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Julian Lynes and Ned Mathey #1
Death by Silver
His practice newly established, metaphysician Ned Mathey can't afford to turn away any clients. But the latest Londoner to seek Ned's magical aid gives him Mr. Edgar Nevett, an arrogant banker, is the father of the bully who made Ned's life hell at boarding school. Nevertheless, Ned accepts the commission to ensure the Nevett family silver bears no ancient or modern curses, and then prepares to banish the Nevett family to unpleasant memory again. Until Edgar Nevett is killed by an enchanted silver candlestick one of the pieces Ned declared magically harmless.
Calling on his old school friend Julian Lynes - private detective and another victim of the younger Nevett - Ned races to solve the murder, clear the stain on his professional reputation, and lay to rest the ghosts of his past. Assisted by Ned's able secretary Miss Frost, who has unexpected metaphysical skills of her own, Ned and Julian explore London's criminal underworld and sodomitical demimonde, uncover secrets and scandals, confront the unexpected murderer and the mysteries of their own relationship.
In Death by Silver veteran authors Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold introduce a Victorian London where magic works, influencing every aspect of civilized life, and two very appealing detectives.
Calling on his old school friend Julian Lynes - private detective and another victim of the younger Nevett - Ned races to solve the murder, clear the stain on his professional reputation, and lay to rest the ghosts of his past. Assisted by Ned's able secretary Miss Frost, who has unexpected metaphysical skills of her own, Ned and Julian explore London's criminal underworld and sodomitical demimonde, uncover secrets and scandals, confront the unexpected murderer and the mysteries of their own relationship.
In Death by Silver veteran authors Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold introduce a Victorian London where magic works, influencing every aspect of civilized life, and two very appealing detectives.
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First published May 1, 2013
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About the author
Melissa Scott
100 books447 followersScott studied history at Harvard College and Brandeis University, and earned her PhD. in comparative history. She published her first novel in 1984, and has since written some two dozen science fiction and fantasy works, including three co-authored with her partner, Lisa A. Barnett.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
April 14, 2015
Very enjoyable fantasy, nicely written, with terrific magic system and a fun murder plot. I found the romance a bit undercooked, with a lot depending on the old communication failure thing, but this was a pleasure to read in general. The price point is a bit steep for the market, mind.
February 5, 2014
A very rare five stars from me.
Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold have written a literate, Conan-Doyle-worthy detective story, set in a carefully crafted Victorian London that rings true in every particular. I'm a cultural historian by profession, and very particular about language and detail in historical novels. Additionally, Scott and Griswold have created not only a complicated murder mystery, but have woven into it a powerful back story about a British public school and the abusive practices that have left both of the main characters scarred, physically and emotionally.
Oh, and the protagonists, Ned Mathey and Julian Lynes, are both gay. And magicians.
Not quite Conan Doyle, after all.
Few contemporary gay lit writers can accomplish such high-quality historical narrative - Tamara Allen is one such writer, but her stories are all set in New York. Scott and Griswold have written a book that is not only accurate in period feeling, but in period psychology. The book fairly seethes with restraint and British reserve, and yet it offers the reader a story filled with such palpable intelligence and love that one can't help but think of Jane Austen and her tightly wrapped emotions.
Ned and Julian are two characters whom I would like very much to see again. This brilliant novel stands happily on its own, but there is always the chance that these talented young men will be called upon once more to use their magical skills in the service of justice. One can only hope.
Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold have written a literate, Conan-Doyle-worthy detective story, set in a carefully crafted Victorian London that rings true in every particular. I'm a cultural historian by profession, and very particular about language and detail in historical novels. Additionally, Scott and Griswold have created not only a complicated murder mystery, but have woven into it a powerful back story about a British public school and the abusive practices that have left both of the main characters scarred, physically and emotionally.
Oh, and the protagonists, Ned Mathey and Julian Lynes, are both gay. And magicians.
Not quite Conan Doyle, after all.
Few contemporary gay lit writers can accomplish such high-quality historical narrative - Tamara Allen is one such writer, but her stories are all set in New York. Scott and Griswold have written a book that is not only accurate in period feeling, but in period psychology. The book fairly seethes with restraint and British reserve, and yet it offers the reader a story filled with such palpable intelligence and love that one can't help but think of Jane Austen and her tightly wrapped emotions.
Ned and Julian are two characters whom I would like very much to see again. This brilliant novel stands happily on its own, but there is always the chance that these talented young men will be called upon once more to use their magical skills in the service of justice. One can only hope.
August 29, 2023
Too little romance but a fantastic mystery and 2 very interesting characters I loved to death. Too bad we didn’t see much of them as lovers and that it was fade to black.
February 8, 2015
I just finished this book and rushed to write a review. I loved it--the storytelling was tight, the murder mystery compelling, and the characters so endearing I can't wait to revisit them in the next book. I could go into detail, but I'll just say that if you like Whyborne & Griffin or KJ Charles's Magpie Lord series, you are going to adore this book.
February 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this sort of historical-sort of alternative world mystery story. Death by Silver is set in a world where Metaphysics (magical arts) is part of every day living. Ned runs his own practice and helps people find solutions to their magical problems. He is consulted by the father of the guy who made his life hell in school and later on when the father is found dead he is consulted by the police to help solve the crime. He seeks help from his best friend and private investigator Julian. Julian and Ned have been friends since they were in school and together went thru many horrible things at school. They also have a sort of fwb relationship going.
Both the mystery and romance aspects of this book will keep you reading thru the end. The mystery unfolds nicely with little clues set up throughout the story. The romance also develops at a nice pace. Ned and Julian are fwb but their arrangement is never discussed by either. Julian, comfortable with his homosexuality, wants much more but isn't sure Ned is willing to give him that. Ned, a bit less at ease, also would like more but isn't sure Julian thinks Ned is good enough for him. The setting is set in Victorian times which just provides a sort of restrained-propriety that gives this slow build romance a nice background.
Both the mystery and romance aspects of this book will keep you reading thru the end. The mystery unfolds nicely with little clues set up throughout the story. The romance also develops at a nice pace. Ned and Julian are fwb but their arrangement is never discussed by either. Julian, comfortable with his homosexuality, wants much more but isn't sure Ned is willing to give him that. Ned, a bit less at ease, also would like more but isn't sure Julian thinks Ned is good enough for him. The setting is set in Victorian times which just provides a sort of restrained-propriety that gives this slow build romance a nice background.
March 9, 2017
Solid writing; a few typos don't count. An excellent historical with a dash of magic.
Non-romantic relationship (not for the lack of interest on both MCs part), mystery suspense and scenes of past abuse dominate this story.
The two MCs-wizard-detectives do get together closer to the end, but as far as I recall all sex scenes fade into black.
5 stars for a great historical fantasy mystery-suspense :D
Non-romantic relationship (not for the lack of interest on both MCs part), mystery suspense and scenes of past abuse dominate this story.
The two MCs-wizard-detectives do get together closer to the end, but as far as I recall all sex scenes fade into black.
5 stars for a great historical fantasy mystery-suspense :D
June 23, 2022
This was a delight! Queer historical fantasy + murder mystery! I've read/enjoyed other books by Melissa Scott and this definitely had a similar flare in terms of writing, though the world building here was quite distinct. I did find myself wanting a bit more, as at times the magical system seemed a little murky, but on the whole quite enjoyable! This had a slightly stronger relationship-focus than her other works I've read, which I liked, though I would have loved even more! I appreciated the way it was incorporated, even if the romantic plotline itself relied overmuch on miscommunication, which isn't my favorite. The mystery plot was interesting, if a little obvious. Overall, this was a lovely read and I'm excited to read the sequel!
February 13, 2017
Ned Mathey, a metaphysician, needs every client he can get, so he can't refuse checking whether silver in Mr Edgar Nevett's house is cursed. The man is the father of Victor Nevett, a boy who bullied Ned at school. Edgar Nevett is soon murdered by a cursed silver candlestick. Ned gets help from Julian Lynes, a private detective and an old friend. Both have to deal with their unpleasant memories of their school days.
Judging by the cover and the blurb, you would expect this to be lighter than it is. Ned's and Julian's memories of the past abuse at school (some of them shared) are painful to read even though they aren't as detailed as most books that deal with the same problem. The lack of detail is even worse since you are left imagining the worst. It is not surprising then that neither Ned nor Julian can deal with the case easily.
This is a romance only in a broadest sense of the word. Julian and Ned love each other. They don't talk about their relationship, so it isn't surprising there are some wrong conclusions. Since the focus isn't on the romance and even if I wish they talked sooner, the story never dragged. If you expected sex, you would be disappointed. There is only before and after.
As for the murder mystery itself, in a world where you can buy any kind of enchantment, where the educated as well as the uneducated can use sigils and magic to do whatever they need, there is a lot of room for criminal creativity. Furthermore, Ned and Julian face so many unlikeable characters that any of them could be the murderer. Even if I did guess 'right' somewhere around the middle, it is a good story.
One of the things I liked about this book the most is how the whole systems are presented through conversations, memories and characters' thoughts and dreams without being boring.
You see the worst of the school system with its bullying prefects and indifferent school management through Ned's and Julian's memories and dreams and conversations. I think only one person actually working or teaching at that horrible school made an appearance and that only to check why there was silence during a meal.
You see the attitude toward the poor in general through various comments throughout the book.
You see the attitude towards women through Ned's assistant, Miss Frost. He is actually teased for hiring her instead of a male clerk, among other things. None of those people know how smart she is.
The whole book has a reserved tone. There is no passionate encounters, but somehow it works very well here. You can pay attention to the actual investigation while waiting for those precious moments between Ned and Julian.
Death by Silver is a stand alone. I wouldn't mind seeing these two solving another crime unless the authors introduce the usual, unnecessary relationship drama.
Judging by the cover and the blurb, you would expect this to be lighter than it is. Ned's and Julian's memories of the past abuse at school (some of them shared) are painful to read even though they aren't as detailed as most books that deal with the same problem. The lack of detail is even worse since you are left imagining the worst. It is not surprising then that neither Ned nor Julian can deal with the case easily.
This is a romance only in a broadest sense of the word. Julian and Ned love each other. They don't talk about their relationship, so it isn't surprising there are some wrong conclusions. Since the focus isn't on the romance and even if I wish they talked sooner, the story never dragged. If you expected sex, you would be disappointed. There is only before and after.
As for the murder mystery itself, in a world where you can buy any kind of enchantment, where the educated as well as the uneducated can use sigils and magic to do whatever they need, there is a lot of room for criminal creativity. Furthermore, Ned and Julian face so many unlikeable characters that any of them could be the murderer. Even if I did guess 'right' somewhere around the middle, it is a good story.
One of the things I liked about this book the most is how the whole systems are presented through conversations, memories and characters' thoughts and dreams without being boring.
You see the worst of the school system with its bullying prefects and indifferent school management through Ned's and Julian's memories and dreams and conversations. I think only one person actually working or teaching at that horrible school made an appearance and that only to check why there was silence during a meal.
You see the attitude toward the poor in general through various comments throughout the book.
You see the attitude towards women through Ned's assistant, Miss Frost. He is actually teased for hiring her instead of a male clerk, among other things. None of those people know how smart she is.
The whole book has a reserved tone. There is no passionate encounters, but somehow it works very well here. You can pay attention to the actual investigation while waiting for those precious moments between Ned and Julian.
Death by Silver is a stand alone. I wouldn't mind seeing these two solving another crime unless the authors introduce the usual, unnecessary relationship drama.
December 24, 2023
Aww! This was great. Loved the MCs and their stumbling-around-each-other relationship, loved the murder mystery plot, loved the history fantasy setting (which I was in the exact right mood for).
I find myself at a place where I have numerous opinions over an unfinished series from 2014 (?). But I’m still thinking about - and enjoying thinking about! - this book so here they are.
I skimmed a decent chunk of this, especially the magic descriptions (*why* did there need to be wands) and some of the red herring interludes. But idk, it was all done so smoothly that I didn’t even care, I found the characters’ romance plot so heartwarming and the mystery so continuously engaging that I was loving reading this even when I was skimming it!
And similarly, I’m really at a saturation point with historical fiction about the traumas of British boys boarding schools, thus why for example I haven’t been jumping to read In Memoriam every time it comes up in my Libby queue - I just haven’t really been feeling a lot of patience for sad historical privileged British men. And yet somehow this book pulled it off for me!
I think these MCs just really really worked, individually and together, and I think it grounded the entire story in such a great way. The characters really complement each other, and are set up to be ideologically distinguishable in a way that adds some interesting friction and uncertainty to their relationship, and to the way they act within the plot. If anything I think my biggest critique is that they kind of resolve the main conflict in their relationship (what does each of them want out of it longterm) in one conversation later in the book and I think that could have been drawn out a lot more and I still would have loved it.
And then the murder mystery plot was just so well done - when I opened this book in Libby and saw the length I took a pause because I didn’t really see how it could be sustained for that long. But the way the various mystery plots were woven together was done really really well, with just the right level of detail.
Yeah, just a good read!
I find myself at a place where I have numerous opinions over an unfinished series from 2014 (?). But I’m still thinking about - and enjoying thinking about! - this book so here they are.
I skimmed a decent chunk of this, especially the magic descriptions (*why* did there need to be wands) and some of the red herring interludes. But idk, it was all done so smoothly that I didn’t even care, I found the characters’ romance plot so heartwarming and the mystery so continuously engaging that I was loving reading this even when I was skimming it!
And similarly, I’m really at a saturation point with historical fiction about the traumas of British boys boarding schools, thus why for example I haven’t been jumping to read In Memoriam every time it comes up in my Libby queue - I just haven’t really been feeling a lot of patience for sad historical privileged British men. And yet somehow this book pulled it off for me!
I think these MCs just really really worked, individually and together, and I think it grounded the entire story in such a great way. The characters really complement each other, and are set up to be ideologically distinguishable in a way that adds some interesting friction and uncertainty to their relationship, and to the way they act within the plot. If anything I think my biggest critique is that they kind of resolve the main conflict in their relationship (what does each of them want out of it longterm) in one conversation later in the book and I think that could have been drawn out a lot more and I still would have loved it.
And then the murder mystery plot was just so well done - when I opened this book in Libby and saw the length I took a pause because I didn’t really see how it could be sustained for that long. But the way the various mystery plots were woven together was done really really well, with just the right level of detail.
Yeah, just a good read!
April 6, 2016
Well, this was really good.
A classic detective novel, with a proper mystery. Magic as an everyday occurrence, and a sweet romance..
Mainly the romance takes a back seat to the detection, and that worked really well. There was miscommunication and misunderstanding from both of the MC's but it was in keeping with the time (not that I would actually know that !) . The flash backs added real depth and understanding of the characters.
Small marks deducted for usaism's (sidewalk etc) in a book set in Britain - but I'm picking at things here.
Well written and intelligent.
A classic detective novel, with a proper mystery. Magic as an everyday occurrence, and a sweet romance..
Mainly the romance takes a back seat to the detection, and that worked really well. There was miscommunication and misunderstanding from both of the MC's but it was in keeping with the time (not that I would actually know that !) . The flash backs added real depth and understanding of the characters.
Small marks deducted for usaism's (sidewalk etc) in a book set in Britain - but I'm picking at things here.
Well written and intelligent.
August 22, 2023
Paranormal historical mystery duology with an m/m romance subplot, and I *loved* both characters and the worldbuilding. The second book was even better, IMHO, because the threat they were facing was so frightening.
Highly recommended! Content warning, though, for remembered physical and sexual abuse at boarding school.
Highly recommended! Content warning, though, for remembered physical and sexual abuse at boarding school.
September 4, 2021
3.75 stars
This was the exact right book at the right time for me, and I am so glad I picked it up. (Yay Bingo!) The focus is on the investigation, and the guys do a solid, competent job in a way that feels very realistic even though this is a world with everyday magic practitioners. The magic is very grounded into the reality of that time period, so it still feels very much like a historical.
The romance is definitely the subplot but it carries a lot of weight, and there's something about it that feels really simple but deep at the same time while avoiding overdone angst traps and plot tropes. It's also the type of fade-to-black that works perfectly for me. Recommended to anyone who likes historicals and procedurals (with a little magic).
This was the exact right book at the right time for me, and I am so glad I picked it up. (Yay Bingo!) The focus is on the investigation, and the guys do a solid, competent job in a way that feels very realistic even though this is a world with everyday magic practitioners. The magic is very grounded into the reality of that time period, so it still feels very much like a historical.
The romance is definitely the subplot but it carries a lot of weight, and there's something about it that feels really simple but deep at the same time while avoiding overdone angst traps and plot tropes. It's also the type of fade-to-black that works perfectly for me. Recommended to anyone who likes historicals and procedurals (with a little magic).
April 26, 2017
GOD WHAT KIND OF A MYSTERY IS SO OBVIOUS FROM PAGE ONE!?! I would not hire detectives that could not figure out that Man A was murdered by Man B who is constantly hovering around Man A's wife. This is not hard to grasp. But I guess common sense is out of picture since these detectives can't seem to figure out that their partner who's been: 1.) their bff for 10+ years, 2.) their romantic partner most of those 10+years, 3.) has no other committed relationships, just might take their relationship serious and want to continue their relationship??
I think the setting was interesting, but the characters felt a little flat - it seems like I was good portion through the book before I could really tell Ned & Julian apart. The romance between them was a bit tedious as it was the classic trope of romantic angst created by miscommunication( or failing to use basic communication).
I think the setting was interesting, but the characters felt a little flat - it seems like I was good portion through the book before I could really tell Ned & Julian apart. The romance between them was a bit tedious as it was the classic trope of romantic angst created by miscommunication( or failing to use basic communication).
July 29, 2018
This is very much a if Agatha Christie wrote magic story*. In other words: this is everything I always wanted. To make me even happier, the magic isn't just some unoriginal 'wave a wand and say the magic word to make a thing happen'. Even though this magic requires wands and words, it does so in a very different way than one is used to from Ye Olde Fantasy Novel.
Since the story was basically a whodunit I did guess the culprit roughly 2/3 through and I don't think you need to be terribly knowledgeable about the genre to do this because it is quite obvious. But I didn't really mind (honestly, I often prefer mysteries where I guess the bad guy in advance over those who jump through dozens of hoops to come up with an incredibly obscure - and generally idiotic - solution). The characters are incredibly charming and I loved their interactions. The romance, however, was very low key (and the problems boiled down mostly to lack of communication) and mostly kept to the background. You will probably not enjoy this much if you don't care for mysteries since this is basically a (fantasy) mystery with a dash of romance.
* just in case some clever person feels the need to point out that Christie didn't write Victorian settings: true. But the plot 'Family patriarch is murdered. Everybody had reason to hate him and everybody is keeping something from the detectives but it turns out everybody also has murder-unrelated secrets' is very much Christie/Golden Age and not so much like the typical Victorian mysteries.
Since the story was basically a whodunit I did guess the culprit roughly 2/3 through and I don't think you need to be terribly knowledgeable about the genre to do this because it is quite obvious. But I didn't really mind (honestly, I often prefer mysteries where I guess the bad guy in advance over those who jump through dozens of hoops to come up with an incredibly obscure - and generally idiotic - solution). The characters are incredibly charming and I loved their interactions. The romance, however, was very low key (and the problems boiled down mostly to lack of communication) and mostly kept to the background. You will probably not enjoy this much if you don't care for mysteries since this is basically a (fantasy) mystery with a dash of romance.
* just in case some clever person feels the need to point out that Christie didn't write Victorian settings: true. But the plot 'Family patriarch is murdered. Everybody had reason to hate him and everybody is keeping something from the detectives but it turns out everybody also has murder-unrelated secrets' is very much Christie/Golden Age and not so much like the typical Victorian mysteries.
February 2, 2019
I tried reading this some years ago and got bored and stopped. I tried again this week, and was able to keep going. Not sure why it didn't work last time. Maybe it was my frame of mind, or admittedly, the somewhat sedate narrator on the audio version.
It was an interesting, albeit not very super thrilling mystery. (I haven't read these authors before- maybe they don't do thrilling? There were two scenes on the thrilling-meter. The MCs are sympathetic and although you wan to smack them around for not being more upfront with each other, are both likeable.
I'm looking forward to checking out the follow-up.
It was an interesting, albeit not very super thrilling mystery. (I haven't read these authors before- maybe they don't do thrilling? There were two scenes on the thrilling-meter. The MCs are sympathetic and although you wan to smack them around for not being more upfront with each other, are both likeable.
I'm looking forward to checking out the follow-up.
August 16, 2023
It did take me a little while to get into this book but I quite enjoyed it when I did. its nice when you don't guess whodunnit.
April 4, 2014
Death by Silver could have easily been written by Anne Perry if she ever turned her pen to Victorian urban fantasy featuring gay male lead characters. Yes, it's just that GOOD.
This is the kind of mystery one can curl up with a cup of tea, some scones and a fluffy blanket. Even without all the magickal hijinks, Death by Silver stands as a classic English murder mystery. The authors have done a smashing job of capturing the manners and morals of a Victorian London that easily could have been if magic were a natural part of everyday life. Add to that the characters of Ned Mathey and Julian Lynes, men attracted to each other in an age where such attractions were not just frowned upon by society, but deemed criminal acts as well. Moreover, the horrors of the English private school system are depicted in painful flashbacks by Ned and Julian who suffered terribly under what amounted to sanctioned bullying.
The irony being that one of their tormentors, Victor Nevett, has come to them seeking magical detective prowess in discovering who murdered his father, Edgar, with an enchanted (and rather heavy) candlestick. Of course, solve the mystery without bringing to light family secrets that are best left undisturbed.
And, there's no genderfail either. Ned's unflappable secretary, Miss Frost, has her own magickal abilities which serve to help solve the mystery. She's a finely-drawn heroine, well-suited for the rather restrictive era she lives in and hopefully there will be more written about her.
Fans of mannered fantasy/mystery will enjoy this.
This is the kind of mystery one can curl up with a cup of tea, some scones and a fluffy blanket. Even without all the magickal hijinks, Death by Silver stands as a classic English murder mystery. The authors have done a smashing job of capturing the manners and morals of a Victorian London that easily could have been if magic were a natural part of everyday life. Add to that the characters of Ned Mathey and Julian Lynes, men attracted to each other in an age where such attractions were not just frowned upon by society, but deemed criminal acts as well. Moreover, the horrors of the English private school system are depicted in painful flashbacks by Ned and Julian who suffered terribly under what amounted to sanctioned bullying.
The irony being that one of their tormentors, Victor Nevett, has come to them seeking magical detective prowess in discovering who murdered his father, Edgar, with an enchanted (and rather heavy) candlestick. Of course, solve the mystery without bringing to light family secrets that are best left undisturbed.
And, there's no genderfail either. Ned's unflappable secretary, Miss Frost, has her own magickal abilities which serve to help solve the mystery. She's a finely-drawn heroine, well-suited for the rather restrictive era she lives in and hopefully there will be more written about her.
Fans of mannered fantasy/mystery will enjoy this.
June 30, 2016
The magic system is casually magnificent!
I like the methodical way they solve the mystery but it is slow-paced at times. And so many telegrams!
I like the methodical way they solve the mystery but it is slow-paced at times. And so many telegrams!
May 31, 2025
This was a really solid read on both the romance and detective mystery front. The magical system is fresh, more technical than it’s usual. The first half was slower and it took me a while to warm to the story but the second half got me. I really appreciated all the period-accurate details about logistics of lodgings and transport, which in other detective novels are often glossed over in the name of pursuit of the culprit. These made the novel especially believable to me. And the second storyline in the past was heartbreaking and infuriating and explains the difficulties and insecurities the MC battle with in the present. The main couple is likeable and the miscommunication trope is handled okay, even though I’m not a fan. Shoutout to the pet plant, my favourite side character who doesn’t say a word.
I’m looking forward - hopefully - to see their relationship develop in the second book.
I’m looking forward - hopefully - to see their relationship develop in the second book.
July 10, 2013
Ned Mathey and Julian Lynes have been each other's best friend and support through their younger boarding school years at St Thomas and then briefly at Oxford before diverging life goals and social circles separated them.
Ned is a metaphysician (read here arcane magical arts graduate) whose fairly new private practice caters to folks who need ‘special’ solutions to their life’s problems. Ned has regular features, a good build, plays and loves sports, and is considerate of others’ feelings and thoughts. Julian is taller, suave and debonair, emotionally more volatile with a definite ‘Professor Henry Higgins’ streak, who has embraced his gay identity and has a thriving circle of gay friends who meet at discreetly located London mens-clubs, and has his own practice as a private detective.
When Ned’s most recent client is mysteriously felled by a be-spelled silver candlestick (especially after Ned has provided a thorough cleansing and evaluation of all silver pieces in the deceased man’s home) … he’s drawn into the investigation by Scotland Yard, initially as a suspect given his involvement, but eventually as a consulting specialist. And given his on-again-off-again friendship / relationship / whatever-you-call it with Julian, the latter’s sleuthing skills are also dragged into the investigative fray. Working closely together raises all sorts of complication for our two MCs … making them face their own fears as well as confront the truth of what they want / need from each other.
Further complicating investigative matters is that the deceased man’s sons (who were St Thomas attendees alongside Ned and Julian) – have ‘dark past’ connections with Ned and Julian. Brutally traumatic school-boy memories of abuse and violence are dredged up and readers are given back-history snapshots for both MCs … providing greater understanding of who they‘ve now become as men as well the internal ‘demons’ they still struggle with. I adore both Ned and Julian (even more than Philip and Nico from the Astreaint series - see for example Point of Hopes) … to me, they seem somewhat more accessible / vulnerable / real. Their dance of attraction and eventual ‘understanding’ was well executed, succinctly drawn out over the due course of the criminal investigation part of the tale.
The crime/whodunit component is nicely balanced against the ‘romance’ aspects … apart from the burglary (or is it murder using arcane arts), our MCs assist each other in pursuit of gadgetry forgers, runaway maids, kidnapped persons and yet more mysterious deaths – which may or may not be connected to Ned’s deceased client – their lives are put on the line as they doggedly pursue justice and answers. A good array of suspects and bad guys are provided … some of these are nicely characterised and rounded. Several interesting secondary characters ‘assist and abet’ our MCs in their life and work – folks from Julian’s connections to the shadier-world of petty crime, Scotland Yard men, harassed landladies … the most interesting of the lot being the highly intelligent and resourceful Miss Frost (Ned’s secretary) … I have a strong feeling she and some others will continue to have greater roles and better development as this series continues.
Set in an Victorian English world yet imbued with everyday acceptance of magic, spells, incantations, sorcery … authors Scott and Griswold collaboratively serve up a marvellous new world to visit. Portmanteaus, frock-coats, messenger boys and snuff boxes sit comfortably side by side with magic-powered toasters and viciously sentient houseplants; and in accordance with that historical era, men who love men must tread a very careful line indeed.
Melissa Scott has always done well with inventing complex and detailed magics (take her Astreaint world for example); and in this fascinating alternative London, the power lies in the scripting and the word, with Sodoku-type numerical grids added to boot. I look forward very much to the next whodunit instalment of Ned and Julian – this has been a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
Ned is a metaphysician (read here arcane magical arts graduate) whose fairly new private practice caters to folks who need ‘special’ solutions to their life’s problems. Ned has regular features, a good build, plays and loves sports, and is considerate of others’ feelings and thoughts. Julian is taller, suave and debonair, emotionally more volatile with a definite ‘Professor Henry Higgins’ streak, who has embraced his gay identity and has a thriving circle of gay friends who meet at discreetly located London mens-clubs, and has his own practice as a private detective.
When Ned’s most recent client is mysteriously felled by a be-spelled silver candlestick (especially after Ned has provided a thorough cleansing and evaluation of all silver pieces in the deceased man’s home) … he’s drawn into the investigation by Scotland Yard, initially as a suspect given his involvement, but eventually as a consulting specialist. And given his on-again-off-again friendship / relationship / whatever-you-call it with Julian, the latter’s sleuthing skills are also dragged into the investigative fray. Working closely together raises all sorts of complication for our two MCs … making them face their own fears as well as confront the truth of what they want / need from each other.
Further complicating investigative matters is that the deceased man’s sons (who were St Thomas attendees alongside Ned and Julian) – have ‘dark past’ connections with Ned and Julian. Brutally traumatic school-boy memories of abuse and violence are dredged up and readers are given back-history snapshots for both MCs … providing greater understanding of who they‘ve now become as men as well the internal ‘demons’ they still struggle with. I adore both Ned and Julian (even more than Philip and Nico from the Astreaint series - see for example Point of Hopes) … to me, they seem somewhat more accessible / vulnerable / real. Their dance of attraction and eventual ‘understanding’ was well executed, succinctly drawn out over the due course of the criminal investigation part of the tale.
The crime/whodunit component is nicely balanced against the ‘romance’ aspects … apart from the burglary (or is it murder using arcane arts), our MCs assist each other in pursuit of gadgetry forgers, runaway maids, kidnapped persons and yet more mysterious deaths – which may or may not be connected to Ned’s deceased client – their lives are put on the line as they doggedly pursue justice and answers. A good array of suspects and bad guys are provided … some of these are nicely characterised and rounded. Several interesting secondary characters ‘assist and abet’ our MCs in their life and work – folks from Julian’s connections to the shadier-world of petty crime, Scotland Yard men, harassed landladies … the most interesting of the lot being the highly intelligent and resourceful Miss Frost (Ned’s secretary) … I have a strong feeling she and some others will continue to have greater roles and better development as this series continues.
Set in an Victorian English world yet imbued with everyday acceptance of magic, spells, incantations, sorcery … authors Scott and Griswold collaboratively serve up a marvellous new world to visit. Portmanteaus, frock-coats, messenger boys and snuff boxes sit comfortably side by side with magic-powered toasters and viciously sentient houseplants; and in accordance with that historical era, men who love men must tread a very careful line indeed.
Melissa Scott has always done well with inventing complex and detailed magics (take her Astreaint world for example); and in this fascinating alternative London, the power lies in the scripting and the word, with Sodoku-type numerical grids added to boot. I look forward very much to the next whodunit instalment of Ned and Julian – this has been a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
November 7, 2019
3.5 stars. It’s well written, clever and to the point, and I really like this kind of historical Victorian England with a magical/supernatural twist. I also really enjoyed the start of the novel, placing us in the middle of our two main characters’ insecurities about their relationship (even though the drama relied a bit too heavily on them unable to talk to each other), instead of witnessing the start of a romance. In fact they seemed more to base their relationship on friendship than romantic feelings, which is also a change, but already now you can probably guess that this took up a large part of the novel.
Plot what plot indeed. Someone is murdered, and the person admitting to it is someone both of our MCs hold a grudge against because of what happened back in school, but since they’re the good guys, they fight for him anyway, and after all that, I kind of lost interest in the murder mystery. I’ve finished the story and must admit I still don’t know who committed the murder or why. That’s partly down to me zoning out and the story just not keeping focus on it enough. I simply couldn’t care less. It’s also, sadly, due to the awful audio version I listened to. The narrator, Matthew Cresswell, mumbles, smacks his lips and sniffles his way through it and was at times so incomprehensible I simply couldn’t make out what he was saying, stumbling over words as he was. Add to that road work and god knows whatelse in the background, and also badly edited sections with repeat lines or even words and sentences missing. It’s a mystery Audible finds the quality of this acceptable, and I’m afraid it redacted a lot from the enjoyment of the experience.
But, apart from all that, I liked the writing and the setting, and thankfully the next novel is narrated by someone else, so I’m going to give that a try at some point.
Plot what plot indeed. Someone is murdered, and the person admitting to it is someone both of our MCs hold a grudge against because of what happened back in school, but since they’re the good guys, they fight for him anyway, and after all that, I kind of lost interest in the murder mystery. I’ve finished the story and must admit I still don’t know who committed the murder or why. That’s partly down to me zoning out and the story just not keeping focus on it enough. I simply couldn’t care less. It’s also, sadly, due to the awful audio version I listened to. The narrator, Matthew Cresswell, mumbles, smacks his lips and sniffles his way through it and was at times so incomprehensible I simply couldn’t make out what he was saying, stumbling over words as he was. Add to that road work and god knows whatelse in the background, and also badly edited sections with repeat lines or even words and sentences missing. It’s a mystery Audible finds the quality of this acceptable, and I’m afraid it redacted a lot from the enjoyment of the experience.
But, apart from all that, I liked the writing and the setting, and thankfully the next novel is narrated by someone else, so I’m going to give that a try at some point.
May 5, 2013
Death by Silver by Melissa Scott & Amy Griswold is a fantasy mystery with an unquestionable steampunk flavor that does not overwhelm the world-building, yet offers enough magic and subtle details to give this story set in a recognizable Victorian London, a very distinct atmosphere. There is quite a lot to enjoy in this well executed fantasy mystery with its delicious twists and turns, red herrings, murders by magic, personal struggles and a question of the heart.
The absorbing mystery drives the plot in Death by Silver as Scott and Griswold keep clues and details coming at a fast pace with well-executed red herrings, twists and turns. The mystery is well integrated with the world-building and the relationship struggle taking place between the characters. Most importantly, none of the characters in Death by Silver, including the villain(s), fall into the black and white category. Instead, they all display strengths and human frailty. Scott and Griswold effectively explore gray areas and the humanity of their characters through Ned and Julian's perspectives.
The fantasy details are organically incorporated into the world-building throughout the story and make sense from the beginning. For example, details such as a recognizable London as the setting with true to time Victorian morals, behavior, and lifestyle, are subtly blended in with magic, enchantments, automata-building salesmen, alternate institutions, laws, some rather interesting flora, and religious beliefs.
However, the hearts of this story are our main characters and narrators Ned and Julian. The story is narrated from their alternating first point of view perspectives. As a result, Scott and Griswold give the reader an in-depth look into both characters that include personal history, intimate thoughts, fears, and feelings. They also give an excellent view of secondary characters and different perspectives of the unfolding plot. The shifts in point of view flow well as do the intermittent flashbacks employed to show the characters' pertinent past experiences with bullies at boarding school.
The extent of the bullying episodes is revealed slowly and blends in with the mystery, as Julian and Ned confront personal fears and consequences of those boarding school days while working closely with the man who bullied them. Also slowly integrated are our main characters' depth of feelings and insecurities as they circle each other and wonder where their relationship stands. This is not the main focus of the story, still, I love Ned and Julian's "friends and lovers to romance-in-the-making" conflict.
I loved everything about Death by Silver -- the world-building and excellent atmosphere, the characters and their personal struggles, the twisty well-paced plot and the delicious romantic relationship-building elements, all the way to the great ending. I just hope that Scott and Griswold are planning a series because these characters and world are begging for one! Highly enjoyed and recommended.
The absorbing mystery drives the plot in Death by Silver as Scott and Griswold keep clues and details coming at a fast pace with well-executed red herrings, twists and turns. The mystery is well integrated with the world-building and the relationship struggle taking place between the characters. Most importantly, none of the characters in Death by Silver, including the villain(s), fall into the black and white category. Instead, they all display strengths and human frailty. Scott and Griswold effectively explore gray areas and the humanity of their characters through Ned and Julian's perspectives.
The fantasy details are organically incorporated into the world-building throughout the story and make sense from the beginning. For example, details such as a recognizable London as the setting with true to time Victorian morals, behavior, and lifestyle, are subtly blended in with magic, enchantments, automata-building salesmen, alternate institutions, laws, some rather interesting flora, and religious beliefs.
However, the hearts of this story are our main characters and narrators Ned and Julian. The story is narrated from their alternating first point of view perspectives. As a result, Scott and Griswold give the reader an in-depth look into both characters that include personal history, intimate thoughts, fears, and feelings. They also give an excellent view of secondary characters and different perspectives of the unfolding plot. The shifts in point of view flow well as do the intermittent flashbacks employed to show the characters' pertinent past experiences with bullies at boarding school.
The extent of the bullying episodes is revealed slowly and blends in with the mystery, as Julian and Ned confront personal fears and consequences of those boarding school days while working closely with the man who bullied them. Also slowly integrated are our main characters' depth of feelings and insecurities as they circle each other and wonder where their relationship stands. This is not the main focus of the story, still, I love Ned and Julian's "friends and lovers to romance-in-the-making" conflict.
I loved everything about Death by Silver -- the world-building and excellent atmosphere, the characters and their personal struggles, the twisty well-paced plot and the delicious romantic relationship-building elements, all the way to the great ending. I just hope that Scott and Griswold are planning a series because these characters and world are begging for one! Highly enjoyed and recommended.
October 30, 2014
Alternate magical London, where old school friends the detective and the magician team up to solve a rather obvious murder, and resolve their mutual pining along the way.
Enjoyable, though lacking that special something. This made me think about genre. Which, believe me, is unusual – I have zero interest in the whole "but what does genre mean? Is it real?" thing. But here you have a blend of alternate history/fantasy with M/M romance. I started the summary above by writing "M/M" and then deleting it, because this is M/M in the literal sense, but not in the genre sense. Let me put this bluntly: there isn't enough erotica here for me to shelve it as M/M in the sense that I conceive of it in 2014.
What I mean is, this book reminds me of those times an author writes a book with a twist of fantasy or scifi, but because of which publishing house bought it and who the literary agent is, it gets packaged as "literature" and sold as "genre-bending" or what the fuck ever. All with the subliminal notion that yes, okay, this is using fantasy or scifi tropes, but it's not actually a fantasy novel, okay, it's better than that, it's actual literature. This book reminded me of that, except M/M is the thing it's not actually doing. By which I mean it dances up to the edges of the racier genre conventions, and then turns decorously away.
Not really fair, and I think what I'm seeing is the result of built in genre/marketing constraints rather than, say, authorial self-censorship. It's just funny, and a little uncomfortable, the way combining genres can make a work less effective or rich or nuanced, rather than more so.
Audio note: This production is by far the shoddiest I have ever encountered in commercial audio. I'm willing to bet they didn't bother with the final editing pass at all. There are skips, dropped words and sentences, repeats, background noise, you name it. Terrible.
Enjoyable, though lacking that special something. This made me think about genre. Which, believe me, is unusual – I have zero interest in the whole "but what does genre mean? Is it real?" thing. But here you have a blend of alternate history/fantasy with M/M romance. I started the summary above by writing "M/M" and then deleting it, because this is M/M in the literal sense, but not in the genre sense. Let me put this bluntly: there isn't enough erotica here for me to shelve it as M/M in the sense that I conceive of it in 2014.
What I mean is, this book reminds me of those times an author writes a book with a twist of fantasy or scifi, but because of which publishing house bought it and who the literary agent is, it gets packaged as "literature" and sold as "genre-bending" or what the fuck ever. All with the subliminal notion that yes, okay, this is using fantasy or scifi tropes, but it's not actually a fantasy novel, okay, it's better than that, it's actual literature. This book reminded me of that, except M/M is the thing it's not actually doing. By which I mean it dances up to the edges of the racier genre conventions, and then turns decorously away.
Not really fair, and I think what I'm seeing is the result of built in genre/marketing constraints rather than, say, authorial self-censorship. It's just funny, and a little uncomfortable, the way combining genres can make a work less effective or rich or nuanced, rather than more so.
Audio note: This production is by far the shoddiest I have ever encountered in commercial audio. I'm willing to bet they didn't bother with the final editing pass at all. There are skips, dropped words and sentences, repeats, background noise, you name it. Terrible.
December 23, 2021
I adore the worldbuilding and magic system in this, and the mystery was lots of fun. I would really like more in this world. (And admittedly I'm interested to see how the romance will happen once our detectives have stopped being full of misunderstandings at each other.)
I like the characters, the mystery, the romance— I LOVE the world. I want more. I just want an entire book of the characters discussing the latest in metaphysical developments.
I like the characters, the mystery, the romance— I LOVE the world. I want more. I just want an entire book of the characters discussing the latest in metaphysical developments.
April 18, 2013
This was so much fun! Ned and Julian are charming, and watching them edging toward a relationship while trying to solve a murder and confront the ghosts of their past is endlessly entertaining.
March 14, 2022
A fun mystery with a really interesting magic system built around magic being more or less part of every day life, but still specialised. It also got quite dark in the last 20%, in a way I wasn't quite expecting... Otherwise, I quite liked both characters, though the romance suffered from egregious use of the miscommunication trope: literally every problem Ned and Julian had could have been solved if they'd just had a single conversation about their feelings.
June 6, 2013
Fans of Melissa Scott and Lisa Barnett’s Point series, and the series’ two protagonists, Nico and Philip, will find themselves in both familiar and unfamiliar territory in this newest Scott novel, Death by Silver, co-authored with Amy Griswold, just released by Lethe Press. There are two clever men, a love affair and its complications that needs sorting, magic, a mystery that needs solving, dangerous antagonists, and a richly developed, detailed, and nuanced world, and language that is graceful and beautiful and honest and very, very witty—all familiar.
But, it is the unfamiliar territory that engaged me and kept me reading this page-turner—unfamiliar territory that is both strange and comfortable at the same time. Death by Silver is set in Victorian England, yet not quite the historical one. In this England young men who go to Oxford can study to be a metaphysician and learn a particular magic peculiar to this world, a magic that Scott and Griswold have carefully and convincingly constructed, a magic of wands and letters and signs and sigils, a magic of written words. A cantrip, written on a piece of paper and dissolved in a glass of water, can “banish [an] incipient headache” (206).
The two clever men of the novel are metaphysician Ned Mathey and private detective Julian Lynes. Mathey, “just up from Oxford,” has only recently hung out his shingle and can’t afford to turn away clients, not even the rich and arrogant father of “the bully who made Ned’s life hell at boarding school” (back cover). Edgar Nevett wants an investigation into “the matter of a curse upon certain pieces of silver owned by the Nevett family. All other remedies have failed, and the assistance of a metaphysician has become obviously necessary” (2). Whether the silver is actually cursed or whether Mr. Nevett wants the romance of a curse become something of a side issue, when he is “found dead in his study, felled by a heavy silver candlestick that lay bloody at his side” (25). When Scotland Yard seeks Ned’s assistance, he brings Julian, another old school friend, onto the case. The game is afoot.
Who murdered Edgar Nevett? And how—was a curse actually used and Ned failed to detect it? He had determined the silver candlestick to be “magically harmless,” after all. Where will solving this mystery take Edgar and Julian—how deep in to “London’s criminal underworld and sodomitical demimonde” (back cover) must they delve? Can Ned and Julian both work with Victor, the son who so bullied them at school that Julian still wishes Victor dead? The memories of what happened at school are still painful, and far closer than either Ned or Julian imagined. The beatings, the canings, still haunt both men. And, what of the mysteries of their own hearts, the mystery of who Ned and Julian are to each other, now as grown men, and no longer bullied school boys?
This carefully constructed mystery, with its red herrings, obscure clues, its scandals and secrets, and carefully imagined magic, is compelling and engaging. I started it as a book to read on a plane and I couldn’t put it down and I kept reading it long after the three-hour flight was over. Ned and Julian are charming men, real and authentic, and how they sort out their feelings for each other ring true for the repressed nuances of Victorian sexuality. The ending is very satisfying; this novel really works.
I want a sequel, a series! Highly recommended.
But, it is the unfamiliar territory that engaged me and kept me reading this page-turner—unfamiliar territory that is both strange and comfortable at the same time. Death by Silver is set in Victorian England, yet not quite the historical one. In this England young men who go to Oxford can study to be a metaphysician and learn a particular magic peculiar to this world, a magic that Scott and Griswold have carefully and convincingly constructed, a magic of wands and letters and signs and sigils, a magic of written words. A cantrip, written on a piece of paper and dissolved in a glass of water, can “banish [an] incipient headache” (206).
The two clever men of the novel are metaphysician Ned Mathey and private detective Julian Lynes. Mathey, “just up from Oxford,” has only recently hung out his shingle and can’t afford to turn away clients, not even the rich and arrogant father of “the bully who made Ned’s life hell at boarding school” (back cover). Edgar Nevett wants an investigation into “the matter of a curse upon certain pieces of silver owned by the Nevett family. All other remedies have failed, and the assistance of a metaphysician has become obviously necessary” (2). Whether the silver is actually cursed or whether Mr. Nevett wants the romance of a curse become something of a side issue, when he is “found dead in his study, felled by a heavy silver candlestick that lay bloody at his side” (25). When Scotland Yard seeks Ned’s assistance, he brings Julian, another old school friend, onto the case. The game is afoot.
Who murdered Edgar Nevett? And how—was a curse actually used and Ned failed to detect it? He had determined the silver candlestick to be “magically harmless,” after all. Where will solving this mystery take Edgar and Julian—how deep in to “London’s criminal underworld and sodomitical demimonde” (back cover) must they delve? Can Ned and Julian both work with Victor, the son who so bullied them at school that Julian still wishes Victor dead? The memories of what happened at school are still painful, and far closer than either Ned or Julian imagined. The beatings, the canings, still haunt both men. And, what of the mysteries of their own hearts, the mystery of who Ned and Julian are to each other, now as grown men, and no longer bullied school boys?
This carefully constructed mystery, with its red herrings, obscure clues, its scandals and secrets, and carefully imagined magic, is compelling and engaging. I started it as a book to read on a plane and I couldn’t put it down and I kept reading it long after the three-hour flight was over. Ned and Julian are charming men, real and authentic, and how they sort out their feelings for each other ring true for the repressed nuances of Victorian sexuality. The ending is very satisfying; this novel really works.
I want a sequel, a series! Highly recommended.
May 24, 2014
Ned Mathey may not be the best, the brightest, or the richest, but he can damn well make certain that your silver is not cursed. Which makes Mr. Edgar Nevett getting brained by a bewitched candlestick all the more galling. Not that Ned feels that the world is greatly going to miss one Edgar Nevett, but it is not great for business if his clients kick their clogs not long after you've declared them safe. Horrible on repeat business, at the very least.
So when Victor Nevett, Edgar's eldest son, hires Ned and his detective friend, Julian Lynes, to find the killer, Ned feel compelled to agree. And not just because of his bank account. If there's a killer out there, Ned would rather that he not be responsible for them getting away with the crime. But will the fact that Victor used to torment Ned and Julian, while they were at school, make them more or less willing to find the truth when it becomes clear someone in the family is responsible? Or will they let old resentments and grudges sway them?
This book is pretty much my cup of tea all the way around. I love Victorian England, especially when magic is in play, and I am a big mystery fan. So there was very little about this book, going in, that I was worried about. Well other than the usual reluctance to trust new authors.
I have to say for a majority of this book I was totally in love. The magical world here is clearly well thought out, though it was a little confusing since I had no idea what these magical squares looked like. I would have loved some pictures in this book, showing what exactly the spell casting looked like, because while I loved the complexity, the shape and look of it didn't translate all that well through words alone.
The mystery was also very well intertwined throughout the whole book. Originally it looks like there are two or three different cases going on, but they all work together seamlessly, to create a whole that is both interesting and gripping. My only complaint is that the main villain was so obvious I was unsure why they discounted them for nearly 90% of the book. They do however get points for not blindly running into a trap. I hate when that happens.
The side characters were well thought out and it showed that the authors clearly wanted them to be more than just figures in the background. I hope there is a second book in the series, because I would love to see more of all these characters and learn more about them.
Ned and Julian were a bit of a mess, romantically speaking, but I did like how they worked things out. And while I would have loved to actually have the sex on page, the fade-to-black was well done, and I really didn't mind all that much. There was enough romance and heat on the page between the characters that I didn't need to see them going at in bed. Even if I would have loved to.
Overall, this was a good story, and I most definitely will be picking up anything else that is written in this series. Though I had to deduct some points because the villain was just too obvious, and the MCs a little to oblivious. I do recommend this though, if you are looking for a little Victorian steampunk-esk mystery.
4.5 stars
So when Victor Nevett, Edgar's eldest son, hires Ned and his detective friend, Julian Lynes, to find the killer, Ned feel compelled to agree. And not just because of his bank account. If there's a killer out there, Ned would rather that he not be responsible for them getting away with the crime. But will the fact that Victor used to torment Ned and Julian, while they were at school, make them more or less willing to find the truth when it becomes clear someone in the family is responsible? Or will they let old resentments and grudges sway them?
This book is pretty much my cup of tea all the way around. I love Victorian England, especially when magic is in play, and I am a big mystery fan. So there was very little about this book, going in, that I was worried about. Well other than the usual reluctance to trust new authors.
I have to say for a majority of this book I was totally in love. The magical world here is clearly well thought out, though it was a little confusing since I had no idea what these magical squares looked like. I would have loved some pictures in this book, showing what exactly the spell casting looked like, because while I loved the complexity, the shape and look of it didn't translate all that well through words alone.
The mystery was also very well intertwined throughout the whole book. Originally it looks like there are two or three different cases going on, but they all work together seamlessly, to create a whole that is both interesting and gripping. My only complaint is that the main villain was so obvious I was unsure why they discounted them for nearly 90% of the book. They do however get points for not blindly running into a trap. I hate when that happens.
The side characters were well thought out and it showed that the authors clearly wanted them to be more than just figures in the background. I hope there is a second book in the series, because I would love to see more of all these characters and learn more about them.
Ned and Julian were a bit of a mess, romantically speaking, but I did like how they worked things out. And while I would have loved to actually have the sex on page, the fade-to-black was well done, and I really didn't mind all that much. There was enough romance and heat on the page between the characters that I didn't need to see them going at in bed. Even if I would have loved to.
Overall, this was a good story, and I most definitely will be picking up anything else that is written in this series. Though I had to deduct some points because the villain was just too obvious, and the MCs a little to oblivious. I do recommend this though, if you are looking for a little Victorian steampunk-esk mystery.
4.5 stars
September 24, 2017
This was a rougher read than I expected from the ad copy. Good, but at times decidedly difficult.
This is a queer, steampunk murder mystery, but that's not really what it's about.
What it actually is is a book about institutionally-sanctioned bullying and abuse and the different ways in which adult survivors of childhood trauma cope with their history.
As such the whole thing requires a content warning for discussion and description of bullying and physical and sexual abuse.
Julian Lynes and Ned Mathey met and became close friends as adolescents at a boarding school where the older students and prefects were given free reign to abuse and mistreat the younger students. They were both particular targets of abuse, especially from an older student by the name of Victor Nevett.
Now they're grown, working as a private detective and a metaphysicist respectively, when Victor Nevett comes back into their lives after his father is murdered, and he hires them to attempt to solve the crime.
What I found the most fascinating about this book was the different ways each character remembered the same events. Ned and Julian were both deeply damaged by Victor's abuse in school, as a figure he looms large over both their lives. Victor just remembers them as vaguely uppity younger students from his school days. It doesn't even seem to occur to him that they might have reason to think badly of him.
Meanwhile, both Ned and Julian remember their abuse, revealed sparingly but rather harrowingly throughout the book, but they both remember the other as having had it worse. Julian was horribly abused physically and sexually by Victor and his fellow prefects, but the action he holds most against Victor is a vicious beating he inflicted upon Ned. Whereas Ned minimizes his own abuse, focusing instead on how awfully his friend was treated.
Complicating the whole situation is the fact that Ned and Julian were lovers as teenagers, drifted apart at Oxford, and have recently began sleeping together again. But their past trauma gets in the way here too. They drifted apart in Oxford in part because they had somewhat incompatible methods of attempting to put that trauma behind them and find adult happiness. And that parting at Oxford left them both distrustful of the other's interest in and commitment to their newly-renewed relationship. The question is, when your relationship with someone was forged in the adolescent fires of "us two against the world," how do you transition to a more balanced and healthy adult relationship. Especially when your relationship has to be a secret from society so you have no public role models for how such a relationship might be conducted.
I really loved the arc of Ned and Julian's relationship, both their fumbling realization that they both want a romantic relationship, and the way they dance around and with their shared history of trauma and how that impacts their case. They have been presented with a gift-wrapped means of getting their revenge upon their tormentor, and it's the choices they make when given that power that ultimately allow them to step out from under his shadow.
This is a queer, steampunk murder mystery, but that's not really what it's about.
What it actually is is a book about institutionally-sanctioned bullying and abuse and the different ways in which adult survivors of childhood trauma cope with their history.
As such the whole thing requires a content warning for discussion and description of bullying and physical and sexual abuse.
Julian Lynes and Ned Mathey met and became close friends as adolescents at a boarding school where the older students and prefects were given free reign to abuse and mistreat the younger students. They were both particular targets of abuse, especially from an older student by the name of Victor Nevett.
Now they're grown, working as a private detective and a metaphysicist respectively, when Victor Nevett comes back into their lives after his father is murdered, and he hires them to attempt to solve the crime.
What I found the most fascinating about this book was the different ways each character remembered the same events. Ned and Julian were both deeply damaged by Victor's abuse in school, as a figure he looms large over both their lives. Victor just remembers them as vaguely uppity younger students from his school days. It doesn't even seem to occur to him that they might have reason to think badly of him.
Meanwhile, both Ned and Julian remember their abuse, revealed sparingly but rather harrowingly throughout the book, but they both remember the other as having had it worse. Julian was horribly abused physically and sexually by Victor and his fellow prefects, but the action he holds most against Victor is a vicious beating he inflicted upon Ned. Whereas Ned minimizes his own abuse, focusing instead on how awfully his friend was treated.
Complicating the whole situation is the fact that Ned and Julian were lovers as teenagers, drifted apart at Oxford, and have recently began sleeping together again. But their past trauma gets in the way here too. They drifted apart in Oxford in part because they had somewhat incompatible methods of attempting to put that trauma behind them and find adult happiness. And that parting at Oxford left them both distrustful of the other's interest in and commitment to their newly-renewed relationship. The question is, when your relationship with someone was forged in the adolescent fires of "us two against the world," how do you transition to a more balanced and healthy adult relationship. Especially when your relationship has to be a secret from society so you have no public role models for how such a relationship might be conducted.
I really loved the arc of Ned and Julian's relationship, both their fumbling realization that they both want a romantic relationship, and the way they dance around and with their shared history of trauma and how that impacts their case. They have been presented with a gift-wrapped means of getting their revenge upon their tormentor, and it's the choices they make when given that power that ultimately allow them to step out from under his shadow.
June 6, 2013
I'm always happy when Melissa Scott has a new book out, so of course I had to read this. It is, as you can gather from the summary, Victorian London with magic, and our heroes Ned and Julian (a magician and a detective, respectively) are hired to look into a mysterious murder among the family of one of their old school... enemies. The enemy thing is different, I will admit.
There are two things I expect, generally, in Melissa Scott's books, which are (1) queer characters and (2) awesome worldbuilding, and yes, this book has both. I did enjoy Ned and Julian's relationship, although half the time I wanted to shake them and tell them just to talk to each other. And the magic system is intriguing, mostly for me in the way it has been mixed into the world. (The actual workings of the magic system were not specific enough, I found; I kept hoping there would be some appendix explaining how it all actually worked, and what the grammar was, and what all the symbols were, and there wasn't quite enough information to piece this together from the story itself, and so I kept getting distracted.)
I don't usually read a lot of mysteries, so I didn't guess the villain, and I don't think I'm really qualified to comment on how this works as an example of the mystery genre, but the plot was at least entertaining on its own merits.
Definitely going to read the next one, assuming there is one. Of course I will.
There are two things I expect, generally, in Melissa Scott's books, which are (1) queer characters and (2) awesome worldbuilding, and yes, this book has both. I did enjoy Ned and Julian's relationship, although half the time I wanted to shake them and tell them just to talk to each other. And the magic system is intriguing, mostly for me in the way it has been mixed into the world. (The actual workings of the magic system were not specific enough, I found; I kept hoping there would be some appendix explaining how it all actually worked, and what the grammar was, and what all the symbols were, and there wasn't quite enough information to piece this together from the story itself, and so I kept getting distracted.)
I don't usually read a lot of mysteries, so I didn't guess the villain, and I don't think I'm really qualified to comment on how this works as an example of the mystery genre, but the plot was at least entertaining on its own merits.
Definitely going to read the next one, assuming there is one. Of course I will.
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