The Curious Case of

This was an interesting short story. I only wished it wasn't so short! The ending was a little rushed, but if you are a fan of the Parasol Protectorate series already, it is definitely worth reading! I wouldn't mind a full length feature novel about Alessandro Tarabotti. There are still a lot of questions I would love answered. But I do recommend this short story. The only reason I did not give it five stars was because I felt the ending was rushed and there could have been more. Perhaps it is because the story ended with a discovery so interesting I would have devoured more if more had been given.But Gail Carriger is one of my favorite authors. For purposes of full disclosure: I would so fan-girl Gail Carriger.In reading the Alexia Tarabotti books, I was curious to know more about her father (and how her parents ever were a couple) while knowing I would not like him. My curiosity is now mostly satisfied, some of it by inference, and my suspicion of finding him rather unlikable proven out, though perhaps this is due to expectation more than character. And Floote, incomparable and unflappable Floote, was completely himself and wonderful as ever providing my favorite quote of "Try not to kill anyone important, sir."Well worth the price for a fan of The Parasol Protectorate series, though I now wonder how my experience of it might have been altered had I read it before the 5 Alexia books as I did with the first two of the Finishing School series. I would definitely read more of Alessandro and Floote, though I am conflicted over the possibility of learning the reality rather than the inferred regarding Mr. Tarabotti's relationship with Alexia's mother. Having read all the Parasol Protectorate books, I was curious about the mysterious Alessandro Tarabotti. This is not engaging as the other full length novels in the series, but It was fun to read until the next Parasol Protectorate novel is published. Ever wonder where Alexia got her sass? Search no further: in this short story originally published in the "Book of the Dead" anthology edited by Jared Smith we get our first full glimpse of Alexia's father, the adventuring Alessandro Tarabotti. When the Templars need a job done then expect it to be done quickly, discretely, and completely. When Mr. Tarabotti arrives in Egypt he knows these expectations and with the assistance of his trusted valet (and to the only level Mr. Tarabotti seems about to attempt, his friend) Mr. Floote he hopes to carry out his mission regarding a man and a mummy. However when an embalmed cat, an old 'yoo-hoo'-ing acquaintance from England, and a blushing young Leticia Phinkerlington appear, things get unexpectedly complicated. Just loved to be back in Gail Carrigers and her lovely Parasol Protectorate world. It's still Gail's wonderful words but definitely a different voice then Alexia.We finally meet the (in) famous Alessandro Tarabotti, and we get more of Floote as well!Egypt, mummies, fighting and werewolf's, what can possibly be wrong with that :DI so hope that Ms. Carriger will let us read more of Alexia's father and his adventures. I liked the short story of Alessandro Tarabotti. I was always curious about what type of person Alexia's father was. I'm a big fan of the Soulless books I hope the author would continue writing them Alexis stories are pretty much over, however I'm pretty sure she can come up with some books on Alexia's father and his adventures. If you enjoy vampires,werewolves and ghosts with all the manners and etiquette of old world England I suggest you read Soulless first, then the others. This short story is a glimpse into the life of Alexia's father. You get to see how much father and daughter are very much alike. The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't, the Mummy That Was, and the Cat in the Jar is a short story set in the world of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series that gives readers the chance to meet Alexia's father Alessandro Tarabotti. Although this technically is a prequel I wouldn't recommend it as a starting point if you're new to the series but if you've already read at least Soulless then you'll probably enjoy this glimpse into the past.I've been wanting to know more about Alessandro's past ever since I first started reading the series so I had high hopes for this story but while it was a fun read I have to admit I think it needed to be longer. At only 32 pages we don't get much of a chance to get to know the characters, it was great to see another side to butler Floote but the length of the story doesn't allow for much character development of Alessandro or anyone else. I was excited when I realised we were witnessing his first meeting with Alexia's mother but it was incredibly brief and didn't even seem to show him being attracted to her so I have no idea how they ended up married which is one of the biggest mysteries of the series!This story does have all of the humour you'd expect from this author, I liked the Egyptian setting and I did enjoy seeing Alessandro working a case for the Templars but I think it could have been a much more satisfying read if it had been at least double the length. At last we get to know Alessandro Tarabotti the father of the to be born Alexis Tarabotti, the heroine of the Parasol Protectorate. In this most intriguing short, he is in Egypt working with the Templars against the supernatural. Very important information about werewolves and supernaturals is imparted. It ends with him promising to escort the young niece of a English Baronette back to England. At this point the story abruptly ended. Now I have many questions. Is this girl the future mother of Alexis? How does he die? I want more.As usual, this is written in the fine Carriger style: exceptionally polite, with a serving of dry wit accompanied by major mayhem. I loved it and was devastated by the shortness. You will still need to purchase this for the information contained herein. Having read, and finished, The Parasol Protectorate series some time ago, I was elated to discover Ms. Carriger had written a novella set in the PP world, and it focusing on Alexia's father, no less. After reading The Curious Case of the Werewolf, it reminded me how much I had loved reading the PP series and how much I had missed it. In fact, I went back and re-read all of the PP series.The novella was entertaining and provides some much appreciated background to Alexia's mysterious father--his character and what he was getting up to in Egypt. However, given a taste of the earlier years before the PP series, it only makes me want more! I hope Ms. Carriger decides to pick up Mr. Tarrabotti's tale again--or Alexia's!I would give this 4.5 stars if I could. I've read all the Parasol Protectorate books and really enjoyed them, both for their content (plot, characters) and their style. This short story has the style but virtually no content. There's not really a plot or anything of substance-- why is he (Tarabotti) in Egypt, what is his goal, why should we care, why is it OK at all that he does what he does? Mostly he just wanders around Egypt for about 70% of the story, then there's a "climactic" scene which is just unmotivated and basically pointless. Skip this one even if you're a PP fan.
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