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Case Files of Henri Davenforth #1
Magic and the Shinigami Detective
When the Night Foxes boldly break into the Fourth Precinct's Evidence Building, it causes quite the stir. The break-in is daring enough, but their method shreds the magical wards and protections on the building like confetti paper. To say the police are 'alarmed' by this is the understatement of the century.
As a Magical Examiner, Henri Davenforth is of course immediately called in. Quite to his astonishment, Captain Gregson has him work the case like a detective. Even more astounding, he assigns Henri a partner.
The Shinigami Detective.
The woman is famous for killing the most destructive rogue witch of the century, and no one is quite certain where she's from. Every officer in the precinct is either in awe of her or a little frightened by her. Henri is just baffled. What is he supposed to do with a partner?
Hopefully killing one witch makes Jamie Edwards enough of an expert on magic to be helpful, as the thieves aren't content to just break into one building. They in fact seem to have an agenda, as with each theft, they take magical objects. It's all mounting to a dangerously powerful magical construct capable of toppling the wards on any building.
And no one has any idea what the thieves' true target is.
As a Magical Examiner, Henri Davenforth is of course immediately called in. Quite to his astonishment, Captain Gregson has him work the case like a detective. Even more astounding, he assigns Henri a partner.
The Shinigami Detective.
The woman is famous for killing the most destructive rogue witch of the century, and no one is quite certain where she's from. Every officer in the precinct is either in awe of her or a little frightened by her. Henri is just baffled. What is he supposed to do with a partner?
Hopefully killing one witch makes Jamie Edwards enough of an expert on magic to be helpful, as the thieves aren't content to just break into one building. They in fact seem to have an agenda, as with each theft, they take magical objects. It's all mounting to a dangerously powerful magical construct capable of toppling the wards on any building.
And no one has any idea what the thieves' true target is.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2018
991 people are currently reading
5051 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books842 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 508 reviews
January 12, 2022
Well hm.
Wandered into this from an Amazon-bot cross-link from I-forget-what browsing. Title, cover, description, and indie status intrigued, so I downloaded the free sample, a very useful invention that has both sold and saved me from assorted purchases. Set-up, quickly got over, is that a tough female FBI agent from our world (very California 21st C.) is magically kidnapped into another (steam-punkish with magic v. early 20th. C equivalent) by an evil insane witch looking to create magical bodyguards; it goes badly for the witch, eventually, but our heroine is stranded. All of what would be the usual ensuing story of this type is lightly leaped over and we pick up from our local hero's viewpoint later after she's acclimated and got a new job as a cop in the capital city. He's a magical forensic examiner there. Cue magical anti-heist drama and, hm, not romance (so far -- it's a series) but friendship fic, a refreshing change of pace.
Well written and proofread (not always a given with indies). I quite liked both very intelligent protagonists. After a while the world-building started to nag me, being an odd mix of fantasy tropes and unexplained congruences with our-world, shifting me whiplash-like in and out of suspension of disbelief, despite my general willingness to hang disbelief by the neck until dead. On the other hand, it was a relief not to have to parse an overburden of made-up names, so, win some, lose some. Not grimdark, double-yay.
Ta, L.
May 15, 2019
Super funny and very entertaining. I loved the chapter header notes and there is just about everything in her, magic, steampunk, hints of romance and some mysterious happenings too.
If you like Terry Pratchett's Disc World, but want a story with a more personal view of the main characters, this is the one to read. I enjoyed every single page of it. And Clint's appearance was late in the book, but fabulous.
If you like Terry Pratchett's Disc World, but want a story with a more personal view of the main characters, this is the one to read. I enjoyed every single page of it. And Clint's appearance was late in the book, but fabulous.
May 21, 2019
2 1/2
Quite an expensive price tag for a self publishing book. It's not a minor point as I felt it needed a strong beta reader or a better editor. World building wasn't good enough for me (and I was puzzled by descriptions like ' lithe as a cat' when I was told cats don't exist) and the light, joking writing was conflicting with its theme and background. She's been kidnapped, tortured and Frankensteined, and you don't see it.
She's Wonder Woman and I needed Batman's complexity.
There's no story. And no, the theft and the detecting aren't. The story should be all that went before, how she survives.
It's all flat otherwise and not engaging at all.
Anne highlighted very good points in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To all of these things I add that, while the book reads easily and pleasantly, it's a prime example of lazy writing. The author sets her a story on an other planet, not an alternate Earth, and then does nothing with it. There are the same mores, the same society and technology, as I said the "same' language (that lithe as a cat said by the hero I quoted before, on a planet where are no cats). She drinks coffee and eats cinammon buns. She cooks differently the same food and that's it. It's almost the only difference. Sorry adding the token elf and dwarf or magic isn't world building, as I said it's lazy. :)
Still, all of the above is not a reason to skip this book, unless you care about the same things I do.
Quite an expensive price tag for a self publishing book. It's not a minor point as I felt it needed a strong beta reader or a better editor. World building wasn't good enough for me (and I was puzzled by descriptions like ' lithe as a cat' when I was told cats don't exist) and the light, joking writing was conflicting with its theme and background. She's been kidnapped, tortured and Frankensteined, and you don't see it.
She's Wonder Woman and I needed Batman's complexity.
There's no story. And no, the theft and the detecting aren't. The story should be all that went before, how she survives.
It's all flat otherwise and not engaging at all.
Anne highlighted very good points in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To all of these things I add that, while the book reads easily and pleasantly, it's a prime example of lazy writing. The author sets her a story on an other planet, not an alternate Earth, and then does nothing with it. There are the same mores, the same society and technology, as I said the "same' language (that lithe as a cat said by the hero I quoted before, on a planet where are no cats). She drinks coffee and eats cinammon buns. She cooks differently the same food and that's it. It's almost the only difference. Sorry adding the token elf and dwarf or magic isn't world building, as I said it's lazy. :)
Still, all of the above is not a reason to skip this book, unless you care about the same things I do.
January 26, 2024
Fantastic! Read with KU and immediately purchased.
I loved the premise, the world and especially the characters. Enjoyed the developing friendships and partnership. A relationship may eventually happen in the future, especially since the heroine is at least 3 steps ahead of the hero, but romance is not the focus. Police procedure in a magical world is. Very reminiscent of Randall Garrett's Lord Darcy murder and magic series.
Definitely going onto my "watch for more" list since I'm hoping that a second story is coming. Signing up for the author's newsletter future releases and looking over the backlist for other gems.
Cross posted amazon and bookbub
I loved the premise, the world and especially the characters. Enjoyed the developing friendships and partnership. A relationship may eventually happen in the future, especially since the heroine is at least 3 steps ahead of the hero, but romance is not the focus. Police procedure in a magical world is. Very reminiscent of Randall Garrett's Lord Darcy murder and magic series.
Definitely going onto my "watch for more" list since I'm hoping that a second story is coming. Signing up for the author's newsletter future releases and looking over the backlist for other gems.
Cross posted amazon and bookbub
November 12, 2024
This book was so much fun!!!
The story is about Jamie Edwards and Henri Davenforth. Jamie is an FBI agent that was pulled into an another world by an evil witch to be her guinea-pig. Jamie killed her and after some time became a detective in this world filled with magic, dwarves, werefoxes. They are also starting to use electricity and cars, so Jamie is a bit of a shock bringing everything that is common place in our world to theirs, like traffic lights, refrigerators, or CPR. She even teaches the female police officers how to defend themselves.
Henri Davenforth is a Magical Examiner working for the police, he becomes Jamie's partner and he absolutely loves his new partner (friends only), not only she is good at her job, but she has a fresh outlook on thing due to her otherworldly origins.
Seeing Jamie teach Henri about our world is so funny:
"#HowDidIEndUpInAGraveyardWithTwoSingingLunatics
Why is that all squiqhed together?
Henri, I promise you, I will teach you hashtags or die trying"
I hope a lot of people will read this serie, and I can't wait to read more :)
The story is about Jamie Edwards and Henri Davenforth. Jamie is an FBI agent that was pulled into an another world by an evil witch to be her guinea-pig. Jamie killed her and after some time became a detective in this world filled with magic, dwarves, werefoxes. They are also starting to use electricity and cars, so Jamie is a bit of a shock bringing everything that is common place in our world to theirs, like traffic lights, refrigerators, or CPR. She even teaches the female police officers how to defend themselves.
Henri Davenforth is a Magical Examiner working for the police, he becomes Jamie's partner and he absolutely loves his new partner (friends only), not only she is good at her job, but she has a fresh outlook on thing due to her otherworldly origins.
Seeing Jamie teach Henri about our world is so funny:
"#HowDidIEndUpInAGraveyardWithTwoSingingLunatics
Why is that all squiqhed together?
Henri, I promise you, I will teach you hashtags or die trying"
I hope a lot of people will read this serie, and I can't wait to read more :)
June 6, 2019
I wanted to like this more than I did - it's a frothy, easy read - but in the end I found it a bit too light, with a couple repetitive ticks (particularly around continually highlighting the main character Jamie's pop culture references in a world where they don't make sense), some glaring typos (this book needed a second pass with a real editor), and an odd lack of depth to the main characters (there's no real, substantive engagement with the traumatic and blatantly horrific event in Jamie's past, despite it informing the entire setup of the book). I also wanted more world building, since I felt like the author took an interesting initial idea with a magic/Industrial Revolution fusion and then went to kind of generic places with that.
Two stars.
Two stars.
May 14, 2019
This was a bit of a choppy read. The two first-person perspectives took a little bit of adjustment. The scribbles at the beginning of chapters were hard to read. I'm thinking they were intended to be humorous but they didn't seem necessary story's conclusion. Altogether, "Magic and the Shinigami Detective" had a very strong and engaging story. Then, the mystery fell flat, at times. Pop culture references became irksome.
I wish there had been more world-building like, . It's supposedly like a Harry Potter-world set during an industrial revolution.
While this book had cute moments I can't say that I'm eager to shell out another $7 to learn about more the technology being introduced. The combination or magic and tech had its highlight but it was really Henri and Jamie's interactions that were most enjoyable. I also think this book deserved a better nemesis yet the forensics (science and magic) during their investigation could be engaging. I'll let this book settle a bit in my head and see if it fades or compels me to read certain scenes again.
Btw, I read this based on Ilona Andrews positive review posted on her blog. :o)
I wish there had been more world-building like, . It's supposedly like a Harry Potter-world set during an industrial revolution.
While this book had cute moments I can't say that I'm eager to shell out another $7 to learn about more the technology being introduced. The combination or magic and tech had its highlight but it was really Henri and Jamie's interactions that were most enjoyable. I also think this book deserved a better nemesis yet the forensics (science and magic) during their investigation could be engaging. I'll let this book settle a bit in my head and see if it fades or compels me to read certain scenes again.
Btw, I read this based on Ilona Andrews positive review posted on her blog. :o)
April 25, 2023
2023 re-read:
This is such a delightful series. Decided to re-read from the start because of the next book coming out in May! ^_^ This series features a modern Earth woman pulled through a portal to a different planet that is in the equivalent of England's Victorian era, but with magic. It is a detective novel as they are trying to hunt down thieves, but it is fantasy too in a way that feels very steampunk because they are mixing magic with her ideas from Earth (cellphones, traffic lights, etc.)
Honestly, this is genre-crossing at it's finest. If I was cataloging by genre and came across this book I think I'd cry. 🤣🤣🤣 as a reader, I love it.
---------------------------
Can this be considered isekai?
It is such a weird mix of historical, fantasy, steampunk at times, mystery, with a touch of romance. I really all the books I've read in this series (6). So so thankful I stumbled upon this one.
This is such a delightful series. Decided to re-read from the start because of the next book coming out in May! ^_^ This series features a modern Earth woman pulled through a portal to a different planet that is in the equivalent of England's Victorian era, but with magic. It is a detective novel as they are trying to hunt down thieves, but it is fantasy too in a way that feels very steampunk because they are mixing magic with her ideas from Earth (cellphones, traffic lights, etc.)
Honestly, this is genre-crossing at it's finest. If I was cataloging by genre and came across this book I think I'd cry. 🤣🤣🤣 as a reader, I love it.
---------------------------
Can this be considered isekai?
It is such a weird mix of historical, fantasy, steampunk at times, mystery, with a touch of romance. I really all the books I've read in this series (6). So so thankful I stumbled upon this one.
November 26, 2020
Really enjoyed this and found it quite original. One human woman, a detective, gets pulled through to another world, similar to Earth about 100 years ago and with magic. She is partnered on a crime investigation by Henri and they become firm friends and a formidable team against magical crime. Good stuff!
May 28, 2018
I enjoyed this mixture of steam punk and magic in a different world. It's told from the point of view of Henri, a magician detective. Personally I would have preferred more pov from his partner Jamie. Good world building, fun read. I did feel that the solving of the actual crime was a little light weight, but as its the first in a series it spent its time to characters and v world building. I interesting read.
May 18, 2019
This is a rec from the Ilona Andrews blog and I’m so glad I listened. Original and endearing. No romance to speak of in a traditional sense but I am shipping Henri and Jamie so hard right now
December 6, 2023
Man this has been on my TBR for a while, and I'm glad I finally got around to it because I really found this story to be charming.
We have our h, Jamie Edwards, an FBI agent who was magicked to a different world and experimented on by a mildly insane rogue witch. After months-if not a year-of being trapped in the witches cave Jamie is finally able to escape, and realizes that her life will never be the same.
This is where our "case files" start- almost a year later with Doctor Henri Davenforth meeting Jamie (now a detective at his local precinct) for the fist time. With the death of the witch Jamie's legend has become quite we'll known and feared- along with her particular dress (pants on a woman? Escandalo! ), no nonsense attitude, and different investigation techniques most officers give her a wide birth.
But from the jump Henri appreciated Jamie's competence and methods- along with her quick wit and humor (much to the surprise of everyone due to Henri's standoffishness and Jamie's reputation) the two become partners to solve a mysterious magical crime of local thefts in the area.
The Who dunnit was pretty fun to read, but I think the connection the two leads are cultivating was where the book shined. There was just something cute and adorkable about this pair that I liked and I will def read on.
We have our h, Jamie Edwards, an FBI agent who was magicked to a different world and experimented on by a mildly insane rogue witch. After months-if not a year-of being trapped in the witches cave Jamie is finally able to escape, and realizes that her life will never be the same.
This is where our "case files" start- almost a year later with Doctor Henri Davenforth meeting Jamie (now a detective at his local precinct) for the fist time. With the death of the witch Jamie's legend has become quite we'll known and feared- along with her particular dress (pants on a woman? Escandalo! ), no nonsense attitude, and different investigation techniques most officers give her a wide birth.
But from the jump Henri appreciated Jamie's competence and methods- along with her quick wit and humor (much to the surprise of everyone due to Henri's standoffishness and Jamie's reputation) the two become partners to solve a mysterious magical crime of local thefts in the area.
The Who dunnit was pretty fun to read, but I think the connection the two leads are cultivating was where the book shined. There was just something cute and adorkable about this pair that I liked and I will def read on.
February 29, 2020
Couldn't get into this one at all, so I skimmed until I couldn't be bothered to skim any more. The whole thing just did not fit together for me. Not in the slightest. There were some irritation in the style, but the first person for two different narrators makes it awkward if the change in person is not highlighted. Sometimes it was obvious. Sometimes it wasn't. The story, the scenes, the world, the plot just didn't seem to have any kind of coherency to me.
Even though it's a DNF I really can't give it a 1. Just can't.
So I've put it away and marked it as not for me.
June 25, 2025
Loved this story. A sort of steampunk, magical, other worldly detective story with a human FBI type h Jamie Edwards transported to another planet by a witch.
Jamie ends up paired with a Magical Examiner in the police force, Henri Davenforth, and together they enjoy food & solving crime. And end up with some good friends.
Looking forward to more stories in this world.
Jamie ends up paired with a Magical Examiner in the police force, Henri Davenforth, and together they enjoy food & solving crime. And end up with some good friends.
Looking forward to more stories in this world.
January 15, 2022
This was a delightful read. It's not often that we get a story about somebody from our world being transported to a different world and making a life for themselves there. And not trying to change the world at her image in the process.
I like Jamie Edwards. She isn't a shrinking violet or a chosen one. She isan FBI agent who was really good at her job and who managed to use her training in her new world as well. From what I could see, she is doing her best to adapt to her new circumstances and make a new life for herself.
I also liked Davenport, who is her new partner and our narrator. It was an interesting choice to show this story, and Jamie, from the point of view of a native. Though I would have loved to have a few more chapters with Jamie's perspective. As it is, she is a bit of a closed book. We don't know what she thinks most of the time.
All in all, a very pleasant series. I might check out the next book.
I like Jamie Edwards. She isn't a shrinking violet or a chosen one. She isan FBI agent who was really good at her job and who managed to use her training in her new world as well. From what I could see, she is doing her best to adapt to her new circumstances and make a new life for herself.
I also liked Davenport, who is her new partner and our narrator. It was an interesting choice to show this story, and Jamie, from the point of view of a native. Though I would have loved to have a few more chapters with Jamie's perspective. As it is, she is a bit of a closed book. We don't know what she thinks most of the time.
All in all, a very pleasant series. I might check out the next book.
March 19, 2021
My word this was fun. Wonderful world building, great characters, and very 'fresh' premise (to me at any rate!)
The start was a tad 'off-putting' as I had a horrid feeling it was all going to be in that odd font, but once I got onto Chapter 1 it was all fine. (LOVED the little 'chapter notes!)
Onto the next book!
The start was a tad 'off-putting' as I had a horrid feeling it was all going to be in that odd font, but once I got onto Chapter 1 it was all fine. (LOVED the little 'chapter notes!)
Onto the next book!
February 7, 2022
**Reread this, and it was excellent, light and entertaining as the first time.**
I listened to this in audiobook via chirp, and it was excellent. So about the book itself.
This series by Honour Raconteur reminds be a lot of Lindsay Buroker's writing. I don't know exactly what it is. I think it might be the quick and witty dialogue. The very light touches of romance that don't overwhelmed the plot. (Both write fantasy and science fiction books that might have a slight touch of romance, but it's very secondary)
This series reminds me of death before dragons, not in the plot or the protagonists, (though Jamie is maybe a bit like Val, Henri is NOTHING like Zav) but just... kind of the "feel" is the best I can come up with.
Speaking of protagonists, detective Jamie is fucking awesome, she is strong and competent, brave and funny. Henri Davenforth is intelligent (a literal genius actually), funny, respectful, kinda chubby (CAN I SAY I LOVE REPRESENTATION OF A MALE LOVE INTEREST WHO ISN'T ADONIS) and just... such an interesting and different character. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll and I'm in love.
Then plot is well paced and goes by in the blink of an eye. This is a book one REALLY should pick up, for any fan of Mysteries and magic.
If I where to classify it, I'd say It's sort of like an early industrial era portal fantasy urban fantasy/steampunk thing.
I listened to this in audiobook via chirp, and it was excellent. So about the book itself.
This series by Honour Raconteur reminds be a lot of Lindsay Buroker's writing. I don't know exactly what it is. I think it might be the quick and witty dialogue. The very light touches of romance that don't overwhelmed the plot. (Both write fantasy and science fiction books that might have a slight touch of romance, but it's very secondary)
This series reminds me of death before dragons, not in the plot or the protagonists, (though Jamie is maybe a bit like Val, Henri is NOTHING like Zav) but just... kind of the "feel" is the best I can come up with.
Speaking of protagonists, detective Jamie is fucking awesome, she is strong and competent, brave and funny. Henri Davenforth is intelligent (a literal genius actually), funny, respectful, kinda chubby (CAN I SAY I LOVE REPRESENTATION OF A MALE LOVE INTEREST WHO ISN'T ADONIS) and just... such an interesting and different character. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll and I'm in love.
Then plot is well paced and goes by in the blink of an eye. This is a book one REALLY should pick up, for any fan of Mysteries and magic.
If I where to classify it, I'd say It's sort of like an early industrial era portal fantasy urban fantasy/steampunk thing.
March 30, 2019
What a fabulous story! I loved both MC's and the unique way Jamie arrived and survived on this world. Another winning book by one of my all time favorite authors, Honor Raconteur. Highly recommended for everyone.
June 5, 2021
3.75 stars
What an adorably fun and quirky start to the series. This is a new to me author and I can’t be more thrilled to discover her engaging, witty, and smart writing. Thanks to my friend, Jessica, for recommending this series to me!
What an adorably fun and quirky start to the series. This is a new to me author and I can’t be more thrilled to discover her engaging, witty, and smart writing. Thanks to my friend, Jessica, for recommending this series to me!
November 29, 2022
I love the world that the author created. It's not Earth, but a planet with mages, witches, and magic; technology like the early 1900's in which electricity and cars are introduced; dwarves, were-beings, and other non-humans; and social norms that seem to be a mix of Victorian and Contemporary.
It's the perfect setting for a modern, sunshine FMC to unwittingly land and slowly introduce Earth technology while supported by a traditional, grumpy MMC who is bemused and amused by the whirlwind that is turning his life upside down.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Kindle
5
It's the perfect setting for a modern, sunshine FMC to unwittingly land and slowly introduce Earth technology while supported by a traditional, grumpy MMC who is bemused and amused by the whirlwind that is turning his life upside down.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Kindle
5
May 5, 2018
Just delightful
I started this book with no expectations but have spent the entire day reading it. The characters are endearing, three-dimensional and believable. In the beginning we are introduced to our heroine in dire straits with no unnecessary explanations. I love it when an author trusts her readers to know what’s happening. I enjoyed discovering the world along with Jamie and Henri, I liked the magic, the allusions to pop culture, and the blend of police procedures. It was a very satisfying read, and I highly recommend it.
I started this book with no expectations but have spent the entire day reading it. The characters are endearing, three-dimensional and believable. In the beginning we are introduced to our heroine in dire straits with no unnecessary explanations. I love it when an author trusts her readers to know what’s happening. I enjoyed discovering the world along with Jamie and Henri, I liked the magic, the allusions to pop culture, and the blend of police procedures. It was a very satisfying read, and I highly recommend it.
February 8, 2020
This book was...vexing. There’s a good story buried in there: American agent (CIA? FBI? She either doesn’t say or I forgot) swept into an Earth-like world where magic and magical creatures exist, and adventures ensue. The new world is maddeningly similar to early Edwardian-era Earth, so our heroine must learn to cope without modern comforts. Or does she?
My biggest problems with the book are when Raconteur (really?) tries waaaaay too hard to be cute, and her self-published label could really use an outside opinion. We could have done with about a quarter of the American pop culture references, which are always, always accompanied by Henri’s confused reaction that he either tells us he puzzles through by context, or Edwards says something like “Long story, I’ll explain over lunch.” And if we’re not getting one of Edwards’s pop culture references, we’re getting Henri’s confusing-to-Edwards magical references that he then follows with some variation of “you wouldn’t know that, let me explain” to the point where I as the reader felt talked down to. I also didn’t understand Edwards’s confusion over phrases like “he fed me a line” or “he went into the drink” because those are actual expressions she should have known.
An expression Henri shouldn’t have used was “lithe as a cat” in a world with no cats.
Also, Edwards is totally violating the Prime Directive. With all the references she made, she skipped that one? You’d think she would know better. Just sayin’.
There were spelling errors and typos. It’s not “daring-do.” It’s “derring-do.” That’s the freshest one but the book is full of them. See? Editors. Not just a good idea.
Still, I cared enough to be frustrated by the huge narrative gap created by the author’s decision to open the story with a first-person Edwards POV, then inexplicably jump to Henri as the primary first-person POV 18 months later. Edwards suddenly has all these relationships, and a job, and we’re seeing her from his POV for most of the book, and it’s...a strange choice.
I’ll read the next one because I’m interested, but dear god I hope we’re through with the mutual explaining of things to each other!
My biggest problems with the book are when Raconteur (really?) tries waaaaay too hard to be cute, and her self-published label could really use an outside opinion. We could have done with about a quarter of the American pop culture references, which are always, always accompanied by Henri’s confused reaction that he either tells us he puzzles through by context, or Edwards says something like “Long story, I’ll explain over lunch.” And if we’re not getting one of Edwards’s pop culture references, we’re getting Henri’s confusing-to-Edwards magical references that he then follows with some variation of “you wouldn’t know that, let me explain” to the point where I as the reader felt talked down to. I also didn’t understand Edwards’s confusion over phrases like “he fed me a line” or “he went into the drink” because those are actual expressions she should have known.
An expression Henri shouldn’t have used was “lithe as a cat” in a world with no cats.
Also, Edwards is totally violating the Prime Directive. With all the references she made, she skipped that one? You’d think she would know better. Just sayin’.
There were spelling errors and typos. It’s not “daring-do.” It’s “derring-do.” That’s the freshest one but the book is full of them. See? Editors. Not just a good idea.
Still, I cared enough to be frustrated by the huge narrative gap created by the author’s decision to open the story with a first-person Edwards POV, then inexplicably jump to Henri as the primary first-person POV 18 months later. Edwards suddenly has all these relationships, and a job, and we’re seeing her from his POV for most of the book, and it’s...a strange choice.
I’ll read the next one because I’m interested, but dear god I hope we’re through with the mutual explaining of things to each other!
January 8, 2023
The good
+ Jaime's strength of character
+ Jaime's friendship with Seaton
+ Henri being a real foodie and Jaime indulging him whenever possible
+ Henri being such a good friend to Jaime
+ Henri giving Jaime a pet
The neutral
o Sometimes, nothing much happened, and it felt a bit boring and dull
The bad
- The author chose to create a fantasy world that's similar to a historical version of Earth, but not the same. Yet she decided to keep Earth's misogyny and queerphobia. Why?
- Henri's misogyny should not be used to describe him as a 'gentleman'. "It isn't right for a woman to pay for her own meal when in a gentleman's company." I don't understand how a woman like Jaime thought this was charming instead of insulting. "She did not look womanly either, not with that thick black hair, drawn simply and severely back from her face." Henri, do shut up and stop being so misogynistic
- More editing was definitely required. Also, a lot of English idioms were used, while it was suggested there was no overlap in figurative speak between English and Henri's mother tongue
Quotes
x "That sounds just crazy enough to work. Do it."
x Sometimes I wish I could outsource emotion or at the very least scoop it out into a bowl and pass it to Edwards and ask, "What's this, because it's possibly ruining my life and I think it's your fault?"
I don't know what to think of this book. I did not like the misogynistic setting at all, especially because there was so little pushback from the main characters. I did like being in Henri's head and seeing the world through his eyes. Maybe I'll read the next book too.
+ Jaime's strength of character
+ Jaime's friendship with Seaton
+ Henri being a real foodie and Jaime indulging him whenever possible
+ Henri being such a good friend to Jaime
+ Henri giving Jaime a pet
The neutral
o Sometimes, nothing much happened, and it felt a bit boring and dull
The bad
- The author chose to create a fantasy world that's similar to a historical version of Earth, but not the same. Yet she decided to keep Earth's misogyny and queerphobia. Why?
- Henri's misogyny should not be used to describe him as a 'gentleman'. "It isn't right for a woman to pay for her own meal when in a gentleman's company." I don't understand how a woman like Jaime thought this was charming instead of insulting. "She did not look womanly either, not with that thick black hair, drawn simply and severely back from her face." Henri, do shut up and stop being so misogynistic
- More editing was definitely required. Also, a lot of English idioms were used, while it was suggested there was no overlap in figurative speak between English and Henri's mother tongue
Quotes
x "That sounds just crazy enough to work. Do it."
x Sometimes I wish I could outsource emotion or at the very least scoop it out into a bowl and pass it to Edwards and ask, "What's this, because it's possibly ruining my life and I think it's your fault?"
I don't know what to think of this book. I did not like the misogynistic setting at all, especially because there was so little pushback from the main characters. I did like being in Henri's head and seeing the world through his eyes. Maybe I'll read the next book too.
March 27, 2021
A curiously feelgood alternate-world romantic police procedural. As if the X-Files Agent Scully were teamed up with Randall Garrett's Lord Darcy for an episode of "CSI:Gaslamp". Jamie Edwards (formerly US Federal Agent, before being kidnaped to another planet) is a familiar 'type', the strong-willed and competent ass-kicking agent with added Superpowers-With-A-Flaw. She's saved from annoying Mary Sue status by a blunt but self-deprecating humour and a vulnerable loniliness in her new setting. Her new partner in the ~1910ish technology+magic city of Kingston's police, Dr. Henri Davenforth isn't really that much like the aloof and Sherlockian Lord Darcy, except in being a leading authority on forensic magical investigation and having upper-class manners. Davenforth is much sweeter and more likeable than that, covering shyness and a foodie obsession with an irrascible distaste for foolishness and incompetence. More like a Big Bang Theory character crossed with a hobbit. His first person narration and growing crush on Edwards adds much of the charm of what is a relatively lightweight actual crime plot in this first book.
August 28, 2024
So I have only ever read books by one of the author's other pen names, but I've adored every one of A.J. Sherwood's books. This one started off a little slow for me as I adapted to the world, but ultimately it worked really well for me. I wasn't sure what was happening at first, but then really neither did Jamie. She's found herself in a strange world, kidnapped and experimented on by a witch, and those she manages to escape and kill the witch nothing will ever be the same for her again.
I loved Henry. I loved his baffled, disgruntled magical genius self. He's a devoted detective and has no patience for shoddy work, and to be suddenly saddled with a partner isn't in his plans. I loved watching Jamie and Henry's relationship develop from a wary partnership into a true friendship. Henry's emotional connection to Jamie surprises even him.
This was a good mystery with some fun characters. I look forward to returning to this world.
I loved Henry. I loved his baffled, disgruntled magical genius self. He's a devoted detective and has no patience for shoddy work, and to be suddenly saddled with a partner isn't in his plans. I loved watching Jamie and Henry's relationship develop from a wary partnership into a true friendship. Henry's emotional connection to Jamie surprises even him.
This was a good mystery with some fun characters. I look forward to returning to this world.
January 16, 2021
This book is the definition of a “comfort read” for me. It is a light, fun, and delightful story that had me laughing several times throughout the book. This is not groundbreaking, but it was made of things that gave me warm, fuzzy feelings and put a smile on my face.
This is a mystery set in a fantasy world, where we follow a detective and a magical examiner as they try to find the thieves wrecking havoc throughout the city. The characters are so much fun and the friendships developing among our two sleuths and the other characters we see along the way is just simply heartwarming. The banter was great and the plot moved at a steady and satisfying pace.
If you are interested in a light mystery novel set in a magical world, then I recommend that you give this book a shot.
This is a mystery set in a fantasy world, where we follow a detective and a magical examiner as they try to find the thieves wrecking havoc throughout the city. The characters are so much fun and the friendships developing among our two sleuths and the other characters we see along the way is just simply heartwarming. The banter was great and the plot moved at a steady and satisfying pace.
If you are interested in a light mystery novel set in a magical world, then I recommend that you give this book a shot.
did-not-finish
February 4, 2022I was enjoying this book until the 43% mark. At that point, the male main character learns that there’s some danger to the female main character. At first, he agrees with a friend of hers that he will do his best to watch out for his partner. And then, out of the blue, he decides that the way to protect his partner is to go behind her back and talk to their boss about getting her off the case. I absolutely detest when characters remove agency from their partners. Doesn’t matter if it’s romantic or, in this case, professional. It drives me up the wall! I’m very sad because I really enjoyed this book up to this point and I just can’t get past it.
August 10, 2020
Engaging mix of mystery, detective work, and magic. Point of view is mostly Henri, who is a magician working in the police department of a world in some other universe, around the steampunk era. Alternate POV is Jamie who was originally from California and an FBI or similar agent. Definitely worth rereading!
January 17, 2024
I loved the characters! I got a kick out of Jamie's cooking & Henri's eating! (Serve yourself and I'll eat the rest!) Fun story in an alternate world!
2021 reread! I'm so glad I reread the story because I forgot so much of it!
2024 reread! Still good!
2021 reread! I'm so glad I reread the story because I forgot so much of it!
2024 reread! Still good!
January 6, 2023
3.5 Stars
This is a warm and cozy, mishmash of contemporary and Victorian steampunk and buddy cop police procedural, in a setting that has both technology and magic. Sound like a lot? It truly is. Add on top of that the authors absolute devotion to putting in idiomatic language at every opportunity. This is purported to be on another planet in our same reality, but because of the anachronistic language, I had to head canon this as an alternate reality. Otherwise my brain just kept arguing with the worldbuilding and defeating my suspension of disbelief. Definitely a comfort read!
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
This is a warm and cozy, mishmash of contemporary and Victorian steampunk and buddy cop police procedural, in a setting that has both technology and magic. Sound like a lot? It truly is. Add on top of that the authors absolute devotion to putting in idiomatic language at every opportunity. This is purported to be on another planet in our same reality, but because of the anachronistic language, I had to head canon this as an alternate reality. Otherwise my brain just kept arguing with the worldbuilding and defeating my suspension of disbelief. Definitely a comfort read!
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
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