A Fever of the Blood (A Case for Frey & Mcgray) by Oscar De Muriel (2016-03-22) Paperback

This is the second book in a series, set in the late nineteenth century, that stars the detective “Odd Couple” of elite Londoner Ian Frey and rough-hewn Edinburgh native Adolphus “Nine-Nails” McGray, roped together by circumstances even though they more or less can’t stand each other. Like other books in the series, it features events that appear to have a supernatural explanation—an idea that McGray favors and Frey disparages. In this case, we have tokens of witchcraft and implementation of a “curse” that seemingly has been carried out over generations.As in other books in the series, Muriel doesn’t insist on the supernatural explanation, but events and the explanations that are eventually offered for them tend to push the suspension-of-disbelief envelope fairly hard anyway. The tone, too, leans pretty strongly toward the melodramatic. Nonetheless, the story is nothing if not exciting. I personally object to the use of the “evil witch” stereotype as the linchpin for the story, but if you don’t mind that, it’s a good read. The mystery is decent, and the characters are entertaining, if not deep. McGray continues to be by far the more interesting of the two detectives, though Frey works well enough as the (relatively) rational Watson of the pair—and McGray really ought to cut him a little more slack, since Frey saves his life a time or two.

Item was described as VG Used UK paperback. It is actually an "uncorrected advance proof made available on a confidential basis and not for sale or circulation...contents of proof may not resemble the finished book" That said, it was similar to any other large format paperback and actually never read condition. Overall it was as good a read as the first Frey & McGray - no idea how it might differ from the final publication edition.

What an excellent piece of detective fiction. Frey is the skeptic McGrey the beliver. An odd pairing much like a Victorian X-FILES. Don't let that put you off if you are no fan of the supernatural in your detective story. Inspector Frey will be there with you to use science and reason to keep his partner in check. Excellent read. Highly recommend

Item arrived when scheduled (tracking failed to show delivered, but was confirmed with intended recipient.) Excellent condition, well worth the price.

My new favourite mystery author. As always the colorful characters, along with all the plot twists and turns, make this novel a great read. Highly recommend.

I absolutely loved this book. Can't wait for the next one.

Great book

Detective 'Nine-Nails' McGray and Inspector Ian Frey are back in A Fever of the Blood. It's New Year's Day, 1889 and a patient escape from in Edinburgh's lunatic asylum, but not before he kills a nurse. The strange thing is that the man that escaped was heard talking to a girl that hasn't talked for five years. And that girl is McGray sisters who were locked up after she killed their parents. McGray wants to find the killer, not only because he is leaving dead bodies everywhere he goes, but because McGray also wants to know what his sisters said.It was quite a ride reading this book. Action from beginning to the end. McGray and Frey are still having a bit of a difficult working relationship and that's part of the charm of reading this series. Lots of hilarious banter. In this book, they have to try to find a crazy killer, or is he so crazy? There seem to be something weird going on. And weirder it gets when it seems that the man is out to kill witches.I love the mix of historical mystery and paranormal things like witches. McGray is a believer and Frey, not so much. A bit like Mulder and Scully. But, Frey is I think having some doubts about everything is explainable in this book. The story was good, although I must admit that I felt a bit impatient now and then towards during the reading, but that could be just me wanting to know what is going on. But the final confrontation between, well good and evil was great and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.This is a great book for those that are looking for something action-filled, with humor and paranormal mysteries.I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

This is the second in de Muriel’s Frey & McGray series of Victorian mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. Frey is the narrator and as he is a sceptic it does slant the narrative in favour of this viewpoint. Still given that ‘Nine Nails’ McGray is so certain about his beliefs it likely is for the best as it provides an alternative viewpoint.The story of witches and witchcraft was deliciously dark with plenty of historical references to real life witch trials. Oscar’s notes at the end of the book about his research into the subject were very interesting. One scene did make me very sad (no spoilers though).Again, I paired my Kindle edition with its audiobook borrowed from our local online library. Andy Secombe did a great job in capturing the voices of its various characters and expressing both the horror and wry humour.I am enjoying this series so much and look forward to reading more soon.

The year is 1889 and the story begins on New Years Day in Edinburgh. Lord Joel Ardglass has escaped from the local asylum and is on the run after murdering a nurse. McGray finds evidence of witchcraft, this is right up his street, and fits into his beliefs in the occult and superstition. Frey is a man of science and believes that there is another explanation.This is definitely a cat and mouse story and it really tests the McGray and Frey partnership. McGray is especially invested in this case for personal reasons that are explained at the beginning of the story. Frey can see why McGray is so keen to catch Ardglass, and is unsuccessful in trying to convince McGray to see things from a more productive and better thought out approach. McGray is more bull in a china shop type of guy.Tempers are frayed and tested as Ardglass takes the two on a merry dance from Edinburgh to the infamous Pendle Hill, given it’s reputation and history it ties in well for McGray. As for poor Frey, well, he needs hits wits about him and more of that steely British nerve .The time and setting lend itself so well to this type of story. It is full of mystery, especially given the involvement of witchcraft. The author has once again built up an atmosphere, that, as I read, I could feel the swirling mists, ominous shadows and felt a chill as I was taken into the cold and bleakly described landscape.At the end of the story the author gives a few insights into the story, he mentions how his Phd in Chemistry helped him to create some of the dramatic elements to his story.This is a murder/mystery that has a fabulous Gothic feel to it. If you have read the first, then I think this has a slightly different feel. I is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and left me wondering what the author has in store next for McGray & Frey.It gets a definitely recommended from Me!

A Fever of the Blood – 5/5By Oscar de Muriel'I LOOKED AT THE PLAIN TROUSERS HE HAD PUT ON AT THE INN."DO YOU REALISE THAT NOT WEARING TARTAN JUST SAVED ALL OUR LIVES?"HE LOOKED AT THEM DEJECTEDLY. "AYE. I'LL LET YE HAVE THAT THIS ONCE"'Another brilliant page-turner which uses humour and something far more mystifying to create an absolutely amazing story.A wonderful mash up of gothic horror, criminal investigation and the supernatural. I love the relationship between McGray and Frey and I really look forward to the next epic installment

This book follows hot on the heels of the excellent Strings of Murder featuring the mismatched detectives foppish Frey and dour McGray. I had it on pre-order and was delighted when it turned up.Fans of the previous book will find this a worthwhile addition to the series, our heroes start off in Edinburgh, but it is nice to see them leave the city and head off elsewhere. The plot is ingenious, perhaps a little too ingenious, and once it gets going it is surprisingly powerful.The book is quite slow to get started, it just feels a bit of a pointless wild goose chase for no real reason, and the relationship between the protagonists is distinctly strained. Personally I would have preferred a slightly more upbeat ending, but hopefully happier times are ahead for our likeable leads.Overall I would mark this a slight notch below the earlier book, so best to start with that one.

After reading, and loving, the first book of this series, I was looking forward to reading the second one and, I'm happy to say I've not been disappointed. A real page turner. Although the lead characters are both male, it's like Mulder and Scully on steroids, with Frey easily identifiable as Scully (well, McGray does keep calling him 'lassie.'), and McGray could easily be seen as a more brutish, but charming Mulder. I've got to read the next one now!