Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an eARC.

This was a great fantasy novella. I really enjoyed the fast paced writing of the book. The dynamic between the different characters was well done, especially between Lance and Norman. I liked the way the world's magic was described and would have liked to see more details. I think it would have been even better if there had been more explanations on what exactly the Source was, in terms of lore/background, although the mysterious nature of it did add to the atmosphere. I also felt like the book focused more on Lance than Norman despite the book being named after the latter. I would love to see a sequel for this book, clearing up some of the loose ends. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced fantasy novella.

The Not So Mundane Mysteries of Norman Melamourne is a quick-paced, humorous, magical detective novel.

It’s in the same vein as something like Even Thought I Knew the End, or a Magic for Liars, where our lead characters are realistic, their crimes creepy, and their world wonderful.

In this novel, Lance Delum (a ND academic) finds himself at the center of a sinister plot surrounding his area of expertise “The Source.” The Source is, essentially, a magical battery that almost anyone can tap into and use to move non-living materials. When Lance finds himself, and his school, implicated in some heavy crimes, Norman Melamourne—previous detective turned police consultant—comes to question if Lance is truly guilty, or if something far worse is happening.

Norman, in spite of his name gracing the cover, isn’t the most complex or unique detective, but Lance is interesting, and the world feels so intriguing that you almost don’t care.

The Not So Mundane Mysteries of Norman Melamourne is the kind of novella that sneaks up on you. I picked it up expecting a quirky detective story and found myself pulled into something stranger, sadder, and more magical than I’d anticipated.

Norman, our reluctant ex-detective, is all gruff edges and quiet grief. Lance, the jittery professor accused of an impossible crime, is the perfect foil—sharp, anxious, and unexpectedly endearing. Their dynamic is what makes the story sing: reluctant trust, dry banter, and the slow unraveling of shared pain.

The Source—this world’s peculiar brand of magic—is fascinatingly under-explained, which somehow works. It adds to the eerie, off-kilter atmosphere, where even the rules feel slippery. I wanted more lore, but I also appreciated the restraint. It kept the focus on the characters, their histories, and the mystery that binds them.

It’s a fast read, but not a forgettable one. The emotional beats land quietly, and the ending leaves just enough unresolved to make you hope for a sequel. I’d happily spend more time with Norman and Lance, especially if they’re still bickering their way through magical murders.

With thanks to GJ Terral, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

For just 158 pages, this novella delivers more worldbuilding and character depth than many 500-page books I’ve read. The no-nonsense plot delivery is absolutely chef’s kiss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end and finished it in a single sitting, feeling completely satisfied. Short, sharp, and spot on, well done.

My honest review was provided in exchange for an ARC on NetGalley. Thank you, G.J. Terral, for giving me this ARC!

This novella was such a pleasant surprise. What starts as a murder mystery quickly grows into something stranger and more layered, blending fantasy, philosophy, and character-driven drama.

Lance Delum, an anxious professor of Source Studies, is accused of a crime he couldn’t possibly commit—the brutal, magical murder of his student. Enter Norman Melamourne, a retired detective with a grudge against the Source, a love of liquor, and zero patience for Delums of any kind. Watching these two reluctant allies circle each other while digging into Sasha’s death was thoroughly enjoyable. Norman’s sharp, gruff perspective kept me smiling, while Lance’s inner turmoil gave the story its heart.

The Source itself—a strange, pervasive power that blurs the lines between magic and science—is fascinating. Terral leaves much of its lore undefined, which both frustrated and intrigued me. The ambiguity adds to the unsettling tone, where even the rules of reality feel unsteady.

For a novella, the worldbuilding is rich and the mystery tightly woven. I found myself second-guessing theories right up until the end, and the final reveal was both surprising and satisfying. The pacing was brisk but never rushed, making this a one-sitting read.

If I had one critique, it’s that I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I hoped to be—I wanted a bit more depth in the characters’ inner lives. Still, Norman and Lance made a memorable duo, and I’d happily follow them into future mysteries.

All in all, this is a fun, smart, and atmospheric whodunnit with just the right mix of humor, magic, and grit. Fans of speculative detective stories will definitely want to check it out.

This was a nice surprise of a short novel. I thought the dialog was snappy and there was just so much story jammed into so few pages.

I liked how the magical elements were woven into the story. Even though this is not normally the type of book that I read, I was so drawn into it and really enjoyed reading it. I’m wondering if this book will have a sequel or even its own series. I could see a set of these very dense short novels. It’s the perfect novella for busy lives or people who like a lot of depth in a book.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!