Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow by Columbkill Noonan
Rama, the Hindu god who maintains dharma, or the balance of all things, is in terrible trouble, and only Barnabas and Wilfred can save him!
Private detectives to the gods, Barnabas Tew and Wilfred Colby, believed they’d discovered the secret to taking charge of their destinies. Unfortunately, they’re about to be taught a hard lesson: nothing is as it seems and taking control is easier said than done.
Fresh off their most challenging case to date, the two detectives step into a cenote: an otherworldly portal that connects worlds and can take them anywhere if they how to use it. Each is hoping to be reunited with someone he left behind, but they soon realize that something has gone terribly, disastrously wrong. Instead of being reunited with their lady-loves, they find themselves in a Hindu temple, together with Kamadeva, the Hindu god of desire.
Kamadeva asks them to save his friend Rama, who is in grave danger. It seems an innocent enough request, but Barnabas and Wilfred have learned that not everything is at it seems, and the right thing to do is not always so obvious. It doesn’t take long to discover that not all the gods want Rama saved, leaving the two detectives to make a terrible choice.
The detectives have faced dangerous deities before, but the Hindu gods are different. Otherworldly, wise, and full of shadowy motivations, they all seek to manipulate the hapless detectives to suit their purposes.
Can Barnabas and Wilfred see through the illusions and the lies to uncover the truth of the matter? Or will they fail, and choose the wrong side?
Author Bio
Columbkill Noonan is the author of the bestselling “Barnabas Tew” series, which features the bumbling-yet-lovable Victorian detective Barnabas and his trusty sidekick, Wilfred. Columbkill combines her love of mythology and her affinity for period fiction to craft unique cozy mysteries that will leave you guessing (and chuckling!) till the very end.
My Review
5 Stars
After finishing Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Cursed Serpent, I was excited to read the next book in the series. The reward for solving their last case was that Barnabas Tew and Wilfred Colby can travel between worlds. Unfortunately they have a bit of miscommunication and both find themselves at a Hindu temple. They are giving the task of saving Rama who is in great danger.
When the two get themselves turned into fish it puts a bit of a damper on the investigation. First they are going to have to find the Enlightened Cow before being turned back into humans. With Barnabas’ bumbling and a lot of dumb luck the two find themselves back in the right form. But when they find Rama they learn that Rama doesn’t want to be saved. Now what are they to do?
These two have a great, brokering partnership. I loved how Barnabas has learned that Wilfred means a lot to him and promotes him. I really enjoyed the romp through Hindu mythology. I loved learning about the different gods and how little slights can get you in big trouble.
I really like this series. Both Barnabas and Wilfred remind me of an old married couple with their bickering. But they grow on you as you read. I also enjoy reading about the different mythology. My appetite has been wetted and now I want to reach out for more stories. This is a great mystery series and one that I recommend checking out. I can’t wait to catch up on the first two books and see what these two trouble makers get up to next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and share this book.
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