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Case Files of Henri Davenforth #5
Three Charms for Murder
It takes more than three charms to commit murder.
When an old childhood friend comes to Henri asking for help in solving his parents’ murders, Henri agrees immediately. He knows this case is not going to be easy. Mr. and Mrs. Atwood’s bodies had been found magically posed to mimic a statue, and the investigator in charge ruled it a murder-suicide. Which is simply not feasible according to the Atwood children.
Aware this is a high society case and all attention will be on them, the team makes their way out to the Atwoods’ vacation home. Upon arrival, Jamie and Henri are horrified to find most of the trace evidence destroyed by incompetence, the bodies unpreserved, and the case file a single page of notes. To top it all off, the local police force wants nothing more than to see them fail.
Add in a string of suspicious burglaries, compromised wards, arson, and a suspect who will do anything to keep the truth under wraps, and Jamie and Henri are ready to commit murder themselves.
When an old childhood friend comes to Henri asking for help in solving his parents’ murders, Henri agrees immediately. He knows this case is not going to be easy. Mr. and Mrs. Atwood’s bodies had been found magically posed to mimic a statue, and the investigator in charge ruled it a murder-suicide. Which is simply not feasible according to the Atwood children.
Aware this is a high society case and all attention will be on them, the team makes their way out to the Atwoods’ vacation home. Upon arrival, Jamie and Henri are horrified to find most of the trace evidence destroyed by incompetence, the bodies unpreserved, and the case file a single page of notes. To top it all off, the local police force wants nothing more than to see them fail.
Add in a string of suspicious burglaries, compromised wards, arson, and a suspect who will do anything to keep the truth under wraps, and Jamie and Henri are ready to commit murder themselves.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
463 people are currently reading
358 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 179 reviews
February 6, 2025
Enjoyed tremendously, time well spend with some of my favorite characters.
Definitely recommend this book, some important developments for readers of the series and just enough background that a new reader could jump in without becoming lost. More fun if you start with book one though.
These characters are some of my favorite and I always look forward to visiting them. The core group did change slightly, in good way. Saying no more due to spoilers.
Most of the story takes place outside of Kingston so no girls night out but lots of other scenes to enjoy. Spoilers again.
Postscripts and title re-writes from Henri, Jamie and Sherard continue with the addition of secret pages and lost drafts. Change in font and color to indicate who's commenting.
Honor Raconteur is one of my auto-buy authors. I've enjoyed all of her backlist so re-reading any of them (multiple times) while I wait for new stories is no hardship. But now I'm off to reread this book and series (shush Deepwoods you're next in the queue)
cross posted amazon, goodreads, book bub (pending)
Definitely recommend this book, some important developments for readers of the series and just enough background that a new reader could jump in without becoming lost. More fun if you start with book one though.
These characters are some of my favorite and I always look forward to visiting them. The core group did change slightly, in good way. Saying no more due to spoilers.
Most of the story takes place outside of Kingston so no girls night out but lots of other scenes to enjoy. Spoilers again.
Postscripts and title re-writes from Henri, Jamie and Sherard continue with the addition of secret pages and lost drafts. Change in font and color to indicate who's commenting.
Honor Raconteur is one of my auto-buy authors. I've enjoyed all of her backlist so re-reading any of them (multiple times) while I wait for new stories is no hardship. But now I'm off to reread this book and series (shush Deepwoods you're next in the queue)
cross posted amazon, goodreads, book bub (pending)
July 28, 2022
*sigh* my current go-to comfort read series!
September 26, 2020
The crime-solving team of Henri Davenforth, Royal Mage Seaton, and Detective Jamie Edwards are faced this time with murders among the upper crust. The bodies of the Atwoods, a wealthy couple, are found in their country house, posed oddly. The pose duplicates a statue in another part of the house, and magic was clearly employed. The Atwoods were friends of Henri's parents, and their grieving children approach him to investigate. The local police have declared the deaths murder-suicide with no real investigation. A lot is going on that has been hidden, and some of it about the Atwoods themselves.
I have enjoyed this series since discovering it. The characters are, including the secondary cast, all vividly described and develop in every book. I love the world-building with its magic, were people, and vaguely Victorian/Edwardian setting. We get new adorable characters, crime-solving magically constructed kittens. Three Charms, simply put, is a delightful escape from everyday reality, with more than a touch of romance this time.
I highly recommend the series as a perfect escape read.
RATING- 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
I have enjoyed this series since discovering it. The characters are, including the secondary cast, all vividly described and develop in every book. I love the world-building with its magic, were people, and vaguely Victorian/Edwardian setting. We get new adorable characters, crime-solving magically constructed kittens. Three Charms, simply put, is a delightful escape from everyday reality, with more than a touch of romance this time.
I highly recommend the series as a perfect escape read.
RATING- 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
October 9, 2022
Feel good all the way
This series has a bit of everything I enjoy about reading: a mystery, magic use, wereanimals, good vs bad (and good wins), and this time a touch of romance. Let me not forget good writing. Jamie and Henri - love them. Secondary characters + the felines - wonderful. Already impatient for next book.
This series has a bit of everything I enjoy about reading: a mystery, magic use, wereanimals, good vs bad (and good wins), and this time a touch of romance. Let me not forget good writing. Jamie and Henri - love them. Secondary characters + the felines - wonderful. Already impatient for next book.
October 17, 2020
Another great mystery, but who cares when they are finally falling in love and what Henri says to Jaime- priceless!
"...I know your tastes, your likes and dislikes. I know you ache for home and yet you focus on those you can help. I’ve seen you utterly disarmed by your own body and still rise. I’ve entrusted my safety to you and watched you do the same to me. I know you as a partner, as a colleague, as a friend. I very much would like to know you as a lover. May we court, Jamie Edwards?”
Total swoon :)
Kittens, ducklings (her new charge to train)- all kinds of good things in this one. And spoiler- an emotionally charged "visit" home to Earth.
Loved how Henri and Sherard made the test visit and how that played out- super cute.
This love story is classy all the way and I love it!
"...I know your tastes, your likes and dislikes. I know you ache for home and yet you focus on those you can help. I’ve seen you utterly disarmed by your own body and still rise. I’ve entrusted my safety to you and watched you do the same to me. I know you as a partner, as a colleague, as a friend. I very much would like to know you as a lover. May we court, Jamie Edwards?”
Total swoon :)
Kittens, ducklings (her new charge to train)- all kinds of good things in this one. And spoiler- an emotionally charged "visit" home to Earth.
Loved how Henri and Sherard made the test visit and how that played out- super cute.
This love story is classy all the way and I love it!
October 18, 2020
Yet another wonderful instalment from the fantastic Honor Raconteur. I have yet to read a book of hers that disappoints and Henri and Jamie in the Case Files series have got to possibly be one of my favourites. I race to buy and read as soon as these are released and whilst we live in world that is chaos around us, immersing myself in this world is the best kind of medicine prescribable. Reading bliss.
September 19, 2020
YES!!!
Finally together! With two new kittens too. I simply love the authors sense of humor and imagination. Not the voices in her head though. You know, the voices that have her start new series when she just started a new one? Those voices. However, if it weren’t for those voices, we probably wouldn’t have Henri and Jaime🤔. Awesome book, couldn’t put it down.
Finally together! With two new kittens too. I simply love the authors sense of humor and imagination. Not the voices in her head though. You know, the voices that have her start new series when she just started a new one? Those voices. However, if it weren’t for those voices, we probably wouldn’t have Henri and Jaime🤔. Awesome book, couldn’t put it down.
September 30, 2020
Absolutely loving this series!
July 1, 2022
I truly enjoy the female lead!
October 23, 2022
Dynamic duo do it again!
The perfect pair plus some friends solve another tough case and find a little time to grow. Highly recommend this romping good time but also recommend reading series in order! Excellent fun!
The perfect pair plus some friends solve another tough case and find a little time to grow. Highly recommend this romping good time but also recommend reading series in order! Excellent fun!
June 24, 2021
Cute and just a little bit sappy. This was another solid installment of the series.
September 26, 2020
One of Henri's childhood friend, brings this case to his attention. The local police have declared his parents deaths murder/suicide with barely any investigation. Henri and Jamie step in to help out a friend and discover that the local police are actively thwarting them.
Why I started this book: I thought that this book was coming out next month, so I was thrilled to find it out earlier.
Why I finished it: Another solid contribution to the series, with romantic overtures finally being pushed forward... and kittens!
Why I started this book: I thought that this book was coming out next month, so I was thrilled to find it out earlier.
Why I finished it: Another solid contribution to the series, with romantic overtures finally being pushed forward... and kittens!
September 29, 2020
Good series
I love this series and hope that there will be many more books to come in this world. I have to say though that the first half of this book was rather disappointing and read more like an early draft with more than a couple of obvious plot holes than a final product. I found that very disappointing. However, whatever problems there were with the first half seemed to iron themselves out by the second half, which read as smoothly and as polished as the previous books in the series. Hopefully, future books in this series won't suffer from that problem because I really enjoy reading Jamie and Henri's adventures.
I love this series and hope that there will be many more books to come in this world. I have to say though that the first half of this book was rather disappointing and read more like an early draft with more than a couple of obvious plot holes than a final product. I found that very disappointing. However, whatever problems there were with the first half seemed to iron themselves out by the second half, which read as smoothly and as polished as the previous books in the series. Hopefully, future books in this series won't suffer from that problem because I really enjoy reading Jamie and Henri's adventures.
September 25, 2020
A wonderful visit
Escapist literature at its very best. But don’t start here, read the series in order. I am jealous if you have not read them yet and you get to binge. Go on, what are you waiting for???
Escapist literature at its very best. But don’t start here, read the series in order. I am jealous if you have not read them yet and you get to binge. Go on, what are you waiting for???
May 4, 2021
This is a review of books 2-5. Overall its still been an ok read. Pet peeves were present, but there has been some slight improvements especially regarding character descriptions. Something I struggled with early on and that often bothered me were how the characters/world were or were not described and presented. While I could hear their voices to a certain degree I couldn't necessarily see them. I also found that the tone changed from the beginning of the first book and it gradually started having more of a cheesy, quirky, sitcom kind of vibe which I thought took away from the series and the characters themselves. The whole interaction with Jamie's family fell really flat and didn't go where I thought it could/should have. It was just immediate acceptance of another world, that their daughter was alive and on another planet, etc. It seems some things were written in just to have them for reasons no matter if it made sense or not. Definitely been getting more of an after school special PSA theme going on here which at times felt out place and not organic which put me off a few times. There also seems to be a trend with how the cases are handled too.
Some things I really appreciated was that the timeline of events ACTUALLY MADE SENSE!!! The world kept turning during and between the books. Its like you're actually observing folks going about their business and not in just a day or two, but weeks. Folks slept, woke up, had downtime, worked multiple cases, was stressed out, dealt with personal & professional issues, etc. Jamie's trauma was not rushed or downplayed. Jamie's & Henri's romance wasn't exactly subtle, but it definitely wasn't in your face either. None of that soulmate, love of my life after a couple of seconds stuff.
Like I've mentioned before this series reads with a whole lot of potential, but just never quite gets to that GREAT, AWESOME, 5/5 territory for me. If you enjoy whodunits, suspend belief, common sense, and ignore the constant 2+2=5 items you'll probably enjoy it.
Some things I really appreciated was that the timeline of events ACTUALLY MADE SENSE!!! The world kept turning during and between the books. Its like you're actually observing folks going about their business and not in just a day or two, but weeks. Folks slept, woke up, had downtime, worked multiple cases, was stressed out, dealt with personal & professional issues, etc. Jamie's trauma was not rushed or downplayed. Jamie's & Henri's romance wasn't exactly subtle, but it definitely wasn't in your face either. None of that soulmate, love of my life after a couple of seconds stuff.
Like I've mentioned before this series reads with a whole lot of potential, but just never quite gets to that GREAT, AWESOME, 5/5 territory for me. If you enjoy whodunits, suspend belief, common sense, and ignore the constant 2+2=5 items you'll probably enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2021
Another great mystery, loved the relationship development, and oh, the reason why the murders happened, oh, that was hard!
*First Read October 1st, 2020*
Another great read, I loved the mystery, and all the developments in this book! Such a great read!
*First Read October 1st, 2020*
Another great read, I loved the mystery, and all the developments in this book! Such a great read!
October 27, 2020
Another lovely novel by a fantastic author. Recommend anything written by Honor Raconteur.
August 14, 2025
It was ok.
I have to admit that the cases and the investigations have become a bit too repetitive. It's pretty much the same mold for each book with some slight differences. It would probably be better to have a more engaging motive, or story behind the crimes, to offset the tedious and repetitive investigating process.
The book with the charms had a really big play on morality that made things interesting, and the one with the former royal mage had a closed room mystery and small town setting that made it more engaging.... But this one had people being negligent and ruining evidence, again... Wards being bypassed without knowing how, again... There was not much else to take away from the case... Even though the victims were morally dubious there was not much focus on it, so it wasn't that interesting.
And, what I usually enjoy the most is the world building and all the changes going around thanks to Jamie, but there was little of that in this book
We finally get a development in the romantic aspect but that was a let down too.... We barely got a couple of hints of romantic undertone in the last book, but in this one we are told how in the past six months their feelings had changed and how they wanted to figure out a way to go from friends to lovers... But I was disappointed, because I wanted to see those changes in those months, not being told adout it... So it felt like I missed a part of their story.
I did like the surprise Seaton and Henri prepared for Jamie, that was so sweet... And the best part of the whole book... Apart from the cute kittens.
Overall, it wasn't completely bad but it was a bit of a let down... I'll probably read something else and come back in a few months to read the next and see how it continues... Though I have to be careful not to let too long pass, as the author does not explain most of what happens in other books, and it's best to have the other books close to check, just in case.
POV: dual
Tropes: other magical world, detective MC, magical examiner MC, crime solving, 1900's setting.
Spice: none (clean slow burn romance)
CW: some explicit details of crime scene and corpses.
I have to admit that the cases and the investigations have become a bit too repetitive. It's pretty much the same mold for each book with some slight differences. It would probably be better to have a more engaging motive, or story behind the crimes, to offset the tedious and repetitive investigating process.
The book with the charms had a really big play on morality that made things interesting, and the one with the former royal mage had a closed room mystery and small town setting that made it more engaging.... But this one had people being negligent and ruining evidence, again... Wards being bypassed without knowing how, again... There was not much else to take away from the case... Even though the victims were morally dubious there was not much focus on it, so it wasn't that interesting.
And, what I usually enjoy the most is the world building and all the changes going around thanks to Jamie, but there was little of that in this book
We finally get a development in the romantic aspect but that was a let down too.... We barely got a couple of hints of romantic undertone in the last book, but in this one we are told how in the past six months their feelings had changed and how they wanted to figure out a way to go from friends to lovers... But I was disappointed, because I wanted to see those changes in those months, not being told adout it... So it felt like I missed a part of their story.
I did like the surprise Seaton and Henri prepared for Jamie, that was so sweet... And the best part of the whole book... Apart from the cute kittens.
Overall, it wasn't completely bad but it was a bit of a let down... I'll probably read something else and come back in a few months to read the next and see how it continues... Though I have to be careful not to let too long pass, as the author does not explain most of what happens in other books, and it's best to have the other books close to check, just in case.
POV: dual
Tropes: other magical world, detective MC, magical examiner MC, crime solving, 1900's setting.
Spice: none (clean slow burn romance)
CW: some explicit details of crime scene and corpses.
August 11, 2025
a fantastic read and engaging narrative full of action, magic, and fast paced storytelling.
Rating: 5⭐️✨
Intriguing murder mystery, new adorable Felix’s, and a terrific insight into Henri’s thoughts and emotions on why he has been so thoughtful and slow in his courtship of Jamie. And hers in return on why it was important for her to have the time to establish herself and continue to work on her trauma and transition before anything personal could occur.
Depth of evolution of the characters and a highly intelligent investigation of this unusual, and for Henri, emotional case, make Three Charms for Murder a fantastic read and engaging narrative full of action, magic, and fast paced storytelling.
I love this so much!
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⭐️✨
Intriguing murder mystery, new adorable Felix’s, and a terrific insight into Henri’s thoughts and emotions on why he has been so thoughtful and slow in his courtship of Jamie. And hers in return on why it was important for her to have the time to establish herself and continue to work on her trauma and transition before anything personal could occur.
Depth of evolution of the characters and a highly intelligent investigation of this unusual, and for Henri, emotional case, make Three Charms for Murder a fantastic read and engaging narrative full of action, magic, and fast paced storytelling.
I love this so much!
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
October 18, 2021
4 Charms For Book 5
Plenty of Intrigue to be had in this one. It pretty much hits the ground running. Baffling, strange case for sure. I thought I had seen a mention made that Raconteur likes to use real cases to build on. I have become "curiouser and curiouser" as just exactly which case this comes from.
Loving the newest additions of Felix’s!
Without adding a spoiler, I must make mention of a particular issue they ran into while the investigation was ongoing. If it pissed someone off enough to follow up with a vehicle involved, I’m afraid I had a feeling early on, and could take a guess as to what would happen to the evidence before they had a chance to retrieve it. Without saying one way or another, I hoped to be wrong!! Hmmm, again, intrigue abounds, even still at only 50% or so of this novel.
Well, I must say the intrigue continues all the way to the end of the book. Nicely wrapped up, with an extra “What??? Whodunnit Whodunnwhat???” thrown in. Lol
Love the added bonuses, which are more on a personal level, that begin to come to full light by the end of the book. It’s about time. Let’s just say it’s about time on both fronts!!
Plenty of Intrigue to be had in this one. It pretty much hits the ground running. Baffling, strange case for sure. I thought I had seen a mention made that Raconteur likes to use real cases to build on. I have become "curiouser and curiouser" as just exactly which case this comes from.
Loving the newest additions of Felix’s!
Without adding a spoiler, I must make mention of a particular issue they ran into while the investigation was ongoing. If it pissed someone off enough to follow up with a vehicle involved, I’m afraid I had a feeling early on, and could take a guess as to what would happen to the evidence before they had a chance to retrieve it. Without saying one way or another, I hoped to be wrong!! Hmmm, again, intrigue abounds, even still at only 50% or so of this novel.
Well, I must say the intrigue continues all the way to the end of the book. Nicely wrapped up, with an extra “What??? Whodunnit Whodunnwhat???” thrown in. Lol
Love the added bonuses, which are more on a personal level, that begin to come to full light by the end of the book. It’s about time. Let’s just say it’s about time on both fronts!!
January 15, 2024
Really good mystery-murder...
I like the formal, rather old fashioned, very British sounding speech patterns of Henri and the other characters from their world, contrasted with Jamie's casual, idiom and movie quotes from Jamie's all time favorites infused chatter. Her adaptation to her situation is actually a miracle in and of itself, probably due to her extremely laid-back, practical nature as well as the magic that she became saturated with while held hostage by the deranged, manic witch she eventually managed to kill and escape.
This series is great, mostly because the cases and mysteries they work on and ultimately solve together are too addictive. This case has one issue that really bothered me. Henri's childhood friend and his sisters did not need the money that the contractor their father pretty much robbed, only legally, had to keep paying - it's probably to going to be paid into the estate - so they should return what had already been paid, and forgive the rest, even if it was a court ordered "win". There was nothing wrong with the house Morton built; their father was a scheming, manipulative and opportu
I like the formal, rather old fashioned, very British sounding speech patterns of Henri and the other characters from their world, contrasted with Jamie's casual, idiom and movie quotes from Jamie's all time favorites infused chatter. Her adaptation to her situation is actually a miracle in and of itself, probably due to her extremely laid-back, practical nature as well as the magic that she became saturated with while held hostage by the deranged, manic witch she eventually managed to kill and escape.
This series is great, mostly because the cases and mysteries they work on and ultimately solve together are too addictive. This case has one issue that really bothered me. Henri's childhood friend and his sisters did not need the money that the contractor their father pretty much robbed, only legally, had to keep paying - it's probably to going to be paid into the estate - so they should return what had already been paid, and forgive the rest, even if it was a court ordered "win". There was nothing wrong with the house Morton built; their father was a scheming, manipulative and opportu
February 24, 2021
Ok this is a buy a physical copy and reread forever kinda series.
No lie this is one of my favorite detective series. The only one that comes close is The Beekeepers Apprentice series. They're both up there at the top. I am not sure if the series is done or not (I hope not but it's a good stopping point if it is), but I don't want to let these characters go! Henri is a dear, and Jamie is a badass. I love that she isn't created to be too OP. She is strong and has advantages, but they don't make her better than anyone. In fact, since she has no usable magic, it balances out really well.
This series got me through a rough spot, and I highly recommend it to fans of mystery and over-several-books slow burn romance. It's not terribly depressing though it isn't fluff either. It's a solid mystery series and god I can't recommend it enough!
Ps- it's on Kindle Unlimited, but for god's sake buy the books!! They're that good!
No lie this is one of my favorite detective series. The only one that comes close is The Beekeepers Apprentice series. They're both up there at the top. I am not sure if the series is done or not (I hope not but it's a good stopping point if it is), but I don't want to let these characters go! Henri is a dear, and Jamie is a badass. I love that she isn't created to be too OP. She is strong and has advantages, but they don't make her better than anyone. In fact, since she has no usable magic, it balances out really well.
This series got me through a rough spot, and I highly recommend it to fans of mystery and over-several-books slow burn romance. It's not terribly depressing though it isn't fluff either. It's a solid mystery series and god I can't recommend it enough!
Ps- it's on Kindle Unlimited, but for god's sake buy the books!! They're that good!
April 17, 2023
Loving this series
Each book has a crime story. The main characters are a reserved, magical examiner man and a female FBI agent who was stolen from Earth by a crazy witch (in book 1). This world is very similar to Earth in the late 1800s/early 1900s. So it’s kind of like , what if a modern day FBI agent went back in time. This new location has were people, talking cats and a slow burn romance between the two MC. There’s also interesting side characters that enhance each book. It reminds me a little bit of the Phryne Fisher detective series- the tv show more than the books, although those are also good. Both lead female characters are modern, independent women who solve crimes and don’t take crap from men or society in general. But, they are both likable people who get along with high society or blue collar workers. Both women also have a bit of sadness in their back stories which makes them relatable and empathetic.
Each book has a crime story. The main characters are a reserved, magical examiner man and a female FBI agent who was stolen from Earth by a crazy witch (in book 1). This world is very similar to Earth in the late 1800s/early 1900s. So it’s kind of like , what if a modern day FBI agent went back in time. This new location has were people, talking cats and a slow burn romance between the two MC. There’s also interesting side characters that enhance each book. It reminds me a little bit of the Phryne Fisher detective series- the tv show more than the books, although those are also good. Both lead female characters are modern, independent women who solve crimes and don’t take crap from men or society in general. But, they are both likable people who get along with high society or blue collar workers. Both women also have a bit of sadness in their back stories which makes them relatable and empathetic.
November 2, 2022
I am still thoroughly enjoying this series. In this case Henri and company are drawn into a murder investigation in another city when a boyhood friend shares the news of his parents murders. The local police has marked it murder/suicide and closed the case. But based on the information from an eyewitness that seems pretty impossible. There's clearly a magical element, which puts it squarely in Henri's wheelhouse. When they arrive in the town they realize the local police are either corrupt, inept, or both which tests Jamie's resolve to not punch someone in the nose.
It's refreshing to read a book where the people are routinely pleasant to each other just because that's the best way to be. And it doesn't stop them from getting their work done. There's a lot of humor as well and a touch of romance. But you MUST start with the first in the series.
It's refreshing to read a book where the people are routinely pleasant to each other just because that's the best way to be. And it doesn't stop them from getting their work done. There's a lot of humor as well and a touch of romance. But you MUST start with the first in the series.
November 24, 2022
A robbery in gentrified country has our platoon of characters taking in life in Deems as they sort out a bizarre pair of murders, which leads to investigating a string of robberies as well.
The exciting development is a romantic relationship between our two leads. They’re now ‘courting’ according to Henri, but if you asked Jamie, she’d say they were dating. Either way, it’s going to be interesting to watch.
As always, these police procedurals are easy, fun reads. The characters are well-established and well-rounded. No new people were introduced this book.
World-building just gains more properties with each book and is done both naturally and solidly. There’s no awkward exposition.
Where these books shine is plotting. There’s the police procedural, there’s the romance, and there’s the friendship circles.
Huzzah Ms. Raconteur, awesome books.
The exciting development is a romantic relationship between our two leads. They’re now ‘courting’ according to Henri, but if you asked Jamie, she’d say they were dating. Either way, it’s going to be interesting to watch.
As always, these police procedurals are easy, fun reads. The characters are well-established and well-rounded. No new people were introduced this book.
World-building just gains more properties with each book and is done both naturally and solidly. There’s no awkward exposition.
Where these books shine is plotting. There’s the police procedural, there’s the romance, and there’s the friendship circles.
Huzzah Ms. Raconteur, awesome books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
I loved this one! The last few were really great, but not 5 stars like the first. It's such a cozy world to fall into, and the series doesn't have a lot of nailbiting suspense. Which is perfect if you've got a high pressure job - reading this is like a spa day. It's really relaxing to read, and it's just so much fun! And there's kittens!
This story also ramped up the excitement - Jenri (or should it be Hamie?) is happening!
When they finally talked about their "feels", it was so perfect I almost cried.
And there were so many swoon-y little easter eggs:
"Most ardently"
"As you wish"
No spice though - Henri's a proper gentleman, I'll have you know!
The mystery part though was a little easy to figure out - I guessed who it was very early on. But these stories are candy dammit! Or comfort food for the soul?
This was one of my favorite so far <3
This story also ramped up the excitement - Jenri (or should it be Hamie?) is happening!
When they finally talked about their "feels", it was so perfect I almost cried.
And there were so many swoon-y little easter eggs:
"Most ardently"
"As you wish"
No spice though - Henri's a proper gentleman, I'll have you know!
The mystery part though was a little easy to figure out - I guessed who it was very early on. But these stories are candy dammit! Or comfort food for the soul?
This was one of my favorite so far <3
October 15, 2020
LOVE THIS STORY!!
I had found the first book of this story by accident and really enjoyed it. I came across it again and re-read it then discovered there were 4 more books in the series!! I have read the next 4 books over the last 3 days and am even more in love with the characters now.
The author manages to capture you in the world of the characters. There is always a great mystery and humor involved. I finished this book desperately wanting another one to read!! I want to find out more about the characters and their interactions with each other as time passes and they grow and learn....and have fun!!
Great book and series to read. Interesting and fun with each book having a HEA, but leaving you wanting to know more about their world and lives.
I had found the first book of this story by accident and really enjoyed it. I came across it again and re-read it then discovered there were 4 more books in the series!! I have read the next 4 books over the last 3 days and am even more in love with the characters now.
The author manages to capture you in the world of the characters. There is always a great mystery and humor involved. I finished this book desperately wanting another one to read!! I want to find out more about the characters and their interactions with each other as time passes and they grow and learn....and have fun!!
Great book and series to read. Interesting and fun with each book having a HEA, but leaving you wanting to know more about their world and lives.
February 19, 2023
4.75⭐️
This has been my fave book in the series by far. It gripped me from the beginning and I would've finished it in one sitting it I stupidly had not started this around 10 PM at night and I needed to go to sleep. We get kittens in this book. KITTENS!! And one of them takes a liking to Henri, who needs a cuddle buddy by the way. The mystery was well thought out and well paced. The culprit might have been obvious to us as readers a little way in but the journey to them was well written. And we finally get both Jamie's and Henri's feeling on paper in this book. A lot happens for a book that is 250 pages long and I cannot wait to see what else our group of friends get up to in the next book.
This has been my fave book in the series by far. It gripped me from the beginning and I would've finished it in one sitting it I stupidly had not started this around 10 PM at night and I needed to go to sleep. We get kittens in this book. KITTENS!! And one of them takes a liking to Henri, who needs a cuddle buddy by the way. The mystery was well thought out and well paced. The culprit might have been obvious to us as readers a little way in but the journey to them was well written. And we finally get both Jamie's and Henri's feeling on paper in this book. A lot happens for a book that is 250 pages long and I cannot wait to see what else our group of friends get up to in the next book.
October 18, 2023
2.5*s. I continue to love the premise, the world and the main cast of characters. We even get some character development in this book, which was very welcome and long overdue.
At the same time, I continue to be extremely annoyed at the sloppy writing.
The hilarious disclaimer about the spelling mistakes being left to "prove" the lack of AI involvement does not begin to excuse the repetitive passages, horrendous empty dialogue lines and poor pacing. The writing is so inadequate, I am convinced the entire process is the author blindly typing up the chapters and sending them straight in to be published without anyone reading it even once.
It's frustrating. These characters are adorable and deserve so much better.
At the same time, I continue to be extremely annoyed at the sloppy writing.
The hilarious disclaimer about the spelling mistakes being left to "prove" the lack of AI involvement does not begin to excuse the repetitive passages, horrendous empty dialogue lines and poor pacing. The writing is so inadequate, I am convinced the entire process is the author blindly typing up the chapters and sending them straight in to be published without anyone reading it even once.
It's frustrating. These characters are adorable and deserve so much better.
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