The Casebook of Elisha Grey -- Goodreads.com – 4 stars
Excellent mystery novel set in another time and place. Perfect read for those who like their adventures set in places other than quaint British towns/villages. The main characters have a relationship akin to Holmes & Watson. One being the very intelligent detective, Elisha Grey, and his roommate, Kiara Ptolmai. The case stories are intelligent and insightful. The characters are descriptive without being overly so.
Kate Alexander, actress, Birmingham AL
I was drawn into the book immediately...as a painter, the descriptions were so vivid that I could easily visualize the characters and the settings...descriptions that are an excellent road map to a fantasy world, and yet they don't tell me how to drive -- I can still bring my imagination to the story.
Marie Ouhrabka Groover, artist, Ashland OR
In many ways, apart from the setting in Atlantis, you could be reading The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. Elisha Grey is as clever as Holmes, and the other main character, Kiara Ptolmai, is better than Watson in that she does make a contribution. For what it’s worth the world of Atlantis is well described, including the believable human/bird, human/horse etc.
Derek White, reviewer for Nerd Girl Official www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng
Meet Kiara Ptolmai, daughter of the Atlantean Ambassador to Chungkuo, who has come to Atlantis to complete her law studies in Atlantis’ renowned Temple of Learning. Kiara has medical knowledge and is a healer, she can heal people with her hands. Her skills come from generations of women in her family before her, like her mother. But foremost here in Atlanta she’s obviously an outsider, a stranger, “completely alone in a country where I knew no one.”
Kiara has barely money left to find herself suitable quarters and that is why she decides to share with Elisha Grey, who is following various scientific studies. Little does Kiara know that this will bring her into situations she never dreamed of, working alongside Elisha, who is an investigative consultant. Does this remind you of the master detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr Watson? It does – Kiara has medical abilities, Elisha deductive skills – the story of the three cases is set in the magical city of Atlantis.
The first in the series of ‘The Casebook of Elisha Grey’ is an entertaining detective. The reference to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson is unmistakable. Elisha is as talented and focused on details as is Sherlock Holmes, be it that Elisha appreciates Kiara as his equal partner. Above all he respects Kiara’s legal knowledge and her gift of healing. The story is set in the magical city of Atlantis, with its cult, it’s appearance, the transport and creatures, all of which are fascinating.
Although the description of the creatures, the hovercrafts, Atlantean law and behaviour were interesting, I found it distracting and, personally, would have preferred to read more about methods of deduction in each case. However, the author expertly paints her picture of the Atlantean society, with its social standards and the multimorphs – part human part animal. That is quite an accomplishment.
Caroline Vincent, reviewer for Bits About Books www.bitsaboutbooks.net
The Casebook of Elisha Grey II -- Goodreads.com – 4 stars
The further mystery adventures of Elisha Grey and his partner Kiara Ptolmei continue in this educated and well planned 2nd novel by Isabeau Vollhardt.
In a series of three short stories, Elisha proves his prowess at investigating and solving intricate problems for the world in which he lives. Set in the amazing world of Atlantis, this sci/fi series is filled with well described characters and situations.
I am looking forward to the soon to be released Casebook of Elisha Grey III.
Kate Alexander, actress, Birmingham AL
Wow! I'm a driven fan! Wonderful characters and you remembered the animal people genetic experiments. I visited Atlantis in one of my Chinese incarnations just before it sank due to fracking the oil supplies and forcing detergent water into the ground. That destabilized the tectonic plates and they were settling before they collapsed a few months after I left. Technology was as I remembered it too! Great job of recalling events. Atlantis at its best!
Doris Chu, playwright, Honolulu HI
The Casebook of Elisha Grey III -- Tattingcat rating: 5 of 5 stars
A series of short stories, The Casebook of Elisha Grey III, adds to the adventures of Elisha Grey and his assistant, Kiara Ptolmai. In this series, Kiara tells us about Elisha’s involvement with “The Missing Daughter”, “The Jewel Theft on Riot Night”, and “The Return of the Weatherchanger”.
Each story is laid out simply and completely. Taking the reading through every step of deduction and then some. There are no “surprise twists” that leave you scratching your head wondering how did he realize that?
The development of the characters is growing as well. Kiara is developing into her own person and is brought more into the stories by her use of her healing powers and promising relationships.
For those, like me, who enjoy a lovely read, I recommend “The Casebook of Elisha Grey III”
Kate Alexander, actress, Birmingham AL
The Casebook of Elisha Grey IV -- Tattingcat rating: 5 of 5 stars
Top of Form
Another intriguing installment in the fantasy world of Elisha & Kiara. This one takes a hard turn and deals our protagonist a difficult blow. The development of the characters as well as their relationships with friends is well worth reading. Each story brings more depth to each.
The Casebook of Elisha Grey V -- Tattingcat rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 5th installment of the adventures of Elisha & Kiara offers many changes. Be prepared for unexpected and difficult situations, all of which Isabeau Vollhardt brings to life.
The Casebook of Elisha Grey VI -- Tattingcat rating: 5 of 5 stars
With each story in the Casebooks of Elisha Grey, Isabeau Vollhardt brings the characters to life with warmth and care.
My favorite case in this series is The Haunting on Sunrise Terrace. The plot centers around an old estate that Elisha's sister wants to purchase but is hesitant because the place us haunted. Here come Elisha & company to the rescue.
The one thing about this author is that she doesn't hold back with who she kills off. When good characters die from nefarious means, their death should (and is) be treated with respect. i appreciate that Isabeau shows her main characters and their ability to mourn and transition through the ordeal.
The Casebook of Elisha Grey VII -- Goodreads.com – 4 stars
Wow! Another one done. This time, the cases are turning into background for the development of the main characters and their story lines. I'm not sure I like where the relationship changes are going, but it is their story to tell. I just hope that one of these characters gets his head out of his ass and realizes what he has...
Kate Alexander, actress, Birmingham AL