Death by Silver

Being a Sherlock Holmes fan means I read a lot of things I wouldn’t otherwise just for the loosest connection. Such as Death by Silver by Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold.

I don’t normally read fantasy, as I have plenty of mysteries and comics to catch up on, but the idea of two men with a troubled friendship trying to solve a murder in an Edwardian London where magic works was intriguing.

Ned is an officially recognized metaphysician, trying to start a business, similar to a beginning lawyer or such, only he sells his magical skills. He’s hired by the family of a man he’d been at school with (and bullied by) to first prevent a curse and then to investigate a murder by cursed candlestick. Ned enlists his friend (with benefits) Julian, an unconventional detective, who was bullied worse, to assist with the investigation. As they work to solve the killing, they finally work themselves out.

I was more interested in the two men, both of whom think the other isn’t interested in more of a relationship, finally talking to each other than the mystery (as it’s difficult to figure out what can and can’t be done in a world of magic), but I quite enjoyed mentally yelling at them. The involvement with someone from their schoolboy days adds plenty of reason for flashbacks, which give us more insight into everyone’s character as well as adding in that quintessential British setting of the boys’ school. I think many of us can relate to the desire for revenge on those who treated us badly when we were young.

Most of all, I enjoyed spending time with Julian and Ned. The Lynes and Mathey series continues with A Death at the Dionysus Club, just out, which I look forward to trying next. (The author provided a review copy.)