The Foxfire Lights

Hal Bishop Mysteries #2

by Elizabeth A. O'Connell

Work has been scarce for Jem Bishop and his brother Hal since their adventure at Rowanwood Hall--until Lord Ransom comes to call, seeking their help with a mysterious curse that has taken hold of his infant son. Hal and Jem travel to Lord Ransom's home in Devon to investigate, only to find that everyone in Lord Ransom's household is hiding something, from his eccentric elder son and his unhappy young wife to Lord Ransom himself. It soon becomes clear that more than one person is under a curse at Foxfire Manor--and if Hal and Jem don't solve the mystery soon, their own lives may be in danger.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy

190 pages, Paperback

Published August 27, 2016

About the author

Elizabeth O'Connell lives in Corpus Christi, Texas with her two cats. She loves a good mystery and anything with fairies in it.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

It reminds me of Sherlock Holmes with magic. I really enjoyed this book as well as the first. Hope there are more.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

•audiobook•

As a second in a series, it seems the plot arc (Jem & Hal’s father’s death) will be unsolved until the series’ end. It was well written in a magical twist of a steam punk era.
The dialogue and vocabulary seem to be consistent with this period.
It was a rather quick mystery adventure to solve the curse and unravels lies or deceit.
The characters have unique personalities, consistent yet expected.
I enjoyed the book and how Hal’s partial blindness will inevitably have a key role in solving the ultimate mystery does pique my interest, I’ve no desire to pick up The Rowanwood Curse nor follow the brothers.
Personally, I seek books that fulfill mysteries and progress to deeper layers.
Richard Nicholls has a strong voice who is easy and enjoyable to follow.
I would recommend this to others who want a touch of magical mystery with likable characters who have a strong sense of morals and commitments.

[Gregory Bone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was rather wonderful. I'm not too sure what the structure is to be a slightly less advanced version of Sherlock Holmes in an early Victorian time rather than a later one but this one aced it. I did like how this case, although still focused on sundering the effect of a curse, was different. The landed rich people are the victim. I do like the altering of the literary structure. It is more of the narrator almost here. On the other hand, the curse breaker is almost there. There wasn't a bit in this literary structure that I was bored at and for that I really liked this.

[Deborah Whipp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice edition to the series, it also furthers the relationship between the sleuthing brothers and gives further information regarding their father. Definitely fun enough to keep invested -- I look forward to further adventures featuring them.

[Leona Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery. I really like this author's style and the ease with which the story flows.

[CAITLIN · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. Short fantasy-mystery. I will finish the series someday!

[Lanett Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Elizabeth O'Connell's realm of fantasy. This series is by far one of the most intriguing I've ever read. The characters are wonderfully developed, I love the relationship between Hal and Jem. The story keeps you guess the whole time. However, some of the character's actions can get quite repetitive. Beside that one small flaw though I find myself completely immersed in the world of these two brothers. I can't wait for the next one, keep 'em coming!