Cozy Mystery,  Historical Fiction,  Review

#BlogTour #review : Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent by Columbkill Noonan @rararesources @columbkillnoon1

Hello Readers! Today is my stop during the blog tours for Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent by Columbkill Noonan, organized by
Rachel’s Random Resources. Many thanks to Rachel for tour invite and to author for copy. Check out the book details and my review in this post. I hope you enjoy it.

Book Details :

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent by Columbkill Noonan
Publication Date : April 2nd 2019
Publisher
: Crooked Cat Books
Read Date : April 4th 2019
Genre :  Historical cozy mystery, humor
Pages : 258
Stars : ★★★★★ /5

Synopsis :

“For Queen, for Country, and for….Uncle Rabbit?”


Just when Barnabas and Wilfred thought the world was safe at last, along comes a new threat: the Mayan Lords of Death have hatched a plan to overthrow the natural order of things, involving a cursed serpent god, two untrustworthy sets of twins, and a dead bunny that must be resuscitated at all costs. Only Barnabas and Wilfred can possibly unravel the convoluted plot, but they face danger after danger as they attempt to do so. If they fail, up will be down and down will be up, and the evil Lords of Death will take over the heavens.


Do Barnabas and Wilfred have the courage, skill (and luck!) to save the world yet again?

Review :

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent, a third in Barnabas Tew series, was a cozy humorous and historical mystery and adventure of English detectives, Barnabas Tew and Wilfred Colby in the Mayan Empire. Along with solving the case of cursed serpent the book was about, new friendship, companionship, loyalty, family feud and lots of drama.

The story started with interesting new case and the world. In this third installment of Barnabas Tew series, bumbling English detective Barnabas and his young assistant Wilfred were precipitously sent for their new case right to the hut of Ixchel, Goddess of healing living in Cozumel island of Mayan empire. Soon both detectives learned about death of uncle Rabbit, Xibablba demons trying to take over the world, illness of feathered snake. Another end of the world danger. Their unfortunate fortune! Once again they have to set foot in underworld.

A world where pronunciation is too difficult for simple minded of detective, world they know next to nothing and a case that has so many suspects and the dangerous ball game, unhelpful Gods and dangerous tests made their case difficult to solve and adventurous for readers.

As I have read previous book in series, I can tell this should be read in order as you get better acquainted with our protagonists- Barnabas and Wilfred, their predicament ending up in the world of Gods and solving their cases, and what to expect from our detectives.  

From the very first chapter Barnabas and Wilfred made me chuckle by their wit and nature. I could see they have developed their sleuthing skills and have learned from their previous cases to be cautious and not to trust easily. Barnabas and Wilfred’s deductive skills have also improved along with the writing and plot.

Once again, Barnabas put himself and his detective in path of danger by his famous skill of making terrible blunders and cantankerous nature. But one cannot be cross with him long by his silly but always right conscience. I adored him for showing courage during the ball game, saving bat and hero twins.

Wilfred was also brilliant in solving the puzzle, directing his argumentative detective in right path and not leaving him alone to die as and when occasion emerged.

This duo showed wonderful companionship. Their banter and conversations with other Gods were most charming part of the book. One can never get bored in their company.

Author built a mesmerizing world. I was impressed by setting of jungle, cenotes, Gods and their characteristics, way to the underworld and test houses they must pass there. The theory of colander that helped to understand the danger to the world was brilliant.

Poor detectives met many Gods while investigating the matter of saving the world. Some were helpful while some gave them tough time and lead them to suspects and process seem to have no end. The suspense was little shadowed by their adventure. It was like you had the true suspect right there but due to misdirection both detectives kept stalling and their progress in solving the case was delayed by chasing the wrong suspect. But in doing so they found valuable clues that helped to learn them more about world and family feud.

What I loved most about the book was- their adventure journey through underworld-which was amusing to read; Gods of Mayan Empire- oh I loved Moon and Sun Gods and Mr. Bee, Bat God and Monkey Gods (well, they had names but I find it difficult to write and pronounce like detectives); and some hilarious moments- There were so many laughing out loud moments especially when they encountered Bat God, met Hero Twins and when they were falling, I tell you that happened so many times, and their attire was not at all helpful. Oh, I’m still laughing remembering the reaction of Moon God while they were falling.

Climax was great. As soon as they met Hero Twins I knew who was behind the whole scheme but our detectives were stuck into more pressing situations. And when finally the j’accuse moment arrived it turned into a comical ball game. End was, well, unexpected as I expected them to utter their undying wish but they surprised me by what they asked for from Ixchel. So it’s not the end and yet it’s the end, I mean it’s up to author if we are going to plunge into another adventure or not.

Overall it was full of entertainment, humorous moments, and quirky characters. It was wonderful and amusing adventure and mystery of bumbling detectives in the Mayan world. I definitely recommend this book for humorous, light read for cozy mystery lovers.

About Author :

Columbkill Noonan is the author of the bestselling “Barnabas Tew” series, which features the bumbling-yet-lovable Victorian detective Barnabas and his trusty sidekick, Wilfred. Columbkill combines her love of mythology and her affinity for period fiction to craft unique cozy mysteries that will leave you guessing (and chuckling!) till the very end.

Author Link :

Facebook | Twitter

Purchase Link :

US | UK

*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author via
Rachel’s Random Resources, in exchange for an honest review. ***

Previous Books In Series :

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE BOOK AND REVIEW?
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK OR THIS SERIES ALREADY ?
ARE YOU GOING TO ADD IT TO YOUR TBR?

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Hi, I'm Yesha, an Indian book blogger. Avid and eclectic reader who loves to read with a cup of tea. Not born reader but I don't think I’m going to stop reading books in this life. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

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