Murder at the Kinnen Hotel by Brian McClellan
This is a prequel novella in the Powder Mage series.
Introduction
Murder at the Kinnen Hotel is a prequel novella. The novella occurs 22 years before the novel Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan. It is not necessary to read the novel first to understand this story. Knowing the character of Adamat from the novel enhances the themes explored in that novel.
Summary
I enjoyed this novella almost as much as the novel. I felt that the lack of action and the odd use of Constable White kept the story from being great. The powder mage series includes magic derived from the use of gunpowder, the magic of the Privileged who are used by the monarchy, and a minor caste of magicians called the Knacked. Adamat is a Knacked. His talent is having a photographic memory. Adamat is a special detective constable for the Adopest police department.
His talent makes his deductive reasoning seem similar to Sherlock Holmes’s process, but his humble background and marriage keep him grounded. Adamat investigates two seemingly unconnected murders. The complication is that his friend Richard is accused of committing the second murder. He must negotiate between the dockland gangs, the corrupt police commissioner, and a powerful noble family to save his friend from execution by the guillotine. Adamat attempts to solve the crimes with the help of Constable White.
Recommendation
I wanted more action and suspense scenes in this story. Most scenes were either described or happened off-screen. I felt that Constable White should have been introduced sooner because she is crucial to the plot. I think this novella is an important addition to the powder mage series and well worth the time invested to read it.
Links
This is the link to the Goodreads page of Murder at the Kinnen Hotel by Brian McClellan.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23597688-murder-at-the-kinnen-hotel
Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan, Book # 1 of the Powder Mage Series. My review of Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan. Adamat, Tamas, and Taniel fight gods and men in this gunpowder fantasy.