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Brothers Grimm Mystery #2
Gretel and the Case of the Missing Frog Prints
Bavaria, 1776. When Albrecht Durer the Much Much Younger's Frog Prints go missing, he knows exactly where to turn for help. Gretel (yes, that Gretel), now 35 and still living with her gluttonous brother Hans, is the country's most famous private investigator, and she leaps at the opportunity to travel to cosmopolitan Nuremberg to take on the case. But amid the hubbub of the city s annual sausage festival, Gretel struggles to find any clues that point toward the elusive thief.
Even with the aid of the chatty mice living under her bed, the absent prints remain stubbornly out of view, and Gretel is forced to get creative in her search for the truth."
Even with the aid of the chatty mice living under her bed, the absent prints remain stubbornly out of view, and Gretel is forced to get creative in her search for the truth."
235 pages, Hardcover
First published December 18, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
April 10, 2015
Gretel (yes, that Gretel) is all grown up and is now a detective. She is contacted by messenger to find some stolen art. When the messenger dies in her living room, she heads out of town to work the case and escape the prying eyes of the local police.
I wanted to really like this book. I usually enjoy "fractured fairy tales", and I really liked the series by Jasper Fforde. This one just pales in comparison. I didn't care about Gretel of the old guy whose art was stolen. I liked the characters of the hobgoblin and the talking rats, but when Gretel disguised herself as a dominatrix in the underground brothel, I lost it.
Not a total waste of time, but not my cup of tea (or piece of candy).
I wanted to really like this book. I usually enjoy "fractured fairy tales", and I really liked the series by Jasper Fforde. This one just pales in comparison. I didn't care about Gretel of the old guy whose art was stolen. I liked the characters of the hobgoblin and the talking rats, but when Gretel disguised herself as a dominatrix in the underground brothel, I lost it.
Not a total waste of time, but not my cup of tea (or piece of candy).
October 20, 2023
I think this book was intended to be humorous, but I didn't find it quite funny. On a positive note, I found it refreshing to see a retelling of Hansel and Gretel with the characters all grown up. However, my expectations were slightly higher. As for the Gretel mysteries, I'm still on the fence. The main mystery plot held my attention, the subplots involving overeating, while a bit excessive, added an interesting dimension to the story. I am also intrigued by the potential romance between Gretel and the enigmatic Ferdinand. I'll reserve my judgment until I read the second installment before deciding whether to continue with the third.
November 22, 2014
4.5 stars. This was such an odd, silly, fairy tale-inspired cozy mystery. And I have to admit that I had my doubts early on. Gretel (of Hansel and Gretel) is now an adult and an acclaimed private investigator. What was off-putting at first for me was that Gretel does not come across as put together or competent. Instead she is vain and gluttonous...doing her best work while stuffing her face. I think my own prejudices got in the way of liking her. However, she grew on me. There is real vulnerability under her vanity, and a willingness to do some pretty unsavory things to solve her case. What begins as fantastical silly becomes outright funny as the case comes into focus, and I found myself looking forward to her next adventure.
March 26, 2020
Eine hirnlose Ansammlung von Deutschland-Klischees, gemixt mit plattesten Humor und kruder Historizitätsfehler.
May 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this fairy tale retelling of Hansel and Gretel. It was a bit different from the original story. Gretel was aided by mice during the story, so it kind of reminded me of Cinderella too. I'll probably read to more Brothers Grimm Mystery books.
April 21, 2017
So, this was supposed to be funny, right?
OK, just checking. I apparently have no sense of humor, or a different sort, because this brand of humor eludes me. Or maybe it's not so much the fact that a character ignores a body lying at her feet and declines to let it interfere with her dinner, but the way she does it. Hans (it's a fairy tale takeoff, so where there's Gretel of course there's Hans) is appalling, and Gretel is despicable in the most literal sense of the word. It's as though the author happened to be leafing through an exploration of the Seven Deadly Sins, liked the look of Gluttony and Vanity, threw in Stupidity, Snobbery, and General Nastiness, and dubbed it Gretel.
I would rather not talk about Hans's friend Wolfie. I almost wanted to like the fact that he was once the Boy Who Cried Wolf, but this version of the story was so appalling that what might have been a clever touch just made the whole thing worse.
Or maybe it's the sense that the author doesn't like her own characters. I've complained in the past about having trouble getting past the fact that I hated all the characters in a book (*coughWuthering–Heightscough*), but as it turns out that might be slightly preferable to feeling like the characters were written with derision and distaste. "Here they are, these creatures I've come up with – I'm going to make fun of them quite a lot, enjoy."
And then there's the fact that most of her characters don't like each other. Hans idiotically admires and maybe cares about his sister, but Gretel is contemptful of him. And all of the other relationships are equally rocky and uneven.
Gretel's crowning achievement was to reveal the thief of the prints – in the midst of which she utterly betrays a confidence to a shocking degree.
It's interesting how much time is spent talking about Gretel's past cases, and the history of Han and Gretel, with this the first book in an apparent new series; at times it sounds like it ought to be the sixth or seventh entry. I have to give the author credit – it's smart.
That being said, not much more time than that is spent on Gretel's current case. More time – much, much more time – is expended on all the things Gretel eats and drinks and wears and buys. If all of that was excised, this would be a novella. Maybe – thinking of the extensive chapter about her horrific consumption of practically the entire stock of a cake shop – a short story. And my lord that ever–loving wig. I began to revert to grade school, muttering "if you love the thing so much, why don't you marry it" – the narration even uses the word "lustful". And it's something she can no more afford, or need, than … well, put it this way. I have since I was small coveted a carousel horse. I want a full–sized, preferably restored, genuine wooden carousel horse. I have no explanation for it – I just do. But I don't have space for it, or the use for it, and I certainly don't have the money for it – so you know what I don't have? A carousel horse. Because I'm not completely irresponsible and stupid.
Her stint as an accidental dominatrix was just annoying.
There is a description of one character that says something like "everything about him set Gretel's teeth on edge" – and that's very much how I felt about her. Because she's an idiot, she flees from the policeman given the silly name Strudel. There's a moment: "Gretel scanned the square for Strudel" – I would not have been at all surprised if this had meant she was looking for a snack. When she finally does run into him, unavoidably, it should have been tense and exciting … but the scene dragged out miserably.
When a long half hour from the end someone cries out "The wurst is coming!" I sighed. I wouldn't, I decided, be surprised if the last twenty–nine minutes weren't the worst.
And they pretty much were.
Totally justifiable motive for bludgeoning someone to death: someone started yelling and wouldn't shut up. I sympathize every single day.
OK, just checking. I apparently have no sense of humor, or a different sort, because this brand of humor eludes me. Or maybe it's not so much the fact that a character ignores a body lying at her feet and declines to let it interfere with her dinner, but the way she does it. Hans (it's a fairy tale takeoff, so where there's Gretel of course there's Hans) is appalling, and Gretel is despicable in the most literal sense of the word. It's as though the author happened to be leafing through an exploration of the Seven Deadly Sins, liked the look of Gluttony and Vanity, threw in Stupidity, Snobbery, and General Nastiness, and dubbed it Gretel.
I would rather not talk about Hans's friend Wolfie. I almost wanted to like the fact that he was once the Boy Who Cried Wolf, but this version of the story was so appalling that what might have been a clever touch just made the whole thing worse.
Or maybe it's the sense that the author doesn't like her own characters. I've complained in the past about having trouble getting past the fact that I hated all the characters in a book (*coughWuthering–Heightscough*), but as it turns out that might be slightly preferable to feeling like the characters were written with derision and distaste. "Here they are, these creatures I've come up with – I'm going to make fun of them quite a lot, enjoy."
And then there's the fact that most of her characters don't like each other. Hans idiotically admires and maybe cares about his sister, but Gretel is contemptful of him. And all of the other relationships are equally rocky and uneven.
Gretel's crowning achievement was to reveal the thief of the prints – in the midst of which she utterly betrays a confidence to a shocking degree.
It's interesting how much time is spent talking about Gretel's past cases, and the history of Han and Gretel, with this the first book in an apparent new series; at times it sounds like it ought to be the sixth or seventh entry. I have to give the author credit – it's smart.
That being said, not much more time than that is spent on Gretel's current case. More time – much, much more time – is expended on all the things Gretel eats and drinks and wears and buys. If all of that was excised, this would be a novella. Maybe – thinking of the extensive chapter about her horrific consumption of practically the entire stock of a cake shop – a short story. And my lord that ever–loving wig. I began to revert to grade school, muttering "if you love the thing so much, why don't you marry it" – the narration even uses the word "lustful". And it's something she can no more afford, or need, than … well, put it this way. I have since I was small coveted a carousel horse. I want a full–sized, preferably restored, genuine wooden carousel horse. I have no explanation for it – I just do. But I don't have space for it, or the use for it, and I certainly don't have the money for it – so you know what I don't have? A carousel horse. Because I'm not completely irresponsible and stupid.
Her stint as an accidental dominatrix was just annoying.
There is a description of one character that says something like "everything about him set Gretel's teeth on edge" – and that's very much how I felt about her. Because she's an idiot, she flees from the policeman given the silly name Strudel. There's a moment: "Gretel scanned the square for Strudel" – I would not have been at all surprised if this had meant she was looking for a snack. When she finally does run into him, unavoidably, it should have been tense and exciting … but the scene dragged out miserably.
When a long half hour from the end someone cries out "The wurst is coming!" I sighed. I wouldn't, I decided, be surprised if the last twenty–nine minutes weren't the worst.
And they pretty much were.
Totally justifiable motive for bludgeoning someone to death: someone started yelling and wouldn't shut up. I sympathize every single day.
August 2, 2015
P.J. Brackston’s new Brother’s Grimm Mystery series debut novel is a Cozy-Noir, comical and fanciful tale starring some of our childhood fairytale heroes and heroines only all grown up. Using humor plus a playful, sarcastic and witty narrative readers are treated to her one of a kind brilliant storytelling voice which brings to life this fantastical story that showcases her charming, offbeat and often whimsical characters and her fantastic fairytale-fitting backdrops. Her amazing imaginary world construction and the dynamics between her siblings, plus introducing the world to the next great woman PI is phenomenal. I’ve loved all of Paula Brackston’s works and will continue to and now I’ll be anxiously awaiting more from her evil twin P.J. Brackston too!
In Eighteenth Century Bavaria in a town called Gesternstadt, thankfully surviving her near fatal brush with a witch in a gingerbread house as a small girl, lives the accomplished, self-aggrandized unconventional private detective Gretel. She’s been summoned to Nuremberg by Herr Duruer the Much, Much younger to assist in locating precious works of art that have been stolen from his apartment. Unfortunately the messenger dies in her house so Gretel must use the assistance of her older doltish brother Hansel, also a survivor of the “witch incident” to get them out of town and away from
Gesternstadt’s town cop, Kapitan Strudel who upon learning of yet another untimely death will no doubt want Gretel behind bars, not sleuthing, and Gretel loving the finer things needs this case to stock her coffers. Hansel is all too happy to help when he realizes their visit coincides with Nuremberg’s Uber Weisswurstfest and he’ll not only get to taste great food but also be able to reconnect with his school chum, Wolfie.
Knee deep in danger and hot on the trail of the thief, Gretel with the help of some highly unusual assistants plus Hansel and Wolfie is hopeful that she will solve this puzzling mystery.
October 3, 2017
3.5 stars for the humor and whimsy in this mystery populated by magical, storybook characters. Witty and engaging enough to make me want to read the next in the series.
January 15, 2016
I picked this up thinking it would a nice whimsical read. Unfortunately, it wasn't as whimsical as I hoped. This isn't a bad little cozy mystery, but the narrative is clunky at times. I get a bit tired of a few devices the author used more than once. If you want a light read in a slightly different setting than your usual cozy mystery this will be a good one. I do doubt I will ready any others in this series.
May 21, 2016
For me the jury is out on the Gretel mysteries. I found the mystery plot to be captivating, but the side plots with all the overeating were a bit nauseating to read about. I do like the promise of romance with the mysterious and chivalrous Ferdinand. Will give the second one a chance before deciding if i continue on the the third.
March 5, 2016
Was OK. The mystery wasn't that bad really. I mean I know I wasn't the target audience but the grown up versions of hansel and Gretel was kind of not much to like. There is weird sex type stuff at one point. I don't know mostly it was a weird book, but kind of fun.
December 17, 2019
I loved this book. It's whimsical and a nice break from the thrillers and mysteries I was reading.
April 21, 2019
Audio book was hilariously outstanding! More please.
August 3, 2019
I love this series!
April 8, 2023
This was an interesting take on the fairytale :). Gretel is now a vain, gluttonous, “detective” tasked with finding frog prints. It’s a humorous, off center take on the Grimm Brothers tale. Hansel is pretty much useless, Wolfie is the man who called wolf a few to many times and there’s an exorbitant number of pages spent on what they eat and how they dress etc etc. overall, not bad
September 29, 2020
I love Paula Brackstone's other books but I did not enjoy this one. I finished it because I felt compelled to but it wasn't out of enjoyment.
It's a fairy tale retelling of Hansel and Gretel. In this version they are two adult siblings living together and Gretel is a private investigator in 18th century Bavaria. Neither the premise nor the mystery itself were compelling to me. I won't continue reading this series.
It's a fairy tale retelling of Hansel and Gretel. In this version they are two adult siblings living together and Gretel is a private investigator in 18th century Bavaria. Neither the premise nor the mystery itself were compelling to me. I won't continue reading this series.
January 16, 2015
This was a fun read. I stayed up way too late reading this book, but the next day I wasn't even tired because I just had so much joy reading the book.
I wasn't sure how I would like it at first, but I just embraced this vision of Gretel and Hansel. A zany adventure and a clever mystery. I can't wait to read the next one!!
I wasn't sure how I would like it at first, but I just embraced this vision of Gretel and Hansel. A zany adventure and a clever mystery. I can't wait to read the next one!!
November 19, 2015
Simply hilarious. I would call this a "light" read, but not in a bad way. The characters in this book are remarkably human- flawed, vulnerable, and at times, foolish- and you can't help but care about what happens to them. I will look forward to the future books in this series.
July 24, 2015
Gave it a shot but I didn't care for it.
May 19, 2015
I had greater expectations for this book that it could manage. The setup and idea are so fun, but overall, it just didn't rock my candy house. Sorry, Gretel (yes, that Gretel)!
April 27, 2015
3 1/2. A bit of a slow start, but ultimately very enjoyable and clever. Really looking forward to the next one.
February 28, 2016
This was a fun cozy mystery with some cute references to a fairy-tale world. 3.5 stars
October 15, 2021
These books are so funny! Imagine Gretel (and as you will hear / read numerous times: Yes, that Gretel!) and her mostly hapless brother Hans(el) solving crimes in old Bavaria.
In these 're-tellings' of Grimm Brother's Fairy Tales, Gretel (and brother Hansel) are grown up and on their own. Gretel happens to be good at solving mysteries and therefore works as an independent private detective. She is full-figured -- German sausage, cheese, beer, and their mouth-watering desserts are to blame -- completely obsessed with fashion and somewhat disillusioned with life and men. After all, their wicked step-mother lured the siblings into the forest to the witch's cottage (where they first developed a serious and dedicated sweet tooth, of which, I can relate--the sweet tooth bit!).
She meets the most interesting characters in these books! Keep in mind that these are fairy tale re-tellings, so you will not be surprised to encounter (I should hope anyway): talking mice, giants, and spoiled princesses, among other FT creatures.
The stories, however, are based on fairly typical mysteries. In this case, stolen artwork, murder, and the seedy underbelly of society. Mixed in is a contest (?) for the biggest sausage for the best Wurst Festival.
Much, much more funny than serious, these stories are well-done all around and quite entertaining! The only downside is that she doesn't like cats. I choose to blame it on her less than happy childhood....
From Wikipedia: "Hansel and Gretel" is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812 in Grimm's Fairy Tales. Hansel and Gretel are a brother and sister abandoned in a forest, where they fall into the hands of a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread, cake, and pastries.
In these 're-tellings' of Grimm Brother's Fairy Tales, Gretel (and brother Hansel) are grown up and on their own. Gretel happens to be good at solving mysteries and therefore works as an independent private detective. She is full-figured -- German sausage, cheese, beer, and their mouth-watering desserts are to blame -- completely obsessed with fashion and somewhat disillusioned with life and men. After all, their wicked step-mother lured the siblings into the forest to the witch's cottage (where they first developed a serious and dedicated sweet tooth, of which, I can relate--the sweet tooth bit!).
She meets the most interesting characters in these books! Keep in mind that these are fairy tale re-tellings, so you will not be surprised to encounter (I should hope anyway): talking mice, giants, and spoiled princesses, among other FT creatures.
The stories, however, are based on fairly typical mysteries. In this case, stolen artwork, murder, and the seedy underbelly of society. Mixed in is a contest (?) for the biggest sausage for the best Wurst Festival.
Much, much more funny than serious, these stories are well-done all around and quite entertaining! The only downside is that she doesn't like cats. I choose to blame it on her less than happy childhood....
From Wikipedia: "Hansel and Gretel" is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812 in Grimm's Fairy Tales. Hansel and Gretel are a brother and sister abandoned in a forest, where they fall into the hands of a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread, cake, and pastries.
May 14, 2021
This was absolutely hilarious. Although my library has it noted as being Book One of the series, so...
It's been about 30 years since Hansel and Gretel have had their incident with the witch. They're now adults and living well...and their waistlines show it. Gretel is now a well-known detective with a penchant for dresses and wigs but lacking the riches to fully indulge in her tastes.
And now she's on the case of the missing frog prints...yes, there are puns galore in this silly, yet wonderful-crafted story.
The mystery is nicely done and all the characters have their own marvelous quirks. The main complaint is a few characters who are meant to be funny come off as downright annoying, but overall this is a great book for anyone looking for a good laugh and a mystery full of delightful twists and turns.
It's been about 30 years since Hansel and Gretel have had their incident with the witch. They're now adults and living well...and their waistlines show it. Gretel is now a well-known detective with a penchant for dresses and wigs but lacking the riches to fully indulge in her tastes.
And now she's on the case of the missing frog prints...yes, there are puns galore in this silly, yet wonderful-crafted story.
The mystery is nicely done and all the characters have their own marvelous quirks. The main complaint is a few characters who are meant to be funny come off as downright annoying, but overall this is a great book for anyone looking for a good laugh and a mystery full of delightful twists and turns.
June 5, 2018
A lightly amusing tale of a grown-up Gretel (Yes, that Gretel) as a successful—but poorly paid—private detective in 18th century Germany. To fill the larder and pay the bills, Gretel and brother, Hans, travel to the big city to solve the theft of a pair of art prints. A quick, fairly straightforward, fantasy detective story.
July 28, 2023
Strange, charming, and fun! I listened to the audiobook and it was perfect; like listening to a storyteller spinning a slightly warped version of after the "ever after" of a fairy tale in which the lost children are now adults.
December 17, 2017
The mystery itself isn’t bad. However, Gretel is vain, gluttonous, inane, and annoying, and the time spent in her head is quite unpleasant.
April 4, 2019
Fun and an interesting take on fairy tales. Hanse and Gretel are pretty anti-heroic, but the concept is intriguing and I will read at least one more.
May 9, 2020
Light, fun, cozy-type mystery where you need to suspend lots of disbelief. But then again, its main characters are from fairy tales, so what would you expect?
July 16, 2021
It was cute and diverting. The continual harping on Gretel’s gluttony was annoying and didn’t seem to fit anywhere in the plot.
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