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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun reading and recommended!, November 21, 2010
This review is from: Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations) (Kindle Edition)
This is a short book (1700ish locations but the end of the Max Killian content is at around 1560) with 5 stories of varying quality. I found the "Roadkill" story to be my favorite which featured the investigation as to why a 15 year dead ghost had started removing a class ring from his father's house and placing at the site of his demise. Most of the stories have a funny twist or just funny details (which I enjoy) but oddly my favorite had the least amount of humor.
I like the premise that the author has created--the post Oil apocalypse/financial meltdown where the world has returned to the gold standard, and the people of myth have returned (now that money is something real). The main character is a human PI with the minor ability to smell magic and death. Unfortunately in the new world order apparently anyone with an extra 'talent' gets taxed more, so Max has had to hide his 'edge' which, coupled with the Elven investigation agency across the street, has limited his ability to get new work. I like how the main character has a small talent, but really is a regular joe who needs to get by.
As each story is a short, only small aspects of the world can be introduced at a time. Overall this is handled well, but at the individual story level l was left wanting a little more, hence my 4 stars. (The true 5 star shorter story or stories have to be a good read of course, but not leave me feeling like there is too much left out)
On the other hand, a novella or even a novel in this world would be quite welcome (hint, hint to the author) and I enjoyed this collection enough I am going to download another by this author.
Definitely worth the read, and handy for times when you need to sneak something quick in.
JTG
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wickedly fun!, April 26, 2010
This review is from: Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations) (Kindle Edition)
"Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations)" is Maria Schneider's second foray into fantasy, and I'm happy to say that she's batting a thousand. Like her first fantasy work, "Sage: Tales from a Magical Kingdom," "Tracking Magic" is a collection of short stories, but that's where the similarities end. "Sage" is set in an unstated time and place where everyone has some kind of magic power, whereas "Tracking Magic" is the Earth in the future after fossil fuels have been exhausted. With few conventional energy sources remaining, it's now safe for supernatural beings such as witches, elves, and fairies to come out of hiding and offer their unique and powerful services to humans.
"Tracking Magic" is a collection of five short stories about the exploits of Max Killian, a private detective who, as a human, has no magic powers, but his remarkable perceptiveness and ability to work with supernatural beings earn him a decent living. I enjoyed each of the five short stories in the collection. In "Haunting Clues," a wealthy thief learns the hard way that there are consequences to his thievery, even when the stolen property is only a bunch of rocks. "Roadkill" shows how dangerous even cold cases can be. "Privy to Secrets" was my favorite story. It's a very creative story combining humor, witchcraft and black magic, and even a little romance for Max.
Ms. Schneider amazes me with her creativity and originality. "Tracking Magic" is the third book of hers that I've read, and each one has revealed more of her talent and her ability to combine genres. She describes "Tracking Magic" as "Get Smart meets Ghostbusters." That's an apt description. Max is a funny guy, but his business is serious, and he knows that just being around magic can get him killed at any time or place with no warning.
As a bonus, "Tracking Magic" includes samples from some of the author's other works.
Bottom line: two thumbs up and five stars.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fun read!, July 18, 2010
This review is from: Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations) (Kindle Edition)
Tracking Magic contains five easy to read short stories featuring detective Max Killian. Each case is separate and distinct, told from Max's perspective. Throughout the five stories, I was able to get a good understanding of Max's world and his personality. What I really liked about these stories was that while they all had paranormal elements (curses, ghosts, fairies), each case was actually solved by good old-fashioned detective work. My favorite story was Dearly Departed; it showcased Max's investigative skills, his quick thinking, and his sense of humor.
This charming little series is great for when you are short on time but still want something light and entertaining to read. I liked the book summary in the beginning, but a clickable table of contents would be a nice addition. This is the first book I have read by this author and I like her witty and humorous style. I look forward to checking out her other books.
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