long ago global disaster but many surviving animal species matured, transformed and advanced in very familiar ways. The disappearance of a world famous sapphire sends Octavius and his companions on a wild duck chase after Imperius Drake, who is set on world conquest. On the way to a near catastrophic climax at a plush Las Vegas hotel, there are romantic interludes, hi-tech wonders, violence, slapstick, and silly limericks that open every chapter. A children's story? Nope! These tales are aimed at adults with fun-loving girls and boys living inside them. You? They're a hybrid genre - mostly mystery, part detective pastiche, part sci-fi/fantasy with occasional bits of social commentary and off-the-wall foolery.

Genres: Mystery

390 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2013

About the author

Harry DeMaio is a nom de plume of Harry B. DeMaio, successful author of several books on Information Security and Business Networks as well as the ten volume Casebooks of Octavius Bear. A retired business executive, consultant, information security specialist, former pilot and graduate school adjunct professor, he whiles away his time traveling and writing preposterous articles and stories.
He has appeared on many radio and TV shows and is an accomplished, frequent public speaker.
Former New York City natives, he and his extremely patient and helpful wife, Virginia, and their Bichon Frisé, Woof, live in Cincinnati (and several other parallel universes.) They have two sons, living in Scottsdale, Arizona and Cortlandt Manor, New York, both of whom are quite successful and quite normal, thus putting the lie to the theory that insanity is hereditary.
His e-mail is hdemaio@zoomtown.com
You can also find him on Facebook.
His website is www.octaviusbearslair.com
His books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, directly from MX Publishing and at other fine bookstores. Book Ten -The Camera Case will be released 9-19-2019 (his birthday) Book Eleven- The Wurst Case Scenario is underway.

Reviews

[Mari Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the cleverest,most entertaining books I have ever read. The cover grabs you, and Harry Demaio takes you the rest of the way as Octavius Bear, Maury Meerkat, and Inspector Wallaroo are called in to solve the Case of the Stolen Blue Sapphire. Mr Demaio's clever sense of humor and brilliant writing style will keep you turning pages. This intelligent novel will keep you smiling; you will be happy and amazed as you take this ride.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful cast of characters inhabits this universe Octavius Bear represents Sherlock Homes.

[Mill City Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagination and intrigue collide in this crossing of tails and will whisk you away into a whirlwind of an anthropomorphic adventure! When the famous Deep Blue Sapphire is stolen by the sinister Imperius Drake, it’s up to the esteemed detective Octavius Bear and his inter-species cohort to unravel the case! With a cast full of quirky characters and a twist around every corner, “The Open and Shut Case” is certain to charm and entertain the whimsical adult reader!

Discover more at http://www.octaviusbearslair.com/!