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Case Files of Henri Davenforth #4
Breaking and Entering 101
Since Jamie and Henri agreed to be Kingsmen consultants, they’d not had much call to actually consult. Which is a fortuitous thing, as Henri is up to his neck in labwork and interviews for a new Magical Examiner due to Sanderson’s departing. He is hardly in any position to add more tasks onto his shoulders.
Which, naturally, means two disasters strike at once.
In a brilliant coup, a group of thieves have struck the railroad and stolen a breathtaking three hundred thousand crowns in gold. No one has any idea how, who, or where the ingots have gotten to. The Kingsmen on the case are baffled, as this is hardly their normal purview. They naturally reach out to their Kingsmen consultants, which mean Jamie and Henri are now on the week-old case.
To spice things up further, someone is routinely sneaking through the palace wards and lurking about the grounds, and no one has any idea how the breach is occurring. Seaton’s beside himself trying to figure it out and Henri has been drawn in to assist him.
As Jamie would say: When it rains, it pours.
Which, naturally, means two disasters strike at once.
In a brilliant coup, a group of thieves have struck the railroad and stolen a breathtaking three hundred thousand crowns in gold. No one has any idea how, who, or where the ingots have gotten to. The Kingsmen on the case are baffled, as this is hardly their normal purview. They naturally reach out to their Kingsmen consultants, which mean Jamie and Henri are now on the week-old case.
To spice things up further, someone is routinely sneaking through the palace wards and lurking about the grounds, and no one has any idea how the breach is occurring. Seaton’s beside himself trying to figure it out and Henri has been drawn in to assist him.
As Jamie would say: When it rains, it pours.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2020
About the author
Honor Raconteur
56 books775 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 163 reviews
January 28, 2024
Another delightful story. Jamie, Henri, Sherard and Clint are working with the Kingsmen this time. Sherard and Henri on 1 issue and Gibson, Jamie, Clint and Henri on a 2nd. Some wonderful new characters that we'll see again. Can't wait to start re-reading.
March 24, 2020
I love the characters and their relationships! I giggled at the Girls Night with the Queen!
April 10, 2020
4.5. Ooooh I’m so happy book 4 came out. I need more. The first 15% or so was slow but once I took the time to get into the plot I was very satisfied. I absolutely love Jamie and Henri and Seaton. The romance between Jamie and Henri is just barely there, and yet perfect... I’m really looking forward to seeing how it will progress. Old characters are progressing in the world, new characters are so much fun. What a good series!
Magic, crime, cool technology, street smart and smart smart characters, real problems addressed, women-really cool women characters-who interact with each other!, adapting to new cultures, fun with language (and slang), and cats... sometimes books are just made for you, you know?
And the book covers are stunning!❤️
Magic, crime, cool technology, street smart and smart smart characters, real problems addressed, women-really cool women characters-who interact with each other!, adapting to new cultures, fun with language (and slang), and cats... sometimes books are just made for you, you know?
And the book covers are stunning!❤️
April 28, 2020
I am enjoying this warm-hearted and imaginative series. It's full of relatable characters that I enjoy visiting and a great escape read, a mixture of sci-fi, mystery, fantasy, mystery, and romance.
Keep them coming, please!
Keep them coming, please!
April 15, 2020
Love these characters and series.
April 12, 2020
Jamie was a magically kidnapped FBI agent, ending up in a different dimension. She joined the local police in a quasi-Victorian society, and with her partner Henri has been asked to consult for the Kingsmen. In this magical, historical police procedural Jamie and Henri are faced with two different mysteries. One a train robbery and the other, someone who is trespassing at the Queen's palace.
Why I started this book: I finally finished a book that had lingered on my currently reading list for far too long... so I rewarded myself with a book that I knew I would finish immediately.
Why I finished it: Fun, and lighthearted, this series is the perfect antidote to the stress of the moment. And while this wasn't my favorite in the series, I looking forward to the next book.
Why I started this book: I finally finished a book that had lingered on my currently reading list for far too long... so I rewarded myself with a book that I knew I would finish immediately.
Why I finished it: Fun, and lighthearted, this series is the perfect antidote to the stress of the moment. And while this wasn't my favorite in the series, I looking forward to the next book.
March 31, 2020
Ok
The crime narrative was reasonable, a train heist with magic. My problem so the lack of character development. Henri, Jamie and Clint are wonderful but there was absolutely no growth or change in their characters or relationships. Adding new characters to the plot doesn’t make things interesting if nothing happens for the exisiting ones. I like this world but need more than a crime novel. Describing magic and supernatural beings is not the same as them being characters.
The crime narrative was reasonable, a train heist with magic. My problem so the lack of character development. Henri, Jamie and Clint are wonderful but there was absolutely no growth or change in their characters or relationships. Adding new characters to the plot doesn’t make things interesting if nothing happens for the exisiting ones. I like this world but need more than a crime novel. Describing magic and supernatural beings is not the same as them being characters.
November 1, 2021
Loved reading this book again, it was a really fun mystery, both the entering the wards and the gold heist!
*First Read March 29th, 2020*
Another great addition to the series, it was a great mystery, and I loved spending more time with these characters! Such a great read!
*First Read March 29th, 2020*
Another great addition to the series, it was a great mystery, and I loved spending more time with these characters! Such a great read!
August 6, 2023
Great mystery!
July 7, 2023
Good Old Fashioned Mayhem
I am thoroughly enamored of this world. Much like ours but set in pre-industrial times. However this world has magic. The planet doesn’t have a name but the setting is Kingston. As much as the story is named the Henri Davenforth case files we see our heroine Jamie begin adding not only comments but her own chapters. This story is uniquely set up as a journal of sorts. The reader learns through Detective Jamie Edwards that it is to be a book of some kind. Royal Mage Sherrod and Jamie have made a game of locating the manuscript and adding comments which keeps the story light.
In this book we meet four new characters and re-visit with some of Jamie’s most influential past friends. My favorites are Jamison who is a young man resistant to warded magic simply because he truly means no harm. His goal in breaking an entering is strictly about learning. I’d assumed they’d give him a job simply because it’s the easiest way to keep an eye on him. I also quickly became fond of Kingsmen Bristol who is a werefox. They get a bad wrap yet once he and Jamie have a heart to heart he becomes much more jovial and accepting. It’s not easy being different and although there are several breeds of were animals in the novel they aren’t shapeshifters and seem to be human sized.
Ultimately this world makes sense in the best possible way. Even the criminals don’t seem totally hardcore, more like criminals of opportunity.
As Jamie has existed in this world for 2 years her understanding of the language has grown which is probably why she has gained her own chapters. Maybe in the final novels we will get novellas from the other characters. In the form of letters, police reports even as a prologue or epilogue. It’s just fascinating how well these characters weave such a perfect pattern.
I look forward to more case files.
I am thoroughly enamored of this world. Much like ours but set in pre-industrial times. However this world has magic. The planet doesn’t have a name but the setting is Kingston. As much as the story is named the Henri Davenforth case files we see our heroine Jamie begin adding not only comments but her own chapters. This story is uniquely set up as a journal of sorts. The reader learns through Detective Jamie Edwards that it is to be a book of some kind. Royal Mage Sherrod and Jamie have made a game of locating the manuscript and adding comments which keeps the story light.
In this book we meet four new characters and re-visit with some of Jamie’s most influential past friends. My favorites are Jamison who is a young man resistant to warded magic simply because he truly means no harm. His goal in breaking an entering is strictly about learning. I’d assumed they’d give him a job simply because it’s the easiest way to keep an eye on him. I also quickly became fond of Kingsmen Bristol who is a werefox. They get a bad wrap yet once he and Jamie have a heart to heart he becomes much more jovial and accepting. It’s not easy being different and although there are several breeds of were animals in the novel they aren’t shapeshifters and seem to be human sized.
Ultimately this world makes sense in the best possible way. Even the criminals don’t seem totally hardcore, more like criminals of opportunity.
As Jamie has existed in this world for 2 years her understanding of the language has grown which is probably why she has gained her own chapters. Maybe in the final novels we will get novellas from the other characters. In the form of letters, police reports even as a prologue or epilogue. It’s just fascinating how well these characters weave such a perfect pattern.
I look forward to more case files.
March 31, 2020
Need more stars...
I love these books!
From the very beginning, I have been in love with Jamie. Her struggle to find a way to fit into her new home; Henri's courtesy to her, and his advocacy on her behalf? These are what lift this book above the average crime novel.
And I WANT a talking cat.
Now for a few comments on word usage.
The word Honor used was PRECEDENCE. The word she needed was PROVENANCE. Precedence is the order of ranking for people. Who goes first? Who has precedence? Provenance is a list of former owners of a valuable object. These lists are a valuable tool in deciding whether or not an object is real, or a forgery. Provenance is also sometimes given virtually, to track the evolution of a project or an idea.
The word Honor used was AMIABLE. The word she needed was AMENABLE. Amiable means a person is friendly and easy-going. A person who is amiable is someone who seldom argues, who usually goes along with whatever someone else is planning. Amenable means agreement with a suggested course of action. For instance...'Let's finish the filing, then go for lunch. I'm buying!' 'I'm amenable to that suggestion.' In this particular usage, the difference is mostly one of degree -- an amiable person might agree even if her coworker said 'you're buying'; just for agreement's sake. Amenable means "I agree with your priorities! Work first, then food! And bonus, you're gonna pay for my lunch...SCORE!"
I love these books!
From the very beginning, I have been in love with Jamie. Her struggle to find a way to fit into her new home; Henri's courtesy to her, and his advocacy on her behalf? These are what lift this book above the average crime novel.
And I WANT a talking cat.
Now for a few comments on word usage.
The word Honor used was PRECEDENCE. The word she needed was PROVENANCE. Precedence is the order of ranking for people. Who goes first? Who has precedence? Provenance is a list of former owners of a valuable object. These lists are a valuable tool in deciding whether or not an object is real, or a forgery. Provenance is also sometimes given virtually, to track the evolution of a project or an idea.
The word Honor used was AMIABLE. The word she needed was AMENABLE. Amiable means a person is friendly and easy-going. A person who is amiable is someone who seldom argues, who usually goes along with whatever someone else is planning. Amenable means agreement with a suggested course of action. For instance...'Let's finish the filing, then go for lunch. I'm buying!' 'I'm amenable to that suggestion.' In this particular usage, the difference is mostly one of degree -- an amiable person might agree even if her coworker said 'you're buying'; just for agreement's sake. Amenable means "I agree with your priorities! Work first, then food! And bonus, you're gonna pay for my lunch...SCORE!"
May 17, 2020
Honor does it again. This is the fourth book in her "The Case Files of Henri Davenforth" series and it just keeps getting better.
I find myself capitivated by Henri, the Magical Examiner in Kingston, Draiocht (the alternate world that Jamie Edwards, an FBI agent from Earth who found herself in Draiocht after being teleported by Belladonna, an evil witch), Jamie and all the natives (weres) who populate that world.
The character and world building in these books make me feel that if I could visit Kingston, I'd already feel at home.
In this book Jamie, Henri and friends have to solve a "locked room" train robbery and somehow bar the palace to a teenage book lover.
I love locked door mysteries, and watching all of Jamie's friendships deepen is frosting on the cake.
And Clint... He's a Felix, rather like a cat on earth who was gifted early on to Jamie to help with her homesickness. He also speaks and is highly intelligent, and figures mightily in the robbery solution. But he's tailless and purple....
This book could be read as a standalone and I think you'd be fine, But it makes much more sense if you read the first 3. And since all of them are wonderful, that would be the approach I'd recommend!
I find myself capitivated by Henri, the Magical Examiner in Kingston, Draiocht (the alternate world that Jamie Edwards, an FBI agent from Earth who found herself in Draiocht after being teleported by Belladonna, an evil witch), Jamie and all the natives (weres) who populate that world.
The character and world building in these books make me feel that if I could visit Kingston, I'd already feel at home.
In this book Jamie, Henri and friends have to solve a "locked room" train robbery and somehow bar the palace to a teenage book lover.
I love locked door mysteries, and watching all of Jamie's friendships deepen is frosting on the cake.
And Clint... He's a Felix, rather like a cat on earth who was gifted early on to Jamie to help with her homesickness. He also speaks and is highly intelligent, and figures mightily in the robbery solution. But he's tailless and purple....
This book could be read as a standalone and I think you'd be fine, But it makes much more sense if you read the first 3. And since all of them are wonderful, that would be the approach I'd recommend!
October 8, 2022
Ends well, but is a drag getting to the end
I absolutely loved book 1 & 2 of this series, and then book 3 just derailed the whole thing.
While this book is better than Magic outside the box (book 3) it still took me over a week to get through it.
Most of the interesting ideas from book 1 have been dropped, world building has almost completely stopped, and what few differences that separated this world from earth are being erased.
I still have fond feelings for the characters, but I think the author is either running out of ideas or getting very lazy.
For example: a character on this world uses the term "Gaslight" in the physiological sense, That term is from the earth play of the same name. Yes, this is a nit picky detail, but it's from these little details that world building is formed. Someone on this other world also wrote a play called Gas Light and it was also a dark tale of a marriage based on deceit and trickery, and a husband committed to driving his wife insane in order to steal from her?
It's these little flaws that break suspension of disbelief and interrupt the narrative flow.
I absolutely loved book 1 & 2 of this series, and then book 3 just derailed the whole thing.
While this book is better than Magic outside the box (book 3) it still took me over a week to get through it.
Most of the interesting ideas from book 1 have been dropped, world building has almost completely stopped, and what few differences that separated this world from earth are being erased.
I still have fond feelings for the characters, but I think the author is either running out of ideas or getting very lazy.
For example: a character on this world uses the term "Gaslight" in the physiological sense, That term is from the earth play of the same name. Yes, this is a nit picky detail, but it's from these little details that world building is formed. Someone on this other world also wrote a play called Gas Light and it was also a dark tale of a marriage based on deceit and trickery, and a husband committed to driving his wife insane in order to steal from her?
It's these little flaws that break suspension of disbelief and interrupt the narrative flow.
April 6, 2020
This has fast become an auto buy series for me with the author going high up my favourites list. Henri, Jamie and Sheldon, along with he wonderful cast of characters in this world are what make this series wonderful. For me, characters are everything and these are very real, leaping of the page with their warmth and vitality.
This book had a slightly slower, more relaxed pace than the last, which felt more dangerous. However that is not to detract from how wonderful it is and how brilliant a team Jamie and Henri are together. The word building continues to delight and Clint grows into a more entertaining side kick with every chapter.
This book would appeal to those who read so many genres, fantasy, historical, paranormal, crime, and just those who like a character driven story. Set on a different world from ours, with a likeness to the industrial revolution, it is nonetheless different and is somewhere that Jamie, once an FBI agent on our world, finds herself very at home. A great story and I can't wait for more.
This book had a slightly slower, more relaxed pace than the last, which felt more dangerous. However that is not to detract from how wonderful it is and how brilliant a team Jamie and Henri are together. The word building continues to delight and Clint grows into a more entertaining side kick with every chapter.
This book would appeal to those who read so many genres, fantasy, historical, paranormal, crime, and just those who like a character driven story. Set on a different world from ours, with a likeness to the industrial revolution, it is nonetheless different and is somewhere that Jamie, once an FBI agent on our world, finds herself very at home. A great story and I can't wait for more.
October 20, 2020
Loosing it's charm and unnecessarily violent
So I like these books but I am not dying for the next. The characters are unfortunately pretty static and there is no romance between anyone which feels really odd. I would love to have seen persobal growth or realization from Jamie and Henri but they started out as great people and have stayed there. This means a lack of character development and for me it makes the book boring.
The other major issue I have is Jamie laughing off child abuse. She is kind and tough and all about the law, even helping women from being victims or violence and sexual assault, and then is okay with a teenage boy being hit in front of her and beaten as long as he isn't murdered. I just was not okay with that whole segment, and the writing didn't make it clear if Jamie was supposed to be more joking or serious, but it basically condoned child abuse (and over what Jamie admits isn't actually a crime). Gross.
Anyway, I am now done with this author.
So I like these books but I am not dying for the next. The characters are unfortunately pretty static and there is no romance between anyone which feels really odd. I would love to have seen persobal growth or realization from Jamie and Henri but they started out as great people and have stayed there. This means a lack of character development and for me it makes the book boring.
The other major issue I have is Jamie laughing off child abuse. She is kind and tough and all about the law, even helping women from being victims or violence and sexual assault, and then is okay with a teenage boy being hit in front of her and beaten as long as he isn't murdered. I just was not okay with that whole segment, and the writing didn't make it clear if Jamie was supposed to be more joking or serious, but it basically condoned child abuse (and over what Jamie admits isn't actually a crime). Gross.
Anyway, I am now done with this author.
July 5, 2022
This is such a fun series. The characters are likable, and the world works the way we all wish it would: People are respectful, criminals are caught, and problems are solved with logic and reason as well as empathy. Oh, and magic. Who doesn't want magic?
In this case, the main issue is a heist. Seems there's a gold shipment that's gone missing from a secure train car while in transit between 2 cities. It's an "impossible" crime, but, of course Henri, Jaime, and the rest of the gang get to the bottom of it with a combination of forensic magic and modern detective work.
In a separate conundrum, there's a young man who keeps walking into the palace to read the books in the library. He has no ill intent, but he knows he's not supposed to be there -- the bigger issue is the potential security hole. He's not supposed to be able to get through the wards -- sort of magical force shields. So (1) How's he doing it and (2) what do they do about the kid!
In this case, the main issue is a heist. Seems there's a gold shipment that's gone missing from a secure train car while in transit between 2 cities. It's an "impossible" crime, but, of course Henri, Jaime, and the rest of the gang get to the bottom of it with a combination of forensic magic and modern detective work.
In a separate conundrum, there's a young man who keeps walking into the palace to read the books in the library. He has no ill intent, but he knows he's not supposed to be there -- the bigger issue is the potential security hole. He's not supposed to be able to get through the wards -- sort of magical force shields. So (1) How's he doing it and (2) what do they do about the kid!
May 31, 2020
Fun, fantastical UF mystery and sorta police procedural
I read this, the fourth book in the “Case Files of Henri Davenfort” series, as a standalone. However, I suggest that a new reader start at Book #1 to immerse themselves into the marvelous backstories and the intricate world building.
The bifurcated storyline features 1) the mysterious heist of 300,000 Crowns in gold from a robbery-proof rail system, and 2) a teenager driving the Royal Mages mad, because he can defeat powerful magic wards to sneak unnoticed into the Royal Palace.
I enjoyed following the easily likable characters of this magic-infused, science-fantasy world called Draiocht, a planet similar to earth but located in an alternate universe. One of my favorite characters is a purple cat—a magician’s familiar named Clint—not to mention the cast of were-animal characters.
I read this, the fourth book in the “Case Files of Henri Davenfort” series, as a standalone. However, I suggest that a new reader start at Book #1 to immerse themselves into the marvelous backstories and the intricate world building.
The bifurcated storyline features 1) the mysterious heist of 300,000 Crowns in gold from a robbery-proof rail system, and 2) a teenager driving the Royal Mages mad, because he can defeat powerful magic wards to sneak unnoticed into the Royal Palace.
I enjoyed following the easily likable characters of this magic-infused, science-fantasy world called Draiocht, a planet similar to earth but located in an alternate universe. One of my favorite characters is a purple cat—a magician’s familiar named Clint—not to mention the cast of were-animal characters.
November 22, 2022
This outing, two cases baffle Detective Edwards and Dr. Davenforth. The first is a young man who can saunter past magical wards without batting an eyelash. Fortunately, he just wants to read books. Just as unfortunately, it’s her majesty’s library that holds the books he wants to read. Trying to find a way to keep him out will give the good doctor some very odd working hours.
While he’s doing that, Jamie is doing her best to solve the biggest train gold heist in history. What she wouldn’t give for a computer to help cross match names. I can see an Ellie invention before this is all over!
What she’s working on right now, other than Jamie’s motorcycle, will be of benefit to half the city’s populace.
That’s about it for this book, but there are promising things coming up.
Lol … expect to see jambalaya at state dinners soon!
While he’s doing that, Jamie is doing her best to solve the biggest train gold heist in history. What she wouldn’t give for a computer to help cross match names. I can see an Ellie invention before this is all over!
What she’s working on right now, other than Jamie’s motorcycle, will be of benefit to half the city’s populace.
That’s about it for this book, but there are promising things coming up.
Lol … expect to see jambalaya at state dinners soon!
April 13, 2020
Every book in this series
I really don't like typing out reviews It's a pain I'm always worried that I'm not going to be able to explain why I really really like or love a book. This series is amazing And I love it. It is a blend of genres that I absolutely adore The world building is fantastic A touch of steam punk And I think maybe a romance, a lovely sweet romance Brewing in the background. With magic and science fiction - It's just everything I've ever wanted to read in 1 book / series. I also very much hate having to wait for a series I much prefer to read it all in 1 go And for this Series I'm actually waiting For the next Do yourself a favor and read these you will love them too
I really don't like typing out reviews It's a pain I'm always worried that I'm not going to be able to explain why I really really like or love a book. This series is amazing And I love it. It is a blend of genres that I absolutely adore The world building is fantastic A touch of steam punk And I think maybe a romance, a lovely sweet romance Brewing in the background. With magic and science fiction - It's just everything I've ever wanted to read in 1 book / series. I also very much hate having to wait for a series I much prefer to read it all in 1 go And for this Series I'm actually waiting For the next Do yourself a favor and read these you will love them too
July 28, 2020
B&E 101
It really is good to find an author who doesn’t need to use profanity, weakly disguised sex, or excessive back sorry to tell a story.
As in the previous books magic plays a part in the plot but it isn’t carried to extremes. The police procedures are mostly correct and not used simply as filler to expand the page count. They add to the story and help to confuse the issue at hand when they fail (rarely). I do hope that this series continue as many options were given for it to do so.
I recommend this series to anyone looking for an intriguing read that is good for a relaxing way to idle away some time. Of course I admit I had difficulty putting the book down in order to sleep at night.
It really is good to find an author who doesn’t need to use profanity, weakly disguised sex, or excessive back sorry to tell a story.
As in the previous books magic plays a part in the plot but it isn’t carried to extremes. The police procedures are mostly correct and not used simply as filler to expand the page count. They add to the story and help to confuse the issue at hand when they fail (rarely). I do hope that this series continue as many options were given for it to do so.
I recommend this series to anyone looking for an intriguing read that is good for a relaxing way to idle away some time. Of course I admit I had difficulty putting the book down in order to sleep at night.
October 15, 2021
Raconteur Scores Again
This one started off a little slower, with what seems like a lot of back and forth, unnecessary information.
Had faith in Raconteur that it would pick up, sooner than later. And it did.
P. 68 approximately, what’s the deal with tingling, not tingling? Never was truly explained.
The section from the book 3 that left me confused was finally answered in this book. It had to do with the retired Royal Mage’s research. Glad that it was tidied up, but would’ve preferred it to happen I. The 3rd.
Once again, another excellent read with plenty of intrigue, drama, and a cast of characters who are hard not to love, and keep you coming back for more. Teamwork well done amongst all of them.
This one started off a little slower, with what seems like a lot of back and forth, unnecessary information.
Had faith in Raconteur that it would pick up, sooner than later. And it did.
P. 68 approximately, what’s the deal with tingling, not tingling? Never was truly explained.
The section from the book 3 that left me confused was finally answered in this book. It had to do with the retired Royal Mage’s research. Glad that it was tidied up, but would’ve preferred it to happen I. The 3rd.
Once again, another excellent read with plenty of intrigue, drama, and a cast of characters who are hard not to love, and keep you coming back for more. Teamwork well done amongst all of them.
March 7, 2022
This wasn’t such a good book. Twice now in this series they have caught the culprit not by solving the case but because their suspect bolted when he saw the police coming. And we don’t see much case solving as much as the detectives bumbling about, complaining a lot about the work they have to do and that they don’t have clues. I believe real police work might be slow like that, but books are supposed to be entertaining. I’d rather have them really investigate a false lead than read about them whining and wringing their hands because they don’t have clues.
Also, it’s alibis and not alibies.
And principle instead of principal.
I’ll keep reading because I’m invested in the slowest burn romance ever, but I’m not excited about it.
Also, it’s alibis and not alibies.
And principle instead of principal.
I’ll keep reading because I’m invested in the slowest burn romance ever, but I’m not excited about it.
February 19, 2023
3⭐️
This was the Great Train Robbery if set in a world with magic. I quite liked the book but I think a little underwhelming in the mystery sense. I think I liked the side quests a lot more in this book. There was actually a lot going on other than the main mystery which in itself was 2 mysteries. And of that only one mystery was solved though both had solutions. See even the review is a lot more convoluted than usual.
The nest part about this installment is of course the Felix named Clint and that we see some movement towards our detectives becoming more than work partners.
I am already more than halfway through the next book while writing this review and I don't think I am jumping the gun here by saying it is fast becoming my fave.
This was the Great Train Robbery if set in a world with magic. I quite liked the book but I think a little underwhelming in the mystery sense. I think I liked the side quests a lot more in this book. There was actually a lot going on other than the main mystery which in itself was 2 mysteries. And of that only one mystery was solved though both had solutions. See even the review is a lot more convoluted than usual.
The nest part about this installment is of course the Felix named Clint and that we see some movement towards our detectives becoming more than work partners.
I am already more than halfway through the next book while writing this review and I don't think I am jumping the gun here by saying it is fast becoming my fave.
September 13, 2024
Another fun entry in the Case Files of Henri Davenforth
Now that Jamie and Henri are consulting for the Kingsmen, they’re given two cases. They set out to investigate the theft of 300,000 gold ingots from the railroad and Henri is also investigating a teenager who keeps breaking the magical palace wards and wandering around, but no one can figure out how he's doing it.
These stories are fast, fun reading. Jamie’s talking cat like companion, Clint is a favorite and I really enjoyed seeing all the collaborative problem solving. In this story that includes both magical and scientific problem solving and experimentation. It’s also fun seeing the modern references brought into this second world.
Now that Jamie and Henri are consulting for the Kingsmen, they’re given two cases. They set out to investigate the theft of 300,000 gold ingots from the railroad and Henri is also investigating a teenager who keeps breaking the magical palace wards and wandering around, but no one can figure out how he's doing it.
These stories are fast, fun reading. Jamie’s talking cat like companion, Clint is a favorite and I really enjoyed seeing all the collaborative problem solving. In this story that includes both magical and scientific problem solving and experimentation. It’s also fun seeing the modern references brought into this second world.
April 15, 2020
I adore this series. It's magically mysterious and completely re-readable! I love the detective work/ mysteries. I adore Jamie and Henri. I love the setting. an industrial era being introduced to modern tech, but instead of steam it's all magic. I particularly love that this is a world where vampires, werewolves, witches, etc not only exist but are everyday people. I would happily devour another half dozen books in this series, or one like it, which I can't find! Although I do hope some progress is made between our main characters since everyone knows they like each other!
December 25, 2022
This series just keeps getting better.
Each book in this series seems to get better. I have to say I could not pick out how this case would be sold. I so often do with mysteries but this kept me guessing. I also have to say that the idea of five drunken females going for midnight rides on a souped up motorcycle prototype almost gave me a heart attack. The mix of seriousness, suspense, quirkiness and out and out humour keeps me coming back for more. Do yourself a favour. Read these books. This is a truly great series.
Each book in this series seems to get better. I have to say I could not pick out how this case would be sold. I so often do with mysteries but this kept me guessing. I also have to say that the idea of five drunken females going for midnight rides on a souped up motorcycle prototype almost gave me a heart attack. The mix of seriousness, suspense, quirkiness and out and out humour keeps me coming back for more. Do yourself a favour. Read these books. This is a truly great series.
March 23, 2020
Another excellent installment in this series (which was happily released early). Loved the whole Sherlock-esque feel of the book with the train heist. Return of all the great characters from the last books with the addition of a couple new great ones. The slow burn is killing me though; Jaime needs to make a move on gentleman Henri :) Loved Clint the attack cat! Girls' night! Can't wait for the next one.
September 28, 2021
🎃 Read for the Bang In The Night Bingo (#BangInTheNightBingo on Twitter) 🎃
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March 18, 2022
2022 bk 65. The Great Train Robbery - gold is missing with no idea of who did it! Jamie and Henri have agreed to be part time consultants for the the Queen's Kingsmen with the collusion of their Police Captain, and after the hire of a new magical consultant for the station, the pair are set for an adventure taking them into the world of train transportation and the importance of time. Well done mystery and, fudge, I have to wait four whole days until the next in the series arrives!
August 11, 2022
Intriguing!
I absolutely love Jamie and her friends. The mystery was not only a whodunnit but a "how"dunnit! I love it when they figure everything out and the case comes together. And a book thief subplot! Girl's night out at Jamie's is definitely gaining traction - I wish I could join the party! And of course, Cliff is amazing. I am looking forward to a future felix kitten. Enjoy this book you will!
I absolutely love Jamie and her friends. The mystery was not only a whodunnit but a "how"dunnit! I love it when they figure everything out and the case comes together. And a book thief subplot! Girl's night out at Jamie's is definitely gaining traction - I wish I could join the party! And of course, Cliff is amazing. I am looking forward to a future felix kitten. Enjoy this book you will!
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