Set in 18th century Bavaria, this new series of crime-fantasy books for adults follows the adventures of Gretel(yes, that Gretel), who is now 35, still living with her brother Hans, grown very large, and working as a Private Detective.
PJ Brackston also writes historical fantasies as Paula Brackston. For more about these books, follow the signpost to Witches.
As Gretel delves into the facts behind his disappearance she discovers no shortage of suspects. In fact, just about everyone she meets had reason for wanting the odious man dead. Her only clue points in one disturbing direction: the deep dark forest. So it is that Gretel, with a reluctant Hans as porter, must trek into the woods of her childhood trauma, braving all manner of discomforts and dangers--not least of which is a terrifying reminder of her past.
Bavaria, 1776. When Albrecht Durer the Much Much Younger's Frog Prints go missing, he knows exactly where to turn for help. Gretel (yes, that Gretel), now 35 and still living with her gluttonous brother Hans, is the country's most famous private investigator, and she leaps at the opportunity to travel to cosmopolitan Nuremberg to take on the case.
The small, sleepy town of Gesternstadt is shaken to its pretty foundations when the workshop of the local cart maker is burnt to the ground, and a body is discovered in the ashes. It is Gretel who notices that the cadaver is missing a finger.
Gretel's professional interest is piqued when she begins to hear whispers of of mysterious goings-on off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein: sailors are disappearing, and there are rumors of mermaids and sea creatures and all manner of slippery, sea-based happenings.
“Bestseller Brackston (The Witch’s Daughter) melds folktale whimsy with a sardonic adult voice in the rollicking first of a new series set in 1776 Bavaria.”
Publishers Weekly
“Dances a fine line between spoof and satire, with a hearty mix of fairy-tale lore thrown in. Larger-than-life characters are balanced with a smart plot that is sure to appeal to fans of Jasper Fforde’s ''Nursery Crime'' series.”
Library Journal
“Clever and cute. Delightfully witty vignettes matched with a solid plot. A real charmer. A wonderful mystery series, something truly different and enjoyable to read.”
Bookgasm
“This spoof of Brothers Grimm fairy tales will have readers laughing out loud.”
Library Journal