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1700s: Hansel and Gretel are now investigating the case of the fickle mermaid off the west coast of Germany
The Case of the Fickle Mermaid
What you need to know before your trail
You may remember Gretel as being the girl who gets tricked into a witch’s house in the middle of the forest with her brother Hansel. Well, Gretel has moved on. they’re both working in a private detective agency but really Gretel is the brains of the operation.
This latest case sees them tracking down some missing people – sailors to be precise who have disappeared off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein Along with this, there are rumors of mermaids and sea creatures. On the ship they call Bavaria, the adventure has just begun.
Travel Guide
Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein – The case of the Fickle Mermaid
The world of the fairytale opens up as Hansel and Gretel – yes that Hansel and Gretel are on their third adventure on the seas off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s northernmost state
Captain Tobias Ziegler is head of the ship called Arabella whose crewmen are being taken by the animals or creatures of the sea. Just before they disappear, singing mermaids can be heard although it’s hard to see them.
Sailing in these fantastical waters is something from a fairytale and a nightmare all in one. Another captain, from another ship is also in these mysterious waters. He is also haunted by the mermaid’s haunting melodies.
Murder follows and Hansel and Gretel explore the nearby islands to find answers to their questions and discover a range of characters from mermaids, other creatures which they aren’t quite sure of, sailors and smugglers and of course the elusive sea sprite. This is a world of fantasy and all things Grimm. a colourful tapestry of fairytalesque adventure.
Hansel and Gretel related sights
Schloss Philippsruhe – A palatial historical museum and its riverside grounds include a collection of the Grimms’ personal items, like military uniforms. The annual summer-long Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Festival is held there.
Brüder Grimm-Haus – Located in the actual childhood home of Wilhelm and Jacob, the museum focuses on their home life, including a recreated kitchen.
Booktrailer Review
Clare: @thebooktrailer
There are certain books that you read, having no idea of the plot or theme and are totally surprised and shocked by what you find. This is one of those books as I have never read any of the Brother’s Grimm mysteries! This was so not my kind of book but what fun it was! I was taken aback, shocked, surprised, not sure what to make of it all, but always entertained. I’m quite pleased I had no early knowledge of the plot etc as this would have taken all the fun out of the book!
Fancy Gretel and Hans now being involved wit private detection agency! A real fun premise and I will be taking a look at the other two now. It’s not like anything I’ve read before – a fairytale for adults mixed with cosy crime, serious issues such as smuggling and disappearances but mixed with fantasy and child like wonder.
I still don’t know what to make of it all really but it’s made an impression on me
Destination: Germany Departure Time: 1700s
You might need your wellies when you go on your booktrail into the fairytale world of Hansel and Gretel and the Fickle Mermaid with Paula Brackston.
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