The Tales of Beaufort Scales

Beaufort Scales Mystery #0

by Kim M. Watt

The barbecues were just the beginning ...

Beaufort Scales, High Lord of the Cloverly dragons, is rather tired of being a High Lord, and quite fancies a quiet retirement in from of a warm fire, with the odd rabbit for tea.

Then came the barbecues.

And the bauble market, because if one has barbecues one needs money to buy gas bottles.

And then the Toot Hansell Women's Institute, some most wonderful cake, and some very new friendships.

Beaufort Scales is crashing into the modern world, ready or not (the world, that is. He's very ready, and very, very interested...)



A Toot Hansell short story collection, starting where it all began — with one very shiny barbecue ...

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Short Stories, Dragons, Cozy Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Fiction

ebook

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Hello lovely people!

I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.

And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.

You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.

But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.

And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.

Come join me!

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of short stories about the doings in the village of Toot Hansell. The Women's Institute and the dragons that befriended them. Afterall, what is there not to like about the women's scones, cakes and tea. Be careful, though. Don't let the pixies get into the mulled wine.

More humor from Kim Watt. Better yet, this book of short stories can be downloaded for free from Watt's web site: kmwatt.com

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The origin story of Beaufort Scales, High Lord of the Cloverly Dragons, and how he and his hapless sidekick Mortimer became involved with the redoubtable ladies of the Toot Hansell W.I.

These stories were first posted on the internet machine by the author, and discerning readers observed that Beaufort was a character who needed a book written about him ... or five, as it turns out. See where it all began!

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are fun, quick reads but well written with great characters.

[OldBird · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute collection of short stories about some dragons who, after years of hiding away, get lured back out into the modern world by the promise of Modern Appliances... and baking. Because back in ye olde days, they preferred to slay dragons with swords rather than feed them scones.

I'd say the first 2 can be read comfortably without any prior knowledge on the series, while the others might fare a little better having read some of the main series as there are jumps in what characters know what (DI Adams knowing about paranormal things for instance). Also for the last story, a familiarity with a certain British sci-fi TV show may be necessary...

I did really want to know how come a) all the W.I ladies could see the dragons with such ease, and b) why they just... accepted it without even a little bemusement. A little explaination of just how practical/no-nonsense Alice and co were would have helped a lot - like they'd act the same if a sparkly vampire riding a t-rex showed up (regardless they'd probably offer up some special themed home cooking!)

While I did feel some things could have been a bit more fleshed out (descriptions are often lacking, and foreshadowing isn't always there to give that satisfying "aha!" moment when mysteries are revealed such as not knowing pixies exist in this world, then having them be the "culprits" of weird goings-on) they're full of Very British quirky humour and are short, light reads that are sure to amuse fans of the series.

-I received a free copy of this e-book from a giveaway. This does not influence my review-

[Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in the Beaufort Scales series on the recommendation of a friend, and while I enjoyed it well enough, it didn't make me want to run out and buy the rest of them. But this collection was offered for free at the end of that book, and, well, it would be rude not to!

I actually ended up enjoying it a lot. It gives us the origin stories to how the Cloverly dragons got entangled with the ladies of the Toot Hansell WI, as well as stories featuring just the dragons, and one featuring just DI Adams, without a dragon in sight. A Rather Unusual Flying Lesson, in which Beaufort tries to teach Amelia's younger brother Gilbert to fly, is particularly sweet. I think the stories maybe work better in short form than at novel-length. The book is quite short, but a lot of fun.

[Linda Schoales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually fond of short stories but these were great! They helped "fill in the corners" around the books in the Beaufort Scales Mysteries. The first one introduces Mortimer as he tries to convince Beaufort, the High Lord of the Cloverly dragons, that they should be collecting new forms of treasure. He may regret wakening Beaufort to modern conveniences.
In the second story they've met Miriam, a member of the WI (church Womens' Institute) who can see them (not everyone can). They decide to visit the Christmas Market - in disguise of course. They've discovered mince pies and mulled wine but aren't sure about money.
The rest of the stories are just as fun and made me look forward to the next book in the series.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of these stories was a delight. The background on the Cloverly Dragons and their relationship with the Toot Hansell Women's Institute was nice and fleshed out the world a little while also being very amusing to read. It also gives a peek at a few other fair folk, building a lot more potential into the world. I think that my favorite of the stories was "Abominable Snow-Monsters" followed by the final one, "DI Adams Has a Situation," largely because the first ended so charmingly and the latter ended so absurdly.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming and amusing collection of stories about a group of well-meaning pony-sized dragons wreaking gentle havoc on the village of Toot Hansell. I received a copy of this via a Booksweeps or BookFunnel promo. Honestly, I had no idea what I was reading at first, but it won me over pretty thoroughly. I don’t use the word delightful very often but if ever a book was delightful, this is it.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are such fun. A small village women's institute encounter dog sized dragons, mischievous pixies, walking snowmen, a dragon scared of flying, an inventive use for barbeques and the great chicken rescue. Great just great. Witty and fun. A new writer to me but definitely inevitably will be reading more of.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Beaufort Scales is an old, and not very sensible, dragon. I loved his mannerisms! My mind kept hearing his voice sounding like John Cleese as Basil from Fawlty Towers. Lord Beaufort unintentionally causes mayhem throughout his little human town. And poor Mortimer, Alice and Miriam try to handle damage control 😂

[BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this collection of short stories! You can get it by signing up for the author’s newsletter. I would recommend reading it after the four main books.

I still want to read about Mortimer and Miriam’s first meeting.

[Angel Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

From one dragon to another...
A lovely collection of short stories about dragons, snow creatures coming to life and the humans that live around them. A great book to pass the time. And is this Women's Institute the same one that sells yarn? Love it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of short stories involving the characters of the Beaufort Scales series. I particularly enjoyed the Doctor who themed story, very creative. It's a fun read, giving the characters their own chapters.

[Deeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightfully silly fun.

I'm already a fan of Beaufort, Mortimer and co, and I really hope there are more Thrummy Caps in the full length books because they were adorable lol.

Fingers crossed the full length books work as well as these little shorts do, I am quietly confident though.

[More Books Than Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories are cute, fun, good characters, especially Beaufort, but somehow didn’t grab my attention. Took several days to read as I kept reading other things and doing exciting things like paying bills. Don’t know why.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 4 🌟.

A wonderful collection of tales to whet your appetite for the start of this magical series. This is also a free read directly from the author for joining her mailing list.

[Kathy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful whimsical book if dragons lived today in a small English Village. I didn't want it to end.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The antics of the dragons are so funny that they had me laughing throughout.

[Margaret Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely fantasy short stories, set in the Yorkshire Dales, featuring dragons, the WI and a harried Detective Inspector.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming reader’s “palate cleanse” collection.

[Stephani · Rating 4 out of 5]

These light, cozy fantasy mystery stories are perfect for those times when you just need a fun, silly, funny book. A great one to read with a nice, hot, cup of tea and a warm blanket.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad to get a look at how the dragons and WI met and would love to hear more about Beaufort’s introduction to modern society.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of short stories from the world of Beaufort Scales. Some of the stories had me cackling at the occurring hijinks.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beaufort and the other dragons are learning how to live in the modern world.

Fun book

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed for some festive humour.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fun stories that fill in the gaps from the main books!

[L Y N N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turns out this is actually free to download.

So far it is just the right amount of silly, funny, and entertaining for me!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is essential reading for lovers of happy tales about dragons. The High Lord, Beaufort Scales, is bored but suddenly finds reasons for joining the 21st century, such as barbecues which make wonderfully warm beds for elderly dragons. His nervous sidekick, Mortimer, has used some treasure to acquire these and, one thing leading to another, they make the acquaintance of the W.I of Toot Hansell and discover the joys of tea and lots of cakes. The stories are a joy to read being light and very funny. We also meet Gilbert the dragon with agoraphobia and his pugnacious sister, Amelia.

Re-reading this merely makes me realise what a great writer Kim is to create such lovable dragons with their good friends the WI (and DI Adams)

I have made this book a necessary re-read at Christmas as it cheers me p and reminds me of the joys of knowing the Cloverly dragons

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book of short stories about Beaufort Scales. And I'm so happy I did! At the end of at least one of this author's books she has a link where you can get this book in many different formats to read for free. I had to sign up but I got the book as a PDF file and read it in just a couple of days.
I love it. It gives information about how the W.I. ladies met the dragons and many other interesting, lovely short stories.
Thank you to the author for offering this book for free! I couldn't have gotten it otherwise.