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Merlin Investigation #1
The Excalibur Murders
Merlin makes a great investigator—and it only looks like magic.
Merlin is no magician, merely a scholar and advisor to King Arthur. But after the supposedly magical Stone of Bran is stolen along with the legendary sword Excalibur and one of Arthur's squires is brutally murdered during the theft, Merlin must use the power of reason to conjure up a miracle and catch a murderer.
Merlin is no magician, merely a scholar and advisor to King Arthur. But after the supposedly magical Stone of Bran is stolen along with the legendary sword Excalibur and one of Arthur's squires is brutally murdered during the theft, Merlin must use the power of reason to conjure up a miracle and catch a murderer.
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 14, 2011
In between bouts of rheumatism and continually trying to explain to people that he’s not a wizard, Merlin slowly narrows the circle of guilt, eliminating those whom the king suspects. He delivers bon mots and perfect zingers of one-liners as he goes about his detecting, and at last, with the aid of an actor friend and his traveling troup of entertainers, ferrets out the murderer a la Hamlet, with a perfectly-orchestrated scene from a play.
The dialogue in The Excalibur Murders is entertaining, the characters witty, engaging, arrogant, or baffled as needed, but all are deftly different from their usual depiction and therefore much more engaging. It’s a guessing game right up to the end as to who did the deed. Merlin triumphs, but in doing so, merely strengthens everyone’s belief in his supernatural powers, but so what? He brings a satisfying story to an end while doing so.
The dialogue in The Excalibur Murders is entertaining, the characters witty, engaging, arrogant, or baffled as needed, but all are deftly different from their usual depiction and therefore much more engaging. It’s a guessing game right up to the end as to who did the deed. Merlin triumphs, but in doing so, merely strengthens everyone’s belief in his supernatural powers, but so what? He brings a satisfying story to an end while doing so.
September 9, 2017
Actually only got about halfway through when I stopped reading, confirmed my suspicions by reading the last few pages, and decided it wasn't worth my time to continue. So much was wrong with this book that I am surprised by the number of favorable reviews. The Arthurian legends have been (mis)treated to so many approaches that one might think that "anything goes." But, the anachronistic language and attitudes in this book just don't work and the characters come across as cynical rather than evil or stupid rather than naive. The villian was telegraphed way too early and Merlin's wisdom had certainly not appeared by the halfway point. Denying his wizard's status was okay, but making him appear rather bumbling and pretentious, without hints of deeper knowledge and understanding, left this reader asking "Why bother?" And, so, I didn't.
September 12, 2018
It moved so slowly and was very repetitive.
October 29, 2010
That's an interesting twist on things, making Merlin a predecessor of Sherlock Holmes. And Nimue (sorry, I meant Colin) makes a good Watson.
As someone who has read a lot of Arthur retellings that didn't go down easy, believe me when I say that this is the best one I've read so far. Some of the plot twists were predictable and the villain was made apparent a little too early for my taste, but the actual unmasking was satisfactory. I'm basing my rating mainly on the characters of Merlin and Nimue: The mixture of smarts and sarcasm was right up my alley if I don't say so myself. This felt more like a skewed Arthur Conan Doyle story than anything--it just happened to take place in Camelot. Maybe in that respect it's not a good Arthur book at all, but it's still a good book, no matter how you slice it.
As someone who has read a lot of Arthur retellings that didn't go down easy, believe me when I say that this is the best one I've read so far. Some of the plot twists were predictable and the villain was made apparent a little too early for my taste, but the actual unmasking was satisfactory. I'm basing my rating mainly on the characters of Merlin and Nimue: The mixture of smarts and sarcasm was right up my alley if I don't say so myself. This felt more like a skewed Arthur Conan Doyle story than anything--it just happened to take place in Camelot. Maybe in that respect it's not a good Arthur book at all, but it's still a good book, no matter how you slice it.
September 26, 2020
An interesting read. The mystery surrounding the theft and murder were not resolved until the end of the book and I still wasn't sure until quite close to the end. "Colin" was a good character, well filled out, Merlin seemed a bit of a grumpy old man. Usually Merlin is portrayed as being of a similar age to Arthur and in this book he was a lot older. All of the settings were very well described but they seemed much closer together than I had supposed or their horses could travel much more speedily than I would think possible. The furthest being a two day ride to Cornwall to King Mark. The imagery was very well done and the story came alive to me. I will certainly read the next one.
December 12, 2013
I wanted to read this because I try to keep current on King Arthur related materials. It was a real disappointment. There are a significant number of times where the language used is just too modern and the story itself is weak. Merlin presents himself as just a man - a learned man with a wide variety of experiences under his belt, but just a man. Arthur is portrayed as next to an idiot with some really unsavory personal habits. The mystery itself is not too difficult to figure out though a few red herrings did cause me to question my theories. Definitely not worth following the series.
February 23, 2009
On okay book, but more a mystery than a real Arthurian story.
Some of the language was distinctly 21 century; Lancelot talks about his "workout".
Some of the language was distinctly 21 century; Lancelot talks about his "workout".
July 12, 2017
I picked this up at a bargain bookseller, figuring it couldn't be too horrible for the price. Turned out to be much better than expected. The characters of Arthur's court are all well-defined and enjoyable. The character of Merlin gets a little cynical for my taste, but that's just preference - the book is an entertaining read all through.
My only comment is that I can see why it ended up in the bargain books. If you're an Arthurian legend purist, this is way off the "canonical" Arthur stories, so it might not appeal on that level. And if you're into murder mysteries, you might not care to read about the sixth century. But if you aren't strict about either of those genres, this is a really fun book. I'm going to see if I can find the other ones in the series.
My only comment is that I can see why it ended up in the bargain books. If you're an Arthurian legend purist, this is way off the "canonical" Arthur stories, so it might not appeal on that level. And if you're into murder mysteries, you might not care to read about the sixth century. But if you aren't strict about either of those genres, this is a really fun book. I'm going to see if I can find the other ones in the series.
January 31, 2020
After reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that I have spent way too much time watching old murder mystery shows with my grandmother. This “Murder, She Wrote”-like tale is perfect for a rainy day read. You don’t have to wrack your brain too much to figure out “who dun it”, but it keeps you on your toes enough to be entertaining. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re looking for a mystery that will really surprise you with it’s twists and turns, but if you’re looking for some quick sleuthing satisfaction, this is perfect.
February 2, 2025
This is a very interesting discovery. It's essentially Merlin as a Sherlock Holmes-type investigating a murder in Camelot. Along with fellow "Watsons," a squire named Nimue and a knight named Britomart, Merlin travels across England interviewing suspects and breaking down the mysteries to get to the bottom of the case. The cast of characters from the Arthurian legends are all explored in an refreshing way adding a new depth to the surroundings. The author also brings in political intrigue of medieval Europe making Camelot feel like a real place. A very rewarding read by all accounts.
August 15, 2022
I believe King Arthur was real and Merlin too. Historical findings are saying a warlord did exist and occupy the area where Camelot is located. Now, if you don't want to continue, I understand. Not really but it's ok. I loved this book. Had a more reasonable explanation of the dynamics between the key players and the mystery was okay, but I was in Camelot with Arthur. If you like this kind of fantasy murder mystery, then read along. If not, I believe in Sherlock Holmes too.
January 10, 2025
A cozy mystery where Merlin plays Sherlock and Nimue plays Watson in the court of Kin Arthur in search of a murderer. Grisly murders set in a court filled with rivalry and intrigue. Enjoyed this and immediately started the second one.
September 26, 2019
I love cozy mysteries as a change of pace between more serious reading. This one was just too slow, did not engage me. DNF.
March 21, 2020
Despite the modern vernacular, I still appreciated Merlin's witty banter. On the whole, though, the story was a bit repetitious, and the villain easily affirmed.
March 22, 2017
If you're looking for a mystery novel that has excellent period detail. Look elsewhere. There are many period mistakes made. If you don't really mind and just want a cozy mystery, it would be worth the shot and you might chuckle at Merlin's insistence that he is not a wizard (and accidentally reaffirms this misconception). Yes, the author uses modern language, but it makes it seem like an "Emperor's New Groove" sort of novel. Although I thought this was an okay enough book, it may be awhile before I pick up the next. I think the greatest undoing of this novel is the weak plot.
August 20, 2014
I have rather mixed feelings about this one.
The setting is intriguing - Arthur's England is the stuff of historical classics mostly and while Regency and Medieval murders are still a well populated genre, finding murder mysteries set in 'Camelot' investigated by Merlin is a rare opportunity. The characters themselves are quite interesting and with a refreshingly different perspective - Merlin isn't a magician (though everyone thinks he's a powerful wizard), Arthur isn't an all powerful king, Guinevere is openly faithless and Lancelot leaves much to be desired....and there's Morgan and Mordred with their own ambitions - pretty much all the important folks from Avalon are here and well nuanced.
But the plot leaves much to be desired. With the plot and the unravelling of it, this book firmly puts itself in the Teenager/Young Adult category (despite a couple of references to 'wenching' and some very mildly x-rated scenes that are central to the plot - I'm tagging them as x-rated only incase of YA readers). The plot is simplistic at best and so is the climax. The language, prose and the writing style are what make this book an engaging read.
I'd recommend this to teens tired of their parents harping on and on about Agatha Christie's works (though for those who appreciate subtlety and complexity, you still can't beat the Grand old Dame of Crime fiction). Adults are advised to pick this only if they're looking for a quick, breezy and light read - the kind that's open and shut and to be referred to only when younger readers ask for reading advice.
The setting is intriguing - Arthur's England is the stuff of historical classics mostly and while Regency and Medieval murders are still a well populated genre, finding murder mysteries set in 'Camelot' investigated by Merlin is a rare opportunity. The characters themselves are quite interesting and with a refreshingly different perspective - Merlin isn't a magician (though everyone thinks he's a powerful wizard), Arthur isn't an all powerful king, Guinevere is openly faithless and Lancelot leaves much to be desired....and there's Morgan and Mordred with their own ambitions - pretty much all the important folks from Avalon are here and well nuanced.
But the plot leaves much to be desired. With the plot and the unravelling of it, this book firmly puts itself in the Teenager/Young Adult category (despite a couple of references to 'wenching' and some very mildly x-rated scenes that are central to the plot - I'm tagging them as x-rated only incase of YA readers). The plot is simplistic at best and so is the climax. The language, prose and the writing style are what make this book an engaging read.
I'd recommend this to teens tired of their parents harping on and on about Agatha Christie's works (though for those who appreciate subtlety and complexity, you still can't beat the Grand old Dame of Crime fiction). Adults are advised to pick this only if they're looking for a quick, breezy and light read - the kind that's open and shut and to be referred to only when younger readers ask for reading advice.
December 17, 2019
Set in the Court of Camelot, this is a slightly skewed look at King Arthur, Guinevere, Morgan, and Merlin. This Merlin denies being a wizard, he is only an ordinary man who is a well-traveled and well-read man of science. The mystery that kicks off the Merlin Investigation series is the murder of one of Arthur's squires and the theft of the Stone of Bran, the silver shrine built especially for it, as well as Excalibur.
I found it amusing that Nimue is disguised as a young boy named Colin, the first name of the actor who portrays Merlin in the BBC series. I don't know if that was deliberate or not. Arthur is a bit of a doofus in this book. I'm sorry to say that I found the book slow going. It just never grabbed my attention, never making me eager to find out what comes next. There's nothing truly wrong about the writing, it just didn't appeal to me.
I found it amusing that Nimue is disguised as a young boy named Colin, the first name of the actor who portrays Merlin in the BBC series. I don't know if that was deliberate or not. Arthur is a bit of a doofus in this book. I'm sorry to say that I found the book slow going. It just never grabbed my attention, never making me eager to find out what comes next. There's nothing truly wrong about the writing, it just didn't appeal to me.
May 14, 2016
An entertaining novel with a mostly comedic tone. The mystery itself is rather light, the main attraction of the book being the fact that it is set in King Arthur's Camelot. The characterizations of some of the main figures from Arthurian legend, particularly Merlin, Arthur himself, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Nimue, are wry and subvert expectations to a degree. The writing was not always as polished as I would've liked (some occasional awkward phrasing and sentence construction), but overall it was brisk and moved the story along with ease. Overall, a fun bit of light entertainment. I would read more books by JMC Blair (this being my first).
August 8, 2017
This is the first book in a new series, and I read it in paperback. I liked it! I admire any author who will tackle the King Arthur world. I'm a sucker for most of these books, and Blair has created an interesting and believable story. He has put his own spin on the legend (such as--the Queen lives with Lancelot in her own castle, and Lancelot is really dumb), but stays true to the overall characters and structure of Camelot. I started reading the second book and am enjoying that, too. Sadly, the second is the last in the series, so far. I'm hoping Blair will write more books. The field is open for fresh takes on the popular topic.
April 23, 2011
As I am drawn to corvidae, I was attracted by the cover, so didn't really expect to like the book much.
I almost decided not to even read it. However, I was curious so read a few pages and was quickly enthralled with the characters. It is an easy read and relatively short, but the author was able to make me alter characters that I already, had pretty decisive mental images of. The storyline is inventive and well written. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone, young or old,who needs a brief escape.
I almost decided not to even read it. However, I was curious so read a few pages and was quickly enthralled with the characters. It is an easy read and relatively short, but the author was able to make me alter characters that I already, had pretty decisive mental images of. The storyline is inventive and well written. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone, young or old,who needs a brief escape.
December 2, 2011
I enjoyed this for the supporting characters of Nimue/Colin and Britomart - I kept hoping for a romance to blossom, without the confusion of misunderstood genders.
Merlin was actually not very interesting, despite all the lore surrounding him. His insistence that he was a scholar and not a wizard was humorous, though. The very modern language in a very medieval setting didn't bother me as some of the other reviewers, though it was jarring at certain points.
Merlin was actually not very interesting, despite all the lore surrounding him. His insistence that he was a scholar and not a wizard was humorous, though. The very modern language in a very medieval setting didn't bother me as some of the other reviewers, though it was jarring at certain points.
January 12, 2012
This book was fine. I had high hopes, I admit, as the concept seemed so strong. In the end it was a decent mystery and a bit of a downer. I appreciate turning a popular story on its end, but Blair's version of Camelot lacks any appeal. Arthur is melancholy and unimpressive. Guenivere is horrid. Morgan la Fay is wicked and Merlin overly cynical and self-assured. I just wish there was more spark to this story.
February 6, 2015
I... was not fond of this book. Though, I must admit that I never would have picked it up if it weren't for the connection to King Arthur mythology but ... I'm also pretty damned sure that it never would have been published without said connection to King Arthur mythology. The plot and the characters were both thin and if it hadn't been a quick read, I suspect I wouldn't have finished it at all.
March 28, 2015
I really liked this book. I wanted to give it 3 1/2 stars. This is a Merlin who is a scholar, thinker, & deals with the facts. He is frustrated by the citizens misunderstanding that he is not a wizard, a magician, or anything of the sort.
The murder mystery is a good one, & I really liked the pace of the book. The characters were good & interesting too. There's no magic but there are plenty of surprises, & kept me interested.
The murder mystery is a good one, & I really liked the pace of the book. The characters were good & interesting too. There's no magic but there are plenty of surprises, & kept me interested.
February 24, 2018
I had no idea that Camelot did not really exist until I started this series. Unfortunately there are only three books in this group. I like the description of the players, and the banter between Merlin and Arthur, the reluctant King. The treatment of woman is also interesting, a female knight and a female student of Merlin who is disguised as a boy. The murders in this one are bloody and sad, not a book for sentimentality. But the times were bloody and the people often cruel.
December 17, 2020
A simple read. My mom, who loves cozy mysteries, started it and said she thought the writing style sounded juvenile, I can see why she would say that and can agree. The mystery itself is simple. I read this at a time when I needed something simple, and I like to hear different authors voices. I do not think mystery is his strong suit, he has written under other pseudonyms which may be better suited to his strengths.
February 2, 2011
What I learned from this book are several things. One: don't read any more books by J.M.C. Blair and/or any of the rest of the books in the series. Two: murder mysteries that are supposed to take place in medieval times but use current-day jargon and crime-solving techniques are a BAD mix and should never be done.
This book failed on every level. Don't bother.
This book failed on every level. Don't bother.
July 18, 2017
I enjoyed this different take on the King Arthur universe. The writing was understandable and not overly complicated. I liked not having to think to deeply to follow the plot. Reading is supposed to be fun, not a chore. THis author passed that test and created an interesting story. I will read more of his work in the future.
October 8, 2011
One of the thrilling and suspense historical fictions, The Excalibur Murders presents logical inferences deduced by King Arthur's greatest scholar - Merlin. The story shows the story of a series of murders, accompanied by the lost of Arthur's Excalibur, in Camelot. Find out how Merlin deduced the most trivial puzzle just to find out that their greatest suspect is also within the walls of Camelot.
May 1, 2024
I think the idea of Merlin being more of a Sherlock-type detective instead of a wizard is a really cool idea.
It wasn’t a bad book, but it was too predictable and repetitive to keep my interest. It was fairly enjoyable, and it served the purpose of being a quick, easy-to-solve mystery read.
It wasn’t a bad book, but it was too predictable and repetitive to keep my interest. It was fairly enjoyable, and it served the purpose of being a quick, easy-to-solve mystery read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews