I really enjoyed this book. It was absolutely delightful, like a chocolate box, full of unexpected and brilliant references, sparklingly witty.
Upon returning to the city of Khelathra-Ven after five years fighting a war in another universe, Captain John Wyndham finds himself looking for somewhere to live, and expediency forces him to take lodgings at 221b Martyrs Walk. His new housemate is Ms. Shaharazad Haas, a consulting sorceress of mercurial temperament and dark reputation.
When Ms. Haas is enlisted to solve a case of blackmail against one of her former lovers, Miss Eirene Viola, Captain Wyndham finds himself drawn into a mystery that leads him from the salons of the literary set to the drowned back-alleys of Ven and even to a prison cell in lost Carcosa. Along the way he is beset by criminals, menaced by pirates, molested by vampires, almost devoured by mad gods, and called upon to punch a shark.
But the further the companions go in pursuit of the elusive blackmailer, the more impossible the case appears. Then again, in Khelathra-Ven reality is flexible, and the impossible is Ms. Haas’ stock-in-trade.
Please note: this is not intended to be exhaustive and may contain spoilers.
Violence, threats of violence, guns, imprisonment, on page smoking and drug use, heavy drinking, mentions of past trans rejection, mild on page transphobia (one scene).
Please note: this is not intended to be exhaustive and may contain spoilers.
Violence, threats of violence, guns, imprisonment, on page smoking and drug use, heavy drinking, mentions of past trans rejection, mild on page transphobia (one scene).
I really enjoyed this book. It was absolutely delightful, like a chocolate box, full of unexpected and brilliant references, sparklingly witty.
for The Affair of the Mysterious Letter
This book is so far up my alley that I discovered new, non-euclidean corners of the alley that I didn’t previously know existed.
for The Affair of the Mysterious Letter
Extraordinarily imaginative. This is the most fun I’ve had between two covers in a while!
for The Affair of the Mysterious Letter
The Affair of the Mysterious Letter is a witty, enjoyable, extravagantly imagined slant on the Sherlock Holmes canon. Don’t miss this fun, queer, clever intrigue!
for The Affair of the Mysterious Letter
A sheer delight from start to finish, and the most perfect blend of gentle humor, wild creativity, and love for the feel of Sherlock Holmes.
for The Affair of the Mysterious Letter
This zany queer and fantastical pastiche of the Sherlock Holmes stories froths with magic and humor.
for The Affair of the Mysterious Letter