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Parasol Protectorate #0.5
The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn't
A short tale of mummies, werewolves, and well preserved felines set in the world of the Parasol Protectorate.
Alessandro Tarabotti and his valet, Floote, are on a mission in Egypt when they encounter visiting tourists and things go all pie shaped. What is his real mission and will his Aunt Archangelica approve of his treatment of her cat?
In this short story, New York Times Bestselling Author Gail Carriger uses her comedic voice to delve into the history of one of her most beloved characters. If you have ever wondered about Alexia's father, this will give you a glimpse into his adventures and character.
This story was first published in The Book of the Dead, a Jurassic London anthology.
Alessandro Tarabotti and his valet, Floote, are on a mission in Egypt when they encounter visiting tourists and things go all pie shaped. What is his real mission and will his Aunt Archangelica approve of his treatment of her cat?
In this short story, New York Times Bestselling Author Gail Carriger uses her comedic voice to delve into the history of one of her most beloved characters. If you have ever wondered about Alexia's father, this will give you a glimpse into his adventures and character.
This story was first published in The Book of the Dead, a Jurassic London anthology.
32 pages, ebook
First published June 27, 2014
About the author
Gail Carriger
60 books15.2k followersGail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. Join the Chirrup for sneak peaks of upcoming giggles: http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews
November 25, 2023
Oh my gosh! I finished the Parasol Protectorate books years ago and had no idea that there were two short prequels available until I saw this one in my Goodreads feed. I immediately rushed to check out the audiobook from Libby (and I do mean immediately) and now here we are.
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't focuses on Alessandro Tarabotti (Alexia's father) and his (un)werewolf-y adventure in Egypt. Honestly, my only real complaint is that I wish it were longer. I'd almost forgotten how much I adore Gail Carriger and the Parasol Protectorate series. Other than Floote and Mrs. Loontwill (née Phinkerlington), this prequel doesn't share any characters with the full-length novels, but the voice and humor of the series is certainly there. Mr. Tarabotti doesn't seem to be the nicest guy around, but he is tremendously entertaining.
So, yeah, whoo! So excited. I'll be starting Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident (the second prequel) shortly, which makes me extra happy since it's an Alexia Tarabotti story.
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't focuses on Alessandro Tarabotti (Alexia's father) and his (un)werewolf-y adventure in Egypt. Honestly, my only real complaint is that I wish it were longer. I'd almost forgotten how much I adore Gail Carriger and the Parasol Protectorate series. Other than Floote and Mrs. Loontwill (née Phinkerlington), this prequel doesn't share any characters with the full-length novels, but the voice and humor of the series is certainly there. Mr. Tarabotti doesn't seem to be the nicest guy around, but he is tremendously entertaining.
So, yeah, whoo! So excited. I'll be starting Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident (the second prequel) shortly, which makes me extra happy since it's an Alexia Tarabotti story.
July 17, 2018
5 Words: Mysterious, Egypt, knob-head, fisticuffs, were-WHAT?
My thoughts about Alessandro Tarabotti seem to have been right - he's a bit of a knob-head. But it's all good. This is a very quick read, but full of the wit I've come to expect from the author. The voice is definitely different from that of Alecia.
I loved this short about Alexia's father and Floote. It was fun and paved the way for so much MORE in this already fantastic world. It revealed a little more about the history of the characters and how the world was developing.
I hope there are more shorts based on Alessandro. I'd happily read them all. I loved how much of a dick he was.
Get over to Smashwords and get this now. It's only $0.99 which last night due to exchange rates was a bargain £0.60! That's only 60p people! You can't buy a bar of chocolate for that!
My thoughts about Alessandro Tarabotti seem to have been right - he's a bit of a knob-head. But it's all good. This is a very quick read, but full of the wit I've come to expect from the author. The voice is definitely different from that of Alecia.
I loved this short about Alexia's father and Floote. It was fun and paved the way for so much MORE in this already fantastic world. It revealed a little more about the history of the characters and how the world was developing.
I hope there are more shorts based on Alessandro. I'd happily read them all. I loved how much of a dick he was.
Get over to Smashwords and get this now. It's only $0.99 which last night due to exchange rates was a bargain £0.60! That's only 60p people! You can't buy a bar of chocolate for that!
April 8, 2023
Relato muy cortito sobre el padre de Alexia.
Sinopsis: Un relato corto sobre momias, licántropos y felinos bien conservados ambientado en el mundo del Protectorado de la Sombrilla. Alessandro Tarabotti y su mayordomo, Floote, están en una misión en Egipto cuando coinciden con la llegada de unos turistas y todos sus planes se van al traste. ¿Cuál es su verdadera misión y, sobre todo, su tía Archangelica aprobará su forma de tratar a su gato? En este relato, la autora Gail Carriger usa su voz cómica para ahondar en la historia de uno de sus más queridos personajes. Si alguna vez te has preguntado sobre el padre de Alexia, este relato te dará una visión de sus aventuras y personalidad.
Sinopsis: Un relato corto sobre momias, licántropos y felinos bien conservados ambientado en el mundo del Protectorado de la Sombrilla. Alessandro Tarabotti y su mayordomo, Floote, están en una misión en Egipto cuando coinciden con la llegada de unos turistas y todos sus planes se van al traste. ¿Cuál es su verdadera misión y, sobre todo, su tía Archangelica aprobará su forma de tratar a su gato? En este relato, la autora Gail Carriger usa su voz cómica para ahondar en la historia de uno de sus más queridos personajes. Si alguna vez te has preguntado sobre el padre de Alexia, este relato te dará una visión de sus aventuras y personalidad.
November 26, 2023
3.5 Stars for The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn’t: Parasol Portectorate, Book 0.5 (audiobook) Gail Carriger read by a full cast.
This was fun prequel to the series. It’s a good reminder for me that I hadn’t finished the series yet. I’ll put my next book on my TBR.
This was fun prequel to the series. It’s a good reminder for me that I hadn’t finished the series yet. I’ll put my next book on my TBR.
September 30, 2014
I loved the Parasol Protectorate series and was sad to read the last book. When I saw this little prequel story was available I was excited to revisit the world that Carriger had created. Sadly, I just did NOT like Alessandro Tarrabotti. The fussy, prissy things I found so interesting and amusing in his daughter just seemed like affectation here. He was also ruthless, which was not what I was expecting.
I wish Carriger had written a prequel that was more about Floote. Now him I like!
I wish Carriger had written a prequel that was more about Floote. Now him I like!
August 19, 2014
This book did not have enough word in it. And I was really hoping Mr. Tarrabotti would run into Amelia and Emerson while he was in Egypt.
Perhaps next time.
Perhaps next time.
January 21, 2019
Gail Carriger can do no wrong, apparently.
March 18, 2021
My darling Floote <3 and we can certainly see where Alexia gets it, don't we?
Oh, and Phinkerlington rings a bell ;)
Oh, and Phinkerlington rings a bell ;)
October 22, 2019
Demasiado absurdo, que raya en lo ridículo.
November 25, 2016
3.5 stars
May 3, 2021
Alessandro before he was Alexia’s father.
My only gripe is that it wasn’t longer.
My only gripe is that it wasn’t longer.
July 1, 2017
Lizard: 3⋆.
Wombat: 4⋆.
Overall: 3.5⋆.
Wombat: 4⋆.
Overall: 3.5⋆.
March 12, 2020
Nice little story
January 2, 2019
I'm thinking of joining The Great 2019 Parasolverse Readalong - hesitating because I'm not too sure if I'll have enough time considering college and I don't want Gail Carriger to be the only author I'm going to read books of this year. But at least I've read the first one!
I hadn't read it before, I believe it's the only book or novella set in the Parasolverse I hadn't read yet. It was a lot of fun, Alessandro Tarabotti is not your usual Gail Carriger main character and the story was very intriguing, although a little short.
I hadn't read it before, I believe it's the only book or novella set in the Parasolverse I hadn't read yet. It was a lot of fun, Alessandro Tarabotti is not your usual Gail Carriger main character and the story was very intriguing, although a little short.
January 3, 2019
Interesting prequel. Now I'm looking forward to starting the series with Etiquette and Espionage.
December 31, 2023
Får meg til å savne Gail Carrigers steampunk dager/ får dårlig samvittighet for å telle dette som en bok, men sånn er spillet
May 30, 2023
It was good to return to the world for this prequel, The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't (Parasol Protectorate #0.5) by Gail Carriger. I highly recommend the audiobook production, but that said the character of Alessandro was kind of annoying.
July 12, 2022
A nice little story (well, as nice as one with multiple murders can get). Alessandro was just about what I had expected!
January 1, 2024
After rereading Romancing the Werewolf for Christmas, I'm really in the mood to reread the entire series.
1-1-24
It's become a bit of a tradition to read on New Year's Day.
1-1-23
Because I might do a Parasolverse Reread, I'm starting off 2022 with this.
1-1-22
With the addition of Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident|49211639|Meat Cute The Hedgehog Incident and coming Dimity story - Defy or Defend| (Delightful Deadly); I really want to reread everything in this world. A Great 2020 Parasolverse Do Over as it were. Cross my fingers that I manage to fit in this year. One way or another; this story makes for awesome first read of the year.
January 3, 2020
First read of The Great 2019 Parasolverse Readalong!
Floote sounds like Mr Carson from Downton Abbey in my mind. January 1, 2019
Fun Quick Read - October 19 2016
1-1-24
It's become a bit of a tradition to read on New Year's Day.
1-1-23
Because I might do a Parasolverse Reread, I'm starting off 2022 with this.
1-1-22
With the addition of Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident|49211639|Meat Cute The Hedgehog Incident and coming Dimity story - Defy or Defend| (Delightful Deadly); I really want to reread everything in this world. A Great 2020 Parasolverse Do Over as it were. Cross my fingers that I manage to fit in this year. One way or another; this story makes for awesome first read of the year.
January 3, 2020
First read of The Great 2019 Parasolverse Readalong!
Floote sounds like Mr Carson from Downton Abbey in my mind. January 1, 2019
Fun Quick Read - October 19 2016
August 4, 2017
The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn’t is a fun little glimpse into the early Parasol world. Whilst it makes for an enjoyable quick read, it is not a necessary part of the series. It’s more so a read for the diehard fans. Personally, whilst I found this book enjoyable, it wasn’t quite what I had expected. I found myself expecting something a little bit more, meaning I was a little bit on the disappointed side when I didn’t get the hard-hitting short story I’d been anticipating.
Throughout the entire Parasol Protectorate series, I’ve been hoping to find out more about Alessandro Tarabotti. I wanted to know all about his past, and I wanted details of what happened with Floote by his side. To me, this felt more like a snapshot rather than the real look I had wanted. I got a tiny bit more about Alessandro Tarabotti, but not enough to extinguish my curiosity. I still want more; I would like even more stories about his life.
Nevertheless, it was a decent short read to add a wee bit more to the series.
Throughout the entire Parasol Protectorate series, I’ve been hoping to find out more about Alessandro Tarabotti. I wanted to know all about his past, and I wanted details of what happened with Floote by his side. To me, this felt more like a snapshot rather than the real look I had wanted. I got a tiny bit more about Alessandro Tarabotti, but not enough to extinguish my curiosity. I still want more; I would like even more stories about his life.
Nevertheless, it was a decent short read to add a wee bit more to the series.
March 7, 2015
Whilst this story is chronologically before Finishing School and Parasol Protectorate series, I'm sure you need to have read either of them first, probably Parasol. Being a short, there is really no explanation of the world, which is much fleshed out in the other series.
We get a little more understanding of Alessandro, Alexia's father from the Parasol Protectorate, and we see Floote at his valet best.
We get a little more understanding of Alessandro, Alexia's father from the Parasol Protectorate, and we see Floote at his valet best.
July 4, 2014
I loved finally meeting Alexia's father. He was just as eccentric and ruthless as promised and of course, great fun to read about. I didn't exactly get what the whole intrigue was about because I don't remember what Mr. Tarabotti's employers' purpose in life was but it was still very entertaining. I'd definitely like to meet him again.
June 11, 2022
After I finished the delicious Parasol Protectorate series, I had every intention of going back for the short stories from the same world. I was glad to get a start on those with the prequel story about Alexia's father.
Alessandro Tarabotti is on a mission in Egypt when he fights off thugs, meets a jovial English tourist, and discovers a supernatural secret with the help of an archeological map.
This was quick and more a vignette than full story. I was always curious about this character who was dead before the start of Soulless and what was known of him by his daughter and his intrepid valet, Floote (Floote gets a secondary role in this one). But, this left me with more questions than answers about the person of Alessandro while at the same time, I was not disappointed to have this adventure in Egypt.
I don't think this would be a good story read standalone and might work best after starting the series than in chronological order though I suppose it would work before, during or after the series.
Alessandro Tarabotti is on a mission in Egypt when he fights off thugs, meets a jovial English tourist, and discovers a supernatural secret with the help of an archeological map.
This was quick and more a vignette than full story. I was always curious about this character who was dead before the start of Soulless and what was known of him by his daughter and his intrepid valet, Floote (Floote gets a secondary role in this one). But, this left me with more questions than answers about the person of Alessandro while at the same time, I was not disappointed to have this adventure in Egypt.
I don't think this would be a good story read standalone and might work best after starting the series than in chronological order though I suppose it would work before, during or after the series.
May 3, 2019
3 stars.
This is the prequel of the series and is about Alexia's father who is in Luxor to dispose of some supernatural evidence uncovered by an archaeologist. It's a very short story and since it's the first time I've read this series, I think I'm missing some of the context surrounding Alexia's father. I'm hoping I will understand it more when I get further into the series.
An interesting start, nevertheless.
This is the prequel of the series and is about Alexia's father who is in Luxor to dispose of some supernatural evidence uncovered by an archaeologist. It's a very short story and since it's the first time I've read this series, I think I'm missing some of the context surrounding Alexia's father. I'm hoping I will understand it more when I get further into the series.
An interesting start, nevertheless.
October 23, 2019
Pues... he odiado al tal Tarabotti. Y eso ha hecho que no me haya gustado nada el relato.
Al principio no se sabe muy bien de que va la cosa (vale que quizá primero me tendría que haber leído los libros gordos), el protagonista es insoportable, un imbécil. Y el caso, si es que hay caso... irrisorio. Al final, lo de la piedra, me ha matado (en el mal sentido).
En fin 1 estrella sobre 5 porque ya hay bastante imbéciles en el mundo, como para encima leer sobre ellos. Lo siento, quizá no sea una puntuación merecida sin conocer previamente al protagonista... pero esta lectura ha sido como ha sido.
Al principio no se sabe muy bien de que va la cosa (vale que quizá primero me tendría que haber leído los libros gordos), el protagonista es insoportable, un imbécil. Y el caso, si es que hay caso... irrisorio. Al final, lo de la piedra, me ha matado (en el mal sentido).
En fin 1 estrella sobre 5 porque ya hay bastante imbéciles en el mundo, como para encima leer sobre ellos. Lo siento, quizá no sea una puntuación merecida sin conocer previamente al protagonista... pero esta lectura ha sido como ha sido.
April 2, 2020
Carriger's usual humor was great, but overall I found the story lacking. I also really didn't like the full cast audio narration with distracting background music and sounds.
June 4, 2021
This was a fun little multi-cast audiobook. Probably won't make much sense if you're not familiar with the Parasolverse, though.
October 24, 2019
Ni el protagonista ni el desarrollo del relato se salvan 👎
September 24, 2019
Well, this was disappointing. I was very excited to get some insight on Alessandro Tarabotti, Alexia's father and a central point in the entire Parasol series, but I despised the character and I don't think this little story served to any purpose in the main series. He really is elitist and is contemptuous towards almost everyone else, as well as supernatural creatures. I wished we got to see a different aspect of his, like when he abandoned the Templars and got involved with the English government - maybe it would serve to humanize him a bit. As it is, it had the total opposite effect and I honestly wish I hadn't read this.
September 17, 2023
I'm doing a re-read of all Gail Carriger's books, in the chronological order suggested on her blog. This is the first! I'm not sure I'd recommend starting with it...I still feel like Soulless is probably the best starting point if you've never read anything of hers. Or possibly Etiquette & Espionage, depending on if you're more in the mood for an adult (Soulless) or YA (E&E) series.
The Curious Case is an awesome little story that gives us a peek into the very interesting life of Mr. Alessandro Tarabotti, father of the much-beloved Alexia Tarabotti of Soulless. I was wild with curiosity over him, and how he came to be married however briefly to Alexia's mother, and this little gem answers some questions and raises a bunch more. I only wish it was longer...I feel like there is so much more to Alessandro's life and his very interesting self. Sigh.
The Curious Case is an awesome little story that gives us a peek into the very interesting life of Mr. Alessandro Tarabotti, father of the much-beloved Alexia Tarabotti of Soulless. I was wild with curiosity over him, and how he came to be married however briefly to Alexia's mother, and this little gem answers some questions and raises a bunch more. I only wish it was longer...I feel like there is so much more to Alessandro's life and his very interesting self. Sigh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews