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Gobbelino London, PI #5
Gobbelino London & a Worry of Weres
"Find Malcolm. His safety is your safety."
Threat or promise, I wasn't hanging around to find out. Not when the sorcerer making it had just yanked me straight out of my skin for a friendly chat.
But with our situation normal involving scheming magicians, lurking necromancers, and Callum's long-lost family all competing to make my next out of body experience a permanent one, having a sorcerer on our side seemed like a pretty good option. Better than the alternative, anyway.
There's only one problem. If we want her help, we need to find her dentist. And we've got one lead. One hairy, stinking lead.
Weres. Mouth-breathing, ravening monsters with too many teeth and no affection for my kind - or any other that I know of. Which is why dealing with them is completely against company policy.
But we're going to have to make an exception, because we're not just caught between a sorcerer and some drooling pack. Never mind our usual hazards of the job - there's a hungry void stalking me and the Watch is closing in. We need all the help we can get.
Grab the chew toys. We're going on a were hunt …
This is the fifth book in the Gobbelino London, PI urban fantasy series, centred around the adventures of a mercenary feline PI and his human sidekick. It contains snarky cats and other gods, many bad jokes and terrible puns, plus a large serving of mythological and real creatures behaving badly. It will appeal to anyone who likes their fantasy funny, modern, and filled with friendship rather than romance - and also to those who suspect their cat may be living a great and secret life when they're not looking.
A Worry of Weres contains some violence, particularly involving magical fireballs and interspecies conflict, but none of it is graphic. It contains no sex and only mild language. It does, however, contain blasphemy.
Threat or promise, I wasn't hanging around to find out. Not when the sorcerer making it had just yanked me straight out of my skin for a friendly chat.
But with our situation normal involving scheming magicians, lurking necromancers, and Callum's long-lost family all competing to make my next out of body experience a permanent one, having a sorcerer on our side seemed like a pretty good option. Better than the alternative, anyway.
There's only one problem. If we want her help, we need to find her dentist. And we've got one lead. One hairy, stinking lead.
Weres. Mouth-breathing, ravening monsters with too many teeth and no affection for my kind - or any other that I know of. Which is why dealing with them is completely against company policy.
But we're going to have to make an exception, because we're not just caught between a sorcerer and some drooling pack. Never mind our usual hazards of the job - there's a hungry void stalking me and the Watch is closing in. We need all the help we can get.
Grab the chew toys. We're going on a were hunt …
This is the fifth book in the Gobbelino London, PI urban fantasy series, centred around the adventures of a mercenary feline PI and his human sidekick. It contains snarky cats and other gods, many bad jokes and terrible puns, plus a large serving of mythological and real creatures behaving badly. It will appeal to anyone who likes their fantasy funny, modern, and filled with friendship rather than romance - and also to those who suspect their cat may be living a great and secret life when they're not looking.
A Worry of Weres contains some violence, particularly involving magical fireballs and interspecies conflict, but none of it is graphic. It contains no sex and only mild language. It does, however, contain blasphemy.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2022
73 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Kim M. Watt
42 books329 followersHello lovely people!
I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.
And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.
You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.
But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.
And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.
Come join me!
I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.
And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.
You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.
But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.
And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.
Come join me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 12, 2024
· Book 1: Gobbelino London & a Scourge of Pleasantries ★★★★
· Book 2: Gobbelino London & a Contagion of Zombies ★★★★
· Book 3: Gobbelino London & a Complication of Unicorns ★★★★
· Book 4: Gobbelino London & a Melee of Mages ★★★★
· Book 2: Gobbelino London & a Contagion of Zombies ★★★★
· Book 3: Gobbelino London & a Complication of Unicorns ★★★★
· Book 4: Gobbelino London & a Melee of Mages ★★★★
January 2, 2024
This series just gets better, the world richer and more complicated, with each entry.This entry was a roller coaster ride!
April 30, 2022
(ARC provided in return for honest review)
It's difficult to keep improving a book series. How many have you read that sagged in the middle and came to a disappointing end? I've read lots.
This series isn't one of those. Book 5 ups the tension, ups the stakes for Gobbelino and Callum, ups the pace, ups the quality. It's all ups. In this episode G&C (not forgetting Green Snake) have to deal with sorcerers, magicians ... and werewolves. Being a cat, Gobs does not care for werewolves and to be fair they don't much care for him, so it's an interesting time all round. I'm not going to spoil anything, so suffice to say it's a fast, exciting romp through the magical environs of Leeds. Gobs and Callum have to find a sorcerer's companion, on pain of getting sorcelled, and werewolves are the least of it. Something doesn't want them to succeed ... and the stakes are getting higher by the minute.
Contains much awesomeness, some very good jokes and some rather important questions ... Will Gobs remember his past lives? Who or what is stalking our heroes? Who or what is Callum North? And will Gordie ever get his dinner?
This installment is terrific. And the next book is going to be epic ...
It's difficult to keep improving a book series. How many have you read that sagged in the middle and came to a disappointing end? I've read lots.
This series isn't one of those. Book 5 ups the tension, ups the stakes for Gobbelino and Callum, ups the pace, ups the quality. It's all ups. In this episode G&C (not forgetting Green Snake) have to deal with sorcerers, magicians ... and werewolves. Being a cat, Gobs does not care for werewolves and to be fair they don't much care for him, so it's an interesting time all round. I'm not going to spoil anything, so suffice to say it's a fast, exciting romp through the magical environs of Leeds. Gobs and Callum have to find a sorcerer's companion, on pain of getting sorcelled, and werewolves are the least of it. Something doesn't want them to succeed ... and the stakes are getting higher by the minute.
Contains much awesomeness, some very good jokes and some rather important questions ... Will Gobs remember his past lives? Who or what is stalking our heroes? Who or what is Callum North? And will Gordie ever get his dinner?
This installment is terrific. And the next book is going to be epic ...
May 1, 2022
A new mystery for Callum and Gobbelino to muddle their endearing way through, seasoned with Gobbelino’s wit - always priceless. An absorbing, entertaining fantasy with friends old and new, and rather a lot of worrying weres! Kim writes beautifully and I always enjoy her stories.
May 3, 2022
4.5 stars
(I received an ARC in return for an honest review)
Another excellent installment with Gobbelino and Callum, and of course, Green Snake!
Fast paced and exciting, the story moves at a lightning pace as it takes us into the world of werewolves, and the magical Leeds community in general.
Gobs receives a (seemingly) trans-dimensional message from our favourite sorcerer, Ms Jones, to find and protect Malcolm. This leads him, Callum and Green Snake to the werewolves, who know more than they let on. As Claudia the Watch cat is still missing, Pru and Tam the magnificent beast, who are looking for her, also join up with the detective trio and many near escapes and fireworks ensue.
This book upped the stakes a lot as we get ever closer to a nefarious plot with the Watch seemingly in the center of it. Es the sister of Callum, also gives him a cryptic warning of "something big" that is coming, and that Ifan, the returned magician friend of Callum, may be more, or less, than he seems.
Can't wait for the next book to get some more answers! What happened in Gobbelino's past lives, and why can't he remember it? Who and what are the Norths? I would also love to know more about Tam and her history.
100% recommended, if you enjoy magical action, true friendship and loyalty with snarky cats and funny comments! Well worth every word!
(I received an ARC in return for an honest review)
Another excellent installment with Gobbelino and Callum, and of course, Green Snake!
Fast paced and exciting, the story moves at a lightning pace as it takes us into the world of werewolves, and the magical Leeds community in general.
Gobs receives a (seemingly) trans-dimensional message from our favourite sorcerer, Ms Jones, to find and protect Malcolm. This leads him, Callum and Green Snake to the werewolves, who know more than they let on. As Claudia the Watch cat is still missing, Pru and Tam the magnificent beast, who are looking for her, also join up with the detective trio and many near escapes and fireworks ensue.
This book upped the stakes a lot as we get ever closer to a nefarious plot with the Watch seemingly in the center of it. Es the sister of Callum, also gives him a cryptic warning of "something big" that is coming, and that Ifan, the returned magician friend of Callum, may be more, or less, than he seems.
Can't wait for the next book to get some more answers! What happened in Gobbelino's past lives, and why can't he remember it? Who and what are the Norths? I would also love to know more about Tam and her history.
100% recommended, if you enjoy magical action, true friendship and loyalty with snarky cats and funny comments! Well worth every word!
May 3, 2022
(I received an arc for an honest review. This in no way influenced my rating.)
This installment of G & C London, Private Investigators, is a bit grittier than the others, but I think in a good way. Kim has a remarkable ability to describe places and people and feelings, which really shines in this book (if you can use the word 'shines' to describe a grittier, greyer, and rainier story). It was good to see the return of a lot of characters, they provide not only great comic relief in most cases, but a continuation to the previous stories that's much appreciated. I was a bit surprised by what seemed to be a cliff hanger of an ending, but overall it makes sense. The story wasn't wrapped up by any means but that was a good resting place. We also learned we're going to be learning a lot more about both Gobbelino and Callum's history which has been hinted at but never explained. All of this make me very eager to read the next installment. This series really has grown and I'm sure the next book will be even better. I don't know how Kim manages to inject more 'reality' (and some of the unpleasantness that comes with it) while still maintaining humour and warmth and friendship in her stories. I keep coming back to her books because of this. There's warmth and friendship and silliness but it's not written in a YA style. Not to take anything away from that genre, I read a lot of it, but this is more adult writing, almost dark humour. Almost.
This installment of G & C London, Private Investigators, is a bit grittier than the others, but I think in a good way. Kim has a remarkable ability to describe places and people and feelings, which really shines in this book (if you can use the word 'shines' to describe a grittier, greyer, and rainier story). It was good to see the return of a lot of characters, they provide not only great comic relief in most cases, but a continuation to the previous stories that's much appreciated. I was a bit surprised by what seemed to be a cliff hanger of an ending, but overall it makes sense. The story wasn't wrapped up by any means but that was a good resting place. We also learned we're going to be learning a lot more about both Gobbelino and Callum's history which has been hinted at but never explained. All of this make me very eager to read the next installment. This series really has grown and I'm sure the next book will be even better. I don't know how Kim manages to inject more 'reality' (and some of the unpleasantness that comes with it) while still maintaining humour and warmth and friendship in her stories. I keep coming back to her books because of this. There's warmth and friendship and silliness but it's not written in a YA style. Not to take anything away from that genre, I read a lot of it, but this is more adult writing, almost dark humour. Almost.
May 1, 2022
Fans of feline PIs can rejoice as there is a new Gobbelino book, Gobbelino London & a Worry of Weres by Kim M. Watt. Gobbelino and Callum obviously face werewolves and it is fun to see how the author treats a paranormal species much written about. They manage to make the weres different from most UF. As with all species, there are good and not-so-good weres. The businesses they manage were entertaining in and of themselves. It seems as though the weres might reappear in later books too. I enjoyed how Gobbelino and Callum are ably assisted by two more cats, Pru the sphynx and Tam the tabby. Cats too are good (Gobs, Pru, and Tam obviously) and bad (the Watch), so a balanced representation of my favorite species. Gobbelino and Callum are supposed to find someone, but the case is complicated not just by the weres, but by a magician and sorcerer too. And let’s not forget the mysterious power haunting Gobbelino. Not all these problems are resolved in this book, leaving plenty for another volume in the exploits of G & C London.
April 29, 2022
I received an ARC copy of the book and started reading straight away, I’m a big fan of Kim Watt’s books and I love the characters of Gobbelino London and Callum (not forgetting green snake of course).
A sorcerer has gone missing as well as Claudia the ‘watch’ cat, who is investigating the watch. The sorcerer manages to contact Gobbelino asking him and his human partner to find her husband who’s a dentist and keep him safe.
The search takes them as well as their cat friends Pru and Tam to Dimly where Callum used to live where he meets up not only with his sister Ez but the Trolls, town mayor Gerry, baker William and Poppy who cares for stray animals. The Trolls are lovely characters who first appeared in the previous book.
While investigating Gobbelino and Callum become aware that werewolves are involved as well as Callum’s old friend who is a magician.
There are thrills and spills a plenty and lots of exciting chases, with the Weres.
Gobbelino is his usual funny sarcastic self and Pru and Tam have a major part in the story as well and green snake pops his head up on a number of occasions.
Can they find the dentist without getting bitten by Weres can they find the sorcerer and Claudia? Can someone give Gordi some duck? This is an ongoing story arc and time will reveal all I’m sure.
I love these mysteries they are funny and exciting and I can’t wait for more.
A sorcerer has gone missing as well as Claudia the ‘watch’ cat, who is investigating the watch. The sorcerer manages to contact Gobbelino asking him and his human partner to find her husband who’s a dentist and keep him safe.
The search takes them as well as their cat friends Pru and Tam to Dimly where Callum used to live where he meets up not only with his sister Ez but the Trolls, town mayor Gerry, baker William and Poppy who cares for stray animals. The Trolls are lovely characters who first appeared in the previous book.
While investigating Gobbelino and Callum become aware that werewolves are involved as well as Callum’s old friend who is a magician.
There are thrills and spills a plenty and lots of exciting chases, with the Weres.
Gobbelino is his usual funny sarcastic self and Pru and Tam have a major part in the story as well and green snake pops his head up on a number of occasions.
Can they find the dentist without getting bitten by Weres can they find the sorcerer and Claudia? Can someone give Gordi some duck? This is an ongoing story arc and time will reveal all I’m sure.
I love these mysteries they are funny and exciting and I can’t wait for more.
May 4, 2022
I received an ARC, this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
I do love the collective noun for Weres.... they sure do cause much worry!
Callum and "Gobs" with Green Snake's assistance, have another unpaid job that involves trying to locate missing "persons" familiar from previous books. Ms Jones, the sorcerer, and Claudia the Watch cat haven't been seen since the end of the last adventure, Mr Walker the dentist who subsequently also goes missing as does their next source, the reformed "necromancer" Muscles. Tam and Pru are concerned and ask Gobs and his partner to assist in finding them. Then things get weird, Weres are involved, and flatly refuse to divulge any information. Then follows all kind of action, danger and destruction, all narrated by Gob's wonderfully humorously mangled English. This is a funny, twisty paranormal mystery series that I highly recommend, I also suggest they be read in publication order. This one leaves a lot of unanswered questions that I really look forward to seeing resolved in the future book(s)
I do love the collective noun for Weres.... they sure do cause much worry!
Callum and "Gobs" with Green Snake's assistance, have another unpaid job that involves trying to locate missing "persons" familiar from previous books. Ms Jones, the sorcerer, and Claudia the Watch cat haven't been seen since the end of the last adventure, Mr Walker the dentist who subsequently also goes missing as does their next source, the reformed "necromancer" Muscles. Tam and Pru are concerned and ask Gobs and his partner to assist in finding them. Then things get weird, Weres are involved, and flatly refuse to divulge any information. Then follows all kind of action, danger and destruction, all narrated by Gob's wonderfully humorously mangled English. This is a funny, twisty paranormal mystery series that I highly recommend, I also suggest they be read in publication order. This one leaves a lot of unanswered questions that I really look forward to seeing resolved in the future book(s)
May 6, 2022
Yet another winner from Kim M Watt.
Starts at full pace , with a wonderfully descriptive narrative that brings you straight in, but never makes the mistake of being too verbose
I felt that in parts a new reader may not “get” the storyline, but there was strong character development for readers who have enjoyed the adventures of Callum and Gobs from day 1.
I love Gobs and his snarkiness, I thoroughly enjoyed the increased use of Pru and Tam, and can’t wait to see how the hints about Callum’s past develop.
Can’t wait for the next one
Book provided as ARC for review
Starts at full pace , with a wonderfully descriptive narrative that brings you straight in, but never makes the mistake of being too verbose
I felt that in parts a new reader may not “get” the storyline, but there was strong character development for readers who have enjoyed the adventures of Callum and Gobs from day 1.
I love Gobs and his snarkiness, I thoroughly enjoyed the increased use of Pru and Tam, and can’t wait to see how the hints about Callum’s past develop.
Can’t wait for the next one
Book provided as ARC for review
April 28, 2022
I received the book as ARC. I am a big fan of all books from Kim Watt. I love her writing, intricate stories, the snarky cats. I eagerly look forward to the next installment.
April 28, 2022
I received an ARC of this book – I joined Kim Watts mailing list because I like her books so much and this one was well up to standard.
Gobbelino London and Callum North are barely making a living P.I.s in one of the tattier parts of Leeds in the UK, Leeds being a manufacturing city that grew massively in the industrial revolution and is now adjusting to the modern world, so there are some grubby bits as well as nice ones.
Gobbelino is a cat, and Callum has some minor magical talent which allows him to have conversations with all cats, not just Gobbelino. These days they mostly take cases involving magic, or “Folk” which pays even worse than the ordinary cases.
Gobbelino being a cat can wander unsuspected into places they want to investigate and the worst that happens is someone shouts at the cat to get out - well that is true of humans, less so for Folk.
This is the 5th book in the series and I would recommend reading the series in order, as there are some ongoing story arcs and characters, as well as each book including a self-contained story.
It starts with a very strange dog being spotted in the centre of Leeds and Callum and Gobbelino hurry over to capture it and remove it before too many normal humans see it, and especially before the Watch come calling. The Watch are the combined police and enforcers that keep the magical world away from the notice of humans – and are all cats. They're not noted for mercy so you really don't want them paying attention to your neighbourhood.
Then they have a series of demands for their assistance, to help find a missing Sorcerer, the Sorcerer's partner who is a dentist and Claudia, a cat they've known for some time who has helped them – despite being part of the Watch. At the start of the investigation of the dentist they discover that his surgery smells strongly of were wolf – so they have to go investigate were wolves, who really hate cats, especially because of the Watch.
There is a lovely cameo reappearance by Gordi, an elderly confused cat, that you really want to help. Poor sausage all he wants is food, cuddles and a sofa but as part of their investigations they find his owner is missing and so they have to investigate were wolves while also cat sitting Gordi, who ambles vaguely through life with no awareness of danger asking what is for supper, and has he eaten duck before and is it nice.
Really enjoyed this, so definitely 5 stars for a snarky, noir detective novel with a well built magical world and a varied and sometimes unexpected cast.
August 6, 2022
Things are getting hairy for Gobs and Callum, quite literally. With Tam and Pru helping them out, the pair dive into a mystery that keeps getting weirder. A missing sorcerer, a hiding dentist, out of body experiences, friends who are enemies, and lots and lots of weres, some more friendly than others.
This book felt more serious than the others; don't get me wrong, it still has its laugh out load moments, and Gobs is still as snarky as ever, but there's just this underlying sense of terror and danger and this is way worse than anything you have ever faced before. This is also the first book to end on a cliffhanger (kind of). However it's not in a way of mega suspense, or stopped mid action, it just doesn't wrap up it's tale neatly; it's a build up to something much bigger than we can currently comprehend. The ending is just begining.
I want to get my hands on the next one now, I want all my questions answered, mysteries unravelled and darkness expelled. I'm hoping there is more than 6 books in this series, but I have a feeling Watt will do a fantastic ending in book 6, I just currently can't work out how she will. I'll also probably forget so much by the time 6 comes out, I already forgot a lot in the month it took me to get round to writing this review.
This book felt more serious than the others; don't get me wrong, it still has its laugh out load moments, and Gobs is still as snarky as ever, but there's just this underlying sense of terror and danger and this is way worse than anything you have ever faced before. This is also the first book to end on a cliffhanger (kind of). However it's not in a way of mega suspense, or stopped mid action, it just doesn't wrap up it's tale neatly; it's a build up to something much bigger than we can currently comprehend. The ending is just begining.
I want to get my hands on the next one now, I want all my questions answered, mysteries unravelled and darkness expelled. I'm hoping there is more than 6 books in this series, but I have a feeling Watt will do a fantastic ending in book 6, I just currently can't work out how she will. I'll also probably forget so much by the time 6 comes out, I already forgot a lot in the month it took me to get round to writing this review.
May 10, 2022
Having enjoyed the The Beaufort Scales Cozy Mysteries (with Dragons) Collection: Books 1 - 4 I was curious about more from this author so I took the opportunity to recieve a free advanced copy of A Worry of Weres for an honest review.
I must say I very much enjoy this authors stories. They are both fun and mysterious. Plenty of twists and turns plus magic and Folk of different species.
This story was interesting and while I jumped into book 5 I don't think I missed anything plot wise. Although I will be going back and starting from book 1.
I liked the slightly different approach to the wolf weres, especially the changing, although icky. I love Gobs and his thought process and dialogue. I really liked Callum and look forward to reading more about him.
Having heard of the Watch in the Beaufort books I was surprised to find they are even more mysterious and possibly darker than I first thought. Really looking forward to finding out just what is going on there.
My only real niggle is this is clearly not over story wise. Normally I hate to be kept waiting, but hopefully by the time I finish catching up on previous books the next book will be ready.
I must say I very much enjoy this authors stories. They are both fun and mysterious. Plenty of twists and turns plus magic and Folk of different species.
This story was interesting and while I jumped into book 5 I don't think I missed anything plot wise. Although I will be going back and starting from book 1.
I liked the slightly different approach to the wolf weres, especially the changing, although icky. I love Gobs and his thought process and dialogue. I really liked Callum and look forward to reading more about him.
Having heard of the Watch in the Beaufort books I was surprised to find they are even more mysterious and possibly darker than I first thought. Really looking forward to finding out just what is going on there.
My only real niggle is this is clearly not over story wise. Normally I hate to be kept waiting, but hopefully by the time I finish catching up on previous books the next book will be ready.
April 26, 2022
I’ve just finished Another outing with G & C Private Investigators. And as usual I was on the edge of my seat the whole way.
The Worry of Weres included our favorite boys (yes you too Green Snake) with some of our favorite girls (Tam and Pru) plus many new characters who will maybe appear again along the way. And some characters from other adventures who could never be trusted after all, hopefully moving on.
It feels like at least one mystery was answered but even more mysteries (past and present and perhaps even future) have wrapped around our heroes and their friends and tightened their grips and cast shadows over all.
I can’t wait for the next adventure! Even though I seem to spend a lot of time in the books with my heart in my mouth and my pulse racing.
In a world of books where all of them seem way too much alike, these books are all so very much their own.
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC. Now, back to champing at the bit for the next book in the series 🙂
The Worry of Weres included our favorite boys (yes you too Green Snake) with some of our favorite girls (Tam and Pru) plus many new characters who will maybe appear again along the way. And some characters from other adventures who could never be trusted after all, hopefully moving on.
It feels like at least one mystery was answered but even more mysteries (past and present and perhaps even future) have wrapped around our heroes and their friends and tightened their grips and cast shadows over all.
I can’t wait for the next adventure! Even though I seem to spend a lot of time in the books with my heart in my mouth and my pulse racing.
In a world of books where all of them seem way too much alike, these books are all so very much their own.
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read the ARC. Now, back to champing at the bit for the next book in the series 🙂
September 17, 2024
These books get better the further along the series you go . Really enjoyed this one.
February 12, 2025
This the 5th book in the Gobbelino London PI - series and I absolutely loved it. I think that now slowly everything will come to a climax and all the questions that lingered, will be answered. I hope so, though. There's something dark coming for Gobs, but also what is it about Callum? What is that raw magic, that scent that he has and that kept the weres on edge?
This series is getting better and better the more the series continues with great scenes and this typical Gobbelino oneliners.
This series is getting better and better the more the series continues with great scenes and this typical Gobbelino oneliners.
February 4, 2025
This is the first book in the series that ends unresolved and feels like a build up to the big finale. I absolutely love Gobs' insults of calling people various vegetables haha I'm going to have to try a couple of those out and enjoy weird looks from friends and family.
January 1, 2025
There were a lot of great one-liners and some great funny scenes in this entry. I also enjoyed how the story is starting to get more into the meat--delving into not only Gobbelino's past, but Callum's as well.
June 4, 2022
Synopsis:
Callum and Gobbelino are asked to look into the disappearance of the sorcerer Ms Jones and the cat Claudia, who investigated the Watch, an organisation thriving to separate the human and folk worlds.
A lot of stuff happens in this book, and you can see the set up for the next one, where (hopefully?) the overarching plot will be resolved. Which means that the end of this book felt a tiny bit unsatisfying because yes, technically they did do what was asked, but all the things pointing to the next parts of the story made me really impatient for that! I really, really want to read it now!
Gobbelino and Callum are as snarky and creative (albeit sometimes a little inefficient) as ever. I was really glad that Tam and Pru (fellow cats) were back. Then there’s Ifan… I think he is a wonderful character in the way that he really shows how much people can struggle to reconcile the friend/family member they know with perhaps someone who is violent or does unsavoury things , especially when they’ve known these persons for so long and just can’t imagine them being capable of such things.
The Weres seemed interesting too, though I don’t think I’d want to turn into mush before changing (like a caterpillar who turns into butterfly lol). I did like the way the club was described, with all the folk out in the open, partying away, enjoying their time.
And as always, the descriptions, the way Gobs’ thoughts are written, are really enjoyable. I felt for him, how tired and cold and dirty he must’ve been after all those days running around and his worry about what else might happen and what stupid ideas Callum might get up to. And I just really live for these friendships and the magic they bring into these books.
All in all, it gets 4,5 stars.
Callum and Gobbelino are asked to look into the disappearance of the sorcerer Ms Jones and the cat Claudia, who investigated the Watch, an organisation thriving to separate the human and folk worlds.
A lot of stuff happens in this book, and you can see the set up for the next one, where (hopefully?) the overarching plot will be resolved. Which means that the end of this book felt a tiny bit unsatisfying because yes, technically they did do what was asked, but all the things pointing to the next parts of the story made me really impatient for that! I really, really want to read it now!
Gobbelino and Callum are as snarky and creative (albeit sometimes a little inefficient) as ever. I was really glad that Tam and Pru (fellow cats) were back. Then there’s Ifan… I think he is a wonderful character in the way that he really shows how much people can struggle to reconcile the friend/family member they know with perhaps someone who is violent or does unsavoury things , especially when they’ve known these persons for so long and just can’t imagine them being capable of such things.
The Weres seemed interesting too, though I don’t think I’d want to turn into mush before changing (like a caterpillar who turns into butterfly lol). I did like the way the club was described, with all the folk out in the open, partying away, enjoying their time.
And as always, the descriptions, the way Gobs’ thoughts are written, are really enjoyable. I felt for him, how tired and cold and dirty he must’ve been after all those days running around and his worry about what else might happen and what stupid ideas Callum might get up to. And I just really live for these friendships and the magic they bring into these books.
All in all, it gets 4,5 stars.
September 10, 2023
The fifth book of Gobbelino and Callum's adventures focus on werewolves. Or 'weres' as the book insists on calling them, even though there's no evidence of any other were-creatures than dogs/wolves. Ms Jones, the sorcerer that everyone is so afraid of, has gone missing, leaving just a message with Gobs to ensure that her boyfriend, the dentist Malcolm Walker, is safe. Which would be fine, except that he's gone missing.
What follows is more ramping up of tension, lots of running around getting into scrapes as the intrepid PI and his human do their usual bumbling around. This time, they're accompanied by two of the cats rescued in the previous book - Pru and Tam - who get to watch the PI process in real time bemusement. Oh, and there's Green Snake, who seems to be better at actually detecting than either of his partners.
It does feel like we're building up to something here, as the Watch are seeming ever more corrupt, and the one Watch-cat they can trust, Claudia, is still missing in action. There's also the magician, Ifan, and what he's up to and the possibility that necromancers are still around, and maybe working with the Watch.
This book ends with a sort of resolution and a partial cliffhanger as Gobs and Callum have to flee from Leeds. I'm looking forward to seeing what mischief G & C London can possibly get up to at the seaside.
What follows is more ramping up of tension, lots of running around getting into scrapes as the intrepid PI and his human do their usual bumbling around. This time, they're accompanied by two of the cats rescued in the previous book - Pru and Tam - who get to watch the PI process in real time bemusement. Oh, and there's Green Snake, who seems to be better at actually detecting than either of his partners.
It does feel like we're building up to something here, as the Watch are seeming ever more corrupt, and the one Watch-cat they can trust, Claudia, is still missing in action. There's also the magician, Ifan, and what he's up to and the possibility that necromancers are still around, and maybe working with the Watch.
This book ends with a sort of resolution and a partial cliffhanger as Gobs and Callum have to flee from Leeds. I'm looking forward to seeing what mischief G & C London can possibly get up to at the seaside.
May 5, 2022
G & C London Private Investigators have another case to muddle their way through and as usual it's not going to help the boys pay the rent. Plenty of old friends, foes and those that could be either make appearances in this quest to find the missing sorcerer Ms Jones' missing boyfriend and are joined by lots of new and equally eccentric characters. Green Snake is definately developing more personality with each installment and may be the most competent PI in the firm.
Lots of loose threads from earlier books get tweaked here, hinting in the next book or two many issues will come to a head such as what is happening in the Watch and why do they so dislike Gobelino, what has happened to Ms Jones and Claudia, will Gobelino ever get more custard? It gives this book a more serious, even sinister, undertone than the earlier books while still holding all the snark, humour, heart and warmth we've come to expect.
And the ending . . . . It's not really a cliffhanger, but it does leave Callum and Gobs in an unsettled situation. I'm just hoping there's a short story coming set between this book and the next wherein Callum and Gobs get lost on their journey near a village called Toot Hansell and getting help from a certain WI and their scaled friends.
Lots of loose threads from earlier books get tweaked here, hinting in the next book or two many issues will come to a head such as what is happening in the Watch and why do they so dislike Gobelino, what has happened to Ms Jones and Claudia, will Gobelino ever get more custard? It gives this book a more serious, even sinister, undertone than the earlier books while still holding all the snark, humour, heart and warmth we've come to expect.
And the ending . . . . It's not really a cliffhanger, but it does leave Callum and Gobs in an unsettled situation. I'm just hoping there's a short story coming set between this book and the next wherein Callum and Gobs get lost on their journey near a village called Toot Hansell and getting help from a certain WI and their scaled friends.
February 11, 2023
Book 5, and as of right now, the last one published. However!!! According to the Author's note at the end there's another in the hopper. Yay!
Callum is surrounded by quite the menagerie in this one 😸 He is accompanied by Gobbelino, Pru, Tam, Green Snake, and SharkDog. Some old favorite characters are around, like Gerry the new-age troll, Muscles, Malcolm, Susan the rat, and the terrific senile old cat Gordie. Gordie stole every scene he was in!
The story revolves around the missing Watch cat Claudia, the also-missing sorceress Ms. Jones, the misplaced dentist, and a pack of werewolves. (Gobs' baiting of the scary werewolves when he's a relative shrimp was so funny.) The author also develops plot threads that have been ongoing since Book One. This whole North mystery is so intriguing, and it's more so now after finishing this. Ifan, too. What's up with Ifan? And the pocket town of Dimly! Hopefully some of these mysteries will be explained in the next one.
And what a bummer it is that it's not published yet.
Callum is surrounded by quite the menagerie in this one 😸 He is accompanied by Gobbelino, Pru, Tam, Green Snake, and SharkDog. Some old favorite characters are around, like Gerry the new-age troll, Muscles, Malcolm, Susan the rat, and the terrific senile old cat Gordie. Gordie stole every scene he was in!
The story revolves around the missing Watch cat Claudia, the also-missing sorceress Ms. Jones, the misplaced dentist, and a pack of werewolves. (Gobs' baiting of the scary werewolves when he's a relative shrimp was so funny.) The author also develops plot threads that have been ongoing since Book One. This whole North mystery is so intriguing, and it's more so now after finishing this. Ifan, too. What's up with Ifan? And the pocket town of Dimly! Hopefully some of these mysteries will be explained in the next one.
And what a bummer it is that it's not published yet.
May 5, 2022
What can I say, other than I read this book in only a few days. Well, I should also say, I'm normally a very slow reader. But this latest fantastical adventure with Gobbelino (a chatty cat) and his human (Callum) had me whipping through the pages faster than you can say "Hairballs!"
I truly enjoyed seeing the return of characters from earlier books in the series, the tantalizing mystery of who Gobbelino shouldn't trust (the warning got cut off by the real world seeping in...damn, reality), and imagining how much fun Watt has as she cracks apart all the typical "monster" expectations.
This book did feel like it lacked some of the sharp humor of the other books in the series (don't worry, Gobbelino's usual snark is still there), but Watt more than makes up for it with the many twists and turns and strange situations she throws at Gobs and Callum.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review : )
I truly enjoyed seeing the return of characters from earlier books in the series, the tantalizing mystery of who Gobbelino shouldn't trust (the warning got cut off by the real world seeping in...damn, reality), and imagining how much fun Watt has as she cracks apart all the typical "monster" expectations.
This book did feel like it lacked some of the sharp humor of the other books in the series (don't worry, Gobbelino's usual snark is still there), but Watt more than makes up for it with the many twists and turns and strange situations she throws at Gobs and Callum.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review : )
May 7, 2022
Kim Watt does a great line in stories about kind, caring dragons who like cake and a recalcitrant cat, Gobbelino by name, who is a private eye with a special interest in all things supernatural. Mad? Yup. Completely bonkers? Certainly. Good fun and entertaining? Without a doubt.
Her latest book features the PI puss in Gobbelino London and a Worry of Weres.
Set in and around Leeds in Yorkshire it takes us to meet the local werewolves, well, werepooches, really. I can hear the cries of Cliche rising across the web. Well, you'd be so wrong. Ms Watt has a delightful habit of taking a tired and worn theme and twisting it into a new, intriguing approach.
She builds a marvellous set of supernatural laws, worlds and Folk around everything. Most enjoyable. Mad as a cartload of cabbages. Loved it!
Next dragon book soon, please...
Her latest book features the PI puss in Gobbelino London and a Worry of Weres.
Set in and around Leeds in Yorkshire it takes us to meet the local werewolves, well, werepooches, really. I can hear the cries of Cliche rising across the web. Well, you'd be so wrong. Ms Watt has a delightful habit of taking a tired and worn theme and twisting it into a new, intriguing approach.
She builds a marvellous set of supernatural laws, worlds and Folk around everything. Most enjoyable. Mad as a cartload of cabbages. Loved it!
Next dragon book soon, please...
May 12, 2022
As other reviewers have mentioned, there was a bit of a cliffhanger. That didn't bother me, because I knew before reading this installment that I will be reading the next one. I absolutely adore Gobbelino and Callum! Their friendship is so well written that at times it's heartbreaking. Ms. Watt excels at creating complex, unique characters, each with their own voice (even if they don't technically speak). I love catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Then, of course, there's the mystery - or should I say mysteries? These, too, are well written and multi-layered. Without revealing spoilers, I will just say that the more I find out, the more I want to know! If you haven't read any of the G & C London books, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. It will be a journey you won't soon forget!
June 25, 2023
My favourite kitty PI is on another reluctant case! And this time it feels even more personal.
The ever-present threat of The Inbetween seems to creep ever closer. Leeds has grown even darker and grittier in this instalment.
And who knew that 'weres' would be the least of their problems??
Yet the humour and snark remain firmly in place, carrying our heroes through on its ironic wings.
As ever, there was a plethora of delicious description from a kitty eye viewpoint. Gobs' extra senses pick up things such as "broken magic".
And some old faces came back into the frame, which was both comforting and suspicious.
Unlike the other books, this one ended on a bit more of a cliffhanger. But I'd always want to read on, just to discover the actual truth behind the G & C London chaps. Chaps? Males.
Right, onto the next one!
The ever-present threat of The Inbetween seems to creep ever closer. Leeds has grown even darker and grittier in this instalment.
And who knew that 'weres' would be the least of their problems??
Yet the humour and snark remain firmly in place, carrying our heroes through on its ironic wings.
As ever, there was a plethora of delicious description from a kitty eye viewpoint. Gobs' extra senses pick up things such as "broken magic".
And some old faces came back into the frame, which was both comforting and suspicious.
Unlike the other books, this one ended on a bit more of a cliffhanger. But I'd always want to read on, just to discover the actual truth behind the G & C London chaps. Chaps? Males.
Right, onto the next one!
May 4, 2022
All Things Tend To Chaos.
Absolutely right for Gobbelino and Callum, the impoverished PIs based in Leeds. This is a brilliant new tale full of suspense, fright and definitely not a cozy mystery. It opens with a mutant dog followed by a missing sorcerer and a Watch cat, plus a bunch of werewolves (who knew they needed dentists?) and a magician who might be bad and not just a friend of Callum. So pleased to see Green Snake playing an important part and the trolls back again. Next stop - Whitby. (Lots to look forward to)
Kim Watt has a fine ability to describe the terrors of a situation and the fears of the Inbetween while lightening it with Gobbelino's insults (definitely getting better - "You lentil!") and his new take on the English language.
Absolutely right for Gobbelino and Callum, the impoverished PIs based in Leeds. This is a brilliant new tale full of suspense, fright and definitely not a cozy mystery. It opens with a mutant dog followed by a missing sorcerer and a Watch cat, plus a bunch of werewolves (who knew they needed dentists?) and a magician who might be bad and not just a friend of Callum. So pleased to see Green Snake playing an important part and the trolls back again. Next stop - Whitby. (Lots to look forward to)
Kim Watt has a fine ability to describe the terrors of a situation and the fears of the Inbetween while lightening it with Gobbelino's insults (definitely getting better - "You lentil!") and his new take on the English language.
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May 6, 2022Kim Watt does it again - fast action, wry wit, lovely turns of phrase coming nearly faster than one can keep up, as she populates the world of Folk with yet another new species, weres. I first discovered Kim in the Beaufort Scales series' delightful foray into British village culture with dragons (and cake). The Gobbelino London tales of G & C London investigators is slightly different, with each eagerly awaited new installment building on the last in a more tightly integrated plot than those of Toot Hansell. So, if you have yet to dip into the quirky delights of Kim's Britain (is Leeds part of Britain? Forgive me if this American misspoke), treat yourself and start at the series beginning. Or don't, and start here - you'll want to circle back, and you'll love it either way!
May 6, 2022
As always I look forward to reading any of Kim's books.this book continues the journey of Gob and Callum.I did enjoy it except my 2 favorite characters Claudia and the sorceress weren't real featured in this book except for the guys searching for them.I only have it 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt it was a little drawn out and something was missing.then I went and read the chapters that the editor felt were not needed and I think Kim needs to reevaluate the editors choices,cause those chapters were really good and brought more substance to the story.if they had been included I would of given 5 stars.Kim is a talented author and even though my favorite series are the dragons this is still very good.I look forward to reading more from this author
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