Consulting Detectives

Jekyll & Hyde: Consulting Detectives #1

by Tim Major

Dr Jekyll and his monstrous alter-ego join forces with his ex-fiancée to solve a series of disappearances across Victorian London in this thrilling mystery, perfect for readers of Stuart Turton and James Lovegrove.

When Muriel Carew attends a lavish society party, the last person she expects to bump into is her ex-fiancée Henry Jekyll, a man she's not seen for many years. When Jekyll turns out to be investigating a series of missing persons in London, Muriel is intrigued. But Jekyll is not working alone, and if Muriel wants to aid in the investigation, she must work with both Henry and his partner, the monstrous and uncouth Mr Hyde.

As their search takes a dark turn and a missing persons case becomes a murder investigation, Muriel finds herself deep in a mystery involving a nefarious group exploring their own hidden alter-egos within the beating heart of London's high society.

To solve the case and bring those responsible to justice, Muriel must find a way to place her trust in Mr Hyde, which might mean uncovering secrets about her own life she never dreamed of discovering.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime, Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2024

About the author

Tim Major is a British Fantasy Award-winning writer and freelance editor from York, UK.

His books include Jekyll & Hyde: Consulting Detectives and a sequel, Jekyll & Hyde: Winter Retreat, plus Snakeskins, Hope Island, three Sherlock Holmes novels and short story collections And the House Lights Dim and Great Robots of History.

Tim’s short stories have been selected for Best of British Science Fiction, Best of British Fantasy and The Best Horror of the Year, and his story ‘The Brazen Head of Westinghouse’ won the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 2024.

Find out more at www.timjmajor.com

Reviews

[Oliver Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a fantastic concept - Jekyll and Hyde as a pair of detectives - but ends up being less fun that it might have been. The mystery is decent enough and the female lead (Jekyll’s ex-fiancée) is great, but I felt more could have been made of the mismatched duo. Trash-loving me wanted something exuberantly silly, and this isn’t that. What it does, it does well though, so I think this is a case of the reader and book not matching, rather than the book being bad.

[Alyson Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Titan for this ARC, that is so enjoyable! Told from the aspect of Muriel Carew, Henry Jekylls ex fiancee. They meet and find common ground in their detective pursuits, trying to solve the missing person cases that Henry is already investigating.
These characters are intelligent, tenacious, and immensely likeable, written into a well structured story that keeps the reader wanting more.
Then we have to talk about Edward Hyde. This character surprised me the most. Taking the original character from the novel and fleshing him out, making for quite the trio.
I really hope this will be a series!

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review and Titan Books provided an early galley for review.

The concept, the setting and the cover of this novel really caught my attention. It sounded like it would a fun read.

Major has dabbled with mysteries featuring other literary figures before (he has a trio of Sherlock Holmes novels to date). So, this one seems to fall right into his lane. As it turns out, all of the main lead characters here come from past Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde stories with Muriel coming from the 1931 film adaptation (which the author fully acknowledges in his end-notes). Major's writing style and tone fits well with the Victorian era setting, coming across as elevated and proper. It reads in a very classic way.

At the heart of it all is the interplay and relationship between Henry/Edward and Muriel. There is a tension as well as a contrast in methods that provides a conflict to go along with the ongoing mystery itself. The differences in personalities provide the real uniqueness and intrigue of the story.

I appreciate the ending with its potential for a sequel. There is definitely more that Major can mine from the trio.

[Dirk Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for an early copy to review.

I had high hopes for this book when I saw that it would involve Jekyll and Hyde, one of the best horror genre books written. It has a good premise, missing people, Jekyll joining up with his former fiance to investigate, and good villains.
I found that it was not as gripping as I hoped. The characters were not engaging. The villian in the first few chapters doesn't appear again until near the end. And the storyline wasn't compelling.
For myself, a mystery should be captivating. You should hate to put down the book, needing to know what will happen next. I could have stopped reading this novel at any time and not ever thought twice about it. I wasn't invested in the characters and was indifferent to their stories.

[Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

As far as the synopsis goes, this checked all my boxes. A historical mystery featuring a character from classic literature? It sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, I was so bored. Muriel was an interesting MC, and I liked the grit and determination she had, but I found the relationship between her and Henry/Edward very bland. Aside from the character dynamics, the mystery was also uninteresting. Every time I put the book down, I forgot about it. I probably would've DNF'ed it if I were reading it physically, but I had the audiobook, so I just kept bumping the speed up. Overall, the premise was solid, but the execution was disappointing.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel sees the characters created by Stevenson as private detectives. Jekyll is the brains and Hyde the muscle. Add in socialite Muriel who is Jekyll's ex-fiancee and you have an interesting dynamic between the three. A case of a dodgy entrepreneur mixed with some missing people and the newish fad of portrait photography. Great start to a new series; loved the characters, the plot developments and the twists.

[Erin Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Titan Books and NetGalley. The story is told from the point of view of Muriel Carew, Henry Jekyll’s ex-fiancée. Muriel reconnects with Henry and embarks on an adventure, investigating a series of missing persons cases. Edward Hyde is present and is an extremely interesting figure in the tale. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I hope it is the first in a series. Highly recommend!!!

[Hardly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad until the end

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book solidified for me that the mystery genre isn’t for me. It felt boring, and the characters were at times forgetful and stupid. Why isn’t it 2 stars if I feel this way, then? Well, I can appreciate parts of it, and it does have some good ideas and concepts, such as the whole idea of an ex-fiancée for Jekyll, who also happens to be the daughter of the guy he kills in the original book, (I believe this idea was taken from a movie, but still) and the creepy, twisted ideas behind the main antagonists. Muriel was an interesting enough protagonist, although it was hard to get a grasp on her personality, as it was with many of the characters, and I could’ve told her what happened to her father before I even started the book. However, there were still things I wasn’t a huge fan of. For example, how Hyde was handled. It was funny, I suppose, and I guess it fit the plot, but he felt more like a gimmick or a plot device than a character. He also didn’t show up very much, which I guess is because of the book taking place in a short time frame, but still. The plot was also hard to follow at times. I wish we had more meaningful character interactions. Again, you’re probably wondering why I didn’t give the book 2 stars. And that’s because I don’t think it’s a bad book- just one that’s not for me.

Now, the most important question is, will I be reading the next book when it comes out? The answer is a begrudging yes. I’m curious to see where they will take this story and these characters.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book mainly because I liked the idea of Jekyll and Hyde becoming detectives. What I didn't expect, was a book that was well thought-out, thought-provoking and incredibly interesting and layered. Yes, there is a murder mystery and although it's a good one it was also a slightly predictable one because I guessed part of what was going on early on (I'm pretty sure Team Mortis had a case that is a lot like this one!).

But in a way this book isn't really about the case. It's about Henry, Edward and Muriel. It's about their characters, their emotions, their developments. The author does an amazing job keeping the focus on the case, while also having Henry Jekyll deal with his fears and issues. The author also does an amazing job giving Edward Hyde an interesting personality and I can't wait to learn more about him in the next installment.

And then there's Muriel! Most of the chapters are from Muriel's point of view, which I was not expecting, and I liked her as a character so much! She was fierce and intelligent. She was caring. She was open minded. She was most of all balanced. In between being brave and strong, she had beautiful moments of showing emotions. Her sadness, her anger, her fear. I loved this book way more than I had expected and I can't wait to read the next book!

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This sounded like an interesting, unique premise for a mystery. Unfortunately, it was not for me and will be a DNF.

I understand that the premise that Jekyll's former betrothed coming across him just as a murder takes place with both of them investigating would involve some rehashing of their history and why they broke up. But that aspect just went on far too long for me. I wanted them to decide to move forward together and just do it but they didn't.

All the relationship/former relationship drama was just very boring for me. I didn't care about it and that was obviously going to be a major aspect here. It's not for me and I'm moving on to something else.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAWPILE 7.00
4 STARS

I managed to get my hands on a copy of this on release week from my local library- I'm never that lucky! I can't believe it!
A rainy, gloomy Sunday afternoon meant reading must be done and I was itching to pick this up- I devoured it in one sitting. I loved this- I really love Muriel as a main character. Henry and Edward are well written, deeply flawed and believable characters- there was no part of this that felt far reached or indeed obtuse. I couldn't put it down, the characters, the locations, the crimes- I really, really enjoyed it.
I sincerely hope that this becomes a series as there was so much more to learn about the characters, their interactions and the detective business could open up a whole new world of cases, experiences and investigations.

[Shona Kinsella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read. Well-written and engaging throughout,

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of disappearances causes the orbits of Muriel Carew and her former fiancé, Henry Jekyll, to collide. She soon discovers that Henry is working as Mr. Hyll, a consulting detective and that he has a guilty secret he struggles to hide from her.

The idea of using Dr. Jekyll as a Victorian version of the Hulk is interesting and Major uses the split personality of Jekyll and Hyde to great effect. However, it is Muriel Carew (a creation for the 1931 film 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) that comes to life on the page and she "sells" the conceit to the readers.

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* enjoyed it overall but 1 enough

[Lauren (QueenOfMors) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Muriel Carew attends a lavish society party, the last person she expects to bump into is her ex-fiancee Henry Jekyll, a man she's not seen for many years. When Jekyll turns out to be investigating a series of missing persons in London, Muriel is intrigued. But Jekyll is not working alone, and if Muriel wants to aid in the investigation, she must work with both Henry and his partner, the monstrous and uncouth Mr Hyde.

As their search takes a dark turn and a missing persons case becomes a murder investigation, Muriel finds herself deep in a mystery involving a nefarious group exploring their own hidden alter-egos within the beating heart of London's high society.

To solve the case and bring those responsible to justice, Muriel must find a way to place her trust in Mr. Hyde, which might mean uncovering secrets about her own life she never dreamed of discovering.

This is such a fun book with the perfect blend of cosy crime meets gothic literature in an intriguing murder mystery setting. Tim Major reinstates the element of mystery from the original Robert Louis Stevenson novel, bringing it back to its state as a detective novel. With modern retellings of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde they often ommit the detective element of the story due to the revelation that Jekyll and Hyde are one and the same but this book bounces off that element and creates a fantastic narrative of Jekyll and Hyde going on to investigate crimes but at the same time ensure doubts and unease as to whether Hyde plays an element in any foul play with each taking on specific parts of the investigation.

The inclusion of Jekyll's ex-fiancee as part of the detective crew is a great addition to this adding a lighter heedfulnees view to the tale but without losing its sinister and atmospheric qualities which brilliantly link to the 1930's film that first introduced a fiancee to the Jekyll and Hyde story.

I really enjoyed how this tale drew upon and linked classic works related to Jeykll and Hyde whilst forming its own solid plot. The murder mystery itself is enticing and provides the right air of gothic creepiness with vulgar characters and hidden societies. At the same time, it is also a fun tale with spots of humour creating a cat and mouse game to find a killer while unlocking the mysteries of Jekyll and Hyde through Muriel's perspective.

I really hope this becomes a series, and we get to see Jekyll and Hyde solve more crimes

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Jekyll & Hyde: Consulting Detectives is the first in a series of historical mysteries featuring the titular pair, written by Tim Major. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Titan Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in 3rd quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Neat premise: Jekyll -and- Hyde as a two-in-one consulting detective. The story is written from the PoV of Jekyll's ex-fiance, Muriel. They meet up, and team up, as a result of a chance meeting contiguous with disappearances in their upper class social set. The author is quite adept at writing the antipathy / fondness / exasperation (mostly on the part of Muriel) which colors their collaboration.

The characters (including Muriel) are drawn from the print and film canon. The dialogue and descriptions are very well done, very Victorian, and without discernible anachronisms. It's an enjoyable and engaging read with a well done mystery "hook".

It's the first of a series (second book due out in Oct 2025), so much of the first book's content is given over to development and background, but the denouement and resolution are classic and fair-play.

Four stars. Well done. It will appeal to classic mystery readers, and fans of similar modern genre mysteries (Haig, Turton, et. al.). The author has included a short (quite interesting) acknowledgement note at the end with more info about the characters. Read it after finishing the book.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muriel Carew comes across her former fiance Dr. Henry Jekyll at a society party and is intrigued with his new profession of investigating serial murders. If she wants to help his investigation, she will also have to deal with his partner, the mysterious Mr. Hyde. To delve into the secrets of the murders involves a group of people from high society delving into their hidden sides. Muriel must trust Mr. Hyde as the investigation progresses and discover more about herself as well as this man.

Ten years after their engagement fell apart, Muriel is investigating theft and Henry Jekyll is an investigator as well. Their paths cross due to their dealings with the same person, and a body in the barn complicates matters. Though Henry is rude and sometimes dismissive of clients as well as her involvement, Muriel continues to follow through with the investigation. She soon figures out that Jekyll and Hyde are the same person, and that she's far more personable than either one. Each gathers clues about the missing people in their own way, and also determines how to move forward together. The two/three of them are determined to solve the crime, though Muriel is the only one who cares about justice and the safety of the victims. Henry wants a good reputation as an investigator and Edward Hyde does what Henry says. It's an interesting dynamic, and I enjoyed seeing them in action to solve the case as well as try to get along. This makes a great start to a potential series about their business as consulting detectives.

[Paul Parris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jekyll and Hyde: Consulting Detectives is the first novel in a new series by Tim Major that takes the characters of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella and spins it in a new direction.

Muriel Carew, Henry Jekyll’s ex-fiancée, teams up with her old flame to uncover the truth on people missing all across the city. But when bodies start turning up, is the murderer part of society’s elite or could it be the mysterious Edward Hyde that haunts her dreams that is committing these crimes?

A really cool concept for a novel that could have done a bit more. The mystery was interesting enough, but it leaped around a bit at times. Also, to move the story along, characters came to grips with plot points a little too conveniently. Character development was lightning fast and could have used a bit more time to coalesce. An understanding of the classic novella serves as best background you can get, although the characters are slightly different than that book.

Overall, I enjoyed the novel and it was a quick read. I just wish it had a bit more substance to it. The second book in the series comes out in October and I will still check it out with the hopes that it expands on some of the ideas introduced in this novel.

If you like mystery novels with a classic twist, you will probably enjoy this book. Parents, some adult situations occur and there is some gruesome scenes but nothing that is super over the top. Very little language also means that it can be enjoyed by teenagers and up.

Happy Reading Everyone!

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen a few retellings/reimaginings of RL Stevenson's classic in recent years, and was very intrigued by the premise of this one. Diving in, I was pleasantly surprised to find that (like the original) our narrator is neither of the title characters, but a very clever woman on her own mission, inadvertently colliding with the aforementioned 'gentlemen' on the way.

I was reminded of the recent 'Sherlock' TV series in the feel and style, but thankfully without the self-aware quips and tricks, feeling modern while retaining the historical tone of a Victorian novel. Muriel is a delightful heroine, smart and observant without being annoying or a 'Mary Sue' (to my relief!). As an original character, she gelled beautifully with those from the original book and this felt like an adjacent storyline that could easily have run in parallel.

Events zip along smartly, everything is revealed in good time without being heavy-handed, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the mystery.

Definitely in the top tier of modern reworked classics.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinion is entirely my own.

[Haxxunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neo-Victoriana crime romp

Flavoured by Stevenson's original, Major offers a continuation of the story that is light on the science fantasy and heavy on the gore, with a fascinating crime mystery in a gaslit London. Reminding me of Mark Frost and G. W. Dahlquist, with a mystery that hides beneath the more ordinary one of embezzlement and stolen fortunes, the novel places at front and centre Muriel Carew, a 1931 filmic companion to Henry Jekyll, and in Major's hands a capable and curious society woman with her own reasons to bate the beasts of the upper classes. As she gets closer and closer to solving the mystery, she also gets close and closer to Jekyll's own secret, and even the secret behind that secret.

What a web we weave: four well-earned stars.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to Titan Books and Tim Major for an ARC of Jekyll & Hyde: Consulting Detectives. This is a retelling of the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

This was a fun read. The setting and writing style complimented each other well—I felt as if I was in late 19th-century England. I enjoyed the plot a lot, even if following the case at the beginning may have been a bit arduous! I was still able to understand and get used to the language and plot later throughout the book. The characters are very likable—I loved the wit and intelligence present in their personalities. This is a good read to get you into the autumn mood.

Themes present:
🔎 Retelling
🐦‍⬛ Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
🔎 Detectives
🐦‍⬛ Solving murders/disappearances
🔎 Female heroine
🐦‍⬛ Historical fiction

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this. Really unique and had a great plot! The prologue is quite gory and you can skip it; it’s explained later, and gives such an interesting insight into Edward Jekyll. Jekyll is, in some ways, the most interesting character, because he is monstrous, and slowly becomes aware of that and begins struggling with it. This isn’t a “sympathy for the serial killer” kind of thing, more a study of a man who knows he has a serious psychological defect and tries to overcome it. I am hoping there are subsequent books, because I’m really invested in these characters now, and I want to know what happens to them! The ending makes it clear there will be another installment, at least.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little twist on the Jekyll & Hyde story. Jekyll disappeared years ago and his ex-fiancé, who was terrified by Hyde the night her father died and and Jekyll vanished, comes to realize that Jekyll and Hyde are one and the same person (in Incredible Hulk style). Jekyll had been away attempting to tame Hyde. He has become a private investigator, with the barely controllable Hyde stepping in to do some of the work that the milk-toasty Jekyll cannot. Muriel joins the "team" and the three of them solve some disappearances and murders. First of a series. A bit entertaining despite the absurdity.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review. I love the story of Jekyll and Hyde so when I saw this I had to request it. I feel like this book would be perfect for those who love Agatha Christie style of mystery writing although this is less of a whodunnit. My issues with this book were strictly personal. I didn't love the progression of the book and felt like the pacing was quite slow at times. This is completely my opinion though as I understand others will love books like this. I would say to give this book a go if you like Victorian era mysteries

[Andreas · Rating 2 out of 5]

What if Jekyll and Hyde were detectives? It's a fascinating premise. Unfortunately the execution of that premise did not deliver.

The mystery itself feels somewhat underdeveloped and lacks depth needed to engage the reader. There were also some pacing issues. Certain sections dragged, while others felt rushed. And then there was the character exploration of Jekyll and Hyde. The story just skims the surface of their dual existence. The nuance and complexity between the two could have been developed more.

A great concept that unfortunately falls flat.

[Stella Fried · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quick read! I was curious how this adaptation would go because I think it can be difficult to adapt iconic characters like Jekyll and Hyde into a different version of their world. However I think Majors did an excellent job of this. I really enjoyed the main characters and Jekyll and Hyde felt very realistic. Glad the door has been left open for a sequel, I'll be keeping my ear to the ground

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad mystery. I I like the idea of Jekyll AND Hyde working together(ish).but what to say about this author's treatment of Muriel? She wishes she had her bonnet at the beach. She regrets seeing long sleeves. Seriously! Women, especially ladies, would not leave the house (or hotel) without bonnets, gloves, and her arms covered. Muriel needs a lady's maid to accompany her in so many of her little jaunts. Totally unrealistic treatment of an 1890s woman. Do your homework.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This premise was unique. I slept through the audiobook of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, but I paid close attention to the protagonists in this story. I think I can accept it, but mainly because of Muriel Carew.

The crimes in this plot are horrendous. Someone captures victims that other people use as bait to work out their obsessions.

But the writing is clever and I enjoyed the chase.

I borrowed a copy from the public library.

[MG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a case of awesome premise (just see the title), so-so execution for me. I really wanted to love it and there were times I liked it a lot. It just never pulled me in completely. There's definitely a lot of promise here though and I would be curious to see what a sequel would be like.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.