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Astreiant #4
Fairs' Point
During Dog Moon, the chief entertainment in the great city of Astreiant, for nobles and commons alike, is the basket-terrier races at New Fair. This year, with spectacularly bad timing, the massive and suspicious bankruptcy of a young nobleman has convulsed the city, leading to suicides, widespread loss of employment, and inconvenient new laws around the universal practice of betting on the races. As well, a rash of mysterious burglaries seems to suggest a magistical conspiracy.
Pointsman Nicolas Rathe is naturally in the midst of all these disturbances—as is his lover, foreign former mercenary Philip Eslingen. When Eslingen receives a basket-terrier puppy in the redistribution of the bankrupt’s household goods, he makes the best of it by having the pup trained for the races, an action that draws him and Rathe deeper into the coils of a mystery somehow involving New Fair’s dog races, bookies and bettors, the bankruptcy and its causes and fallout, burglaries, and a new uncanny form of murder.
Fourth in the Astreiant series, Fairs’ Point once again demonstrates Melissa Scott’s mastery of fantasy world building, detective-story plotting, and the provision of sheer delight.
Pointsman Nicolas Rathe is naturally in the midst of all these disturbances—as is his lover, foreign former mercenary Philip Eslingen. When Eslingen receives a basket-terrier puppy in the redistribution of the bankrupt’s household goods, he makes the best of it by having the pup trained for the races, an action that draws him and Rathe deeper into the coils of a mystery somehow involving New Fair’s dog races, bookies and bettors, the bankruptcy and its causes and fallout, burglaries, and a new uncanny form of murder.
Fourth in the Astreiant series, Fairs’ Point once again demonstrates Melissa Scott’s mastery of fantasy world building, detective-story plotting, and the provision of sheer delight.
ebook
First published May 1, 2014
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276 people want to read
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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April 12, 2018And that's my complete glom reread of the Astreiant books finished in what, three days, because I have no self control. Cannot *wait* for the next book. These are intriguing fantasies, well crafted mysteries, a lightly drawn but lovely romance, well written, feminist and queer in the most casually uncompromising way, and just the epitome of what I want to read. Ngh. /clockwatches for Point of Sighs/
April 25, 2018
I suspect there may have been a tiny bit of bending logic with regard to the mystery but I loved the book nonetheless. It took me a while to get into the plot but then it gripped me.
But what's really, really nice is that these guys actually talk to each other. It would have been so easy to spice this up with a bit of misunderstanding but I love, love, love their relationship even though (or maybe because) none of the big trope guns were fired. Yes, there is a bit of uncertainty now and again but this is truly a relationship between equals. Give and take. Just as it should be. Nice :-).
I'm very much looking forward to the next book which hopefully will come out in May.
But what's really, really nice is that these guys actually talk to each other. It would have been so easy to spice this up with a bit of misunderstanding but I love, love, love their relationship even though (or maybe because) none of the big trope guns were fired. Yes, there is a bit of uncertainty now and again but this is truly a relationship between equals. Give and take. Just as it should be. Nice :-).
I'm very much looking forward to the next book which hopefully will come out in May.
May 4, 2017
Excellent. This is the third novel in a wonderful police procedural fantasy series. This one's all about dogs and bad magic and it's fascinating. The writing, characters, world-building, love story, and mystery plot are all really excellent. Like all the other books in the series, this is full of subtlety and depth and detail and really takes its time to tell the story fully, and it's a great reading experience and something to savour. I suppose this could stand alone as a mystery, but to get the full picture of Astreiant and its culture and to really appreciate the adorable subtleties of Nico and Philip's delightfully understated relationship, I definitely recommend starting at the beginning (the excellent Point of Hopes) so you don't miss out. I do believe a new Astreiant book is in the works, so I'm looking forward to that immensely.
April 10, 2022
Another great update to this series! Interesting ~mystery~, more engaging world-building, and a light sprinkling of relationship development. Some editing issues, but didn't bother me too much. As always, I do wish there'd been a bit more relationship and less plot, but totally personal preference and still very enjoyable!
April 26, 2021
Rep: gay mc, bi mc
October 15, 2017
I continue to adore this series and this is my favourite yet, in part because for the first time it took me as long as the characters to figure out the mystery.
But what's really great about this is the relationships. Not just Nico and Philip, although definitely them, but also the way they're so integrated into the city and their communities.
Nico and his patronage of Besetje. Nico and his working relationships within the Points, especially with his Senior Trijn and the ever-useful Sohier. Philip and his history with Coindarel and the connections he develops with the assorted bookmakers around the races. Both of them at Wicked's all the time and Wicked looking out for them when possible. And, of course, the way their names are now recognized and trusted by many in the city.
The relationship between Nico and Philip is still the heart of the book though. The growing intimacy between them and the way they're still figuring out how they fit together and what their lemancy means to each of them. I love the way people keep referring to Philip as Nico's "black dog" and how much that assumed closeness and faithfulness pleases them both.
I love the central emotional conflict between Philip's commitment to Nico and his desire for a job that Nico disapproves of and that may put them in conflict. Balancing Nico's desire to lean on Philip for help with Philip's need to have some separate authority and purpose of his own. They are equals to each other, but as long as Philip is only a fencing master Nico will have more authority and therefore more power in the eyes of everyone else.
I love this series so much because it's about the relationship after the get-together. It's about the reality of the ongoing work and compromise required to build and maintain a relationship. So many series spend all their time on the will they/won't they. It's refreshing to read a series where the "will they" isn't the story, the story is in what happens next.
But what's really great about this is the relationships. Not just Nico and Philip, although definitely them, but also the way they're so integrated into the city and their communities.
Nico and his patronage of Besetje. Nico and his working relationships within the Points, especially with his Senior Trijn and the ever-useful Sohier. Philip and his history with Coindarel and the connections he develops with the assorted bookmakers around the races. Both of them at Wicked's all the time and Wicked looking out for them when possible. And, of course, the way their names are now recognized and trusted by many in the city.
The relationship between Nico and Philip is still the heart of the book though. The growing intimacy between them and the way they're still figuring out how they fit together and what their lemancy means to each of them. I love the way people keep referring to Philip as Nico's "black dog" and how much that assumed closeness and faithfulness pleases them both.
I love the central emotional conflict between Philip's commitment to Nico and his desire for a job that Nico disapproves of and that may put them in conflict. Balancing Nico's desire to lean on Philip for help with Philip's need to have some separate authority and purpose of his own. They are equals to each other, but as long as Philip is only a fencing master Nico will have more authority and therefore more power in the eyes of everyone else.
I love this series so much because it's about the relationship after the get-together. It's about the reality of the ongoing work and compromise required to build and maintain a relationship. So many series spend all their time on the will they/won't they. It's refreshing to read a series where the "will they" isn't the story, the story is in what happens next.
January 29, 2021
This is the most enjoyable of the books so far - if only because the editing improved! It read smooth the whole way through.
I continue to admire the worldbuilding and the crime plots. They're so imaginative and fascinating - in the real world it's easy enough to come up with a crime: break into a bank, steal from the rich, idk, using conventional methods. But when you have a fantasy setting with laws of physics (or magic) completely different from our own, with a societal structure that's to the left and up (or something), you will have motivations and methods that aren't obvious, and it takes a tremendous imagination to work that out. In a world that looks like this, what would one steal? why? how? is there a cool method they can use that isn't at odds with the existing worldbuilding and laws, that would make this plot intriguing and fun not just for the characters solving it, but the reader? the answer is yes, and Melissa Scott has done it. (Again.)
My other favourite thing about this series is that it's about the regular people. It's not about The Chosen One who has to save the world and the few Plot Relevant People they come across in their Quest. This is about a regular city full of regular people with regular jobs and regular relationships. They have normal people problems, like what to have for dinner. They have normal people relationship problems as well - so far Philip's and Nico's relationship problems can be characterised by 'my career is at odds with your career, how do we make it work without having to give up our careers, or each other?' and I found that so very refreshing? Especially as they become more and more secure in their romantic relationship (and deal with it like mature adults!) and do away with their jealousy, because they know the jealousy isn't rational, etc. I love it.
I continue to admire the worldbuilding and the crime plots. They're so imaginative and fascinating - in the real world it's easy enough to come up with a crime: break into a bank, steal from the rich, idk, using conventional methods. But when you have a fantasy setting with laws of physics (or magic) completely different from our own, with a societal structure that's to the left and up (or something), you will have motivations and methods that aren't obvious, and it takes a tremendous imagination to work that out. In a world that looks like this, what would one steal? why? how? is there a cool method they can use that isn't at odds with the existing worldbuilding and laws, that would make this plot intriguing and fun not just for the characters solving it, but the reader? the answer is yes, and Melissa Scott has done it. (Again.)
My other favourite thing about this series is that it's about the regular people. It's not about The Chosen One who has to save the world and the few Plot Relevant People they come across in their Quest. This is about a regular city full of regular people with regular jobs and regular relationships. They have normal people problems, like what to have for dinner. They have normal people relationship problems as well - so far Philip's and Nico's relationship problems can be characterised by 'my career is at odds with your career, how do we make it work without having to give up our careers, or each other?' and I found that so very refreshing? Especially as they become more and more secure in their romantic relationship (and deal with it like mature adults!) and do away with their jealousy, because they know the jealousy isn't rational, etc. I love it.
June 19, 2014
Point of Hopes, Point of Dreams, Point of Knives, and now, Fairs’ Point. At the last DarkoverCon Melissa Scott remarked that were thirteen Points in the city of Astreiant and she and her late partner, Lisa Barnett, had originally planned a novel for each. That we now have four gives me hope that there are many more stories of Nico Rathe, Adjunct Point, and his lover, Philip Eslingen, swordsman and former mercenary, to be told.
In this fourth novel of Astreiant, where astrology works and the working of magic is a profession and the dead, human and animal, return at ghost tide, Nico and Philip once again find themselves embroiled in a mystery. It is Dog Moon, and “the chief entertainment for nobles and commons alike, is the basket-terrier races at New Fair.” This year, things are a bit different. A young nobleman’s bankruptcy “has convulsed the city, leading to suicides, widespread loss of employment, and inconvenient new laws. As well, a rash of mysterious burglaries seems to suggest a magistical [magical] conspiracy” (back cover).
Pointsman Nico Rathe is, of course, in the middle of this, as is Philip, to whom the nobleman owed money. When the young man’s goods are divided among his debtors, Philip receives a basket-terrier puppy. He decides to have the dog, Sunflower, trained for the races—a decision that draws both men deeper into a mystery that somehow involves dog racing, burglaries, silver coins somehow appearing in a city wall, and strangely-done murders. Something weird is definitely going with the silver.
Complications ensue.
Scott once again is in top form in the ongoing world-building and exploration of this fantastical city. Details are rich and true, from the careful construction of a matriarchal society in which men don’t own property and a Queen is always on the throne, from the food sold at Wicked’s to how an alchemist examines a dead body. Such whimsical details as having the ghost of Nico’s childhood dog return during ghost tide I found particularly delightful. The mystery driving this police procedural is well-plotted, and the relationship that is the heart of this novel, that of Nico and Philip, is realistic and honest. They have things to work—should Phillip take the commission in the new Guard? How will this affect their relationship?
Just how the mystery is solved will be most satisfying to the reader.
As a Scott fan, I found myself once again drawn into this world and once again I was reluctant to leave it. Scott sets up the ending with the suggestion that this novel is indeed part of an ongoing longer story—and yes, my appetite is more than whetted for the adventures of these two likeable and personable characters to continue.
On a side note, I did wonder if maybe Scott might think about providing some sort of glossary of terms No, a glossary (or a gazetteer or a list of dramatis personae) isn’t necessary to understand and enjoy the story, and the context of each term does give me enough to go on. Even so, I’m curious: does “second sunrise” and “false dawn mean” there are two suns in the sky? Is Dis, as in Dis Adones and Dis-damned, akin to Dis Pater, the Roman god of the underworld? Does “How in Tyrseis’s name” and “What in Seidos’s Name” refer to the gods of this world? My guess: yes, Dis is a god, and perhaps so are Seidos and Tyrseis. Do I need to know to enjoy this novel? No, but knowing would enrich the experience and add to the wonder of this city of Astreiant.
Temple Point, Point of Graves… yes, more tales to come! Highly recommended.
In this fourth novel of Astreiant, where astrology works and the working of magic is a profession and the dead, human and animal, return at ghost tide, Nico and Philip once again find themselves embroiled in a mystery. It is Dog Moon, and “the chief entertainment for nobles and commons alike, is the basket-terrier races at New Fair.” This year, things are a bit different. A young nobleman’s bankruptcy “has convulsed the city, leading to suicides, widespread loss of employment, and inconvenient new laws. As well, a rash of mysterious burglaries seems to suggest a magistical [magical] conspiracy” (back cover).
Pointsman Nico Rathe is, of course, in the middle of this, as is Philip, to whom the nobleman owed money. When the young man’s goods are divided among his debtors, Philip receives a basket-terrier puppy. He decides to have the dog, Sunflower, trained for the races—a decision that draws both men deeper into a mystery that somehow involves dog racing, burglaries, silver coins somehow appearing in a city wall, and strangely-done murders. Something weird is definitely going with the silver.
Complications ensue.
Scott once again is in top form in the ongoing world-building and exploration of this fantastical city. Details are rich and true, from the careful construction of a matriarchal society in which men don’t own property and a Queen is always on the throne, from the food sold at Wicked’s to how an alchemist examines a dead body. Such whimsical details as having the ghost of Nico’s childhood dog return during ghost tide I found particularly delightful. The mystery driving this police procedural is well-plotted, and the relationship that is the heart of this novel, that of Nico and Philip, is realistic and honest. They have things to work—should Phillip take the commission in the new Guard? How will this affect their relationship?
Just how the mystery is solved will be most satisfying to the reader.
As a Scott fan, I found myself once again drawn into this world and once again I was reluctant to leave it. Scott sets up the ending with the suggestion that this novel is indeed part of an ongoing longer story—and yes, my appetite is more than whetted for the adventures of these two likeable and personable characters to continue.
On a side note, I did wonder if maybe Scott might think about providing some sort of glossary of terms No, a glossary (or a gazetteer or a list of dramatis personae) isn’t necessary to understand and enjoy the story, and the context of each term does give me enough to go on. Even so, I’m curious: does “second sunrise” and “false dawn mean” there are two suns in the sky? Is Dis, as in Dis Adones and Dis-damned, akin to Dis Pater, the Roman god of the underworld? Does “How in Tyrseis’s name” and “What in Seidos’s Name” refer to the gods of this world? My guess: yes, Dis is a god, and perhaps so are Seidos and Tyrseis. Do I need to know to enjoy this novel? No, but knowing would enrich the experience and add to the wonder of this city of Astreiant.
Temple Point, Point of Graves… yes, more tales to come! Highly recommended.
January 24, 2025
Nico and Philip venture into the world of Astreiant's popular basket-terrier races, where something mysterious and murderous is going on, silver is disappearing from locked strongboxes, and, thanks to involuntarily acquiring a basket-terrier puppy in lieu of repayment of debts owed, Philip himself has a dog in the race - providing him and Nico an helpful avenue of inside access to the racing world.
Once again, Melissa Scott's wonderful worldbuilding and characters provide a marvellously enjoyable and intriguing read, with a mystery that keeps you guessing. I'm thrilled to see there's a new installment coming up this year - definitely a must-buy for me!
Once again, Melissa Scott's wonderful worldbuilding and characters provide a marvellously enjoyable and intriguing read, with a mystery that keeps you guessing. I'm thrilled to see there's a new installment coming up this year - definitely a must-buy for me!
April 15, 2017
People get killed with silver coins and I have never been so invested in dog racing????
December 22, 2024
Before the tea is even warm, Adjunct Point, Nicolas Rathe, has his hands full. Newly appointed apprentice, Lievreth Maeykin, working the night shift, has an important message for Rathe. It was the typical circular with the chief point seal and signature from Fair’s Point.
Aardre Beier is missing and that is not normal for this time of year. The phrases taken from the Pointswoman’s Handbook were formal. Rathe looked over the names of the friends-at-law and circumstances of the appeal for Beier.
Friends-at-law were all dog trainers of veterinarians and their concern was not that Beier hadn’t been seen at the usual places, but there were no broadsheets from the man in the moon-month before the Dog Moon races. That was worthy of notice and concern to have Chief Guillen Claes of Fairs Point have a circular drafted. Of course, this was important enough to share with Rathe’s Chief Trijn of Point of Dreams.
With the dog races an important event at the Fairs, it was strange that Beier was not to be found. The man was an eccentric rarity of University, trained astrologer and focused his skill on the art of dog racing. He cast veterinary horoscopes for breeders, trainers, and published pamphlets on the fine art of handicapping.
Before Rathe knows it, Points woman Sohier shows up with the news of a body at the Belles. The Belles is a theatre that he and Enslingen had frequent, where the doors had locks not just curtains. Rathe was glad that the body was not found in a box they had used. Almendes the theatre doorkeeper of the Belles explains the entire cleaning and closing process and couldn’t see how someone would have snuck in.
The alchemist explains there’s been too many suicides in a month and Fanier blames Matter of Malfiliatre. Malifiliatre had been grinding the Astreiant’s courts for almost a decade since the last soueraine died childless.
The corpse at the Belles is Jero Corsten, a trainer and vet of the Yellow Dog and he poisoned himself before the great Fairs dog races. Wanting to claim the Corsten case, Rathe would have to go to Fairs and face Chief of Fairs Guillen Caes. Bad feelings were between Dreams and Fairs when Voillemin was transferred there. Entering the Fairs station Rathe could already see the hostility of the dog owners and the care that was being neglected. Of course, Voillemin didn’t know how to handle the crowd. Getting help from Maewes DeVoss was important, as she was very involved in the way of the dog races. DeVoss was able to see the dogs were fed and fees were paid. Corsten, two days before his death had already had a Writ of Distraint and any winnings would go to pay debts.
There was also another case of debts that couldn’t be paid by Dandin De Cailor, no thanks to Malifiliatre. Since Phillip Enslingen had loaned money to De Cailor more than once, he found himself with a little basket terrier, racing dog by the name of Sunflower. At first he’s hesitant about Sunflower but Rathe finds him a perfect trainer in Besetje Naimi. She was of the Quentier dynasty of pickpockets but her stars were dreadful for that type of family business.
But with mysteries of missing persons, suicide, thievery of strong boxes, magic and silver coins, Philip Enslingen finds himself approached by Prince-Marshall Coindarel’s leman Major-Sargeant Patric Estradere. Estradere very much want’s Enslingen to join the new City Guard to aid in all Points business. It’s a temptation to Enslingen, he would earn more coin and be able to help in is living arrangement with Rathe. Would Rathe agree to him joining the new guard or will it bring trouble to them both?
Melissa Scott creates another fascinating novel in “A Novel of Astreiant” with “Fairs Point”. This was really good with the subject of dog racing and all the expertise that goes into it. There are many trainers, staff and owners that get involved in races and all play a specific role. There are so many interesting ideas in this novel with: bonds for book-writers, illegal traders, business and even horoscopes, printers and play scripts. The idea of what occurs when debts can’t be paid.
Enslingen and Rathe are very interesting characters and they always leave a little mystery about themselves. My curiosity always peaks when it comes to Nicolas Rathe as he never shares his astrological signs or horoscope with Phillip Enslingen. Phillip is always reading his own signs and horoscopes from the broadsheets. In this novel even the little terrier Sunflower has his own horoscope. I really like that Sunflower was brought into this series. The little dog brings out a warmness between Phillip and Nico and it was a moment that touched the heart about Mud. The intimate relationship between Phillip and Nico grows a little more in each story. There is still caution with Nico about Phillip being his “leman” or his “black dog”.
I love the role Besetje Naimi played. She worked really hard with Sunflower and they made quite a racing team. Besetje showed the love she had for the dog and proved she was better than a pickpocket. Besides Besetje there is a host of characters that make up this intriguing novel.
I highly recommend “Fair’s Point: A Novel of Astreiant” with each novel this series gets more amazing. I suggest starting with “Point of Hopes” it’s really worth reading to get to this point in understanding Nicolas Rathe and the charming Philip Enslingen. Each novel brings complex mysteries with magic and astrology. The next novel by the outstanding author Melissa Scott is “Point of Sighs”.
Aardre Beier is missing and that is not normal for this time of year. The phrases taken from the Pointswoman’s Handbook were formal. Rathe looked over the names of the friends-at-law and circumstances of the appeal for Beier.
Friends-at-law were all dog trainers of veterinarians and their concern was not that Beier hadn’t been seen at the usual places, but there were no broadsheets from the man in the moon-month before the Dog Moon races. That was worthy of notice and concern to have Chief Guillen Claes of Fairs Point have a circular drafted. Of course, this was important enough to share with Rathe’s Chief Trijn of Point of Dreams.
With the dog races an important event at the Fairs, it was strange that Beier was not to be found. The man was an eccentric rarity of University, trained astrologer and focused his skill on the art of dog racing. He cast veterinary horoscopes for breeders, trainers, and published pamphlets on the fine art of handicapping.
Before Rathe knows it, Points woman Sohier shows up with the news of a body at the Belles. The Belles is a theatre that he and Enslingen had frequent, where the doors had locks not just curtains. Rathe was glad that the body was not found in a box they had used. Almendes the theatre doorkeeper of the Belles explains the entire cleaning and closing process and couldn’t see how someone would have snuck in.
The alchemist explains there’s been too many suicides in a month and Fanier blames Matter of Malfiliatre. Malifiliatre had been grinding the Astreiant’s courts for almost a decade since the last soueraine died childless.
The corpse at the Belles is Jero Corsten, a trainer and vet of the Yellow Dog and he poisoned himself before the great Fairs dog races. Wanting to claim the Corsten case, Rathe would have to go to Fairs and face Chief of Fairs Guillen Caes. Bad feelings were between Dreams and Fairs when Voillemin was transferred there. Entering the Fairs station Rathe could already see the hostility of the dog owners and the care that was being neglected. Of course, Voillemin didn’t know how to handle the crowd. Getting help from Maewes DeVoss was important, as she was very involved in the way of the dog races. DeVoss was able to see the dogs were fed and fees were paid. Corsten, two days before his death had already had a Writ of Distraint and any winnings would go to pay debts.
There was also another case of debts that couldn’t be paid by Dandin De Cailor, no thanks to Malifiliatre. Since Phillip Enslingen had loaned money to De Cailor more than once, he found himself with a little basket terrier, racing dog by the name of Sunflower. At first he’s hesitant about Sunflower but Rathe finds him a perfect trainer in Besetje Naimi. She was of the Quentier dynasty of pickpockets but her stars were dreadful for that type of family business.
But with mysteries of missing persons, suicide, thievery of strong boxes, magic and silver coins, Philip Enslingen finds himself approached by Prince-Marshall Coindarel’s leman Major-Sargeant Patric Estradere. Estradere very much want’s Enslingen to join the new City Guard to aid in all Points business. It’s a temptation to Enslingen, he would earn more coin and be able to help in is living arrangement with Rathe. Would Rathe agree to him joining the new guard or will it bring trouble to them both?
Melissa Scott creates another fascinating novel in “A Novel of Astreiant” with “Fairs Point”. This was really good with the subject of dog racing and all the expertise that goes into it. There are many trainers, staff and owners that get involved in races and all play a specific role. There are so many interesting ideas in this novel with: bonds for book-writers, illegal traders, business and even horoscopes, printers and play scripts. The idea of what occurs when debts can’t be paid.
Enslingen and Rathe are very interesting characters and they always leave a little mystery about themselves. My curiosity always peaks when it comes to Nicolas Rathe as he never shares his astrological signs or horoscope with Phillip Enslingen. Phillip is always reading his own signs and horoscopes from the broadsheets. In this novel even the little terrier Sunflower has his own horoscope. I really like that Sunflower was brought into this series. The little dog brings out a warmness between Phillip and Nico and it was a moment that touched the heart about Mud. The intimate relationship between Phillip and Nico grows a little more in each story. There is still caution with Nico about Phillip being his “leman” or his “black dog”.
I love the role Besetje Naimi played. She worked really hard with Sunflower and they made quite a racing team. Besetje showed the love she had for the dog and proved she was better than a pickpocket. Besides Besetje there is a host of characters that make up this intriguing novel.
I highly recommend “Fair’s Point: A Novel of Astreiant” with each novel this series gets more amazing. I suggest starting with “Point of Hopes” it’s really worth reading to get to this point in understanding Nicolas Rathe and the charming Philip Enslingen. Each novel brings complex mysteries with magic and astrology. The next novel by the outstanding author Melissa Scott is “Point of Sighs”.
February 21, 2019
i love these books!!!!! this one was so much FUN, they get a racing puppy and have to work through relationship tensions when eslingen gets offered a promotion to the new city guard (and it's handled so well and maturely and i love them), and there's a crazy mystery going on, and please let there be one million books in this series because i swear i'll read ALL OF THEM. i just want to live in astreiant forever, okay!!!
March 12, 2018
I want a million books in this world. Quasi-medieval matriarchal low countries murder-mysteries of my heart.
July 19, 2014
Ms Scott does not fail to immerse readers into her highly developed and intricate world of Astreiant with this latest instalment - Fairs' Point. Whilst new readers to the series can enjoy this as a standalone – my strong advice for a better reading experience would be to have a good grasp of the socio-politico-cultural aspects of Astreiant; even I had to scratch my memory-banks from past series titles over certain plot elements.
The author places these books only months apart – the first book in the series is set in the previous year for the Nico and Philip. Thus their growing relationship (as lemans) is barely off the ground and the two men are as just comfortably settling into couplehood and living together. Like the previous three books in the series – Fairs' Point is not M-M romance fic – so do not expect a great deal of exposition on declarations of love, internal monologues and ruminations over each others’ intentions, nor sex scene prose – you’d be sadly disappointed.
However, as a fantasy-police procedural, the plot pacing moves at a moderate pace (not as exciting as the first book in the series). As the season ramps up towards the height of the Dog Moon – the annual gambling/betting fever escalates and captures folk from all strata of society; fortunes will be made, lost and regained during this time. Terrier racing is the main vehicle of all this and as usual, bodies start turning up in mysterious circumstances for the pointsmen to investigate. Likewise as usual – there is the added complication of dark magistry involved in these deaths as the victims appear to be killed by filthy lucre – literally. Philip manages to inherit a basket terrier (adorably called Sunflower) with racing potential and decides to enter the pup into the races to try his own fortune. The author gives quite deal of detail into the dog-racing industry between Philip’s amateur dog-owner aspirations and Nico’s investigation of rival dog owners / racing trainers / bookies / underworld crime figures etc.
Animal lovers will appreciate the puppy antics. Fantasy aficionados will appreciate the continued layering of details regarding the world of Astreiant. Mystery-whodunnit fans will appreciate the red herrings / diversions and satisfactory resolution to the baffling murderous acts. Plus there’s a particularly explosive action packed finale. Another excellent instalment from Ms Scott and I can only regret the waiting time until the next book in this series.
The author places these books only months apart – the first book in the series is set in the previous year for the Nico and Philip. Thus their growing relationship (as lemans) is barely off the ground and the two men are as just comfortably settling into couplehood and living together. Like the previous three books in the series – Fairs' Point is not M-M romance fic – so do not expect a great deal of exposition on declarations of love, internal monologues and ruminations over each others’ intentions, nor sex scene prose – you’d be sadly disappointed.
However, as a fantasy-police procedural, the plot pacing moves at a moderate pace (not as exciting as the first book in the series). As the season ramps up towards the height of the Dog Moon – the annual gambling/betting fever escalates and captures folk from all strata of society; fortunes will be made, lost and regained during this time. Terrier racing is the main vehicle of all this and as usual, bodies start turning up in mysterious circumstances for the pointsmen to investigate. Likewise as usual – there is the added complication of dark magistry involved in these deaths as the victims appear to be killed by filthy lucre – literally. Philip manages to inherit a basket terrier (adorably called Sunflower) with racing potential and decides to enter the pup into the races to try his own fortune. The author gives quite deal of detail into the dog-racing industry between Philip’s amateur dog-owner aspirations and Nico’s investigation of rival dog owners / racing trainers / bookies / underworld crime figures etc.
Animal lovers will appreciate the puppy antics. Fantasy aficionados will appreciate the continued layering of details regarding the world of Astreiant. Mystery-whodunnit fans will appreciate the red herrings / diversions and satisfactory resolution to the baffling murderous acts. Plus there’s a particularly explosive action packed finale. Another excellent instalment from Ms Scott and I can only regret the waiting time until the next book in this series.
May 18, 2014
I didn't like this quite as much as I liked the first two, but this was still a really great read -- and I am so thrilled that Melissa Scott is continuing this series, I cannot even tell you. Fairs' Point brings us back to Astreiant once again, and Rathe and Eslingen are solving more mysteries together. This time, it's murders and disappearing silver at the dog races. (Okay, they're more like terrier steeplechase races than what you're probably picturing. I really want terrier steeplechase to be a real thing somewhere now.)
And, yes, Rathe and Eslingen get a dog. Well, Eslingen gets a dog. (Note to people who are worried about possibilities of animal harm: Nothing bad whatsoever happens to the dog. Now go read the book.)
In terms of the plot itself, I thought the exposition was a bit hard to follow compared to the other books, but I really liked how here we had Rathe and Eslingen working as more of a team, and hopefully we'll see more of that in future books. (There will be future books, right?)
Highly recommended to fans of the series; people who have not read the series but would like to read books about two men in love solving crimes together in what I am guessing is fantasy Renaissance matriarchy pseudo-Holland (come on, how can you say no to that?) should head over to the first in the series immediately.
And, yes, Rathe and Eslingen get a dog. Well, Eslingen gets a dog. (Note to people who are worried about possibilities of animal harm: Nothing bad whatsoever happens to the dog. Now go read the book.)
In terms of the plot itself, I thought the exposition was a bit hard to follow compared to the other books, but I really liked how here we had Rathe and Eslingen working as more of a team, and hopefully we'll see more of that in future books. (There will be future books, right?)
Highly recommended to fans of the series; people who have not read the series but would like to read books about two men in love solving crimes together in what I am guessing is fantasy Renaissance matriarchy pseudo-Holland (come on, how can you say no to that?) should head over to the first in the series immediately.
May 15, 2014
I've been waiting for this book so long! I loved Melissa Scott and Lisa A. Barnett's Point of Hopes (1995), Point of Dreams (2001) and the novella Scott wrote after Barnett's untimely death, Point of Knives (2012). These tales are all set in the city of Astreiant, in a world experiencing a version of the English Renaissance where magic is real, and where women are the dominant sex. There's always a wonderful mix of rich characterization, magic, mystery, politics and intrigue which makes for thoroughly enjoyable reads and rereads. The main characters, Nicholas Rathe and Philip Eslingen continue to be as likeable and thoughtful as ever and their relationship has deepened and strengthened in spite of continuing tensions over Eslingen's career choices. It will be very interesting to see what happens in the next book in this series, may it be soon! For a reader new to this series, please start with Point of Hopes, and I assure you, you will be hooked.
February 19, 2016
I am so glad Melissa Scott is continuing to write these. Was it as good as the first two? No. But it was good on its own terms, and I love Nico and Phillip forever and ever. (They seemed a little more Bodie and Doyle-like to me in this one, FWIW.) I wished there had been a little more character development but... maybe in the next one (I love being able to say that)?
[Reread, Feb. 2015: I still love these books so much, and I really, really, really enjoyed reading this again. Nico/Philip forever and ever and ever. <3]
[Reread 2-19-16: AHHHHHHH this is so my favorite, favorite, favorite set of books ever, and I am just so happy to live in a world where I have these and possibly more of them and AHHHHH.]
[Reread, Feb. 2015: I still love these books so much, and I really, really, really enjoyed reading this again. Nico/Philip forever and ever and ever. <3]
[Reread 2-19-16: AHHHHHHH this is so my favorite, favorite, favorite set of books ever, and I am just so happy to live in a world where I have these and possibly more of them and AHHHHH.]
July 30, 2015
finally gotten my hands on the third book! i love how quietly mundane astreiant novels are, in the way best procedurals are, all about frank russel's "legwork", slow patient work bringing the investigators to the slow careful results. and on top of it, astreiant itself, bustling matriarchal city with its astrologers and its rioting students and its dog races. and on top of it, rathe and eslingen and their quiet, respectful, loving relationship, and them being so achingly careful in exploring it, in feeling out each other's boundaries and trying not to overstep them. nothing groundbreaking, maybe, but so soothing; like fresh air.
May 19, 2014
This is my favorite so far of the Points books, and that's saying quite a bit. The mystery is intriguing, and it was just the right amount of obscure -- I got it just before the guys did, rather than many pages ahead or winding up scratching my head long after the resolution. Philip is as usual a dear, and watching him cope with Sunflower the Basket Terrier is welcome humor.
July 28, 2020
I think this may be my favorite one because it was a fun story line and it was great to see the boys working together and also having a great supportive relationship and the background casual domesticity kills me EVERYTIME.
April 24, 2018
The Astreiant books were on sale at Smashwords so I finally bought this one (I wanted a physical copy to match the rest but such is life) and reread the whole series (so far) in order to remember who these people are and what Astreiant is about.
Fairs' Point gets more action as the dog races start, people start vanishing, the city is in chaos in the aftermath of a long and expensive feud between families over an heirless property, Eslingen gets a dog in payment for debts, and walls start bleeding silver coins. Life is as mysterious as usual.
After reading four books from this series along with the Lynes and Mathey ones, I think I've gotten used to Melissa Scott's modus operandi when it comes to mysteries: there's a lot going on and very seldom do we get red herrings. All of those things are connected somehow and the plot unfolds at a very good pace. Also being a pointsman is a hard and sometimes thankless job.
I do prefer this series over the Lynes and Mathey one, if only because it's such a treat to be in Astreiant with its lemanry and horoscopes. Everyone knows Eslingen and Rathe are together, hell that's even the reason why Coindarel wants Eslingen to become Captain in the newly made City Guard--it would be easier for the Guard to get accepted by the points and not seen as a rival corps when Rathe's famous black dog is part of it.
While Rathe and Eslingen are also dealing with the complications in their relationship, a lot of it has to do with personal matters (adjusting to living with another person, keeping secrets from and for each other etc) and nothing to do with 'But having a same gender partner is illegal'. A breath of fresh air when it comes to worldbuilding, tbh.
Fairs' Point gets more action as the dog races start, people start vanishing, the city is in chaos in the aftermath of a long and expensive feud between families over an heirless property, Eslingen gets a dog in payment for debts, and walls start bleeding silver coins. Life is as mysterious as usual.
After reading four books from this series along with the Lynes and Mathey ones, I think I've gotten used to Melissa Scott's modus operandi when it comes to mysteries: there's a lot going on and very seldom do we get red herrings. All of those things are connected somehow and the plot unfolds at a very good pace. Also being a pointsman is a hard and sometimes thankless job.
I do prefer this series over the Lynes and Mathey one, if only because it's such a treat to be in Astreiant with its lemanry and horoscopes. Everyone knows Eslingen and Rathe are together, hell that's even the reason why Coindarel wants Eslingen to become Captain in the newly made City Guard--it would be easier for the Guard to get accepted by the points and not seen as a rival corps when Rathe's famous black dog is part of it.
While Rathe and Eslingen are also dealing with the complications in their relationship, a lot of it has to do with personal matters (adjusting to living with another person, keeping secrets from and for each other etc) and nothing to do with 'But having a same gender partner is illegal'. A breath of fresh air when it comes to worldbuilding, tbh.
July 28, 2018
Plot bizarrely combines dog-racing, financial misdealings, and people being murdered by silver coins being magically driven into their bodies. YIKES. I didn't remember enough of the fine points (get it, get it?) of Point of Dreams to know how much of the inter-station feuding and politicking I was supposed to remember, but it didn't, in the end, make much difference to enjoyment. I was sad we didn't see more of Seigneuse Vair, who was so intriguingly introduced in the Point of Knives novella, but Besetje was a nice character, and quite full-fledged.
As always, Astreiant is such a lovely city to spend time in. If there's one thing these books really do well, it's an aesthetic: so many set pieces in idyllic taverns enjoying a summer's bill of fare beneath a curtained bower (the renaissance-fantasy equivalent of a beer garden, I guess?) or delightful hipster-fantasy take-out in baskets and earthenware cups. Pretty clothing. Fancy wax tablet sets with silver styli. As the kids these days say, I hate how much it all appeals to me.
As always, Astreiant is such a lovely city to spend time in. If there's one thing these books really do well, it's an aesthetic: so many set pieces in idyllic taverns enjoying a summer's bill of fare beneath a curtained bower (the renaissance-fantasy equivalent of a beer garden, I guess?) or delightful hipster-fantasy take-out in baskets and earthenware cups. Pretty clothing. Fancy wax tablet sets with silver styli. As the kids these days say, I hate how much it all appeals to me.
August 24, 2024
This is the third novel-length entry in the series that began with "Point of Hopes," set in a world where the stars do in fact steer one's fate. As before, the perspective shifts between two very likable viewpoint characters: Rathe, who is roughly the equivalent of a city police officer, and Eslingen, a former soldier. This time around there are murders, dog-racing, and disappearing silver.
As murder mysteries go, this is comparatively gentle (though there is still a dose of gruesome). It was a considerable pleasure to spend more time with Rathe and Eslingen. I could happily read another twenty books about them.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
As murder mysteries go, this is comparatively gentle (though there is still a dose of gruesome). It was a considerable pleasure to spend more time with Rathe and Eslingen. I could happily read another twenty books about them.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
July 26, 2020
Whew, finally finished this book. It took me almost a week to get through these 240 pages. I really just don’t care for Melissa Scott. She has won four Lambda Literary Awards and two Gaylactic Spectrum Awards. This book won the latter. I only gave one of her books four stars, Death by Silver, from a different series. The other books in this Astreiant series, Point of Knives, Point of Dreams, and Point of Hopes, I gave two and three stars. This is another three stars from me. It’s a complicated mystery about disappearing silver coin, murder, and dog races. What makes it complicated is the world building. She uses a lot of obscure words for common things. She introduces a ton of characters with names I found difficult to remember. She gets a lot of love from the LGBTQ+ community as well as on various review sites. I just don’t see it.
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Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...
May 18, 2017
Melissa Scott's style takes a bit of getting used to. Other writers who have this slow way of story telling drives me nuts, but this writer manages to draw me in, and keeps me turning the pages. I just find myself getting involved in the world she's created, and with the characters.
The focus of this book is on stolen silver, and dog racing. Dog racing! I had no idea I'd get so hooked by dog racing, or the politics of how Eslington gets involved. Or how Rathe pushes to solve the case while being thwarted at every turn.
It takes quite a while to get to the main mystery, but it concludes in a satisfying way. The beginning is mostly character development, and world building, but since I like the universe of Astreiant, I went with the flow.
I enjoyed Fairs' Point, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
The focus of this book is on stolen silver, and dog racing. Dog racing! I had no idea I'd get so hooked by dog racing, or the politics of how Eslington gets involved. Or how Rathe pushes to solve the case while being thwarted at every turn.
It takes quite a while to get to the main mystery, but it concludes in a satisfying way. The beginning is mostly character development, and world building, but since I like the universe of Astreiant, I went with the flow.
I enjoyed Fairs' Point, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 4, 2018
I had this on my Kindle for ages without getting round to reading it even though I had loved the others in the series. I finally read it, and it was great. This is a relatively light reading series, but no worse for that. It’s just such fun. I really like the two main characters, and they are continuing to develop through the series. Their relationship is continuing to deepen as their careers too are shifting. The way a couple negotiate their lives is nicely interwoven with the basic detective story set in a fantastic world. Scott constructs alternate worlds so well. All the novels I’ve read of hers have great world building. It never feels forced or hard work to enter the world she has made. Brilliant stuff.
February 3, 2019
Terrific story
I am so happy with everything about this book! Love the way the characters and the relationships are growing. I enjoy the mysteries and the way they go about solving the problem.
This one involves dog racing and the theft of silver right out of locked strongboxes. There's also the seemingly requisite murders committed in mysterious ways. As a side plot, Philip has been offered a Captaincy back with his old military outfit and Rathe isn't at all sure how he feels about that. I wasn't sure what his problem was since the position was going to be as part of the City Guard and would be under the direction of the Surintendent of Points.
Great story and wonderful characters. I really hope she will keep writing in this world
I am so happy with everything about this book! Love the way the characters and the relationships are growing. I enjoy the mysteries and the way they go about solving the problem.
This one involves dog racing and the theft of silver right out of locked strongboxes. There's also the seemingly requisite murders committed in mysterious ways. As a side plot, Philip has been offered a Captaincy back with his old military outfit and Rathe isn't at all sure how he feels about that. I wasn't sure what his problem was since the position was going to be as part of the City Guard and would be under the direction of the Surintendent of Points.
Great story and wonderful characters. I really hope she will keep writing in this world
March 5, 2018
If you liked the previous books, you will like this one. Astreiant is unique and wholly realized, if somewhat opaque at times. Rathe and Eslington are earnest, diligent characters that are instantly likable. The mystery is engaging.
My only complaint would be the editing. I don't think Melissa Scott's new publisher is doing her any favors because there are a dozen very obvious typos that an editor should have caught: missing or misplace quotation makes, repeated words, "it" instead of "is." These were disappointing as they pulled me out of the flow of the story. Despite these bobbles, Scott still has the same strong writing style from the previous books.
My only complaint would be the editing. I don't think Melissa Scott's new publisher is doing her any favors because there are a dozen very obvious typos that an editor should have caught: missing or misplace quotation makes, repeated words, "it" instead of "is." These were disappointing as they pulled me out of the flow of the story. Despite these bobbles, Scott still has the same strong writing style from the previous books.
May 29, 2025
The world building in these books is just so ODD. The authors go out of their way to remind us that this is a matriarchy and that women are default in charge of things. And yet there are no women who have a major role in any of these books so far (this is book 4 of 6 as of this review) for any longer than one book at a time, and there are ZERO women who are protagonists, all of the major ladies have the plot acted on them instead. And ordinarily I’m not sure I’d use the plan of women as a critique (it’s truly no worse than any other fantasy series) but the world building contradicts it SO HARD. Why bother if you’re not going to use it???
May 15, 2022
4.5 stars
I've fallen a little bit in love with this series. The characters are so very good, the world and the city so deftly built, the magic so interesting. This is just the most delightful combination of good enjoyable fantasy and intriguing mystery.
Loved the mystery in this particular installment, both interesting and a little creepy. I also very much enjoyed the growing drama between the various points, set up in the last one and carrying over in this. Love the little developments between Philip and Nico and just over all this was a delight. I will have to read the next soon.
I've fallen a little bit in love with this series. The characters are so very good, the world and the city so deftly built, the magic so interesting. This is just the most delightful combination of good enjoyable fantasy and intriguing mystery.
Loved the mystery in this particular installment, both interesting and a little creepy. I also very much enjoyed the growing drama between the various points, set up in the last one and carrying over in this. Love the little developments between Philip and Nico and just over all this was a delight. I will have to read the next soon.
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