Too Many Magicians - Lord Darcy, Bk 1 Author:Randall Garrett The novel takes place in 1966. However, it occurs in a world with an alternative history. The Plantagenet kings survived and rule a large Anglo-French Empire. In addition, around AD 1300 the laws of magic were discovered and magical science developed. The physical sciences were never pursued. The society looks early Victorian, though medical mag... more »ic is superior to our medicine.
The book uses the conventions of a detective story. The protagonist is Lord Darcy, Chief Investigator for the Duke of Normandy. This Sherlock Holmes-like figure is assisted by Master Sean O'Lochlainn, a forensic sorcerer.
The novel is a locked room mystery, which takes place at a wizards' convention. Garrett delights in puns. Analogues of Nero Wolfe, James Bond and Gandalf the Grey appear.« less