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The Arcane Irregulars #2
Shadow of Anubis
The Arcane Irregulars is a companion series to the Arcane Casebook series of novels. This book takes place after the events of Hidden Voices, Arcane Casebook #9. It’s been a year since the events of the Jade Phoenix, but its legacy is still being felt. When a magical assassin makes his presence felt in the city, Lieutenant Danny Pak has to bring in Dr. Ignatius Bell to help him track down a terrifying killer, preferably before the tabloids find out about him. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Aissa Mendes gets her first solo case, the murder of a foreign national. At first the case seems fairly straightforward, but the deeper she digs, the more she uncovers, including a dark secret from the city’s past. Eventually, her pursuit of truth brings international scrutiny on Aissa that could end her career before it gets started. With her boss, Alex Lockerby, mysteriously out of commission, Sherry Knox finds herself trying to keep the detective agency afloat with only Alex’s apprentice Mike Fitzgerald to help. She is keeping things together, at least until her cards show her a horrifying vision, predicting that one skeleton in her closet isn’t willing to stay buried.
259 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2023
116 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Dan Willis
61 books315 followersDan is an award-winning, best-selling author who has been writing for most of his life. He wrote for the long running DragonLance series and has worked in the board game and video game industries as well. His current work is the Arcane Casebook series, a fantasy twist on the 1930’s noir detective story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 5, 2025
I feel so very at home with these characters by now, I kind of want to move right in, to be honest.
It might be an often dangerous life, but I wouldn't mind all that much, if I had such great friends as the gallery of characters Dan Willis has created.
Did I miss Alex and Sorsha? Yes!
But in a good way. I enjoyed this side-story a lot and the character development it brought to a lot of minor or major characters.
Much recommended for fans of the Arcane Casebooks.
It might be an often dangerous life, but I wouldn't mind all that much, if I had such great friends as the gallery of characters Dan Willis has created.
Did I miss Alex and Sorsha? Yes!
But in a good way. I enjoyed this side-story a lot and the character development it brought to a lot of minor or major characters.
Much recommended for fans of the Arcane Casebooks.
July 8, 2023
Not quite as compelling as the first entry in the series. Agent Mendes gets assigned her first solo case, as Danny and Buddy pursue a murderer who may well be a sorcerer.
Great characters, and I love the setting. If you haven't already read them, I recommend starting out with the Arcane Casebook series by the same author. This book can be read as a standalone, but reading the other series first will familiarize you with the characters
Great characters, and I love the setting. If you haven't already read them, I recommend starting out with the Arcane Casebook series by the same author. This book can be read as a standalone, but reading the other series first will familiarize you with the characters
June 1, 2023
Kept me on the edge of my seat
Absolutely love where this series is going! The Arcane Irregulars is a great addition to the Arcane Casebook series. Can't wait to see what Agent Mendes gets into now that she's part of the gang. Well written, intriguing plot, interesting characters and world building, what more could you ask for?
Absolutely love where this series is going! The Arcane Irregulars is a great addition to the Arcane Casebook series. Can't wait to see what Agent Mendes gets into now that she's part of the gang. Well written, intriguing plot, interesting characters and world building, what more could you ask for?
September 3, 2025
4.25.
I have to say, this reminds me of a YouTube Short about making movies to just make movies.
What I mean by that is, this is a book, to just have fun with it! Trail blazing government agents? Yup! Cross Cultural bonding with our cousins, the Brits? Yup! Magical Terrorism? Yup!
But through it all, the spirit of pulp prevails. There are several instances where the 1930s setting plays to the narrative advantage. We can't just call for back up, we need to find a pay phone or a beat cop. We can't just teleport someone out of danger, we need to use trains and other methods. And, there was a great scene of " No man can hurt me" type vibes except the man turned out to be ( presumably) Double Augut Buck Shot.
Without irony, I loved the female characters Aissa and Sherry. Both underutilized and they get individual chances to shine here. The characters communication could work better but a Dectective and a Captain in the 1930s aren't going to talk about their feelings. They feel true to type but also beyond one dimensional.
Nice enjoyable read to get through the start of September
I have to say, this reminds me of a YouTube Short about making movies to just make movies.
What I mean by that is, this is a book, to just have fun with it! Trail blazing government agents? Yup! Cross Cultural bonding with our cousins, the Brits? Yup! Magical Terrorism? Yup!
But through it all, the spirit of pulp prevails. There are several instances where the 1930s setting plays to the narrative advantage. We can't just call for back up, we need to find a pay phone or a beat cop. We can't just teleport someone out of danger, we need to use trains and other methods. And, there was a great scene of " No man can hurt me" type vibes except the man turned out to be ( presumably) Double Augut Buck Shot.
Without irony, I loved the female characters Aissa and Sherry. Both underutilized and they get individual chances to shine here. The characters communication could work better but a Dectective and a Captain in the 1930s aren't going to talk about their feelings. They feel true to type but also beyond one dimensional.
Nice enjoyable read to get through the start of September
June 2, 2023
Limelight and Sherry
This novella continues the story of limelight , and gives some nice info about Sherry
Its less gory than others which is nice and has more Iggy which is also nice for fans of the Case files.
I wish there was more character development, and the storylines are even more loosely connected/forced than usual. The absence of Alex is over played. There were just a lot of missed opportunities to give more interesting info and development, instead we get everyone and the kitchen sink involved superficially.
But
And I'm tired of limelight as the big bad all the time. Sorcerers are just too powerful and they mess up the plots.
That all said, it was a lot of fun, all the fun characters you only get to glimpse, some ground work for future stories.... Mendes' date takes her to Danny's dad restaurant.......Sherry stands up for herself....and Iggy's creating new runes.....
Fans of Arcane Case files won't want to miss it.
This novella continues the story of limelight , and gives some nice info about Sherry
Its less gory than others which is nice and has more Iggy which is also nice for fans of the Case files.
I wish there was more character development, and the storylines are even more loosely connected/forced than usual. The absence of Alex is over played. There were just a lot of missed opportunities to give more interesting info and development, instead we get everyone and the kitchen sink involved superficially.
But
And I'm tired of limelight as the big bad all the time. Sorcerers are just too powerful and they mess up the plots.
That all said, it was a lot of fun, all the fun characters you only get to glimpse, some ground work for future stories.... Mendes' date takes her to Danny's dad restaurant.......Sherry stands up for herself....and Iggy's creating new runes.....
Fans of Arcane Case files won't want to miss it.
June 21, 2023
Fashionable Fatalities & Dog-headed Death
Even with Alex temporarily out of the picture, crime must still be fought in Depression era New York City. FBI Special Agent Aissa Mendes plays a much greater role in this book as she works on a case involving murder and theft, and strange marks on victims’ necks.
Meanwhile, NYPD Lieutenant Danny Pak is working with Special Agent Buddy Redhorn on a case involving the changed victims of the sculptor who really wanted to be an alchemist, and believed that everyone should get to have magical power.
And something evil from her past is hunting Sherry…
[A complaint I haven’t voiced before about Mr. Willis’ Arcane series: He frequently writes about the head of the local FBI office as being the Director. He wouldn’t have had that title. There was only one Director— J. Edgar Hoover. The head of the NYC office would have been the SAC, the Special Agent in Charge.]
Despite that minor caveat, Recommended.
Even with Alex temporarily out of the picture, crime must still be fought in Depression era New York City. FBI Special Agent Aissa Mendes plays a much greater role in this book as she works on a case involving murder and theft, and strange marks on victims’ necks.
Meanwhile, NYPD Lieutenant Danny Pak is working with Special Agent Buddy Redhorn on a case involving the changed victims of the sculptor who really wanted to be an alchemist, and believed that everyone should get to have magical power.
And something evil from her past is hunting Sherry…
[A complaint I haven’t voiced before about Mr. Willis’ Arcane series: He frequently writes about the head of the local FBI office as being the Director. He wouldn’t have had that title. There was only one Director— J. Edgar Hoover. The head of the NYC office would have been the SAC, the Special Agent in Charge.]
Despite that minor caveat, Recommended.
September 21, 2024
This series is set in New York in the 1930s, in a version of the world where magic exists in a limited capacity. Some people are “runewrights”, who can create runes that can then be utilised by anyone. Some are alchemists, who create potions with medicinal (and other) functions. A very few people are sorcerers, with the power to imbue objects with magic. These underpin the technology used in this world.
The Arcane Irregulars series is a spin-off of the Arcane Casebook series. This spin-off takes place in parallel with the main series, and allows the excellent side-characters to take centre stage and solve cases of their own. In this installment, Danny, Iggy and Buddy are hunting for a sorcerer-assassin, while Aissa stumbles onto a phantom serial killer while investigating the death of a British aristocrat.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view in this book, and gaining greater insight into the minds of Alex’s friends (though still not enough to really get to “know” the characters). Each of the two storylines felt a little contrived, but still enjoyable and with enough interesting twists and turns to be engaging. I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series to date, as well as the main series. Both are excellent series, highly recommended.
The Arcane Irregulars series is a spin-off of the Arcane Casebook series. This spin-off takes place in parallel with the main series, and allows the excellent side-characters to take centre stage and solve cases of their own. In this installment, Danny, Iggy and Buddy are hunting for a sorcerer-assassin, while Aissa stumbles onto a phantom serial killer while investigating the death of a British aristocrat.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view in this book, and gaining greater insight into the minds of Alex’s friends (though still not enough to really get to “know” the characters). Each of the two storylines felt a little contrived, but still enjoyable and with enough interesting twists and turns to be engaging. I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series to date, as well as the main series. Both are excellent series, highly recommended.
June 15, 2023
Nothing “Irregular” About These Detectives!
Really enjoyed this second helping of the “other characters” from Willis’ main story line following rune wright detective Alex Lockeby. Sure, the lead character in the “regular” Arcane series gets to jet boat and train all around the world, hangs out with a gorgeous drop dead sorceress AND defeats pre-WW2 Nazis! The rest of the gang from the “main” series don’t get to have half as much fun since they’re only “supporting” characters but, as Willis’ shows us for a second time, they’re certainly not to be considered the “back ups!” Two good old fashioned detective stories intertwined and solved by the “supporting cast” without hide nor hair of our hero Alex. And they didn’t come close to needing the mighty rune wrights assistance either! The “supporting cast” can stop evil just as well!
Really enjoyed this second helping of the “other characters” from Willis’ main story line following rune wright detective Alex Lockeby. Sure, the lead character in the “regular” Arcane series gets to jet boat and train all around the world, hangs out with a gorgeous drop dead sorceress AND defeats pre-WW2 Nazis! The rest of the gang from the “main” series don’t get to have half as much fun since they’re only “supporting” characters but, as Willis’ shows us for a second time, they’re certainly not to be considered the “back ups!” Two good old fashioned detective stories intertwined and solved by the “supporting cast” without hide nor hair of our hero Alex. And they didn’t come close to needing the mighty rune wrights assistance either! The “supporting cast” can stop evil just as well!
September 17, 2023
A wonderful addition to a wonderful Literary Canon
Willis tells a good story and does meticulous and skilled world-building, making this one of the best fantasy series out there. What truly elevates it, however, are the characters. The large cast of regulars in Alex Lockerby's orbit are all distinct, well-drawn, and well worth knowing. That is what elevates a good series to a great one. Even after a year between books, you remember who the side characters are and what motivates them. That is a rare thing indeed. In the Irregulars books, these side characters get to shine, and it becomes obvious how much fun they are. I loved reading this book! Highly recommended!
Willis tells a good story and does meticulous and skilled world-building, making this one of the best fantasy series out there. What truly elevates it, however, are the characters. The large cast of regulars in Alex Lockerby's orbit are all distinct, well-drawn, and well worth knowing. That is what elevates a good series to a great one. Even after a year between books, you remember who the side characters are and what motivates them. That is a rare thing indeed. In the Irregulars books, these side characters get to shine, and it becomes obvious how much fun they are. I loved reading this book! Highly recommended!
July 27, 2023
A good continuation of this series, really enjoying the focus on the supporting characters from the main series. It does look like this series will be mainly about the consequences of Limelight as it's a good way for a natural reason to exist as to why Alex isn't in this series at all so far, although he is still mentioned often. There's also consequences from previous books that I'm surprised weren't addressed here, but I assume it'll be left for the main series. Will definitely continue to buy this series, and will pre-order the next Arcane Casebook-related book asap!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
Another great story
I am enjoying the Irregulars as much as the ones with Alex. I do suggest reading them after you've finished the regular Arcane series so you know some of the characters and their back stories. I love how Dan Willis puts some authentic history in his books, while everything else is fantasy. The 20's and 30's noir detective stories have always been fun and interesting to me. I love the books, the movies and especially the old radio shows. Dan has brought them to life again, but with magic.
I am enjoying the Irregulars as much as the ones with Alex. I do suggest reading them after you've finished the regular Arcane series so you know some of the characters and their back stories. I love how Dan Willis puts some authentic history in his books, while everything else is fantasy. The 20's and 30's noir detective stories have always been fun and interesting to me. I love the books, the movies and especially the old radio shows. Dan has brought them to life again, but with magic.
June 5, 2023
Another Outstanding Arcane Irregulars Book
I love this stuff! 30's noir-ish detective work in a world so very close but slightly different, because magic is real. This story fills in some background on Sherry, and provides a fun ride as the Irregulars--and an FBI agent--take on two separate cases.
Willis created an intriguing universe, and this story continues his characters stories without advancing the main arc. I recommend this series.
I love this stuff! 30's noir-ish detective work in a world so very close but slightly different, because magic is real. This story fills in some background on Sherry, and provides a fun ride as the Irregulars--and an FBI agent--take on two separate cases.
Willis created an intriguing universe, and this story continues his characters stories without advancing the main arc. I recommend this series.
August 6, 2023
Both Regularly and Irregularly Terrific
The alternative world of the Arcane Irregulars is wonderfully well created. Each of the characters is fully developed. I found myself liking all the good guys in the story. The two biggest bad guys were thoroughly evil. One was even insane. That made it really easy to root for good to triumph over evil in this fast paced mystery. I liked it!
The alternative world of the Arcane Irregulars is wonderfully well created. Each of the characters is fully developed. I found myself liking all the good guys in the story. The two biggest bad guys were thoroughly evil. One was even insane. That made it really easy to root for good to triumph over evil in this fast paced mystery. I liked it!
June 1, 2023
Dan has lifted the Arcane Irregulars to new heights!
Agents Mendes Lieutenant Danny Pak & Dr. Bell as well as Agent Redhorn are once more on the hunt for those afflicted by limelight while at the same time a spectre from Sherry Knox's past life has come back to haunt her and Kill some time......
You will not want to put this down once you start.
Agents Mendes Lieutenant Danny Pak & Dr. Bell as well as Agent Redhorn are once more on the hunt for those afflicted by limelight while at the same time a spectre from Sherry Knox's past life has come back to haunt her and Kill some time......
You will not want to put this down once you start.
June 9, 2023
Fun read
I have found myself enjoying and looking forward to seeing what the other characters from Fans world does without Alex. It is fun to see a female character get to use her smarts as well as her female attributes. I also enjoy Dr. Bells contributions. Look forward to the next story.
I have found myself enjoying and looking forward to seeing what the other characters from Fans world does without Alex. It is fun to see a female character get to use her smarts as well as her female attributes. I also enjoy Dr. Bells contributions. Look forward to the next story.
June 10, 2023
Another great book from Dan Willis
The Arcane Irregulars series shows what the other characters from the Arcane Casebook series do when not helping Alex. They all have separate personalities and the ending always satisfies. If you liked the Casebook series, you’ll like these as well.
The Arcane Irregulars series shows what the other characters from the Arcane Casebook series do when not helping Alex. They all have separate personalities and the ending always satisfies. If you liked the Casebook series, you’ll like these as well.
June 11, 2023
Delightful
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Arcane Irregulars series. It seemed as if 300+ pages passed in an instant because the timing and pacing was immaculate. Although I missed Alex from the primary series, I ultimately really didn't because of that pacing. I look forward to more from the FBI agents, especially Aissa.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Arcane Irregulars series. It seemed as if 300+ pages passed in an instant because the timing and pacing was immaculate. Although I missed Alex from the primary series, I ultimately really didn't because of that pacing. I look forward to more from the FBI agents, especially Aissa.
June 21, 2023
Great urban fantasy in pre WW2 US
I'm really enjoying the Arcane Irragular series, the world is wonderfully familiar and the added magic brings a great set of story lines for each of the characters. While the 2nd was more rounded than the opener, that was exciting and packed with detail that made the whole thing much more real. I'm looking forward to the next!
I'm really enjoying the Arcane Irragular series, the world is wonderfully familiar and the added magic brings a great set of story lines for each of the characters. While the 2nd was more rounded than the opener, that was exciting and packed with detail that made the whole thing much more real. I'm looking forward to the next!
July 16, 2023
always a good read.
I’m a fan of the series. I don’t like the Irregulars as much as the main Alex novels. The number of characters makes it more difficult to keep the plot super tight. That said I love following secondary characters and seeing them shine. If you are reading this you are probably like 8 books into the series and don’t really need me to tell you to read it. :)
I’m a fan of the series. I don’t like the Irregulars as much as the main Alex novels. The number of characters makes it more difficult to keep the plot super tight. That said I love following secondary characters and seeing them shine. If you are reading this you are probably like 8 books into the series and don’t really need me to tell you to read it. :)
January 22, 2024
I really liked this one.
This was a more comfortable read than book 1 in this series. The characters are the same, but you get a better feeling about who they are with their varied interactions here. The dialogue with the "flirt interest" was a bit forced though. That part needs some work. I'm adding this series to my "will read the whole series" list.
This was a more comfortable read than book 1 in this series. The characters are the same, but you get a better feeling about who they are with their varied interactions here. The dialogue with the "flirt interest" was a bit forced though. That part needs some work. I'm adding this series to my "will read the whole series" list.
April 20, 2024
Why give a review
It was a great read. At times, it's a little confusing, two plots that can stand alone. Love the way the author mix them together. Strong characters that'll make you want to keep reading to see where it is going. It is a five-star read, and I look forward to the next one.
It was a great read. At times, it's a little confusing, two plots that can stand alone. Love the way the author mix them together. Strong characters that'll make you want to keep reading to see where it is going. It is a five-star read, and I look forward to the next one.
February 17, 2025
Love this book
I read this book with total awesome at the twists and turns. You simply must read it because nothing about it is predictable. There are murders and attempted murders. There are clues that don't seem to add up, but then they do. Please, just read it and be amazed!
I read this book with total awesome at the twists and turns. You simply must read it because nothing about it is predictable. There are murders and attempted murders. There are clues that don't seem to add up, but then they do. Please, just read it and be amazed!
March 9, 2025
Interesting
Very interesting detailed book about a fictitious time in the 1930s involving some magic but a lot of investigative intuitive work.
I am and have been an investigator my entire life and enjoy the way the book was laid out and the detail crime scene and investigative work that was mentioned in the book.
Very interesting detailed book about a fictitious time in the 1930s involving some magic but a lot of investigative intuitive work.
I am and have been an investigator my entire life and enjoy the way the book was laid out and the detail crime scene and investigative work that was mentioned in the book.
July 7, 2025
So glad to be back in the world of the Arcane Casebook. It was good to see so many familiar faces once again. My only real complaint about this installment is the lack of deep cohesion between the two coherent storylines, like in the first book. They were two very good storylines that led to the same destination, but the journeys were vastly different and unrelated. Still super good!
July 21, 2025
Good book in a fine tradition
Well, having read all of the current books in the regular series and these two Arcane Irregulars, I am stuck eagerly awaiting the next outing of either series.
If you like noir and magic, these books are for you. If you are looking for a fresh take on magic, these books are for you.
Well, having read all of the current books in the regular series and these two Arcane Irregulars, I am stuck eagerly awaiting the next outing of either series.
If you like noir and magic, these books are for you. If you are looking for a fresh take on magic, these books are for you.
June 17, 2023
Another excellent story
I knew going in I would be impressed and I was. Dan Willis expands his world beautifully. More depth to the characters we already know and love and more possible problems for the cast. Highly recommend.
I knew going in I would be impressed and I was. Dan Willis expands his world beautifully. More depth to the characters we already know and love and more possible problems for the cast. Highly recommend.
June 24, 2023
Nothing like a detective story
The mystery is such a thrilling read. Great the protagonist is a woman of outstanding strength and determination. Looking forward too the next in the series.
The mystery is such a thrilling read. Great the protagonist is a woman of outstanding strength and determination. Looking forward too the next in the series.
July 15, 2023
The Irregulars Second Outing Ratchets Up the Action
More magic mystery, resolution of part of a major character’s back story, romance for an FBI agent, a rogue sorcerer hitman, the Lightning Lord, and Dr. Iggy Bell aka Arthur Conan Doyle, what more could you want.
More magic mystery, resolution of part of a major character’s back story, romance for an FBI agent, a rogue sorcerer hitman, the Lightning Lord, and Dr. Iggy Bell aka Arthur Conan Doyle, what more could you want.
July 21, 2023
Putting aside my dislike for the general premise from the very end of the last book, I liked how this one turned out. I would prefer to see Alex around, but busy with other things rather than completely absent from these books.
August 10, 2023
The coat did it!
Another fun story by Dan Willis. I enjoyed having Dr. Bell and Lt. Pak take a more leading role in this story. The ladies also stepped up and had their own stories. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Another fun story by Dan Willis. I enjoyed having Dr. Bell and Lt. Pak take a more leading role in this story. The ladies also stepped up and had their own stories. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews