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Alexander Southerland, P.I. #6
The Blood Moon Feeds on My Dreams: A Noir Urban Fantasy Novel
To sleep—perchance to die!
Alexander Southerland is hired to discover how a teenaged boy is disappearing at night without passing through any doors or windows. Next thing Southerland knows, he’s shackled to an altar while a hungry spirit prepares to sacrifice him to “the toothless one who brings nothing but good.” Southerland soon finds himself negotiating a minefield of dream-hopping supernatural spirits, howler monkeys, a homicidal client, a shotgun-wielding spinster, and a whistling demon. As the murdered and mutilated bodies pile up, Southerland faces a hard kill the creature who has become his friend—or become the Blood Moon’s next victim!
Alexander Southerland is hired to discover how a teenaged boy is disappearing at night without passing through any doors or windows. Next thing Southerland knows, he’s shackled to an altar while a hungry spirit prepares to sacrifice him to “the toothless one who brings nothing but good.” Southerland soon finds himself negotiating a minefield of dream-hopping supernatural spirits, howler monkeys, a homicidal client, a shotgun-wielding spinster, and a whistling demon. As the murdered and mutilated bodies pile up, Southerland faces a hard kill the creature who has become his friend—or become the Blood Moon’s next victim!
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
26 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Lumsden
14 books183 followersMy parents raised me right. Any mistakes I made were my own. Hopefully, I learned from them.
I earned a doctorate in medieval European history at the University of California Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos! I taught world history at a couple of colleges before settling into a private college prep high school in Monterey. After I retired, I began to write an urban fantasy series featuring hardboiled private eye Alexander Southerland as he cruises through the mean streets of Yerba City and interacts with trolls, femme fatales, shape-shifters, witches, and corrupt city officials.
I am happily married to my wife, Rita. The two of us can be found most days pounding the pavement in our running shoes. Rita listens to all of my ideas and reads all of my work. Her advice is beyond value. In return, I make her tea. It's a pretty sweet deal. We have two cats named Cinderella and Prince who are happy to stay indoors. They demand that we tell them how pretty they are.
See my blog at https://douglaslumsden.blogspot.com/
Visit my website at https://douglaslumsdenauthor.com
I earned a doctorate in medieval European history at the University of California Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos! I taught world history at a couple of colleges before settling into a private college prep high school in Monterey. After I retired, I began to write an urban fantasy series featuring hardboiled private eye Alexander Southerland as he cruises through the mean streets of Yerba City and interacts with trolls, femme fatales, shape-shifters, witches, and corrupt city officials.
I am happily married to my wife, Rita. The two of us can be found most days pounding the pavement in our running shoes. Rita listens to all of my ideas and reads all of my work. Her advice is beyond value. In return, I make her tea. It's a pretty sweet deal. We have two cats named Cinderella and Prince who are happy to stay indoors. They demand that we tell them how pretty they are.
See my blog at https://douglaslumsden.blogspot.com/
Visit my website at https://douglaslumsdenauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 21, 2024
“You can shoot the moon, but you won’t bring it down with lead.”
I shouldn’t be surprised that yet again Douglas has served up another wonderful tale in his Alexander Southerland Series. I’ve been hooked on the series since book one (A Troll Walks Into A Bar) and with each instalment I have been drawn further into the world of Yerba City, the dragon lords, trolls , gnomes, witches, spirits and elementals (to name a few) not mention the tougher than nails PI with unhealthy approach to coffee and rye (whisky that is)
With The Blood Moon Feeds on My Dreams, Alex is up against some truly fundamental forces whilst narrowly avoiding being sacrificed, harassed within his dreams and threatened with the removal of his vital organs; not mention battling with were-monkeys! Douglas expertly weaves world building throughout his stories and incorporates further myths with each book and Blood Moon is no exception, however its done with great finesse and really does feel natural (no info dumps here).
I will do a more detailed review down the line but safe to say that it was another 5 star entry for me. At its heart we have a murder mystery with the gritty noir undertones that you an expect from this series but with the wonderful depth of the world that Douglas has created and lets not forget a cast of characters you won’t find elsewhere.
The only negative for me is that is the penultimate entry in the series so I’m a little sad its drawing to a close, I have no doubt that we are in for a quite a ride before that happens though.
November 21, 2024
Stupendous book! After a somewhat lukewarm book 5, this one was like a storm of goodness.
From start to finish the story had me gripped and I devoured page after page. I hungered to read it and it shows. (I can't believe I've made this many book-related puns in the review in three lines)
Stormclaw remains one of my favorite side characters, and Chivo is just amazing in its entirety.
The rest of the supporting cast took a backseat here, but that allowed Alex to shine brighter.
Douglas made a superb book and his mastery of the genre clear.
I only hope the winds don't die and the story keeps its sails full for the final book.
From start to finish the story had me gripped and I devoured page after page. I hungered to read it and it shows. (I can't believe I've made this many book-related puns in the review in three lines)
Stormclaw remains one of my favorite side characters, and Chivo is just amazing in its entirety.
The rest of the supporting cast took a backseat here, but that allowed Alex to shine brighter.
Douglas made a superb book and his mastery of the genre clear.
I only hope the winds don't die and the story keeps its sails full for the final book.
January 11, 2024
Fabulous, just keeps getting better with each new book in the series
First person noir fantasy detective writing done so well!!! Great character development, rich world building, believable dialogue and not easily predictable at all. I will read every new book that comes out in this series. Warning, you will lose sleep but what a nice reason to do so.
First person noir fantasy detective writing done so well!!! Great character development, rich world building, believable dialogue and not easily predictable at all. I will read every new book that comes out in this series. Warning, you will lose sleep but what a nice reason to do so.
August 10, 2023
Every once in a while, a series comes along that doesn’t just capture your attention, but ensnares your very soul. The Alex Southerland series has been one such captivating journey, and its latest installment, "The Blood Red Moon Feeds on My Dreams," is for me, an exemplar of urban noir fiction at its finest.
From the very first page, we are thrust back into the gritty, atmospheric realm of Yerba City —a place where secrets lurk in every corner and where the past doesn't just haunt, but actively claws its way into the present. Alex Southerland, my favorite peeper returns with his signature blend of sarcasm, intuition, and an uncanny connection to a world most dare not speak of, understand or even know.
What sets Southerland apart from his detective brethren is the rich tapestry of challenges he faces. Not just the tangible enemies in the shadows, but the ethereal malevolent spirits that blur the lines between our reality and the next. This added layer of the supernatural not only elevates the stakes but makes for an unpredictable and thrilling narrative.
However, Southerland's quest this time isn’t merely a battle against external spirits and the very physically present folk. He grapples with the complexities of histories that are either forgotten, twisted, or altogether rewritten. The series has always been as much about discovery as it is about resolution. And in "The Blood Red Moon Feeds on My Dreams," this theme of unraveling the past goes even further.
Perhaps the most intriguing element this time around is the enigma surrounding Southerland's roommate—a character shrouded in mystery who plays a pivotal role in this intricate tale. Their dynamics, fraught with tension, mystery, and an underlying bond, make for some of the most memorable scenes in the series.
Having been a devout fan since the very first book, the world-building in this series is second to none. Yet, even after six novels and a novella, it feels as though we've only scratched the surface of this vast, intricate universe. Each new release is like a delicious course in a banquet of intrigue and suspense.
In conclusion, "The Blood Red Moon Feeds on My Dreams" is more than just a book; it’s an experience. A masterclass in tension, character development, and atmospheric storytelling. The Alex Southerland series continues to outdo itself, and this installment will likely leave readers, myself included, ravenous for more. Another triumph for the world of urban noir and for the incredible Douglas Lumsden.
From the very first page, we are thrust back into the gritty, atmospheric realm of Yerba City —a place where secrets lurk in every corner and where the past doesn't just haunt, but actively claws its way into the present. Alex Southerland, my favorite peeper returns with his signature blend of sarcasm, intuition, and an uncanny connection to a world most dare not speak of, understand or even know.
What sets Southerland apart from his detective brethren is the rich tapestry of challenges he faces. Not just the tangible enemies in the shadows, but the ethereal malevolent spirits that blur the lines between our reality and the next. This added layer of the supernatural not only elevates the stakes but makes for an unpredictable and thrilling narrative.
However, Southerland's quest this time isn’t merely a battle against external spirits and the very physically present folk. He grapples with the complexities of histories that are either forgotten, twisted, or altogether rewritten. The series has always been as much about discovery as it is about resolution. And in "The Blood Red Moon Feeds on My Dreams," this theme of unraveling the past goes even further.
Perhaps the most intriguing element this time around is the enigma surrounding Southerland's roommate—a character shrouded in mystery who plays a pivotal role in this intricate tale. Their dynamics, fraught with tension, mystery, and an underlying bond, make for some of the most memorable scenes in the series.
Having been a devout fan since the very first book, the world-building in this series is second to none. Yet, even after six novels and a novella, it feels as though we've only scratched the surface of this vast, intricate universe. Each new release is like a delicious course in a banquet of intrigue and suspense.
In conclusion, "The Blood Red Moon Feeds on My Dreams" is more than just a book; it’s an experience. A masterclass in tension, character development, and atmospheric storytelling. The Alex Southerland series continues to outdo itself, and this installment will likely leave readers, myself included, ravenous for more. Another triumph for the world of urban noir and for the incredible Douglas Lumsden.
June 18, 2024
I like this series a lot! It certainly satisfies my cravings for a a hardboiled private eye genre. I like the infusion of Mayan/Aztec mythology with all the other mythical creations; that in itself is enlightening about the universal nature of humanity: the sandman, dragons, gnomes... wherever humans are, these myths seem to take form in the consciousness of people. The plot is good as well if one realizes that a crime investigation has a life of its own as it shifts and moves during the hunt because witnesses and suspects are dodgy. I have great fun with this series.
September 24, 2024
Excellent instalment in the series. I particularly like how Douglas is able to convey helplessness in Alex and find seemingly insurmountable obstacles for him to clear which he eventually discovers a way around. The magic system isn’t as understandable as a Sanderson or anything hard like that, but you know enough of the rules for the Alex to affect his escape in a logical manner. Very enjoyable, rich cast of characters with an engaging storyline.
September 21, 2024
Only one more Southerland book left to read 😭😭
Extremely solid series that should be read by all Urban Fantasy enthusiasts!
Extremely solid series that should be read by all Urban Fantasy enthusiasts!
November 8, 2023
a tumultuous adventure
Wow. He managed to survive a lot, yet somehow despite the unbelievable, the writer managed to make it a very real story. Wish there was another one!
Wow. He managed to survive a lot, yet somehow despite the unbelievable, the writer managed to make it a very real story. Wish there was another one!
August 18, 2024
If you like your noir with a supernatural bent filled with trolls, spirits, sprites, elementals and all sort of beasts, but their humanity comes through then The Blood Moon Feeds on my Dreams is for you.
Filled with trolls, spirits, sprites, elementals, shapeshifters and all sorts of but the humanity of the condition comes through no matter what type of creature is experiencing it. The Blood Moon Feeds on my Dreams is a hybrid of 1930’s-40’s hardboiled noir detective novel with modern elements tossed in as well as traditional tropes of the genre, that gives the novel a modern twist that makes it fresh.
The Blood Moon Feeds on my Dreams is part of Douglas Lumsden’s Alex Southerland series. I usually eschew series because the later ones don’t hold up to the strength of the original and reading a later book in the series is reliant on having read the previous books of the series. But the books in the series are of a reliable high quality, and if there is information you need to know from a previous entry in the series the connection is explained so the reader doesn’t necessarily need to have read the previous books in the series. The Alexander Southerland series, each book is a great read as a series or as stand-alone novels.
P.S. In the story is a great idea for a rum cake but there’s no recipe for the cake. I wish it had been in there.
Filled with trolls, spirits, sprites, elementals, shapeshifters and all sorts of but the humanity of the condition comes through no matter what type of creature is experiencing it. The Blood Moon Feeds on my Dreams is a hybrid of 1930’s-40’s hardboiled noir detective novel with modern elements tossed in as well as traditional tropes of the genre, that gives the novel a modern twist that makes it fresh.
The Blood Moon Feeds on my Dreams is part of Douglas Lumsden’s Alex Southerland series. I usually eschew series because the later ones don’t hold up to the strength of the original and reading a later book in the series is reliant on having read the previous books of the series. But the books in the series are of a reliable high quality, and if there is information you need to know from a previous entry in the series the connection is explained so the reader doesn’t necessarily need to have read the previous books in the series. The Alexander Southerland series, each book is a great read as a series or as stand-alone novels.
P.S. In the story is a great idea for a rum cake but there’s no recipe for the cake. I wish it had been in there.
August 20, 2023
Such a treat
I binged the first 5 books, loved them, and put them out of my mind so the anticipation of book 6 wouldn't drive me crazy. It was with delight that I saw it drop and finished it in a couple days. For most book series, after taking months to a year off it's hard to remember details of the series - especially when you read hundreds of books a year. This series is so unique and memorable that it only took me a few pages to be right back where I was when I finished the previous book.
If you read a lot of fantasy and urban fantasy this series is a fabulous change of pace.
I binged the first 5 books, loved them, and put them out of my mind so the anticipation of book 6 wouldn't drive me crazy. It was with delight that I saw it drop and finished it in a couple days. For most book series, after taking months to a year off it's hard to remember details of the series - especially when you read hundreds of books a year. This series is so unique and memorable that it only took me a few pages to be right back where I was when I finished the previous book.
If you read a lot of fantasy and urban fantasy this series is a fabulous change of pace.
February 26, 2024
I have really liked all the books in this series and they kinda made me get back into reading. I love the world of Tolanica and its quirks !
I thought this book as also really good and but I thought the ending could have been constructed a little bit better, the part about the demon whistler being controlled by Ixquic felt a bit vauge to me, but otherwise I loved it !
Sad to hear the series is coming to an end with the next one.
I thought this book as also really good and but I thought the ending could have been constructed a little bit better, the part about the demon whistler being controlled by Ixquic felt a bit vauge to me, but otherwise I loved it !
Sad to hear the series is coming to an end with the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
Another great installment
This series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait for the next book! Easy to read, wonderful storytelling, and I love the interspersing of mythology.
This series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait for the next book! Easy to read, wonderful storytelling, and I love the interspersing of mythology.
May 17, 2025
Noir Urban Fantasy books, 1-6
If you like Harry Dresden or Alex Lockerby then you will enjoy these books as well. They are entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.
If you like Harry Dresden or Alex Lockerby then you will enjoy these books as well. They are entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.
August 19, 2023
Another fantastic book
This book is so packed with craziness. It's fantastic. Alex is once again bandied about by powerful beings, kept off balance from exhaustion because he is even attacked while trying to sleep. A lot of back story unfolds in this book filling in some of the historical gaps.
This book is so packed with craziness. It's fantastic. Alex is once again bandied about by powerful beings, kept off balance from exhaustion because he is even attacked while trying to sleep. A lot of back story unfolds in this book filling in some of the historical gaps.
August 21, 2023
Fun read
I love fantasy and mystery especially the noir type . I'll be looking forward to more of Alex' s adventures.
I love fantasy and mystery especially the noir type . I'll be looking forward to more of Alex' s adventures.
November 22, 2023
The ending in this book is great. I thought Alex needed to catch a break. He doesn’t. It’s wonderful. There are serialized aspects that have appeared in every book that I’m super interested to see where they go.
The 50s hard boiled lingo wears on me a little. But I forgive it because of the style of these stories and the made up city.
This book really stuck the landing through and you won’t figure out the mystery until the end.
The 50s hard boiled lingo wears on me a little. But I forgive it because of the style of these stories and the made up city.
This book really stuck the landing through and you won’t figure out the mystery until the end.
December 16, 2023
Waiting for the next one!
I liked the series well enough in the beginning, enough to keep reading the next book anyway. Somewhere along the line, it changed from ‘well enough’ to ‘I really like this series!’ I’m glad the 1930’s noir private dick lingo has been toned down in this latest book. For me, it took from the world Lumsden created. But push past it if it bothers you, too, because the story is worth it.
I liked the series well enough in the beginning, enough to keep reading the next book anyway. Somewhere along the line, it changed from ‘well enough’ to ‘I really like this series!’ I’m glad the 1930’s noir private dick lingo has been toned down in this latest book. For me, it took from the world Lumsden created. But push past it if it bothers you, too, because the story is worth it.
April 22, 2025
Private Eye Rollercoaster
What I love about this series is how skillfully the author starts with something prosaic and turns it into something fantastical, strange, and oh so intriguing. The mash up of Dick Tracy, Columbo, and Kojak with Jessica Jones, Neo, and Arthur Dent is undeniably inventive, hilarious, and really good storytelling. If you love mysteries and fantasy then this series is meant for you.
First, if you haven't read the other five, go back and do so. Second, how on earth does a mother wanting to know what her teenage son is up to turn into "she who hungers" trying to sacrifice our hero? Read and find out!
What I love about this series is how skillfully the author starts with something prosaic and turns it into something fantastical, strange, and oh so intriguing. The mash up of Dick Tracy, Columbo, and Kojak with Jessica Jones, Neo, and Arthur Dent is undeniably inventive, hilarious, and really good storytelling. If you love mysteries and fantasy then this series is meant for you.
First, if you haven't read the other five, go back and do so. Second, how on earth does a mother wanting to know what her teenage son is up to turn into "she who hungers" trying to sacrifice our hero? Read and find out!
June 22, 2023
Sometimes you gotta dance with the demons in order to do good.
I had a lot of things I wanted to say in my review after I finished this book, and putting my thoughts in order was definitely one of them. I was still in deep contemplation mode and, honestly, still more than a little spooked after this experience. Heck, I felt somehow that I, too, needed to find a way to protect myself against Ixquic before the rising of the next full moon. I even checked the calendar and noted that the last one was 2 weeks worth of moonrises ago. The next wouldn't come around until Independence Day eve, but I damn well was going to be sure and watch the color of the cursed thing when it rose. But Alkwat’s balls, this story had a little bit of everything and I'm not sure where to even start!
If I couldn’t trust the acolyte of a lord of death, who could I trust?
How about this: Wow! The latest tale to come from the rich imagination of author Douglas Lumsden featuring Alexander Southerland, private investigator and working-class joe lands simply somewhere between mind-boggling, jaw-dropping, and mythically mystifying! We're treated to the same high-paced and gritty top-notch action of the books that have come before this latest classic, as well as a score of rituals, sacrifices, and heck, perhaps even ritual sacrifices! The line definitely began to blur in this one as things just got weirder and weirder and whatever comes after that! And that's not even taking into account that it seemed like half of this noir-ish gem took place in the "real" world and other parts in dreamscapes full of terror and/or revelation! To me, it was easily the spookiest so far and that's saying something!
You must preserve our hope… Finding the murderer is the key to preserving your own life.
Trust me though: with Lumsden's superb skill in writing and general telling of tales, this was more fun than a barrel of shapeshifting monkeys. How he is able to literally take at least a smattering from each and every one of his previous published works and then churn out a new tale with so many HUGE reveals, plus introduce new characters - be they mortal, gods (or god-like) and more - really left me bit flabbergasted. And when you've got as much flabber as I, well, that's a lot of gasting going on! But hey: you get past the cults, ritual sacrifices, dream-hopping spirits, crazy howler monkeys, were-critters galore, legendary cannibalistic demons, and floating internal organs then let me know how you feel, capisci? Va bene!
You humans require years of learning and enlightenment to gain some insight into who we spirits really are and how we operate.
This story even reminded me of not only some of the wildest classic fantasies I've enjoyed in the past but even delved into territory that I would only be able to describe as, again, mythological in nature! I mean, not only is dear Alex still "enhanced" by the gifts imparted to him by an elf - a being that isn’t supposed to exist since their failed rebellion against the Dragon Lords ages and ages ago - but he is still supported (a really vague description there but I don't know any magical variants for same) by his spirit guide called Cougar. Plus, we have to keep in mind that he is able to summon embodiments of wind owing to his elemental powers and lest we forget, he is still good buddies with Huay Chivo (and I won't expand on this version of same in terms of his "relationship" with the great sorcerer Cadmael). You guys surely remember ol' HC who is, quote, "just your average mangy goat-headed monster with ram’s horns, spikes on his back, and a hairless tail." Yep, that's the critter hanging out in Alex's laundry room if that helps ring a bell!
No offense, but your part in this matter is striking me as more than a little suspicious.
But oh goodness the sheer worlds and depth of lore in this one! I mentioned earlier that there are some deliciously earth-shattering reveals to devour and if we ever get to where the piper gets paid for those, well, watch out! Our main villain in this one - the aforementioned Ixquic, or the Waning Blood Moon, who I probably shouldn't mention at all - rules over the dream realm as essentially a goddess, even though we learn that there are a lot!! of different levels for said gods and/or goddesses. She is the first daughter of Cizin, whose realm is death. The realms of dream and death share the same space even though she and Dad haven't been getting along very well, having been estranged for a long time, that is, since the coming of the Dragon Lords Ketz-Alkwat and Manqu. Seems Ixquic summoned these two from Hell herself, which then totally wigged out the other Dragon Lords that were already "here". Clones may also be eventually involved, because, you know, babies and what-not. Which will then of course lead to all-out global war and destruction. Yeah, that should clarify everything! And don't get me started on the Whistler which has nary a thing at all to do with a sombre painting of someone's mother hanging in a museum in Paris!
You can shoot the moon, but you won’t bring it down with lead.
See? See what these books will do to you? Talk about fog brain and leaving someone disoriented and confused. Please please, as a public service announcement: if any of you are still reading by this stage, follow my advice and do NOT start your journey with Alex with this book. It's a great read, don't get me wrong and my duty here is indeed to get folks interested in purchasing and reading same! But good golly, do yourself a huge-mongous (sic[k]) favor and start at the beginning of the series! I did and I still ended up feeling like I'm strapped to a marble altar, naked (yuck), in the middle of a jungle clearing lit by a rosy glow from a pink full moon hanging directly overhead. In fact, I think I'll go get a sip of trollshine just to help me get back to reality. Whose reality I'm not sure, but still…
NOTE: I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. As such, I feel no guilt about copying and/or manipulating copious amounts of Lumsden's own words for my review comments. And no, that's in addition to the quotes I actually mark as quotes. You'll figure it out.
I had a lot of things I wanted to say in my review after I finished this book, and putting my thoughts in order was definitely one of them. I was still in deep contemplation mode and, honestly, still more than a little spooked after this experience. Heck, I felt somehow that I, too, needed to find a way to protect myself against Ixquic before the rising of the next full moon. I even checked the calendar and noted that the last one was 2 weeks worth of moonrises ago. The next wouldn't come around until Independence Day eve, but I damn well was going to be sure and watch the color of the cursed thing when it rose. But Alkwat’s balls, this story had a little bit of everything and I'm not sure where to even start!
If I couldn’t trust the acolyte of a lord of death, who could I trust?
How about this: Wow! The latest tale to come from the rich imagination of author Douglas Lumsden featuring Alexander Southerland, private investigator and working-class joe lands simply somewhere between mind-boggling, jaw-dropping, and mythically mystifying! We're treated to the same high-paced and gritty top-notch action of the books that have come before this latest classic, as well as a score of rituals, sacrifices, and heck, perhaps even ritual sacrifices! The line definitely began to blur in this one as things just got weirder and weirder and whatever comes after that! And that's not even taking into account that it seemed like half of this noir-ish gem took place in the "real" world and other parts in dreamscapes full of terror and/or revelation! To me, it was easily the spookiest so far and that's saying something!
You must preserve our hope… Finding the murderer is the key to preserving your own life.
Trust me though: with Lumsden's superb skill in writing and general telling of tales, this was more fun than a barrel of shapeshifting monkeys. How he is able to literally take at least a smattering from each and every one of his previous published works and then churn out a new tale with so many HUGE reveals, plus introduce new characters - be they mortal, gods (or god-like) and more - really left me bit flabbergasted. And when you've got as much flabber as I, well, that's a lot of gasting going on! But hey: you get past the cults, ritual sacrifices, dream-hopping spirits, crazy howler monkeys, were-critters galore, legendary cannibalistic demons, and floating internal organs then let me know how you feel, capisci? Va bene!
You humans require years of learning and enlightenment to gain some insight into who we spirits really are and how we operate.
This story even reminded me of not only some of the wildest classic fantasies I've enjoyed in the past but even delved into territory that I would only be able to describe as, again, mythological in nature! I mean, not only is dear Alex still "enhanced" by the gifts imparted to him by an elf - a being that isn’t supposed to exist since their failed rebellion against the Dragon Lords ages and ages ago - but he is still supported (a really vague description there but I don't know any magical variants for same) by his spirit guide called Cougar. Plus, we have to keep in mind that he is able to summon embodiments of wind owing to his elemental powers and lest we forget, he is still good buddies with Huay Chivo (and I won't expand on this version of same in terms of his "relationship" with the great sorcerer Cadmael). You guys surely remember ol' HC who is, quote, "just your average mangy goat-headed monster with ram’s horns, spikes on his back, and a hairless tail." Yep, that's the critter hanging out in Alex's laundry room if that helps ring a bell!
No offense, but your part in this matter is striking me as more than a little suspicious.
But oh goodness the sheer worlds and depth of lore in this one! I mentioned earlier that there are some deliciously earth-shattering reveals to devour and if we ever get to where the piper gets paid for those, well, watch out! Our main villain in this one - the aforementioned Ixquic, or the Waning Blood Moon, who I probably shouldn't mention at all - rules over the dream realm as essentially a goddess, even though we learn that there are a lot!! of different levels for said gods and/or goddesses. She is the first daughter of Cizin, whose realm is death. The realms of dream and death share the same space even though she and Dad haven't been getting along very well, having been estranged for a long time, that is, since the coming of the Dragon Lords Ketz-Alkwat and Manqu. Seems Ixquic summoned these two from Hell herself, which then totally wigged out the other Dragon Lords that were already "here". Clones may also be eventually involved, because, you know, babies and what-not. Which will then of course lead to all-out global war and destruction. Yeah, that should clarify everything! And don't get me started on the Whistler which has nary a thing at all to do with a sombre painting of someone's mother hanging in a museum in Paris!
You can shoot the moon, but you won’t bring it down with lead.
See? See what these books will do to you? Talk about fog brain and leaving someone disoriented and confused. Please please, as a public service announcement: if any of you are still reading by this stage, follow my advice and do NOT start your journey with Alex with this book. It's a great read, don't get me wrong and my duty here is indeed to get folks interested in purchasing and reading same! But good golly, do yourself a huge-mongous (sic[k]) favor and start at the beginning of the series! I did and I still ended up feeling like I'm strapped to a marble altar, naked (yuck), in the middle of a jungle clearing lit by a rosy glow from a pink full moon hanging directly overhead. In fact, I think I'll go get a sip of trollshine just to help me get back to reality. Whose reality I'm not sure, but still…
NOTE: I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. As such, I feel no guilt about copying and/or manipulating copious amounts of Lumsden's own words for my review comments. And no, that's in addition to the quotes I actually mark as quotes. You'll figure it out.
March 12, 2024
One of my favorite things about these books is that they continue to evolve along with their protagonist, Alex Southerland, P.I., who finds himself sucked into an ever more complex web of political and magical factions locked in an ancient battle between good and evil.
In this particular installment, Alex comes even closer to the fearsome Dragon Lords, learning that key elements of what he believed as a citizen and military veteran of the Borderland Wars may in fact be false. The story begins with a seemingly mundane request from a mother whose son has been disappearing mysteriously from his room (it is, Alex notes, the only request he’s gotten through the new website he has grudgingly set up as a concession to modernity). But before long, Alex finds himself sucked deep into the foundational power struggle between the old gods, spirits, and dragons that hold ultimate power in the world.
Action packed, the story weaves in tasteful appearances by a variety of fan-favorite characters (including one particularly agonizing episode with a certain elemental well-known to series fans).
A note here – beyond the worldbuilding, the prose itself continues to get even more engaging with each installment. The vividness of a lived-in world (and the characters doing that living) is a masterclass for aspiring writers in any genre. Lots of fan- and personal-favorite characters make an appearance here, notably certain elementals, a deceptively complex roommate, and Stormclaw.
On a more personal note, I did expect a different culprit going into the last 80 pages or so, as the complexity of plots, subplots, and various characters escalated to a crescendo. There’s so much time and effort painstakingly building the lore, plot, and character arcs, I felt the climax and denouement, while good, could have had a little more space to roll out, if only because there are so many ends to be tied up; just a matter of personal taste. That said, in an action-packed noir, it’s something of a tradition to have an explosive finale with rapid-fire double- and triple-crosses that make you question everything you thought you knew, sitting quietly in your favorite coffeeshop sipping your whiskey and staring into space muttering to yourself as you put pieces together and college students back slowly away from you in gentle terror...
This is an excellent, action-packed, intelligent novel and a worthy entry in a fantastic series. Dedicated fans like myself are hard to come by (we’re picky!), and Douglas Lumsden has earned our loyalty through excellence, craftsmanship, and consistency. I’ll also note that he does something even rarer than creating a beloved set of characters in a series; he keeps it fresh, and the world continues to evolve and become more complex and interesting the deeper you go.
Some closing notes and desiderata:
-I absolutely LOVED Night Owl, from his machinations to the reasoning behind them.
-The true origins of Chivo, the development of Stormclaw, and revelations on certain matters of historical note are well-drawn and bear further development. I look forward to learning more.
-I enjoyed the Easter Egg nod to Duffy Weber, the narrator of the audio version of these books. I was also delighted to spot the passing reference to the noble family Sonderling on page 250 and some part of me narcissistically hopes that was no accident. They’re good people, the Sonderlings.
-One example of countless others that illustrates why I love the prose in these novels, along with the deep thought that goes into the world illustrated thereby, including Alex’s tortured philosophical conundrums and battles with realpolitik included):
“Randolph had the decency to blush. ‘I know what the Hatfields are doing, and what they’re getting out of it. But my message is real. Sure, they’re using me, but I’m using them, too. Sometimes you gotta dance with the demons in order to do good.’”
-I feel that Alex's journey has something of the Zen or Taoist paradox in it that the more he lets go of his longtime savior complex (and lets go of needing to control the world/other people, or to pretend they are different than they really are) - the more he lets go of the human need for power (or its illusion), the more powerful he becomes, and the more he influences not just the people around him, but the wider world. Food for thought in our own troubled time, perhaps.
In this particular installment, Alex comes even closer to the fearsome Dragon Lords, learning that key elements of what he believed as a citizen and military veteran of the Borderland Wars may in fact be false. The story begins with a seemingly mundane request from a mother whose son has been disappearing mysteriously from his room (it is, Alex notes, the only request he’s gotten through the new website he has grudgingly set up as a concession to modernity). But before long, Alex finds himself sucked deep into the foundational power struggle between the old gods, spirits, and dragons that hold ultimate power in the world.
Action packed, the story weaves in tasteful appearances by a variety of fan-favorite characters (including one particularly agonizing episode with a certain elemental well-known to series fans).
A note here – beyond the worldbuilding, the prose itself continues to get even more engaging with each installment. The vividness of a lived-in world (and the characters doing that living) is a masterclass for aspiring writers in any genre. Lots of fan- and personal-favorite characters make an appearance here, notably certain elementals, a deceptively complex roommate, and Stormclaw.
On a more personal note, I did expect a different culprit going into the last 80 pages or so, as the complexity of plots, subplots, and various characters escalated to a crescendo. There’s so much time and effort painstakingly building the lore, plot, and character arcs, I felt the climax and denouement, while good, could have had a little more space to roll out, if only because there are so many ends to be tied up; just a matter of personal taste. That said, in an action-packed noir, it’s something of a tradition to have an explosive finale with rapid-fire double- and triple-crosses that make you question everything you thought you knew, sitting quietly in your favorite coffeeshop sipping your whiskey and staring into space muttering to yourself as you put pieces together and college students back slowly away from you in gentle terror...
This is an excellent, action-packed, intelligent novel and a worthy entry in a fantastic series. Dedicated fans like myself are hard to come by (we’re picky!), and Douglas Lumsden has earned our loyalty through excellence, craftsmanship, and consistency. I’ll also note that he does something even rarer than creating a beloved set of characters in a series; he keeps it fresh, and the world continues to evolve and become more complex and interesting the deeper you go.
Some closing notes and desiderata:
-I absolutely LOVED Night Owl, from his machinations to the reasoning behind them.
-The true origins of Chivo, the development of Stormclaw, and revelations on certain matters of historical note are well-drawn and bear further development. I look forward to learning more.
-I enjoyed the Easter Egg nod to Duffy Weber, the narrator of the audio version of these books. I was also delighted to spot the passing reference to the noble family Sonderling on page 250 and some part of me narcissistically hopes that was no accident. They’re good people, the Sonderlings.
-One example of countless others that illustrates why I love the prose in these novels, along with the deep thought that goes into the world illustrated thereby, including Alex’s tortured philosophical conundrums and battles with realpolitik included):
“Randolph had the decency to blush. ‘I know what the Hatfields are doing, and what they’re getting out of it. But my message is real. Sure, they’re using me, but I’m using them, too. Sometimes you gotta dance with the demons in order to do good.’”
-I feel that Alex's journey has something of the Zen or Taoist paradox in it that the more he lets go of his longtime savior complex (and lets go of needing to control the world/other people, or to pretend they are different than they really are) - the more he lets go of the human need for power (or its illusion), the more powerful he becomes, and the more he influences not just the people around him, but the wider world. Food for thought in our own troubled time, perhaps.
June 14, 2023
Alex Southerland is my favourite paranormal detective (after Felix, of course), and I'm always excited to read new installments in this excellent Urban Fantasy series (advanced copy in this case - I'm lucky :).
What to Expect
A new case for Alex, starting with a studious teenager who disappears at night without going through the front door. In a typical fashion, Alex is dragged further in to conspiracies and cults, tangles with otherworldly forces and ancient sorcerers, and generally getting in over his head in a quest to stay alive let alone solve the case.
What I liked
Lumsden's writing style is the best mix for me: a noir detective with dark themes of human nature, a well thought-out fantasy & occult world, and a rich alternate history culture. I love his shady characters that aren't your cardboard cutout but have their own full and surprising personalities. The elaborate and cohesive merging of Meso-American history and magic system makes for a unique world-building that's a pleasure to spend time in.
What to be aware of
This is book 6 in the series. While each one represents an individual case, there's always a certain amount of continuity that builds up. While you can jump right in, I'd recommend not missing out and reading the series from the start.
Felix's Review
Felix and Alex get very well together, swapping stories over drinks (as do their authors). Felix had his own share of possession cases and supernatural spirits and creatures, and sympathises with Alex's troubles and misadventures. He finds the make up of the multi-faceted magic system intriguing, and the old Aztec & Mayan spirits with their direct manifestations captivating. He certainly delves right into each story, wincing in shared pain but never putting the book down until the end.
Summary
Excellent urban fantasy detective series, one of the best out there. Highly recommended, particularly if you like the old noir detective like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
A new case for Alex, starting with a studious teenager who disappears at night without going through the front door. In a typical fashion, Alex is dragged further in to conspiracies and cults, tangles with otherworldly forces and ancient sorcerers, and generally getting in over his head in a quest to stay alive let alone solve the case.
What I liked
Lumsden's writing style is the best mix for me: a noir detective with dark themes of human nature, a well thought-out fantasy & occult world, and a rich alternate history culture. I love his shady characters that aren't your cardboard cutout but have their own full and surprising personalities. The elaborate and cohesive merging of Meso-American history and magic system makes for a unique world-building that's a pleasure to spend time in.
What to be aware of
This is book 6 in the series. While each one represents an individual case, there's always a certain amount of continuity that builds up. While you can jump right in, I'd recommend not missing out and reading the series from the start.
Felix's Review
Felix and Alex get very well together, swapping stories over drinks (as do their authors). Felix had his own share of possession cases and supernatural spirits and creatures, and sympathises with Alex's troubles and misadventures. He finds the make up of the multi-faceted magic system intriguing, and the old Aztec & Mayan spirits with their direct manifestations captivating. He certainly delves right into each story, wincing in shared pain but never putting the book down until the end.
Summary
Excellent urban fantasy detective series, one of the best out there. Highly recommended, particularly if you like the old noir detective like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
June 27, 2024
Why I picked this up: Book number 6 in the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series, but the 1st entry had me hooked. If you haven’t already, start with A Troll Walks into a Bar.
Genre: Urban fantasy / noir
Tone: New York attitude. A good blend of strange and serious.
Plot: Mother hires PI to follow her son. PI gets sacrificed by a teenage blood-cult. Granny points a shotgun. PI attacked by monkeys.
Pacing: Quick. Plenty of action and intrigue to keep things moving.
Prose: 1st person, single POV. Lean and easy to read. Modern voice with a touch of 1920’s slang for style.
World: Modern, urban setting shaped with cultural lore of the Americas. Dragon lords, elementalists, gnomes, trolls, ancient spirits and fever-dreams. The overarching story has grown throughout the series, and it feels like we’re getting close to a tipping point.
Characters: Huge cast of unique and interesting characters, some which are completely bat-sh*t crazy. I can relate to having a smelly, nocturnal, goat-demon as a housemate.
Conflict: Spirits have the munchies for hearts and liver.
Overall enjoyment: Great. Next book is the final instalment of the series, and the way things are shaping up, it should be a blast.
Genre: Urban fantasy / noir
Tone: New York attitude. A good blend of strange and serious.
Plot: Mother hires PI to follow her son. PI gets sacrificed by a teenage blood-cult. Granny points a shotgun. PI attacked by monkeys.
Pacing: Quick. Plenty of action and intrigue to keep things moving.
Prose: 1st person, single POV. Lean and easy to read. Modern voice with a touch of 1920’s slang for style.
World: Modern, urban setting shaped with cultural lore of the Americas. Dragon lords, elementalists, gnomes, trolls, ancient spirits and fever-dreams. The overarching story has grown throughout the series, and it feels like we’re getting close to a tipping point.
Characters: Huge cast of unique and interesting characters, some which are completely bat-sh*t crazy. I can relate to having a smelly, nocturnal, goat-demon as a housemate.
Conflict: Spirits have the munchies for hearts and liver.
Overall enjoyment: Great. Next book is the final instalment of the series, and the way things are shaping up, it should be a blast.
Read
August 7, 20253.75.
I hate being that guy, but this one became a " need to finish" rather than a want to finish.
Alexander Southland is at it again, having gotten tangled up in the affairs of the Spirit World. Giant energies are at play and a young boy is tied up in it. Initially hired to find him, murder, mayhem and skullduggery follow our intrepid PI.
Yet, to me, this book was a fish out of water tail. Alexander Southerland ( even as we keep getting reminded of his supernatural powers and enhanced everything and his spirit guides) seems way out of his depth here. Its similar to Dresden in that he goes toe to toe with literal elemental forces but unlike Dresden, he doesn't level up.
I know it was a fantasy element but the physics didn't make sense. The reveals, while satisfying, felt really quick and slap dash. A lot was thrown at the wall in this one and while most of it stuck, a lot didn't. I'd honestly prefer if he was doing detective things rather than tangling with multiple dead spirits.
The two aspects of one of the major spirits was a nice little reveal and everyone wants a neighbor like Mrs. Garza.
I hate being that guy, but this one became a " need to finish" rather than a want to finish.
Alexander Southland is at it again, having gotten tangled up in the affairs of the Spirit World. Giant energies are at play and a young boy is tied up in it. Initially hired to find him, murder, mayhem and skullduggery follow our intrepid PI.
Yet, to me, this book was a fish out of water tail. Alexander Southerland ( even as we keep getting reminded of his supernatural powers and enhanced everything and his spirit guides) seems way out of his depth here. Its similar to Dresden in that he goes toe to toe with literal elemental forces but unlike Dresden, he doesn't level up.
I know it was a fantasy element but the physics didn't make sense. The reveals, while satisfying, felt really quick and slap dash. A lot was thrown at the wall in this one and while most of it stuck, a lot didn't. I'd honestly prefer if he was doing detective things rather than tangling with multiple dead spirits.
The two aspects of one of the major spirits was a nice little reveal and everyone wants a neighbor like Mrs. Garza.
July 12, 2024
Yet another solid book for Alex PI - but as we enter the endgame (given that this is the penultimate book of the series), I felt the book took a little deviation from the buildup to the overall arc thats been brewing
The book is complex as fair as its predecessors go and it also felt a bit chaotic with Alex kind of reacting to situations - but what is undeniable is the strength of writing and the authors commitment to making Alex the kind of bull-headed, mulish PI who wont back down or take no for an answer and will keep digging and trying to do the right things overall
The magical influences as always are fabulous - bringing to light yet another magical/ mystical story from another corner of the world. It is amazing the kind of hooks that different powerful entities have in Alex - in a way, rather than a character powering up as the series goes on (ala Dresden or Cradle), the character remains as fallible and kind of underpowered but is in the crosshairs (both good and bad) of the powers.
Onto book 7 and I confess I am more than a bit anxious on Alex's fate
The book is complex as fair as its predecessors go and it also felt a bit chaotic with Alex kind of reacting to situations - but what is undeniable is the strength of writing and the authors commitment to making Alex the kind of bull-headed, mulish PI who wont back down or take no for an answer and will keep digging and trying to do the right things overall
The magical influences as always are fabulous - bringing to light yet another magical/ mystical story from another corner of the world. It is amazing the kind of hooks that different powerful entities have in Alex - in a way, rather than a character powering up as the series goes on (ala Dresden or Cradle), the character remains as fallible and kind of underpowered but is in the crosshairs (both good and bad) of the powers.
Onto book 7 and I confess I am more than a bit anxious on Alex's fate
August 13, 2023
Flawless scholarship and unbeatable imagination in combination.
Dr Lumsden takes us on a trip to an alternate Earth, that diverged from ours at least 6,000 years ago.
The Abrahamites never spread their religion. All countries have different borders and histories.
The story is set in Yerba City, which probably sits where San Francisco is on our Earth.
There are many other intelligent races, apart from humans. Some are just like us when it comes to morals.
All characters are well drawn and believable.
The Main Character, Alex Southerland, is very likeable.
The mystery is good.
If there are any mistakes in the various religions, I can't find them.
I recommend this series. Start at the beginning!
Dr Lumsden takes us on a trip to an alternate Earth, that diverged from ours at least 6,000 years ago.
The Abrahamites never spread their religion. All countries have different borders and histories.
The story is set in Yerba City, which probably sits where San Francisco is on our Earth.
There are many other intelligent races, apart from humans. Some are just like us when it comes to morals.
All characters are well drawn and believable.
The Main Character, Alex Southerland, is very likeable.
The mystery is good.
If there are any mistakes in the various religions, I can't find them.
I recommend this series. Start at the beginning!
September 24, 2023
I've really enjoyed this series, it really has the noir that a lot of detective noir stories leave out. It's got great world building and a lot of history of myths and gods. This book however was a bit too dark for my taste, the violence and sex were unsavoury and not essential to the plot. For that reason I almost gave it two stars, but it furthered the overall plot and the mythology was interesting.
August 28, 2023
Noir fantasy style
Another solid noir novel, fantasy style. If you are like me and really enjoy Alex' elementals and his "pet creature", be prepared for some surprises. This unique fantasy world continues to be fascinating.
Another solid noir novel, fantasy style. If you are like me and really enjoy Alex' elementals and his "pet creature", be prepared for some surprises. This unique fantasy world continues to be fascinating.
March 7, 2024
Interesting and Amusing
The 6th edition of the Alexander Southerland series left me a little confused. Mainly, because of all the different and difficult names of the many Gods in this this one. I spent quite a bit of time trying to pronounce all of the names!
The 6th edition of the Alexander Southerland series left me a little confused. Mainly, because of all the different and difficult names of the many Gods in this this one. I spent quite a bit of time trying to pronounce all of the names!
July 31, 2024
This series is peak Urban Fantasy. For me, it has all the best parts of Dresden Files but without the frustrating issues. Consistent quality across all seven entries plus one of the best novellas I’ve ever read. Pair that with the phenomenal range of Duffy P. Weber’s narration and you have an experience like no other.
For fans of: The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher); The Dark Profit Trilogy (J. Zachary Pike); Eric Carter (Stephen Blackmoore); The Stranger Times (C.K. McDonnell); The Green Bone Saga (Fonda Lee); Daniel Faust (Craig Schafer); Jack Bloodfist (J.A. Jakins).
For fans of: The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher); The Dark Profit Trilogy (J. Zachary Pike); Eric Carter (Stephen Blackmoore); The Stranger Times (C.K. McDonnell); The Green Bone Saga (Fonda Lee); Daniel Faust (Craig Schafer); Jack Bloodfist (J.A. Jakins).
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