Customer Reviews

Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

"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.

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.

Many moons ago, I started life writing short stories for comps and things to earn pocket money... I once tried to do a story about a paranormal detective and failed miserably, but I was young and I'm sticking to that excuse.

I got this after it was recommended to me, along with another book by the same author and I wasn't disappointed. Max Killian is a P.I. of the old school, and Schneider's world where the people of fairytales are back amongst us and vying for the same jobs and the same pay... it's inspired and brilliantly written.

Of the 5 stories, I liked the third and the last one best, though every offering was well written and entertaining in a slightly different way. Although it would have been nice to see greater character development as the stories progressed, I didn't feel this detracted from the stories - indeed, it made it more viable that they could stand alone and not confuse a reader picking them up in a varied order - and so I understand why the writing follows the pattern it does troughout the book.

This is a good book and a nice little escape from the normal read. Personally, it took me three weeks to read all the stories, as I fitted them in when the fancy took me rather than ploughing through the whole book and missing the subtleties of the stories.

Very enjoyable. Very nice book. 5 deserved stars.

I just finished reading Tracking Magic. I found the collection of short stories to be a delightful diversion.

I love short story collections because they let me enjoy an entire story in one sitting, despite my busy schedule. I bought this book with that in mind. I thought I'd just open the book and read a story, and then resume my other planned activities for the day. But the book was so intriguing that I finished it in one sitting.

I loved the character Max Killian. I felt that he was well developed, and that's not always an easy task in the short story format. I found him to be a likeable character. I found all of the characters to be adequately developed, and that's not always the case in short story collections.

I enjoyed all the stories, but my favorite was "Roadkill." The ghost of Troy attempting to help the captive fairies really appealed to me as did what transpired in the end.

The author obviously knows her topic. That tells me she researched properly, and that is why limestone plays a role in this book. Bravo Ms Schneider! I appreciate proper research. It makes a book worth the time spent reading it.

I highly recommend this read to people who enjoy short story collections. This author produced a quality collection.

Sincerely,
Ricky

Bunch of short stories that really moved fast with a lot of humor in them. Really enjoyed this book.

Plot/Storyline: 4 3/4 Stars

Each of the five stories in this collections were very well thought out. The plots were interesting, and, although, they each had the `dead' in common, all were unique in their own right.

While not especially memorable, the stories were entertaining while reading. A couple of them had some nice twists, too.

The setting was wonderfully imaginative and really helped the pace of the stories.

Character Development: 5 Stars

Throughout the five stories, the reader is treated to many aspects of the character of Max Killian, the main character and "detective." I really enjoyed gettingto know him and would love to see him featured in a full length novel.

The stories were also peopled with intriguing secondary characters, each with their own unique personality.

Writing Style: 5 Stars

One of the reasons I purchased this book was for Ms. Schneider's writing style. I featured a previous book of short stories, Sage, in an HonorableMentions post, and had read and reviewed her novel, Catch an Honest Thief. In both of those, I really enjoyed her writing style and was not disappointed in this book. Ms. Schneider has a unique writing style that makes readers want to keep reading. It has an easy flow with excellent descriptions.

One of the things I love so much about paranormal/fantasy novels is their amazing attention to detail. Worlds beyond comprehension are created and characters, with otherwise impossible abilities, are summoned up from the imaginarium of the authors mind.

Now, all that being said I was pretty excited by the idea of a "paranormal-magic tracking" private investigator, unfortunately having a fantastic idea doesn't always equal great execution.

For those of you who have ever watched a film noir or noir shorts you will easily understand the format for "Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations)" Here was a novel that was written as a series of short stories which are (when you break it down) actually case files for the PI Max Killian, (a somewhat blase' middle-aged investigator who -to be honest- makes a brick wall sound exciting.)

After Schnieder's 1st story "Haunting Clues", (which I thought ended abruptly and had no substance) I was certain things would get better... there was just so much potential there, but instead of getting better, (expanding the personal attributes of Max or even bringing in references of older cases) the stories just...stayed the same. They were (in places) mildly entertaining, but the obvious repetition in the beginning of each story ( yes - I get it, you don't tell people you can smell magic because then you will be taxed by the government) had me tuning out.

Would I count "Schnieder" out of the writers talent pool? No... she just needs to focus more on where she wants her "Hero" to go.

Do I think "Tracking Magic" is worth the time? Well since it only took me 2 and a half hours to read, sure... I'm just not all that sure I'd want to pay $2.00 for that 2 hours.

Read if you have NOTHING else.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: The IRS eventually finds everyone.. there is no point in hiding... they are like a bad case of Ebola with no vaccine.