The Excalibur Murders
A Merlin Investigation - Book I
by J M C Blair
If you are a fan of the Malloryesque mediaeval dreamworld approach to the Arthurian cycle and enjoy whodunits, then
here is a new series that is aimed straight at you. Merlin insists that he is not a wizard, but an advocate of
Reason, and is set against the superstitious paganism of King Arthur’s court. He is assisted by young Colin, who
is really Nimue in disguise, on the run from Morgan’s court, where she was about to be the reluctant half of an
arranged marriage. Arthur is thrilled to discover the magical Stone of Bran, which he thinks will be a panacea for
all ills that beset the court. But just after he has unveiled this marvel to his court, the Stone is stolen along
with Excalibur. Left in their place is a very dead body; enter Merlin and Colin / Nimue to find out whodunit.
The Arthurian cycle can be likened to a lump of clay in that it is moldable into whatever shape the writer so
chooses, and here we have an intriguing mixture. Mr Blair has obviously been reading Mark Twain and T H White
(especially the former) with his semi-humorous but pessimistic view of a boisterous but disillusioned King Arthur,
wicked Morgan, scheming Guinevere and brainless Lancelot. Having the court as pagans is an interesting twist, as
are the murders themselves. You will have to wait some time before any actual detective work goes on as the two
new sleuths get to grips with crime solving and how to best go about it. It is the sort of book that takes time to
warm up and has the feel of a first book in what might well be a promising series, especially if Mr Blair proves to
be at all adept at characterisation. This would seem to be a point in his favor so far, as familiar Arthurian
characters develop some interesting personalities - the gloomy, misunderstood and scholarly Mordred might well be
the most interesting. Losing a few of the "tennis match" conversations (think of Edward Marston) might also be a
good plan. Stick with this, as it might be going somewhere. |
The Book |
Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Group) |
1 July 2008 |
Paperback |
0425222535 / 9780425222539 |
Fantasy / Mystery |
More at Amazon.com
US ||
UK |
Excerpt |
NOTE: Holiday read - Christmas |
The Reviewer |
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewed 2008 |
NOTE: |
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