The Affair of the Mysterious Letter

The Affair of the Mysterious Letter (2019) Alexis Hall

Captain John Wyndham has returned to the city of Khelathra-Ven after five years of war. He needs rooms, but anything nice is beyond what he can afford–until he sees a posting.

Co-tenant required. Rent reasonable to the point of arousing suspicion. Tolerance for blasphemies against nature an advantage. No laundry service.

And that’s how he met Ms. Shaharazad Haas.

He had left his home of the Kingdom of Ey, because of societal restrictions, however, he’s not quite comfortable with just how relaxed everyone else is, and is often taken aback by the actions and language of Haas.

Ms. Haas moved her mouth close my ear. “I cannot believe I engaged in connubial activities with this gentleman. But I suppose I was very young.”

As a matter of record, I should add that the words “engaged,” “connubial,” “activities,” and “gentleman” were not, in actuality, used by Ms. Haas at this juncture, but I have taken some licence in representing her use of language in order to protect the sensibilities of my readers.

In other words, John Wyndham is delightful, trying to keep his ethics and morals why also accepting a roommate who is–pretty much–the exact opposite.

It’s goofy and silly and although it edges around elements of horror, the main character is so calm and straitlaced it never makes it there.

“I have no doubt you think me very foolish. But I shall always offer aid to those who may need it, and on this principle, I shall not compromise.”

It’s a cute romp, and I enjoyed it.

Publisher: Ace
Rating: 7.5/10

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