What do you think?
Rate this book
Valeriel Investigations #1
Catching a Man
Kadin Stone's life is finally going according to plan. She's starting her new job as a homicide detective's aide at one of the premier criminal investigation companies in Valeriel City, the capital of a 1950’s-style kingdom. Kadin is certain her new position will introduce her to any number of eligible men, so she'll finally be able to get married and stop burdening the brother who insists on supporting her.
On Kadin’s first day, the royal family calls in her team to investigate the murder of gossip-rag cover girl Queen Callista. Kadin’s superiors think it’s an open and shut case. The queen’s jilted lover Duke Baurus DeValeriel had motive, means, and opportunity, but Kadin can’t help but spot holes in their theory.
After checking into a few leads of her own, Kadin inadvertently ends up in the confidence of Duke Baurus. When she tries to share what she knows with the rest of the team, she finds them unwilling to listen to the opinion of a girl who they know is only after a ring on her finger. In order to see justice served, Kadin finds herself doing the last thing she expected when she started working for a homicide detective—solve a murder!
On Kadin’s first day, the royal family calls in her team to investigate the murder of gossip-rag cover girl Queen Callista. Kadin’s superiors think it’s an open and shut case. The queen’s jilted lover Duke Baurus DeValeriel had motive, means, and opportunity, but Kadin can’t help but spot holes in their theory.
After checking into a few leads of her own, Kadin inadvertently ends up in the confidence of Duke Baurus. When she tries to share what she knows with the rest of the team, she finds them unwilling to listen to the opinion of a girl who they know is only after a ring on her finger. In order to see justice served, Kadin finds herself doing the last thing she expected when she started working for a homicide detective—solve a murder!
Unknown Binding
First published November 12, 2014
1 person is currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Corrigan
8 books174 followersElizabeth Corrigan has degrees in English and psychology and has spent several years working as a data analyst in various branches of the healthcare industry. When she’s not hard at work on her next novel, Elizabeth enjoys singing, reading teen vampire novels, and making Sims of her characters.
She drinks more Diet Coke than is probably optimal for the human body and is pathologically afraid of bees. She lives in Maryland with two cats and a purple Smart Car.
She drinks more Diet Coke than is probably optimal for the human body and is pathologically afraid of bees. She lives in Maryland with two cats and a purple Smart Car.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 13, 2014
I had the singular pleasure of reviewing an advanced copy of this delightfully offbeat new novel by Elizabeth Corrigan, the author of ORACLE OF PHILADELPHIA and its sequel RAISING CHAOS. As a note of warning, CATCHING A MAN is unlike Corrigan's other work. In fact, I'd venture to say it's unlike any other novel I've read, which is a tough thing to say as a jaded reader in 2014.
What Corrigan has created here is a unique world. Imagine if Middle-Earth had just gone right on evolving after Bilbo and Frodo's adventures until it reached a 1950s/1960s level of technology. Corrigan thrusts us into such a world, combining the worldbuilding of high fantasy, the aesthetics of a James Dean film, and a mystery ripped right out of a Depression-era pulp magazine. It's an intriguing admixture, and it's hard to say whether CATCHING A MAN is fantasy, science-fiction, or mystery, but it combines the best elements of all three.
Kadin Stone is a fascinating, relatable character who sticks out like a sore thumb in the ultra-sexist patriarchy of her world, yet has the pluck, drive, and determination to be a success within it. And here I have to mention that CATCHING A MAN also features some of the most clever, subtle satire I've read in a long time. In Kadin's world, medicine is socialized but police work is privatized, because...why not? Makes just as much sense as the reverse, right?
And while women are literally not allowed to leave the house without a man's say-so, gay or "sideways" culture is considered perfectly ordinary, because...why not? Makes just as much sense as modern American gender politics, right? By switching up the arbitrary prejudices of our society in her world, the author manages to shine a light on just how silly the things we take for granted are, without ever getting into "let me bang you over the head with my ideology" territory.
Filled with magic (yes, the literal kind, too), romance, mystery, laugh-out-loud slapstick, and gentle but pointed satire, CATCHING A MAN is a killer read. This isn't my normal genre (whatever genre it actually is) but I'm unabashed in giving it 5 stars. A must-read.
What Corrigan has created here is a unique world. Imagine if Middle-Earth had just gone right on evolving after Bilbo and Frodo's adventures until it reached a 1950s/1960s level of technology. Corrigan thrusts us into such a world, combining the worldbuilding of high fantasy, the aesthetics of a James Dean film, and a mystery ripped right out of a Depression-era pulp magazine. It's an intriguing admixture, and it's hard to say whether CATCHING A MAN is fantasy, science-fiction, or mystery, but it combines the best elements of all three.
Kadin Stone is a fascinating, relatable character who sticks out like a sore thumb in the ultra-sexist patriarchy of her world, yet has the pluck, drive, and determination to be a success within it. And here I have to mention that CATCHING A MAN also features some of the most clever, subtle satire I've read in a long time. In Kadin's world, medicine is socialized but police work is privatized, because...why not? Makes just as much sense as the reverse, right?
And while women are literally not allowed to leave the house without a man's say-so, gay or "sideways" culture is considered perfectly ordinary, because...why not? Makes just as much sense as modern American gender politics, right? By switching up the arbitrary prejudices of our society in her world, the author manages to shine a light on just how silly the things we take for granted are, without ever getting into "let me bang you over the head with my ideology" territory.
Filled with magic (yes, the literal kind, too), romance, mystery, laugh-out-loud slapstick, and gentle but pointed satire, CATCHING A MAN is a killer read. This isn't my normal genre (whatever genre it actually is) but I'm unabashed in giving it 5 stars. A must-read.
December 30, 2014
Get ready for a murder/mystery, Elizabeth Corrigan style! In an alternate history-type world, where women go into the workforce to find a husband, one plucky young woman finds that her promotion to a homicide detective’s aide may not only give her a stable of eligible bachelors to choose from, but also uncovers her nose for sniffing out clues and coming up with viable answers to “who-dun-it.”
Kadin had no other plans than to find a husband, perhaps her new boss, little did she know on her first day at work, her team would be called in to investigate the murder of society’s darling, Queen Callista. Due to her infamous track record as a woman of voracious sexual appetites, it would seem the queen was offed by one of her paramours, perhaps the last one to be seen near her, a duke with the means, the opportunity and perhaps even a motive. A lover’s spat gone wrong, maybe?
Sounds like an open and shut case to everyone but Kadin, who goes off on her own foray into the world of amateur investigations. What she discovers, she feels she should share with the investigative team, but they pretty much ignore what she has to say, because really, isn’t her job to make coffee and run errands? What was that they say about a woman scorned? Doubly determined to see justice served, Kadin braves this man’s world using her own inquisitive nature. One can only wonder what a pretty girl can come up with when all she is supposed to be doing is finding a husband. Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Once again, Elizabeth Corrigan does the unexpected and blends a fantasy kingdom with a 1950s style detective tome, complete with a heroine who fails to fit the expected mold. Kadin is a treat, from her inner dialogue and banter to her ability to “stumble” onto valuable clues. Part fantasy, part humorous, a little deadly and completely entertaining, this is a tale that requires one to start with a blank mental slate and let Ms. Corrigan do what she is great at, building a world that is a wonderful place to visit, fill it with characters that, at times seem to be dragged from another era and presenting a plot that amazingly winds itself up with a quirky bounce or two then takes rolls along to one of those endings that leaves you smiling. Light, unique and fanciful, try imagining yourself in Kadin’s world, and dealing with it as well as she does!
I received this copy from Elizabeth Corrigan in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Valeriel Investigations - Book 1
Publication Date: November 12, 2014
Publisher: Elizabeth Corrigan
ISBN: 0986257311
Genre: Fantasy | Urban Paranormal
Print Length: 232 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Kadin had no other plans than to find a husband, perhaps her new boss, little did she know on her first day at work, her team would be called in to investigate the murder of society’s darling, Queen Callista. Due to her infamous track record as a woman of voracious sexual appetites, it would seem the queen was offed by one of her paramours, perhaps the last one to be seen near her, a duke with the means, the opportunity and perhaps even a motive. A lover’s spat gone wrong, maybe?
Sounds like an open and shut case to everyone but Kadin, who goes off on her own foray into the world of amateur investigations. What she discovers, she feels she should share with the investigative team, but they pretty much ignore what she has to say, because really, isn’t her job to make coffee and run errands? What was that they say about a woman scorned? Doubly determined to see justice served, Kadin braves this man’s world using her own inquisitive nature. One can only wonder what a pretty girl can come up with when all she is supposed to be doing is finding a husband. Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Once again, Elizabeth Corrigan does the unexpected and blends a fantasy kingdom with a 1950s style detective tome, complete with a heroine who fails to fit the expected mold. Kadin is a treat, from her inner dialogue and banter to her ability to “stumble” onto valuable clues. Part fantasy, part humorous, a little deadly and completely entertaining, this is a tale that requires one to start with a blank mental slate and let Ms. Corrigan do what she is great at, building a world that is a wonderful place to visit, fill it with characters that, at times seem to be dragged from another era and presenting a plot that amazingly winds itself up with a quirky bounce or two then takes rolls along to one of those endings that leaves you smiling. Light, unique and fanciful, try imagining yourself in Kadin’s world, and dealing with it as well as she does!
I received this copy from Elizabeth Corrigan in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Valeriel Investigations - Book 1
Publication Date: November 12, 2014
Publisher: Elizabeth Corrigan
ISBN: 0986257311
Genre: Fantasy | Urban Paranormal
Print Length: 232 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 19, 2018
First of all, ORIGINALITY ALERT... This is a supernatural mystery modelled on a dystopian version of the 1950's in America. Just let that sink in.
Furthermore, it was completely unpredictable. I had no idea who the murderer was, which I appreciated because usually I'm pretty good at guessing 'whodunnit'.
However, I do have a minor quibble: the main character Kadin was at times taking her cultural programming a bit too far and was acting in ways that were just, well, dumb. I had a hard time believing that a self-professed intelligent woman would do some of the things Kadin did (especially in relation to her pursuit of a certain individual, who was so obviously a terrible person that I couldn't accept that a woman of Kadin's intellect wouldn't have seen right through him).
Then again, there was some good (nay, positively sizzling) romance in there, too: Lord Baurus is beyond awesome, and I LOVED how he and Kadin interacted with each other It certainly helped blot out my unpleasant memories of the guy she had set her sights on before (because... HONESTLY!).
Highly recommended for fans of supernatural/dystopian mysteries... if you can grit your teeth through some of the 'chasing the wrong guy' scenes. Which I did, and it was ultimately worth it, but I just wanted to put it out there. I will definitely read the next book in the series when it comes out.
Furthermore, it was completely unpredictable. I had no idea who the murderer was, which I appreciated because usually I'm pretty good at guessing 'whodunnit'.
However, I do have a minor quibble: the main character Kadin was at times taking her cultural programming a bit too far and was acting in ways that were just, well, dumb. I had a hard time believing that a self-professed intelligent woman would do some of the things Kadin did (especially in relation to her pursuit of a certain individual, who was so obviously a terrible person that I couldn't accept that a woman of Kadin's intellect wouldn't have seen right through him).
Then again, there was some good (nay, positively sizzling) romance in there, too: Lord Baurus is beyond awesome, and I LOVED how he and Kadin interacted with each other It certainly helped blot out my unpleasant memories of the guy she had set her sights on before (because... HONESTLY!).
Highly recommended for fans of supernatural/dystopian mysteries... if you can grit your teeth through some of the 'chasing the wrong guy' scenes. Which I did, and it was ultimately worth it, but I just wanted to put it out there. I will definitely read the next book in the series when it comes out.
January 5, 2015
Initial Thoughts: I really enjoyed this alternate history detective drama. It's really rich and fascinating but it flows nicely. In fact, I was surprised how quickly I read it. It was over too fast. I like Kadin, our POV and the heroine. Her story is different and I like the bits of foreshadowing about her. I enjoyed that we do not know everything about this world yet. It seems we will learn about more about it in the future books. It appears that our main character also has a path of development in front of her as well which will be part of the overall story arc. Very interesting, the mystery was not as complicated as I thought - which I did enjoy the conclusion of. Overall I think this is a great start to a new series I'm going to enjoy! Please click on the link for my full review to be posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog:http://twimom227.com/2014/12/review-c...
November 13, 2014
Kadin Stone wants what every young woman in the 1950s-style kingdom of Valeriel wants: to find a husband. Not because she's a particularly domestic sort (her java-brewing skills prove the opposite, in fact) but because in this society, it's the only way she can move out and stop burdening her brother (women in Valeriel can't live alone). So her primary goal in becoming a detectives aide is to get in with the young investigators and snag one for herself.
As is made clear from Day 1, Kadin's job is to make java and look pretty. But after someone murders the queen, she finds herself unable to ignore the clues. And an unexpected encounter with the primary suspect leads her down investigative alleys the lead detective missed. When her boss dismisses her attempts to help, she finds herself with no choice but to solve the murder herself.
Catching a Man is a unique and entertaining fantasy mystery full of colorful characters and fascinating twists. The world is an interesting and somewhat satirical twist on mid century America, highlighting issues of gender inequality as well as the downsides of over privatization (in Valeriel, criminal investigations are privatized - which means if you can't pay, no one will solve your crime). The setting is full of flavors from the era, evoking bygone days in a different world. Who said all fantasies have to be medieval anyway? And of course, there's a touch of magic and hints of greater things to come (Catching a Man is the first in a series, though it is a self-contained story).
Kadin is an awesome protagonist, instantly relatable and fun to watch. Though she wants to fit in, she has an independent streak at odds with her repressive society. And her sarcastic commentary is an absolute delight to read (I found it hilarious). Other memorable characters include Baurus, the king's bad boy cousin who is Suspect #1 in the queen's murder, and Ollie, Kadin's spirited, gossip-loving friend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an atypical fantasy. Especially since Kadin is also an atypical protagonist. She defies the cliche "Strong Female Character" trope while carrying the story with her own kind of charm. A fun and fast-paced read, Catching a Man takes readers to a wholly different kind of world.
As is made clear from Day 1, Kadin's job is to make java and look pretty. But after someone murders the queen, she finds herself unable to ignore the clues. And an unexpected encounter with the primary suspect leads her down investigative alleys the lead detective missed. When her boss dismisses her attempts to help, she finds herself with no choice but to solve the murder herself.
Catching a Man is a unique and entertaining fantasy mystery full of colorful characters and fascinating twists. The world is an interesting and somewhat satirical twist on mid century America, highlighting issues of gender inequality as well as the downsides of over privatization (in Valeriel, criminal investigations are privatized - which means if you can't pay, no one will solve your crime). The setting is full of flavors from the era, evoking bygone days in a different world. Who said all fantasies have to be medieval anyway? And of course, there's a touch of magic and hints of greater things to come (Catching a Man is the first in a series, though it is a self-contained story).
Kadin is an awesome protagonist, instantly relatable and fun to watch. Though she wants to fit in, she has an independent streak at odds with her repressive society. And her sarcastic commentary is an absolute delight to read (I found it hilarious). Other memorable characters include Baurus, the king's bad boy cousin who is Suspect #1 in the queen's murder, and Ollie, Kadin's spirited, gossip-loving friend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an atypical fantasy. Especially since Kadin is also an atypical protagonist. She defies the cliche "Strong Female Character" trope while carrying the story with her own kind of charm. A fun and fast-paced read, Catching a Man takes readers to a wholly different kind of world.
January 25, 2015
Loved this! A 1950s, fantasy world and a mystery to boot. Such a fun read!
February 4, 2018
My first Elizabeth Corrigan book and it won’t be the last. I do hope another in this series comes out. I also hope that Kadin ends up with Duke Baurus because who she is eyeing doesn’t deserve someone like her. He wants meek and not bold, smart and amazing.
The story takes place in a alternate type of 1950′s era. We have magic and royalty. Here things are upside down and sideways up. Woman are expected to work only if necessary and so they can find a man to marry. People pay for the investigation insurance and through the roof if they want to have something investigated but medicine is free. The sideways community in this era is accepted whereas in our real 1950′s it was not.
Kadin is a smart girl. She wants to do her job but also knows that society dictates she be married. She only wants to be married because she wants to lessen the burden on her brother and get out of his house and away from her sister in law. She has a nose for being a detective though and she likes it. She isn’t what she seems and we see a bit of a mystery about her as well. One I hope gets fleshed out in future books.
There is good world building and fleshing of the murder mystery that has taken place. We see intrigue and secrets galore. I love the aura around the kind and how Kadin is smart as a whip when it comes to him and observation of things. She turns everything on its head and definitely changes the minds of people about her at the end.
It was fun to see her two selves warring. She had the side that was more women’s rights wanting to work and not needing a man. And the side that her grandmother ingrained in her about needing to have a man in her life. Her passion though does rule when it came to solving who killed the queen.
Kadin’s friends are a hoot. Ollivan has a double life- hr by day and party planner for the sideways community by night. He was the life of the party for sure. He is also a big gossip and it is him and her other friend that helps her know the players involved in the murder through their penchant for gossip.
As she unravels one mystery another pops up and it adds a twist to the story itself. It also gives us a clue about someone and Kadin herself. And Baurus and her have an attraction you can’t deny. Or hope won’t be denied.
The story is fun, unexpected and has twists and turns not expected. We get intrigue, fun banter, unexpected moments and outcomes, and a feisty smart heroine in Kadin who turns peoples opinions of her upside down and begins to come into her own and who she is more. She gains confidence and starts to find her place and her way.
A fascinating, entertaining page turner with plot twists and turns with secrets, more mysteries coming about and a female lead in Kadin you cannot help but love.
The story takes place in a alternate type of 1950′s era. We have magic and royalty. Here things are upside down and sideways up. Woman are expected to work only if necessary and so they can find a man to marry. People pay for the investigation insurance and through the roof if they want to have something investigated but medicine is free. The sideways community in this era is accepted whereas in our real 1950′s it was not.
Kadin is a smart girl. She wants to do her job but also knows that society dictates she be married. She only wants to be married because she wants to lessen the burden on her brother and get out of his house and away from her sister in law. She has a nose for being a detective though and she likes it. She isn’t what she seems and we see a bit of a mystery about her as well. One I hope gets fleshed out in future books.
There is good world building and fleshing of the murder mystery that has taken place. We see intrigue and secrets galore. I love the aura around the kind and how Kadin is smart as a whip when it comes to him and observation of things. She turns everything on its head and definitely changes the minds of people about her at the end.
It was fun to see her two selves warring. She had the side that was more women’s rights wanting to work and not needing a man. And the side that her grandmother ingrained in her about needing to have a man in her life. Her passion though does rule when it came to solving who killed the queen.
Kadin’s friends are a hoot. Ollivan has a double life- hr by day and party planner for the sideways community by night. He was the life of the party for sure. He is also a big gossip and it is him and her other friend that helps her know the players involved in the murder through their penchant for gossip.
As she unravels one mystery another pops up and it adds a twist to the story itself. It also gives us a clue about someone and Kadin herself. And Baurus and her have an attraction you can’t deny. Or hope won’t be denied.
The story is fun, unexpected and has twists and turns not expected. We get intrigue, fun banter, unexpected moments and outcomes, and a feisty smart heroine in Kadin who turns peoples opinions of her upside down and begins to come into her own and who she is more. She gains confidence and starts to find her place and her way.
A fascinating, entertaining page turner with plot twists and turns with secrets, more mysteries coming about and a female lead in Kadin you cannot help but love.
May 20, 2021
I'll admit, I went into this book thinking it'd be a fluff romance with a murder mystery in the background for a bit of plot. Instead it was an intense and very well developed mystery, that had twists you never saw coming, and an ending that left me completely surprised and yet the most logical. I loved that this was set in a 50's style world, you get the clothes and the technology that is familiar to us for that era. Even the misogynistic views of women, where the only stable life for a girl is to find a man and get married while she's still young and pretty. However, that is where the similarities to this world ends. Corrigan has built an entirely different society and government that vividly brought this world to life, and left so much to be discovered. I found it fascinating that here the medical field is run by the government, and so easily accessible to all, while investigations is the service you need insurance for. Meaning if a family member can't afford or chooses not to pay for an investigation a criminal just goes free. Even the way women are rated, and what they go through to stay employed or to receive benefits, just shows how much thought Corrigan put into this. The mystery itself was also well calculated, and I loved how Kadin became a woman not just looking for a man, but one looking for justice. She was never the ditzy sort willing to do whatever to get married, she's just a reasonable woman that understands the rules of this world, and doesn't want to be a burden on her brother anymore. But more so, she's clever and observant, and is willing to put her career and life in jeopardy in order to find the truth. Absolutely hoping there are more in this series to come, and it better come soon.
February 9, 2018
Catching a Man is About Much More than Catching a Man. This book is a fun blend of various genre. Readers will find a bit of fantasy and magic meshed with a futuristic (or rather a 1950's throwback) reality where a unique blend of mystery and romance and fantasy combine. Initially, I thought that the book was literally going to be about the main character's efforts to catch a man per her world's expectations, placing her on a collision course with "accidentally" solving a mystery. I am glad to say that the author took the book on a fun adventure while the character was expected to be catching a man.
Catching a Man builds the author's fantasy world fairly easily. This author doesn't build a whole new world--she keeps much of society and human nature as we know it (or knew it) and creates the setting fairly simplistically for this novel. There is not a lot of detail at times into the hows and whys of the characters' lives--but, readers develop enough of an understanding of the fantasy world to become attached to the characters and their plights.
Would I recommend Catching a Man? While the actual mystery of the novel is a simple one--readers will keep reading to follow the characters and see their stories resolved. It is not an action-packed page turner--but, is an entertaining read that appeals to mystery/romance and fantasy lovers alike. I enjoyed Kadin's character and I look forward to reading more books from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Catching a Man builds the author's fantasy world fairly easily. This author doesn't build a whole new world--she keeps much of society and human nature as we know it (or knew it) and creates the setting fairly simplistically for this novel. There is not a lot of detail at times into the hows and whys of the characters' lives--but, readers develop enough of an understanding of the fantasy world to become attached to the characters and their plights.
Would I recommend Catching a Man? While the actual mystery of the novel is a simple one--readers will keep reading to follow the characters and see their stories resolved. It is not an action-packed page turner--but, is an entertaining read that appeals to mystery/romance and fantasy lovers alike. I enjoyed Kadin's character and I look forward to reading more books from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
November 17, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
This was a fun read! It has a unique setting (20s + fantasy mash-up), likeable and varied characters, and a really interesting (though incredibly disheartening) world. The focus of having to marry/settle down for women and all its bizarre implications (like the blood test required for women to be employed!!) were all strange but super interesting (and of course play into the title really well). All the little world-building moments scattered throughout were just really strong and brought the story to life. I also liked the inclusion of gay characters and how a society like this treats them. It focuses on males, but I'm curious to see what a female's experience would be like in a culture so focused on marrying them off.
The mystery element was solid. I enjoyed seeing our heroine work through the clues presented to her, while doing her own investigating on the side. The magical elements to the crime and the background of society were neat, and there's lots of room to explore for future novels.
I did feel like everything wrapped up a bit too quickly, without probing at the deeper reason why the murderer acted or who they're working with. I wish we'd touched on that more, since our heroine should have been really interested in it, but I suppose we'll see it in future books.
I would definitely continue with the series moving forward, it has a lot of potential and I'm interested to see where the author will go next in the unique world they've created.
This was a fun read! It has a unique setting (20s + fantasy mash-up), likeable and varied characters, and a really interesting (though incredibly disheartening) world. The focus of having to marry/settle down for women and all its bizarre implications (like the blood test required for women to be employed!!) were all strange but super interesting (and of course play into the title really well). All the little world-building moments scattered throughout were just really strong and brought the story to life. I also liked the inclusion of gay characters and how a society like this treats them. It focuses on males, but I'm curious to see what a female's experience would be like in a culture so focused on marrying them off.
The mystery element was solid. I enjoyed seeing our heroine work through the clues presented to her, while doing her own investigating on the side. The magical elements to the crime and the background of society were neat, and there's lots of room to explore for future novels.
I did feel like everything wrapped up a bit too quickly, without probing at the deeper reason why the murderer acted or who they're working with. I wish we'd touched on that more, since our heroine should have been really interested in it, but I suppose we'll see it in future books.
I would definitely continue with the series moving forward, it has a lot of potential and I'm interested to see where the author will go next in the unique world they've created.
March 21, 2018
I can't believe I missed this when it was released in 2014! This was so much fun...a quick, light read that was just what I needed today. Mystery/fantasy/alternate history...imagine a world very much like the 1950s, where women can only work until they married (and are expected to be of good moral character, i.e. a virgin), and are expected to only be working in order to find a husband. The police force is privatized (you need insurance or money to pay for an investigation), but medicine is socialized and poorly paid. "Sideways" men are tolerated (unlike the real 1950s), and live openly. Kadin Stone has just become a detective's aide, a glorified secretary (but she can't even make decent coffee!). She's trying to "catch" a young detective as a husband, and is also involved in trying to catch a murderer. The detective she has in her matrimonial sites is a jerk, but she still feels she must encourage his interest. Fortunately, Kadin turns out to be a talented investigator, and the author leaves us hanging with the sense that there will be a sequel. I'll be looking forward to it!
I received this title from NetGalley, in return for an honest opinion. I really hope, since it was published in 2014, that this means the sequel is on the way!
I received this title from NetGalley, in return for an honest opinion. I really hope, since it was published in 2014, that this means the sequel is on the way!
January 27, 2018
The 1950s are reimagined in Elizabeth Corrigan’s debut mystery - Catching a Man. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but I was quickly swept up into the story. Kadin Stone became an investigator’s aid in order to find a husband - a necessity because in Valerial unmarried women must be virgins to have a career, and women who are not married or virgins have no legal income opportunities. Valerial is a harsh world for a woman, but Kadin isn’t bitter. She is determined to do a good job. Her first case is the murder of Queen Callista. The detectives see her as little other than a pretty accessory to make java. What they don’t realize is that she has a sharp mind and just may be the key to finding a surprising killer.
Catching a Man is a great book, serious and funny in the right combination with interesting characters and a richly imagined world. I was impressed. I look forward to reading more novels by Elizabeth Corrigan.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Catching a Man from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
November 17, 2020
A story that mixes fantasy/sci-fi/mystery takes place in an alternate history of the 50’s. Women only work, to find a man, then are expected to marry and have children. The protagonist is sure that as a detective’s aide she’ll have no problems. However, when the Queen is murdered, things take a very different turn when she finds herself pursuing a very different theory than the male detectives as she gains inside insights from the accused suspect. She finds that without support, she will have to investigate alone and try and make her case with the cards stacked against her.
An interesting, quirky book that works! Hopefully it’s just the beginning of a new series. Well written, interesting, and clever, the reader is quickly swept away and engrossed in the world Corrigan creates and its characters. An enjoyable read!
An interesting, quirky book that works! Hopefully it’s just the beginning of a new series. Well written, interesting, and clever, the reader is quickly swept away and engrossed in the world Corrigan creates and its characters. An enjoyable read!
February 6, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start off by saying this book really surprised me. I expected a romance novel with a ditzy female lead and a little fun mystery work thrown in, but was I ever wrong. While Kadin Stone pretends to be fairly flaky in front of the men, that's really not the case at all, and while on the outside she only seems to care about finding a husband, she inadvertently puts that on hold to help solve a high profile case.
I loved the 1950s world this book was set in. So much went in to developing it without being an overload of information, and it was easy to get immersed in. The characters were well-developed and many were not what they appeared to be in the beginning.
While I was slightly disappointed in the conclusion, I would be interested in reading more in the series to see it resolved.
I want to start off by saying this book really surprised me. I expected a romance novel with a ditzy female lead and a little fun mystery work thrown in, but was I ever wrong. While Kadin Stone pretends to be fairly flaky in front of the men, that's really not the case at all, and while on the outside she only seems to care about finding a husband, she inadvertently puts that on hold to help solve a high profile case.
I loved the 1950s world this book was set in. So much went in to developing it without being an overload of information, and it was easy to get immersed in. The characters were well-developed and many were not what they appeared to be in the beginning.
While I was slightly disappointed in the conclusion, I would be interested in reading more in the series to see it resolved.
March 1, 2018
Dive into a world that I can guarantee is not a cookie cutter version of the genre.
I enjoyed Kaiden as a main character. She was flawed and had her issues, but I think that it made her endearing.
I personally liked the fact that this novel is not predictable. You get a lot of clues throughout the novel about where the story is going, what secrets are being hidden, etc. But it really does take you a good part of the novel to put everything together. Kudos to Elizabeth Corrigan for managing to keep the mystery alive in her novel.
I enjoyed Kaiden as a main character. She was flawed and had her issues, but I think that it made her endearing.
I personally liked the fact that this novel is not predictable. You get a lot of clues throughout the novel about where the story is going, what secrets are being hidden, etc. But it really does take you a good part of the novel to put everything together. Kudos to Elizabeth Corrigan for managing to keep the mystery alive in her novel.
November 15, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden gems.
This was a fun book that started really slow but finally found its footing about 70 pages in. I really liked the characters, especially Kadin Stone. The writing was well done. I do not like the world this is set in with regards to women, but that is one of the few drawbacks to the story. The magical elements took a while to come in, and there are a few plot points that were predictable. I would recommend it to those who enjoyed Stalking Jack the Ripper
This was a fun book that started really slow but finally found its footing about 70 pages in. I really liked the characters, especially Kadin Stone. The writing was well done. I do not like the world this is set in with regards to women, but that is one of the few drawbacks to the story. The magical elements took a while to come in, and there are a few plot points that were predictable. I would recommend it to those who enjoyed Stalking Jack the Ripper
December 18, 2017
Well Elizabeth Corrigan, this book was........Amazing!
It grabbed me from the get go and didn't relinquish it's hold until it spat me out at the end!
All of the little twists and turns AND, how many times does it happen that the MAN, just has a man look and, completely misses the obvious.
This is the first book by Elizabeth Corrigan that I have read and....there is only one remaining thing to say....
WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE DUE OUT???
It grabbed me from the get go and didn't relinquish it's hold until it spat me out at the end!
All of the little twists and turns AND, how many times does it happen that the MAN, just has a man look and, completely misses the obvious.
This is the first book by Elizabeth Corrigan that I have read and....there is only one remaining thing to say....
WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE DUE OUT???
January 21, 2018
An intense murder mystery that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! The author draws you in from the first page holding your attention until the very end. The characters are dark, intriguing, and mysterious with backstories that are equally has scary. Overall, a fast-paced mystery that will keep you up at night.
January 31, 2018
Such a large cast of characters, but I felt like I got to know all of the main ones very well. I liked how this Fantasy novel managed to be fresh and exciting and wasn't too overly predictable. I saw a few things coming, but was definitely surprised at points too. The mystery element was definitely present. Definitely a lot of action going on that will have readers flipping pages furiously.
January 31, 2018
I liked the diversity and originality of this novel.
Believeable and Relatable characters really help to captivate the reader and get them invested in the happenings of this story.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
Believeable and Relatable characters really help to captivate the reader and get them invested in the happenings of this story.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
February 27, 2018
The main thing that stuck with me from this novel was the great setting that Elizabeth Corrigan brought us. I loved that it was set in a different world with new culture.
It is a very fast paced story and that goes for pretty much every aspect.
Its a whirlwind of a read and you wont want to put it down. Such a vivid ride and I can't wait to read more from this author.
It is a very fast paced story and that goes for pretty much every aspect.
Its a whirlwind of a read and you wont want to put it down. Such a vivid ride and I can't wait to read more from this author.
June 6, 2023
I really like this book.
I really don't like the setting.
To explain, with light spoilers, Valeriel City is actively pro-birth. Women are forbidden to work after they are married, with the expectation that they will become stay-at-home mothers and raise their children, while their husbands work and bring in the income. HOWEVER, the government puts its money where its mouth is, as it were, and subsidises women whose husbands die or are otherwise unable to work.
So, awful, but a less bad awful than, say, America's policy on births...
That said, I found I really liked the characters, particularly the dichotomy between King Ralvin (yes, alt-history 1950's America, but there are ROYALS) and... let's call him the king's foil. The gay I MEAN "Sideways" male friend Olivan/"Ollie" is fabulous, and I want to meet him! There's also a bit with the main suspect sending (someone) a gift that I found sweet in its own way, and I could empathise with the main character Kadin, who makes some clearly bad decisions BUT whose decisions are perfectly understandable in the context of their world. Women (really, PEOPLE) in the contemporary world deserve to be more than just a spouse and/or vessel for babies, but other options don't exist in their world... or not YET (holding out for the hope of progress happening in the rest of the series!)...
Overall, liked the book, bought it twice (physical copy, ebook after I donated the original to a little library to share with others and remembered a part I wanted to read again). Main thing I didn't like, BESIDES the setting, was the typeface in the physical copy was slightly hard to read compared with other books. This is not an issue in the ebook version.
I really don't like the setting.
To explain, with light spoilers, Valeriel City is actively pro-birth. Women are forbidden to work after they are married, with the expectation that they will become stay-at-home mothers and raise their children, while their husbands work and bring in the income. HOWEVER, the government puts its money where its mouth is, as it were, and subsidises women whose husbands die or are otherwise unable to work.
So, awful, but a less bad awful than, say, America's policy on births...
That said, I found I really liked the characters, particularly the dichotomy between King Ralvin (yes, alt-history 1950's America, but there are ROYALS) and... let's call him the king's foil. The gay I MEAN "Sideways" male friend Olivan/"Ollie" is fabulous, and I want to meet him! There's also a bit with the main suspect sending (someone) a gift that I found sweet in its own way, and I could empathise with the main character Kadin, who makes some clearly bad decisions BUT whose decisions are perfectly understandable in the context of their world. Women (really, PEOPLE) in the contemporary world deserve to be more than just a spouse and/or vessel for babies, but other options don't exist in their world... or not YET (holding out for the hope of progress happening in the rest of the series!)...
Overall, liked the book, bought it twice (physical copy, ebook after I donated the original to a little library to share with others and remembered a part I wanted to read again). Main thing I didn't like, BESIDES the setting, was the typeface in the physical copy was slightly hard to read compared with other books. This is not an issue in the ebook version.
December 9, 2014
OHMYGOODNESS! Catching a Man is easily in my Top Ten Books of 2014. I just asked hubby for confirmation: he estimates that I looked up from reading to tell him how much I was enjoying this book at least a dozen times, if not more. I think this is Elizabeth Corrigan's best work yet, and I really, really, really hope the series continues.
I could gush without details for another 500 words, but I'll spare you. :) I'll move on to the concrete details that make Catching a Man unique, entertaining, and un-put-down-able. First and foremost, there's the main character, Kadin Stone. She's a very young adult who is in her first grown-up career role. As a young adult female myself, I found myself totally identifying with her. I still remember all too well the nerves on my first day at my first "real" job. I loved the part where Kadin is informed that she's responsible for brewing the office coffee, and being totally defeated by the fancy coffeemaker. She handles the whole situation with aplomb, and immediately makes a plan to learn how to brew the best pot of coffee in the city! Kadin shows this same go-getter attitude in everything that she does. She never lets society dictate her life, and she always aims to give 110% to every task, no matter how great or small.
Speaking of letting society dictate your life... Catching a Man is set in a very 1950s-ish world. The girls all wear skirts and dresses and uncomfortable shoes, and every girl's end goal is to catch a man. Young women are only expected to work for a year or two; just long enough to get a husband and move on to their intended "career:" stay-at-home mom. Elizabeth Corrigan does such a fantastic job showing us Kadin's struggle with this. She really desires to catch a man and become a housewife. That's the only thing that society has ever shown her is possible. And yet she has an innate desire to really succeed at her job, while she's working. She loves her job, and this conflicts her. All of this is shown, not told. Kadin's thoughts and actions ring so true to life. Oh, but I set out to gush about the setting. I love the Mad Men type of atmosphere permeating this book!
As if the setting and strong main character aren't enough to recommend this book, then there's a murder mystery! You see, Kadin's job is aide to a chief investigator, which is like a police detective in the world of Valeria. The queen is found dead in her chambers, and Kadin's team is called in to investigate. As I mentioned, Kadin really wants to give her all to this job, so the reader gets to see the whole investigation unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and didn't try too hard to solve the mystery myself, and I never saw the ending coming! Maybe because of the 1950s setting, I kept feeling like I was reading one of the mystery classics, like an Agatha Christie.
Are you convinced yet that you need to read this book? I have one more thing, if you're not convinced yet: magic! Magic is a very real part of the Valerian world, and must be taken into account in investigations. So Catching a Man is a fantasy mystery historical romance. That's a mouthful! And would totally throw a challenge to any bookseller or librarian trying to shelve it. Also! The main character is in her early 20s. So I could hand this book to an older teen or a grown up! A mystery lover or a fantasy fan! The audience is so wide. And yet... and this is almost magical itself... the book doesn't feel like it's "trying too hard." Everything fits together smoothly. Nothing feels cluttered. The ending is also spot on: the mystery is solved but the characters are left open-ended enough to provide for a sequel (PLEASE).
I could gush without details for another 500 words, but I'll spare you. :) I'll move on to the concrete details that make Catching a Man unique, entertaining, and un-put-down-able. First and foremost, there's the main character, Kadin Stone. She's a very young adult who is in her first grown-up career role. As a young adult female myself, I found myself totally identifying with her. I still remember all too well the nerves on my first day at my first "real" job. I loved the part where Kadin is informed that she's responsible for brewing the office coffee, and being totally defeated by the fancy coffeemaker. She handles the whole situation with aplomb, and immediately makes a plan to learn how to brew the best pot of coffee in the city! Kadin shows this same go-getter attitude in everything that she does. She never lets society dictate her life, and she always aims to give 110% to every task, no matter how great or small.
Speaking of letting society dictate your life... Catching a Man is set in a very 1950s-ish world. The girls all wear skirts and dresses and uncomfortable shoes, and every girl's end goal is to catch a man. Young women are only expected to work for a year or two; just long enough to get a husband and move on to their intended "career:" stay-at-home mom. Elizabeth Corrigan does such a fantastic job showing us Kadin's struggle with this. She really desires to catch a man and become a housewife. That's the only thing that society has ever shown her is possible. And yet she has an innate desire to really succeed at her job, while she's working. She loves her job, and this conflicts her. All of this is shown, not told. Kadin's thoughts and actions ring so true to life. Oh, but I set out to gush about the setting. I love the Mad Men type of atmosphere permeating this book!
As if the setting and strong main character aren't enough to recommend this book, then there's a murder mystery! You see, Kadin's job is aide to a chief investigator, which is like a police detective in the world of Valeria. The queen is found dead in her chambers, and Kadin's team is called in to investigate. As I mentioned, Kadin really wants to give her all to this job, so the reader gets to see the whole investigation unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and didn't try too hard to solve the mystery myself, and I never saw the ending coming! Maybe because of the 1950s setting, I kept feeling like I was reading one of the mystery classics, like an Agatha Christie.
Are you convinced yet that you need to read this book? I have one more thing, if you're not convinced yet: magic! Magic is a very real part of the Valerian world, and must be taken into account in investigations. So Catching a Man is a fantasy mystery historical romance. That's a mouthful! And would totally throw a challenge to any bookseller or librarian trying to shelve it. Also! The main character is in her early 20s. So I could hand this book to an older teen or a grown up! A mystery lover or a fantasy fan! The audience is so wide. And yet... and this is almost magical itself... the book doesn't feel like it's "trying too hard." Everything fits together smoothly. Nothing feels cluttered. The ending is also spot on: the mystery is solved but the characters are left open-ended enough to provide for a sequel (PLEASE).
December 9, 2014
A great novel, with an innovative setting that's not your typical scifi/fantasy fare - a 1950's-level-technology kingdom where things we might take for granted about our society are flipped upside down. Funny moments and wry social commentary end up going quite well together. Hope to see more of Kadin (and Baurus, because Team Baurus!) eventually. :)
December 13, 2014
Best book by this author to date!
February 8, 2018
Set in Valeriel City the story centres around Kadin Stone, and her new job as aide to Detective Fellowes.
On her first day in her role Kadin finds herself working on the murder of Queen Callista.
Famous her love affairs Detective Fellowes believes he is working on an open and closed and the murderer is Duke Baurus DeValeriel Callista's lover who she had just left to for good.
Kadin refuses to accept that the case is straight forward and decides to discover who the murderer is for herself.
This is the sort of fantasy/mystery novel that I adore.
Elizabeth has created varied carried who all have their own private lives and opinions.
In Kadin Stone she has formed someone most women can relate to as she tries to juggle her job, her family including her brother who insists on looking after her, and her potential relationships.
I also believe that in Kadin, Elizabeth has shown that not only in books, but in real life too, first impressions may not be what they seem.
Elizabeth truly makes Valeriel City as real as the world around us, and the book has a 50's feel to it including clothes and hairstyles, which came to life as I read.
I truly believe that Catching a Man is a book I shall re-read again at some point in the future, and I hope she will consider writing more novels about Kadin et al.
If you love books that fall under the fantasy/mystery category I recommend that this little gem doesn't pass you by
On her first day in her role Kadin finds herself working on the murder of Queen Callista.
Famous her love affairs Detective Fellowes believes he is working on an open and closed and the murderer is Duke Baurus DeValeriel Callista's lover who she had just left to for good.
Kadin refuses to accept that the case is straight forward and decides to discover who the murderer is for herself.
This is the sort of fantasy/mystery novel that I adore.
Elizabeth has created varied carried who all have their own private lives and opinions.
In Kadin Stone she has formed someone most women can relate to as she tries to juggle her job, her family including her brother who insists on looking after her, and her potential relationships.
I also believe that in Kadin, Elizabeth has shown that not only in books, but in real life too, first impressions may not be what they seem.
Elizabeth truly makes Valeriel City as real as the world around us, and the book has a 50's feel to it including clothes and hairstyles, which came to life as I read.
I truly believe that Catching a Man is a book I shall re-read again at some point in the future, and I hope she will consider writing more novels about Kadin et al.
If you love books that fall under the fantasy/mystery category I recommend that this little gem doesn't pass you by
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews