BookLife reviewed Else-Moored, the second book in my Immortal Holmes series, and I was thrilled to learn that (as with Folk-Spelled) the sequel was also selected as an Editor’s Pick.
A royal dognapping in steam-driven Newcomb kicks off this gaslit pleasure, the second novel in author Forthright’s Immortal Holmes series, which finds the world’s greatest detective “touched by eternity” long after his encounter with a certain notorious hound. Now, centuries after a cataclysmic event brought fae and humanity together, Holmes is again on the case, paired with his new assistant, Varti, whose every utterance provides an opportunity for deduction—Varti, readers of the wonderful first book will recall, has been “folk-spelled” by a fae to lie whenever he speaks. In this clever sequel, that trait will eventually prove a boon, as Varti’s deep familiarity with falsehoods develops into a new investigative tool. The sleuths will need that help, as palace staff are clearly not telling them everything—they soon suss out that the case is tied to the disappearance of Prince Elzabart. Further complicating their lives: strange trees suddenly appearing around Newcomb.
“Forthright again proves deeply attuned to the pleasures of discovery in fantasy.”
Forthright again proves deeply attuned to the pleasures of discovery in fantasy. Without diminishing narrative momentum, Forthright guides readers through a sumptuously inventive city of mages, imps, pneumatics, steam bikes, dirigible fleets, and wonders too sundry to name. Newcomb feels fully alive with its own slang, food, machinery, customs, and layers of local history, and much fully imagined, wholly original everyday detail, as when Varti thinks of the friends of his quartermate Phil, recalling who dislikes mushrooms and who takes what in their preferred teas. Small moments like that exemplify the larger themes of friendship and belonging.
“Else-Moored is a delightful follow-up where the relationships matter just as much as the mystery.”
The coziness never comes at the expense of fantastical richness as Forthright brings back a large cast while adding royal lineages, magical races, hierarchies, and several connected plotlines. The opening cast guide and glossary help, but readers new to the series should start with the first book. Once the pieces start fitting together, though, Varti’s curse and the threat to Newcomb give the mystery page-turning momentum. Else-Moored is a delightful follow-up where the relationships matter just as much as the mystery.
Takeaway: Cozy mystery with rich fantasy worldbuilding and a fresh spin on Sherlock.
