Death wears many faces… Only Justicar Jhee, a magic-wielding sleuth, can unmask this one.Jhee and her polygamous household have settled into life in the capital, and for once, things seem peaceful. A war crimes tribunal against the doctors of the Medical Protectorate is underway, and Jhee has been asked to assist with it.When invited to an Imperial retreat by an old Captain, he tells them that … an Imperial retreat by an old Captain, he tells them that Jhee’s old friend has gone missing. Jhee is concerned about her, as the friend had not been herself when they last met, and when her husband mentions that another of his friends is also missing, her suspicions are raised further.
As she delves into the mystery, she uncovers more unsavory facts about her first and senior husband, who has become involved with a violent club of ex-military berserkers. When one of the missing friends turns up at her house, it seems that at least something is going her way.
It isn’t long before their friend disappears once more, and shortly afterward, berserkers and seemingly ordinary people turn up dead. Now, Jhee has a real mystery to contend with, as they had all been mugged days before their deaths.
Who is responsible for their deaths? The answers lie closer to home than Jhee would like to admit. But how can she prove who committed these crimes and avoid the suspicions of the secret police, who think she is somehow involved?
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Just when she thought things were settling down, people start to go missing, including those close to her family. Our heroine must get to the bottom of this to avoid suspicion falling on herself and her family.
This is book three of the series. It works well as a standalone. All of the essential bits are explained pretty early on.
This is a mystery story with an intriguing fantasy/urban fantasy setting. It has magic which I usually associate with fantasy as well as shifters which I generally consider urban fantasy. Fortunately, labels aside, the entire thing comes together to create a well detailed, very deep setting for our story. The characters are also well developed with lots of depth, detail and individuality to them. All of this supports a plot that is rather complex and full of twists and turns which keep you guessing as to what comes next. My only real issue with the story was that it delved into the politics of the world rather more than I care for. Nevertheless, I still found it to be highly enjoyable.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin for review purposes.
Justicar Jhee and the House of Sorrows (The Justicar Jhee Mysteries #3), my fourth read from author Trevol Swift, and the fourth book in The Justicar Jhee Mysteries. A fun-to-read fantasy/mystery. Character & plot development are great. The style is reminiscent of the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
This should be a classic, such as LOTR saga and many others! I received this free book for review and enjoyed it down to last page and whisper of the possible backstories and progress of the characters. The imagery is a peacock of flavors and colors, a costume and scenery department delight. I started with the first book and was hooked from the beginning. This read is for all ages from middle, YA, or older readers and as the series deepens, the more spellbinding and intense it becomes. Action reveals the life of Justicar Jhee, her polygamous household of two husbands, Shep and Kanto, and a wife named Mirrei. They have moved upward on the political stage and new household settings in a larger city fire the roles among household members seeking to retain or solidify their positions. I enjoyed the way all had important roles, solid interests that intermingled with the others in order to deal with any impending situation. Shep has suffered many things from his military service as a berserker, treated by the Medical Protectorate division called “The Cutters”. His fellow vets are disappearing and ending up dead under mysterious circumstances. Jhee has to navigate through the Imperial courts. Kanto as second husband becomes more important in duties and deepening relationship to Jhee. Mirrei is a healer spending time away from family to work her craft. The item of children in the family becomes important. This was a very interesting section in itself and well written with the duties, obligations and legal aspect of offspring, Jhee as usual is led astray with legal concerns and forced to look at her duties closely and in future terms. One of her family no longer fits in their role and must be ousted.
Having read the first books, I think this one is the best yet. Miss Swift’s style is quite different from other fantasy authors, and I find her characters and world fascinating. This plot moves right along, with many facets – her family situation, politics in the capital, the mystery of the deaths of various people and a plot behind them … keeps you turning the pages!
I received a review copy and voluntarily leave this review.
As usual a fast paced action packed storyline. With various subplots throughout. Keeps you thoroughly engrossed right through to the end of the book. Wonderful characters this writer has a way that brings them alive and vibrant to you. Very well written series and I am anxious to read more.
As with the first two books this one had very imaginative characters and a really good twisty and interesting plot line. I managed to get this book free from the author as a preview. I’m very glad I got to review it.
Trying to find the missing people and then others dying.
Jhee is finally living peacefully until a friend turns up missing and then one of hers husbands does too. When she’s checking she finds her first husband is involved with a ex military berserker club. Her friend turns up at her home but then disappeared again. Then berserkers and ordinary people are being found dead. Now she had to solve the mystery of why and who’s behind this as the secret police are looking at her to be involved! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Jhee is a very good character in this story. A good book, Just not something I would usually read. But enjoyed reading…