by Alexis Hall
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
In this charming, witty, and weird fantasy novel, Alexis Hall pays homage to Sherlock Holmes with a new twist on those renowned characters.
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.
The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall set off planet, shares a mystery and adventure as relayed by Captain John Wyndham who finds himself housemates with the eccentric and brilliant sorcerer at 221b Martyrs Walk.
“I am the sorceress Shaharazad Haas. I never go wrong, I merely achieve things in a manner I had not intended.”
What a fun tale. This is a Sherlockian based tale set off planet and filled with magic, vampires, gods and limitless worlds. Come travel with John and Shaharzad Haas as they try to uncover a blackmailer.
Witches, underwater cities, shape-shifting, flying and more await you in this clever tale. I loved this female version of Sherlock. John Wyndham comes from a deeply religious planet and found after college he couldn’t quite move home. When he looks for housing on Khelathra-Ven, and answers an ad for a flatmate he finds himself at 221b Martyrs Walk.
The owner of the dwelling is a hoard of bees and lives in the attic. I will let you discover more, but as John will tell you, “Don’t drink the tea.” Shaharazad Haas is over the top. A female sorcerer who uses prohibited magic when it suits her, annoys everyone and yet it seems everyone owes her a favor. Why John agrees to live with her, you must discover for yourself.
John narrates the entire story as he recounts the first case he works with her. His explanations and direct conversations with us, the reader were delightful and more than once I laughed aloud. This is pure fantasy at its best.
Because John is speaking to us, the story had a nice flow with pauses, to share information about the planet, place or city we are visiting. I thought this was rather clever. John’s mannerisms and upbringing offered humor as he relayed the outlandish behavior of the brilliant, opinionated and troublesome Haas.
Fans of diversity and LGBT storylines will appreciate the refreshing acceptance and characters found within.
The Affair of the Mysterious Letter was a fun re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Come, step off planet and enjoy!
The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall was a fun re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. #Mystery #Fantasy #LGBT Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have this one sitting on my ereader! I will have to read it soon. Great review!
Mary
Olivia Roach
Alexis Hall is one of my favourite new adult authors! I love his m/m romances so much. I was so surprised to hear he was writing a Sherlock Holmes-esque retelling for younger audiences and I cannot WAIT to read it! So glad you were able to love it so much 🙂
Kimberly
I would not call this young adult, these characters are all adult.
Stefanie
What an interesting tale. It’s like a fractured fairy tale where something old has been given a twist.
Kay @ It's a Book Life
I am always down for a retelling, especially a Sherlock one! This sounds fun. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
I love Sherlock Holmes sorts of things. Wonderful review. I was able to request this at the library.
Jen
I’ve heard great things about this one. I think I’ll try the audiobook. Thanks for your review!
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I’ve been seeing a lot of Sherlock-inspired novels recently. This one is especially interesting to me because of the fantasy elements. It sounds like fun!
Carla
This sounds very interesting and different. Great review Kimberly.
Jessica at Booked J
Ooh!!! I LIKE THE SOUND OF THIS ONE. If it wasn’t apparent from me shouting in all caps, whoops! But, seriously, this sounds fantastic.
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
I admit that was my main question… why does he agree to live with her! Hahaha it sounds super fun and different. ❤️
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds like such a fun and quirky read. And unique too, which is always nice.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This was not the blurb I was expecting from the cover but it looks really fun!
Tyler H. Jolley
Shape-shifters always intrigue me and creep me out to to no end. But I can’t get enough of them. Is that weird?
Melissa (Books and Things)
I do tend to enjoy retellings and reimaginings. I will have to check this one out. Sounds fun!
Debbie Haupt
Okay you’ve definitely got my attention, I’m going to check it out
Mary Kirkland
I love the sound of the supernatural creatures on that planet.
Melliane
Oh yes it looks fun there!
Sophia Rose
Oh man, how did I not know that Alexis wrote this story. I enjoy his books. It’s Sherlock and sci-fi so I will be pouncing on this one. 🙂
kindlemom1
This is new to me so thanks for the intro. Glad it was such an amazing read for you!
Nick
Oh this totally sounds like a fun Sherlock Holmes retelling! The audiobook sounds like the way to go with this one! I’ll check Hoopla for it.
Nadene
Sounds fun and different
Ailyn Koay
it sounds so funny I kinda want to read it myself … having said that, what did the shark do to warrant a punch?
Kimberly
What sharks are want to do.