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Arcane Casebook #13
Thicker than Water
Alex Lockerby is on the run from the law, but he can't refuse when a sorcerer from his past asks for his help in solving a brutal murder. As he takes on the case, he is also trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death for his benefactor, Moriarty. With his face plastered on wanted posters and his name in the papers, Alex must navigate carefully to catch the killers and evade the law. But time is running out and the killers are getting desperate - will Alex be able to solve his cases before it's too late? If you loved the Dresden Files, you won't want to miss, Thicker than Water, the latest thrilling fantasy novel in the Arcane Casebook series.
Get your copy of Thicker than Water, the thirteenth book in the Arcane Casebook series.
Get your copy of Thicker than Water, the thirteenth book in the Arcane Casebook series.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
168 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Dan Willis
33 books317 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 17, 2026
A fun sleuthing adventure has Alex and lggy in St Louis hiding out from the group hunting them in DC.
March 16, 2026
4.30! Maybe even a 4.50! Further as they develop!
Any review of these books need to be read in an old timey radio voice. And them shamus-es will be sorry, nyeh!
Alex Lockerby is back once again. But what could prove to be a problem ( the whole being framed for murder so your enemies can take you out of play and steal the source of your power) is fixed in about half a chapter. On the run in New York? Move to St. Louis!
Off the bat, I don't read these for the deep analysis but some people just seemed to be set up as " antagonist, bureaucrat " or " antagonist, surly dock worker". And Alex is doing one thing but gets pulled into a seperate murder case. Will the two be related? No spoiper at all when I say an emphatic yes.
It balanced being a traditional whodunit with spooky rune magic. It seemed weak saice at times, either his magic is super powerful or he doesn't use it. There were several plot holes on timing, locations and events but it was enjoyable. It prolonged the mythos. And more and more of the threat of German entanglement was painted.
It was a little too convenient at times when there was no real danger to Alex, either through allies, adroit magic usage or other. But eagerly awaiting the next one!
Any review of these books need to be read in an old timey radio voice. And them shamus-es will be sorry, nyeh!
Alex Lockerby is back once again. But what could prove to be a problem ( the whole being framed for murder so your enemies can take you out of play and steal the source of your power) is fixed in about half a chapter. On the run in New York? Move to St. Louis!
Off the bat, I don't read these for the deep analysis but some people just seemed to be set up as " antagonist, bureaucrat " or " antagonist, surly dock worker". And Alex is doing one thing but gets pulled into a seperate murder case. Will the two be related? No spoiper at all when I say an emphatic yes.
It balanced being a traditional whodunit with spooky rune magic. It seemed weak saice at times, either his magic is super powerful or he doesn't use it. There were several plot holes on timing, locations and events but it was enjoyable. It prolonged the mythos. And more and more of the threat of German entanglement was painted.
It was a little too convenient at times when there was no real danger to Alex, either through allies, adroit magic usage or other. But eagerly awaiting the next one!
March 18, 2026
Another great book
I am in love with this series. Once again Alex is on the case and stopping at nothing to see the mystery solved.
I am in love with this series. Once again Alex is on the case and stopping at nothing to see the mystery solved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series is set 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 Casebook series follows the adventures of Alex, a private detective and runewright. In each book, Alex solves cases and sometimes get dragged into bigger things. I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series to date.
In this thirteenth installment, Alex is on the run, having been framed for murder. His flight finds him in St. Louis, tasked by the mysterious Moriarty to investigate an apparent suicide, and by sorcerer David Maxwell to solve the murder of a veteran. As ever, Alex is assisted in his endeavours by the glamorous Sorsha and the insightful Iggy.
I really enjoyed this book. Alex is a likeable character, who is hard-working and talented, but not infallible. All of the supporting characters are well-written and developed. The story moves at a good clip, and the dynamic between the characters is witty and warm. The descriptions of the locations bring this alternative world to life into vivid detail. An excellent series, highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Arcane Casebook series follows the adventures of Alex, a private detective and runewright. In each book, Alex solves cases and sometimes get dragged into bigger things. I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series to date.
In this thirteenth installment, Alex is on the run, having been framed for murder. His flight finds him in St. Louis, tasked by the mysterious Moriarty to investigate an apparent suicide, and by sorcerer David Maxwell to solve the murder of a veteran. As ever, Alex is assisted in his endeavours by the glamorous Sorsha and the insightful Iggy.
I really enjoyed this book. Alex is a likeable character, who is hard-working and talented, but not infallible. All of the supporting characters are well-written and developed. The story moves at a good clip, and the dynamic between the characters is witty and warm. The descriptions of the locations bring this alternative world to life into vivid detail. An excellent series, highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2026
I like this book, it starts with the legion still frustrated and after him, but Alex thinks it is only the police who are. It doesn't make it clear when the book ends if the police are still after him.
However Alex, Sorcha and Iggy make it St Louis and have a great time solving two murders that bring them in to contact with more new people, a new lore book and having to work out why a man died and who did it, while the other was killed due to his past and working out who did it and why, while hiding from the police in NY and pretending to be FBI and PI in St Louis. Fortunately it all works out in the end.
However Alex, Sorcha and Iggy make it St Louis and have a great time solving two murders that bring them in to contact with more new people, a new lore book and having to work out why a man died and who did it, while the other was killed due to his past and working out who did it and why, while hiding from the police in NY and pretending to be FBI and PI in St Louis. Fortunately it all works out in the end.
March 11, 2026
the tangled web Mr Willis weaves
Mr. Willis has taken us off the beat track. We are one expected a story of the Legion. We got something else just as intriguing. I eagerly very eagerly booked 14. But alas, it will probably be a year in the making so sometime in 2027, we will get the next installment of the arcane case book. Will it be the Legion? Will it be the curse stone? Will our intrepid detective and sorceress tie the proverbial knot. What is in store for Danny Mike and Sherry only time will tell.
Mr. Willis has taken us off the beat track. We are one expected a story of the Legion. We got something else just as intriguing. I eagerly very eagerly booked 14. But alas, it will probably be a year in the making so sometime in 2027, we will get the next installment of the arcane case book. Will it be the Legion? Will it be the curse stone? Will our intrepid detective and sorceress tie the proverbial knot. What is in store for Danny Mike and Sherry only time will tell.
March 15, 2026
Not as good as they used to be. Mundane. DNF
I really enjoyed the first several novels in this series, but the last few have been something of a letdown. They’ve lost some sort of elusive spark that made the earlier stories interesting. This one is like a mundane detective novels with a small bit of the arcane tossed in. I’ve read the entire series up to this point, but after getting over 100 pages into this one, I gave up. DNF.
Not recommended. I give it 3/5 stars.
I really enjoyed the first several novels in this series, but the last few have been something of a letdown. They’ve lost some sort of elusive spark that made the earlier stories interesting. This one is like a mundane detective novels with a small bit of the arcane tossed in. I’ve read the entire series up to this point, but after getting over 100 pages into this one, I gave up. DNF.
Not recommended. I give it 3/5 stars.
March 13, 2026
Fast paced mystery
A welcome new addition to a well written and always interesting series. This book picks up moments after the previous volume and relies on the reader remembering the main backstory. Not, in other words, a good place to start reading the Arcane Casebooks. But a very satisfying instalment nonetheless.
A welcome new addition to a well written and always interesting series. This book picks up moments after the previous volume and relies on the reader remembering the main backstory. Not, in other words, a good place to start reading the Arcane Casebooks. But a very satisfying instalment nonetheless.
March 15, 2026
Classic!
Another win for Dan Willis! If you love old fashioned detective stories with a paranormal twist, this book is for you! The Lockerby series is so much fun. Willy’s has the lingo and the atmospheric vibe of a 1940’s detective story perfected. Dive into the Arcane Casebook series-you will love it!
#paranormal #detective #mystery #noir #sorcerer
Another win for Dan Willis! If you love old fashioned detective stories with a paranormal twist, this book is for you! The Lockerby series is so much fun. Willy’s has the lingo and the atmospheric vibe of a 1940’s detective story perfected. Dive into the Arcane Casebook series-you will love it!
#paranormal #detective #mystery #noir #sorcerer
March 18, 2026
Good - but expected more
Good solid, magic crime detective story. However, I was hoping for more. The two mysteries Alex was investigating was becoming a little tedious. I was hoping there would be more of the conspiracy laced into the story about either the legion or the immortals. More meat on the bones, as the saying goes. Otherwise, an enjoyable read.
Good solid, magic crime detective story. However, I was hoping for more. The two mysteries Alex was investigating was becoming a little tedious. I was hoping there would be more of the conspiracy laced into the story about either the legion or the immortals. More meat on the bones, as the saying goes. Otherwise, an enjoyable read.
March 27, 2026
great series
This is one of my favorite series ever. It combines so many genres in one book. It’s well written and the u I were is defined in a way that makes the reader believe. It has great characters that you can like and cheer for. Looking forward to the next book and any of the side novels and novellas based in this universe
This is one of my favorite series ever. It combines so many genres in one book. It’s well written and the u I were is defined in a way that makes the reader believe. It has great characters that you can like and cheer for. Looking forward to the next book and any of the side novels and novellas based in this universe
April 2, 2026
may I have another?
This latest Arcane Casebook is a fun romp with some intriguing twists. And the ending pulls them all together nicely … or does it?
The story builds and the pieces come together in an engaging fashion. A great read and an appetizer for the next story.
I eagerly await #14.
This latest Arcane Casebook is a fun romp with some intriguing twists. And the ending pulls them all together nicely … or does it?
The story builds and the pieces come together in an engaging fashion. A great read and an appetizer for the next story.
I eagerly await #14.
March 12, 2026
Well done
I enjoy the Arcane Casebook series - this one was particularly interesting and very well written. Sorsha, Alex and Dr. Bell all undercover and solving 2 separate mysterious deaths.
I enjoy the Arcane Casebook series - this one was particularly interesting and very well written. Sorsha, Alex and Dr. Bell all undercover and solving 2 separate mysterious deaths.
March 13, 2026
awesome adventure epic twist and turns
Great read from the beginning to the very end. Exciting to read about Alex back in action. Sorsha and Dr Bell never disappoint. Looking forward to the next adventure
Great read from the beginning to the very end. Exciting to read about Alex back in action. Sorsha and Dr Bell never disappoint. Looking forward to the next adventure
March 14, 2026
another great entry
Another great entry into this fun series. I recommend everybody start with the first book, and follow Alex from his early days as the destitute PI, through his adventures.
Another great entry into this fun series. I recommend everybody start with the first book, and follow Alex from his early days as the destitute PI, through his adventures.
March 19, 2026
Feels like bits are missing.
Not bad but sometimes the leaps feel a bit like a mountain leap with no obvious link.
I like this authors work but would wish the leaps are a bit less wide.
Not bad but sometimes the leaps feel a bit like a mountain leap with no obvious link.
I like this authors work but would wish the leaps are a bit less wide.
March 20, 2026
I love a murder mystery!
This is a classic story line with an alliterative well loved mirror into my soul. I suspect it will worm its way into any others that have seen 221 Baker St. In their dreams.
This is a classic story line with an alliterative well loved mirror into my soul. I suspect it will worm its way into any others that have seen 221 Baker St. In their dreams.
March 25, 2026
Two thumbs up, looking forward to the next one
The series continues to impress as Dan Willis finds ways to keep the characters moving forward while avoiding both staleness and deus ex machina machinations.
The series continues to impress as Dan Willis finds ways to keep the characters moving forward while avoiding both staleness and deus ex machina machinations.
March 11, 2026
RECOMMENDED
March 14, 2026
Awesome
The only problem with finishing the latest Arcane Casebook novel is hanging to wait for the next one. I can hardly wait.
The only problem with finishing the latest Arcane Casebook novel is hanging to wait for the next one. I can hardly wait.
March 15, 2026
Awesome series
Absolutely love the series, have and will continue to recommend it for all my friends. Can not wait until the next one comes out.
Absolutely love the series, have and will continue to recommend it for all my friends. Can not wait until the next one comes out.
March 17, 2026
Continuing the story
I continue to look forward to each chapter in the story of the Arcane Detective. Haven’t disappointed me yet. Well written books
I continue to look forward to each chapter in the story of the Arcane Detective. Haven’t disappointed me yet. Well written books
March 19, 2026
Very good book
This is a fine alternate reality fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Sasha. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
This is a fine alternate reality fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Sasha. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
March 22, 2026
This was a comfortable and satisfying installment in the series. My only complaint is that Sorsha didn't get a chance to freeze a bad guy.
March 23, 2026
Two Mysteries
While on the run from the NYPD, Alex is hired to solve two mysteries in St. Louis. This time, Sasha joins in. A good book, with promise of more.
While on the run from the NYPD, Alex is hired to solve two mysteries in St. Louis. This time, Sasha joins in. A good book, with promise of more.
March 25, 2026
Continues to be a great read
As always my only complaint is the end, setting up the next book. This series is a serious comfort read for me.
As always my only complaint is the end, setting up the next book. This series is a serious comfort read for me.
March 28, 2026
Impossible to put down
Every Alex Locker by book gets better. Not sure how you do this Dan Willlis but keep it up. Oh, and how do I get a vault?
Every Alex Locker by book gets better. Not sure how you do this Dan Willlis but keep it up. Oh, and how do I get a vault?
March 28, 2026
Good as always
Too many series go downhill after the first books. Willis has maintained the characters and plot. Good read. Buy it
Too many series go downhill after the first books. Willis has maintained the characters and plot. Good read. Buy it
March 26, 2026
Great work but somewhat predictable
Clues to Samuel still being a live were overt.
The art dealer was an obvious suspect. Just the reason why was a small mystery.
Sorsha’s death was too easy even though it was fake indicative of a future plot arc. No a pleasant one.
Clues to Samuel still being a live were overt.
The art dealer was an obvious suspect. Just the reason why was a small mystery.
Sorsha’s death was too easy even though it was fake indicative of a future plot arc. No a pleasant one.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews