I enjoy genre blending when it’s done well. D. B. Jackson (the pseudonym of David B. Coe who has a Ph.D. in History) sets his mystery in pre-Revolutionary War Boston in 1765. His hero, a thieftaker called Ethan Kaille, is a “conjurer.” He can cast spells. When a wealthy man’s daughter is murdered, Ethan is hired to find her killer. So Thieftaker is an historical urban fantasy. I enjoyed Jackson’s portrayal of Boston as a quaint village with dark secrets. I also enjoyed historical characters like Samuel Adams showing up to move the plot along. If you’re looking for something a little different, you might consider Thieftaker. There are three more volumes in “The Thieftaker Chronicles” series. I’ll be reviewing them soon. GRADE: B
George, I’m not familiar with the author but I’m sufficiently intrigued by the setting of this novel.
Prashant, I’m interested in pre-Revolutionary War fiction, too. The spell-casting and mystery are just cherries on the cake.
The setting interests me too, but the “conjurer” part is the turn-off.
Jeff, the “conjure” part is a bit like the spell-casting Jim Butcher’s DRESDEN books. The historical aspects drew me in.
Yeah , the conjuring turns me off too.
Patti, casting spells seem to be a requirement to be considered Urban Fantasy.