Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed on 9/2/2013 + 491 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

This is Book 1 of the Peculiar Crimes Unit series.

I dont know what I was expecting when I started this book, and Im not sure how to describe it now that I have finished. It is quirky but not overtly ridiculous, serious but not too much so. The Peculiar Crimes Unit does solve the strange and unexplained cases, but the paranormal is more of a side show rather than the central attraction. Its not really the X-Files gone Neil Gaiman, but its also more than just a Sherlock Holmes with a better sense of humor.

In all, I thought that Fowler did a great job of breathing life into his two main characters, Arthur Bryant and John May. I liked them immediately. They are so different in temperament and taste, but they complement each other perfectly.

The plot, while long, was still interesting and engaging. There were certainly elements that required a mild stretch of reality or a momentary suspension of belief, but in this slightly off-center gumshoe murder mystery, it seemed to fit. There is the slightest whisper of a fantasy novel to be found in the plot, so those murder mystery purists who want their stories to be a bit more cut and dry will probably find adequate enough reason to complain.

In all, I thought it was a fun read with enjoyable characters and a worthy mystery. I look forward to checking out the other books in this series.

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