S is for A Study in Temperance by Ichabod Temperance

A Study in Temperance

Amazon & Goodreads Summary:

Could this be the case that launches my career into the art of reason and deduction? Surely, the peculiar occurrences surrounding the American tinker, Temperance, and the Plumtartt girl's calamitous assault on an unsuspecting Victorian London are of such a merit that they warrant my singular talents.
I am struck by the shortsightedness of Scotland Yard's detectives in this matter. Directing my intellect to see that which they, consuming the same informational data, remain blind, my keen observational ability far outstrips the best that the constabulary can muster. My every effort strives to be the greatest this field of study has ever known.
Hah! I'll do it! I shall accept this peculiar commission. This 'case of the adventuresome duo' could be the perfect way to showcase my unparalleled skills as a Great Detective! 

"'Twas the hand of fate that brought Miss Plumtartt and me together, for, in truth, we have been happenstance-stricken and adventure prone ever since." -Ichabod Temperance, For the Love of Temperance

Such is the case once again as Ichabod Temperance and his lady love, Miss Persephone Plumtartt, are hurled into adventure and mystery. This time, they return to Persephone's ancestral estate in England, where they hope to enjoy a much-needed vacation. However, fate has other plans for the young couple, as a series of murders close in upon the innocent pair. A notorious Victorian Era London detective assists the plucky protagonists through a tangled web of intrigue involving an incredible cast of suspicious characters. 

My Review:

We're gonna turn back time a little bit with this review. It is the fourth book in the Adventures of Ichabod Temperance series.  However it is the last book from the series that I will be reviewing for this challenge. So yes, the reviews are slightly out of order.  All I can say is blame the alphabet. 

This is another amusing installment of the series.  This time we get to return to Miss Persephone's home in England.  Not only do we get to meet quite an interesting new cast of characters, but one literally famous literary detective as well. 

I have to say I am impressed with how the author works in a classic character, while at the same time making the character one of his own. He also doesn't use someone else's creation to carry his story. His own characters shoulder that weight  and keep the story moving, exciting and funny all at the same time.   Once again we also get to see the story from more than just the main characters points of view. I, personally, really enjoy getting to see the perspective of the supporting characters. It gives a fresh and amusing view of the story, as well as the main characters themselves that otherwise one might not always see.

I love the authors sense of humor as well.  Even in the darkest hours  it never takes itself too seriously.  It helps to keep the book light and fun. I also really enjoy the way that the author finds a way for his characters to save the day that is always amusing and unexpected. You never quite know how it's going to end.  Even in this one there is a definite surprise at the end that I didn't see coming. Again, it involves how the author weaves the characters into the story, so I don't want to say more and give too much of the ending away.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in the series. They are all quite capable of being stand alone novels.  Even so, I still think that they should be read in order. I really can't wait to see what the author has in store for Ichabod and Miss Plumtartt's next adventure. If you haven't read any of the books in the series yet, definitely go pick them up. With summer right around the corner, whether you pick up all the books out so far, or just the first few in the series, it will definitely give you something fun to read while you're relaxing on vacation. I can say that the books are addicting so if you read the first you'll want to read the rest. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. 

Click here to find out more and to visit the other blogs participating in the challenge.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.