Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc.

By: Austin Miller

Narrated by: Barbara Benjamin-Creel

Since the day that Tom Middleberry was rejected by the International Federation of Magical Law Enforcement, he has never been the same. He spends his days at his detective agency, Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc., trying to eat, drink, and smoke his tragic life away - until the murders, that is. Tom doesn't give up his gluttonous habits, however - for the first time - there's a sense of purpose in his step.

When a new string of murders, accompanied by art theft, soon occur, Tom begins to fear that the federation will take over his jurisdiction and steal the only real case he's ever had. Tom moves quickly to recruit his old partner, Charles. Charles is a family man and is reluctant to join forces with his old partner due to differences in character, but when he hears there is prize money involved and a chance to go up against the federation, he readily accepts.

When the federation comes to the small Louisiana swamp town of Gourmandise, they threaten Tom and Charles with imprisonment if they don't stay away. It is unforeseen if Tom and Charles will cower to the governing body of magic, or if they can find a way to solve the murders and evade the federation.

Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc. is a fantasy mystery intended for a young adult audience. It combines dark humor, mystery, magic, and an intriguingly genuine cast that will pull you in from the start and leave you wanting for more when you're through.

©2015 Austin Miller (P)2015 Austin Miller

Odd Goofy Occult Detective Story

What did you love best about Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc.?

I really liked the characters, they all seemed to come off the page, or in this case out of the words.

What did you like best about this story?

Look at the previous answer. Also the fact that the plot points managed to be both goofy and interesting at the same time.

Have you listened to any of Barbara Benjamin-Creel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have, and this was improved from there, I think this book suited her better though.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No, not really.

Any additional comments?

I received this for free in exchange for an honest review.

Fun light paranormal mystery

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would make it deeper, longer and more involved.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would of made the story more complex with more twists and turns.

Which scene was your favorite?

The beaver performing to a captive audience.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably not although it could be made into a good family film which would interest both children and adults.

Any additional comments?

This was a magical fun light listen featuring a sorcerer private detective No great literature and for me a take it or leave it book. It would be a fun listen in a car trip with kids as I think that both kids and adults would enjoy it The kids would like the magical realm with the story book characters and the adults would enjoy the satire and humor.

“I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot come”

A very strange book...

What a strange book. At first I thought I was listening to a children's book, but then realized no way can it be a kids book (language). This is kind of like a fantasy book. It is good and the narration is awesome, but it was strange too.

The author, Austin Miller did a good job on his story. It left me kind of baffled. I wasn't sure what genre it was even after listening to it. It is definitely mysterious! The narrator, Barbara Benjamin-Creel did a superb job on the delivery complete with multiple voices and wonderful accents.

I won this audiobook in an Eargasms contest.

Interesting Premise Made Better by Reader

Would you listen to Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc. again? Why?

Perhaps I should listen to this book again, as there were several details that I feel I may have missed in my first listening - especially trying to determine the species of most of the cast (human or animal?).

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The story's swamp setting and colorful cast of character voices got my attention right off the bat, and I couldn't help but be reminded of the old comic strip 'Pogo', which was populated by talking woodland creatures. I must have had that talking animal comic strip in mind so much that I assumed that the entire cast were comprised of talking animals, a misapprehension that was only confirmed by the presence of a talking beaver. Later in the story I realized that some of the cast were humans, and I never fully untangled that question in my first listening. I was bored by the well-worn solution to one of the books mysteries, which made me wonder if this was in fact intended as juvenile fiction, however, there were instances where the author gave these characters profane dialogue and casual adult attitudes that clashed with the previously established quaint nature of this magical swamp setting. The society of magic users isn't a new concept but it has been done better by other authors. In this book it feels like we've just sprinkled on some Harry Potter HOWEVER that doesn't mean that I don't think that there's not an opportunity for improvement, because the initial concept is still interesting and could lead to a fun series of books featuring these paranormal investigations.

Have you listened to any of Barbara Benjamin-Creel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to one other book by this voice actor but the previous audio book was a modern day fantasy story and did not provide a reason to feature the sort of colorful cartoonish style characters in this book. It felt very nearly like listening to an animated cartoon during some scenes, which speaks to her voice skills.

Any additional comments?

Less snazzy/glib dialogue and more time building characters and their back stories so that the reader/listener will remember if the characters were humans or talking animals. The author might want to consider whether they're aiming at a juvenile audience or an adult audience and adjust the dialogue accordingly.

Not really for me

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Honestly I had a hard time getting through this one, I kept rolling my eyes at some of the stupid things that Tom would say. It might be fun for a younger audience, especially male.

Would you ever listen to anything by Austin Miller again?

It really depends on what it is, I always try and give an author a second try.

What does Barbara Benjamin-Creel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was fantastic, and really the best part of the story. I really enjoyed her voice and voices even though her southern accent was a little overboard. I would listen to her again.

Any additional comments?

I got this from the author via audioblast for a fair and honest review.

This book sounded so cute and fun, but I think if it wasn't for Tom and some of the things he did or said I might have liked it more. I wanted to like it more. Others might really enjoy it.

Entertainment at its best!

This is one of those books you don't want to stop listening to. The story line is so well written, it had me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was happening next. The characters had depth and wit and you really became to know them as the story goes on. I prayer there is a sequel to this hidden treasure and will definitely be recommending it!

Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums

This is a fun ,short book to listen to.Barbara Benjamin-Creel does a fine job narrating the voices in this story.There are animals running ferrys,people being killed,etc.
Tom is a detective who recieves his mail via a paper airplane thru a window.He flunked out of REAL detective school and the big boys don't want to play w/him.He falls into a murder investigation when he is called upon to investigate a theft of an art piece.The plot thickens from there,as does Toms waistline,as he is a gluton and proud of it.It's funny and fresh.Give it a listen.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse

Investigation Services!

I was actually surprised with this story and I love the authors take on detail, plot, and the characters. It was a fun story, filled with mystery, some magic, and loveable characters, especially the talking animals. I will admit that this story could be for teens but for adults as well. I think you could specify this as a story for teens. I read YA stories all the time and I can assure you that I'm no teen. I think this would be a great start to a new series. I highly recommend to the author in doing just that. I would put this story as book 0.5, a short story and write a longer story and put let it be book 1. I suggest if you were to do this that you make the story at least 8 hrs. I have seen how well a story will sell providing the length of the book. I did enjoy this story immensely and tell you to give it a listen. I know it's a 2 he story but give it a listen. If you don't like it as much as I did then remember Audible's refund policy.

Barbara Benjamin-Creel did a good job with her narration of this story. I did think at times that she should've used a more manly voice. For instance, Charles's voice sounded exactly like a females. I actually thought it was a female character until I learned Charles was a man and married. So I recommend the narrator doing some work with her male voices and accents. I overlooked that and. I still found this story enjoyable and fun. Overall, I'm giving it 5 🌟.

I received this audio at no charge from the author/narrator in exchange for an honest and unbiased review through Audiobook Blast.

It was ok

Copy given in exchange for an unbiased review.

It was ok. Character description was lacking and a thesaurus would help a good bit. Seems like it would have been a good kids story if it lacked the foul language.

Great performance, good story,disappointing ending

If you could sum up Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc. in three words, what would they be?

Very original detective

Would you recommend Mysterious Happenings and Conundrums, Inc. to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend it. The story started out great and it kept you intrigued. The combinations of magic and regular detective are blended in an intresting way. It doesn't overtake the story but it definitely peaks your interest. However I must say I was disspaointed with the ending. It felt like the ending was lackluster and it could've been better. However, the reason as to why it ended the way it did is explained. I am not a fan of this, but anyone who doesn't have a problem with this might enjoy the ending.

What does Barbara Benjamin-Creel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She voiced every character differently and according to their traits. If i'd read the book I wouldn't have experienced the amazing accents and dramatization.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it in one sitting since it was fairly short.