Sunday, June 7, 2026

The Inklings Detective Agency by John R. Kelly

 

Oxford, England. 1936.

J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. "Jack" Lewis, his brother, Warren, and the other members of the literary society known as the Inklings, are called upon to help solve the murders of two members of a secret society headed by Aleistor Crowley before the next full moon. These amateur sleuths take on the case, even though their investigation puts them on a dangerous collision course with a murderer.

John R. Kelly brings these famous authors and the city of Oxford to life in this entertaining mystery. I loved Tolkien's and Lewis's interactions. Jack ends up being the main detective, but it was a lot of fun to 'meet' all the other historical figures in it like Warren Lewis, Hugo Dyson, Charles Williams, Dorothy Sayers, and even Agatha Christie. Their discussion about the rules of writing mysteries made me smile. I also really liked the secret society aspect of this mystery; that's always been a big draw for me. Plus, there are great quotes heading each chapter. And you know how much I like bookish quotes. I really enjoyed reading this one, and I very much hope Kelly writes a sequel to it.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Happy Reading!


Similar read:
What Rough Beast by H.R. Knight 

10 comments:

  1. This sounds so unique! What a great idea for a story😁

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    1. I thought it was a great idea, too. I hope he writes more with these characters and their Inkling Detective Agency.

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  2. This sounds so fun! I'm glad to see you enjoyed it and it is definitely one I need to read!

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    1. It's so good. Especially if you know anything about Tolkien or Lewis and their books.

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  3. That is a very interesting concept for a story and (maybe) a series. I think I have to read this one.

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    1. I'd love it if he'd make it a series. I don't know if there will be a sequel or not.

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  4. This sounds fun, especially meeting all those famous historical figures! I think I would probably enjoy this one too.

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  5. Oh, I've definitely been wanting to read this one. Glad to hear it's good.

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    1. I thought it was a lot of fun. And I felt like I was right there in Oxford with them.

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