First off I'm so glad these are freestanding books as it allowed me to jump right into what sounded like quite the story. That said, characters do carry over (but are well explained)as well as some treats for previous readers I'm sure.

I found this book delightful and found the tone and words all fit the story and the writing giving it
a jovial almost podcast in nature pacing. One I’d liken to Nightvale but more linear. Viewed from the outside but with a glimpse at the current character's thoughts and feelings. A look into a world one doesn't know much about but builds as you read and learn more. I enjoyed the pre-chapter blips of insight, which are good fun too.

Don't be too intimidated by the amount of large words in the first chapter as it settles in as it goes but does still keep a persistent presence. Things do seem to pass by a bit easily which I understand as the characters being somewhat experts in their respective fields. Like looking in on a high level adventuring party in DnD. Which somehow works to keep the flow of the book going in a murder mystery kind of way.

I will personally be reading more of these and if it seems like it might interest you give it a try.
I feel it falls under the if you like it you'll love it and if not well it was worth trying something new.
(OH and don't go poking helpless lizards.)

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