My Five Word TL:DR Review:  One Word Will Suffice: Brilliant

A Tangle of Time is the second in the Hexologists series – of which I hope there will be many – and as second in series goes it’s an absolute banger.  I loved it.

I think that if you intend to read this you should read the first in series, but that’s because the first is very good, you’d miss so much in terms of the world, the set up and the characters and also why deny yourself the pleasure.  However, if time is something of an issue and the thought of having to read the first before diving in here is off putting, then I believe you could pick this up as a standalone.

My review for The Hexologists ended on this note “Stunning, clever, stylish, filled with creativity and misdirection. I can’t wait to see where this takes us next.” And, I would say this still holds true here.

A Tangle in Time – well, the clue is definitely in the title, which is spot on.  This is indeed a mystery and a deliciously tangled web.  At the heart of this story is a murder mystery and one which Isolde and Warren have not specifically been asked to investigate, rather they’ve stumbled upon something by accident and Isolde is unable to let it go – and with good reason.  And, in fact, there is another mystery that feeds perfectly into the story – Isolde’s missing father.  I definitely think this book could be read again and probably with even more enjoyment the second time around, picking up on all the nuances that sometimes almost get lost in the indecent haste of tearing through the pages to discover the book’s secrets.  Will I read it again?  Probably not if I’m being honest but I can dream.

I’m not going to delve further into the plot.  This is a captivating story that really heightens the tension and I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

What worked for me.

The writing is again perfect.  I love this style.  It suits the period, the couple and the storyline perfectly.  I literally found myself rereading certain paragraphs because they were simply so enjoyable to read.

The setting has a faux Victorian feel.  I think I mentioned in my review this almost feels like a new Sherlock and Watson, with Isolde being the persistent Holmes and Warren her beleaguered and good natured assistant.

The couple themselves are a delight to read.  They’re a well established couple with their own little quirks.  They fit together so well and in fact you could say that they are cosy.  There love for each other shines out so easily.  Definitely not a romantic story but one which shines in terms of the main character’s true partnership.

And, the imagination at play here is once again off the charts.  As the description says ‘seedy underworlds, enchanted gardens, and subterranean military zoos’, plus wolves, all manner of attacking birds, vampirish pixies/wasps and of course a culinary minded dragon.  There’s no shortage of critters and dangerous situations as the pair put their lives at risk in the search for answers.

I loved it and really can’t get enough of this series.  Highly recommended.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 5 of 5 stars