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Case Files of Henri Davenforth #7
Death Over the Garden Wall
Three modus operandi to die. Four employees, six house guests, and not a single witness.
Confusing clues and no helpful leads cloud the death of Countess Giada Barese, who washed up on shore two weeks after her mysterious disappearance. Henri and Jamie have no idea if her death is a homicide, suicide, or accidental death, for nothing adds up.
There is something strange going on, though, Jamie’s sure of that. The countess was found wearing mismatched slippers, her lover disappeared the next day, and everyone is acting shifty.
Jamie feels like she’s playing a game of Clue, one she’s determined to win. Where’s a candlestick when you need one?
Confusing clues and no helpful leads cloud the death of Countess Giada Barese, who washed up on shore two weeks after her mysterious disappearance. Henri and Jamie have no idea if her death is a homicide, suicide, or accidental death, for nothing adds up.
There is something strange going on, though, Jamie’s sure of that. The countess was found wearing mismatched slippers, her lover disappeared the next day, and everyone is acting shifty.
Jamie feels like she’s playing a game of Clue, one she’s determined to win. Where’s a candlestick when you need one?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2022
117 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books840 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 137 reviews
February 8, 2023
What makes this series so entertaining is the great and increasing ensemble cast.
February 13, 2025
Utterly fantastic
Wonderful characters. Love this group of people. Sherard better brace himself, Jamie's probably moving the curing of his love woes higher up on her list. Which just got amazingly long.
Intriguing mystery, especially as the final answers came together.
While I enjoy the mysteries, I'm hopeful for lots of details and scenes of the changes occurring.
The police commissioner would probably kill Jamie if she tried to steal Gregson as well.
Going back for another reread. Looking forward to the next book in this series as well as the upcoming new series.
Wonderful characters. Love this group of people. Sherard better brace himself, Jamie's probably moving the curing of his love woes higher up on her list. Which just got amazingly long.
Intriguing mystery, especially as the final answers came together.
While I enjoy the mysteries, I'm hopeful for lots of details and scenes of the changes occurring.
The police commissioner would probably kill Jamie if she tried to steal Gregson as well.
Going back for another reread. Looking forward to the next book in this series as well as the upcoming new series.
January 20, 2022
Having this pre-order (definitely an auto buy series) arrive brightened up my week so much! In crazy stressful times books like this rescue me. I tried to drag out reading it so I’d have something to look forward to longer 🙂. So much fun checking in on favorite characters again!
February 20, 2022
Lets be honest, we don't read these stories for mystery and intrigue. We want Jamie and Henri! And the Felixes.
And I gave it a lower score than any of the others since the mystery seemed pretty easy to figure out, it was just a platform to move their story forward. Their sweet romance is fun to savor and enjoy. But if Jamie thinks waiting to get married so she can relax and enjoy it and take on a new department for the Kingsmen? HA.
They should just elope and then throw a party, and soon, because their lives will not be slowing down AT ALL :)
And I gave it a lower score than any of the others since the mystery seemed pretty easy to figure out, it was just a platform to move their story forward. Their sweet romance is fun to savor and enjoy. But if Jamie thinks waiting to get married so she can relax and enjoy it and take on a new department for the Kingsmen? HA.
They should just elope and then throw a party, and soon, because their lives will not be slowing down AT ALL :)
February 6, 2022
This was a decent installment in the series. I liked how there was advancement in quite a few aspects of the series' overall plot: magic use, technology R&D, the Felixes!, and the light romance between Jamie and Henri. However, the humour has been feeling stale and when certain characters started sounding just like Jamie with their "who all"s amongst other phrases, I kind of spaced out.
The investigation side of the story was fun and that's what kept me reading. I'm not sure if the resolution of the mystery was all that satisfying but at least it made sense. Overall, this was cute.
The investigation side of the story was fun and that's what kept me reading. I'm not sure if the resolution of the mystery was all that satisfying but at least it made sense. Overall, this was cute.
Read
January 14, 2022Wonderful series
Series heroes adjust careers after this murder investigation. Next will see a small Royal Bureau of
Investigations for our ex FBI member to shape and in recognition of genius over power, Henri is a Royal Mage! Plus Queen Regina has a CAT.
Series heroes adjust careers after this murder investigation. Next will see a small Royal Bureau of
Investigations for our ex FBI member to shape and in recognition of genius over power, Henri is a Royal Mage! Plus Queen Regina has a CAT.
January 15, 2022
Loved reading this book, loved the mystery, it was really intriguing, and I loved the developments in their lives, and I can't wait to see how that's going to play out in the future!
January 24, 2022
The Queen asks Jamie and her crew to look into the mysterious death of one of her acquaintances who could have become a friend.
Why I started this book: Raconteur spins an entertaining mystery.
Why I finished it: Started this series and fell in love with the fish out of water aspect... but after 7 books, Jamie has made a place for herself and is thriving. I keep coming back for the adventure, but it's not the same.
Why I started this book: Raconteur spins an entertaining mystery.
Why I finished it: Started this series and fell in love with the fish out of water aspect... but after 7 books, Jamie has made a place for herself and is thriving. I keep coming back for the adventure, but it's not the same.
May 28, 2024
I love Henri and Jamie. This series is a pleasure to read every time. I enjoy the way that their relationship has grown, without ever turning this series into a romance. Not that I'm completely sure what genre this can be classified as. Is it a mystery? Is it sci-fi? UF? It's kind of unclassifiable, like The Edge series, by Ilona Andrews, or Knights of the Black Swan by Victoria Danaan. In any case, it's a fantastically fun read, every book, and one I would definitely recommend.
This one reads a little like a Clue game. Who killed the countess? Or was it an accident, or suicide? Without even an idea if there was a murder committed, Jamie and Henri have to figure out what happened to Lady Giada, during her final night. Fortunately Henri the genius medical examiner, and Jamie, the Shinigami detective are up for the task. While I was pretty sure I knew 'whodunnit' well before the reveal, the steps to get there were an entertaining read. With a blend of magic, and critical thinking, they once again proved why they're the best at what they do.
This one reads a little like a Clue game. Who killed the countess? Or was it an accident, or suicide? Without even an idea if there was a murder committed, Jamie and Henri have to figure out what happened to Lady Giada, during her final night. Fortunately Henri the genius medical examiner, and Jamie, the Shinigami detective are up for the task. While I was pretty sure I knew 'whodunnit' well before the reveal, the steps to get there were an entertaining read. With a blend of magic, and critical thinking, they once again proved why they're the best at what they do.
October 7, 2024
Another fantastic entry in the Case Files.
It was a good mystery, though I had my suspicions :)
As always it is the wonderful set of characters that is the highlight of these tales, Jamie & Henri, the Felixes, Queen Regina, Sherard & the ducklings, Niamh & Foster. As well as other Kingsmen.
This one threw in the surprise request from Queen Regina that shocked Henri.
Can't wait for the next one.
It was a good mystery, though I had my suspicions :)
As always it is the wonderful set of characters that is the highlight of these tales, Jamie & Henri, the Felixes, Queen Regina, Sherard & the ducklings, Niamh & Foster. As well as other Kingsmen.
This one threw in the surprise request from Queen Regina that shocked Henri.
Can't wait for the next one.
January 17, 2022
Another fantastic addition do the series
I really can't way enough about how much I enjoy this series and look forward to each new addition. Its a wonderful combination of steampunk, police procedural, and fantasy, with a hint of romance thrown in. The characters are delightful and I look forward to seeing what will happen in their world next.
I really can't way enough about how much I enjoy this series and look forward to each new addition. Its a wonderful combination of steampunk, police procedural, and fantasy, with a hint of romance thrown in. The characters are delightful and I look forward to seeing what will happen in their world next.
January 29, 2025
Another interesting mystery to solve. More settled into the relationship. Career changes afoot.
August 13, 2025
Another winner in a series full of outstanding writing.
Rating: 4.75✨⭐️
I love Death Over the Garden Wall because it’s a bit different from the other cases Jamie and Henri have investigated. And it goes in a different direction than what I had originally imagined.
There’s peril, plenty of magic, suspense and suspects to explore when the body of an old friend of Queen Regina’s is found washed up on shore after a tumultuous night with angry guests. At her cliffhanger of a house.
Jamie, Henri, some of her Kingsmen “ducklings “ and the Felix trio along with her other close associates/friends are there to help them investigate and solve the mystery.
The chapter titles and handwritten “note” by different characters never fail to entertain me. I love how this is framed out by the author.
While this might not be the most compelling or difficult mystery to figure out, it’s engaging and totally one I was invested in.
Another winner in a series full of outstanding writing.
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: 4.75✨⭐️
I love Death Over the Garden Wall because it’s a bit different from the other cases Jamie and Henri have investigated. And it goes in a different direction than what I had originally imagined.
There’s peril, plenty of magic, suspense and suspects to explore when the body of an old friend of Queen Regina’s is found washed up on shore after a tumultuous night with angry guests. At her cliffhanger of a house.
Jamie, Henri, some of her Kingsmen “ducklings “ and the Felix trio along with her other close associates/friends are there to help them investigate and solve the mystery.
The chapter titles and handwritten “note” by different characters never fail to entertain me. I love how this is framed out by the author.
While this might not be the most compelling or difficult mystery to figure out, it’s engaging and totally one I was invested in.
Another winner in a series full of outstanding writing.
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
January 17, 2022
Mysterious murder, alternate universe, steampunk, & UF! What’s not to love?
I’m sure you read the fantastic synopses on Amazon and Goodreads, so I’m off to the review. This entry in “The Case Files of Henri Davenforth” reminds me of a magical version of Cluedo or Clue, with Detective Jamie Edwards and Magical Examiner Henri Davenforth trying to solve a murder by request of Queen Regina, an unusual occurrence. Who killed the countess? Was she really killed in the garden? What was the weapon?
I enjoyed trying to figure out the complex murder mystery, and as always I’m smitten with the protagonists and their investigative team. I was also taken by the secondary and tertiary characters—even the rather unlikable ones. I particularly liked the mysterious nature of the “weapon” and how it confounded Jamie and Henri, not not mention Sherard.
As always, I love reading about the Felixes. I look forward to the next book, hopefully featuring the Royal Bureau of Investigation—including all imbroglios.
I’m sure you read the fantastic synopses on Amazon and Goodreads, so I’m off to the review. This entry in “The Case Files of Henri Davenforth” reminds me of a magical version of Cluedo or Clue, with Detective Jamie Edwards and Magical Examiner Henri Davenforth trying to solve a murder by request of Queen Regina, an unusual occurrence. Who killed the countess? Was she really killed in the garden? What was the weapon?
I enjoyed trying to figure out the complex murder mystery, and as always I’m smitten with the protagonists and their investigative team. I was also taken by the secondary and tertiary characters—even the rather unlikable ones. I particularly liked the mysterious nature of the “weapon” and how it confounded Jamie and Henri, not not mention Sherard.
As always, I love reading about the Felixes. I look forward to the next book, hopefully featuring the Royal Bureau of Investigation—including all imbroglios.
March 30, 2022
This is one of the most amazing series I’ve ever read. I was hooked from the first page of the first book and read the entire series to now in a week. The world building is a masterpiece, the characters fully fleshed out but leaving just enough to the imagination, and the plot well rounded. All of the elements of a great mystery! The answer isn’t obvious from the beginning and there isn’t a surprise character you’ve never heard of with a motive that is bizarre introduced at the very end. You get hints through out the book that help you determine the answer and then you get to sit back and enjoy the show as Jamie and Henri mete out justice. I love the contradiction in the characters themselves. Honor flips stereotypical gendered roles on their head while still leaving the characters as their own individual people. Their friendship is beautifully built and realistic. Overall, a stunningly entertaining read that has just enough modern pop culture touches to make you laugh out loud and feel in on the joke. Clint will always be my MVP, sorry Seaton!
August 11, 2022
A Garden of Delights
For me this is a return to a familiar place, with old friends whose lives have developed. The community of detecting friends is augmented by a fourth Felix, a sentient magical construction who enjoys playing with the other three and who has a new attribute of sudden expansion to tiger size, which will possibly be exercised in later books. The community is also facing restructuring into an earth style F.B.I. serving the Queen directly in important cases. And everyone but Henri Davenforth thinks that he should become the fourth Royal Mage, in honor of his clever and creative expansion of magical tools for detection. (He invents a new one in this story.)
Then there is the mysterious death of a popular aristocrat, an old friend of the Queen, whose body is washed ashore after two weeks of oceanic immersion. There is no sign of twisted magic, but much twisted behavior. It is a nice puzzle.
For me this is a return to a familiar place, with old friends whose lives have developed. The community of detecting friends is augmented by a fourth Felix, a sentient magical construction who enjoys playing with the other three and who has a new attribute of sudden expansion to tiger size, which will possibly be exercised in later books. The community is also facing restructuring into an earth style F.B.I. serving the Queen directly in important cases. And everyone but Henri Davenforth thinks that he should become the fourth Royal Mage, in honor of his clever and creative expansion of magical tools for detection. (He invents a new one in this story.)
Then there is the mysterious death of a popular aristocrat, an old friend of the Queen, whose body is washed ashore after two weeks of oceanic immersion. There is no sign of twisted magic, but much twisted behavior. It is a nice puzzle.
December 28, 2022
It Referenced Poirot!
Right near the start of the book I read the words ‘little grey cells’ and my heart lifted. A comment about changing uniform colours because red shirts always get killed, just plastered it permanently on my face. Apart from the Princess Bride, Jamie Edwards is truly a person with the same tastes as me. How can you do anything but love a series where you identify with the main characters like this. Furthermore, I completely understand Henri not liking parties too and I love cats; Felixes are definitely an improved version of cats, (thank goodness my Max is just a cat not a Felix and thus can’t read that comment); not to mention books with strong well developed storylines that are part of ongoing series are my favourites. The only thing wrong with this story is it’s the penultimate one in the series. Only one more book to go. Come on fellow readers buy up the books. Let’s encourage our magnificent author to write more of them.
Right near the start of the book I read the words ‘little grey cells’ and my heart lifted. A comment about changing uniform colours because red shirts always get killed, just plastered it permanently on my face. Apart from the Princess Bride, Jamie Edwards is truly a person with the same tastes as me. How can you do anything but love a series where you identify with the main characters like this. Furthermore, I completely understand Henri not liking parties too and I love cats; Felixes are definitely an improved version of cats, (thank goodness my Max is just a cat not a Felix and thus can’t read that comment); not to mention books with strong well developed storylines that are part of ongoing series are my favourites. The only thing wrong with this story is it’s the penultimate one in the series. Only one more book to go. Come on fellow readers buy up the books. Let’s encourage our magnificent author to write more of them.
February 21, 2023
4⭐️
This series just keeps getting better and better. It has been a long while since I sped through the books in a series at this speed. I am deeply saddened that there is only one more book to go before I run out of the published books. But the silver lining is that this author has released at least one book per year so I have that to look forward to.
Once again this was a good addition to the series. I now realize why I love this series so. It reads a bit like an Agatha Christie novel and Ii love those books. I guess something to do with the setting of this world just seems like it is set in the world of Miss Marple or Poirot. Even Jamie remarks on the similarity and this book has mention of the Murder of Roger Ackroyd too which clued me in to why I find this series so addicting.
There are lot of major changes hinted in this book towards the end. I am looking forward to how Jamie and Henri handle them together.
This series just keeps getting better and better. It has been a long while since I sped through the books in a series at this speed. I am deeply saddened that there is only one more book to go before I run out of the published books. But the silver lining is that this author has released at least one book per year so I have that to look forward to.
Once again this was a good addition to the series. I now realize why I love this series so. It reads a bit like an Agatha Christie novel and Ii love those books. I guess something to do with the setting of this world just seems like it is set in the world of Miss Marple or Poirot. Even Jamie remarks on the similarity and this book has mention of the Murder of Roger Ackroyd too which clued me in to why I find this series so addicting.
There are lot of major changes hinted in this book towards the end. I am looking forward to how Jamie and Henri handle them together.
June 27, 2023
Jamie and Henri Strike Again!
Every now and again, you stumble onto a brilliantly entertaining series and think, surely they can’t ALL be this good?
Well, dear readers, in this case you’d be very much mistaken.
(haha “in this case” pun bc they’re all case files. I’ll see myself out)
A delightfully twisty story, this one had me scratching my head at one point thinking, “Ohh, SOANDSO did it. Oh but wait, no what if it was natural causes? Oh but WAIT everyone’s got something to hide now!”
The tea in this story is so strong, I’m wondering if Jamie taught them how to make Long Island Iced Teas.
Pacing was great, I loved the growth of the overall story in each book with their relationships (not just the romantic ones, but all of the relationships), and honestly, I volunteer as tribute to work the paperwork side of things for Jamie. HMU with a transgalaxial hookup!
Can’t wait to read the next one!
Every now and again, you stumble onto a brilliantly entertaining series and think, surely they can’t ALL be this good?
Well, dear readers, in this case you’d be very much mistaken.
(haha “in this case” pun bc they’re all case files. I’ll see myself out)
A delightfully twisty story, this one had me scratching my head at one point thinking, “Ohh, SOANDSO did it. Oh but wait, no what if it was natural causes? Oh but WAIT everyone’s got something to hide now!”
The tea in this story is so strong, I’m wondering if Jamie taught them how to make Long Island Iced Teas.
Pacing was great, I loved the growth of the overall story in each book with their relationships (not just the romantic ones, but all of the relationships), and honestly, I volunteer as tribute to work the paperwork side of things for Jamie. HMU with a transgalaxial hookup!
Can’t wait to read the next one!
January 15, 2022
Another great Henri and Jamie story
This is another great mystery with a sensible romance to it. I look forward to book 8. I do have some minor issues that have to do with the world created by the author. First, yes, the queen eliminates all those pesky politics any civilization develops because she's totally benevolent. But what about the rulers of other countries? Her predecessor? Her successor? Second, yes we have a new take on advanced civilization meets less developed world. Technology isn't always used benifically. After 7 books, it might be time to address misuse of tech or a case where less development would be a good thing. Finally, the Felix cats. Yes, clever and charming, but seriously? No one prefers a DOG familiar? Is this country the only one with mages? And only one royal mage can make familiars?
This is another great mystery with a sensible romance to it. I look forward to book 8. I do have some minor issues that have to do with the world created by the author. First, yes, the queen eliminates all those pesky politics any civilization develops because she's totally benevolent. But what about the rulers of other countries? Her predecessor? Her successor? Second, yes we have a new take on advanced civilization meets less developed world. Technology isn't always used benifically. After 7 books, it might be time to address misuse of tech or a case where less development would be a good thing. Finally, the Felix cats. Yes, clever and charming, but seriously? No one prefers a DOG familiar? Is this country the only one with mages? And only one royal mage can make familiars?
July 13, 2023
It's a real pleasure to return to the world of these books. Jamie, the transplanted FBI agent is tough and no nonsense, but with care and compassion as well. Henri, her partner -- in work and life -- is a smart and clever magical examiner with the ability to think outside the box. Together they're a formidable team -- especially as they are aided by others of their ilk.
In this case, a young woman, a member of the local aristocracy, has been missing for 2 weeks when her body is found washed up on the shore. She had been a relatively close acquaintance of the Queen so Jamie, Henry, and cohorts are tasked with finding out what happened. Both Jamie's investigative experience and Henry's magical skill are instrumental in the case.
Really, the only bad thing I can say, is that it appears the next one, #8, is the last one. Let's hope that's only 'last one So Far'.
In this case, a young woman, a member of the local aristocracy, has been missing for 2 weeks when her body is found washed up on the shore. She had been a relatively close acquaintance of the Queen so Jamie, Henry, and cohorts are tasked with finding out what happened. Both Jamie's investigative experience and Henry's magical skill are instrumental in the case.
Really, the only bad thing I can say, is that it appears the next one, #8, is the last one. Let's hope that's only 'last one So Far'.
January 22, 2022
A Joy to Find and Read
At the end of Book 6 in the series, I realized it was a good stopping point for Henri Davenforth and the Shinigami Detective. I expected that to be the end.
I just happened to be searching Amazon and thought to read other’s reviews of the series. Instead, I found Book 7, which I immediately downloaded and began reading.
Jamie. Henri. The ducklings and Kingsmen. Even the Felixes. I was back in the strange world of magic. Laughing literally out loud at points, gripping the tablet a bit harder than necessary for others.
If this book looks interesting but you’ve never read of this universe before, start with Book 1 and enjoy. If you’re familiar with our FBI agent and her Henri…you’re in for another ripping good mystery!
At the end of Book 6 in the series, I realized it was a good stopping point for Henri Davenforth and the Shinigami Detective. I expected that to be the end.
I just happened to be searching Amazon and thought to read other’s reviews of the series. Instead, I found Book 7, which I immediately downloaded and began reading.
Jamie. Henri. The ducklings and Kingsmen. Even the Felixes. I was back in the strange world of magic. Laughing literally out loud at points, gripping the tablet a bit harder than necessary for others.
If this book looks interesting but you’ve never read of this universe before, start with Book 1 and enjoy. If you’re familiar with our FBI agent and her Henri…you’re in for another ripping good mystery!
December 21, 2024
An original crime, almost impossible to figure out.
Satisfaction. That’s what this book was.
I had to set aside the series a couple of years ago due to finances. With the recent publishing change to Kindle Unlimited, I’m able to catch up with the series.
I’m also able to catch up with old friends. Really, I hadn’t turned more than a dozen pages before I felt like I was completely up-to-date and surrounded by the excitement of watching the latest adventure unfold.
This murder was interesting in its execution as it would seem, on the surface, to be almost the perfect crime. Raconteur made it very innovative.
Big changes are in the offing for both of our leads. The next book will be full of those details and I’ll just sneaking off now to read about them.
Satisfaction. That’s what this book was.
I had to set aside the series a couple of years ago due to finances. With the recent publishing change to Kindle Unlimited, I’m able to catch up with the series.
I’m also able to catch up with old friends. Really, I hadn’t turned more than a dozen pages before I felt like I was completely up-to-date and surrounded by the excitement of watching the latest adventure unfold.
This murder was interesting in its execution as it would seem, on the surface, to be almost the perfect crime. Raconteur made it very innovative.
Big changes are in the offing for both of our leads. The next book will be full of those details and I’ll just sneaking off now to read about them.
January 16, 2022
Another Stellar Addition
This is one of my favorite series. Jamie Edwards, lead MC is a 21st century woman stuck on early 20th century world but it has magic. She's not complaining though and has a good life as a detective, invent or (well, re-inventor), and business woman. Her work partner and now boyfriend Henry is the perfect pedantic genius and her friends from eclectic group of friends make for fun times in the midst of her solving strange mysteries. Not going to give away the mystery but who hates Gaida enough to torture her unto death makes for a really good story. Enjoy!
This is one of my favorite series. Jamie Edwards, lead MC is a 21st century woman stuck on early 20th century world but it has magic. She's not complaining though and has a good life as a detective, invent or (well, re-inventor), and business woman. Her work partner and now boyfriend Henry is the perfect pedantic genius and her friends from eclectic group of friends make for fun times in the midst of her solving strange mysteries. Not going to give away the mystery but who hates Gaida enough to torture her unto death makes for a really good story. Enjoy!
January 16, 2022
Is it murder?
Another delightful murder mystery, not that murder is delightful, but following Jamie and Henri, along with friends and cats, is a delight.
Queen Regina has requested Jamie and Henri to solve the death of Lady Giada, and formally asked them to become a Kingsman and Royal Mage respectively. With evidence already two weeks old, and no clear evidence of Lady Giada's method of dying, it's another tough case to crack.
This series is great because it focuses on the legwork, research, and repetition involved in actually finding difficult answers. Jamie and Henri's ongoing romance, and the kitties add leavening to what is a serious story.
Another delightful murder mystery, not that murder is delightful, but following Jamie and Henri, along with friends and cats, is a delight.
Queen Regina has requested Jamie and Henri to solve the death of Lady Giada, and formally asked them to become a Kingsman and Royal Mage respectively. With evidence already two weeks old, and no clear evidence of Lady Giada's method of dying, it's another tough case to crack.
This series is great because it focuses on the legwork, research, and repetition involved in actually finding difficult answers. Jamie and Henri's ongoing romance, and the kitties add leavening to what is a serious story.
January 24, 2022
Cozy world but kind of dull
These novels are sweet but really they don't go anywhere plot-wise. This installment also does no character development, either, so it's tough to say why anyone might enjoy the read. The "case" is laughably simple and made me impatient. If you already enjoy the series, here is more of the same. Nice people meandering through a slightly steampunk setting on the pretext of solving a crime. They take nearly the entire book to get around to interviewing the obvious suspect, who immediately confesses when the queen stomps her lil' foot in indignation. Ho hum.
These novels are sweet but really they don't go anywhere plot-wise. This installment also does no character development, either, so it's tough to say why anyone might enjoy the read. The "case" is laughably simple and made me impatient. If you already enjoy the series, here is more of the same. Nice people meandering through a slightly steampunk setting on the pretext of solving a crime. They take nearly the entire book to get around to interviewing the obvious suspect, who immediately confesses when the queen stomps her lil' foot in indignation. Ho hum.
September 9, 2022
Another fun entry in this series. 3 1/2 stars rounded up because I've liked this series so much.
That said, I feel this is one of the weaker entries in it. The mystery was pretty obvious to me from early on. And I still feel that Henri and Jamie getting together just doesn't feel right for this series. They worked very well as friends, the romance didn't feel natural, and it doesn't add anything to the story in my opinion.
The solution to the mystery was fairly obvious, but was harder to prove. However, most of that proving was sidestepped at end and just handwaved away honestly.
But I still love all the characters, and the setting, and it was an entertaining read.
That said, I feel this is one of the weaker entries in it. The mystery was pretty obvious to me from early on. And I still feel that Henri and Jamie getting together just doesn't feel right for this series. They worked very well as friends, the romance didn't feel natural, and it doesn't add anything to the story in my opinion.
The solution to the mystery was fairly obvious, but was harder to prove. However, most of that proving was sidestepped at end and just handwaved away honestly.
But I still love all the characters, and the setting, and it was an entertaining read.
January 14, 2022
Yet another head-scratching cozy mystery with Jamie and Henri and Sherard. I loved this read, especially how Jamie is bringing technology (and strawberries!) to her new home. Some of the one-liners really hit my funny bone - check the one about being a cactus. As always, the author checked multiple boxes on my must-read list - interesting characters, creative magics, intellectual conundrums, forward-growing development. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in this series (and re-reading the last 6 while I wait)!
January 15, 2022
Loved it
I really enjoy every book in this series and this one was no different. In this book we see the culmination of a lot of Jamie and Henri's work leading to some new adventures. There is a suspicious death but Jamie and Henri are having to work backwards on a case going cold with few signs as to what caused the death. I was guessing until the end on how they would tie everything together. The only thing I'd like would be an illustration occasionally, since I struggle to imagine people
I really enjoy every book in this series and this one was no different. In this book we see the culmination of a lot of Jamie and Henri's work leading to some new adventures. There is a suspicious death but Jamie and Henri are having to work backwards on a case going cold with few signs as to what caused the death. I was guessing until the end on how they would tie everything together. The only thing I'd like would be an illustration occasionally, since I struggle to imagine people
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