An assassin hunts Inspector Gueran Declais through the streets of Frosthelm, and she is not acting alone. Just as he learns that his family may have been attacked and slain, Gueran is struck down as well. Despite the odds, he lives. Barely. Whisked away from the city for his safety, he struggles to recover from his injuries, learn his family's fate, and uncover the identity of those who want him dead. Far from Frosthelm, he becomes caught up in investigating another bloody attack, one that may or may not have been perpetrated by vengeful spirit of a woman wronged long ago, and one that threatens to expose him to his enemies. The locals are certain, though: the killer had to be the Woeling Lass, her hands cold as the grave and her feet aflame.
Back in Frosthelm, Urret Milton is an apprentice in some difficulty at the Guild. She receives a mysterious note for Gueran, a man everyone thinks is dead. Rapidly embroiled in the effort to unravel the reason for the killings and bring the assassins to justice, Urret struggles to shed her troubles and show that she has what it takes to be an inspector. But all this leads her into far more peril than she bargained for, for which she can't possibly be ready. Her position at the Guild, the security of the city, and her life itself are all at stake.
This tale from the Inquisitors' Guild of Frosthelm is a fresh mystery full of swordplay, deceit, ancient magic, scheming nobles, and a healthy dose of humor. Combining the clues and hidden mysteries of detective stories with all the grand adventure of epic fantasy, The Woeling Lass is a wondrous journey through betrayal, murder, ancient legend, loss, courage, and redemption. And, it has really silly chapter titles.
A native of Ames, Iowa, Dave loves writing, reading, boardgames, computer games, improv comedy, pizza, barbarian movies, and the cheaper end of the Taco Bell menu. Also, his wife and kids.
Dave is the author of Snood, Snoodoku, Snood Towers, and other computer games. Dave first published Snood in 1996, and it became one of the most popular shareware games of the early Internet. His most recent game is Scryptix, a word game for cell phones.
Dave taught geology, environmental studies, and computer programming at Guilford College for 24 years before stepping away to write full time. He does improv comedy every week at the Idiot Box in Greensboro, North Carolina. He’s also played the world’s largest tuba in concert. Not that that is relevant, but it’s still kinda cool.
This was another fun installment in the Inquisitor's Guild series! While you can read these in any order, and they are a series of standalone books (AKA there doesn't appear to be an overarching series plot), you will get the most out of the books in regards to the character personalities if you read them in order. (But you really don't have to, if you don't want to.)
I had a lot of favorite parts of this book: the archaeological find, the messages in book cypher, the various magical artifacts, and best of all, the characters. Gueran Declais was not my favorite character in the prior books, but seeing him from the inside—and seeing his concern abot his family members—helped me to like him a bit more. Also, once he was in hiding and playing a role (that of a commoner, when he is a noble) his personality grew as well. I liked a lot of the new characters, too, including the second POV character Urret Milton. She was resourceful and yet limited, as makes sense for an apprentice to the Guild. I enjoyed the contrast between the two POV characters.
I look forward to reading more in this series, though at present I only have the prequel novella left until I'm caught up. Still, I greatly enjoy Dobson's writing, and the fun chapter titles never fail to amuse.
Where to begin… I kept stalling on reading this book because I didn’t want to finish with Frosthelm, so finally taking the plunge was exciting. Aaaanyway.
Visiting Frosthelm again in The Woeling lass was excellent. As with the other books in the series, there was mystery, adventure, action, and humor, with a bunch of interesting characters who were fun to spend time with. The story drew me in right away, which I love in a book.
There were two narrators, Gueran and Urret, and I enjoyed both. Being in Gueran’s head was totally different, often hilarious, and ultimately heartwarming. Urret was a strong new addition to the squad. Hers was a really cool perspective as she found her own ways to fit in and excel as someone who struggled in more traditional academic settings. Love to see it!!
We got to explore more of the Frosthelm world, both within the city and beyond. The different places and events were so well-developed that it was almost like having multiple books in one, but of course everything tied together 👀👀
This was an excellent addition to the series. It kept me guessing, had really cool details (the secret spot! the blade!!), and (spoiler alert?) had a very satisfying ending. Highly recommend.
This was an enjoyable read. The mystery was in true detective style (and, considering the main character is essentially a detective, that makes sense), with a healthy string of clues to piece together as one reads along. It definitely kept me reading, as I had to know what had happened and how it was all going to come together in the end, and the ending was satisfying.
There are two POV characters, curiously, one first person, and one third person. I'm not sure the reasoning for such a choice, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, at any rate. Their arcs were interesting from an intellectual perspective, but for whatever reason I never connected with them on an emotional level. As with most of those sorts of things, YMMV. On the flip side, I thought the side characters were particularly well fleshed out. Some intrigued me enough that if there were another Inquisitor's Guild novel about one of them, I might pick it up for that reason alone. (Full disclosure: I haven't looked yet to see if there is one!)
I can't speak to the world at-large, which is obviously bigger than the slice of time and place that this story is written in, but in this book there isn't much in the way of magic, only hints. It is what it is--I'm a self-confessed magic aficionado, so if you're like me, fair warning that you won't find that here. If you're not or don't care, it probably won't bother you in the least.
Overall, the prose was clean, smooth, and easy to read. If I had any real critiques, it's that there were a few times I felt it was a bit overwritten. Not of the purple variety, but of the redundancy of thought variety. I suspect, once again, YMMV on this. I found myself impatient to know what was going to happen next (a good thing!) and so I think I noticed it a bit more than if I were taking a leisurely stroll through the world or a character's inner angst.
If you like secondary world detective/mystery stories wrapped around a bit of political intrigue, definitely add this one to your list. It's a stand-alone (all the books in the series are, and I can vouch that it is truly stand-alone), so if you're not looking to get involved in a lengthy series, also a great one to read between larger arcs.
Dobson’s 4th novel in the inquisitor’s guild series takes us exploring away from the city, in the hinterlands where the legal system devolves into a feudal fiefdom and the local farmers hold onto their myths of the woman who returns for revenge from beyond the grave…
Inspector Gueran finds himself in an awful position. He has barely survived being killed, even as word reaches him that his entire family and household have been taken out by the unknown assassin. However, his only way to live and unravel what has happened is to become dead to the world. While doing so, he lands in another mystery, one where the dead still finds the means to spill blood beyond the grave. At least it would seem the case from the town folks that believe the legend heart and soul. Then there’s Urret, a mere apprentice at the Guild, who suddenly finds herself in the center of everything while ironically serving out “penitence” for her rash actions at the Guild. Now she has the chance to prove herself as the inspector she wants to be. However, it’s way more than she ever bargained for when she discovers the plot against Inspector Gueran was aimed at dismantling the Guild and bringing down the entire city of Frosthelm. What is the true surprise in this journey? Is it the threat within Frosthelm that’s willing to destroy any that stand in its way? Or is it a resurrected lass unwilling to be deterred from her path of vengeance? Perhaps not. Rather, it’s the transformation that takes place when one is tested in the fire. It’s the story of redemption breaking through a blood covered curse. Then for an apprentice, it’s the process of going from simply speaking the Guild’s motto of Watch and Protect to fully living it. Sadly, it comes with the realization criminals come in many disguises and so her duty to watch and protect is much more difficult than she ever imagined. Yet, she emerges more than capable to embrace her calling. Lastly, there’s Guerin with his resurrection of sorts, and it’s quite fitting for him as he scarcely looks like the same man as when he began. He’s a part of the privileged nobility, looking down at even some of those he calls coworkers at the Guild. Then he’s faced with his own mortality and loses everyone dear to him, and his world is shaken at its core. He discovers an ugliness rooted into that world that he couldn’t see while being in the middle of it, and he hates the image reflected back at him. Because deep down he understands it’s that seed that when fully grown and twisted becomes the destruction he has experienced firsthand. So, the Guerin that reclaims life is forever changed and for the better. He becomes the inspector he was always meant to be as well, finally truly holding to his oath to “Watch and Protect.” And in the end, all of them can say they finally completely embraced the words of wisdom their chief imparted on an apprentice inspector, “Whenever I have a hard decision to make about my job, I think not of the government, or the nobility, or even sometimes of the letter of the law, although I hold that very, very dear. I think of what would be best for the common citizen of Frosthelm. The baker selling her wares in the market. The child running along the docks. The old man trying to earn enough to eat. If what I do would protect them, aid them, against criminals and corruption, then it is the right thing to do.”
"The Woeling Lass" is a local supernatural legend in Blenhem. Could she possibly have murdered the brother of Count Rhodes, the noble who owns these lands? There were burnt footprints from her feet of fire leading to the doorway. Two inspectors from the Inquisitors' Guild arrive to determine who has committed the crime. It turns out there is vastly more happening than either inspector could ever have imagined. In a tale of murder most foul, political trickery most vile and the coming of age of an apprentice, Dave Dobson brings us Gueran, Urret, and those from both country and city who create the causes and experience the effects of the events surrounding The Woeling Lass. A five star read for lovers of fantasy, of detective stories and of bits of the magical which end up as integral parts of the story.
This is such a fine collection of novels, and the Woeling Lass is my favorite. It had no slow spots! My reading time was limited during this period, but I under normal circumstances it would have lasted me two days. This book is complicated and has lots of characters, so unless you have an exceptional memory, keep a character list. Here's why I love Dave Dobson's writing: He has an equal or greater number of female characters with equal or greater power, talent, smarts, and toughness. There is a lot of suspense, and the stories are seasoned with humor. His chapter titles are very "pun-y," which irked me (haha) when I was so seriously concerned with what was happening in the story! Mr. Dobson deserves a large following of fantasy readers. The books are appropriate for teens and adults of all ages. Keep up the good work, Dave!
Another great book in this fun genre genre fiction series! Gueran (aka Will) is my least favorite of the narrators in this series, but I do think he's a skillfully constructed character. It probably has the best plotted mystery so far, with lots of twists and turns and excitement. These books keep getting better!
Dave Dobson's Inquisitor's Guild is starting to remind me a bit of the Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad -- if the murder squad operated in a made-up, medieval, swords-and-sorcery realm and had a bit more irony and equity. Each new book takes the perspective of a different Inquisitor (or two as in The Woeling Lass) and sends that character off on dangerous adventures as they try to save Frosthelm. This latest keeps some of my favorite things from the previous novels: the vivid characters, the noticeably gender-blind feudal society, the dad-pun chapter titles, and the mix of detection, adventure and magic. It builds on that foundation with two alternating narrators and a plot that unfolds mostly outside of the city of Frosthelm. I liked both narrators, but sometimes felt reluctant to switch perspectives. All in all, The Woeling Lass as the perfect winter break read -- characters solving a complex mystery and getting caught up in all kinds of adventure, but with enough compassion, and morality, and honesty to keep you warm on cold winter nights.
Dave Dobson strikes again with another great Frosthelm novel! I love the fantasy buddy cop dynamic of the first book the most (this one is definitely more of a political intrigue story) but this book was still a really fun read with great characters and Dobson’s signature humor sprinkled in. Imaginative, funny, and compelling- it felt good to visit the land of Frosthelm again.
I am a sucker for fantasy based murder mysteries. It took a couple of chapters to become engaged with the characters but once engaged it was a great read.
Third book of the series, but now we have TWO different characters taking the leading role. Gueran, a minor noble and law-enforcement inspector in a Dnd-style fantasy city, has been stabbed. Several times. And other members of his family have also been attacked/killed. It really isn’t very nice, and the only solution seems to be to change his name and ship him out to some po-dunk town until he heals and all the conspirators can be uncovered.
Meanwhile, there is a legendary ghost stealing sheep, cryptic coded messages and even more drama going on at home!
I still love that these books are clean, self-contained, and have good friendships/lighter romance sprinkled in. Some of the character choices left me scratching my head (I was happy to get more Gueran and the new character wasn’t bad, but Marty seemed to completely disappear for some reason—even in the background. I missed him. Why couldn’t we have kept up with the old gang more and used one of the female partners from the last two books as the POV character instead? And why are ALL the girls so masculine??), but it wasn’t nearly as preachy as the last one, and I appreciated that.
The stuff with the ScoobyDoo-styled ghost was hilarious, but it also ended up being extremely clever with how it was used at the end. Good twists and plot progression. And the chapter headings keep getting better and better!
I don’t know if there will be anymore to this series or not, but I have been enjoying them!
The Woeling Lass takes us back into Frosthelm just as another plot and chaos is ensuing. It starts with a bang; an assassination attempt and our lead character bleeding out on the floor. Therein lies the start of events that move far beyond what Gueran could ever have anticipated and whilst he recuperates whilst in hiding, those in Frosthelm try to put together the pieces before it's too late.
This is a strong detective/investigative fantasy and I liked the duel perspective between Gueran in the countryside and Urret at the Guild. Out of the two, I found Urret's character far more appealing but Gueran own detective work made for interesting reading. There are a lot of different threads here and they are woven together well, all coming together at the end in a very satisfying conclusion. There's a lot to enjoy here from the political intricacies and machinations to the more run of the mill detective work and a supernatural mystery to be resolved.
The side characters in this were great as well. Not only do some of the previous protagonists return to play their part in unspooling the plot, but there are several new characters who really brought the novel to life. I particularly enjoyed reading about some of Gueran's new friends and the character development also brought some of the world building more depth which was well done.
All in all, I'm glad I finally got around to finishing this series. It's intricately plotted and great reading with strong characters and twisty mysteries to contend with. It's an excellent mix of detective fiction and fantasy and will keep you guessing until the final pages.
It is a human weakness as old as mankind itself that people will negatively or positively distinguish between the well to do and those not so well off. Or simply differing for whatever reason. In Frosthelm that is true too as the "nobility" looks down on the "commoners" and a few abusing these poor souls. Of course, that is why the Guild is such a fine institution, pursuing justice for all irrespective of those distinguishes people may make. Which made Gueran, a noble of a minor house, such a glaring exception having become a Superintendent Inquisitor for the Guild. That is, till the day his family got attacked and killed, except his one sister. Then he gets attacked as well...and somehow, impossibly, survived. But four other minor noble houses also got attacked and all members killed? Author Dave Dobson certainly sketched an intriguing milieu for The Woeling Lass, even mixing in a common urban legend of a vengeful spirit called the Woeling Lass. But the bit that caught my attention and had me rooting for this character, is an apprentice Inquisitor named Urret Milton, who displayed an uncommon good sense, logic, bravery and sense of justice as she strives to find the reason for these attacks. The Woeling Lass had me intrigued from page one to the very last. Enjoy.
I only recently found out that there were more than two books in the Inquisitors Guild books, so high time to catch up, given how much I enjoyed the first two. When nearly all of the members of four noble houses are murdered, a badly injured Gueran is sent away for his safety. Most people believe him to be dead - probably because of his fake funeral. Trainee Urret finds a note addresses to Gueran, which brings her into the investigation. This book has both new characters and old friends. It has betrayal, murders, and intrigue. The writing really brought me into their world. The character development is well done, and the plot twists are well thought out. What seemed like an unlikely motive turned into so very much more. This might be my favorite book of the series so far, and just to add to everything else it has hilarious chapter titles.
Another book I got without doing my proper research. Not really even attempted to read it. I think I read like two paragraphs and skipped forward to discover a particular pet peeve of mine: rotating first and third person point of views.
It might be okay, sounds interesting, but it's already a little too thesaurus-y for me.
this was a really well done fantasy novel, the cover is what drew me in and I was hooked from the first page. The characters were great and I enjoyed going on this journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.