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katreader's review
5.0
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE CURSED SERPENT
by Columbkill Noonan
The Third Barnabas Tew Mystery
Still in the heavy clothes from their Norse adventure Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, find themselves sweltering in the tropical heat of Cozumel. Odin recommended the pair to the Mayan goddess Ixchel who requires their assistance to once again prevent the end of the world. It's up to the Victorian detectives to figure out who cursed Kukulkan and break said curse so that Uncle Rabbit can be resurrected and the cycles of life can continue.
Bat-monsters, a pus demon, gods with impossible names, and the dreaded ball game are just some of the things our heroes must contend with in their third adventure. I'm not familiar with Mayan mythology and enjoyed learning about the various gods and demons found here. I did know about their ball game, however, resulting in gasps and "oh no"s whenever the subject was brought up, as Barnabas and Wilfred had no clue about the truth of the game.
The Barnabas Tew Mysteries make me laugh. I find myself snickering, giggling, and even laughing out loud. Even more uplifting than the laughter is the heart. Despite the fact that many of the characters are gods and demons, there is so much humanity to be found here, friendship, loyalty, the pain of unfulfilled relationships and missed people and places. In their otherworldly adventures, our heroes are also learning what it is to be human. I adore the indomitable spirit of Barnabas Tew. He may not have a clue of what he's doing, he may be facing certain death, but he gallantly soldiers on doing his best.
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE CURSED SERPENT is a delightful adventure with plenty of action, humor, and an intricate mystery. It's a book that continues to make me smile long after I read its last page.
by Columbkill Noonan
The Third Barnabas Tew Mystery
Still in the heavy clothes from their Norse adventure Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, find themselves sweltering in the tropical heat of Cozumel. Odin recommended the pair to the Mayan goddess Ixchel who requires their assistance to once again prevent the end of the world. It's up to the Victorian detectives to figure out who cursed Kukulkan and break said curse so that Uncle Rabbit can be resurrected and the cycles of life can continue.
Bat-monsters, a pus demon, gods with impossible names, and the dreaded ball game are just some of the things our heroes must contend with in their third adventure. I'm not familiar with Mayan mythology and enjoyed learning about the various gods and demons found here. I did know about their ball game, however, resulting in gasps and "oh no"s whenever the subject was brought up, as Barnabas and Wilfred had no clue about the truth of the game.
The Barnabas Tew Mysteries make me laugh. I find myself snickering, giggling, and even laughing out loud. Even more uplifting than the laughter is the heart. Despite the fact that many of the characters are gods and demons, there is so much humanity to be found here, friendship, loyalty, the pain of unfulfilled relationships and missed people and places. In their otherworldly adventures, our heroes are also learning what it is to be human. I adore the indomitable spirit of Barnabas Tew. He may not have a clue of what he's doing, he may be facing certain death, but he gallantly soldiers on doing his best.
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE CURSED SERPENT is a delightful adventure with plenty of action, humor, and an intricate mystery. It's a book that continues to make me smile long after I read its last page.
mad_about_books's review
4.0
As nonsense books go, the books in the Barnabas Tew series contain a pretty accurate portrayal of ancient myth. Our detectives start out in the land of the dead with Anubis, move on to the Vikings with Odin, and now find themselves with the Mayans. I have to say that BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE CURSED SERPENT is resonating with me. My guilty pleasure is watching "Ancient Aliens" where the ancient Mayans are discussed quite often. Because I have heard the names of the gods and places spoken, it is much easier to come to grips with the names of their client (Ixchel) and the Mayan underworld (Xibalba).
Barnabas fancies himself walking in the shoes of Sherlock Holmes but looks more like Hercule Poirot. He is a round, fussy little man much given to bluster to cover up his deficiencies. He has grown somewhat in this book since he seems a little less fussy but still blustering and covering up his mistakes with apology and embarrassment.
I will admit that the Barnabas Tew books are not my usual fare, but I needed something light to take my mind off current events (written in 2020, the pandemic year). I've been reading a lot of non-fiction that definitely promotes insomnia. These books provide just the cadence to allow me to sleep.
Barnabas fancies himself walking in the shoes of Sherlock Holmes but looks more like Hercule Poirot. He is a round, fussy little man much given to bluster to cover up his deficiencies. He has grown somewhat in this book since he seems a little less fussy but still blustering and covering up his mistakes with apology and embarrassment.
I will admit that the Barnabas Tew books are not my usual fare, but I needed something light to take my mind off current events (written in 2020, the pandemic year). I've been reading a lot of non-fiction that definitely promotes insomnia. These books provide just the cadence to allow me to sleep.
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