With a Starred Review in every trade publication, and chosen by Library Journal as one of the top mysteries of the year, this is a smart, funny novel to kick back and enjoy!
Driving full steam ahead after the unexpected death of her husband, Annie Szabo was planning to get her life together. But her late husband’s family, an outrageous clan of Gypsies, has other plans. When Annie’s oldest friend, Jerry, turns up dead, she is plunged back into the family she tried to leave behind.
Suspecting murder, Annie is forced to form an alliance with Madame Mina, her stubborn and powerful mother-in-law, the heart of the Szabo family. Determined to catch Jerry’s killer, the two women must unlock the pattern of a tapestry wild with lawyers, criminals, kink, magic, and even more death.
One thing is certain–to catch a killer with a hidden agenda, Annie and Mina must use all of their resources: ancient curses, a talent for petty theft, bizarre love magic, a Gypsy PI, and a strong sense of humor.
Fascinating Gypsy detail and great characters.
Reviews
“An exciting debut. Meredith Blevins has written a thoroughly original first mystery, very funny with characters you’ll never forget.” –Tony Hillerman
“In The Hummingbird Wizard, Meredith Blevins covers new literary ground, introducing us to a fascinating, dark world, and pulling it off with flair and grace and humor.” –Jonathan Kellerman
“Damn fine book. A terrific read of a truly intriguing finely crafted mystery. With The Hummingbird Wizard, Meredith Blevins explores new territory in a new dimension other authors have feared to go.” –Clive Cussler
“Meredith Blevins has a sorcerer’s command of language, and ear for electric dialogue, and the economy of style that usually comes only after many years of honing in the marketplace. From the opening line ‘Jerry and I grew up before smog was invented,’ to the vivid impressionism of her descriptions, ‘autumn vineyards rolled up the hills in deep red lines behind my house,’ she has run up the banner of a new master in the making.” –Loren D. Estleman, Edgar-winning author
“I had a splendid time with the unforgettable Szabos—particularly the unsinkable Madame Mina and the Wizard himself, one of the sexiest heroes I’ve come across in a long while.” –Julie Smith, Edgar-winning author of the Skip Langdon series
“Meredith Blevins has a great sense of humor and a fresh, new voice. Fun characters abound and the Gypsy background is wonderful.” –Barbara D’Amato, winner of the Mary Higgins Clark award, author of Cat Marsala series
“If you don’t fall in love with the Szabos, you don’t have hormones. This is a giddy super-charged introduction to the unconventional Szabo clan. A sublime debut whose sequel can’t come fast enough.”– Kirkus
Publisher’s Weekly **starred review**
“Fascinating Gypsy lore, unforgettable characters and a wicked sense of humor distinguish Blevins highly unusual mystery debut. The author has expertly combined myth, legend and the dark side of human nature and tempered the mix with wit. Particularly engaging are Mina and her double-edged remarks and a peculiar and sexy Romany man known as the Hummingbird Wizard. A dramatic conclusion leads to revelations of the heart that cause Annie to see her in-laws in a new light. This stellar first, with it’s assured prose (“Jerry and I grew up before smog was invented,” reads the first sentence), will delight any mystery fan.”
Library Journal **starred review**
“Although the Gypsies were persecuted over the centuries, their mysterious and secretive culture today still holds a romantic and exotic allure for many gaje, or outsiders.
“Meredith Blevins’s unusual mystery debut, THE HUMMINGBIRD WIZARD, mixes an intriguing plot with unusual characters and plenty of Gypsy lore.”
Library Journal chose THE HUMMINGBIRD WIZARD as the top mystery published in 2003.
“There are trace elements of fantasy and magical realism here, a well-developed mystery…it’s a warm, witty novel of life, love, death and family that will stick with the reader long after the story ends.” – The Denver Post
“There are gems in every chapter and a pretty quick plot as well. Rife with wonderful people who never say anything dull…This atypical mystery deserves readers who like a little humor and romance mixed in with their murders.” — Denver Rocky Mountain News