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Case Files of Henri Davenforth #2
Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!)
A dead charm maker is only the beginning.
Humanity seems determined to come up with increasingly clever ways to murder one another. They seize upon new technological advances in a way that’s alarming, their creativity and blood-thirstiness knowing no bounds.
When a charm maker is blown up inside his own vehicle, for once it’s not Henri Davenforth’s expertise needed: it’s Jamie Edwards’, the Shinigami Detective. Car bombs are something unique in Kingston, and only she has experience with them. But the unique murder takes an unexpected turn when it becomes evident that the dead charm maker dabbled in something he should not have, inciting disastrous results.
The dangers he unleashed upon Kingston threaten thousands of lives and it launches a race requiring not only Jamie and Henri’s expertise, but the Kingsmen’s as well to beat the menace spreading through the city.
Meanwhile, the murderer is still at large, leaving Henri and Jamie to wonder: what will blow next?
Humanity seems determined to come up with increasingly clever ways to murder one another. They seize upon new technological advances in a way that’s alarming, their creativity and blood-thirstiness knowing no bounds.
When a charm maker is blown up inside his own vehicle, for once it’s not Henri Davenforth’s expertise needed: it’s Jamie Edwards’, the Shinigami Detective. Car bombs are something unique in Kingston, and only she has experience with them. But the unique murder takes an unexpected turn when it becomes evident that the dead charm maker dabbled in something he should not have, inciting disastrous results.
The dangers he unleashed upon Kingston threaten thousands of lives and it launches a race requiring not only Jamie and Henri’s expertise, but the Kingsmen’s as well to beat the menace spreading through the city.
Meanwhile, the murderer is still at large, leaving Henri and Jamie to wonder: what will blow next?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2019
643 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 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 229 reviews
February 12, 2024
I read Magic and the Shinigami Detective a year or so again and really liked it. Apparently, it's a series so now I'm reading the other books featuring Jamie Edwards, displaced (as in somewhere else in the galaxy or universe or metaverse) FBI agent and her new partner Dr. Henri Davenforth, magical examiner. When she's not investigating crime, Kate is working with Ellie Warner, inspiring her to invent things Kate can't do without in her new low tech home. Traffic signals, for example. In this book, Kate and Henri are investigating the deaths of 2 purveyors of cheap printed charms that were so sloppy they frequently had the opposite effect of what was desired. That's serious stuff, there. Delightful books, a little silly and preposterous, with interesting characters and mysteries to be solved.
October 30, 2019
This is a police procedural where 90% of what the characters actually do is magical disease control/prevention because of some dangerously faulty charms that got sold to people, and a bit of lobbying for a magical FDA to regulate charms. The ostensibly very competent detectives here accomplish basically nothing in the way of actual police work the entire book. Out of three suspects they're looking for, the first one they "catch" because he walks into the station unprompted and turns himself in, but won't tell them who the others are.
The second one they nearly catch (because having a member of a group turn themselves in is very helpful even when they won't tell you about the others since it gives you a place to start), but ultimately do not succeed in preventing him from committing another, more serious crime and then killing himself. Whoops, our bad. Then the third and last they "catch" because they go back to the first guy and say "hey, one of the people you wouldn't tell us about did another bad thing, don't you feel bad enough about that to tell us about the last person?" and the guy immediately goes "oh my gosh I sure do, here's their name and where they live." Then they go and arrest them and it turns out to be a little old grandma who greets them by saying "I thought you'd find me a long time ago." ME TOO GRANNY, ME TOO.
The characters and their interactions are still charming/sweet enough, I just can't get over the fact that (for me at least) it was fundamentally dull and a little frustrating spending almost an entire book watching those characters do magical hazmat work while frankly failing outright at their actual jobs they are supposedly very good at. I still got the next book because the plot synopsis/teaser made it sound like it would contain the actual premise of the series (which I liked!), but lord was I close to dropping this series right here.
The second one they nearly catch (because having a member of a group turn themselves in is very helpful even when they won't tell you about the others since it gives you a place to start), but ultimately do not succeed in preventing him from committing another, more serious crime and then killing himself. Whoops, our bad. Then the third and last they "catch" because they go back to the first guy and say "hey, one of the people you wouldn't tell us about did another bad thing, don't you feel bad enough about that to tell us about the last person?" and the guy immediately goes "oh my gosh I sure do, here's their name and where they live." Then they go and arrest them and it turns out to be a little old grandma who greets them by saying "I thought you'd find me a long time ago." ME TOO GRANNY, ME TOO.
The characters and their interactions are still charming/sweet enough, I just can't get over the fact that (for me at least) it was fundamentally dull and a little frustrating spending almost an entire book watching those characters do magical hazmat work while frankly failing outright at their actual jobs they are supposedly very good at. I still got the next book because the plot synopsis/teaser made it sound like it would contain the actual premise of the series (which I liked!), but lord was I close to dropping this series right here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
A fast, fun, feel good adventure that's over too quickly.
Book two is as good as book one, which I adore. So enjoying this series of other world police procedure and 100% recommend.
Details of the cases and the people add to the complexity of the world. The crime underlying every thing is definitely unique to this world while some of the other crimes are right out of our newspapers.
The three main characters are present - Henri, Jamie and Seaton. Secondary characters from book one have roles and and a presence in this story. Even better, new characters show up that I hope we see again. Poor Henri has his circle of acquaintances and coworkers expanded, again. Plus the coworker everyone hates gets some comeuppance almost as good as the take down in book one.
The editing comments and side banter continues as well. And I didn't have to magnify the pages to read it this time.
Definitely looking forward to more in this series.
cross posted amazon, goodreads
Book two is as good as book one, which I adore. So enjoying this series of other world police procedure and 100% recommend.
Details of the cases and the people add to the complexity of the world. The crime underlying every thing is definitely unique to this world while some of the other crimes are right out of our newspapers.
The three main characters are present - Henri, Jamie and Seaton. Secondary characters from book one have roles and and a presence in this story. Even better, new characters show up that I hope we see again. Poor Henri has his circle of acquaintances and coworkers expanded, again. Plus the coworker everyone hates gets some comeuppance almost as good as the take down in book one.
The editing comments and side banter continues as well. And I didn't have to magnify the pages to read it this time.
Definitely looking forward to more in this series.
cross posted amazon, goodreads
November 20, 2025
I really love this world. The magic system is fun and the characters are great. Jamie is finding her own way in this new world that she's been pulled into and her expertise will be imperative in this new case as this world has never seen a car bomb before. There's such a fun blend of technology (driven by magic) in this world that could match up with things in our world, but also things that are missing completely.
I love Henry and Jamie's working relationship. He respects her abilities and trusts her to have his back. Henry is so great about understanding his limits. He is such a competent guy but he's not threatened or scared by Jamie unlike so many others. It's fun to see the influence Jamie is having on this world and the different techniques she's teaching the younger recruits, giving other women a chance to be a true detective as well.
I find this series fascinating and they're a good quick read. The mystery here was actually a really good one. A dead charm maker and his partner result in a cavalcade of problems one could never have expected causing more deaths than their little fraud scheme should ever have accounted for. It was hard to feel bad about their murders considering how horrid they were as people themselves.
I love Henry and Jamie's working relationship. He respects her abilities and trusts her to have his back. Henry is so great about understanding his limits. He is such a competent guy but he's not threatened or scared by Jamie unlike so many others. It's fun to see the influence Jamie is having on this world and the different techniques she's teaching the younger recruits, giving other women a chance to be a true detective as well.
I find this series fascinating and they're a good quick read. The mystery here was actually a really good one. A dead charm maker and his partner result in a cavalcade of problems one could never have expected causing more deaths than their little fraud scheme should ever have accounted for. It was hard to feel bad about their murders considering how horrid they were as people themselves.
January 1, 2023
I like these books, but I don’t love them, and I’m not sure why. The world , characters and storylines are all interesting, but somehow it falls flat for me. I think part of it is that I would prefer if more were written from Jamie’s point of view; as it is, I don’t get a very good feel for the difficulties she faces having been transported from earth to another world, which is the most interesting part of that kind of plot line, for me. Also, the different narrators don’t have very distinct voices, making it harder to separate them except by the font change, which I find somewhat annoying. Plus other small things like this, that add up to just make these books kind of slow reads for me. I will likely continue with the series, but not immediately.
July 29, 2021
I really enjoy the setting for this series and the characters involved.
December 10, 2023
3.75
3 months after the last case-our two leads find themselves in the thick of it with another magical mystery. This time they are investigating the murder of a local charm maker after his new car explodes from a car bomb.
Things take a turn for the worst when our detectives take a look around the victims shop- it seems that not only was he selling faulty charms, but that he might be a con-man who has left destruction in his wake. While the victim doesn't exactly elicit sympathy our duo still has to do their job. With the help of their fellow officers (and a dashing royal mage) Henri and Jamie set out to solve the case.
However, the stress of the murder isn't the only thing weighing on Jamie's mind- with the anniversary of Belladonna's death coming up it seems more scrutiny is headed Jamie's waY. But thankfully she has her friends (and Felix cat's) support!
Will read on to the next one~!
3 months after the last case-our two leads find themselves in the thick of it with another magical mystery. This time they are investigating the murder of a local charm maker after his new car explodes from a car bomb.
Things take a turn for the worst when our detectives take a look around the victims shop- it seems that not only was he selling faulty charms, but that he might be a con-man who has left destruction in his wake. While the victim doesn't exactly elicit sympathy our duo still has to do their job. With the help of their fellow officers (and a dashing royal mage) Henri and Jamie set out to solve the case.
However, the stress of the murder isn't the only thing weighing on Jamie's mind- with the anniversary of Belladonna's death coming up it seems more scrutiny is headed Jamie's waY. But thankfully she has her friends (and Felix cat's) support!
Will read on to the next one~!
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed the second book as well. Henri and Jamie is back and just like the first book this delivers as well. I'm really enjoying how it stands out from many other similar series. A main mystery and a protagonist who works for the police is often part and parcel for Urban Fantasy series; but this series in many ways feels like mystery and police procedural first, fantasy second.
It's really good at making the investigation feel realistic, in that often times leads don't pan out. Or they canvas an area with nothing to show for it. I loved how the mystery was handled in this book, in many ways it was secondary, because most of the book dealt with fallout from other situations. Basically, the book felt like it was about real police work. And I really enjoyed that, it also had the fun dialogue and great characters I've already fallen for completely. I can't wait for more!
It's really good at making the investigation feel realistic, in that often times leads don't pan out. Or they canvas an area with nothing to show for it. I loved how the mystery was handled in this book, in many ways it was secondary, because most of the book dealt with fallout from other situations. Basically, the book felt like it was about real police work. And I really enjoyed that, it also had the fun dialogue and great characters I've already fallen for completely. I can't wait for more!
February 12, 2025
This series is getting fun! The action picked up from the first page, and did so with a bang. The plot twists kept me guessing, and I did enjoy that that the female main character started getting her point of view told as well -- a welcome change from the first book. The climax was rather late, but just as delicious as I wanted. The resolution was a little short, but made me smile nonetheless. I look forward to continuing this series.
May 6, 2023
This series is not one to read if you want to actually figure out the mystery as they are not written with that in mind. However that is not something that bothers me as I'm reading the series for the characters and not the mystery, though the mystery is interesting enough. Definitely know that this is a slow burn series and nothing happens for a while, but again, I know and enjoy that about this series. Insta love/insta connection is not my thing amd I'm glad for the slower pace. I really enjoy the characters with Seaton being my favourite. More Seaton please!
May 10, 2019
Great read.
Love the characters and the concept, lively lighthearted read, possibly because the characters are just that likable. I started the first in the series because of an Ilona Andrews post, for which I am grateful ....because these two books in this series were rapidly devoured....and now I am sad because there is no more.
Love the characters and the concept, lively lighthearted read, possibly because the characters are just that likable. I started the first in the series because of an Ilona Andrews post, for which I am grateful ....because these two books in this series were rapidly devoured....and now I am sad because there is no more.
October 6, 2022
I'm hooked :D
September 7, 2019
Equally as good as the first in this series, full of quirky humour and wonderful characters who you want to bring home with and make friends with. This book has everything I look for in writing, in terms of how involved I feel with the story. Just like Jamie and Henri, in terms of the case this time around, I felt a strong sympathy with the culprits, however in a need to further justice and stop further crimes they plough on. It felt incredible real and believable and I am sure this snare must happen in the real world, minus the magic and being on another world of course :-) Jamie is still imparting her knowledge of Earth and the relationship between her and Henri is delightful, as is that of them both along with the Kingsmen and Sherard. I loved meeting Queen Regina and discovering more about the world and Jamie and Henri's personal lives. Not to be read without having read the first book in the series, they are both wonderful escapist reading pleasure.
October 7, 2025
I enjoyed rereading this story! I only gave it three stars because of all the deaths! Otherwise, good characters and story!
December 15, 2022
What this author needs is a good editor. She ALWAYS splits her infinitives, ("low enough to NOT carry,") even when it makes the writing awkward. She throws in superfluous prepositions modifying nothing ("was not so bitter OF a pill to swallow," and again, "I’m not sure IF I can agree”). She commits these grammatical errors so consistently, I'm sure I would recognize her writing even if published anonymously. They're a signature. She also confuses adjectives with nouns, as in: "as it left Jamie the onerous of interview duty"--the noun is actually "onus." She does it again when she confuses "preventative," a noun, with "preventive," the adjective (as in, "know that preventative
measures..."). Even journalists are making that last mistake, which is why it's so critically important for book authors to provide a good example. Sadly, poor education in this country is savaging the English language.
In the afterward here, she reveals that she's cadged some real life events from a series of books written by someone else. It's not plagiarism, but it's a tad disappointing that she's not as inventive as I had previously thought. But she already has over 30 books out there; she's clearly in it to win it, no matter if nobody's reading any of them after another, oh, couple of years. Her career is not about an enduring legacy--it's a production line for maximum profit over quality.
Still, she continues with lovable characters this reader now considers practically family, and her keen sense of humor doesn't fade: "We reached the station and I parked out back. I normally wouldn’t have, I’d have stopped in the front and taken the criminal in immediately, but she was just so amiable...I felt like I was taking Betty Crocker in for questioning." And more: "Jamie nodded, unsurprised. “How upset is our good queen?” “Livid,” Seaton answered cheerfully. “I’m quite
happy about that. Angry women often change the world.” “Never meddle with a woman on a mission,” Jamie agreed in the same manner, rubbing her hands together."
What might she do if she turned away from being just a fast writer, to being a writer with real staying power?
measures..."). Even journalists are making that last mistake, which is why it's so critically important for book authors to provide a good example. Sadly, poor education in this country is savaging the English language.
In the afterward here, she reveals that she's cadged some real life events from a series of books written by someone else. It's not plagiarism, but it's a tad disappointing that she's not as inventive as I had previously thought. But she already has over 30 books out there; she's clearly in it to win it, no matter if nobody's reading any of them after another, oh, couple of years. Her career is not about an enduring legacy--it's a production line for maximum profit over quality.
Still, she continues with lovable characters this reader now considers practically family, and her keen sense of humor doesn't fade: "We reached the station and I parked out back. I normally wouldn’t have, I’d have stopped in the front and taken the criminal in immediately, but she was just so amiable...I felt like I was taking Betty Crocker in for questioning." And more: "Jamie nodded, unsurprised. “How upset is our good queen?” “Livid,” Seaton answered cheerfully. “I’m quite
happy about that. Angry women often change the world.” “Never meddle with a woman on a mission,” Jamie agreed in the same manner, rubbing her hands together."
What might she do if she turned away from being just a fast writer, to being a writer with real staying power?
May 2, 2023
"Angry women often change the world."Both Case Files of Henri Davenforth have been an entertaining read. This one fell a little short for me in one aspect only - the case was only ultimately solved . The team worked so bloody hard to care for those in the aftermath and hunt down the culprits, I wanted them to solve it via that hard work. Additionally, I'd thought the anniversary would've had more of a part in the story - was it just Much To Do About Nothing? There was a lot of talk about it approaching, then ...
Aside from that one mystery-solved disappointment, this series continues to be a fun, quirky read. It's odd, though. I find myself surprised whenever a were pops up or there's a reference to the sci-fi "I'm an alien" reality that Jamie faces daily. I get so into the story set in this old-fashioned time period and completely forget that she's not on Earth. I don't know how or why, there are plenty of other references throughout that shouldn't let me forgot it. *shrug*
I am so in love with Clint! I have two cats and what I wouldn't give for them to be able to speak to me. I love that Henri thought of Clint for Jamie. He offers what any support animal does - unconditional love and support during hard times.
I like the growth of Henri's circle, Jamie's protégé Penny, and the always entertaining RM Sherard. Queen Regina is cool, too. The notes Jamie and Henri (and sometimes Sherard) leave to each other in their reports are so cute. I'm enjoying watching this relationship grow and change. Jamie's quite lucky to have such a valued, trusted and supportive group of people in her life.
★★★½
August 10, 2025
Yes and yes! my new binge obsession
Rating: 5⭐️✨
“‘How upset is our good Queen?’
“Livid, Seaton answered cheerfully.
I’m quite happy about that. Angry women change the world.’”
Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) the oh so appropriate title of book two is a great, emotional story. The mystery hits on many levels as well, bringing in everything from the societal aspects of health care (or lack thereof), the need for better government regulation of magical items and their manufacture, and general police procedures on multiple fronts.
It’s dealing with epidemics, ignorance, violence and scam artists who have caused unprecedented harm.
And all while showing how Jamie is still recovering from her ordeal, maneuvering through a society and systems that are designed to keep women from being able to live as equals, and instituting change from a world that is unknown and one she can’t return to.
New fantastic characters are emerging in continuing important roles, in Jamie’s life and the series, such as RM Seaton, and the notes of each character, identified by color, are highly entertaining and important to the story and influence of their respective roles here.
How do I love this? Let me count the ways.
1. Spectacular writing.
2. Great mysteries
3. Fabulous characters that continue to develop
4. Found families
5. World building that’s incredible in depth and vividly detailed
6. Slowish burn ever romance
Yes and yes!
Highly recommended. Highly addictive.
Love the covers.
Cover by Katie Griffin
The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):
Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1
Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2
Magic Outside the Box #3
Breaking and Entering 101 #4
Three Charms for Murder #5
Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6
Death Over the Garden Wall #7
This Potion is da Bomb #8
All In A Name #9
A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10
All Fun and Games #11
Rating: 5⭐️✨
“‘How upset is our good Queen?’
“Livid, Seaton answered cheerfully.
I’m quite happy about that. Angry women change the world.’”
Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) the oh so appropriate title of book two is a great, emotional story. The mystery hits on many levels as well, bringing in everything from the societal aspects of health care (or lack thereof), the need for better government regulation of magical items and their manufacture, and general police procedures on multiple fronts.
It’s dealing with epidemics, ignorance, violence and scam artists who have caused unprecedented harm.
And all while showing how Jamie is still recovering from her ordeal, maneuvering through a society and systems that are designed to keep women from being able to live as equals, and instituting change from a world that is unknown and one she can’t return to.
New fantastic characters are emerging in continuing important roles, in Jamie’s life and the series, such as RM Seaton, and the notes of each character, identified by color, are highly entertaining and important to the story and influence of their respective roles here.
How do I love this? Let me count the ways.
1. Spectacular writing.
2. Great mysteries
3. Fabulous characters that continue to develop
4. Found families
5. World building that’s incredible in depth and vividly detailed
6. Slowish burn ever romance
Yes and yes!
Highly recommended. Highly addictive.
Love the covers.
Cover by Katie Griffin
The Case Files of Henri Davenforth (11 book series to date):
Magic and the Shinigami Detective #1
Charms and Death and Explosions (oh my!) #2
Magic Outside the Box #3
Breaking and Entering 101 #4
Three Charms for Murder #5
Grimoires and Where to Find Them #6
Death Over the Garden Wall #7
This Potion is da Bomb #8
All In A Name #9
A Matter of Secrets and Spies #10
All Fun and Games #11
February 15, 2023
3.5⭐️
This book is not what I expected. In a good way. I was expecting a run of the mill cozy mystery with a murder/crime taking place, our protagonists finding clues, finding a red herring and then finally cottoning on to the solution towards the end of the book. While the plot more or less follows that particular blueprint there is so much more that happens on the way to the solution of the mystery.
Though this story starts off with a car bomb, that particular mystery diverts Henri's and Jamie's attention to the problem of bad/forged charms that claim to keep out sickness. This is one of the few times that there is no sympathy for the victims. And that was refreshing to see.
I have always wondered how it would be to be transported back into the past or into the world of some of my favourite fantasy books. Jamie has done exactly that in a way and Honor has tackled this in as logical a way as you can with such a premise. Some of the difficulties she faces are smoothed over by magic, but not all of them. She has problems with conveying some ideas because of the differences in their worlds. But the best is Jamie bringing in the concepts of our world in to theirs like cell phones, cleansing solutions and so much more. Not all of the things are replicated exactly but modified to work there. I am so intrigued by where these ideas can be taken in the rest of the series. And the mysteries and interactions between the characters are depicted well too.
This book wasn't just a fantasy story with some mystery thrown in but was pretty emotional at the end. There were no clear perpetrator and victim in this.
I am quite looking forward to the next book.
This book is not what I expected. In a good way. I was expecting a run of the mill cozy mystery with a murder/crime taking place, our protagonists finding clues, finding a red herring and then finally cottoning on to the solution towards the end of the book. While the plot more or less follows that particular blueprint there is so much more that happens on the way to the solution of the mystery.
Though this story starts off with a car bomb, that particular mystery diverts Henri's and Jamie's attention to the problem of bad/forged charms that claim to keep out sickness. This is one of the few times that there is no sympathy for the victims. And that was refreshing to see.
I have always wondered how it would be to be transported back into the past or into the world of some of my favourite fantasy books. Jamie has done exactly that in a way and Honor has tackled this in as logical a way as you can with such a premise. Some of the difficulties she faces are smoothed over by magic, but not all of them. She has problems with conveying some ideas because of the differences in their worlds. But the best is Jamie bringing in the concepts of our world in to theirs like cell phones, cleansing solutions and so much more. Not all of the things are replicated exactly but modified to work there. I am so intrigued by where these ideas can be taken in the rest of the series. And the mysteries and interactions between the characters are depicted well too.
This book wasn't just a fantasy story with some mystery thrown in but was pretty emotional at the end. There were no clear perpetrator and victim in this.
I am quite looking forward to the next book.
August 6, 2025
I absolutely love this series.
Henri and Jamie are on my favorite book characters' list, and will keep on being there for the foreseeable future.
And I have to admit that even though I usually like to read mysteries where I can actually figure out who's the culprit... These books' investigation system, more focused in police work, it's really interesting. I love going along with our main leads as they talk to witnesses, collect evidence, and do fieldwork as they try to solve their cases.
And Henri and Jamie's friendship is beautiful, I don't know if it'll ever become more (I decided to get the rest of the series without looking at the blurbs in case of spoilers), but they have such a nice relationship that I really don't care either way.
I liked seeing the side characters again, and how Jaime's trying her best to train the two police officers she's taken under her wing.
The case this time was really sad and so much like reality, despite the magical aspects, that it really moved my heart.
I read the first book last year and now that I've come around to keep on reading the series I have to admit that I'd forgotten some things and I had to check the first book to refresh my memory, I would have liked it if the author gave us at least one sentence every time a character or scene from the first book was introduced... But luckily, there were things that were explained just not all.
POV: dual
Tropes: other world, 1900's setting, magical world, detective mc, magical examiner mc, found family
Spice: none (no romantic undertone so far)
CW: past talks of torture (superficial), current struggle with PTSD, detailed descriptions of crime scenes and corpses.
Henri and Jamie are on my favorite book characters' list, and will keep on being there for the foreseeable future.
And I have to admit that even though I usually like to read mysteries where I can actually figure out who's the culprit... These books' investigation system, more focused in police work, it's really interesting. I love going along with our main leads as they talk to witnesses, collect evidence, and do fieldwork as they try to solve their cases.
And Henri and Jamie's friendship is beautiful, I don't know if it'll ever become more (I decided to get the rest of the series without looking at the blurbs in case of spoilers), but they have such a nice relationship that I really don't care either way.
I liked seeing the side characters again, and how Jaime's trying her best to train the two police officers she's taken under her wing.
The case this time was really sad and so much like reality, despite the magical aspects, that it really moved my heart.
I read the first book last year and now that I've come around to keep on reading the series I have to admit that I'd forgotten some things and I had to check the first book to refresh my memory, I would have liked it if the author gave us at least one sentence every time a character or scene from the first book was introduced... But luckily, there were things that were explained just not all.
POV: dual
Tropes: other world, 1900's setting, magical world, detective mc, magical examiner mc, found family
Spice: none (no romantic undertone so far)
CW: past talks of torture (superficial), current struggle with PTSD, detailed descriptions of crime scenes and corpses.
March 17, 2020
Excellent steampunk fantasy includes an Influenza epidemic, w/ intelligent, compassionate leaders.
Yesterday whilst starting #ShelterinPlace, I read this excellent steampunk-fantasy of a police procedural with fun, likable characters. I’ll be going through my TBR list for the next few weeks, as it’s 16 March 2020 in America-the-Unready-for-COVID-19. #ShelterinPlace so hospital ICUs aren’t inundated by sick parents, grandparents, immunocompromised friends, etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is the best of the three in this series, and fantasy lovers, this book features more magic than police procedural. Strong character development continues, with focus on Magic Examiner Henri Davenforth, his family, and Royal Mage Sherard.
Detective Jaime Edwards, former FBI agent from Earth, is approaching an ominous anniversary—one that has Davenport, Sherard, and the Kingsmen in helicopter-brothering mode. Jaime’s talking purple cat, Clint Barton, is her comforting cuddler when she has nightmares. Clint is a joy to read about—although Jaime does warn in caps to NOT give him liquor or sugar water. NEVER AGAIN. Plus, per Jaime: ‘“The song that never ends” is hereby BANNED from this house. Clint SANG IT FOR THREE HOURS STRAIGHT.’
In this time of COVID-19, I suggest readers take any science information in this book—including medicine, biology, mycology, pathophysiology, etc.—with a heaping cup of salt. I enjoy the author’s work, but she really needed a good editor, a high school biology teacher, and a medical practitioner to check her “facts.”
Recommended.
Yesterday whilst starting #ShelterinPlace, I read this excellent steampunk-fantasy of a police procedural with fun, likable characters. I’ll be going through my TBR list for the next few weeks, as it’s 16 March 2020 in America-the-Unready-for-COVID-19. #ShelterinPlace so hospital ICUs aren’t inundated by sick parents, grandparents, immunocompromised friends, etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is the best of the three in this series, and fantasy lovers, this book features more magic than police procedural. Strong character development continues, with focus on Magic Examiner Henri Davenforth, his family, and Royal Mage Sherard.
Detective Jaime Edwards, former FBI agent from Earth, is approaching an ominous anniversary—one that has Davenport, Sherard, and the Kingsmen in helicopter-brothering mode. Jaime’s talking purple cat, Clint Barton, is her comforting cuddler when she has nightmares. Clint is a joy to read about—although Jaime does warn in caps to NOT give him liquor or sugar water. NEVER AGAIN. Plus, per Jaime: ‘“The song that never ends” is hereby BANNED from this house. Clint SANG IT FOR THREE HOURS STRAIGHT.’
In this time of COVID-19, I suggest readers take any science information in this book—including medicine, biology, mycology, pathophysiology, etc.—with a heaping cup of salt. I enjoy the author’s work, but she really needed a good editor, a high school biology teacher, and a medical practitioner to check her “facts.”
Recommended.
April 22, 2022
This series is just fun. It's set in a sort of parallel universe where Henri Davenforth is the premier Magical Examiner for the Crown. Jamie is an FBI agent from contemporary earth who was magically transported to this world by sorcery. She'd been held, tortured, and 'enhanced magically' until she finally escaped and killed the sorcerer. And now she's stuck here in a world a lot like her own but also very different. Read the first book first for the whole backstory.
In this one, there's a car bombing, which killed a charms maker. Further investigations reveal his charms are substandard -- at best useless, at worst actually dangerous. Pretty quickly they realize there's a whole city worth of suspects -- people who'd bought the anti-sickness charms in good faith to protect a loved one but it made them sicker and they died. Intent on gathering all the bad charms that might be out there, finding the killer soon takes a back seat to dealing with an outbreak of a severe magically enhanced flue in the poorer section of the city.
The world is well drawn, if somewhat idealistic. But I like that the characters, while well rounded, are good people. The rich and powerful, when called upon to help society, have no hesitation in doing so. It's a refreshing change from books where rich usually means corrupt. Mind you; that might grate after a while, so perhaps a binge read would not be advisable.
In this one, there's a car bombing, which killed a charms maker. Further investigations reveal his charms are substandard -- at best useless, at worst actually dangerous. Pretty quickly they realize there's a whole city worth of suspects -- people who'd bought the anti-sickness charms in good faith to protect a loved one but it made them sicker and they died. Intent on gathering all the bad charms that might be out there, finding the killer soon takes a back seat to dealing with an outbreak of a severe magically enhanced flue in the poorer section of the city.
The world is well drawn, if somewhat idealistic. But I like that the characters, while well rounded, are good people. The rich and powerful, when called upon to help society, have no hesitation in doing so. It's a refreshing change from books where rich usually means corrupt. Mind you; that might grate after a while, so perhaps a binge read would not be advisable.
July 8, 2022
Solid Second Entry
I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the first one. There was a lot of focus on the case, but I felt that way times it became rather repetitive, as characters filled other characters in on things that we the readers were already aware of. I found myself skimming more than once because of this. I would love to see a little more development of the characters as in their personal lives, & I feel that one of the most interesting & original aspects of the book, that is, Jamie being from our world & now stranded on a similar but still quite different world, isn't getting as much attention as I would like. How did Belladonna kidnap people from other worlds, anyway? And what is the point of Jamie's magical core being unstable? I feel like this is a rather big plot point that isn't getting a lot of attention & I could use some illumination. Or at least an understanding of it's relevancy to the plot. Despite those few complaints, I find this series interesting & I have never really read anything quite like it. I intend to continue reading the series & hope that some of the issues I described will be addressed. Bottom line: while I would like a better balance of the mystery with character development & world building, this is a highly original story with a lot of promise, definitely worth checking out. After all, the things that I have found not to my liking might appeal to others.
I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the first one. There was a lot of focus on the case, but I felt that way times it became rather repetitive, as characters filled other characters in on things that we the readers were already aware of. I found myself skimming more than once because of this. I would love to see a little more development of the characters as in their personal lives, & I feel that one of the most interesting & original aspects of the book, that is, Jamie being from our world & now stranded on a similar but still quite different world, isn't getting as much attention as I would like. How did Belladonna kidnap people from other worlds, anyway? And what is the point of Jamie's magical core being unstable? I feel like this is a rather big plot point that isn't getting a lot of attention & I could use some illumination. Or at least an understanding of it's relevancy to the plot. Despite those few complaints, I find this series interesting & I have never really read anything quite like it. I intend to continue reading the series & hope that some of the issues I described will be addressed. Bottom line: while I would like a better balance of the mystery with character development & world building, this is a highly original story with a lot of promise, definitely worth checking out. After all, the things that I have found not to my liking might appeal to others.
June 29, 2019
I just learned of this author through one of my bloggers. Read her first book in this series Magic and the Shinigami Detective, and fell in love with Jamie and Henri. Jamie is an earthling (also an FBI agent) who was pulled into a parallel universe (Draiocht) by an evil witch - Belladonna. In the first book we find out that Jamie was experimented upon and as a result of receiving increased strength as a result, she was able to kill the witch.
The first book in the series found her paired with Henri Davenforth, a Magical Examiner in the Kingston police department. She has been hired as a detective. After solving a case involving stolen magical artifacts in that book, she and her partner now find themselves in charge of a case involving a car bombing murder. Since this is the first such crime in Draiocht, and Jamie is aware of car bombings, unfortunately (lucky earthling), she and Henri find themselves tracking down Powder Monkeys (dynamite handlers) and mechanics. When they find a seeming link to shoddy magical charms which are causing an epidemic (did I mention this is a magical world), they realize they have to solve this puzzle fast.
I really like the world and character building that the author has done, and I can't wait until we have more of this series!
The first book in the series found her paired with Henri Davenforth, a Magical Examiner in the Kingston police department. She has been hired as a detective. After solving a case involving stolen magical artifacts in that book, she and her partner now find themselves in charge of a case involving a car bombing murder. Since this is the first such crime in Draiocht, and Jamie is aware of car bombings, unfortunately (lucky earthling), she and Henri find themselves tracking down Powder Monkeys (dynamite handlers) and mechanics. When they find a seeming link to shoddy magical charms which are causing an epidemic (did I mention this is a magical world), they realize they have to solve this puzzle fast.
I really like the world and character building that the author has done, and I can't wait until we have more of this series!
May 7, 2023
I will give this four stars, but it's four stars in a very specific niche... Let's call it "cozy, uncomplicated steampunk-/magepunk-fantasy without much excitement where everyone is horribly nice to each other and actually does the right thing".
Everyone is nice. All the baddies are dead (and not the undead kind) at the beginning (and stay that way). Even politicians do the right things instead of the cheap things. Which is good, but it robs the book of any chance of real conflict.
The plot is a cozy criminal story where cops do what people expect cops to do - minus a l0t of action. Does it's job, but not really that exciting.
Additionally, the missing world-building starts to get a little bit weak. Some humans are not really humans but if the author hadn't told us, you wouldn't notice it, since they just speak, react and are reacted to as any other human would. So the elves are just humans and we have no clue what their history or relation to other species is. Probably not important, anyway.
So, if you want a relaxed, cozy story where everyone is nice to each other, go for it. It definitely has its place here.
Everyone is nice. All the baddies are dead (and not the undead kind) at the beginning (and stay that way). Even politicians do the right things instead of the cheap things. Which is good, but it robs the book of any chance of real conflict.
The plot is a cozy criminal story where cops do what people expect cops to do - minus a l0t of action. Does it's job, but not really that exciting.
Additionally, the missing world-building starts to get a little bit weak. Some humans are not really humans but if the author hadn't told us, you wouldn't notice it, since they just speak, react and are reacted to as any other human would. So the elves are just humans and we have no clue what their history or relation to other species is. Probably not important, anyway.
So, if you want a relaxed, cozy story where everyone is nice to each other, go for it. It definitely has its place here.
April 2, 2021
Enjoyable
I've read the first two, and they are quite enjoyable.
The format is what's bothering me-- the font is sometimes the only way to tell if it's the cop or the magician speaking. It's supposed to be written formally like the character is writing a novel, but a side effect is I can't tell when the author swaps between the cop and the magician.
I also want my own font and dyslexic readers will for sure suffer.. I didn't even know a book could usurp the font like this.
Also, the second book is better than the first. Honestly the first book was a weird genre-- I would label it as genderbend teen romance and the second one is definitely a supernatural crime solving novel, which is more what I was expecting.
Also, the world building is not what I would call world building. I don't want to spoil anything but there's not much world to explore, just cases to solve.
I keep reading because I enjoy the playful banter between the people and all the references to pop culture. They're fantastic and endearingly quirky in the 'new' world.
I've read the first two, and they are quite enjoyable.
The format is what's bothering me-- the font is sometimes the only way to tell if it's the cop or the magician speaking. It's supposed to be written formally like the character is writing a novel, but a side effect is I can't tell when the author swaps between the cop and the magician.
I also want my own font and dyslexic readers will for sure suffer.. I didn't even know a book could usurp the font like this.
Also, the second book is better than the first. Honestly the first book was a weird genre-- I would label it as genderbend teen romance and the second one is definitely a supernatural crime solving novel, which is more what I was expecting.
Also, the world building is not what I would call world building. I don't want to spoil anything but there's not much world to explore, just cases to solve.
I keep reading because I enjoy the playful banter between the people and all the references to pop culture. They're fantastic and endearingly quirky in the 'new' world.
September 24, 2021
Actually 2.5 stars What drags down this otherwise interesting premise is the lead Jamie. She's an FBI agent (guessing late 20's at the earliest), is/was a Detective on earth, spent time in Middle East, and was trained in enduring torture, sharp shooter, - total badass, right? Those are just the 'facts' that are dropped, but her actions are those of a college co-ed on a sugar rush, constantly singing Disney tunes. The narration makes it worse as she (Dallas Boudreaux) honestly sounds like she's late teens and doesn't have much of an emotional range or subtly. It's a shame as the the male narrator (Donovan Hughes) makes Henri a real and believable character. What pushed me over the edge was the scene when the commander of her police station is being yelled at by another precinct commander. The other commander is being a jerk (and is 100% in the wrong) and her commander calmly puts him in his place. Jamie starts clapping - the other commander says she could be charged with insubordination. Her reply - can't help it, my captain is SOOOO cool.
July 26, 2022
The circumstances may change, but people are all the same.
There are few people in this world who catch my sense of humor. My wife (of 50 years on 9/2/22) has learned. She calls it: dry, British, ironic. I rarely meet anyone who "gets it" and most of the time people look at me like they are saying, "Where did THAT come from?". H. Raconteur must be a kindred spirit because her stories are full it (dry, British, ironic humor I mean). Her stories are a mix of mystery, magical, sci/fi, and a few others, but definitely lots of fun and I read for fun (especially these days). In THIS one, you might be able to relate the storyline to current events, but it is not obvious, nor the focus of her writing. A couple things I really like is how men AND women can work well together with respect and friendship flowing both ways, with no strings attached. I also liked that the officials of the kingdom all have the well-being of the people in mind above politics. Thank you H. Raconteur.
There are few people in this world who catch my sense of humor. My wife (of 50 years on 9/2/22) has learned. She calls it: dry, British, ironic. I rarely meet anyone who "gets it" and most of the time people look at me like they are saying, "Where did THAT come from?". H. Raconteur must be a kindred spirit because her stories are full it (dry, British, ironic humor I mean). Her stories are a mix of mystery, magical, sci/fi, and a few others, but definitely lots of fun and I read for fun (especially these days). In THIS one, you might be able to relate the storyline to current events, but it is not obvious, nor the focus of her writing. A couple things I really like is how men AND women can work well together with respect and friendship flowing both ways, with no strings attached. I also liked that the officials of the kingdom all have the well-being of the people in mind above politics. Thank you H. Raconteur.
June 18, 2023
Loving the Series
Earthling Jaime Edwards is magically taken from Earth through a magical portal by a wicked witch. The witch experiments on her captures by upgrading their speed, resistance to magic, stamina, strength etc… It is these enhancements along with Jaime’s law enforcement background that allow her to kill and escape her tormentor.
The world Jaime is on is much like Earth preindustrial revolution. Although the language is foreign Jaime’s upgraded help with that. But it is her training that secured her a spot on the police force.
In this novel the crime is a car explosion of a dastardly villain who has concocted bad spells that harm people as opposed to help. Within this larger stories there are smaller vignettes to move this story along giving the reader more understanding of this world, Jaime and other minor characters. Jaime is snarky and therefore funny.
Just when the story feels like it’s ending there are chapters dedicated with wrapping up any loose ends which I am grateful for.
This is a fun exciting read that feels unique and new.
Earthling Jaime Edwards is magically taken from Earth through a magical portal by a wicked witch. The witch experiments on her captures by upgrading their speed, resistance to magic, stamina, strength etc… It is these enhancements along with Jaime’s law enforcement background that allow her to kill and escape her tormentor.
The world Jaime is on is much like Earth preindustrial revolution. Although the language is foreign Jaime’s upgraded help with that. But it is her training that secured her a spot on the police force.
In this novel the crime is a car explosion of a dastardly villain who has concocted bad spells that harm people as opposed to help. Within this larger stories there are smaller vignettes to move this story along giving the reader more understanding of this world, Jaime and other minor characters. Jaime is snarky and therefore funny.
Just when the story feels like it’s ending there are chapters dedicated with wrapping up any loose ends which I am grateful for.
This is a fun exciting read that feels unique and new.
April 13, 2021
Another great read!
I've been loving this series so much! It's so wholesome, but also kinda gritty since we're dealing with detective work. This book had higher stakes than the last--lots of people getting sick, hurt, etc. The world building, as always, is excellent. I appreciated how Raconteur highlighted the struggles of poorer people who were dealing with the ramifications of widespread illness and quarantine. And I really liked that the characters with to alleviate that suffering despite all the other things on their plates. It's also a breath of fresh air to not have so many interpersonal conflicts--Henri, Jamie, Sherard, and co. all work together and line each other. There's genuine respect and admiration, though they are all very different. I just love that. It's comforting I guess, especially with the high stakes the characters are dealing with in other areas. Highly recommend this book and series!
I've been loving this series so much! It's so wholesome, but also kinda gritty since we're dealing with detective work. This book had higher stakes than the last--lots of people getting sick, hurt, etc. The world building, as always, is excellent. I appreciated how Raconteur highlighted the struggles of poorer people who were dealing with the ramifications of widespread illness and quarantine. And I really liked that the characters with to alleviate that suffering despite all the other things on their plates. It's also a breath of fresh air to not have so many interpersonal conflicts--Henri, Jamie, Sherard, and co. all work together and line each other. There's genuine respect and admiration, though they are all very different. I just love that. It's comforting I guess, especially with the high stakes the characters are dealing with in other areas. Highly recommend this book and series!
June 12, 2019
Just as fun as the first! I love the world the author has built, and I love this whole trio. (Also can we talk about this amazing title?)
This plot meandered a bit more than the first book, and I feel like we're heading into Ron/Harry/Hermione territory where Jaime might not end up with Henri. Those were the only two disappointing aspects of this installment for me.
But I loved that Henri isn't the most powerful but does amazing things with what he has.
“He’s not powerful, barely above the level of a hedge wizard,” Sherard clarified for me. “What makes him formidable is his intelligence and how craftily he uses his power. He does more with less, and does it with such finesse that he often shames magicians who have three times his power. It’s truly elegant, his spellcraft.”
Recommended. Can't wait for the next!
This plot meandered a bit more than the first book, and I feel like we're heading into Ron/Harry/Hermione territory where Jaime might not end up with Henri. Those were the only two disappointing aspects of this installment for me.
But I loved that Henri isn't the most powerful but does amazing things with what he has.
“He’s not powerful, barely above the level of a hedge wizard,” Sherard clarified for me. “What makes him formidable is his intelligence and how craftily he uses his power. He does more with less, and does it with such finesse that he often shames magicians who have three times his power. It’s truly elegant, his spellcraft.”
Recommended. Can't wait for the next!
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