Dead Man in a Ditch

July 6, 2020
Arnold expands on the vividly imagined world of The Last Smile in Sunder City in the superb second urban fantasy to feature “man-for-hire” Fetch Phillips. Six years ago, a cataclysmic event called the Coda eliminated all magic from Sunder City. Following the events of the previous installment, Fetch, a human, has earned a reputation for working to prove that magic still exists, and many formerly supernatural creatures now try to hire him for this express purpose. When Lance Niles, an affluent newcomer to the city who had been buying up properties for an unknown purpose, is found dead in a humans-only club—looking like a “bomb went off in the back of his throat”—the police call Fetch in to assist, as the cause of death appears to have been magic. Fetch takes the case, hoping to quell the rumors about his magical conspiracy theories by finding a scientific explanation for Lance’s murder—and is promised a hefty reward should he succeed. With a lead who would be at home in the pages of a Raymond Chandler or James Ellory novel and a nicely twisty plot, this installment makes a strong case for Arnold’s series to enjoy a long run.

Starred review from August 1, 2020

Humans killed the magic of Sunder City six years ago, and the fire and warmth along with it. Far-from-perfect-human Fetch Phillips is a private investigator who only works for nonhumans since they're the ones who really need him. Fetch led the human army to the Opus where they destroyed the magic. Elves lost their youth, warlocks no longer cast spells, and faeries dried up into statues. Through his detective work, he now tries to atone for his role in their loss. When an unusual death occurs, the police enlist Fetch's help to find the murderer. And not just any killer--one who used a magical fireball as a murder weapon. Does that mean there's still magic left in the world? He doesn't know, but he'll risk his life to find out. Fetch follows clues through the world of wizards, ogres, faeries, dwarves, vampires, and werecats, always hoping to find the mystical spark that will return enchantment to a dark and dingy world. VERDICT Arnold's (The Last Smile in Sunder City) universe has everything, including the angst of being human. The perfect story for adult fantasy fans--a tough PI and a murder mystery wrapped around the mysticism of Hogwarts, sprinkled with faerie dust.--K.L. Romo, Duncanville, TX

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