The Case of the Purloined Mushrooms by Inkling
Bodkin · 12 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
What better reward than the recipe for Bilbo's mushrooms on toast! Far more valuable than gold - to any self-respecting hobbit, anyway. I don't know that Abelard's mother has much chance of persuading him to seek a bride. He seems quite happy with the world as it is!
Author's reply
Yes, Abie is very content…but mothers never give up trying, do they? Thanks so much for reviewing!
Althea · 9 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
What a wonderful way for Bilbo to show his gratitude. I very much enjoyed reading this story.
Author's reply
Yes, for Abie the nutmeg was even better than a gold coin! Thanks, Althea, for letting me know you enjoyed this.
Larner · 8 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
No wonder he couldn't recognize the spice if he'd not seen nutmeg before. We once purchased a nutmeg grater to sell in the antique store we had, and didn't keep it long at all. Bane does sound like quite the dog, and loved the reason the Gaffer gave for not accepting him. Heeheehee!
Author's reply
Yes, Bilbo had good reason to be smug, as he knew Abie would never guess the mystery ingredient without seeing a nutmeg. I have a tin nutmeg grater that must be an antique (when’s the last time you saw “Made in West Germany”?), though I don’t remember how I acquired it. It was the model for the one in the story and is a very handy little device. Thanks for commenting and glad this gave you a chuckle!
Fiondil · 8 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
I sat here last night with a beastly head cold, drinking wild daisy tea (popular here in China where I live) and needing something to take my mind off my stuffy nose and decided to read your tale. It's a regular "Shire cozy" and Abie Archer is obviously the Miss Marple of the Four Farthings. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the oblique and not so oblique references to Sherlock Holmes and such. Quite amusing. The plot was believeable and the characters charming, especially Abie. I'm not particularly fond of first-person narrative, as it often is written very poorly, but you were able to pull it off without any trouble. Your style of writing is easy on the eyes and delightful to the mind. I do hope you come up with other mysteries for Abie Archer to solve, and maybe along the way, find him a wife just to keep his poor long-suffering mother happy. *grin* And while my cold didn't get any better, my spirits certainly did. Thank you.
Author's reply
You’re very welcome, Fiondil, and thank you for your kind words! This was my first attempt at first-person narrative, so it’s nice to hear that my struggles with it weren’t too obvious. I was fortunate to have a beta who alerted me to some of its pitfalls, such as overuse of looked, appeared, seemed, etc. Glad to cheer you up and hope your cold gets better. Keep drinking that tea!
Dreamflower · 7 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
What a perfect ending to a perfect mystery! And the recipe, too! I'm going to post a link to the story at Shire Kitchen! And I *do* hope we haven't heard the last of dear Postman Abie!
Author's reply
Oh cool, I’d love for you to link this to Shire Kitchen, even though I missed the challenge! I hope you like the recipe if you try it…it’s a snap to prepare with a food processor (don’t tell Abie!), and freezes well too. And thanks for all your encouraging reviews! I’m so glad you liked Abie…and you never know, he may have another mystery or two to solve one of these days.
Rowan · 7 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
An original idea, well written and with an appealing non-Mary-Sue-ish OC protagonist. Will wonders never cease! Thank you for a most enjoyable read.
Author's reply
You’re most welcome, Rowan! Your review gave me chuckle…yes, OCs are risky and I’m glad that Abie passed muster. Thanks for your kind words!
Andrea · 7 May 2007 · Chapter 5: Another Mystery Is Solved
A beautiful ending to a grand story! Of course, Shirriff Tom claimed all the honors for solving the "mushroom mystery", but Abie didn't really care. And that's another thing that I like about him. I'm glad that Aunt Dora called Frodo "a credit to the Bagginses", and I would like to know more about Merry's attempts to get his own "Terror" title ;-) Last but not least: the secret ingredient! Nutmeg - who would have known, although I can very well imagine that it will add a lovely taste to mushrooms! Thank you very much, Inkling, for this wonderful story! P.S.: I think, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would have enjoyed your story!
Author's reply
And thank you, Andrea, for all your lovely reviews! I agree about Abie…it’s to his credit that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. As for Merry, I have to confess that I’m not sure just what he was up to, but have no doubt that he met the challenge… I’m so glad you enjoyed this little mystery, and hope you’re right about Sir Arthur!
cookiefleck · 3 May 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
Lovely story/chapter. I particularly liked when the Gaffer doubled up and only Sam knew he was laughing. Great fun!
Author's reply
Thanks cookiefleck! The Gaffer became something of a scene-stealer in this chapter…he and Dora were both a lot of fun to write. I’m glad you had fun too!
Bodkin · 30 April 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
The sad thing is that Merry's thinking is totally logical - and, at his age, perfectly acceptable. And getting Frodo back is worth it, whatever the price! While the Sackville-Bagginses behaviour is totally predictable! And (apart from Sam's watch) ruined by their own stupidity. The dog in the night takes on a whole new meaning. The saying about gift horses should, perhaps, apply to mushroom-hounds. Farmer Broadfoot has been had for a mug!
Author's reply
Yes, ironic how Merry and the S-Bs had the same goal for such different reasons. But you’re right, it is sad for Merry…I certified this fic 99% angst-free, but Merry is that other 1%. At least he got to eat the mushrooms! And you’re right about the farmer…what irks him even more than the loss of the mushrooms is being had by his competitor in the Marish…and by his own watchdog as well! Thanks for reviewing, Bodkin!
Bodkin · 30 April 2007 · Chapter 3: The Terror of Hobbiton
Abelard is clever - unlike the Sackville-Bagginses. Otho is a nasty piece of work. And predictable. And the accusations have become so ridiculous as to be quite entertaining for young Frodo. Wings! Walking through walls!
Author's reply
Well, at least you can’t fault those farmers for poor imaginations! As for the S.-B.s…they’re almost too easy to cast as the villains, aren’t they? Though Lobelia and Lotho usually have all the fun…thought I’d give Otho his turn in the limelight. Thanks for your comments!
Larner · 30 April 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
Hilarious, and I think Sir Arthur would have giggled a time or two. Trust the S-Bs to measure their furniture before the room's theirs. Heh! And Abelard is such a wonderful detective. As for Farmer Maggot and Bane--that has me totally enchanted. I WANT Bane, I do! The thieving watchdog! Excellently well done! Heh!
Author's reply
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Larner, and I certainly hope Sir Arthur would have too…or at least taken it in stride! (I wonder if anyone was writing Holmes fan fiction in his lifetime and if so, what he thought about it…) Without a doubt, Bane was an excellent watchdog…so he could have the mushrooms for himself! You’ll learn his fate in the final installment. Thanks for your kind words!
Andrea · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
Well, what shall I say after all these lovely reviews? First of all, I enjoyed the confrontation of Dora and Lobelia a great deal! Your Dora is wonderful! And her pointed look at Frodo when the Gaffer recited the Baggins family tree was great! I had expected that Frodo was covering up for Merry. But as Merry did only steal some mushrooms from the cellar, he was not the *real* mushroom thief! And when Sam reported that Lotho buried the mushrooms in Bag End's garden, I thought everything was clear! But then came Abie... A dog that loves mushrooms! I would never have thought of that! And I think that Abie is a fine detective, nearly as good as Sherlock Holmes! Last but not least, I loved it that even Frodo overcame his fear of dogs and tried to protect Bane from the farmer's wrath. "Bane" is an appropriate name! He was meant to be the bane of the thieves, but turned out to be his master's bane ;-) Now, I'm looking forward to see more mysteries solved!
Author's reply
Hi Andrea! Credit for Dora’s pointed look goes to Permilea, my wonderful beta on this story, who contributed many other great ideas as well. I’m glad the story kept you guessing, as any proper mystery should. Yes, Bane lived up to his name—as the bane of mushrooms! More mysteries? Well, there is one more to be solved in this story, and after that, we’ll see…Abelard may make another appearance someday. Thanks so much for your reviews, Andrea, they’re always a delight to receive! :)
lovethosehobbits · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
Loved it! Thanks so much for giving us a little 'mystery' to challenge our hobbits and us as well.
Author's reply
And thank you, tree, for letting me know you enjoyed it! It was fun to give mystery writing a try…it challenged me, too! :) There is one more little chapter to come, hopefully in the next few days…
Dreamflower · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
Oh--and by the way, I *do* hope we haven't seen the last of Archer! I'd love to see more little mysteries with him in them.
Author's reply
Well, I do have a couple more Abelard Archer mystery plot bunnies residing on my hard drive…so you never know! But given my glacial pace of writing, it may be a while before they see the light of day. Thanks for asking!
Dreamflower · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 4: The Mystery Is Solved
Ah! My dear, a very clever and beautifully rendered mystery. Posthobbit Archer should take a bow, and then take his place among such brilliant detectives as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Lord Peter Wimsey, and Nero Wolfe! I have to admit, I myself had come to the conclusion that the Shirriff had--that the farmer was doing it himself. (Though I thouht he was in cahoots with the S.-B.s.) This was such a lovely chapter--with Frodo and Merry so in character in their devotion to one another. Poor little Merry, scheming to get his cousin back. But at least he got to scarf down the mushrooms. And Sam and the Gaffer were beautifully done as well. But I have to say my favorite part was Aunt Dora toe to toe with Lobelia. *YES!* Now that was an encounter I'd have *paid* to see! Now--where's the recipe you promised? *grin*
Author's reply
Wow! High praise indeed for a little Posthobbit! Abelard would be honored to find himself in such renowned company…and am sure would enjoy discussing the pleasures of the table with Poirot! ;) The showdown between Dora and Lobelia is one of my own fave scenes, too…I loved writing it! Thanks so much for reviewing and have no fear, the recipe is yet to come! I know it’s a bit anticlimactic, but there is one more chapter. I still have to finish editing, and test the recipe…it’s a long time since I’ve made it. So stay tuned!
Stefania · 24 April 2007 · Chapter 2: My Investigation Begins
Inkling, this tale is delightful so far. Your style is so smooth and so readable. Abelard is an engaging, homespun protagonist. I don't even care whodunnit at this point. I'm having too much fun experiencing Shire life through your characters. - Steff
Author's reply
Hi Steff! I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far. This was my first attempt at first-person narrative and I found it kind of tricky, so it’s really nice to hear that you like the style, and Abelard’s character. Thanks for reviewing!
Anonymous · 24 April 2007 · Chapter 3: The Terror of Hobbiton
What a lovely story. Characters are so hobbity & it's great to see a 'normal' view of The Shire. Don't leave us in suspense too long! Blossom
Author's reply
Hi Blossom (a good hobbity name, that!), I’m glad you’re enjoying it. My other stories all have their share of angst, so it’s been fun writing something with no greater crisis than mushroom snatching! :) Thanks for reviewing and don’t worry, soon all will be revealed!
Althea · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 3: The Terror of Hobbiton
Abelard is a wonderful character. I also like the way you've written Bilbo. Otho's last remark is very interesting.
Author's reply
I’m so glad you like Abelard, as OCs can be a risky endeavor. It’s also nice to hear you like my take on Bilbo. Thanks again for all the encouragement, and hope you enjoy the denouement!
Althea · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 2: My Investigation Begins
At first I rather thought that Frodo was covering for Merry, but now I'm not so sure. This is a great story.
Author's reply
Well, my aim is to keep you guessing! *grin* Thanks for the feedback!
Althea · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 1: Concerning Mushrooms
I feel as if I'm watching a movie as I read this wonderfully written tale of missing mushrooms. The characters and descriptions are so vividly clear. I'm off to read the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind remarks, Althea! They’ve really made my day. Hope you enjoy the rest! *passes the popcorn*
Larner · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 3: The Terror of Hobbiton
Why do I have the distinct feeling one of the Netherfields is cooperating with Otho in this situation? And Frodo enjoys it, does he? Sly young Hobbit.
Author's reply
Thief or not, Frodo is still a rascal! As for your guesses, you’ll soon see if they’re close to the mark… Thanks for reviewing!
Andrea · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 3: The Terror of Hobbiton
The lad wasn’t helping things, either, stopping at intervals and fixing his gaze on some tempting item or other, until the vendor all but leaped protectively in front of his wares. ROTFL!!! Oh my, that is great! Well, I should not approve of Frodo's behaviour, but actually I do ;-) I particularly liked the little faunt who looked for his "wings"! So, it should be clear that Frodo did not perform the last mushroom raid, because he was watched by Bilbo and the shirriff (although he obviously fell asleep). That's what a sensible hobbit would conclude - but not the farmers! They need the thief in person to accept that Frodo is not to blame. However, Otho's last remark leaves me wondering like Abie. What did he mean? Or has he something to do with the raids? Well, Abie will find out! He may be no Sherlock Holmes, but he has the right amount of good hobbit sense!
Author's reply
Hi Andrea! The market scene was fun to write, so I’m glad it gave you a chuckle! And you’re right…Abie’s good hobbit sense will make a detective of him yet. As for Otho’s remark, stay tuned! Hehehe… Thanks for reviewing!
Andrea · 16 April 2007 · Chapter 2: My Investigation Begins
So, Abie is going to investigate? Great! I like that post-hobbit very much. Your description of aunt Dora was wonderful. Poor Frodo, though ;-) Such was the force of command in her voice that I found myself squaring my own shoulders and lifting my chin…and I could see Bilbo doing the same. LOL!!! I can very well imagine that! Now, I'm still suspecting that Merry has *something* to do with the mushroom affair. But what? Well, Abie will find it out. I trust in his investigation skills more than he does ;-)
Author's reply
My grandmother used to make me sit up straight, and even though she’s long gone, bless her, just her memory can still get me to do it! I was thinking of her when I wrote that bit… Abie is rather a reluctant detective, but he just may rise to the occasion! Thanks for reviewing!
Dreamflower · 15 April 2007 · Chapter 2: My Investigation Begins
It sounds like Abelard has been given a sign, LOL! I did get a kick out of your Aunt Dora! Even more formidable than mine, I daresay--poor Frodo and Bilbo! As for Merry, well, I'm sure Frodo is trying to protect him from *something*--but what? And I hope that Abelard will find plenty of clues out at the farm. I'm really looking forward to more of this tale!
Author's reply
I’m finding Dora a fun character to write, as I think you have too! She has some more good scenes later in the story. Thanks and hope you like the rest!
Larner · 15 April 2007 · Chapter 2: My Investigation Begins
Aha! A means to visit the premises, then! Wonderful! Looking forward to learning what Abie learns. And LOVE the description of Lardo. Sounds as if he was aptly named, then! Heh!
Author's reply
Well, as someone—Dernhelm?—said, “Where will wants not, a way opens.” And so it has for Abie. And as for Lardo…the name was just too tempting to resist! Thanks, Larner.