Sometimes one is in in an uncertain mood, unsure of what to read next and wishing to try several things. Anthologies offer a selection of quick samples, showing windows into what might be worth exploring further. What to Expect Sixteen short stories, written by women and with female protagonist, all involving and revolving around a […]
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Book Review: A Nymph Returns to the Sea, by Douglas Lumsden
The Alex Southerland series is one of the very best urban fantasy detective series out there, and I’m always keen to jump into the latest installment (see my reviews on past novels). What to Expect Alex is in a bad place in his life, sinking into a bottle of rye after a bad breakup. In […]
Creative outlets
Those of you with a passing knowledge of this blog know that I write on occasion. I haven’t been writing nearly enough, life just got in the way over the past couple of years. Doesn’t mean I don’t plan to get back to it (for a reasonable value of “soon”), or that I don’t seek […]
Book Review: The Signet Ring: A Trouvères Adventure, By Ellis Knox
I loved Knox’s AltEarth blend of historical-fantasy since I first saw (the excellent Goblins at the Gate), so I was very keen to try this latest installment, especially as it’s promising a mystery. What to Expect Expect a classic tale of mystery, where the protagonists – in this case, a band of actors – are […]
Hard-boiled detectives: Then and Now (a philosophical review of The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler)
It’s been a while since I read the classic hard-boiled detectives, and felt like revisiting the pillars of the genre. The Big Sleep is one of those genre-defining works, but a lot has changed in the 80+ years since its publication. Following is a review of the novel, with a summary that is waxing philosophical […]
Bad weather archaeology
Droughts Exposing Archaeology Aquis Querquennis is a Roman fort in Galicia, Spain. Constructed circa 69-79 AD, it was occupied by the Legio VII Gemina until that unit was posted to Dacia in 120 AD, when it was abandoned. It was rediscovered in 1920 and had undergone excavations, but what is interesting is that in 1949 […]
Review: The Law, by Jim Butcher (plus Little Things: a short story)
At this point I’m pretty much invested in the Dresden Files series, so there’s a lot of momentum in reading new releases. This review covers the recent Novella plus a short story that appeared in another anthology. What to Expect The Law: Expect a shorter story, about a quarter of the usual novel length. More […]
Book Review: Comeuppance Served Cold, by Marion Deeds
Historical-fantasy blends are my favourite genre, and the Roaring 1920’s is one of my fav periods, so of course this drew my attention. What to Expect Expect a half-heist half-revenge story, told in a somewhat non-linear way (lots of skipping back and forth). The story mostly follows Dolly White, with occasional other points of view, […]
Nero – a Life in Coins
I’ve posted this image on Instagram with a short blurb, but thought the subject warrants more expansion. The coins feature the emperor Nero throughout his reign. Born in 37 CE, proclaimed emperor at 54 (aged just shy of seventeen) and overthrown in 68 at the age of thirty one, he’s probably one of the more […]
Announcing my collaboration with Neil Gaiman!
I’m ecstatic to announce a collaboration between myself and Neil Gaiman, revolving around ancient mythologies!
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 