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Octopus: The Case of the Throttled Tragedienne
When the leading actress dies in mysterious circumstances on stage during a performance of The Duchess of Malfi at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Gooseberry feels duty-bound to investigate. It is, after all, a great deal more exciting than the last case he was assigned to: the tracking down of a rich old lady’s errant cat! Join Octavius (AKA Gooseberry, AKA Octopus) and his ragtag bunch of friends on their second adventure, a revenge tragedy (of sorts) in (roughly—very roughly) three acts.
326 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
36 people want to read
About the author
Michael Gallagher
7 books32 followersMichael Gallagher is the author of two series of novels set in Victorian times. Send for Octavius Guy chronicles the attempts of fourteen-year-old Gooseberry—reformed master pickpocket—to become a detective, aided and abetted by his ragtag bunch of friends. The Involuntary Medium follows the fortunes of young Lizzie Blaylock, a girl who can materialize the spirits of the dead, as she strives to come to terms with her unique gift.
For twenty-five years Michael taught adults with learning disabilities at Bede, a London-based charity that works with the local community. He now writes full time. Find him online on Facebook, on Twitter @seventh7rainbow, and at his website michaelgallagherwrites.com. Follow Octavius Guy @sendforOctavius.
For twenty-five years Michael taught adults with learning disabilities at Bede, a London-based charity that works with the local community. He now writes full time. Find him online on Facebook, on Twitter @seventh7rainbow, and at his website michaelgallagherwrites.com. Follow Octavius Guy @sendforOctavius.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 17, 2018
An entertaining YA mystery set in Victorian London.
I've not read the first book in the series but had no problem getting straight into this one.
The central character Octavius is a likable 14-year-old, ex-pickpocket currently working as an office boy (chief investigator) for a local Solicitor. Attending a play with his employer, he witnesses the murder on stage of an old friend. His investigations reveal all is not as it seems.
Reading as an adult I found this a fun, light read. Well-written and researched.
Recommend to fans of historical mysteries.
I've not read the first book in the series but had no problem getting straight into this one.
The central character Octavius is a likable 14-year-old, ex-pickpocket currently working as an office boy (chief investigator) for a local Solicitor. Attending a play with his employer, he witnesses the murder on stage of an old friend. His investigations reveal all is not as it seems.
Reading as an adult I found this a fun, light read. Well-written and researched.
Recommend to fans of historical mysteries.
March 6, 2016
The second book of this series I liked very much. I like the main character Octavius/Gooseberry and his friends/family. This time he must solve the puzzle of the 'murder' of an actress and her husband. Although all the major characters are present from the outset, it needs its time until you feel who the 'real' killer is. In another the 'supposedly' biological father makes contact with him and his brother. This is another mystery which Octopus has to solve, because he does not trust this running up. In addition, he has the image of a 'crime boss' finally get rid of, because he otherwise is no more trusted as 'chief investigator'. But he finds an optimal solution for all related to him.
I hope that this series is continued.
(4 1/2 stars)
I hope that this series is continued.
(4 1/2 stars)
March 6, 2016
I received this book in return for my honest review, and I have to say that I absolutely loved it!
I really enjoyed the first book Gooseberry, that introduced us to young Octavius Guy, former pickpocket on the streets of 19th century London, now Chief-Investigator for a reputable solicitor, but this sequel was even better!!
Octavius, also known as Gooseberry for his bulging eyes, or Octopus (by the criminal set) due to his skills as a pickpocket, finds himself thrust into the investigation of an unusual murder that happens in front of an audience of rapt theatre-goers. When Octavius attends a play with his employer and some of his clients, he realizes that the lead actress is someone he knows, a confidence trickster from years ago. She had helped Gooseberry with his baby brother, after his mother's death, and he was thrilled to see that she had found a way, like him, out of "the Life" and had a new name and a successful career. He saw the fear in her eyes when they were introduced prior to the play, but she had nothing to fear from Gooseberry, who was happy for her, and would never reveal her criminal past, playing along as if they were meeting for the first time. During the play, however, there is a scene in which the actress, Miss Prynn, is strangled by Monks wearing costumes that hide their faces. She is supposed to rise from the dead to speak a few more lines, but instead the actress lies still. A co-actor screams for a doctor, and one rushes up to the stage and after examining her announces that she is, in fact, dead! This sets into motion a thrilling investigation with all kinds of twists and turns, as Gooseberry is determined to get to the bottom of what happened and who is responsible!
In addition to his investigating, Gooseberry also has the burden of now being head of the criminal underworld by the odd rules employed in that world and uses this to his advantage as much as possible in his investigating. The additional burden of such demands, however, prove difficult to manage and he realizes that he has to find some solutions for this double life he's living, which he manages to do in spectacular fashion to the benefit of many. While at first glance, a 14 year old sleuth and leader of street crime in London's underworld might seem far-fetched by today's perspective, but the children growing up on the streets of Victorian London had to grow up quickly and learn to be tough just to survive. They were hardened by life at such a young age that they really weren't children, especially by the time they were Gooseberry's age. The instinct to read people and find ways to get what they needed were often required to survive on the streets, where the weak were easily picked off and taken advantage of. Gooseberry is young, but he is very smart, intuitive and tough when he needs to be, as the choices he makes at the end of the book with regards to justice and the death sentence clearly show.
Octavius is such an interesting character, and the book is set in such a fascinating time in London's history. I enjoyed learning more about the less respectable London and the people who lived there, and the slang was fun! I loved that some of it was simply the word spelled and pronounced backwards! Gooseberry has a foot in both worlds, which gives the reader an very interesting perspective on how the social classes worked at the time and how viewed one another. For those scraping by on the streets, like Gooseberry had, it was such a dangerous and difficult time of living hungry and being desperate. This was especially true for women and young children, who often had to make money in any way they could just to eat. Gooseberry doesn't judge them harshly for this because he recognizes that there is little choice when you are poor and hungry with no other resources. I liked that the book showed that in spite of their poor circumstances, these people found small pleasures in their lives and cared for one another when they could. The upper classes simply did not want to see or associate with those of such criminal background, if they thought of them at all beyond turning their nose up at them. Gooseberry was fortunate that his employer was able to see that he had something to offer despite a criminal past, which was why it was so crucial to Gooseberry that his kept his current activities with the underworld hidden.
I think bringing Octavius and Julius's father into the story helped to illustrate, even more, what it must have been like for many children of the time who were born to single mothers, many of whom had to sell themselves to feed their children. His appearance in their small flat shows the reader how incredibly poor they were, even with all three of them - Gooseberry, Julius and Bertha - working from morning till night. They had no beds to sleep on, and simply had to find room on the floor to lay out a bedroll. When Gooseberry's brother wants to bring a stray dog inside to keep as a pet, it's a difficult decision because there is so little room and so little food to go around, but Gooseberry realizes that Julius needs a friend and allows it. His father's appearance also prompts him to find out more about his own background and he comes to see that family doesn't have to be about blood, but rather can be a family you create for yourself of those you care about and who care. A lot of difficult and emotional topics are explored alongside the murder mystery, and I found myself reflecting on how lucky we are to have the social services we have today, and how hopeless life must have felt for so many during Gooseberry's time. I think the book gives us a deeper understanding of many of the characters and their motivations. Some, like Octavius, strive to rise above the criminal life, and if presented, take the opportunity to try to make something of themselves in the respectable world. But their past activities and associations are always there in the background, waiting to drag them back down.
A good mystery that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure who and why until the very end! A good read and highly recommended!
I really enjoyed the first book Gooseberry, that introduced us to young Octavius Guy, former pickpocket on the streets of 19th century London, now Chief-Investigator for a reputable solicitor, but this sequel was even better!!
Octavius, also known as Gooseberry for his bulging eyes, or Octopus (by the criminal set) due to his skills as a pickpocket, finds himself thrust into the investigation of an unusual murder that happens in front of an audience of rapt theatre-goers. When Octavius attends a play with his employer and some of his clients, he realizes that the lead actress is someone he knows, a confidence trickster from years ago. She had helped Gooseberry with his baby brother, after his mother's death, and he was thrilled to see that she had found a way, like him, out of "the Life" and had a new name and a successful career. He saw the fear in her eyes when they were introduced prior to the play, but she had nothing to fear from Gooseberry, who was happy for her, and would never reveal her criminal past, playing along as if they were meeting for the first time. During the play, however, there is a scene in which the actress, Miss Prynn, is strangled by Monks wearing costumes that hide their faces. She is supposed to rise from the dead to speak a few more lines, but instead the actress lies still. A co-actor screams for a doctor, and one rushes up to the stage and after examining her announces that she is, in fact, dead! This sets into motion a thrilling investigation with all kinds of twists and turns, as Gooseberry is determined to get to the bottom of what happened and who is responsible!
In addition to his investigating, Gooseberry also has the burden of now being head of the criminal underworld by the odd rules employed in that world and uses this to his advantage as much as possible in his investigating. The additional burden of such demands, however, prove difficult to manage and he realizes that he has to find some solutions for this double life he's living, which he manages to do in spectacular fashion to the benefit of many. While at first glance, a 14 year old sleuth and leader of street crime in London's underworld might seem far-fetched by today's perspective, but the children growing up on the streets of Victorian London had to grow up quickly and learn to be tough just to survive. They were hardened by life at such a young age that they really weren't children, especially by the time they were Gooseberry's age. The instinct to read people and find ways to get what they needed were often required to survive on the streets, where the weak were easily picked off and taken advantage of. Gooseberry is young, but he is very smart, intuitive and tough when he needs to be, as the choices he makes at the end of the book with regards to justice and the death sentence clearly show.
Octavius is such an interesting character, and the book is set in such a fascinating time in London's history. I enjoyed learning more about the less respectable London and the people who lived there, and the slang was fun! I loved that some of it was simply the word spelled and pronounced backwards! Gooseberry has a foot in both worlds, which gives the reader an very interesting perspective on how the social classes worked at the time and how viewed one another. For those scraping by on the streets, like Gooseberry had, it was such a dangerous and difficult time of living hungry and being desperate. This was especially true for women and young children, who often had to make money in any way they could just to eat. Gooseberry doesn't judge them harshly for this because he recognizes that there is little choice when you are poor and hungry with no other resources. I liked that the book showed that in spite of their poor circumstances, these people found small pleasures in their lives and cared for one another when they could. The upper classes simply did not want to see or associate with those of such criminal background, if they thought of them at all beyond turning their nose up at them. Gooseberry was fortunate that his employer was able to see that he had something to offer despite a criminal past, which was why it was so crucial to Gooseberry that his kept his current activities with the underworld hidden.
I think bringing Octavius and Julius's father into the story helped to illustrate, even more, what it must have been like for many children of the time who were born to single mothers, many of whom had to sell themselves to feed their children. His appearance in their small flat shows the reader how incredibly poor they were, even with all three of them - Gooseberry, Julius and Bertha - working from morning till night. They had no beds to sleep on, and simply had to find room on the floor to lay out a bedroll. When Gooseberry's brother wants to bring a stray dog inside to keep as a pet, it's a difficult decision because there is so little room and so little food to go around, but Gooseberry realizes that Julius needs a friend and allows it. His father's appearance also prompts him to find out more about his own background and he comes to see that family doesn't have to be about blood, but rather can be a family you create for yourself of those you care about and who care. A lot of difficult and emotional topics are explored alongside the murder mystery, and I found myself reflecting on how lucky we are to have the social services we have today, and how hopeless life must have felt for so many during Gooseberry's time. I think the book gives us a deeper understanding of many of the characters and their motivations. Some, like Octavius, strive to rise above the criminal life, and if presented, take the opportunity to try to make something of themselves in the respectable world. But their past activities and associations are always there in the background, waiting to drag them back down.
A good mystery that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure who and why until the very end! A good read and highly recommended!
April 26, 2016
Here is a sensational historical fiction who-dunnit that gives nothing away until the very end. To me, it reads like an old time radio show. It leaves you breathless. It begins with Octopus, a 14-year old who is London's " swiftest, slipperiest pickpocket" that also goes by his boss, Mr. Bruff's nickname : Gooseberry. He is Mr. Octavius Guy. His younger brother's name is Julius. Octopus is also a kingpin of the underground.
Octavius gets to attend the theatre with Mr. Bruff and two of his colleagues. He finally gets to see his old friend, Miss Isabella Prynn, the actress who plays "The Duchess of Malfi" that evening. When three men are supposed to strangle her character in the play, she gets strangled to death for real. That is when Octopus gets promoted to Chief Investigator for "Mr. Matthew Bruff of Gray's Inn Square, one of London's foremost solicitors". It is his duty to find Miss Prynn's murderer.
This is a truly inviting story of intrigue and mayhem. Octavius and his brother also have to deal with their dear ole da', who abandoned them when Julius was just a baby. You will have loads of fun reading this, and finding out what truly happened the night of Miss Prynn's demise.
Thank you to Mr. Michael Gallagher, Seventh Rainbow Publishing and Library Thing for giving me a copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
Octavius gets to attend the theatre with Mr. Bruff and two of his colleagues. He finally gets to see his old friend, Miss Isabella Prynn, the actress who plays "The Duchess of Malfi" that evening. When three men are supposed to strangle her character in the play, she gets strangled to death for real. That is when Octopus gets promoted to Chief Investigator for "Mr. Matthew Bruff of Gray's Inn Square, one of London's foremost solicitors". It is his duty to find Miss Prynn's murderer.
This is a truly inviting story of intrigue and mayhem. Octavius and his brother also have to deal with their dear ole da', who abandoned them when Julius was just a baby. You will have loads of fun reading this, and finding out what truly happened the night of Miss Prynn's demise.
Thank you to Mr. Michael Gallagher, Seventh Rainbow Publishing and Library Thing for giving me a copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
February 26, 2016
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is another interesting and very entertaining story about the further adventures of 14-year-old Octavius Guy, also known as Gooseberry, as he investigates the death of a leading actress who dies on stage under mysterious circumstances. She is also a former cohort in his previous life. Gooseberry has now been promoted to the solicitor’s Chief Investigator but, though a reformed pickpocket, is still the criminal overlord managing London’s criminal underclass. Bertha who has a flower stand in the market is a very interesting character that adds a great deal of color to the story. The setting is London during the Victorian era. I really enjoy the way the author writes and the subtle humor he uses throughout the book. Again the author includes a very helpful glossary of Palari terms at the beginning of the book. The story held my attention right up until the end. Although this book stands alone and is a complete story in itself it might be beneficial to read “Gooseberry,” the first book in the Send for Octavius Guy chronicles for background info on Gooseberry. I recommend this very entertaining book.
March 17, 2016
Octavius Guy has a great deal to manage, but this intrepid fourteen year old is up to the challenge! To ferret out the true criminal behind the death of an actress, Octavius uses all his wits to navigate the false clues and deceptions that present themselves.
Whenever I come into the middle of a series without reading the first book, I'm always a little fearful of being left confused. Not so with this book! The reader is given enough information to give them a good foundation for these characters without being bogged down by repetition. In fact, just enough detail is given that I WANT to go find the first book posthaste.
Octavius Guy, or Gooseberry as he is occasionally called, is an engaging and amusing character. The surrounding cast is equally entertaining. The mystery kept me on my toes and guessing, which I love.
A fantastic book for detective fans and lovers of the Victorian Era.
Whenever I come into the middle of a series without reading the first book, I'm always a little fearful of being left confused. Not so with this book! The reader is given enough information to give them a good foundation for these characters without being bogged down by repetition. In fact, just enough detail is given that I WANT to go find the first book posthaste.
Octavius Guy, or Gooseberry as he is occasionally called, is an engaging and amusing character. The surrounding cast is equally entertaining. The mystery kept me on my toes and guessing, which I love.
A fantastic book for detective fans and lovers of the Victorian Era.
March 24, 2016
What fun!
Just when I thought I was getting a handle on the layers of this story, it would take off in another direction, adding yet another layer to the intrigue.
He's a clever young man who wants to leave behind his "sordid" past and make a place for himself in proper society. His past, however, has an inconvenient way of regularly showing up and pushing in to his life.
He handles it all well and with great cleverness.
The cast of characters is a wondrous mix of unlikely folks.
Even a dog!
Just when I thought I was getting a handle on the layers of this story, it would take off in another direction, adding yet another layer to the intrigue.
He's a clever young man who wants to leave behind his "sordid" past and make a place for himself in proper society. His past, however, has an inconvenient way of regularly showing up and pushing in to his life.
He handles it all well and with great cleverness.
The cast of characters is a wondrous mix of unlikely folks.
Even a dog!
April 26, 2016
I loved this story!
Octavius Guy, aka The Octopus, formerly a pickpocket, now a private investigator is visiting the London theatre where The Duchess of Malfi is being staged.
Unfortunately one of the actresses previously known to him, a Miss Prynn, is found strangled and he sets about attempting to solve the murder.
A wonderful Victorian melodrama!
I will look out for more from this series.
I won a digital copy of this book from Librarything via the author in return for an honest unbiased review which I am very happy to do.
Octavius Guy, aka The Octopus, formerly a pickpocket, now a private investigator is visiting the London theatre where The Duchess of Malfi is being staged.
Unfortunately one of the actresses previously known to him, a Miss Prynn, is found strangled and he sets about attempting to solve the murder.
A wonderful Victorian melodrama!
I will look out for more from this series.
I won a digital copy of this book from Librarything via the author in return for an honest unbiased review which I am very happy to do.
March 29, 2016
This was a fun, Dickensian mystery with fakeouts and plot twists and clever dialogue. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Bertha and the narrator's complete acceptance of his/her gender identity. You don't often find books set in contemporary times where that is the case so it was especially refreshing to see such acceptance and support in Victorian London.
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January 5, 2020I was lucky to receive this book as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers, and I and happy to say it was totally worth the read, I liked it very much.
I love victorian mysteries in general and sherlock holmes in particular. The action of these book takes place a few decades before Holmes, but it's all there nonetheless. Gooseberry could perfectly be the leader of the "irregulars of baker street", the ragamuffins that helped Sherlock.
It's the second book in the octavius/gooseberry series. I haven't read the first, though I would like to, but could understand and follow this second one without difficulty
I liked the fact that octopus/octavius/gooseberry is a criminal overlord, retired pickpocket, etc., but, at the same time is only 14, wants to leave "the life", he loves his little brother Julius and wants the best for him, and his friend "Bertha" (great character by the way, though the slang "palari" he/she speaks is not always easy to follow, but the author provides a little vocabulary of it at the beginning), and cares for his boss and protector enough (well intentioned but less savvy) to wean him off cocaine in a very ingenious way.
The ambience of saint paul flower stalls (my fair lady), the world of victorian theater, is all very well captured. All the book is full of very nice, and realistic sounding touches (the dog, their would be father, their origin...).
The author has another victorian character, a young girl medium (my e-book has the first chapter of her first novel) which should be a very nice read too.
I love victorian mysteries in general and sherlock holmes in particular. The action of these book takes place a few decades before Holmes, but it's all there nonetheless. Gooseberry could perfectly be the leader of the "irregulars of baker street", the ragamuffins that helped Sherlock.
It's the second book in the octavius/gooseberry series. I haven't read the first, though I would like to, but could understand and follow this second one without difficulty
I liked the fact that octopus/octavius/gooseberry is a criminal overlord, retired pickpocket, etc., but, at the same time is only 14, wants to leave "the life", he loves his little brother Julius and wants the best for him, and his friend "Bertha" (great character by the way, though the slang "palari" he/she speaks is not always easy to follow, but the author provides a little vocabulary of it at the beginning), and cares for his boss and protector enough (well intentioned but less savvy) to wean him off cocaine in a very ingenious way.
The ambience of saint paul flower stalls (my fair lady), the world of victorian theater, is all very well captured. All the book is full of very nice, and realistic sounding touches (the dog, their would be father, their origin...).
The author has another victorian character, a young girl medium (my e-book has the first chapter of her first novel) which should be a very nice read too.
July 23, 2019
Sparkling sequel does not disappoint
I read this second book in the 'Send For Octavius Guy' series immediately after finishing book one and was hooked from the first chapter. You would not need to have read the first book, 'Gooseberry', to enjoy this one, but you will enjoy it more if you read them in order. The 'case' for our young investigator is darker and more complex this time, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, with twists and turns that sometimes rival Agatha Christie. What I enjoyed most though, was Octavius' personal story deftly woven through the narrative along with the author's trademark gentle, witty asides. Details of home life and living conditions, jobs, food, transport, entertainment, and even the criminal justice system, are included in such an integral part of the storytelling that you really feel you are there in 1850's Victorian London. The characters have been further developed so well that I could easily visualise them on a Sunday night, in a prime-time, family viewing TV slot. I was reluctant to put this book down, and the climax and tying up of loose ends was thoroughly satisfying and superbly done. Sometimes I feel a sense of loss when finishing a really good read but there will be no withdrawal symptoms for me this time as book 3 is lined up and ready to read! Can't wait to start 'Big Bona Ogles, Boy!'
I read this second book in the 'Send For Octavius Guy' series immediately after finishing book one and was hooked from the first chapter. You would not need to have read the first book, 'Gooseberry', to enjoy this one, but you will enjoy it more if you read them in order. The 'case' for our young investigator is darker and more complex this time, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, with twists and turns that sometimes rival Agatha Christie. What I enjoyed most though, was Octavius' personal story deftly woven through the narrative along with the author's trademark gentle, witty asides. Details of home life and living conditions, jobs, food, transport, entertainment, and even the criminal justice system, are included in such an integral part of the storytelling that you really feel you are there in 1850's Victorian London. The characters have been further developed so well that I could easily visualise them on a Sunday night, in a prime-time, family viewing TV slot. I was reluctant to put this book down, and the climax and tying up of loose ends was thoroughly satisfying and superbly done. Sometimes I feel a sense of loss when finishing a really good read but there will be no withdrawal symptoms for me this time as book 3 is lined up and ready to read! Can't wait to start 'Big Bona Ogles, Boy!'
January 3, 2017
Octopus was an enjoyable read. Although it is the second book in the series (I haven't read the first, but I'd like to), it easily stood alone.
The character development was rich. I LOVED Bertha/Bertram. I wanted to be her friend. I also enjoyed the characters of Julius and Octavius/Octopus/Gooseberry. I know children matured faster back then, especially orphaned/homeless children, but I did feel like Octavius was a bit mature for his age. For me, it would have been much more believable had he been even two years older (16).
I read a lot of mysteries and historical fiction and Octopus didn't disappoint. Gallagher sets a rich scene in Victorian England. The mystery wasn't totally predictable, nor was it overly complicated. The only quibble I had was that it was a little difficult to keep track of who was whom with the players in the mystery toward the end of the book when the mystery was being solved.
Again, this book was very enjoyable. I found myself reading long into the night not wanting to put it down. I want to read the first book in the series and I certainly hope there's a third! If you like your mysteries on the cozy side and your characters loveable, read this book! You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of the ebook for my honest review and all words and opinions are my own.
The character development was rich. I LOVED Bertha/Bertram. I wanted to be her friend. I also enjoyed the characters of Julius and Octavius/Octopus/Gooseberry. I know children matured faster back then, especially orphaned/homeless children, but I did feel like Octavius was a bit mature for his age. For me, it would have been much more believable had he been even two years older (16).
I read a lot of mysteries and historical fiction and Octopus didn't disappoint. Gallagher sets a rich scene in Victorian England. The mystery wasn't totally predictable, nor was it overly complicated. The only quibble I had was that it was a little difficult to keep track of who was whom with the players in the mystery toward the end of the book when the mystery was being solved.
Again, this book was very enjoyable. I found myself reading long into the night not wanting to put it down. I want to read the first book in the series and I certainly hope there's a third! If you like your mysteries on the cozy side and your characters loveable, read this book! You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of the ebook for my honest review and all words and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2016
While you do not need to read Gooseberry before you read Octopus, I strongly suggest you pick up a copy of each. Clearly readers of Dickens and similar Victorian era themed mysteries must enjoy the talented prose of author Michael Gallagher. It is exceptionally well researched. The dialogue flows colorfully with amusing turns of phrase. Octopus is a scholarly murder mystery without being staid.
I also believe those who enjoy television investigative series as varied as Leverage , Castle and Elementary will be delighted with this series and want to devour more.
Those who appreciate an engrossing night of theatre, finding themselves lost in suspended disbelief, will find both Gooseberry and Octopus to be exciting pageturners.
A well researched masterpiece.
Do not hesitate. Trust me. Buy the books!
I also believe those who enjoy television investigative series as varied as Leverage , Castle and Elementary will be delighted with this series and want to devour more.
Those who appreciate an engrossing night of theatre, finding themselves lost in suspended disbelief, will find both Gooseberry and Octopus to be exciting pageturners.
A well researched masterpiece.
Do not hesitate. Trust me. Buy the books!
October 28, 2019
I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
This is a clever and pleasant Victorian era mystery. Gooseberry and his main circle of family and friends are colorful and likeable. The picture of Victorian life in London is well done and the details of daily life are interesting. Gooseberry’s narration is engaging and often slyly funny.
I did read the first book in the series first, which wasn’t necessary, but I think knowing the characters’ backgrounds made this one more enjoyable.
The only small drawback was that the ending seemed a little bit too convoluted or maybe just oddly paced to me.
This is a clever and pleasant Victorian era mystery. Gooseberry and his main circle of family and friends are colorful and likeable. The picture of Victorian life in London is well done and the details of daily life are interesting. Gooseberry’s narration is engaging and often slyly funny.
I did read the first book in the series first, which wasn’t necessary, but I think knowing the characters’ backgrounds made this one more enjoyable.
The only small drawback was that the ending seemed a little bit too convoluted or maybe just oddly paced to me.
December 22, 2021
Octavius Guy is the best detective that’s not on TV yet. If you follow Michael Gallagher on Twitter, you’ll know that he has lots of fans who think exactly 5e same thing. If you like a good murder mystery, historical settings (Gallagher writes the best descriptions of Dickensian London since, well… since Dickens), a tight plot, a brilliantly drawn cast of characters and a smattering of humour then this is indeed your next favourite book. The good news is there is a whole series of them that I can’t wait to dig into.
Also included: great action sequences, a superbly voiced narrator, and an immersive world built on thorough research. I loved it.
Also included: great action sequences, a superbly voiced narrator, and an immersive world built on thorough research. I loved it.
January 11, 2025
YA book that was not as exciting as the 1st in the Oct' Guy series. As I can't remember characters that well I found this story, with lots of people many of which were using two names, very confusing to follow. More enjoyable was the Epilogue, the epilogue interrupted and the epilogue concluded and the authors notes. This was followed by more Recipes known as receipts and a description of the front cover. The main story itself was fulfilling.
January 11, 2019
The prose in this book had a lot of flair. I always love a mystery, and I could have enjoyed this one a lot. But what was with the weird, mean-spirited transphobia? Maybe I'm missing something, since I have not read the first book, but the way Bertha was set up to be laughed at for living her life as a woman, and the way Octavius constantly misgendered her was strange and cruel. Octavius was written as having great affection for Bertha, and I would have assumed I just had an incorrect idea of what was going on, but Bertha explicitly states that she is a woman, and then Octavius actually instructs others to identify her correctly, all while constantly misgendering her in his own narration. Not only did it seem mean, but it was really confusing! I couldn't understand what I was actually meant to infer about these characters, who they were, and their relationship at all. Did Octavius secretly despise Bertha? Was Bertha not actually trans, but in disguise or something? Maybe I'd need to read the first one to get whether there's something that the writer wasn't skilled enough to get across, or the writer is a transphobic jerk, but with those as my options I'm not especially inclined to do so.
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