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Arcane Casebook #12
Gangster
Private detective Alex Lockerby never expected to be the prime suspect in a high profile murder case. But when the police find him standing over a body with his fingerprints on the murder weapon, he rapidly jumps to the top of their list.
Despite being released on bail, Alex's reputation and business are under attack by mysterious forces. As he fights to clear his name, Alex is pulled into a dangerous world of counterfeiting, murder, and mobsters. With the help of his mentor, his trusty assistant, and a few unexpected allies, Alex races against time to unravel this twisted web of lies and uncover the culprit behind it all.
As the truth comes to light, however, Alex must come to grips with the possibility that this case may be his last.
If you’re a fan of the Dresden Files, you won't want to miss, Gangster, the latest thrilling fantasy novel in the Arcane Casebook series
Despite being released on bail, Alex's reputation and business are under attack by mysterious forces. As he fights to clear his name, Alex is pulled into a dangerous world of counterfeiting, murder, and mobsters. With the help of his mentor, his trusty assistant, and a few unexpected allies, Alex races against time to unravel this twisted web of lies and uncover the culprit behind it all.
As the truth comes to light, however, Alex must come to grips with the possibility that this case may be his last.
If you’re a fan of the Dresden Files, you won't want to miss, Gangster, the latest thrilling fantasy novel in the Arcane Casebook series
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
170 people are currently reading
46 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 57 reviews
June 11, 2025
ln this 12th entry of the Arcane Casebook series Mr Willis outdid himself. Alex is framed for murder, and it seems the framers have thought of everything.
So while Alex is trying to clear himself of the charges he also has a big case working with the Secret Service.
So while Alex is trying to clear himself of the charges he also has a big case working with the Secret Service.
August 26, 2025
4.2 and more detailed review to follow!
June 11, 2025
Another fabulous story
Dan Willis doesn't disappoint, with this latest book the stakes get higher and the danger more intense. This story is crafted with intriguing plots ,exceptional characters and amazing action. I could not put it down. Thanks so much for your excellent work Mr Willis!
Dan Willis doesn't disappoint, with this latest book the stakes get higher and the danger more intense. This story is crafted with intriguing plots ,exceptional characters and amazing action. I could not put it down. Thanks so much for your excellent work Mr Willis!
June 20, 2025
My this is drastic. It is quite the convoluted story, interesting and fun to read, then it starts to hot up and Alex has to take action, but he is always just a bit ahead of the enemy, it takes him most of the book to figure out who is it who is framing and then in the last section, how he has to protect the one thing that the enemy really wants.
Sorcha is a willing and helpful girlfriend and he even gets engaged, although it gets lost in the narration of the events going on.
His addiction to Limelight is still there but he is learning to cope without it.
Still it doesn't work out quite how he expects. He does learn some new rune magic though!
Sorcha is a willing and helpful girlfriend and he even gets engaged, although it gets lost in the narration of the events going on.
His addiction to Limelight is still there but he is learning to cope without it.
Still it doesn't work out quite how he expects. He does learn some new rune magic though!
July 14, 2025
No spoilers from me. It was a fun & exciting read. Loved the fact that a very "girl friend" was more involved this time. I would like to read more about her in the future, and maybe a backstory.
However, I expected to have more insight into the Vision Stone with this one. Sadly, that seemed to be a very long run on with no real time in with the "Gangster."
Also, in a future book or at least a storyline --I would really like to have more of a backstory on the wonderful secretary. I'm sure it would be quite entertaining and enlightening to read.
However, I expected to have more insight into the Vision Stone with this one. Sadly, that seemed to be a very long run on with no real time in with the "Gangster."
Also, in a future book or at least a storyline --I would really like to have more of a backstory on the wonderful secretary. I'm sure it would be quite entertaining and enlightening to read.
August 28, 2025
Book 12
As always, Dan Willis is a master craftsman with his world! If you have read this series so far, you know what to expect, fun, hijinks, magic, & Alex doing Alex things.
If you haven't read this series, really, what are you doing with your life? Go back to the first book & fall in love with a truly well crafted world where even the side characters have depth to them & you become invested in all the characters, big & small! Trust me, it is worth the time, the money & the sleep you will miss because you can't put the books down!
As always, Dan Willis is a master craftsman with his world! If you have read this series so far, you know what to expect, fun, hijinks, magic, & Alex doing Alex things.
If you haven't read this series, really, what are you doing with your life? Go back to the first book & fall in love with a truly well crafted world where even the side characters have depth to them & you become invested in all the characters, big & small! Trust me, it is worth the time, the money & the sleep you will miss because you can't put the books down!
June 13, 2025
Framed?
The 12th Arcane Casebook by Dan Willis is another great mystery with multiple twists. I love that there is a mystery that gets solved, as well as a continuing investigation over multiple books. Love this series and I hope Willis keeps it going for a long time! The characters keep evolving and getting more interesting, and the mysteries get more complex. Grab this for your next mystery fix!!
The 12th Arcane Casebook by Dan Willis is another great mystery with multiple twists. I love that there is a mystery that gets solved, as well as a continuing investigation over multiple books. Love this series and I hope Willis keeps it going for a long time! The characters keep evolving and getting more interesting, and the mysteries get more complex. Grab this for your next mystery fix!!
July 8, 2025
Great addition to a great series!
This series is great. The world is creative & perfectly atmospheric for the type of stories, characters& writing. The characters are interesting, enjoyable & well-written. The stories are engaging & follow the logic of the world in which they happen. This is a fun magical world to spend time in & interesting & fun characters to enjoy the world with.
This series is great. The world is creative & perfectly atmospheric for the type of stories, characters& writing. The characters are interesting, enjoyable & well-written. The stories are engaging & follow the logic of the world in which they happen. This is a fun magical world to spend time in & interesting & fun characters to enjoy the world with.
June 12, 2025
Alex is framed for Murder what follows is one hell of a ride
When Alex is asked to help find a pair of antique dueling pistols from the Revolutionary War he ends up framed for his business partner Little Tony's death, from there thing get wild along the way he Dr. Bell Sherry and co. Work on solving the clues we were left with from last time.
When Alex is asked to help find a pair of antique dueling pistols from the Revolutionary War he ends up framed for his business partner Little Tony's death, from there thing get wild along the way he Dr. Bell Sherry and co. Work on solving the clues we were left with from last time.
June 16, 2025
Better & better!
A very engaging, twisty romp through an almost real, but not---world. All the characters are well written & just a bit different. One is over 5,000 years old, but maybe 30, for instance. Electricity & magic compete. Delightful! Hope there are further adventures.
A very engaging, twisty romp through an almost real, but not---world. All the characters are well written & just a bit different. One is over 5,000 years old, but maybe 30, for instance. Electricity & magic compete. Delightful! Hope there are further adventures.
June 17, 2025
Better and better
Mr Willis has outdone himself with the latest activities and shenanigans of Alex Lockerby. The pace and plotting are excellent, and the story continues to build and ramify without becoming tedious. I can't wait for the next Casebook! Fortunately, Mr Willis is prolific as well as talented, so we won't have too long to wait.
Mr Willis has outdone himself with the latest activities and shenanigans of Alex Lockerby. The pace and plotting are excellent, and the story continues to build and ramify without becoming tedious. I can't wait for the next Casebook! Fortunately, Mr Willis is prolific as well as talented, so we won't have too long to wait.
June 17, 2025
Another excellent additon to the series
My favorite part about this series is Dan resists the urge to fill in backstory from previous books, either you read the series or you'll be lost. Tight writing, excellent story arc. Suspense all the way through. One of my favorite authors.
My favorite part about this series is Dan resists the urge to fill in backstory from previous books, either you read the series or you'll be lost. Tight writing, excellent story arc. Suspense all the way through. One of my favorite authors.
June 19, 2025
The best so far
It's amazing that after 12 books about Alex Lockerby that I can still be excited and surprised. Leave it to Dan Willis to weave together a story with so many plot twists my head is spinning. Make sure you don't have a lot to do when you pick up this book. You will not be able to put it down.
It's amazing that after 12 books about Alex Lockerby that I can still be excited and surprised. Leave it to Dan Willis to weave together a story with so many plot twists my head is spinning. Make sure you don't have a lot to do when you pick up this book. You will not be able to put it down.
June 20, 2025
Mr. Willis just keeps getting better and better with his stories
This tale keeps building on the previous books. Please for your love of puzzles do not read these books out of order. I hope nothing untoward happens to Mr. Willis before he completes his series, I desperately to find out where all this leads.
This tale keeps building on the previous books. Please for your love of puzzles do not read these books out of order. I hope nothing untoward happens to Mr. Willis before he completes his series, I desperately to find out where all this leads.
June 20, 2025
argh! Cliffhanger!
Come on, Dan! What is up with the cliffhanger? Great story, though! The only reason I’m giving it four stars is the friggitty-friggin cliffhanger! I’ve dropped a series for less. Anyway, if whoever is reading this doesn’t mind waiting then by all means, jump in. It’s a great ride.
Come on, Dan! What is up with the cliffhanger? Great story, though! The only reason I’m giving it four stars is the friggitty-friggin cliffhanger! I’ve dropped a series for less. Anyway, if whoever is reading this doesn’t mind waiting then by all means, jump in. It’s a great ride.
June 27, 2025
Best self published urban noise fantasy
Intricate plotlines that tie with previous books, engaging characters and nefarious villians, next best to the DresdenFiles and Honor Racontuer. Most definitely necessary to read in order, they are fairly quick reads and lots of fun in an alternate history with Chicago 30s mobster noir mixed in with Sam spade detective vibes.
Intricate plotlines that tie with previous books, engaging characters and nefarious villians, next best to the DresdenFiles and Honor Racontuer. Most definitely necessary to read in order, they are fairly quick reads and lots of fun in an alternate history with Chicago 30s mobster noir mixed in with Sam spade detective vibes.
August 14, 2025
Wheels within wheels
After stepping away from this series I was reminded of it's alternate history setting just before WWII.
Complete with a different take on a 1930's P.I.
If you are reading this eBook and have not started at the beginning of the series I would begin with book one instead of this book.
Enjoy.
After stepping away from this series I was reminded of it's alternate history setting just before WWII.
Complete with a different take on a 1930's P.I.
If you are reading this eBook and have not started at the beginning of the series I would begin with book one instead of this book.
Enjoy.
September 8, 2025
As with the rest of this series, well plotted, AMAZING historical setting/research (yes, it's a parallel world, but the not-parallel bits are very well researched), great characters.
Urban fantasy/steampunk version of 1930's New York City. While each book is a self-contained story, you do need to start at the beginning of this series to understand much of what's going on.
Urban fantasy/steampunk version of 1930's New York City. While each book is a self-contained story, you do need to start at the beginning of this series to understand much of what's going on.
October 19, 2025
wonderful mix of mystery and fantasy
I love the world that Dan Willis has created. The characters are interesting and intelligent and there is plenty of action to keep things moving along. He writes a good mystery within the framework of his magical 1940’s America. I can hardly wait for the next book!
I love the world that Dan Willis has created. The characters are interesting and intelligent and there is plenty of action to keep things moving along. He writes a good mystery within the framework of his magical 1940’s America. I can hardly wait for the next book!
June 10, 2025
Amazing
Dan never disappoints me with his work, and this one is one of the best. Some readers may not like the classic detective story, but I'm still a fan. Finished in one day and eager for the next one. Thanks, Dan, for the story.
Dan never disappoints me with his work, and this one is one of the best. Some readers may not like the classic detective story, but I'm still a fan. Finished in one day and eager for the next one. Thanks, Dan, for the story.
June 11, 2025
Marvelous!
Another riveting installment! I read it in one sitting. Alex and friends never disappoint. You should start from the first book, but you won't be sorry. This one kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Another riveting installment! I read it in one sitting. Alex and friends never disappoint. You should start from the first book, but you won't be sorry. This one kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
June 13, 2025
a great series
Always 5 star writing, one of and my wife’s favorite series to read. It’s hits the whole noir vibe but throws a curve of fantasy/sci-fi alternate history into it. Sam Spade with magical powers and a good mystery as well
Always 5 star writing, one of and my wife’s favorite series to read. It’s hits the whole noir vibe but throws a curve of fantasy/sci-fi alternate history into it. Sam Spade with magical powers and a good mystery as well
June 18, 2025
As good as it gets
Complex story lines that involve fascinating, real characters, interacting with magic and magical people. Were Bogart still alive and acting, he would astound with this story.
Complex story lines that involve fascinating, real characters, interacting with magic and magical people. Were Bogart still alive and acting, he would astound with this story.
June 19, 2025
Another great book.
Hopefully if you've made it to book 12. You know what you ate getting. As usual two mysteries, both interesting. Same characters you know and love. Without spoilers, I like him turning to people he helped before. Always makes me think of the shadow.
Hopefully if you've made it to book 12. You know what you ate getting. As usual two mysteries, both interesting. Same characters you know and love. Without spoilers, I like him turning to people he helped before. Always makes me think of the shadow.
June 23, 2025
another riveting read
A thoroughly enjoyable visit with Alex and friends. Gods action, lively twists ands an engaging story. I highly recommend this and the read of the books in the Arcane Casebook series!! Bravo!!
A thoroughly enjoyable visit with Alex and friends. Gods action, lively twists ands an engaging story. I highly recommend this and the read of the books in the Arcane Casebook series!! Bravo!!
June 23, 2025
Resolutions!
The praise I want to render would reveal too much of the storyline! So many surprises revealed in this storyline! Many "I didn't see that coming"! Well done, sir!! Brilliant!
The praise I want to render would reveal too much of the storyline! So many surprises revealed in this storyline! Many "I didn't see that coming"! Well done, sir!! Brilliant!
July 4, 2025
Excellent
Dan Willis, may have written his best book yet. The ending has me in the edge of my seat screaming, "No! Don't end there!" But after further thought, I know there will be another book or even more. Dan, you are on a roll. perhaps it will only be a short wait for it.
Dan Willis, may have written his best book yet. The ending has me in the edge of my seat screaming, "No! Don't end there!" But after further thought, I know there will be another book or even more. Dan, you are on a roll. perhaps it will only be a short wait for it.
July 4, 2025
Trouble comes easy!
I really liked the twists and turns in this tail of intriguing plot lines. I have to stay away from smoking anything related to that. It would be nice to have tall blonde gorgeous and powerful girl friend.
I really liked the twists and turns in this tail of intriguing plot lines. I have to stay away from smoking anything related to that. It would be nice to have tall blonde gorgeous and powerful girl friend.
July 5, 2025
wow
I wish I had more stars to give this. I didn't think the series could get any better but boy was I wrong. Awesome detective work and a thickening of the plot that raises the stakes.
I wish I had more stars to give this. I didn't think the series could get any better but boy was I wrong. Awesome detective work and a thickening of the plot that raises the stakes.
July 6, 2025
Another great read!
I was worried that this latest addition to the series might not be as engaging as the previous ones. Thankfully, such is not the case. There are again twists and turns that were very much unexpected. The author has composed another great adventure!
In
I was worried that this latest addition to the series might not be as engaging as the previous ones. Thankfully, such is not the case. There are again twists and turns that were very much unexpected. The author has composed another great adventure!
In
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews