And the Cat in the Jar) (The Parasol Protectorate)

After many references to Alexia's father, Ms. Carrier gives us a story with he and Mr. Foote. It's a brief story but tells us how Alexia's parents met. If also hints at more creatures of supernatural ilk in the universe of the Parasol Protectorate. Very enjoyable.

What can I say about Alessandro Tarabotti? Such an ass, in the best way. Who in their right mind thought he was a nice guy? No one, that's who. I loved this day-in-the-life picture of him. One question, though: Are all these Philinkertons related? Because seriously.

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.

I've never moralized in a review before but sheesh! The 'protagonist' is and willing to destroy history and .... in support of a faith he doesn't believe; but d--n does he look good doing it. Everyone else is obviously unworthy when their lives are balanced again his grooming. I have loved and anticipated all of her books but this was a waste of money.

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.

Alexia’s (from the Parasol Protectorate series) father. The Parasol Protectorate is Miss Carriger’s first series in the Parasolverse that she created! All of her books that I’ve read in this world have been amazing, and this one didn’t let me down. It was nice to see inside her (Alexia’s) dad’s world... even if t was just a peek!
I recommend reading the Finishing School Series first, then Parasol Protectorate, followed by novellas or The Custard Protocol! (This way you know the world a bit more before reading novella, especially if you are new to a more “steampunk” world!)