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Simarron Mysteries
The Vanishing Castle
A fantasy mystery with hooves and heart.
Simarron isn't a detective, he's just a centaur with a clipboard and a nose for trouble. He left his homeland to get a professional job in the city as a magical safety inspector. However, his new life isn't quite as he imagined it to be and his fellow housemates at Slant Row Boarding House (which is definitely not haunted) are shadier than an enchanted forest.
When a castle disappears and an alchemist ends up dead, Simarron must choose between the cozy, safe rule-bound life he's always dreamed of and the principles that won't let him walk away. He is a safety inspector, after all, and the city isn't safe with a killer on the loose.
A cozy mystery set in a richly imagined gaslamp fantasy world, The Vanishing Castle delights with magical intrigue, a quirky found family, and a centaur sleuth you won't soon forget.
Perfect for fans of Cursed Cocktails and The Spellshop who enjoy a little murder-solving, a touch of magical bureaucracy, and a delightfully whimsical world.
Simarron isn't a detective, he's just a centaur with a clipboard and a nose for trouble. He left his homeland to get a professional job in the city as a magical safety inspector. However, his new life isn't quite as he imagined it to be and his fellow housemates at Slant Row Boarding House (which is definitely not haunted) are shadier than an enchanted forest.
When a castle disappears and an alchemist ends up dead, Simarron must choose between the cozy, safe rule-bound life he's always dreamed of and the principles that won't let him walk away. He is a safety inspector, after all, and the city isn't safe with a killer on the loose.
A cozy mystery set in a richly imagined gaslamp fantasy world, The Vanishing Castle delights with magical intrigue, a quirky found family, and a centaur sleuth you won't soon forget.
Perfect for fans of Cursed Cocktails and The Spellshop who enjoy a little murder-solving, a touch of magical bureaucracy, and a delightfully whimsical world.
- GenresMystery
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2025
3 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Marlena Cannon
1 book10 followersMarlena Cannon grew up reading "The Cat Who... mysteries" by Lilian Jackson Braun and writing stories of her own. She kept writing intermittently over the years, eventually pursuing her dream by completing the DIY MFA program in 2023, where she drafted "The Vanishing Castle," inspired by one of her childhood projects. She also designed the cover using her background in graphic design. Marlena lives with her husband and their rescue rabbits & cats.
Sign up for her newsletter at marlenacannon.com for bonus stories, behind-the-scenes updates, and the occasional doodle of a rabbit in a wizard hat.
Sign up for her newsletter at marlenacannon.com for bonus stories, behind-the-scenes updates, and the occasional doodle of a rabbit in a wizard hat.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 18, 2025
A strong piece of work with a likeable protagonist, the self-doubting centaur Simarron. Cast out of his herd, he's come to the city (where centaurs mostly do manual labour) to work as a magical safety inspector. I love a fantasy civil servant, and I also like centaurs, so this was immediately a couple of points in the book's favour.
Simarron isn't supposed to be investigating the murders of a couple of alchemists, but he keeps feeling that it's his duty (he's very dutiful), and risks his job - which means a lot to him - rather than walk away from helping others. I liked him for that, and for his openness to befriending the other characters, even though they were very different from him and not without their annoying individual quirks. These did help to distinguish them from one another, though I found myself looking up names sometimes to remind myself who someone was; making the characters more memorable is an aspect that could be strengthened.
There are some other minor flaws. For example, there's an oddity of timing. At one point, Simarron casts doubt on the idea that the castle of the title might be developed as a resort because it takes a couple of hours to get there from the city. But later, he and a friend take from before lunch until nearly sunset to get to another part of the city - admittedly, it's winter, and we don't know how far north it is, but it still seems like across the city is further than out to the castle.
There was also a scene where a murder suspect was being interrogated, not in a closed room, but in what seemed to be the foyer of the police station, in front of a reporter and the main character. That seemed like an odd place and situation to use to interrogate someone.
Editing is mostly good, apart from the occasional place where I felt the past perfect tense was missing, the use of "may" where it should have been "might" (not every time, but sometimes) and a couple of minor and subtle vocabulary slips or poorly phrased sentences. I had a pre-publication version via Netgalley, and I will provide feedback to the publisher, so these may be resolved by time of publication.
In terms of worldbuilding, there's a bit of "Aerith and Bob," the use of this-worldly names and made-up fantasy names mixed together (sometimes a this-worldly forename and a made-up surname, sometimes a forename and surname that are both from a particular this-world ethnicity) with no apparent plan or consistency that I could make out. But the way the magic system works is, if not presented with full Sandersonian rigor, at least given enough detail that I gained a feel for what it could do. It mostly wasn't what the plot was built on or how things were resolved.
The mystery aspect is solid, with a fully developed mystery plot, not just a gesture in the direction of one like I sometimes see. Though I will note that Simarron doesn't fully solve the mystery, in a sense; he puts himself in a situation where he encounters the murderer in a way that makes it clear that this is, in fact, the murderer, but I don't think he had identified that person as the murderer ahead of time.
There's no romance; Simarron notices the attractiveness of several people he meets, but doesn't do anything about it, and given that he's a centaur and they're not, that avoids a world of possible complications.
All in all, a capable piece of work, and the start of a series that I will be keeping an eye out for. The best thing about it is the main character, but it's also well plotted and does a decent job with the worldbuilding.
Simarron isn't supposed to be investigating the murders of a couple of alchemists, but he keeps feeling that it's his duty (he's very dutiful), and risks his job - which means a lot to him - rather than walk away from helping others. I liked him for that, and for his openness to befriending the other characters, even though they were very different from him and not without their annoying individual quirks. These did help to distinguish them from one another, though I found myself looking up names sometimes to remind myself who someone was; making the characters more memorable is an aspect that could be strengthened.
There are some other minor flaws. For example, there's an oddity of timing. At one point, Simarron casts doubt on the idea that the castle of the title might be developed as a resort because it takes a couple of hours to get there from the city. But later, he and a friend take from before lunch until nearly sunset to get to another part of the city - admittedly, it's winter, and we don't know how far north it is, but it still seems like across the city is further than out to the castle.
There was also a scene where a murder suspect was being interrogated, not in a closed room, but in what seemed to be the foyer of the police station, in front of a reporter and the main character. That seemed like an odd place and situation to use to interrogate someone.
Editing is mostly good, apart from the occasional place where I felt the past perfect tense was missing, the use of "may" where it should have been "might" (not every time, but sometimes) and a couple of minor and subtle vocabulary slips or poorly phrased sentences. I had a pre-publication version via Netgalley, and I will provide feedback to the publisher, so these may be resolved by time of publication.
In terms of worldbuilding, there's a bit of "Aerith and Bob," the use of this-worldly names and made-up fantasy names mixed together (sometimes a this-worldly forename and a made-up surname, sometimes a forename and surname that are both from a particular this-world ethnicity) with no apparent plan or consistency that I could make out. But the way the magic system works is, if not presented with full Sandersonian rigor, at least given enough detail that I gained a feel for what it could do. It mostly wasn't what the plot was built on or how things were resolved.
The mystery aspect is solid, with a fully developed mystery plot, not just a gesture in the direction of one like I sometimes see. Though I will note that Simarron doesn't fully solve the mystery, in a sense; he puts himself in a situation where he encounters the murderer in a way that makes it clear that this is, in fact, the murderer, but I don't think he had identified that person as the murderer ahead of time.
There's no romance; Simarron notices the attractiveness of several people he meets, but doesn't do anything about it, and given that he's a centaur and they're not, that avoids a world of possible complications.
All in all, a capable piece of work, and the start of a series that I will be keeping an eye out for. The best thing about it is the main character, but it's also well plotted and does a decent job with the worldbuilding.
November 12, 2025
I'm a bit torn on this one. It certainly wasn't a bad book, but it could really have used another round or two of editing in my opinion as it was confusing at times. I read the arc of this one, so I don't know if anything changed between this and the published version.
That said, there were so many great things about it too. I'll definitely give the next book by this author a go and see if the things I disliked about this one improved, because she had so many fun and whimsical ideas. I got Discworld vibes at several points. I loved the idea of following a safety inspector in a magical world, I loved the boarding house and its occupants. I feel like there are so many more stories to explore with them!
There were so many super fun details like the 'coppers', sing corn, the way the magic works with different elements and the pacts.
As for the things I didn't like, I found the world building at the start to be lacking. I ended up confused and almost DNF'd the book a couple of times. For example, there were several races like centaurs that are commonly known mythical creatures, but there were others that are made up for this story. I absolutely don't mind when authors make up magical races, I actually quite like it, but I would really have appreciated a description of the races and what makes them unique.
At about 40% of the way in, a story was told about the creation of the different kinds of fantasy creatures in this world. This would have been really useful with a bit more detail about what is special about each kind much earlier in the book. The different kinds were brought up often, but I had no context for what kind of creatures they were so it was a bit confusing.
I couldn't picture what they looked like at all, which was such a shame.
I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first, and the ending was satisfying.
That said, there were so many great things about it too. I'll definitely give the next book by this author a go and see if the things I disliked about this one improved, because she had so many fun and whimsical ideas. I got Discworld vibes at several points. I loved the idea of following a safety inspector in a magical world, I loved the boarding house and its occupants. I feel like there are so many more stories to explore with them!
There were so many super fun details like the 'coppers', sing corn, the way the magic works with different elements and the pacts.
As for the things I didn't like, I found the world building at the start to be lacking. I ended up confused and almost DNF'd the book a couple of times. For example, there were several races like centaurs that are commonly known mythical creatures, but there were others that are made up for this story. I absolutely don't mind when authors make up magical races, I actually quite like it, but I would really have appreciated a description of the races and what makes them unique.
At about 40% of the way in, a story was told about the creation of the different kinds of fantasy creatures in this world. This would have been really useful with a bit more detail about what is special about each kind much earlier in the book. The different kinds were brought up often, but I had no context for what kind of creatures they were so it was a bit confusing.
I couldn't picture what they looked like at all, which was such a shame.
I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first, and the ending was satisfying.
October 12, 2025
english:
A vanished castle, a suspicious village, and a centaur security inspector with a sense of order. This story combines magical whimsy with quiet suspense. The world seems lovingly constructed, the characters idiosyncratic and charming. While the narrative flow falters at times, the atmosphere remains dense and the mystery captivating. An unusual novel that surprises with humor and heart.
german:
Ein verschwundenes Schloss, ein misstrauisches Dorf und ein zentauren Sicherheitsinspektor mit Sinn für Ordnung. Diese Geschichte verbindet magische Skurrilität mit leiser Spannung. Die Welt wirkt liebevoll konstruiert, die Figuren sind eigenwillig und charmant. Zwar verliert sich der Erzählfluss stellenweise, doch die Atmosphäre bleibt dicht und das Rätsel reizvoll. Ein ungewöhnlicher Roman, der mit Humor und Herz überrascht.
A vanished castle, a suspicious village, and a centaur security inspector with a sense of order. This story combines magical whimsy with quiet suspense. The world seems lovingly constructed, the characters idiosyncratic and charming. While the narrative flow falters at times, the atmosphere remains dense and the mystery captivating. An unusual novel that surprises with humor and heart.
german:
Ein verschwundenes Schloss, ein misstrauisches Dorf und ein zentauren Sicherheitsinspektor mit Sinn für Ordnung. Diese Geschichte verbindet magische Skurrilität mit leiser Spannung. Die Welt wirkt liebevoll konstruiert, die Figuren sind eigenwillig und charmant. Zwar verliert sich der Erzählfluss stellenweise, doch die Atmosphäre bleibt dicht und das Rätsel reizvoll. Ein ungewöhnlicher Roman, der mit Humor und Herz überrascht.
September 28, 2025
The Vanishing Castle is a methodical look at the actions of Simmaron, a centaur newly hired by the Department of Magical Safety. In the course of his duties he discovers a plot, and risks every thing to find the truth.
Although slow in pacing, the writing evokes a beautifully detailed world that has a sense of history that is impacting the present. There are hints of past events that have shaped the world, and as Simmaron learns to trust himself, he finds more than he expected. I will be watching for future books as I find him a very enjoyable character and would love to see what else he will face.
Although slow in pacing, the writing evokes a beautifully detailed world that has a sense of history that is impacting the present. There are hints of past events that have shaped the world, and as Simmaron learns to trust himself, he finds more than he expected. I will be watching for future books as I find him a very enjoyable character and would love to see what else he will face.
September 28, 2025
Simarron is a centaur who starts a job in a new city as a magical safety inspector.
When the owner of a site he is testing ends up dead, Simarron veers from his job description to discover what happened.
While I was engaged by the mystery, there is so much going on in this world of magic, ghosts, and mythical creatures.
This seems to be the start of a series, so I think some elements could have been introduced in later books, or sections fleshed out more if the book was longer.
There are a lot of characters which was overwhelming for me in such a short book.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
When the owner of a site he is testing ends up dead, Simarron veers from his job description to discover what happened.
While I was engaged by the mystery, there is so much going on in this world of magic, ghosts, and mythical creatures.
This seems to be the start of a series, so I think some elements could have been introduced in later books, or sections fleshed out more if the book was longer.
There are a lot of characters which was overwhelming for me in such a short book.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
October 1, 2025
This was a really good cozy fantasy to read, especially with mystery and murder mixed in. I do believe that I may have found a new genre to start reading.
The characters are well written, the atmosphere was really interesting and I like how there was a blend of magic. I really hope there will be a 2nd book.
The characters are well written, the atmosphere was really interesting and I like how there was a blend of magic. I really hope there will be a 2nd book.
September 25, 2025
A thoroughly engaging cozy fantasy mystery. I was engaged by the thought of a centaur detective and was not in the least disappointed. The author presents a well thought out mystery. I totally enjoyed reading this and look forward for more!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews