The Killing of a Chestnut Tree, by Oliver K. Langmead

[mrissa]

 

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Okay, look. I am pretty sure this novella was not written specifically to be the pilot for a filmed TV series. It could have been, though. I am the world's least visual person, and there was not one part of this fantasy mystery that I could not clearly imagine as it would be handled by specifically a British mystery producer. This was a very odd experience for me--not a bad one, but very odd.

This is very much an overtly gay Holmes and Watson analog--they've been around the world together, they are clearly a couple, they are so much clearly a couple that they--well, there's a frame story, let's put it that way, and the frame story is described as a mystery but really is not. The central mystery deals with fantastical relationship with trees in an isolated community, and also there's a B-plot about their relationship, but it's a long-established relationship, not a new one. It's very sweet. It's not very much about whodunnit. But if you like trees and procedurals--yes, hello, hi, it's me--then this is a charming little bite of a novella that will be a good way to spend your time.

Comments

[selki]

Bookmarked!

[carbonel]

I am intrigued, but I'll have to wait. My library says it comes out in late October.