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).