From 1964 to 1979, Randall Garett published several detective stories set in an alternative history. The time appears to be the 18th or early 19th century and Western Europe is ruled by an Anglo-French monarchy, the Angevin Empire. Germany is still a collection of small, unhappy states and Russia has been pushed to the East by an aggressive Polish Empire. Lord Darcy is Chief Investigator for His Royal Highness Prince Richard of Normandy (brother to the King/Emperor. Master Sorcerer Sean O Lochlainn assists in the various investigations by using magic to reveal clues. Here magic is used in a "scientific" way and science appears to be relatively primitive.
This anthology consists of Murder and Magic, Too Many Magicians, and Lord Darcy Investigates. There are eight longer stories and one novel. Stories contain background information on the society/political situation, the crime, the investigation, and then the criminal unmasked. In most cases, the identity of the criminal is obscure until the very end when Darcy pulls together several seemingly unrelated clues to identify who did it, why, and how.
The stories read easily and the context/environment is well described. The plot is complex enough to keep the pages turning, but so so complex that the reader is confused or loses heart. There is little character development for Darcy and Sean. We don't know much about their past or how they came together as a team. Darcy is very like Sherlock Holmes in the way that he investigates and solves crime. Sean is the good-hearted, patient companion. These are "puzzle" stories. There is little violence, and that mostly in the background. There is no sex. Magic is used in a scientific, technical way. No mad warlocks or demons here. With the exception of the alternative historical setting, this is limited fantasy and will likely appeal to those who prefer historical fiction. I read several of the original stories in Analog in the mid 1960s and enjoyed them. They are not quite so novel today, but remain a pleasant, interesting read for those tired of the usual SF or fantasy.
http://web.utk.edu/~wrobinso/lordarcy.html
Hope there is not a thread already
These books have been out of print for a few years (the last edition is 1999, if I a m not wrong), but are a decent example of AH. Quite enjoyable and well written, btw
This anthology consists of Murder and Magic, Too Many Magicians, and Lord Darcy Investigates. There are eight longer stories and one novel. Stories contain background information on the society/political situation, the crime, the investigation, and then the criminal unmasked. In most cases, the identity of the criminal is obscure until the very end when Darcy pulls together several seemingly unrelated clues to identify who did it, why, and how.
The stories read easily and the context/environment is well described. The plot is complex enough to keep the pages turning, but so so complex that the reader is confused or loses heart. There is little character development for Darcy and Sean. We don't know much about their past or how they came together as a team. Darcy is very like Sherlock Holmes in the way that he investigates and solves crime. Sean is the good-hearted, patient companion. These are "puzzle" stories. There is little violence, and that mostly in the background. There is no sex. Magic is used in a scientific, technical way. No mad warlocks or demons here. With the exception of the alternative historical setting, this is limited fantasy and will likely appeal to those who prefer historical fiction. I read several of the original stories in Analog in the mid 1960s and enjoyed them. They are not quite so novel today, but remain a pleasant, interesting read for those tired of the usual SF or fantasy.
http://web.utk.edu/~wrobinso/lordarcy.html
Hope there is not a thread already
These books have been out of print for a few years (the last edition is 1999, if I a m not wrong), but are a decent example of AH. Quite enjoyable and well written, btw