Theoretical Magic

The Floodmouth Files #1

by T.M. Baumgartner

Floodmouth: home of vampires, mages, reliable public transportation… and student loans. For Jen Perkins — a non-mage human with a PhD in magic theory — working as an evidence technician for the Federal Bureau of Magic Enforcement provides a much-needed paycheck. Sure, the petty politics are irritating, but at least she doesn't have to deal with the vampire agents upstairs…

…until she gets paired up with one of those vampires to help him execute search warrants. Special Agent Simon Bowers expects an experienced entry team specialist, not an evidence tech who took some online training.

But dealing with anti-vampire wards turns out to be a lot more complicated than expected. Suddenly Jen is in the middle of a case involving dead vampires, strange magic, and a secret someone is willing to kill to protect.

If you love urban fantasy with a twist, download Theoretical Magic now!

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2024

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

3.5*

I liked the MC.
I liked the male lead.
I liked their friends.

I liked the world.

I did see the end reveal coming, with the clues in the case, but that was okay.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome new urban fantasy

The worldbuilding is fascinating with a unique slant to vampires. Perkins is a wonderful narrator and character, a smart, talented mundane in a magical world (although I agree with Simon: there's something weird going on). Simon is the perfect conflicted vampire and an interesting character. The supporting cast is likeable and well-written. Bad stuff happens, including betrayal, a dysfunctional family, and a bit of a body count. But there is humor, friendship, and a great new partnership. I'm definitely looking forward to book 2.

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Perkins is an evidence technician who works for the Federal Bureau of Magic Enforcement (FBME). She thinks of herself as a lowly, basement-dwelling report writer, but she's really so much more. When someone is needed to assist in serving a warrant along with Simon Bowers, an up and coming, slightly depressed, vampire agent, Jen is roped into going along with him because she's currently the only person left at the FBME with the right qualifications. Honestly, I am not a reader of paranormal or futuristic-type books. I don't even know what they are actually called. I may not know a dragon from a pterodactyl (well, actually I do), but I am a big fan of this author, whether she goes by T.M. Baumgartner or Tess Baytree. I absolutely love her characters, whether it's a wife/husband detective team, a veterinarian who works with the coolest alien animals, a woman and a dragon, or a junior magical evidence analyst working with a vampire. The dialogue is not only realistic and believable, it's what keeps me reading. Her characters are interesting and quirky and funny and inquisitive and engaging. I have yet to read one of her books where I am not sad when I finish because I don't want to say goodbye to them. The imagination she puts into her books! You know that there's not a spell to make a pterodactyl try to eat you for dinner, but she still makes the situation seem “normal” or at least possible. I love her writing, which is why I jump whenever she writes a new book of whatever genre. I know I will want to read it. I hope this is just the first book of a new series because I would love to find out what happens with Jen and Simon at the FBME. I was lucky enough to get to read this one as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid urban fantasy. Solid FMC who isn't TSTL. I really enjoyed this. MMC may be romantic interest but that is NOT the focus. Excellent world building. Good detective work. Actual detective work not the show up and piss off the bad guys detective work. Did I mention the awesome world building. Will definitely read the next one.