Murder in the archives: murder and magic (pt. 2/2)

Abstract

I know that I said I prefer real murder stories to fictional ones, but all rules have exceptions. My exception is fantasy. So, when I was scrolling through our catalogue for “murder”, I couldn’t help but stop at Murder and Magic by Randall Garrett (call number: F12827). The book is part of an alternative history series and stars a Detective Darcy who solves crimes with the help of a sorcerer. I was torn. “Detective” sounded a lot like Sherlock, and I didn’t want to have two detective stories on my plate; but “magic” sounded a lot like “I’ve been looking for a new fantasy book to read, and this may be the one!” The deciding factor was something silly: I had recently read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Mr. Darcy. Detective Darcy. I don’t believe in fate, but this seemed pretty close. I was convinced.