Review: Delightfully urbane
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 3, 2013
These two stories were indeed reminiscent of an earlier style that has been nicely updated for the computer age.I do have a couple of nitpicks regarding typos: For a character who is touted as an oenophile and connoisseur of fine food, I suggest that they double check with someone familiar with high-end wine---the proper name is Romanée-Conti, not the distressingly laughable "Romaine Conti." Also it should be "Petite Sirah" not "Petit Syrah."An astute editor also would have caught/changed: "two year's (years') worth of expenses"; hearing "aide"; a nonexistent verb form  in "He measured and grinded coffee"; and "would strongly `advice' you to tell me the truth." The French frog leg dish is usually rendered as "les cuisses de grenouille à la Provenale." Not earth-shattering problems but nevertheless annoying.I did like both characters and applaud the idea that what started off like a 30s/40s mystery emerged ramped up with the appearance of an engaging computer as personal assistant.This evolution was endearing because of the "relationship" between Julius and what the author called "a glorified iPhone." Archie exhibited a developing personality (which, at times, came across as a little petulant) but I enjoyed the interaction.