John R. Kelly

An intriguing mystery set in 1936, Oxford, England, with real life characters. A challenge is given by a well-known author in secret to the men of the Inklings group, to help solve the murder of his friend. The game is afoot.

"The only thing needed for evil to flourish in this world is for good men to simply stand idly by and do nothing."

This novel had me spellbound in parts, imagining the scenes as these well-known authors put themselves on the line to find out the truth behind not just one, show more but another suspicious death. The plot clips along at a brisk pace as they work together to figure out the puzzle before another murder occurs. There are spiritually dark forces at play, and they must keep their wits about them as they dig for clues.

I loved how C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and other writers of the period interacted and helped each other in this story. It was like reading a Sherlock Holmes mystery with a bit of Agatha Christie on the side. Loved her contribution to the plot also, particularly after just watching a documentary on her life. The author notes were interesting to read as they revealed true events and real people that were involved in the tale.

Recommend for readers who enjoy a good mystery with classic overtones, with some peril and no romance. Fans of British mysteries will especially like this one. This would make a good series!

Note: In keeping with the times and habits of the real people, there is smoking and drinking in the story.

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.) show less

Oxford 1936 The Inkling Detective Agency, members which include Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, are approached by the 'dead' Sir Conan Doyle to investigate a murder. That of Lord Roger Pennington, their first murder case. With the help of their literary friends can they uncover the secrets to not just his death but also a previous killing.
An enjoyable historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters.

While, admittedly, The Inklings Detective Agency is a work of fiction, it is a masterful work of mystery in the vein of the classic mystery writers of the past, several of whom are characters in the book along with other beloved writers of other genres. John R. Kelly has done his research and utilizes the knowledge he has acquired to weave the personalities and quirks of C.S. Lewis, J.R. Tolkein, and their fellow Inklings along with Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, and even occultist show more Aleister Crowley among other notables with the atmosphere of Oxfordshire and London of the 1930s to create a delicious murder mystery. While the story includes a secret, occult society, readers can count on C.S. Lewis to keep the story grounded with his Christian influence. This book is indeed a treat, and I most highly recommend it to my fellow mystery lovers.

I give this book five stars and can only hope that John R. Kelly has more mysteries in store for the Inklings Detective Agency to solve. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Inklings Detective Agency from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. show less