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Case Files of Henri Davenforth #8
This Potion Is da Bomb
Yay first Queen's Own case! Yay first international case! Blowing people up with bombs, not so yay.
This is supposed to be a murder-suicide but the case smells. And not just because the dead potion maker lacks knowledge about the cure he supposedly created. Jamie’s got a smoking crater of an office (and body), a queen breathing down her neck, a witness clinging to life, and no answers.
One thing she knows for certain, however–this potion is a cure to die for.
This is supposed to be a murder-suicide but the case smells. And not just because the dead potion maker lacks knowledge about the cure he supposedly created. Jamie’s got a smoking crater of an office (and body), a queen breathing down her neck, a witness clinging to life, and no answers.
One thing she knows for certain, however–this potion is a cure to die for.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2022
130 people are currently reading
387 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 124 reviews
February 15, 2025
A great addition to the series
Highly recommend this book and the whole series.
You could possibly jump into the series here, as the core characters are not in Kingston for much of the story. But there's so much detailed back story from the earlier books that would be missing.
The new investigative group is still hiring people, unpacking and settling in, definitely not yet open, but when Queen Regina calls...
So many things to love in this story (in no particular order) ...
Weber's antics when the wife and baby are away
Eddy's growing up and acquiring mentors
Interactions with the third royal mage
Seeing some of the world outside of Kingston
Favorite characters re-visited
Henri's secret project
Regina's elf
I've already read it multiple times since its release.
So happy that there's more Case Files to come.
posted goodreads, bookbub and maybe amazon (their review process... )
Highly recommend this book and the whole series.
You could possibly jump into the series here, as the core characters are not in Kingston for much of the story. But there's so much detailed back story from the earlier books that would be missing.
The new investigative group is still hiring people, unpacking and settling in, definitely not yet open, but when Queen Regina calls...
So many things to love in this story (in no particular order) ...
Weber's antics when the wife and baby are away
Eddy's growing up and acquiring mentors
Interactions with the third royal mage
Seeing some of the world outside of Kingston
Favorite characters re-visited
Henri's secret project
Regina's elf
I've already read it multiple times since its release.
So happy that there's more Case Files to come.
posted goodreads, bookbub and maybe amazon (their review process... )
October 13, 2022
These stories are like a warm hug for me. The gentle love between Henri and Jamie is a joy to watch.
They have adventures, mystery and a side of humor with their friends.
This one was about a stolen potion that would cure consumption, the murder and mayhem. I bought it (auto- buy for me) therefore it is a 5 star. Others may not think so but that is my grading system- 5 if I would buy it or read it again in a heartbeat :)
Love the Felix's, another warm, soft touch to these lovely stories.
Question- why was Henri sure that Jamie had never seen his legs? Haven't they been intimate already?? That did throw me a bit.
They have adventures, mystery and a side of humor with their friends.
This one was about a stolen potion that would cure consumption, the murder and mayhem. I bought it (auto- buy for me) therefore it is a 5 star. Others may not think so but that is my grading system- 5 if I would buy it or read it again in a heartbeat :)
Love the Felix's, another warm, soft touch to these lovely stories.
Question- why was Henri sure that Jamie had never seen his legs? Haven't they been intimate already?? That did throw me a bit.
October 6, 2023
This series continues to delight. Which is not a word I ever use as it can sound kinda fake. But it's completely apt. Yes there is a good mystery, which is solved logically (within the confines of the world) but, more than that, these characters are just fun people. You WANT to hang out with them and even strangers they meet tend to behave the way you really wish most people would -- willing to be helpful and not always asking "what's in it for me?". So refreshing -- though I appreciate some may say that's not realistic at all. meh.
In this case Jamie and Henri are sent by the Queen to assist in a neighboring country where a factory manager and one of its investors have both been horrifically killed. At least, the manager was killed, but the investor is still barely alive due to the protective charm she was wearing at the time. Why is the Queen interested in what looks like a murder/suicide in a foreign country: because the factory was built to mass produce a life saving potion to cure consumption (AKA tuberculosis on Earth) and she's, personally, an investor.
So once again Jamie, with her transplanted FBI smarts, and Henri with his expertise as a magical examiner need to get to the bottom of things so there's no delay in getting the potion manufactured and distributed. The bring along a few other member's of the "Queen's own" as well as their "felixes", catlike critters with near human intelligence (and the ability to speak) who can sniff out even very subtle traces of magic.
Start this series at the beginning so you'll understand Jamie's whole situation. And so you can enjoy how the characters and relationships develop along the way.
In this case Jamie and Henri are sent by the Queen to assist in a neighboring country where a factory manager and one of its investors have both been horrifically killed. At least, the manager was killed, but the investor is still barely alive due to the protective charm she was wearing at the time. Why is the Queen interested in what looks like a murder/suicide in a foreign country: because the factory was built to mass produce a life saving potion to cure consumption (AKA tuberculosis on Earth) and she's, personally, an investor.
So once again Jamie, with her transplanted FBI smarts, and Henri with his expertise as a magical examiner need to get to the bottom of things so there's no delay in getting the potion manufactured and distributed. The bring along a few other member's of the "Queen's own" as well as their "felixes", catlike critters with near human intelligence (and the ability to speak) who can sniff out even very subtle traces of magic.
Start this series at the beginning so you'll understand Jamie's whole situation. And so you can enjoy how the characters and relationships develop along the way.
January 14, 2025
It’s Only A 3 Star Bomb Though
It’s been some time since I’ve picked up this series. I went into it hoping most of the backstories, and characters, as well as the world setting would come back to me, shortly after starting it.
I so dislike repetitiveness in series. It tends to be overkill, and just enough to bring the reader back up to speed is all that’s necessary. I don’t need entire pages, chapters, and references to remind me. I call it "filler and fluff," just a way to prolong and add page numbers. Totally unnecessary, quite annoyingly distracting, and even disruptive.
Some of it did start coming back, with a few references from the author, which helped. But I was definitely regretting waiting so long on picking it back up.
I’m not sure if because I took so long in between releases, or if I’ve just lost interest in the overall storyline.
I can say I couldn’t give it more than average rating above 3 stars. Honesty, I can’t say if I’ll even bother with finishing the series. Guess I’ll let my future lineup of available books to read at the time, help me make that decision.
It’s been some time since I’ve picked up this series. I went into it hoping most of the backstories, and characters, as well as the world setting would come back to me, shortly after starting it.
I so dislike repetitiveness in series. It tends to be overkill, and just enough to bring the reader back up to speed is all that’s necessary. I don’t need entire pages, chapters, and references to remind me. I call it "filler and fluff," just a way to prolong and add page numbers. Totally unnecessary, quite annoyingly distracting, and even disruptive.
Some of it did start coming back, with a few references from the author, which helped. But I was definitely regretting waiting so long on picking it back up.
I’m not sure if because I took so long in between releases, or if I’ve just lost interest in the overall storyline.
I can say I couldn’t give it more than average rating above 3 stars. Honesty, I can’t say if I’ll even bother with finishing the series. Guess I’ll let my future lineup of available books to read at the time, help me make that decision.
September 17, 2022
2022 bk 281. I have been eagerly awaiting this book and it did not disappoint. This newest adventure takes Jamie, Henri, and a small group Queen's Own to another country to solve the murder of a small time magician. Another lovely look at the world Raconteur has created and the characters that I have come to enjoy so much. I did miss the folks from the police department as Jamie is officially a member of the Queen's own now, but I still have Henri, Seaton, a new royal mage to learn, and the cats!
December 21, 2025
Excellent fantasy mystery adventure
Eddy and the Felixes are awesome! Jamie, Henri, and their supporting characters are loveable, entertaining, and a fantastic found family. The story is definitely a page-turner and worth the read.
Eddy and the Felixes are awesome! Jamie, Henri, and their supporting characters are loveable, entertaining, and a fantastic found family. The story is definitely a page-turner and worth the read.
September 16, 2022
Yes, I know I am repeating myself
Honor is an amazing writer. ALL of here books are fantastic. I highly recommend you go read all of her books.
Honor is an amazing writer. ALL of here books are fantastic. I highly recommend you go read all of her books.
September 17, 2022
This was another amazing read, I loved the mystery, and being on a different continent, and their first case as the Queen's Own!
December 6, 2024
Was nice to see more of the world. mystery was very straightforward with no twists
September 24, 2022
This book was not as good as the others in the series. As someone who was eagerly waiting for the release of "This Potion...," I was pretty disappointed. If I had known, I would have waited until this was available at the library, instead of buying it. Did someone other than Honor write this?
January 20, 2025
Delightful. Pickpockets, new apprentice, new job, foreign travel.
February 20, 2023
This book just didn't feel as satisfying as previous editions. The central characters are all still present and fun to read about, and overall the mystery was ok. I did enjoy getting Jamie out of Kingston and viewing some different countries. Though was bemused by Jamie walking around to people introducing herself and her team as "the Queen's own" or "We're here on behalf of the Queen" in countries apparently not ruled by said Queen. You'd think outside their normal country there's be a bit more needed. At the very least "Queen Regina" to identify WHICH Queen sent you.
The ending to the mystery was honestly not satisfying.
And my usual complaints. I'm sorry, but I just don't feel that Jamie and Henri's relationship feels natural or like a relationship. They still come across as best friends, but not "we're getting married!" best friends. And I don't feel that connecting Jaime with Earth added anything to the story except deeping the white savior thing that Jamie has going on. "Oh, you poor technology deficient people. Here, I'll single handedly rescue you and jump your technology and knowledge curve up 2 centuries. Surely there will be no possible negative consequences of this!" It wasn't as bad when it was just off what she could remember, but not bringing back kindles loaded with references and examples of things to reverse engineer, and new plants and what have you is just...too much.
The ending to the mystery was honestly not satisfying.
And my usual complaints. I'm sorry, but I just don't feel that Jamie and Henri's relationship feels natural or like a relationship. They still come across as best friends, but not "we're getting married!" best friends. And I don't feel that connecting Jaime with Earth added anything to the story except deeping the white savior thing that Jamie has going on. "Oh, you poor technology deficient people. Here, I'll single handedly rescue you and jump your technology and knowledge curve up 2 centuries. Surely there will be no possible negative consequences of this!" It wasn't as bad when it was just off what she could remember, but not bringing back kindles loaded with references and examples of things to reverse engineer, and new plants and what have you is just...too much.
July 16, 2023
henri is the GOAT and Jamie just can’t stop making businesses
All of my reviews have titles like a Fall Out Boy song title and I have no regrets.
:)
MOVING ON!
An explosive story set in new lands! I loved getting to know the other kingdoms and cultures! Honor really has a gift of gab in that. She sucks you in and then gives you MORE to learn about this lovely world she’s created.
Mixing our “modern” slang and verbiage through Jamie and the magic culture of Henris world is addicting and I love how I think of a word in our frame of reference and Jamie immediately thinks or says it.
Same girl. Saaaamesies.
This case is unique in the sense that we travel to another kingdom for the crime! Woot woot!
I so love the influence and progression of the “times” as science and technology that Jamie’s had a hand in creating or starting in this world.
Consumption was a huge deal historically here on earth, so it makes sense something similar or exact happens in this world. To see a cure so soon after Jamie’s arrival is great (even if she doesn’t have anything directly to do with it, it’s still a cool coincidence). I’d love to see or hear about the survivor and their upcoming nuptials in a future book!
Oh and Henri and Jamie’s nuptials! And their house.
10/10 - the villain honestly was just so misguided that idve felt sad for them if not for - oh no. You’ll just have to read for yourself.
;)
All of my reviews have titles like a Fall Out Boy song title and I have no regrets.
:)
MOVING ON!
An explosive story set in new lands! I loved getting to know the other kingdoms and cultures! Honor really has a gift of gab in that. She sucks you in and then gives you MORE to learn about this lovely world she’s created.
Mixing our “modern” slang and verbiage through Jamie and the magic culture of Henris world is addicting and I love how I think of a word in our frame of reference and Jamie immediately thinks or says it.
Same girl. Saaaamesies.
This case is unique in the sense that we travel to another kingdom for the crime! Woot woot!
I so love the influence and progression of the “times” as science and technology that Jamie’s had a hand in creating or starting in this world.
Consumption was a huge deal historically here on earth, so it makes sense something similar or exact happens in this world. To see a cure so soon after Jamie’s arrival is great (even if she doesn’t have anything directly to do with it, it’s still a cool coincidence). I’d love to see or hear about the survivor and their upcoming nuptials in a future book!
Oh and Henri and Jamie’s nuptials! And their house.
10/10 - the villain honestly was just so misguided that idve felt sad for them if not for - oh no. You’ll just have to read for yourself.
;)
December 28, 2022
This Book was the Last in the Series (sooo sad).
Oh dear, this is the last book in this series. It’s been such a thrilling read I don’t want to leave it. I loved the premises behind it, a FBI agent transported to a magical world on par with the Victorian age. I loved how feisty she was and the fact that she got partnered with a simply brilliant magically enabled partner in Henri. I loved the thrills and spills as they pursued their difficult twisty cases and as Jamie tried to get all the things she missed from the modern world into her new one. The plot, characterisation and pace were all perfect in every one of the books.
In this one they finally set up their own version of the FBI. Of course in line with normal Henri and Jamie luck they were given a case to solve before they even got it fully off the ground. Needless to say once again nothing was really exactly as it had first appeared. Poirot and Sherlock Holmes eat your heart out, you would have both loved this case.
What don’t I like? This is the last book that has thus far been written. After about ten days of interesting reading as I demolished all eight books one after the other (Christmas and Boxing Day with the family delayed my reading somewhat) I’m left in withdrawal. Come on people read the books then we can all badger the author to write more. I’m counting on you to do so.
Oh dear, this is the last book in this series. It’s been such a thrilling read I don’t want to leave it. I loved the premises behind it, a FBI agent transported to a magical world on par with the Victorian age. I loved how feisty she was and the fact that she got partnered with a simply brilliant magically enabled partner in Henri. I loved the thrills and spills as they pursued their difficult twisty cases and as Jamie tried to get all the things she missed from the modern world into her new one. The plot, characterisation and pace were all perfect in every one of the books.
In this one they finally set up their own version of the FBI. Of course in line with normal Henri and Jamie luck they were given a case to solve before they even got it fully off the ground. Needless to say once again nothing was really exactly as it had first appeared. Poirot and Sherlock Holmes eat your heart out, you would have both loved this case.
What don’t I like? This is the last book that has thus far been written. After about ten days of interesting reading as I demolished all eight books one after the other (Christmas and Boxing Day with the family delayed my reading somewhat) I’m left in withdrawal. Come on people read the books then we can all badger the author to write more. I’m counting on you to do so.
August 29, 2025
highly entertaining and well written
Rating: 4.75✨⭐️
This was a highly entertaining and a grand new book in the series. As the first case for Jamie’s Queen’s Own agency, it’s an intriguing mystery. It will take Jamie, Henri, and her crew of investigators that are quickly forming a core of friends as well, to new lands and new magical powers to explore.
It expands into the growing relationships between Jamie and Henri, Sherold, and others around them both. And the adorable Felixes are in the mix too.
The format of Henri’s notes, with different colored handwritten notations by others (Jamie, Sherold, Henri) are often funny, full of references and tiny emojis. I love it.
Don’t miss Jamie’s ever growing list of new additions to this universe of “inventions” from her world, new discoveries. It expands from book to book.
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✨⭐️
This was a highly entertaining and a grand new book in the series. As the first case for Jamie’s Queen’s Own agency, it’s an intriguing mystery. It will take Jamie, Henri, and her crew of investigators that are quickly forming a core of friends as well, to new lands and new magical powers to explore.
It expands into the growing relationships between Jamie and Henri, Sherold, and others around them both. And the adorable Felixes are in the mix too.
The format of Henri’s notes, with different colored handwritten notations by others (Jamie, Sherold, Henri) are often funny, full of references and tiny emojis. I love it.
Don’t miss Jamie’s ever growing list of new additions to this universe of “inventions” from her world, new discoveries. It expands from book to book.
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
September 24, 2022
Jamie and Henri go international! Of course, they take the Felixes
This is one series I devote half a day to, so I can read straight through. It’s an easy read and a fun melange of UF, science-fantasy, and steampunk. I think of it as a cotton candy treat and a break from my crime fiction reads.
I’m so glad Honor Raconteur didn’t use one of my ear worm songs. So relieved that 🎶dun dun dun-dun dun dun dun-dun🎶 isn’t running through my mind. Hint for those who haven’t read the book: James Bond Theme.
The mystery and adventures are fun, but I really do enjoy keeping up with Jamie, Henri, Sherard, Gibson, Eddy and the other characters. The only disappointment: no alternate book cover this time.
This is one series I devote half a day to, so I can read straight through. It’s an easy read and a fun melange of UF, science-fantasy, and steampunk. I think of it as a cotton candy treat and a break from my crime fiction reads.
I’m so glad Honor Raconteur didn’t use one of my ear worm songs. So relieved that 🎶dun dun dun-dun dun dun dun-dun🎶 isn’t running through my mind. Hint for those who haven’t read the book: James Bond Theme.
The mystery and adventures are fun, but I really do enjoy keeping up with Jamie, Henri, Sherard, Gibson, Eddy and the other characters. The only disappointment: no alternate book cover this time.
February 22, 2023
3.5⭐️
This book wasn't my favourite in the series but it still ranks up there with one of my more enjoyable reads of the year so far. It is difficult to rate these books as I loved all of them but I still have my favourites amongst them and this was not one of them.
This installment was a good introduction to the new arc with the new department - Queen's own that Jamie heads along with Henri. this was their first international case and a good one. This case was a bit more straightforward after the initial assessment of the crime scene in comparison to the other cases in this series, but a good addition nonetheless. My only gripe is that I now have to wait for the next book in the series and I have no clue when another book is going to be out.
This book wasn't my favourite in the series but it still ranks up there with one of my more enjoyable reads of the year so far. It is difficult to rate these books as I loved all of them but I still have my favourites amongst them and this was not one of them.
This installment was a good introduction to the new arc with the new department - Queen's own that Jamie heads along with Henri. this was their first international case and a good one. This case was a bit more straightforward after the initial assessment of the crime scene in comparison to the other cases in this series, but a good addition nonetheless. My only gripe is that I now have to wait for the next book in the series and I have no clue when another book is going to be out.
September 16, 2022
Good Fun
I love, love, love this series! In this installment Jamie goes international with the theme song from the Bond movies playing in her head. (It does make a good soundtrack for the book and gives it that continental, international rogue afoot flavor.) If you've read the series to date then you'll encounter old friends and new places. Not enough of some friends but I'm sure Colette and Gibs, to mention two, will be along next time. (I keep thinking there's romance brewing there?)
This series and book provide a great blend of magic, mystery, and low key romance. Its such fun. Enjoy!
I love, love, love this series! In this installment Jamie goes international with the theme song from the Bond movies playing in her head. (It does make a good soundtrack for the book and gives it that continental, international rogue afoot flavor.) If you've read the series to date then you'll encounter old friends and new places. Not enough of some friends but I'm sure Colette and Gibs, to mention two, will be along next time. (I keep thinking there's romance brewing there?)
This series and book provide a great blend of magic, mystery, and low key romance. Its such fun. Enjoy!
September 18, 2022
🍍 Read for the 2022 Weaponized Bingo of Pineapple-y Doom™ (WBoPD™) challenge at Weaponized Pineapples 🍍
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September 19, 2022
Yes, yes, YES!
Another book consumed in a day or so. I cannot get enough of this series. The character dynamics are absolutely wonderful and have me in fits of laughter at the right moments.
One thing that I was disappointed in… the cover on the inside of the book did not have Jamie’s usual revisions. I was sad to see no alterations and arguments between her and Henry on the cover like in the previous books.
If you’ve never notice the revisions of the covers in the previous books then do yourself a favor and go look. They’re certainly a fantastic treat. Too bad this one snuck out the door before Jamie could make her slight tweaks ;)
Still loved the story.
Another book consumed in a day or so. I cannot get enough of this series. The character dynamics are absolutely wonderful and have me in fits of laughter at the right moments.
One thing that I was disappointed in… the cover on the inside of the book did not have Jamie’s usual revisions. I was sad to see no alterations and arguments between her and Henry on the cover like in the previous books.
If you’ve never notice the revisions of the covers in the previous books then do yourself a favor and go look. They’re certainly a fantastic treat. Too bad this one snuck out the door before Jamie could make her slight tweaks ;)
Still loved the story.
December 20, 2022
This series of books is my feel good, the world can be better place and have a hug in a book series. I can't describe it any better than that but these characters are just so wonderful, you want to be them and meet them in all one. Henry, the most gentlemanly man in a book ever, could warm anyone's heart and Jamie has her tough girl on the outside and totally relatable best friend at all other times thing going on. The story is always fun, intriguing and keeps me reading but the characters are what makes this book and author so very very special. Anything Honor Raconteur writes is on my autobuy, no questions asked list.
November 14, 2023
Unique world building/great characters/excellent crime series
I usually read historical mysteries. The Case Files of Henri Davenforth has a unique twist. It is not historical, but involves a human that is transported to a world very much like Earth circa 1900's. The characters are wonderful and each could easily deserve a book where they are featured. The crime solving and police procedural is very good. But wait! There is more! The residents of this world include mages, elves and non shifting creatures like werebears.
If that isn't enough to entice let me just say there are a special kind of pets. They are called felixes. I really, really want one.
I usually read historical mysteries. The Case Files of Henri Davenforth has a unique twist. It is not historical, but involves a human that is transported to a world very much like Earth circa 1900's. The characters are wonderful and each could easily deserve a book where they are featured. The crime solving and police procedural is very good. But wait! There is more! The residents of this world include mages, elves and non shifting creatures like werebears.
If that isn't enough to entice let me just say there are a special kind of pets. They are called felixes. I really, really want one.
September 18, 2022
This world is so interesting and so much fun to read. Jamie and Henri and crew of friends and colleagues tickle me with their comments and investigative skills and all that goes into catching the criminals. Reading about how Jamie and this new world continues to evolve with her bringing Earth ideas to fruition delights. Oh, and the quiet and comfortable romance between Jamie and Henri has my heart. To sum up: criminal suspense, an alien world (alien to Jamie), new friends, new inventions and that touch of romance - ahhhhh. Smile.
September 24, 2022
Very entertaining!
I've been enjoying reading this series. Entertaining and Plenty of twists. Characters are memorable and likable. The solution to this particular crime was a little disappointing because it was easy for them to solve. The murderer was supposed to be an intelligent person. Deciding to solve a problem with murder just didn't seem reasonable. Perhaps because the character wasn't active in the story until the end.
But I definitely want to place an order for my very own Felix!
I've been enjoying reading this series. Entertaining and Plenty of twists. Characters are memorable and likable. The solution to this particular crime was a little disappointing because it was easy for them to solve. The murderer was supposed to be an intelligent person. Deciding to solve a problem with murder just didn't seem reasonable. Perhaps because the character wasn't active in the story until the end.
But I definitely want to place an order for my very own Felix!
December 23, 2024
🎵Oooo, Tunnel Vision 🎵
HenriDavrnforth8
Knowledge ≠ skills.
A suspicious murder-suicide by bomb, gets this one rolling. Especially, when the woman targeted was only there for shareholder information.
A whole lot of this situation “stinketh” but, the first clue was the magically forged suicide note. And, it unravels from then on.
More of the story centers on the personalities of the team Jamie has been building, which is fun. We meet a broader cross-section of werefolk, as well as people who are just plain different.
Nice.
HenriDavrnforth8
Knowledge ≠ skills.
A suspicious murder-suicide by bomb, gets this one rolling. Especially, when the woman targeted was only there for shareholder information.
A whole lot of this situation “stinketh” but, the first clue was the magically forged suicide note. And, it unravels from then on.
More of the story centers on the personalities of the team Jamie has been building, which is fun. We meet a broader cross-section of werefolk, as well as people who are just plain different.
Nice.
July 29, 2025
Crime clearly does not want to wait for the Queen's Own's grand opening. This was a fun jaunt, with Jamie frantically planning on how to train agents while exploring the world, following a "ghost". The best part for me was the apprehension of the perpetrator, followed by Henri's explanation as to why he did not jump into the fray. (The explanation features a felix and cars - so witty and funny!) As for the police procedural party, I am sure that any law enforcement officer will agree with Jamie - case solved with no paperwork merits a cheer!
September 16, 2022
Delightful
I raced through the book, chuckling often. The additions to the chapter titles were tasty tibits, The story moves quickly in a fairly linear fashion, no side quests in this effort. The personality of each character adding to the book delightful experience. While I'm really tempted to compare the experience to enjoying a certain food item, I will refrain and just tell you. Try it YOU will love it.
I raced through the book, chuckling often. The additions to the chapter titles were tasty tibits, The story moves quickly in a fairly linear fashion, no side quests in this effort. The personality of each character adding to the book delightful experience. While I'm really tempted to compare the experience to enjoying a certain food item, I will refrain and just tell you. Try it YOU will love it.
September 17, 2022
As always a fantastic runaway adventure!
OMG it started strong and just took off from there! This new case has everything: bomb, sniffies, magical residue, mystery and total confusion. The Queen has a boyfriend and we are introduced To a new group of characters and cultures! All ending with a pizza party! Can’t wait for their further adventures. And Henry just propose already!
OMG it started strong and just took off from there! This new case has everything: bomb, sniffies, magical residue, mystery and total confusion. The Queen has a boyfriend and we are introduced To a new group of characters and cultures! All ending with a pizza party! Can’t wait for their further adventures. And Henry just propose already!
September 17, 2022
hooray!
I am always so excited when I find a new Case Files! I love Jamie, and Henri, and all the characters. The plots are fabulous, and I live seeing the subplots and characters develope throughout the series. Honor is one of —if not my first—my favorite authors. I also love her Advent Mage and Kingmaker series. I’ve reread them all multiple times. The Human Familiar series, too. I am very much looking forward to the next Case Files!!!
I am always so excited when I find a new Case Files! I love Jamie, and Henri, and all the characters. The plots are fabulous, and I live seeing the subplots and characters develope throughout the series. Honor is one of —if not my first—my favorite authors. I also love her Advent Mage and Kingmaker series. I’ve reread them all multiple times. The Human Familiar series, too. I am very much looking forward to the next Case Files!!!
September 18, 2022
Fun and continuing to please
I do hope that the series will continue. This is another murder mystery with a fantasy difference, but nevertheless able to be seen realistically in earth-terms.
The addition of new characters, and the development of old ones is pleasing. I like the way Eddie is being groomed and of course the felixes are cute.
Henri should get on with proposing and getting married…what will that change offer the series in mystery terms?
I do hope that the series will continue. This is another murder mystery with a fantasy difference, but nevertheless able to be seen realistically in earth-terms.
The addition of new characters, and the development of old ones is pleasing. I like the way Eddie is being groomed and of course the felixes are cute.
Henri should get on with proposing and getting married…what will that change offer the series in mystery terms?
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