Grim Folk Tale

The Unorthodox Chronicles #4

by James J. Butcher

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fiction

480 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

James J. Butcher spends most of his time in places that don’t exist; some of which he even made himself. What little time he has left is usually spent writing or exercising. He is the son of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, who introduced him to books, movies and games. He lives in Denver, and is working on his next novel.

Reviews

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grim Folk Tale, the fourth book in The Unorthodox Chronicles Series, sees Auditor Grimsby and his partner Mayflower return to familiar ground in this very fun read. The previous books have all largely been self-contained mysteries, but Grim Folk Tale breaks from that tradition by interweaving its story and characters through a number of well plotted reveals and story beats. Characters from previous books make reappearances and have growing importance, our main heroes receive the most character growth yet as they face challenges that make them question who they really are, and the ongoing mysteries grow the more we learn about them.

There are some things I could see being done better, largely revolving around wishing the reader got to see more about a certain budding relationship, but overall Grim Folk Tale is a fantastic book and up for contention for the best book in the series.

James J. Butcher entered a genre that would put the shadow of his father's work over his own, and through each book James has shown that he has created a world and a cast of loveable and yet deep characters that can stand on their own and feels fresh in a genre that often feels borrowed. I cannot wait to see where he takes the reader next.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me an ARC.