Hi all:
I bring you a book by an author and blogger whose work I have featured more than once, and I hope to have many more opportunities to keep doing it in the future.
Murder at the Bijou: Three Ingredients I by Teagan Riordain Geneviene
Long ago I developed a writing exercise. I would ask friends to give me three completely random things. Then I would write until I had mentioned all the things. I brought that exercise to my blog, but I had the readers send me their things. I let the random things drive every detail of a serial story, setting, plot, and characters. That resulted in The Three Things Serial Story, which gave birth to this culinary mystery. However, this time the “things” are food related — or ingredients.
As with the first serial, Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I is a spontaneously written, pantser story. I let the “ingredients” readers sent each week drive every aspect of a new serial story. This is the “bookized” version of that serial.
This time the Jazz Age setting is Savannah, Georgia where our flapper, Pip is “sentenced” to live with her grandmother and learn to cook. Pip gets caught up in a layered mystery that includes bootleggers, G-men, and the varied challenges of being a young woman in changing times. She meets new friends including some animal characters.
If you have not read The Three Things Serial Story, be warned. This adventure contains a bit of a spoiler, but does not go into detail about it.
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Bijou-Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene-ebook/dp/B074S5ZK7L/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Bijou-Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene-ebook/dp/B074S5ZK7L/
Biography
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, a southerner by birth, was “enchanted” by the desert southwest of the USA when she moved there. She had always devoured fantasy novels of every type. Then one day there was no new book readily at hand for reading — so she decided to write one. And she hasn’t stopped writing since.
Her work is colored by her experiences in both the southern states and the southwest. Teagan writes many types of fantasy, from what she likes to call “quest type” fantasy, to urban fantasy, to fantasies with a dash of mystery. Her blog “Teagan’s Books” contains serial stories written according to “things” from viewers.
Major influences include Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, and Charlaine Harris.
See book trailer videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-z7_iH5t2_7aNpy3vG-Q?disable_polymer=true
My review:
I am a big fan of Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, as an author, a blogger, and I was lucky to discover her blog a few years back, and although I missed some of her early serials at the time of their initial conception, I have managed to catch up with them over time. I have also read her novel, Atonement, Tennessee (you can check my review here) and know that apart from an imagination that knows no bounds, and a love of period research and attention to detail, she has a way with words and can create magical characters that readers get to care for and make them live through situations that never fail to surprise us and keep us on tenterhooks.
As she explains in her description, she has been running a number of serials on her blog, pantser style. She asks her readers for things and/or ingredients, and she makes up a story that keeps developing as her imagination, and the things and ingredients, dictate. I am in awe at her creativity and I must recommend her blog (Teagan’s Books), as I know she is working on her next serial (and her process of creation is totally interactive).
Many of her readers (I included) kept telling her we would like to have the option of having her serials in book format, and eventually, she relented. I have reviewed her first serial in book format, Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story (you can read my review here) and many of the things I said about the previous book can be applied to this one. This is another light, fun, and fast book, with the same protagonist, Pip, a young woman, a flapper (as she keeps reminding herself and us, because being modern at the time was not an easy task), who, on this occasion, is sent to stay with her grandmother, Granny Phanny (she is a fabulous character, and although she would hate to be called a flapper, she is an utterly modern woman) in Savannah so she can learn how to cook. That helps introduce the ingredients part of the story, and the culinary theme adds a layer of interest to the story, although I would advise not to read the book when you’re very hungry, because although sometimes the ingredients don’t end up in a dish, they often do, and they all sound delicious.
Pip, who narrates the story in the first person, is recovering from a heartache and meets a cast of wonderful characters, from a family of Chinese restaurateurs, to a vet and his doctor wife, G-men, police officers, mobsters, and there is even a paranormal element in the story. Oh, and let’s not forget a collection of pets that will warm your hearts and make you laugh.
Pip’s language remains as peculiar as usual, and the author seamlessly includes the popular and fashionable expressions of the era in her book. I challenge readers not to end up using some of them, especially some of Pip’s favourites.
I recommended readers of the previous serial to play a game and try and imagine in which direction they would send the story, or how they would use the three things at the beginning of each chapter. You can do the same here, and if you’re fond of cooking, I’m sure you will have fun exploring possible ways of using the ingredients, both to cook and to advance the story. And by the end of the book, you’ll be amazed at how the author has managed to create a cohesive story from such diverse elements.
I recommend this book to readers with a sense of fun and play who enjoy a fast and light mystery (cozy style. No explicit violence, although there is violence, no sex scenes) set in the Jazz Age (oh, don’t forget to follow the author’s blog if you enjoy that historical period as she shares a post on the subject every Wednesday), with charming characters and great food. And even if you don’t have a lot of time to read for long stretches at a time, as the serial was created to be read a chapter per week, it is very easy to follow the story and not get lost. So, there is no excuse!
Thanks to the author for this great book, thanks to all of you for reading and remember to like, share, comment, click, REVIEW, and follow her blog!
Wonderful review, Olga. Teagan’s writing is fantastic and I am an avid reader of her blog too. I have this on my TBR.
Thanks, Robbie. I know what you mean. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Happy week.
That’s music to my ears, Robbie. Thanks so much. Have a marvelous Monday. Hugs.
I love Teagan’s book and blog. Lovely to see her here/ Hugs to you both!
Thanks, Christoph. I’m a great fan as well. Hugs to you too!
You are so kind, Christlph. I treasure your review as well. Thank you for all your encouragement and support. Hugs!
I have featured Teagan’s book on my own blog. As you say, there is nothing not to like here. An unusual method of construction leaves us with a well written and fun novel, with the bonus of the period setting. Teagan is not only an excellent writer, she is also a great blogger, and a real support to many of us in this community.
Best wishes, Pete.
I totally agree, Pete. Her blog is a joy and so are her books. And she is always happy to spread the word and include all the fellow bloggers and writers in her projects. Have a lovely week, Pete.
Dear Pete, I blush! ^^’ Thank you so much for your kind words, support, and encouragement. I appreciate you. Hugs.
You deserve it all, Teagan. 🙂
Olga, you have so many talents, that deciding the one in which you have the greatest skill is impossible! I’m honored that you reviewed my book. Heartfelt thanks. Wishing you a wonder-filled new week. Hugs.
Fabulous review, Olga. This is in my ever tumbling TBR!
You’ll love it. Thanks, Michelle!
If you get the chance, I think you’ll have fun with it, Michelle. Thanks for commenting. Hugs!
I’m looking forward to it! Hugs!
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Great review, Olga – this book is on my TBR list!
It’s just a bit of a madcap frolic, Noelle. If you get the chance, I hope you enjoy it. Hugs.
Thanks, Noelle. I don’t know if you read it on the blog, but it’s even more fun read in one go! Have a great week!
Excellent review, Olga. I have to agree with you on all points. Congratulations, Teagan.
Thanks, John. I know you are a fan as well. Have a great week.
I am. Thanks, Olga you too.
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Wonderful review, Olga – you can also count me as a Teagan fan!
She has many fans and she deserves even more. Thanks, Teri!
Thanks very much, Teri. I treasure your review as well. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
I find Teagan absolutely delightful! Her imagination is limitless!
I absolutely agree! I never know where she’s going to go next with her stories, Claire. Thanks for the comment.
Haha (laughs with hint of hysteria)! I’m glad you don’t know where I’m going with them, Olga — because I rarely know myself! 😀
I’m sorry that I fell behind with comments here. Your review means a lot to me. Hugs.
Not to worry. It’s impossible to keep all the balls up in the air all the time. Big hugs!
Claire, you are so kind. Thank you from my heart. Hugs!
Love Teagan’s imagination! Great review, Olga, thanks for the recommend!
Thanks, Jacquie. I love her blog and I’m very pleased she’s turning her serials into stories. It’s amazing to revisit and realise what flights of fancy she undertakes and how incredibly well it all fits together. 🙂
You are so kind, Jacquie. I appreciate your support. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs.
Great review and so thrilled for Teagan. Love her writing and am an avid blog follower of hers!!
Thanks, Kirt. I know she really appreciates you too (and I love your photographs as well)!
Thanks Olga!!
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Dear Kirt — thank you so much! I’m so happy to have this lovely review from Olga. Hugs!
Terrific review, Olga. I adore Pip and am looking forward to this read ❤
It’s a treat, Tina. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I’m also fond of Pip and love her granny!
Hi Tina. I’m happy that Pip has a friend in you. Thank you so much. Hugs.
Thank you, Debby. Hugs.
Wonderful review of Teagan’s book 🙂
Thanks, Debby. I love how whimsical they are and the wonderful characters. 🙂
Thanks for spreading the word so nicely. I follow Teagan and I own these books (and I hope she finds the time to finish the other ones.)
Thanks, Dan. I know what you mean and I know she’s hard at work. I’m sure she’ll love the encouragement.
Haha! Me too, Dan. I’m sorry I fell behind with comments here. Shame on WordPress for not emailing me…
I appreciate all your support. Hugs.
How wonderful to see this stellar review for Teagan’s book, Olga. I love her blog too 🙂
She is a shining star and very generous with her creativity. Never a moment’s boring in Teagan’s universe! Thanks, Christy.
Thank you kindly, Christy and Olga. I appreciate all your support. Hugs!
Great review! Teagan ‘created creativity’! She’s ‘cornered’ the ‘Faery Lit Market’!!! She’s ‘Bill’s Quill’! ♥
You got in one! She is the bee’s knees, as Pip would say! Have a fabulous week, Billy Ray!
Haha! I’m sorry to be late in thanking you, Billy Ray — especially with this delightful comment. Bill’s Quill. Thank you.
Hugs!
Excellent review. Teagan has an impressive gift.
Indeed. And she loves collaborating with artists and writers, as you well know. I’m loving her new series and your artwork. Thanks, Rob!
Thanks again. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
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You are so kind, Rob. Thank you for visiting here at Olga’s. Hugs on the wing!
I rarely make comments like that unless I mean them. I’m more observant than kind. 🙂