The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't

This is a short prelude to Gail Carriger's Victorian(ish) novels and follows what appears at first glance to be an Italian investigator on some sort of mission in Egypt, accompanied by his Jeeves-like butler and a jar of pickled cat. The mystery deepens rapidly.

I really enjoyed this story, and found it much better and much more intriguing than I was expecting.

I have seen discussion as to whether this story should be read before the other stories. My short answer is that if you are a grown-up looking at plunging into Ms Carriger's funny-crazy Victorian stories - this gives you a short, intriguing crash course, though it lacks her wonderfully written romance.

If you're already familiar with the series, then my spoiler-free thoughts are:
• This happens in the 1840s, before the Finishing School series, yet it is clearly aimed at an older audience.
• It reveals quite a bit of Mr Tarabotti's character and a glimpse at Floote's background, which some may feel is a bit of a spoiler - though imho it's only a taster and doesn't really spoil anything.
• On the other hand, there is a hefty dose of foreshadowing and hinting about the world itself, which I think would actually whet the appetite.

If you are thinking about recommending this to a friend, you'll have to make up your own mind, but I think it works quite well as a prelude to the Parasol Protectorate.

(Not enough treacle tarts though, and a shockingly limited quantity of tea).

I'm doing a re-read of all Gail Carriger's books, in the chronological order suggested on her blog. This is the first! I'm not sure I'd recommend starting with it...I still feel like [b:Soulless 6381205 Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) Gail Carriger https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1314020848l/6381205.SY75.jpg 6569140] is probably the best starting point if you've never read anything of hers. Or possibly [b:Etiquette & Espionage 10874177 Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1) Gail Carriger https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331952557l/10874177.SX50.jpg 15789500], depending on if you're more in the mood for an adult (Soulless) or YA (E&E) series. The Curious Case is an awesome little story that gives us a peek into the very interesting life of Mr. Alessandro Tarabotti, father of the much-beloved Alexia Tarabotti of Soulless. I was wild with curiosity over him, and how he came to be married however briefly to Alexia's mother, and this little gem answers some questions and raises a bunch more. I only wish it was longer...I feel like there is so much more to Alessandro's life and his very interesting self. Sigh.

shrugs

This one is okay and an interesting look at working with the Templars and how Alexia's parents got together (I think... right??? unless I am mis-remembering the name).

Interesting, definitely adding possibilities.
I just wasn't caught up in it, might have been my mood though.