Liz Williams’ Snake Agent works the same side of the street as Jim Butcher’s “The Dresden Files” and Simon R. Green’s “Nightside Supernatural Detective” series. Detective Inspector Chen is assigned spooky cases (anything supernatural or mystical) in the Singapore Three Police Department. He is allied with a goddess who protects Chen (sometimes) and is the source of his powers (sometimes). Chen starts Snake Agent by investigating the murder of an industrialist’s daughter and uncovers a vast conspiracy that leads to Hell itself. Along the way, Chen finds himself working with Seneschal Zhu Irzh, a demon from Hell’s Vice Division. Together, they follow the clues to uncover a dangerous plot. For more information, you can check out Rick Robinson’s take on Snake Agent here. Liz Williams’ Snake Agent provides solid escapist entertainment. GRADE: B
I thought I was having deja vu there.
I was just coincidence or serendipity that Rick and I were reading the same book at the same time, Patti. Liz Williams is a writer to watch.
Nice review, George. This is a series I’m going to continue reading, for the reasons you state and because it’s just darn fun. There are elements of humor, such as the character Sergeant Ma, who’s very leery of all the supernatural stuff yet gets caught up in the case anyway.
Thanks for the kind words, Rick. Yes, Sergeant Ma is a great straight-man. Liz Williams develops several secondary characters with precision and skill. That’s been a hallmark of all of her books.
Great – just what I need, more series to look for!
I’ll put this on my list to try.
I’ve received 4 of the 6 Palliser books already. I think I’ll bring the first in the box of books I take to Florida in a couple of weeks.
Liz Williams’ series will be a great “change of pace” when you’re reading those Palliser books, Jeff!