Rama, the Hindu god who maintains dharma – or the balance of all things – is in terrible trouble, and only Barnabas and Wilfred can save him!Private detectives to the gods, Barnabas Tew and Wilfred Colby, believed they’d discovered the secret to taking charge of their destinies. Unfortunately, nothing is as it seems and taking control is easier said than done.Fresh off their most challenging case … most challenging case to date, the two detectives step into a cenote: an otherworldly portal that connects worlds and can take them anywhere. Each is hoping to be reunited with someone he left behind, but they soon realize that something has gone terribly, disastrously wrong. Unexpectedly, they find themselves in a Hindu temple, together with Kamadeva, the Hindu god of desire.
Kamadeva asks them to save his friend Rama, who is in grave danger. It seems an innocent enough request, but Barnabas and Wilfred have learned that not everything is at it seems, and the right thing to do is not always so obvious.
The detectives have faced dangerous deities before, but the Hindu gods are different. Otherworldly, wise, and full of shadowy motivations, they all seek to manipulate the hapless detectives to suit their purposes.
Can Barnabas and Wilfred see through the illusions and the lies to uncover the truth of the matter? Or will they fail, and choose the wrong side?
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Oh, whenever Barnabas Tew and his assistant Wilfred go on another adventure, you can be sure I’ll be reading right along! This time, they’ve unexpectedly arrived at a Hindu Temple, tasked with saving Rama…if they can quit bickering (about whose fault it was they ended up in the wrong place) for long enough!
I LOVE Barnabas and Wilfred’s relationship. Between the quirky and constant bickering, they are still very clearly the best of friends! Their friendship has developed more and more over the series, and Barnabas has even promoted Wilfred to junior partner! I have laughed, cried and rolled my eyes through this series. Honestly, these characters are probably the most unique characters I’ve read!
As per usual, Columbkill Noonan has written an intriguing mystery set amongst the Hindu Gods. It’s such a unique concept, and I really love how each Barnabas novel has had this in common – the characters are always in unique locations with a very unique mystery to solve!
If you’re looking for a unique mystery, with lots of interesting mythology, and two bumbling detectives that will irk you and make you love them all in a matter of minutes, this is definitely the series to check out! Each book can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed reading in order because I got to see the friendship of Barnabas and Wilfred grow!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE ENLIGHTENED COW
By Columbkill Noonan
The Fourth Book in the Barnabas Tew Mystery Series
After a challenging investigation with the Mayan gods, Barnabas Tew and his assistant, Wilfred, are ready for a break. While Barnabas intends for them to return to Egypt, Wilfred thinks of going to Midgard first, consequently, despite both of their wishes, the detectives wind up in India. Meeting the various Hindu gods is disconcerting to say the least, green skin, too many arms, talking fish…and what those people were depicted doing in that tapestry!!! Although suspicious, the pair agree to help Kamadeva and his consort save their friend Rama. As the detective duo navigate the world of Hindu gods they discover that things aren’t always what they seem and motivations are shadowy. Will their willingness to help prove disastrous?
This fourth adventure of Barnabas Tew is a bit different from the other books in the series and that just may be the point. The hilarious bantering still exists as do the various gods and how Barnabas and Wilfred cope with them. There’s less of a mystery here though. True, our detectives have a mission, which evolves, but the story isn’t so much about saving Rama as the journey they take.
Barnabas Tew is growing spiritually, while still maintaining his blustery Victorian gentlemanness. Ganesha got to the heart of the matter as he cleared the duos auras, describing their essences perfectly. While there is a lot of heart in this story, there’s a lot of laugh out loud humor that one expects in a Barnabas Tew novel as well. A fish out of water story here becomes a fish IN water story too! I love the part with the water dragon, indeed, I enjoyed the dealings with all the new friends they made here.
BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE ENLIGHTENED COW is a delightfully funny journey with the Hindu gods looking at dharma while showing the inner spirit of our intrepid detectives.