kirkw1972's review
4.0
This is my first taste of Barnabas Tew and his sidekick Wilfred (I’ve found the 2nd book in the endless netgalley list I need to read) and I really enjoyed the adventure of these two Victorian London detectives that have found themselves on a series of crazy events and worlds solving crimes and mysteries. I will probably go back and read from the beginning because I’m intrigued as to how they ended up in this predicament in the first place. I’m also intrigued as to what detecting they did in London because Barnabas especially, is quite the bumbler and it’s his assistant that seems to be the one on the ball. This is no negative, it all adds to the charm of the story.
Each one is set in a different time period or world. While the book is a standalone there’s enough detail to know bits of previous adventure so I found out that the first book is in Egypt and the second involves invoking Ragnarok so these guys really get around!
This time we are in Xibalba and the story revolves around the Mayan Gods. Uncle Rabbit has been killed which prevents the resurrection of the world as we get to the end of the latest time period. He could be brought back to life but someone has placed a curse on the God that can do this. But who? That’s for our intrepid travellers to find out. This sets of a series of tasks and twists as no one is to be trusted.
The book is funny, the mystery trundles along at a really enjoyable pace. I love both Barnaby and Wilfred’s relationship with one another. I really enjoyed how Wilfred is pretty much the one really in charge. It does suck you in straight away and keeps up the pace until the very end.
I’ll definitely be going back soon to the first two books and catching up with what I’ve missed and enjoying a few more adventures.
Each one is set in a different time period or world. While the book is a standalone there’s enough detail to know bits of previous adventure so I found out that the first book is in Egypt and the second involves invoking Ragnarok so these guys really get around!
This time we are in Xibalba and the story revolves around the Mayan Gods. Uncle Rabbit has been killed which prevents the resurrection of the world as we get to the end of the latest time period. He could be brought back to life but someone has placed a curse on the God that can do this. But who? That’s for our intrepid travellers to find out. This sets of a series of tasks and twists as no one is to be trusted.
The book is funny, the mystery trundles along at a really enjoyable pace. I love both Barnaby and Wilfred’s relationship with one another. I really enjoyed how Wilfred is pretty much the one really in charge. It does suck you in straight away and keeps up the pace until the very end.
I’ll definitely be going back soon to the first two books and catching up with what I’ve missed and enjoying a few more adventures.
jessbookishlife's review
5.0
Barnie and Willie are at it again! And this time they are dealing with Mayan Lords of Death, so... Ancient Mayan civilization here we go!
Columbkill Noonan is quite an amazing author, with an incredible imagination. This entire series is so funny and awesome! With each new book and new adventure is just amazing and leaves me speechless for most part.
In this book Barnabas and Wilfred have to deal with a new set of Gods and creatures related to the ancient Mayan civilization. The world is in dangerous and these two Victorian men have to safe it. And if you read the first two books your know how crazy they are.
A witty, fun, full of action and with brilliant and vivid descriptions, this novel is a good addition to the series. The characters are well developed and with each book my connection to Barnie and Willie grows. I just feel like I'm their friends that's why I call them Barnie and Willie, those are my nicknames for them, because it makes me giggle, and their attitudes make me laugh.
On another note, I have always been fascinated by ancient civilizations and cultures, including Mayan culture. So imagine my excitement when I saw the synopsis of this book... And I loved the way that the author used the mythology to create an adventure for Barnabas and Wilfred to go on.
Overall, I loved this book. And it actually mad me apreciate the series even more. I highly recommend this series (because I think you should read them in order so you can learn everything about the main characters). If you love mysteries, mythology, Victorian detectives and humor, this is the book for you. It certainly is mine.
Columbkill Noonan is quite an amazing author, with an incredible imagination. This entire series is so funny and awesome! With each new book and new adventure is just amazing and leaves me speechless for most part.
In this book Barnabas and Wilfred have to deal with a new set of Gods and creatures related to the ancient Mayan civilization. The world is in dangerous and these two Victorian men have to safe it. And if you read the first two books your know how crazy they are.
A witty, fun, full of action and with brilliant and vivid descriptions, this novel is a good addition to the series. The characters are well developed and with each book my connection to Barnie and Willie grows. I just feel like I'm their friends that's why I call them Barnie and Willie, those are my nicknames for them, because it makes me giggle, and their attitudes make me laugh.
On another note, I have always been fascinated by ancient civilizations and cultures, including Mayan culture. So imagine my excitement when I saw the synopsis of this book... And I loved the way that the author used the mythology to create an adventure for Barnabas and Wilfred to go on.
Overall, I loved this book. And it actually mad me apreciate the series even more. I highly recommend this series (because I think you should read them in order so you can learn everything about the main characters). If you love mysteries, mythology, Victorian detectives and humor, this is the book for you. It certainly is mine.
booksteacupnreviews's review
5.0
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent, a third in Barnabas Tew series, was a cozy historical and humorous 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.
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author via Rachel’s Random Resources, in exchange for an honest review. ***
Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent, a third in Barnabas Tew series, was a cozy historical and humorous 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.
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author via Rachel’s Random Resources, in exchange for an honest review. ***
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