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Barnabas Tew #5
Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction
Demanding Greek gods. A world of intrigue. A mysterious helper.
Zeus is used to getting what he wants…but that was before he met Barnabas Tew!
Barnabas and Wilfred, the unluckiest detectives ever, are enjoying their time in India, working on mastering their emotions and learning how to do all sorts of interesting yoga poses. They feel as if they’ve finally found some peace in their lives.
Everything changes, though, when Zeus whisks them away from their idyllic retreat and demands that they solve a case for him.
Having no choice, they reluctantly accept the job, but quickly come to realize that nothing is as it should be. Zeus’ motives are suspect from the beginning, the rest of the Greek gods and goddesses are untrustworthy at best, and Barnabas soon finds his temper hasn’t improved at all during his time in India.
Who is the mysterious lady who keeps popping up just when they need her? Is she friend, or is she foe?
Will Barnabas and Wilfred figure out what’s right and what’s wrong in this topsy-turvy world of lies, intrigue, and trickery? Or will the Greek gods and goddesses prove too much for them?
Zeus is used to getting what he wants…but that was before he met Barnabas Tew!
Barnabas and Wilfred, the unluckiest detectives ever, are enjoying their time in India, working on mastering their emotions and learning how to do all sorts of interesting yoga poses. They feel as if they’ve finally found some peace in their lives.
Everything changes, though, when Zeus whisks them away from their idyllic retreat and demands that they solve a case for him.
Having no choice, they reluctantly accept the job, but quickly come to realize that nothing is as it should be. Zeus’ motives are suspect from the beginning, the rest of the Greek gods and goddesses are untrustworthy at best, and Barnabas soon finds his temper hasn’t improved at all during his time in India.
Who is the mysterious lady who keeps popping up just when they need her? Is she friend, or is she foe?
Will Barnabas and Wilfred figure out what’s right and what’s wrong in this topsy-turvy world of lies, intrigue, and trickery? Or will the Greek gods and goddesses prove too much for them?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 22, 2020
*** Note : I received e-copy of this book as part of blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Rachel for tour invite and author for review copy. ***
Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction was fun and adventurous combination of mythical fantasy and cozy mystery that revolved around bumbling detectives Barnabas and Wilfred and their new abduction case in Greek world. It was about doing right thing even if that means going against the God himself, friendship, morality, and fate.
Both Barnabas and Wilfred were fun and cute. They might have learned from their experience a little and with their luck and little bit of deducing they have solved all case so far but their bumbling nature has remained the same.
It was amusing and enjoyable world filled with Greek stories and characters, willy-nilly journey and adventures, flibbertigibbet detectives making poppycock, nincompoop decisions and getting tangled in verbal sparring more than often. I liked seeing Greek characters and their stories or situations through Barnabas and Wilfred’s perspective. What I loved most was underlying social comments on unwanted desire of a male gods, unfair treatment of women, people being turned into monster and suffer punishments for eternity for going against Gods or for finding themselves in middle of celestial domestic issues.
Overall, Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction was hilarious and adventurous cozy mystery in the Greek world with uplifting and amusing bumbling detectives.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction was fun and adventurous combination of mythical fantasy and cozy mystery that revolved around bumbling detectives Barnabas and Wilfred and their new abduction case in Greek world. It was about doing right thing even if that means going against the God himself, friendship, morality, and fate.
Both Barnabas and Wilfred were fun and cute. They might have learned from their experience a little and with their luck and little bit of deducing they have solved all case so far but their bumbling nature has remained the same.
It was amusing and enjoyable world filled with Greek stories and characters, willy-nilly journey and adventures, flibbertigibbet detectives making poppycock, nincompoop decisions and getting tangled in verbal sparring more than often. I liked seeing Greek characters and their stories or situations through Barnabas and Wilfred’s perspective. What I loved most was underlying social comments on unwanted desire of a male gods, unfair treatment of women, people being turned into monster and suffer punishments for eternity for going against Gods or for finding themselves in middle of celestial domestic issues.
Overall, Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction was hilarious and adventurous cozy mystery in the Greek world with uplifting and amusing bumbling detectives.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
November 23, 2020
Barnabas Tew and his assistant turned business partner, Wilfred Colby have been two of my favourite characters in recent years. I've followed their journey from the museum in Victorian England to mythological lands galore. Theirs has always been a story I look forward to reading.
As detectives to the gods, it seems only fitting they are finally summoned by Zeus himself when a princess has been kidnapped. As ever, finding the missing girl is no straightforward task, and Barnabus & Wilfred are led off track on several occasions. But this time, the desire to complete their mission has also gone off track, since this time around, there are doubts about Zeus's motives.
Being the gentlemen they are, neither feels comfortable with returning the girl to Zeus once they are convinced his intentions are not honourable. Have they reached the end of the road? What will become of them if they fail to follow Zeus's orders?
In this story, the two men are more reflective and introspective, and there are constant reminders of the loves they found and lost along the way. For me, there was too much repetition of how they met Bindi and Brynhild, so much so it made the ending almost predictable.
What I did enjoy was seeing how the two men now felt about each other, and I have to say that Wilfred has the patience of a saint. (Barnabus in full flow is a force to be reckoned with; there is only so much eye-rolling I could do faced with his antics. Yes, I know, I should have expected this from him, but I had hoped he might change a little for the better, not get annoyingly worse.)
Nonetheless, despite Barnabus bumbling on in his own inimitable style and getting my hackles up, this was another fun read with just enough Greek myth to intrigue, a marvellous cast of characters and a satisfying mystery. An amusing aspect of this was that even amongst the Greek gods, there was a need for societal reform and a healthy opposition to the rule of law when so unevenly practised. Art imitating life, you might say ;)
Dry humour and staunch loyalty to Queen Victoria kept Barnabus in character. Olympus - and Zeus - had no idea what would hit them! Another great mystery solved by the duo, and hats off to Wilfred for staying sane. Long may they enjoy their later years, and may they both be blessed with happiness, love and the occasional cup of tea with biscuits.
As detectives to the gods, it seems only fitting they are finally summoned by Zeus himself when a princess has been kidnapped. As ever, finding the missing girl is no straightforward task, and Barnabus & Wilfred are led off track on several occasions. But this time, the desire to complete their mission has also gone off track, since this time around, there are doubts about Zeus's motives.
Being the gentlemen they are, neither feels comfortable with returning the girl to Zeus once they are convinced his intentions are not honourable. Have they reached the end of the road? What will become of them if they fail to follow Zeus's orders?
In this story, the two men are more reflective and introspective, and there are constant reminders of the loves they found and lost along the way. For me, there was too much repetition of how they met Bindi and Brynhild, so much so it made the ending almost predictable.
What I did enjoy was seeing how the two men now felt about each other, and I have to say that Wilfred has the patience of a saint. (Barnabus in full flow is a force to be reckoned with; there is only so much eye-rolling I could do faced with his antics. Yes, I know, I should have expected this from him, but I had hoped he might change a little for the better, not get annoyingly worse.)
Nonetheless, despite Barnabus bumbling on in his own inimitable style and getting my hackles up, this was another fun read with just enough Greek myth to intrigue, a marvellous cast of characters and a satisfying mystery. An amusing aspect of this was that even amongst the Greek gods, there was a need for societal reform and a healthy opposition to the rule of law when so unevenly practised. Art imitating life, you might say ;)
Dry humour and staunch loyalty to Queen Victoria kept Barnabus in character. Olympus - and Zeus - had no idea what would hit them! Another great mystery solved by the duo, and hats off to Wilfred for staying sane. Long may they enjoy their later years, and may they both be blessed with happiness, love and the occasional cup of tea with biscuits.
January 10, 2021
I absolutely love this collection of books, mixing history and humour for me is a sure fire winner.
The author has created some amazing characters in Tew and his poor side kick Wilfred.
This adventure sees them encountering Zeus, a god. Barnabas is his same old self which provides much of the humour throughout. Zeus wants them to solve a case for him, so they get to meet many Greek gods and goddesses.
I highly recommend this series to everyone.
The author has created some amazing characters in Tew and his poor side kick Wilfred.
This adventure sees them encountering Zeus, a god. Barnabas is his same old self which provides much of the humour throughout. Zeus wants them to solve a case for him, so they get to meet many Greek gods and goddesses.
I highly recommend this series to everyone.
December 5, 2020
My Blog
3.5 stars
Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction by Columbkill Noonan is a blend of mythology and mystery with dollops of humor thrown in.
Barnabas and his friend, Wilfred, are detectives to gods. This time, they have been called by Zeus to bring back a princess with whom he has fallen in love. However, the tasks of God are rarely easy to accomplish, right?
UNCOVENTIONAL
I found the Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction extremely unconventional. Noonan turns the idea of a detective as we know it on its head. There is extraordinarily little detecting here. Rather, the detectives go about doing errands for the various gods and goddesses (sometimes unwillingly) with a lot of misfortune and a bit of “fortune” to accomplish the task. Though I enjoyed reading the story but being a hard-core crime fiction lover, this struck me as odd.
Moreover, the detectives themselves are poor specimens of what classic detectives are supposed to be. For instance, Barnabas is a cantankerous, sarcastic, melodramatic, and stubborn man. He always acts according to his wishes and does not listen to good advice. Wilfred, on the other hand, is the more reasonable of the two. Yet, he is also prone to making poor choices. Not exactly detective material.
BUT …
Yet, with these two inept “detectives”, Noonan succeeds in crafting an enjoyable mystery. You have no choice but to follow them on their quest as the gods manipulate them, and sometimes help them also, and keep on sending them to quests after quests. I sometimes wished to grab Barnabas by his shoulders and scream at him, “You fool! Stop being so stubborn. Use your brains. Shut your mouth.” This is a testament to Noonan’s writing prowess. She had me invested in the characters to such an extent.
As far as mythology is concerned, I have zero knowledge of Greek mythology. So, I don’t know if Noonan spun her take on them, but I enjoyed reading every tidbit offered in the book.
HUMOR
The biggest strength of this book, apart from the bumbling detectives (of course), is the humor. There are several laugh-out-loud moments in the book. Further, the climax was action-packed and revealed Barnabas’s caring nature.
AND SOME MORE …
Moreover, I liked the author’s commentary on the unjust nature of the Greek gods. If the woman they wrongly desire spurns them, she is promptly turned into a monster, thus, mirroring the patriarchal society of many countries where girls are disfigured or attacked because they refuse a man’s advances.
This is the first book I have read in the Barnabas Tew series, but it can be read as a standalone very well. I recommend Barnabas Tew and The Case of The Hellenic Abduction by Columbkill Noonan to someone who wants an enjoyable, light-hearted mystery.
November 12, 2020
This book is so much fun to read. I love the humour and the relationship between the staunchly loyal to Queen Victoria, mercurial Barnabas with his dramatic self-indulgent mood swings and that of his long-suffering former assistant, now partner, Wilfred Colby. Whisked up in a cyclone they bypass obligatory thunderbolts and head through the magical doors on Olympus to meet, ruler of the Greek gods, Zeus, who gives them the task of rescuing Princess Amarantha; but does she want or need rescuing? Enter a world where, even in the depths of the ocean, everything stops for tea.
Underneath all the good-natured bickering, Noonan makes some very wry social comments. Should you, in fact, kidnap a princess to give to the morally reprehensible Zeus? There is also an element of poignancy rippling underneath the text, in that both of the heroes are missing loved ones. Anyone with a passing knowledge of Greek mythology will flinch at the thought of entering a labyrinth or using wax wings to escape, and prickle at the mention of Scylla and Charybdis, but I love how Noonan turns these myths on their head and fits them into her own narrative. She also draws attention to the fact that most of these tales are to do with the unwanted desire of a male god and a woman who displeases, which usually results in her getting turned into a monster or being kidnapped. It is, at times, very funny and I especially enjoyed the episode with the Graeae’s eyeball and the detectives’ concern about their peripheral vision. I laughed out loud at a description of the Underworld being compared to Cornwall, and Charon depicted as a ‘bureaucratic fustilugs’ feels very current.
With women in disguise popping up all over the place, pomegranates a-plenty and hell beasts smelling of lavender; enter a world full of poppycock, nincompoops, negative nellies and flibbertigibbets. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the earlier books in the series as Noonan gets the reader right up to speed with past events, although I was super intrigued about an episode which mentions Barnabas and Wilfred having been turned into carp, so I will definitely be going back to check that out. I thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious escapades of Barnabas Tew – it lifted my spirits no end – a real gem of a book.
Underneath all the good-natured bickering, Noonan makes some very wry social comments. Should you, in fact, kidnap a princess to give to the morally reprehensible Zeus? There is also an element of poignancy rippling underneath the text, in that both of the heroes are missing loved ones. Anyone with a passing knowledge of Greek mythology will flinch at the thought of entering a labyrinth or using wax wings to escape, and prickle at the mention of Scylla and Charybdis, but I love how Noonan turns these myths on their head and fits them into her own narrative. She also draws attention to the fact that most of these tales are to do with the unwanted desire of a male god and a woman who displeases, which usually results in her getting turned into a monster or being kidnapped. It is, at times, very funny and I especially enjoyed the episode with the Graeae’s eyeball and the detectives’ concern about their peripheral vision. I laughed out loud at a description of the Underworld being compared to Cornwall, and Charon depicted as a ‘bureaucratic fustilugs’ feels very current.
With women in disguise popping up all over the place, pomegranates a-plenty and hell beasts smelling of lavender; enter a world full of poppycock, nincompoops, negative nellies and flibbertigibbets. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the earlier books in the series as Noonan gets the reader right up to speed with past events, although I was super intrigued about an episode which mentions Barnabas and Wilfred having been turned into carp, so I will definitely be going back to check that out. I thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious escapades of Barnabas Tew – it lifted my spirits no end – a real gem of a book.
November 15, 2020
Barnabas Tew and his partner, Wilfred Colby, are detectives to the gods. Crossing cultural mythological gods and creatures' boundaries, they solve a series of cases set up like a line of dominoes that demanded patience and precision for success.
I adored the premise and the plot that blends my two favorite genres of fantasy and mystery. Most of the mysteries are finding lost objects or lost people, and through a great deal of bungling and little taps of luck when needed, they manage to solve their case. In this story, they are hired by none other than the Greek head god himself, Zeus, who fears the mortal princess he is lusting after is kidnapped. Barnabas isn't sure he wants to help Zeus, though, because he recognizes that this situation is not going to work out well for the princess and the gallant man he is – he cannot justify doing that to her.
Barnabas Tew reminded me of a Victorian age Don Quixote of the PI world. He has this ideal version of himself that exists solely in his head. He imagines himself as a Sherlock Holmes and the model of everything valued in Victorian England. But, what everyone else sees is a bungling, round little man who manages to mess everything up and make everybody angry at some point. Wilfred is the one who tries to bring Barnabas back to reality and kicks or hits him to warn him when he is crossing a line. He has to do that quite often.
But deep inside, Barnabas has a great deal of love for Wilfred, and their lady loves, Bindi and Brynhild. It is hard to see as he continuously builds himself up by knocking everyone around him down, but when push comes to shove, Barnabas will show his true feelings. My only concern is that, even though the writing flows beautifully and naturally, the dialogue, of which there is a considerable amount, is challenging to read with Barnabas's attempts to show his intelligence through the way he speaks. The words become dense, and I struggled to get through them and keep pace.
This is a fun read with its blend of fantasy and mystery, and I found it a remarkable story from start to finish.
I adored the premise and the plot that blends my two favorite genres of fantasy and mystery. Most of the mysteries are finding lost objects or lost people, and through a great deal of bungling and little taps of luck when needed, they manage to solve their case. In this story, they are hired by none other than the Greek head god himself, Zeus, who fears the mortal princess he is lusting after is kidnapped. Barnabas isn't sure he wants to help Zeus, though, because he recognizes that this situation is not going to work out well for the princess and the gallant man he is – he cannot justify doing that to her.
Barnabas Tew reminded me of a Victorian age Don Quixote of the PI world. He has this ideal version of himself that exists solely in his head. He imagines himself as a Sherlock Holmes and the model of everything valued in Victorian England. But, what everyone else sees is a bungling, round little man who manages to mess everything up and make everybody angry at some point. Wilfred is the one who tries to bring Barnabas back to reality and kicks or hits him to warn him when he is crossing a line. He has to do that quite often.
But deep inside, Barnabas has a great deal of love for Wilfred, and their lady loves, Bindi and Brynhild. It is hard to see as he continuously builds himself up by knocking everyone around him down, but when push comes to shove, Barnabas will show his true feelings. My only concern is that, even though the writing flows beautifully and naturally, the dialogue, of which there is a considerable amount, is challenging to read with Barnabas's attempts to show his intelligence through the way he speaks. The words become dense, and I struggled to get through them and keep pace.
This is a fun read with its blend of fantasy and mystery, and I found it a remarkable story from start to finish.
June 19, 2021
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE HELLENIC ABDUCTION
By Columbkill Noonan
The Fifth Barnabas Tew Mystery
While practicing their yoga on the banks on the Ganges, Victorian private investigator Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are unceremoniously whisked away and deposited in Ancient Greece. Upon Odin's recommendation Zeus has summoned the duo to help him rescue a princess. Barnabas and Wilfred undertake the mission, but find Zeus's intentions not entirely honorable and are unsure if they should indeed find the woman for him. Running into various deities and other mythological beings from Ancient Greece Barnabas and Wilfred will have to keep on their toes or risk death...again!
I absolutely love Barnabas Tew and was happy to have him and Wilfred enter another realm with which I am quite familiar, that of Greek Mythology. I couldn't help but smile as Barnabas compared the Greek and Roman pantheon. I also love how he incorporates the meditation and yoga he learned from the Hindu pantheon.
In fact, so many things made me smile in this, the fifth Barnabas Tew adventure. The rapport between Barnabas and Wilfred, the bemusement of the various gods and other mythological characters by their antics, and the fact that the bumbling duo do always, somehow, manage to solve the case...even if they die in the process. Perhaps my favorite joy comes from seeing mythological characters in a new light. My favorite aspect of that here was with Minnie the minotaur.
Throughout the series, there have been serious moments and introspective moments as well as adventure and laughs, most notably concerning the lost loves of each of the heroes. Therefore, I was much pleased with the chain of events leading up to the mystery's conclusion. I am, however, greatly concerned that the fifth Barnabas Tew Mystery may be the last book in this delightfully unique series.
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE HELLENIC ABDUCTION is a rip-roaring good time twining Greek mythology and Victorian sensibilities in a laugh out loud story.
By Columbkill Noonan
The Fifth Barnabas Tew Mystery
While practicing their yoga on the banks on the Ganges, Victorian private investigator Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are unceremoniously whisked away and deposited in Ancient Greece. Upon Odin's recommendation Zeus has summoned the duo to help him rescue a princess. Barnabas and Wilfred undertake the mission, but find Zeus's intentions not entirely honorable and are unsure if they should indeed find the woman for him. Running into various deities and other mythological beings from Ancient Greece Barnabas and Wilfred will have to keep on their toes or risk death...again!
I absolutely love Barnabas Tew and was happy to have him and Wilfred enter another realm with which I am quite familiar, that of Greek Mythology. I couldn't help but smile as Barnabas compared the Greek and Roman pantheon. I also love how he incorporates the meditation and yoga he learned from the Hindu pantheon.
In fact, so many things made me smile in this, the fifth Barnabas Tew adventure. The rapport between Barnabas and Wilfred, the bemusement of the various gods and other mythological characters by their antics, and the fact that the bumbling duo do always, somehow, manage to solve the case...even if they die in the process. Perhaps my favorite joy comes from seeing mythological characters in a new light. My favorite aspect of that here was with Minnie the minotaur.
Throughout the series, there have been serious moments and introspective moments as well as adventure and laughs, most notably concerning the lost loves of each of the heroes. Therefore, I was much pleased with the chain of events leading up to the mystery's conclusion. I am, however, greatly concerned that the fifth Barnabas Tew Mystery may be the last book in this delightfully unique series.
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE HELLENIC ABDUCTION is a rip-roaring good time twining Greek mythology and Victorian sensibilities in a laugh out loud story.
November 17, 2020
Two Victorian-era detectives bicker their way through mythological Greece.
Caught up by a cyclone, bumbling detective Barnabas Tew and his assistant-turned-partner Wilfred are instructed by Zeus to rescue a princess. Anyone with a passing familiarity with Greek myth or a modicum of reading comprehension (whose numbers include Barnabas and Wilfred) would be able to guess that Zeus's intentions are less than honourable, yet in the interests of self-preservation, they agree to take the case.
Not having read the previous books in the series, I can't tell if it is normal for this detective series to contain quite so little detecting. Rather than solve a mystery, Barnabas and Wilfred are bounced between figures and places of Greek mythology on a series of hare-brained quests and dead-ends with what seems like very little agency but a lot of bickering. I did feel like the dynamic between Barnabas and Wilfred began to get repetitive and can almost imagine practically everyone they meet looking into the camera like The Office with Barnabas and Wilfred scuffling in the background. There are some funny moments as characters are bewildered by Barnabas's cavalier approach to, well, everything.
I enjoyed how the author wove together different stories, often with a unique spin. I really liked how Barnabas called out how many of them involve Zeus cheating on Hera with unfortunate results for the mortals involved. There was an added layer of depth there with both men mourning lost loves from previous books while judging if closing the case for Zeus was really the right thing to do. The ending, while solid, seemed like quite the deus ex which felt unsatisfying though perhaps thematically appropriate?
Overall I enjoyed reading this book but the story didn't quite hit the spot for me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
Caught up by a cyclone, bumbling detective Barnabas Tew and his assistant-turned-partner Wilfred are instructed by Zeus to rescue a princess. Anyone with a passing familiarity with Greek myth or a modicum of reading comprehension (whose numbers include Barnabas and Wilfred) would be able to guess that Zeus's intentions are less than honourable, yet in the interests of self-preservation, they agree to take the case.
Not having read the previous books in the series, I can't tell if it is normal for this detective series to contain quite so little detecting. Rather than solve a mystery, Barnabas and Wilfred are bounced between figures and places of Greek mythology on a series of hare-brained quests and dead-ends with what seems like very little agency but a lot of bickering. I did feel like the dynamic between Barnabas and Wilfred began to get repetitive and can almost imagine practically everyone they meet looking into the camera like The Office with Barnabas and Wilfred scuffling in the background. There are some funny moments as characters are bewildered by Barnabas's cavalier approach to, well, everything.
I enjoyed how the author wove together different stories, often with a unique spin. I really liked how Barnabas called out how many of them involve Zeus cheating on Hera with unfortunate results for the mortals involved. There was an added layer of depth there with both men mourning lost loves from previous books while judging if closing the case for Zeus was really the right thing to do. The ending, while solid, seemed like quite the deus ex which felt unsatisfying though perhaps thematically appropriate?
Overall I enjoyed reading this book but the story didn't quite hit the spot for me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
November 20, 2020
I will start out by saying that I'm new to the Barnabas Tew series. Thankfully, you don't need to read the previous 4 books to understand what is going on.
Barnabas Tew and his former assistant-now partner Wilfred Colby are the detectives to the gods, and this current case is a doozy! Zeus wants a girl, the princess Amarantha, who was kidnapped....by her own family?? As Barnabas and Wilfred try to decide between helping Zeus (and not getting smote by lighting) and defying Zeus and helping Amarantha (but possibly becoming lightning rods); all manner is zaniness abounds!
For all that Barnabas considers himself a proper Victorian gentleman, he's really a caricature of one, as played by Mr. Magoo. This is a Sherlock Holmes and Watson as performed by Monty Python, with endless side quests and incidental silliness.There is tea at the bottom of the sea, an allergic Minotaur, discussions on the ethics of rescuing a princess for Zeus without asking what she wants, and multiple uses of a magical marble! And who IS the mysterious woman who shows up whenever our intrepid heroes need help?
For all the satirical humor, there are poignant moments. Both Barnabas and Wilfred have had to leave their own lady loves behind in the course of their adventures, and those adventures while weird and fun, are tiring for a pair of men who want nothing more than to go back home. When offered their greatest wish, to what depths of Hell will they go?
Note: The author writes Barnabas's, and to a lesser extent Wilfred's, dialogue in an extremely verbose manner. This is done for a specific style of humor that I do not know the name of. While this style of humor is not to my taste, once I grew used to it, the rest of the plot was absolutely amazing!
Barnabas Tew and his former assistant-now partner Wilfred Colby are the detectives to the gods, and this current case is a doozy! Zeus wants a girl, the princess Amarantha, who was kidnapped....by her own family?? As Barnabas and Wilfred try to decide between helping Zeus (and not getting smote by lighting) and defying Zeus and helping Amarantha (but possibly becoming lightning rods); all manner is zaniness abounds!
For all that Barnabas considers himself a proper Victorian gentleman, he's really a caricature of one, as played by Mr. Magoo. This is a Sherlock Holmes and Watson as performed by Monty Python, with endless side quests and incidental silliness.There is tea at the bottom of the sea, an allergic Minotaur, discussions on the ethics of rescuing a princess for Zeus without asking what she wants, and multiple uses of a magical marble! And who IS the mysterious woman who shows up whenever our intrepid heroes need help?
For all the satirical humor, there are poignant moments. Both Barnabas and Wilfred have had to leave their own lady loves behind in the course of their adventures, and those adventures while weird and fun, are tiring for a pair of men who want nothing more than to go back home. When offered their greatest wish, to what depths of Hell will they go?
Note: The author writes Barnabas's, and to a lesser extent Wilfred's, dialogue in an extremely verbose manner. This is done for a specific style of humor that I do not know the name of. While this style of humor is not to my taste, once I grew used to it, the rest of the plot was absolutely amazing!
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November 22, 2020Barnie and Willie are back!
If you don't know this series and didn't read my previous reviews about these books, then you are missing out on some funny moments. Barnabas and Wilfred, the most awesome detectives ever, go on a new adventure, this time to ancient Greece, and are going to deal with the Greek Gods.
Honestly, at this point I have no idea what to say. I always have fun with the books in this series. Barnie and Willie (as I have come to call them) are the best, with all the unlucky moments and crazy situations. When I think that nothing else is going to surprise me Columbkil Noonan comes up with another adventure for them.
The interesting thing about this novel, as with all the others, is that it picks our curiosity about different cultures and times, as well as mythologies. Plus there is this opening to talk about certain sociological aspects, and moral issues. By having Zeus be the one demanding them to solve a case, it already let us wondering about the truth.
As we go on this journey with Barnie and Willie, we are taken through some hilarious moments and while the plot thickens, we are reminded of the way Barnabas and Wilfred act, their roles, their personalities and the way they interact.
Overall, it was yet another great story, that took me on a fun journey. Can't wait to see what God or Goddess will call Barnie and Willie next. They seem to never have a lot of vacation time. The divine world is a crazy place, don't you think?
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Columbkill Noonan for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
If you don't know this series and didn't read my previous reviews about these books, then you are missing out on some funny moments. Barnabas and Wilfred, the most awesome detectives ever, go on a new adventure, this time to ancient Greece, and are going to deal with the Greek Gods.
Honestly, at this point I have no idea what to say. I always have fun with the books in this series. Barnie and Willie (as I have come to call them) are the best, with all the unlucky moments and crazy situations. When I think that nothing else is going to surprise me Columbkil Noonan comes up with another adventure for them.
The interesting thing about this novel, as with all the others, is that it picks our curiosity about different cultures and times, as well as mythologies. Plus there is this opening to talk about certain sociological aspects, and moral issues. By having Zeus be the one demanding them to solve a case, it already let us wondering about the truth.
As we go on this journey with Barnie and Willie, we are taken through some hilarious moments and while the plot thickens, we are reminded of the way Barnabas and Wilfred act, their roles, their personalities and the way they interact.
Overall, it was yet another great story, that took me on a fun journey. Can't wait to see what God or Goddess will call Barnie and Willie next. They seem to never have a lot of vacation time. The divine world is a crazy place, don't you think?
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Columbkill Noonan for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
January 1, 2021
Barnabas isn't exactly the king of charm. I'd actually go as far as to say that in the direst of moments he often rocks the boat a little too much, which is when he needs Wilfred to steady the waters. This is especially dangerous when their next client turns out to be the king of the gods himself - Zeus.
He doesn't take too well to the backtalk and when people point out that he might be just be a tad sexist and the job he has for the peculiar sleuthing duo might be a bit on the dubious side, and that's without the side note of peddling young princesses for the great Zeus, he gets a bit cranky.
Noonan combines mythology with a quirky odd couple who tend to fall into their cases with a Victorian era colonialesque charm, if you can call it charm. It's a entertaining box of mixed chocolates. You just never know what you're going to get when you flip the page.
I kind of liked the way Noonan makes a point without taking a foam finger and pointing straight at it. There is a fine line between good and bad, a reputation and the reality of a person and their character. Barnabas may seem like a pain in the behind, but he has the best intentions. The moral of the story he will tell is that sitting on a pedestal does not automatically make you an upstanding citizen and sometimes someone has to take a stand.
*I received a courtesy copy*
He doesn't take too well to the backtalk and when people point out that he might be just be a tad sexist and the job he has for the peculiar sleuthing duo might be a bit on the dubious side, and that's without the side note of peddling young princesses for the great Zeus, he gets a bit cranky.
Noonan combines mythology with a quirky odd couple who tend to fall into their cases with a Victorian era colonialesque charm, if you can call it charm. It's a entertaining box of mixed chocolates. You just never know what you're going to get when you flip the page.
I kind of liked the way Noonan makes a point without taking a foam finger and pointing straight at it. There is a fine line between good and bad, a reputation and the reality of a person and their character. Barnabas may seem like a pain in the behind, but he has the best intentions. The moral of the story he will tell is that sitting on a pedestal does not automatically make you an upstanding citizen and sometimes someone has to take a stand.
*I received a courtesy copy*
November 24, 2020
This is Book 5 in the series, you can read it as a standalone although there are references to past occurances/characters but they don’t take away from the story.
Barnabus Tew and his former assistant, turned partner Wilfred, are detectives to the Gods. Yes, mythological Greek Gods. This was an interesting genre I had never experienced before, a combination of fantasy, mythology and detective story. Although they are very unlucky detectives and a comedy of errors. This makes for a humorous and entertaining story. In this story, Barnabus and Wilfred are hired by Zeus because he is worried that a mortal princess he lusts after is in trouble. The problem lies in the fact that no one has asked the princess what she wants. This leaves Barnabus very conflicted as he considers himself a proper gentleman (and uses phrases like nincompoop and poppycock). This was a fun book and a fairly quick read. I am one for sarcastic humor and this definitely fit that bill. I will have to go back and read the rest of the story because I have a feeling the adventures they get in will be both interesting and comical.
I give this 4 of 5 stars and thank Rachel's Random Resources Book Tours and author Columbkill Noonan for the review copy of this book and including me in the tour.
Barnabus Tew and his former assistant, turned partner Wilfred, are detectives to the Gods. Yes, mythological Greek Gods. This was an interesting genre I had never experienced before, a combination of fantasy, mythology and detective story. Although they are very unlucky detectives and a comedy of errors. This makes for a humorous and entertaining story. In this story, Barnabus and Wilfred are hired by Zeus because he is worried that a mortal princess he lusts after is in trouble. The problem lies in the fact that no one has asked the princess what she wants. This leaves Barnabus very conflicted as he considers himself a proper gentleman (and uses phrases like nincompoop and poppycock). This was a fun book and a fairly quick read. I am one for sarcastic humor and this definitely fit that bill. I will have to go back and read the rest of the story because I have a feeling the adventures they get in will be both interesting and comical.
I give this 4 of 5 stars and thank Rachel's Random Resources Book Tours and author Columbkill Noonan for the review copy of this book and including me in the tour.
November 28, 2020
*I was given a free copy of this novel in exchange for a review*
This was a very hard one for me to rate because, by while no means was it bad, I thoroughly did not enjoy it. I’ll probably be re-writing this review when I have more time to formulate a more eloquent response but for now:
Two Victorian detectives (a parody of Sherlock and Watson) bumble their way through Greek myths and respect women.
The characters were all outrageous and brilliant in their own way
The settings were fun and I adored Noonan’s take on Greek mythology and the ways in which they adapted the stories
The plot was fun- always bouncing on to the next adventure
It was absolutely hilarious in its jokes and references
Just something about the purposefully stilted writing kept me from enjoying it to its extent. Also the characters, while fun, were very one dimensional. I would absolutely try another book in this series if there were an audiobook
Overall: I’d absolutely recommend it if clunky writing style doesn’t bother you. More for a middle grade audience, specifically someone who prefers plot over characterization.
This was a very hard one for me to rate because, by while no means was it bad, I thoroughly did not enjoy it. I’ll probably be re-writing this review when I have more time to formulate a more eloquent response but for now:
Two Victorian detectives (a parody of Sherlock and Watson) bumble their way through Greek myths and respect women.
The characters were all outrageous and brilliant in their own way
The settings were fun and I adored Noonan’s take on Greek mythology and the ways in which they adapted the stories
The plot was fun- always bouncing on to the next adventure
It was absolutely hilarious in its jokes and references
Just something about the purposefully stilted writing kept me from enjoying it to its extent. Also the characters, while fun, were very one dimensional. I would absolutely try another book in this series if there were an audiobook
Overall: I’d absolutely recommend it if clunky writing style doesn’t bother you. More for a middle grade audience, specifically someone who prefers plot over characterization.
December 27, 2020
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
This is probably going to be an unpopular opinion but this book has left me with a very mixed opinion. I didn’t hate it but I definitely have not been left with an overwhelming desire to read the other books in this series. The relationship between the main characters Barnabus and his friend Wilfred, reminded me of the classic partnership between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. I enjoyed this similarity when it was shown through their banter, loyalty to one another and ability to understand each other in times of stress. The actual storyline to me felt messy, as the mini plot lines distracted me for the original story and made me slightly confused to what the original intent of the characters being in Ancient Greece was. On the other hand I did also enjoy the authors use and introduction of several well known mythological characters. And I particularly enjoyed reading Barnabus’s interactions with each as it made for quite a comedic read. Overall I rated this book 3 stars.
This is probably going to be an unpopular opinion but this book has left me with a very mixed opinion. I didn’t hate it but I definitely have not been left with an overwhelming desire to read the other books in this series. The relationship between the main characters Barnabus and his friend Wilfred, reminded me of the classic partnership between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. I enjoyed this similarity when it was shown through their banter, loyalty to one another and ability to understand each other in times of stress. The actual storyline to me felt messy, as the mini plot lines distracted me for the original story and made me slightly confused to what the original intent of the characters being in Ancient Greece was. On the other hand I did also enjoy the authors use and introduction of several well known mythological characters. And I particularly enjoyed reading Barnabus’s interactions with each as it made for quite a comedic read. Overall I rated this book 3 stars.
November 17, 2020
I came into this series very late so I had no background of the characters or what had happened before this, read well as a standalone but I think the previous books makes a huge difference and perspective. I would love to go back and read the previous books if I have time.
Barnabas Tew and the case of the Hellenic Abduction is book five in the series I believe. The two main characters Barnabas and Wilfred are both detectives and are the perfect, funny duo act. It's a story full of adventure, the unexpected and a little bit of comedy I would say between the two detectives, they're lovable. Can never be bored while reading this story. It set my imagination on fire. Brilliantly written.
Now I must admit this is something I wouldn't have picked up for myself to read but I really did enjoy it. The story contains many gods and goddesses including Zeus, Aphrodite and Hades to name a few. A well deserved four stars from me and I would recommend!
Barnabas Tew and the case of the Hellenic Abduction is book five in the series I believe. The two main characters Barnabas and Wilfred are both detectives and are the perfect, funny duo act. It's a story full of adventure, the unexpected and a little bit of comedy I would say between the two detectives, they're lovable. Can never be bored while reading this story. It set my imagination on fire. Brilliantly written.
Now I must admit this is something I wouldn't have picked up for myself to read but I really did enjoy it. The story contains many gods and goddesses including Zeus, Aphrodite and Hades to name a few. A well deserved four stars from me and I would recommend!
December 23, 2020
Review:
Barnabas Tew and Wilfred are back with another adventure and I have to admit, I’m not getting tired of them! I love this book so much. Columbkill Noonan ha created some really memorable characters who I just love together.
I love the humor. The banter between Barnabas and Wilfred is everything. These two really create a story that I always want to read.
The Greek Mythology in this novel is so fun. I absolutely love how the author puts her own twists on the myths. The world building is on point and so much fun to read.
I love this book! Highly recommended!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Barnabas Tew and Wilfred are back with another adventure and I have to admit, I’m not getting tired of them! I love this book so much. Columbkill Noonan ha created some really memorable characters who I just love together.
I love the humor. The banter between Barnabas and Wilfred is everything. These two really create a story that I always want to read.
The Greek Mythology in this novel is so fun. I absolutely love how the author puts her own twists on the myths. The world building is on point and so much fun to read.
I love this book! Highly recommended!!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
October 15, 2020
A bumbling inept detective and sidekick. A bunch of ancient mythical gods and cohorts. All gathered together to make for a fun little read. This was my first encounter with this author and seems to be part of a series but I didn't feel lost or as if I had missed anything for not having read any of the rest of the series. I was provided with an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I enjoyed it. I found myself laughing a lot. It was well worth the time.
October 29, 2020
I was given an advance review copy of this book and can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the banter between Barnabas and Wilfred and found myself laughing out loud more than once, add to that some Greek mythology (among others) and you get a great detective novel that has something for everyone. Even though this was the fifth book in the series I was not at all lost but will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
November 11, 2020
I received an advance copy to review which I’m so thankful for!
And whilst I did struggle a tad with not having read the previous books, it was only an issue with certain parts as I was left wondering who certain characters were that were mentioned but overall a great book, a great detective duo with bounds of banter similar to Sherlock and Holmes but a sprinkle of Greek mythology and mysticism thrown in!! Excellent reading
And whilst I did struggle a tad with not having read the previous books, it was only an issue with certain parts as I was left wondering who certain characters were that were mentioned but overall a great book, a great detective duo with bounds of banter similar to Sherlock and Holmes but a sprinkle of Greek mythology and mysticism thrown in!! Excellent reading
January 23, 2021
Sweet & Quirky
Barnabas snd Wilfred wander the universe solving mysteries. The quirky dialogue brings to mind the dynamic between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Greek pantheon makes a series of cameos in this surprisingly enjoyable tale. Perfect for lovers of YA mystery. Lots of snarky witty dialogue, colorful characters and an ending that surprised me
Barnabas snd Wilfred wander the universe solving mysteries. The quirky dialogue brings to mind the dynamic between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Greek pantheon makes a series of cameos in this surprisingly enjoyable tale. Perfect for lovers of YA mystery. Lots of snarky witty dialogue, colorful characters and an ending that surprised me
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