I joined Your Paper Quest for a while. It’s a self and indie-published monthly book subscription. J.T. Thomson‘s Ventures in Vermilion was included in one of the boxes.

Wanted: a secretary. Must not be put off by the occasional dead body. Inquire with Mr. Istovir Holviiryn at 221B Baker Street. Salary at standard Guild rates. Lodging included.

Gnome ex-healer Seraphina “Wiz” Wistozus has only a few weeks to prove to the Adventurers Guild that she can still pay back the gold she owes them, despite the disastrous mission—her first and only—that ruined her health and magic. The Guild isn’t forgiving when it comes to matters of nonpayment, and her very freedom is at stake.

The problem is, there aren’t a lot of career opportunities for a mage healer who can no longer heal. So when a friend brings her an advertisement for a secretarial position, she’s determined to try her luck, no matter how strange the ad is. Or the work itself. Or Istovir Holviiryn, a night elf whose incredible detective skills are more than a little disconcerting.

Wiz’s life as a Guild mage healer was over almost before it began. Now she must adjust to her new situation, and fast, because this job isn’t just her best option. It’s her only option.

This was adorable. It is a Watson and Holmes retelling where Watson is a one-armed, female, ex-D&D-style adventuring gnome and Holmes is a dark or night elf. But these two are so much warmer than the original, in my opinion. The friendship that grows between them is platonic, but amazingly supportive. I loved all of the small ways Thompson found to show us meaningful moments. (I think the ever-hidden silver coin, which provided enrichment time in the apartment, was my favorite.) I will 100% be looking for more books by Thompson, and if I’m lucky, this will become a series.

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