In the Devil Wind

by Richard Kadrey

In this heart-pounding epilogue novel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling Sandman Slim series, James Stark once again finds himself between a rock and a hard place—except this time the rock is Heaven, and the hard place is Hell… A devil’s work is never done. James Stark, aka Sandman Slim, is trying to find his footing in a Heaven that’s anything but heavenly. And when God gets attacked and the angels and hellions start picking sides for a new war, the celestial realm is one spark away from an explosion. Stark just wants to be left alone to watch old movies, but when a madman named Dixie Midnight starts cutting a bloody path through the palace, he’s dragged back into the fray. Stark’s investigation uncovers a conspiracy that goes deeper than he could have ever imagined. And every new encounter leads to yet another mystery, another foe, and—at one point—a spell that is inexorably draining his very essence. Betrayed by those he should be able to trust, hunted by supposed friends and enemies alike—all while running out of time, because apparently there is nothing after the afterlife—Stark must navigate the treacherous corridors of Heaven and the backroads of Hell to solve a problem he only sort of understands. And he'd kill for a good apple fritter. Death is not the worst thing that can happen to Stark—dealing with bureaucratic assholes, renegade angels, and homicidal sociopaths is. Stark thought he was done with being the monster killer...done with being the monster. He was wrong. And that means Heaven must wait...

Genres: Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 17, 2026

About the author

Richard Kadrey is a writer and freelance musician living in Pittsburgh, best known for his Sandman Slim novels. His work has been nominated for the Locus and BSFA awards. Kadrey's newest books are The Secrets of Insects, released in August 2023; The Dead Take the A Train (with Cassandra Khaw), released in September 2023; The Pale House Devil, released in September 2023.

Reviews

[David Simon]

Man, this is bittersweet. Richard Kadrey has announced that In the Devil Wind, the 13th novel in the Sandman Slim saga, will be the last.

I’ve been a fan of the Sandman Slim novels since the very first one. Richard Kadrey’s blend of hard-boiled noir, urban fantasy, horror, and (this next thing is important and I don’t think talked about enough) pitch-black comedy, hits every sweet spot my brain has.

I love Kadrey’s memorable characters, and his deep dive into both angelic and demonic lore. I love that Kadrey never treats James Stark, aka Sandman Slim, as a hero, as a traditional savior. He’s also not an unstoppable antihero. Stark is brutal, sarcastic, deeply, deeply damaged, and relentlessly driven. He gives unwavering support, through Los Angeles, heaven, and hell, to the people he considers his found family. He’s a deadly killer with a giant capacity for love, which gives the books surprising heart.

In the Devil Wind is a richly conceived, if uncharacteristically melancholy, conclusion to the Sandman Slim series. Instead of wrapping up the series with a big, neat bow, Kadrey embraces and amplifies the messy consequences of the choices Stark has made. There’s plenty of Kadrey’s trademark savage action, supernatural intrigue, and razor-sharp humor, but in addition there’s a deeper sense of reflection. Stark is forced to confront the steep cost of vengeance, loyalty, and ultimate survival. For me, this is the most human Stark has ever been, which is weird, considering Stark is dead and the entire novel is set in Heaven, Hell, and points in between.

Kadrey’s mythology, which he’s built up since 2009, has reached its most ambitious scope. It’s audacious, powerful, and most of all satisfying.

Stark is one of urban fantasy’s most unconventional heroes. Yeah, forget what I said earlier, Stark is a hero, in all his messy, conflicted glory.

In the Devil Wind released November 17, 2026, and is available for pre-order now.

Also, speaking of bittersweet…my next read is Petrified Dreams, the final Hap and Leonard novel from Joe R. Lansdale. Damn.

[Chrisgonzo]

To say I was excited to see a new Sandman Slim novel would be an understatement. As a long time fan of the series, I could not hit the download button fast enough. However, on reflection, I was a little worried. Sure, I loved the series, but let's be honest, the last few in the series felt a little phoned in; still a lot of fun, but lacking...something.

After a gap of several years, would this new Stark be refreshed, or a zombie dry-humping the cash cow?

Happily, it's most definately the former. This is Stark and Kadrey firing on all cylinders, determined to go out in a blaze of glory, and boy howdy do they ever.

I haven't had this much fun with a Sandman novel since The Kill Society. Kadrey says this is *really* the final Sandman book, and as much as this one whetted my appetite for more, this is a fantastic high point to go out on.

[Travis Butler]

In the Devil Wind
By Richard Kadrey
Pub Date: Nov 17 2026

This is the third and final book i will read in the Sandman Slim series. I really wanted to like this series but I'm beginning to think that urban fantasy just isn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.

[Chuk]

Good conclusion to the series, eventful and with Stark connecting with some old friends and still getting in a bunch of trouble. I'll miss it but I'm also looking forward to Richard Kadrey's next book...

[CynnieRose]

In the fire of 2026, we are given a final final Sandman Slim.