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DI Adams #3
A Right Shambles in York
Steel and iron. Tree and root. And a city crushed between.
In the ancient city of York, a master charm has been stolen. With it comes the power to raise an army of unstoppable metal guardians spread across not just Yorkshire, but the world.
Which is bad enough. But if the charm isn’t recovered soon, the steel beasts won’t be the only ones on the rampage.
Because Heather – near-goddess of the wood and wild, partner of the charm’s creator – has her own ways of dealing with these things. She’ll turn the city to mulch to reclaim the charm, and never mind the casualties.
DI Adams never asked to be the magical community’s problem-solver, but with York teetering towards destruction, she’s suddenly the only one standing between humanity and a full-blown nature-vs-machine catastrophe.
Armed with her invisible, caffeine-addicted dog, her duck, and some allies with questionable loyalties, Adams plunges into the hidden underbelly of York in search of the thief. Never mind the implacable automations, ravenous beasts, and lurking toilet monsters – she’s also got the horrors of people skills and some bendy physics to deal with, and she can’t even arrest them.
But she's got to make this work. Time’s running out. The charm is waking.
And when root rises to meet steel, it won’t just be York that falls...
###
This is book four in the DI Adams Mysteries, which began somewhat further south with What Happened in London, before heading to Yorkshire in All Out of Leeds.
The DI Adams Mysteries contain no graphic violence, scenes of a sexual nature, or strong language, but they do contain some blasphemy, as well as a truly disturbing level of caffeine consumption.
In the ancient city of York, a master charm has been stolen. With it comes the power to raise an army of unstoppable metal guardians spread across not just Yorkshire, but the world.
Which is bad enough. But if the charm isn’t recovered soon, the steel beasts won’t be the only ones on the rampage.
Because Heather – near-goddess of the wood and wild, partner of the charm’s creator – has her own ways of dealing with these things. She’ll turn the city to mulch to reclaim the charm, and never mind the casualties.
DI Adams never asked to be the magical community’s problem-solver, but with York teetering towards destruction, she’s suddenly the only one standing between humanity and a full-blown nature-vs-machine catastrophe.
Armed with her invisible, caffeine-addicted dog, her duck, and some allies with questionable loyalties, Adams plunges into the hidden underbelly of York in search of the thief. Never mind the implacable automations, ravenous beasts, and lurking toilet monsters – she’s also got the horrors of people skills and some bendy physics to deal with, and she can’t even arrest them.
But she's got to make this work. Time’s running out. The charm is waking.
And when root rises to meet steel, it won’t just be York that falls...
###
This is book four in the DI Adams Mysteries, which began somewhat further south with What Happened in London, before heading to Yorkshire in All Out of Leeds.
The DI Adams Mysteries contain no graphic violence, scenes of a sexual nature, or strong language, but they do contain some blasphemy, as well as a truly disturbing level of caffeine consumption.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
101 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Kim M. Watt
42 books335 followersHello lovely people!
I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.
And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.
You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.
But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.
And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.
Come join me!
I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.
And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.
You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.
But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.
And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.
Come join me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 15, 2025
IN A NUTSHELL
The DI Adams series keeps getting better. Adams (almost against her will) continues to develop as a character. Adams is also learning more about the Folk and their interactions with humans.
'A Right Shambles In York' goes beyond being a cozy mystery and becomes an Urban Fantasy thriller with child-safe corners to stop it feeling too edgy. It introduces some wonderful (and quite scary) new creatures and puts Adams under more pressure than ever before.
It was an engrossing, entertaining read that often made me smile.
On publication day, I fell on ‘A Right Shambles In York‘ (2025) with the eagerness of a starving man at a free buffet. It didn’t disappoint. I like that the DI Adams books are a little darker and edgier than the Toot Hansell novels. This DI Adams novel steps the tension up a gear, making it into a thriller rather than a mystery, but still keeps a cosy, optimistic, nothing-too-awful-is-going-to-happen feel.
I enjoy Adams' slightly prickly style. She’s focused. She hates small talk and she really, really hates having people try to help her. A black female Met Detective who transferred to Yorkshire with a reputation for getting involved in cases with a woo-woo feel to them, Adams started this series as an outsider. It was just her and her invisible magic dog. In this third book, Adams starts to realise that, whether she wants it or not, she has people around her who have her back, which is just as well as this book has some fairly scary monsters in it and Adams is repeatedly put in high-risk situations where help isn’t optional.
I admire Kim Watt's ability to produce a thriller where the tension and the action are threaded through with bits of humour. I liked that the people around Adams stayed cheerful, even under pressure. I also liked the Guardians, magic-powered automata made of scrap metal that Adams encounters, especially the not-quite-a-cat-but- DEFINITELY-NOT-a-robot, Fergus. I hope he’ll become a regular member of the cast.
The DI Adams series keeps getting better. Adams (almost against her will) continues to develop as a character. Adams is also learning more about the Folk and their interactions with humans.
'A Right Shambles In York' goes beyond being a cozy mystery and becomes an Urban Fantasy thriller with child-safe corners to stop it feeling too edgy. It introduces some wonderful (and quite scary) new creatures and puts Adams under more pressure than ever before.
It was an engrossing, entertaining read that often made me smile.
On publication day, I fell on ‘A Right Shambles In York‘ (2025) with the eagerness of a starving man at a free buffet. It didn’t disappoint. I like that the DI Adams books are a little darker and edgier than the Toot Hansell novels. This DI Adams novel steps the tension up a gear, making it into a thriller rather than a mystery, but still keeps a cosy, optimistic, nothing-too-awful-is-going-to-happen feel.
I enjoy Adams' slightly prickly style. She’s focused. She hates small talk and she really, really hates having people try to help her. A black female Met Detective who transferred to Yorkshire with a reputation for getting involved in cases with a woo-woo feel to them, Adams started this series as an outsider. It was just her and her invisible magic dog. In this third book, Adams starts to realise that, whether she wants it or not, she has people around her who have her back, which is just as well as this book has some fairly scary monsters in it and Adams is repeatedly put in high-risk situations where help isn’t optional.
I admire Kim Watt's ability to produce a thriller where the tension and the action are threaded through with bits of humour. I liked that the people around Adams stayed cheerful, even under pressure. I also liked the Guardians, magic-powered automata made of scrap metal that Adams encounters, especially the not-quite-a-cat-but- DEFINITELY-NOT-a-robot, Fergus. I hope he’ll become a regular member of the cast.
May 22, 2025
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I've loved Kim Watts books for a few years now and this latest one, focussed on Inspector Adams is well up to standard. For those of you new to Kim Watt, Inspector Adams first appears as a rather long suffering and irritated Detective Inspector in the Beaufort Scales series.
The Inspector Adams series starts before the start of the Beaufort Scales, explaining how she moved from London to Yorkshire and then runs in parallel to Beaufort Scales on cases that amazingly don't involve Beaufort and his dragons. The Beaufort books are the most cozy of Kim's work, and the DI Adams less so, but this still takes place in a mostly gorgeous location - the City of York - plus some grubby and even threatening alternate/parallel/magical world locations such as a shop selling very unusual meat which I'd certainly not want to step inside.
DI Adams is called in to assist with a theft from a jewellers, with a most definite connection to the other world, and a rather fabulous mechanical cat called Fergus - who scares Dandy the invisible dog/hell hound of variable size. Adams colleague Collins is back, their acerbic and "don't tell me it's Toot Hansell stuff" boss and Rory of the impoverished landed gentry with his two rather useful sheep dogs. Greatly enjoyed this and also the short stories that come from a free link at the back of it - Fergus the mechanical cat is back.
I've loved Kim Watts books for a few years now and this latest one, focussed on Inspector Adams is well up to standard. For those of you new to Kim Watt, Inspector Adams first appears as a rather long suffering and irritated Detective Inspector in the Beaufort Scales series.
The Inspector Adams series starts before the start of the Beaufort Scales, explaining how she moved from London to Yorkshire and then runs in parallel to Beaufort Scales on cases that amazingly don't involve Beaufort and his dragons. The Beaufort books are the most cozy of Kim's work, and the DI Adams less so, but this still takes place in a mostly gorgeous location - the City of York - plus some grubby and even threatening alternate/parallel/magical world locations such as a shop selling very unusual meat which I'd certainly not want to step inside.
DI Adams is called in to assist with a theft from a jewellers, with a most definite connection to the other world, and a rather fabulous mechanical cat called Fergus - who scares Dandy the invisible dog/hell hound of variable size. Adams colleague Collins is back, their acerbic and "don't tell me it's Toot Hansell stuff" boss and Rory of the impoverished landed gentry with his two rather useful sheep dogs. Greatly enjoyed this and also the short stories that come from a free link at the back of it - Fergus the mechanical cat is back.
July 19, 2025
More Tom Foolery from Kim M. Watt as her Detective Inspector (DI) Adams solves the mystery of the stolen charm. Beware the "folk" side of York.
May 20, 2025
Chugga-chugga-choo-choooooo!
Poor Adams, she's getting in deeper and deeper with 'the other's'.
A phone call from an old case throws our favourite D.I and Dandy into another 'Toot Hansell ' kind of case!?
A magic charm has gone missing. There are many suspects and metal animals etc, for Adams to look for.
She's been told if she can't figure out who, then things will be taken into the owners hands, and it won't be pretty!
What I mostly took from the book is I WANT A FERGUS!!!!!!! Please 😁😁😁😁
This book is full of peril, metal animals, squirrels, running and Chugga-chugga-choo-choooooo!
I'm waiting for Fergus, the big black baby dog and others to move in with Adams 😂😂😂😂 Lord her face 😮😠🙄
Middge and Pinto find Dandy enthralling 💖💖💖 and so do I 😁😁😁
Can't wait for MORE!
Poor Adams, she's getting in deeper and deeper with 'the other's'.
A phone call from an old case throws our favourite D.I and Dandy into another 'Toot Hansell ' kind of case!?
A magic charm has gone missing. There are many suspects and metal animals etc, for Adams to look for.
She's been told if she can't figure out who, then things will be taken into the owners hands, and it won't be pretty!
What I mostly took from the book is I WANT A FERGUS!!!!!!! Please 😁😁😁😁
This book is full of peril, metal animals, squirrels, running and Chugga-chugga-choo-choooooo!
I'm waiting for Fergus, the big black baby dog and others to move in with Adams 😂😂😂😂 Lord her face 😮😠🙄
Middge and Pinto find Dandy enthralling 💖💖💖 and so do I 😁😁😁
Can't wait for MORE!
May 19, 2025
Whoa! There’s a LOT to unpack in this newest DI Adams mystery. I’ve loved all of the books in this series but this one is by far my favorite And I REALLY want a Fergus of my own 😉. Adams is deep in it this time. Mired in magic and not just Folk magic but deep dark beginning of the world type magic. While chasing suspects and “keys” with only Fergus to give whatever help he can while Dandy and Collins and Rory all go missing by the wayside in a very time and place layered York. A lot of the time not quite sure what York Shambles she’s in. York, old York or ancient York. Fantastic addition to the series and I can’t recommend it highly enough 🙂
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author but I’d have purchased it myself anyway. My review is very much really and truly my thoughts! The hardest part was trying to get how amazing it is across without spoiling it for others 😉
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author but I’d have purchased it myself anyway. My review is very much really and truly my thoughts! The hardest part was trying to get how amazing it is across without spoiling it for others 😉
May 28, 2025
I got an ARC for an honest review. Kim M Watts books are always a good time and this one is no exception, it's a bit more tense and less cozy than the earlier DI Adams books (which of course already is the less cozy series), which was a lot of fun, I think I read it in a day and a half because I just couldn't stop reading.
The one point of criticism I have is that even though DI Adams isn't known for her people skills I had still hoped for a little more development of a certain relationship.
But all in all another lovely DI Adams book!
The one point of criticism I have is that even though DI Adams isn't known for her people skills I had still hoped for a little more development of a certain relationship.
But all in all another lovely DI Adams book!
May 20, 2025
Detective Inspector Adams of the North Yorkshire Police does not want to be involved in magical weirdness. But thanks to a chain of events that began in London and took her to the Yorkshire Dales, she seems to be stuck in the role of interface between the forces of mundane law and order and the parallel world of The Folk, the half-hidden people who supply all the aforementioned magical weirdness. And she hasn't got much back-up, either. It's mostly just her, policing the gap between worlds with little more than her native wit, a metal duck and a supply of coffee and Yorkie bars. Luckily for all concerned Adams is both capable and resourceful, if not exactly patient with the often exasperating Folk. The latest instalment is set mostly in York, a fine city with many notable landmarks. Oh, yes, and a quasi-goddess who is about to go on a rampage if she doesn't get her property back, leaving Adams with little time for sight-seeing. A police person's lot is not a happy one ...
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review).
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review).
May 25, 2025
Oh boy! Are you in for a treat if you’ve just picked up this book. First, arm yourself with a duck, a big stick and plenty of chocolate. Preferably Yorkies. Yorkies will get you out of any trouble you find yourself running from whilst reading this book.
Failing that, better invest in a nightlight.
What starts off for DI Adams, seems to be a straightforward simple theft. She should of course realised by now that any call from Heather at Ash & Yew will be anything but straightforward or simple. Adams sets about it the only way she knows how, using her policing skills, Dandy and occasionally Rory to help see what is going on in the real York, the York that most passers-by’s and tourists can’t see, nor might want to given what lurks beneath.
What follows is an introduction to a charmed metal cat, a rather severe-looking, and rather large horse and a trip across the underbelly of York, being chased by numerous unseen but wholly imaginable monsters, plants, towers of junk (hey! That’s valuable and antique junk if you don’t mind!) and then a few monsters she wished she’d never seen at all. Whilst having to rescue Rory, then Collins, then them both all before her third (or was it fourth?) cup of coffee.
This DI Adams story returns to the roots of old as appeared in What Happened in London, and the more she tries to apply policing logic, the more squirmy, shadowy, brighter the world becomes with extra tentacles and sharp edges.
I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to stand on a Tube platform (Underground trains for the non-Brits) ever again unless I’m clutching a duck and armed with Yorkies. But I’d read it again in a heartbeat.
Failing that, better invest in a nightlight.
What starts off for DI Adams, seems to be a straightforward simple theft. She should of course realised by now that any call from Heather at Ash & Yew will be anything but straightforward or simple. Adams sets about it the only way she knows how, using her policing skills, Dandy and occasionally Rory to help see what is going on in the real York, the York that most passers-by’s and tourists can’t see, nor might want to given what lurks beneath.
What follows is an introduction to a charmed metal cat, a rather severe-looking, and rather large horse and a trip across the underbelly of York, being chased by numerous unseen but wholly imaginable monsters, plants, towers of junk (hey! That’s valuable and antique junk if you don’t mind!) and then a few monsters she wished she’d never seen at all. Whilst having to rescue Rory, then Collins, then them both all before her third (or was it fourth?) cup of coffee.
This DI Adams story returns to the roots of old as appeared in What Happened in London, and the more she tries to apply policing logic, the more squirmy, shadowy, brighter the world becomes with extra tentacles and sharp edges.
I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to stand on a Tube platform (Underground trains for the non-Brits) ever again unless I’m clutching a duck and armed with Yorkies. But I’d read it again in a heartbeat.
August 10, 2025
4.5 stars
May 28, 2025
I always look forward to spending time with DI Adams and her increasingly curious companions and this 4th instalment does not disappoint. It is fast paced and sprinkled with humour, but also contains plenty of mystery and peril to ensure that the book doesn’t have time to gather any dust on my virtual bookshelf.
This time Adams is a little outside of her patch, but while this brings some extra complications it doesn’t deter her friends from helping (and hindering) in their own unique ways. A few questions are answered but even more remain, giving tantalising hints of what might be revealed in future adventures. To say that these stories are odd is an understatement, but that is exactly their charm, and they are odd in a way that is completely consistent within its own universe.
We need to know: why are ducks so important; what’s with the glitter and the Eiffel Tower used to be a what? We can only wish all power to the author’s pen and see what happens next, enjoying every second of the ride as we get there!
This time Adams is a little outside of her patch, but while this brings some extra complications it doesn’t deter her friends from helping (and hindering) in their own unique ways. A few questions are answered but even more remain, giving tantalising hints of what might be revealed in future adventures. To say that these stories are odd is an understatement, but that is exactly their charm, and they are odd in a way that is completely consistent within its own universe.
We need to know: why are ducks so important; what’s with the glitter and the Eiffel Tower used to be a what? We can only wish all power to the author’s pen and see what happens next, enjoying every second of the ride as we get there!
June 6, 2025
Kim Watt has done it again. A Right Shambles in York is a brilliant, twisty, darkly funny story in the DI Adams series. Set between the historic streets of York and its eerily fascinating alternative version, the story is packed with strange crimes, magical machines, coffee thieving invisible dogs, and the sort of oddities you’d really rather not meet before breakfast. (Looking at you, bathroom kraken.)
York comes alive in all its familiar charm and uncanny otherness. The mix of the mundane and the magical is perfectly balanced, and as always, DI Adams is the grumpy, determined detective we can’t help but root for.
The supporting cast, both human and otherwise, shine, especially Fergus (definitely not a cat, but a total scene-stealer! Loved Fergus!). The plot is intriguing and fun. If you love witty writing, great characters and invisible dogs, this whole series is a must read.
York comes alive in all its familiar charm and uncanny otherness. The mix of the mundane and the magical is perfectly balanced, and as always, DI Adams is the grumpy, determined detective we can’t help but root for.
The supporting cast, both human and otherwise, shine, especially Fergus (definitely not a cat, but a total scene-stealer! Loved Fergus!). The plot is intriguing and fun. If you love witty writing, great characters and invisible dogs, this whole series is a must read.
June 6, 2025
More Dandy, more mystery, more magic, and a Fergus!
When a master charm is stolen, DI Adams and Dandy, together with her partner Collins and new sidekick Rory (and dogs), must race against time to find it. Otherwise an angry nature semi-goddess, will take matters into her own hands.
Settle in with your supplies at hand, and tumble into a world of magic, invisible dogs, lots of mystery and mayhem and one very unusual cat. What is not to love about this wonderful romp filled with fun, humour and friendship; and a sinister mastermind in the shadows.
Highly recommended and really looking forward to the next installment!
When a master charm is stolen, DI Adams and Dandy, together with her partner Collins and new sidekick Rory (and dogs), must race against time to find it. Otherwise an angry nature semi-goddess, will take matters into her own hands.
Settle in with your supplies at hand, and tumble into a world of magic, invisible dogs, lots of mystery and mayhem and one very unusual cat. What is not to love about this wonderful romp filled with fun, humour and friendship; and a sinister mastermind in the shadows.
Highly recommended and really looking forward to the next installment!
June 16, 2025
As always a very enjoyable read! And Fergus is so cute!!! Sadly there is no relationship development between …
Can’t wait for the next book. Maybe then? Also I really want to know who’s behind all of this.
Can’t wait for the next book. Maybe then? Also I really want to know who’s behind all of this.
June 11, 2025
The best one yet
I absolutely loved it, I know York very well but thankiIve never come across the things that our gang encounter
One more thing whete can I get a Fergus ?
I absolutely loved it, I know York very well but thankiIve never come across the things that our gang encounter
One more thing whete can I get a Fergus ?
June 5, 2025
Weirder, Scarier and more Folk than ever
DI Adams might be just about in over her head in this urban fantasy/thriller. Folk abound, metal meets woods and you will never look at allies or scrapyards the same way again.
This is a fantastic addition to the series. Tense, scary and a few giggle moments too. And you'll love Fergus.
DI Adams might be just about in over her head in this urban fantasy/thriller. Folk abound, metal meets woods and you will never look at allies or scrapyards the same way again.
This is a fantastic addition to the series. Tense, scary and a few giggle moments too. And you'll love Fergus.
June 6, 2025
It just keeps getting better
A great title. Animated mechanical creatures becoming more alive and developing personalities. Detective Inspector Adams becoming a little bit better at peopling. Foreshadowing of some future menace. Can't wait for the next one.
A great title. Animated mechanical creatures becoming more alive and developing personalities. Detective Inspector Adams becoming a little bit better at peopling. Foreshadowing of some future menace. Can't wait for the next one.
June 7, 2025
Love Fergus! Hope he becomes a regular.
June 8, 2025
This is the third solo outing for DI Adams, not counting the prequel “What Happened in London” (which explained why Adams is not keen on bridges) and yet again Ms Watt provides a hugely enjoyable tale that takes off from the starting gate at a gentle canter and then proceeds to gallop as if all the demons in hell were on its heels. You don’t need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one as Ms Watt is very good at slipping in brief explanations without interrupting the flow. However, if you haven’t read the previous books or the Beaufort Scales books where Adams first appears (trying to keep the Toot Hansell WI and dragons out of trouble) you may miss some of the nuances. I requested an ARC copy of this book as I have really enjoyed the series so far. All opinions are my own and no-one has paid me to do this.
This book begins innocuously enough with DI Adams undertaking relatively normal police work checking out a possible minor theft, albeit outside of her jurisdiction. The not necessarily sober victim suggested candidates for the heist makes it clear that this is not a police matter. She is then swiftly drawn into a mysterious theft in York (also out of her jurisdiction, but a case that her boss and some colleagues would describe as “a bit Toot Hansell” meaning a case that involves the parts of this world that humans just don’t notice; there is magic and strangeness, creatures of myth and legend running businesses, stuff that the average police officer is not able to see let alone investigate. Also there are no forms that cover stolen magical items which wreak their own havoc, and werewolves and magical creatures are difficult to bring to trial).
The mystery deepens as the missing artefact is the master controller for magical constructs which guard everything from art collections to treasure to weapon stashes all over the world. It seems that the people who have lost it are not telling the whole story, and one of them has threatened to destroy everything in their path until they have retrieved the artefact. Having delayed calling in Adams after it went missing they are ready to wipe out the city of York, unless she can solve the mystery and return it to them before the weekend is over.
As Adams stubbornly fights her way through to the truth equipped with basic policing skills, lock picks, a rubber duck/torch and a multitool on a keyring, and a big stick (well an extendable baton), with every twist and turn of the plot she becomes more enmeshed in the magical side of the world; once you have seen it forever will it mark your destiny – ahem! She is ably assisted (when she lets them) by Dandy her caffeine-addicted invisible dog, her genial colleague Collins (whose Aunt is in the Toot Hansell WI), her newish friend Rory (who has an excellent arcane library), Thompson of the Watch (a sarcastic cat, ever in need of a meal), and the absolutely delightful Fergus. Adams is not someone who is comfortable with people or makes friends, and puts up with the interference - no, sorry - good natured assistance of others grudgingly even when she needs it.
The pace picks up as the time limit races towards them. Can they work out who has stolen the controller, what their intentions are and where they are going to carry out their nefarious deeds before the other side lose patience and tear York apart? This book races down to the wire. There are thrilling chases, terrifying monsters, ducks, Yorkie bars, vandalism to royal trains, and, as ever, our heroine firmly brandishing a good stout stick. And when it is all over, questions remain: will Adams give in and start carrying dog and cat biscuits in her pockets? Is it really over, or is this just another instalment in a more convoluted plot yet to be revealed? How will her dinner plans play out?
Oh, and don’t miss the link at the end of the book which will take you to two short stories involving Fergus and the pub.
This book begins innocuously enough with DI Adams undertaking relatively normal police work checking out a possible minor theft, albeit outside of her jurisdiction. The not necessarily sober victim suggested candidates for the heist makes it clear that this is not a police matter. She is then swiftly drawn into a mysterious theft in York (also out of her jurisdiction, but a case that her boss and some colleagues would describe as “a bit Toot Hansell” meaning a case that involves the parts of this world that humans just don’t notice; there is magic and strangeness, creatures of myth and legend running businesses, stuff that the average police officer is not able to see let alone investigate. Also there are no forms that cover stolen magical items which wreak their own havoc, and werewolves and magical creatures are difficult to bring to trial).
The mystery deepens as the missing artefact is the master controller for magical constructs which guard everything from art collections to treasure to weapon stashes all over the world. It seems that the people who have lost it are not telling the whole story, and one of them has threatened to destroy everything in their path until they have retrieved the artefact. Having delayed calling in Adams after it went missing they are ready to wipe out the city of York, unless she can solve the mystery and return it to them before the weekend is over.
As Adams stubbornly fights her way through to the truth equipped with basic policing skills, lock picks, a rubber duck/torch and a multitool on a keyring, and a big stick (well an extendable baton), with every twist and turn of the plot she becomes more enmeshed in the magical side of the world; once you have seen it forever will it mark your destiny – ahem! She is ably assisted (when she lets them) by Dandy her caffeine-addicted invisible dog, her genial colleague Collins (whose Aunt is in the Toot Hansell WI), her newish friend Rory (who has an excellent arcane library), Thompson of the Watch (a sarcastic cat, ever in need of a meal), and the absolutely delightful Fergus. Adams is not someone who is comfortable with people or makes friends, and puts up with the interference - no, sorry - good natured assistance of others grudgingly even when she needs it.
The pace picks up as the time limit races towards them. Can they work out who has stolen the controller, what their intentions are and where they are going to carry out their nefarious deeds before the other side lose patience and tear York apart? This book races down to the wire. There are thrilling chases, terrifying monsters, ducks, Yorkie bars, vandalism to royal trains, and, as ever, our heroine firmly brandishing a good stout stick. And when it is all over, questions remain: will Adams give in and start carrying dog and cat biscuits in her pockets? Is it really over, or is this just another instalment in a more convoluted plot yet to be revealed? How will her dinner plans play out?
Oh, and don’t miss the link at the end of the book which will take you to two short stories involving Fergus and the pub.
July 8, 2025
If I were to have any complaint about Kim Watt's books, it's that I never want them to end, and that was particularly true of this one - it was such fun! As a bonus it's set in York, which I know reasonably well, so I really enjoyed following Adams, Collins and Rory around the city, both real and "other". It's easy to believe that it's multi-layered (Edinburgh is too...)
Writing a review is difficult for a book so far into the series, because it so easily leads to spoilers. So: in A Right Shambles in York we have some long-established characters - DI Adams' colleague Colin goes back to the Beaufort Scales books - and some newer ones, both 2 and 4-footed, that I was also really delighted to see again. (Including her boss, Maud, by the way.)
Adams is off her turf here - she shouldn't be investigating in York, but she's doing a favour for one of the Folk; she's not comfortable with it, but not sure she can refuse because, who else will do it? It takes her, as the title suggests, back to York's famous Shambles, beloved of tourists for its ricketty charm, and it is easy to believe that this area functions in two worlds, Folk and everyday. She has Dandy with her, of course, as ever opportunistically swiping sausage rolls and lattes, and leaving cries of puzzled outrage in his wake. I think, incidentally, that Dandy is probably my favourite of all Kim Watt's characters, with the possible exception of Green Snake in the Gobbelino London series - it's ironic that I enjoy the silent characters so much, when all the dialogue is so good. Dandy is more than capable of expressing his feelings though.
Anyway, Adams is asked to find a missing Master Charm and it leads to all the glorious mayhem round York's landmarks that we expect. This is an entirely satisfying installment in the series and I really can't recommend it too highly (with the caveat that, if you haven't read the earlier books in the series, then go back and start at the beginning, because you'd be depriving yourself of so much fun if you didn't). I'll get the audiobook next, and enjoy it all over again. And then wait impatiently for the next one.
Writing a review is difficult for a book so far into the series, because it so easily leads to spoilers. So: in A Right Shambles in York we have some long-established characters - DI Adams' colleague Colin goes back to the Beaufort Scales books - and some newer ones, both 2 and 4-footed, that I was also really delighted to see again. (Including her boss, Maud, by the way.)
Adams is off her turf here - she shouldn't be investigating in York, but she's doing a favour for one of the Folk; she's not comfortable with it, but not sure she can refuse because, who else will do it? It takes her, as the title suggests, back to York's famous Shambles, beloved of tourists for its ricketty charm, and it is easy to believe that this area functions in two worlds, Folk and everyday. She has Dandy with her, of course, as ever opportunistically swiping sausage rolls and lattes, and leaving cries of puzzled outrage in his wake. I think, incidentally, that Dandy is probably my favourite of all Kim Watt's characters, with the possible exception of Green Snake in the Gobbelino London series - it's ironic that I enjoy the silent characters so much, when all the dialogue is so good. Dandy is more than capable of expressing his feelings though.
Anyway, Adams is asked to find a missing Master Charm and it leads to all the glorious mayhem round York's landmarks that we expect. This is an entirely satisfying installment in the series and I really can't recommend it too highly (with the caveat that, if you haven't read the earlier books in the series, then go back and start at the beginning, because you'd be depriving yourself of so much fun if you didn't). I'll get the audiobook next, and enjoy it all over again. And then wait impatiently for the next one.
May 31, 2025
Another enthralling book by Kim M. Watt.
DI Adams is out again, trying to pull the right threads and solve the new case.
Being much less cosy than the Beaufort Scales series there is a lot of tension, definitive more sharp metallic sentient "beings" and thus we get the joy to see how Adams grows.
She is still herself, which is wonderful, though demanding incredibly much of herself, trying to secure and shield all the other beings - if human or inhuman - and putting herself and her safety last may be good for others but quite too much for her. So now we see how she learns to take help and tries to trust others.
Seing this and how the relationship with Dandy gets stronger while she slowly begins to get a clue about what her new bigger task, she seems meant to step into, may be, is amazing.
Don't forget: She never wanted to get into these special types of investigations, she even ran from it, tried to forget about it, ignore it, nevertheless did her work as she wanted to do what is right..... and now we watch her beginning to accept her fate as well as wanting to actively gain knowledge in order to do this job as good as possible. This is great!
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, on tenterhooks to see what the aftermath of this change of mind will be.
The main story itself made it a pageturner and seing how Adams evolves, not to forget getting to know even the other characters better - as some old acquaintances turn up as well - made it at the same time heartwarming and lovely.
So thank you for this great book, Kim. M. Watt!
Dear fellow readers: The purchase is really worth it!
As ARC reader I got an early and free copy for an honest review and my review is honest. If I hadn't been one of the lucky ARC readers, I would have bought it as soon as possible and not regretted the purchase.
DI Adams is out again, trying to pull the right threads and solve the new case.
Being much less cosy than the Beaufort Scales series there is a lot of tension, definitive more sharp metallic sentient "beings" and thus we get the joy to see how Adams grows.
She is still herself, which is wonderful, though demanding incredibly much of herself, trying to secure and shield all the other beings - if human or inhuman - and putting herself and her safety last may be good for others but quite too much for her. So now we see how she learns to take help and tries to trust others.
Seing this and how the relationship with Dandy gets stronger while she slowly begins to get a clue about what her new bigger task, she seems meant to step into, may be, is amazing.
Don't forget: She never wanted to get into these special types of investigations, she even ran from it, tried to forget about it, ignore it, nevertheless did her work as she wanted to do what is right..... and now we watch her beginning to accept her fate as well as wanting to actively gain knowledge in order to do this job as good as possible. This is great!
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, on tenterhooks to see what the aftermath of this change of mind will be.
The main story itself made it a pageturner and seing how Adams evolves, not to forget getting to know even the other characters better - as some old acquaintances turn up as well - made it at the same time heartwarming and lovely.
So thank you for this great book, Kim. M. Watt!
Dear fellow readers: The purchase is really worth it!
As ARC reader I got an early and free copy for an honest review and my review is honest. If I hadn't been one of the lucky ARC readers, I would have bought it as soon as possible and not regretted the purchase.
May 21, 2025
I received and ARC of this book for an honest review.
I loved it. Honestly it’s so quick moving and exciting I was left breathless at times.
A charm has gone missing and DI Adams is called in by the owners of Ash & Yew the jewellers in York whom Adams has encountered before. This isn’t just any charm, but a master charm (not unlike the one ring) which controls all the other charms which are used by owners worldwide to protect their valuable property, including banks and security establishments.
Heather one of the owners of Ash &Yew needs this charm to be found pronto or she will unleash chaos and mayhem across York. This begins a mad dash for Adams and dandy as well as DI Collins and landowner Rory and his 2 dogs, round ‘True’ York. True York is the province of the esoteric members of the fae community which overlays the ‘tourist’ York and involves all sorts of monstrous creatures as well as new friends and acquaintances.
Some of the creatures we get to meet are the metal ones created by Charles the other owner of Ash & Yew, they have been given personalities which make them more lifelike, especially the metal cat Fergus who is adorable and Wilfred who while frightening is actually a sweetheart once you get to know him.
There are other monsters and creatures of the dark and Adams needs all her wiles plus her duck, her big stick and lots of Yorkies to get to the truth and prevent mayhem.
This book is a thrill ride from start to finish and I loved it.
I loved it. Honestly it’s so quick moving and exciting I was left breathless at times.
A charm has gone missing and DI Adams is called in by the owners of Ash & Yew the jewellers in York whom Adams has encountered before. This isn’t just any charm, but a master charm (not unlike the one ring) which controls all the other charms which are used by owners worldwide to protect their valuable property, including banks and security establishments.
Heather one of the owners of Ash &Yew needs this charm to be found pronto or she will unleash chaos and mayhem across York. This begins a mad dash for Adams and dandy as well as DI Collins and landowner Rory and his 2 dogs, round ‘True’ York. True York is the province of the esoteric members of the fae community which overlays the ‘tourist’ York and involves all sorts of monstrous creatures as well as new friends and acquaintances.
Some of the creatures we get to meet are the metal ones created by Charles the other owner of Ash & Yew, they have been given personalities which make them more lifelike, especially the metal cat Fergus who is adorable and Wilfred who while frightening is actually a sweetheart once you get to know him.
There are other monsters and creatures of the dark and Adams needs all her wiles plus her duck, her big stick and lots of Yorkies to get to the truth and prevent mayhem.
This book is a thrill ride from start to finish and I loved it.
May 26, 2025
Don't You Just Hate It When...
Don't you just hate it when you're intensely into a great new book and LIFE INTERVENES? Things like ER visits at 6:00 a.m. and unexpected surgeries? On the other hand, having a really great book to turn back to when your life is....well...a shambles, is a good thing.
First, let me just say: I NEED A FERGUS! The newest character in the DI Adams mysteries, Fergus the not-quite robot cat with a personality, is one of the best. (The companion short story to this book makes it clear that Fergus is going to be a superb sidekick to our beloved DI.)
I love the fact, too, that Adams is acquiring her own special contingent of sidekicks: Collins, of course, but now Rory, as well. I love it that she (one of my favorite characters since she was introduced in the Beaufort Scales books) always believes she can do it all on her own, striving to protect her companions, but finding out (as we caretaker personalities tend to do) that she does, genuinely, need them.
The humour in this latest DI Adams offering is a tad more subtle than in some of the previous books (glittery toilet monsters?! Grandma-style luxury railroad cars?) but always underlies the action. And there is plenty of action.
In the meantime, before I reread this book--I always reread them--I'm going to put together a toll and search for a door, because this is a reality I'd like to escape to!
Don't you just hate it when you're intensely into a great new book and LIFE INTERVENES? Things like ER visits at 6:00 a.m. and unexpected surgeries? On the other hand, having a really great book to turn back to when your life is....well...a shambles, is a good thing.
First, let me just say: I NEED A FERGUS! The newest character in the DI Adams mysteries, Fergus the not-quite robot cat with a personality, is one of the best. (The companion short story to this book makes it clear that Fergus is going to be a superb sidekick to our beloved DI.)
I love the fact, too, that Adams is acquiring her own special contingent of sidekicks: Collins, of course, but now Rory, as well. I love it that she (one of my favorite characters since she was introduced in the Beaufort Scales books) always believes she can do it all on her own, striving to protect her companions, but finding out (as we caretaker personalities tend to do) that she does, genuinely, need them.
The humour in this latest DI Adams offering is a tad more subtle than in some of the previous books (glittery toilet monsters?! Grandma-style luxury railroad cars?) but always underlies the action. And there is plenty of action.
In the meantime, before I reread this book--I always reread them--I'm going to put together a toll and search for a door, because this is a reality I'd like to escape to!
May 29, 2025
Life tries so hard to get in the way when you are trying to read. The latest DI Adams tale hooked me from the start with drunken accusations of thieving ducks (really?) i.e. ducks who steal and who are always around looking cute. This is not, however, a gentle rural tale but one which rampages through modern York, "other" York and downright ancient York with magical creatures/people galore on every side as you follow Adams with her invisible dog on the trail of a missing charm. She is assisted by DI Collins and is now joined by the posh but otherworldly Rory who claims to be having too much fun on their dangerous adventure. Add in sundry malevolent monsters (glittery or sharp), a mechanical cat and a delightful metal guardian called Wilfred and you have a recipe for humour, terror and non-stop charging towards the resolution.
Kim Watts always has a fine eye for depicting countryside but she has excelled herself with describing York with its hidden alleys and layers of history. "Other" York is totally believable and ominous.
I particularly like little asides, like petting an invisible dog to the confusion of onlookers or wondering why everybody in Yorkshire was so fixated on baked goods - it seemed to be cross-species too.
I highly recommend this story and am looking forward to re-reading it to pick up more gems of fun and fright. These days I never go without my duck and a big stick (but haven't quite got to Yorkies yet) as it's better to be safe than sorry.
Kim Watts always has a fine eye for depicting countryside but she has excelled herself with describing York with its hidden alleys and layers of history. "Other" York is totally believable and ominous.
I particularly like little asides, like petting an invisible dog to the confusion of onlookers or wondering why everybody in Yorkshire was so fixated on baked goods - it seemed to be cross-species too.
I highly recommend this story and am looking forward to re-reading it to pick up more gems of fun and fright. These days I never go without my duck and a big stick (but haven't quite got to Yorkies yet) as it's better to be safe than sorry.
May 29, 2025
Should I be surprised that Kim M Watt has hit yet another novel out of the park? Nope.
Am I surprised at how much I enjoyed this latest foray into the world of DI Adams? Absolutely not.
Should you get a copy? Oh, yes!
The basic premise: DI Adams (a human who continually gets tangled up in paranormal investigations) has been called to York to figure out who took a charm that controls the clockwork guardians that are scattered far and wide, protecting Very Important Stuff. As Adams tries to figure out whodunit (and why) she gets pulled (quite literally at times) into the "other" York.
Besides Kim's subtle sense of humor and ability to weave an intriguing tale that keeps you guessing (and turning the pages), I absolutely LOVED the tour through York that brought back fond vacation memories. Well, the human side. I've yet to see the Fae side that Adams tumbles into... whether she wants to or not.
And while some of the "human" side characters sometimes blend into one another, it's the non-human ones like Dandy the invisible dog and Fergus the mechanical cat who really steal the show! Just watch out for those beanbags.
If you like fantasy-filled investigations, strolls through northern England cities, coffee-fueled detectives, and mechanical Ferguses, get your hands on A Right Shambles in York.
Note: This book is part of a series, but can be enjoyed without having read the previous books (even though you really should read them : )
Am I surprised at how much I enjoyed this latest foray into the world of DI Adams? Absolutely not.
Should you get a copy? Oh, yes!
The basic premise: DI Adams (a human who continually gets tangled up in paranormal investigations) has been called to York to figure out who took a charm that controls the clockwork guardians that are scattered far and wide, protecting Very Important Stuff. As Adams tries to figure out whodunit (and why) she gets pulled (quite literally at times) into the "other" York.
Besides Kim's subtle sense of humor and ability to weave an intriguing tale that keeps you guessing (and turning the pages), I absolutely LOVED the tour through York that brought back fond vacation memories. Well, the human side. I've yet to see the Fae side that Adams tumbles into... whether she wants to or not.
And while some of the "human" side characters sometimes blend into one another, it's the non-human ones like Dandy the invisible dog and Fergus the mechanical cat who really steal the show! Just watch out for those beanbags.
If you like fantasy-filled investigations, strolls through northern England cities, coffee-fueled detectives, and mechanical Ferguses, get your hands on A Right Shambles in York.
Note: This book is part of a series, but can be enjoyed without having read the previous books (even though you really should read them : )
May 31, 2025
I am a big fan of Kim M. Watt and have read all three of their series so far. My favorite is the DI Adams mystery series, and Book Four, A Right Shambles in York, ramps up the action. There is a car chase, virtually everyone gets assaulted, the appearance of a talking cat from another series, and wild magic. The conflict in the book is magic vs. machine with very high stakes. I could not see how Adams would resolve the mystery, but it was done in a clever way that left very few unresolved further mysteries. Adams was hampered in solving a crime in York, which is not their district, so they couldn’t legitimately ask for help from their team. She winds up being assisted by civilians or people acting as civilians. Most of the story is set in the magical side of York and Adams is exposed to more and different types of magic as a result. The author introduced what is likely to be my favorite secondary character going forward. They write excellent secondary characters in all their books and this book is no exception. I hope the DI Adams series lasts as long as the Beaufort Scales series. Part of the reason I like this series the best is there is a woman with social issues as the main character, not that I don’t enjoy talking cats and dragons, which I do very much, but I can’t personally relate to them.
May 29, 2025
Wow!!!
I knew this was going to be a good book because a) it's the latest by a favorite author and b) it's the latest in my favorite series by said favorite author and c) there are ducks. And snarky cats. And an invisible dog. And now we have FERGUS!!!
If this is your first DI Adams book, you won't be lost. It flows very well as a stand alone because the characters are so well written and the adventure is very much it's own story. But I think you'll be drawn in and WANT to go back and read the others. Maybe several times. I know I'll be revisiting the earlier ones again.
"spoiler alert!"
This is a rollicking good time, with the usual UNUSUAL look at magic, and other dimensions, and FOLK, and a hard nosed DI that doesn't want to see or deal with any of it. But there is much more. There is heart. And friendship. And a sea of furniture.
Ms Watt has created a real person. She's impatient. She's frustrated. She makes mistakes. But she keeps going - and along the way she becomes a better person. Not all at once, but a little at a time like the rest of us.
I spent the first couple of days trying to make the book last as long as I could because it's just so much fun to read. But today it just ran away with me and I couldn't put it down - so be ready!
Enjoy!
I knew this was going to be a good book because a) it's the latest by a favorite author and b) it's the latest in my favorite series by said favorite author and c) there are ducks. And snarky cats. And an invisible dog. And now we have FERGUS!!!
If this is your first DI Adams book, you won't be lost. It flows very well as a stand alone because the characters are so well written and the adventure is very much it's own story. But I think you'll be drawn in and WANT to go back and read the others. Maybe several times. I know I'll be revisiting the earlier ones again.
"spoiler alert!"
This is a rollicking good time, with the usual UNUSUAL look at magic, and other dimensions, and FOLK, and a hard nosed DI that doesn't want to see or deal with any of it. But there is much more. There is heart. And friendship. And a sea of furniture.
Ms Watt has created a real person. She's impatient. She's frustrated. She makes mistakes. But she keeps going - and along the way she becomes a better person. Not all at once, but a little at a time like the rest of us.
I spent the first couple of days trying to make the book last as long as I could because it's just so much fun to read. But today it just ran away with me and I couldn't put it down - so be ready!
Enjoy!
June 2, 2025
Magic, mayhem and mechanical cats
DI Adams is gaining a reputation for being able to solve cases involving the “Folk” even if she doesn’t want the job. In this fourth book in the series, she receives a call from the proprietors of the Ash & Yew jewelry store in York. A folk object has gone missing, and Adams has limited time to recover it before magical mayhem descends on York!
She will have her duck, yorkies and baton for protection. It may not be enough in the narrow streets of the Shambles in York. Certainly, she needs help in the “other” York where things are never as they seem. Even though she tries to avoid involving her friends, she needs them. Rory, a penniless landed gentry, and his 2 border collies, Midge and Pinto, play a role. Even her police partner, DI Collins, gets in the action.
DI Adams’ invisible dog Dandy, with his dreadlocks and coffee-thieving ways, is by her side. We meet a fantastic new character, Fergus, who is a mechanical guardian cat with attitude and personality. Love that cat! Adams went from one tense situation to the next and kept me turning the pages frantically to see how she made it out. I love the sarcastic wit and fantastical shenanigans of this series. Run to get your copy!
Thank you to the author for access to a digital ARC!
DI Adams is gaining a reputation for being able to solve cases involving the “Folk” even if she doesn’t want the job. In this fourth book in the series, she receives a call from the proprietors of the Ash & Yew jewelry store in York. A folk object has gone missing, and Adams has limited time to recover it before magical mayhem descends on York!
She will have her duck, yorkies and baton for protection. It may not be enough in the narrow streets of the Shambles in York. Certainly, she needs help in the “other” York where things are never as they seem. Even though she tries to avoid involving her friends, she needs them. Rory, a penniless landed gentry, and his 2 border collies, Midge and Pinto, play a role. Even her police partner, DI Collins, gets in the action.
DI Adams’ invisible dog Dandy, with his dreadlocks and coffee-thieving ways, is by her side. We meet a fantastic new character, Fergus, who is a mechanical guardian cat with attitude and personality. Love that cat! Adams went from one tense situation to the next and kept me turning the pages frantically to see how she made it out. I love the sarcastic wit and fantastical shenanigans of this series. Run to get your copy!
Thank you to the author for access to a digital ARC!
June 3, 2025
I Don't Know What Happened to My Review, But...
Here I go again, because I wrote a review when I received the ARC of this book for an honest opinion, and just like many other things I've added to Goodreads recently, it just went into the ether and disappeared. Infuriating. Well, anyway....
I have loved DI Adams since she was introduced in the Beaufort Scales mysteries. All I can say for this newest entry to the series is: Bravo! The cat lover in me is thrilled with the newest character, Fergus, the not-robot-mechanical-enchanted-cat-with-a-personality. I thoroughly enjoy the increasing participation of Rory; he and Collins make the perfect sidekicks to Adams, who always wants to protect others, and sometimes had to learn to lean on them, instead. It is so wonderful to see a Black woman in charge, too.
The humor in this newest entry is a little more subtle--glittery toilet monsters and granny-decorated antique train cars, anyone? As always, it's hard to tell the villains from the misguided or the downright confused, too. All in all, I'd describe this adventure as "rollicking", and a wonderful addition to the series.
Here I go again, because I wrote a review when I received the ARC of this book for an honest opinion, and just like many other things I've added to Goodreads recently, it just went into the ether and disappeared. Infuriating. Well, anyway....
I have loved DI Adams since she was introduced in the Beaufort Scales mysteries. All I can say for this newest entry to the series is: Bravo! The cat lover in me is thrilled with the newest character, Fergus, the not-robot-mechanical-enchanted-cat-with-a-personality. I thoroughly enjoy the increasing participation of Rory; he and Collins make the perfect sidekicks to Adams, who always wants to protect others, and sometimes had to learn to lean on them, instead. It is so wonderful to see a Black woman in charge, too.
The humor in this newest entry is a little more subtle--glittery toilet monsters and granny-decorated antique train cars, anyone? As always, it's hard to tell the villains from the misguided or the downright confused, too. All in all, I'd describe this adventure as "rollicking", and a wonderful addition to the series.
August 25, 2025
A Right Shambles in York is the third book in the DI Adams series by Kim M. Watt. There has been a theft of a master charm and Heather, one of the proprietors of Ash & Yew jewelry store, has called Adams for help in getting it back. It must be recovered quickly before the thief figures out how to use the charm to unlock metal guardians across the city. If not retrieved in a timely manner the guardians won't be the only ones to go on a rampage.
DI Adams sure is learning a lot more about the folk with each book and this story has her wading into the deep end of the pool. Sometimes literally. With glitter! While more serious in tone, there are scenes of enjoyable whimsy and magical mayhem that are some of the things I love most about Watt's books. I also like how Adams is torn between protecting her partners and finally realizing how much of an asset Collins and Rory are by the end. There is something much larger going on behind the scenes and I suspect Adams will need all the help she can get once she uncovers it.
Keep your duck close and carry a big stick. I need my own Fergus. I look forward to continuing DI Adams' story later this year (2025).
DI Adams sure is learning a lot more about the folk with each book and this story has her wading into the deep end of the pool. Sometimes literally. With glitter! While more serious in tone, there are scenes of enjoyable whimsy and magical mayhem that are some of the things I love most about Watt's books. I also like how Adams is torn between protecting her partners and finally realizing how much of an asset Collins and Rory are by the end. There is something much larger going on behind the scenes and I suspect Adams will need all the help she can get once she uncovers it.
Keep your duck close and carry a big stick. I need my own Fergus. I look forward to continuing DI Adams' story later this year (2025).
May 25, 2025
I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review, so...
Wonderful chaos! This is the best in the series, well, in my opinion. The action never stops, which is why caffeine, and chocolate, are advised when we take a slight sideways step into the other York. Which comes alive, mostly, literally, once we get there. Getting back out in one piece, yes, that involves the omnipresent ducks, plural this time, and very necessary, along with bigger sticks and copious Yorkie bars. Old 'friends' are met, new ones made and hopefully kept. Dandy, the optionally visible dog, ably assists, and keeps coffee retailers in business, a metal menagerie provides much needed help. A couple of humans along with Adams and a possible goddess, try to sort everything out.
Magic, good, bad, indifferent lace through the tale holding it together, until... Well, put it like this, I've been to York many times but never quite trusted the Shambles, it always seemed...different. To find out how different, read this whirlwind of a book and hold on tight
to your own duck!
Wonderful chaos! This is the best in the series, well, in my opinion. The action never stops, which is why caffeine, and chocolate, are advised when we take a slight sideways step into the other York. Which comes alive, mostly, literally, once we get there. Getting back out in one piece, yes, that involves the omnipresent ducks, plural this time, and very necessary, along with bigger sticks and copious Yorkie bars. Old 'friends' are met, new ones made and hopefully kept. Dandy, the optionally visible dog, ably assists, and keeps coffee retailers in business, a metal menagerie provides much needed help. A couple of humans along with Adams and a possible goddess, try to sort everything out.
Magic, good, bad, indifferent lace through the tale holding it together, until... Well, put it like this, I've been to York many times but never quite trusted the Shambles, it always seemed...different. To find out how different, read this whirlwind of a book and hold on tight
to your own duck!
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