The Night Dahlia

Nightwise #2

by R.S. Belcher

Laytham Ballard once protected humanity as part of the Nightwise, a secret order of modern-day mages dedicating to holding hellish supernatural forces at bay, but that was before a string of sadistic ritual murders shook everything he believed in--and sent him down a much darker path. One that has already cost him most of his soul, as well as everything he once held dear.

Now a powerful faerie mob boss has hired Ballard to find his lost-lost daughter, who went missing several years ago. The long-cold trail leads him across the globe, from the luxurious playgrounds of the rich and famous to the seedy occult underbelly of Los Angeles, where creatures of myth and legend mingle with street gangs and sex clubs, and where Ballard finds his own guilty past waiting for him around every shadowy corner. To find Caern Ankou, he will have to confront old enemies, former friends and allies, and a grisly cold case that has haunted him for years.

But is Caern still alive? And, perhaps more importantly, does she even want to be found?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, Fiction, Audiobook, Magic

Audiobook

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

R.S. (Rod) Belcher is an award-winning newspaper and magazine editor and reporter.  
Rod has been a private investigator, a DJ, a comic book store owner and has degrees in criminal law, psychology and justice and risk administration, from Virginia Commonwealth University.  He's done Masters work in Forensic Science at The George Washington University, and worked  with the Occult Crime Taskforce for the Virginia General Assembly.
He lives in Roanoke Virginia with his children: Jonathan and Emily .

Reviews

[Mogsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/05/14/...

The Night Dahlia returns to the dark world of Laytham Ballard, a man introduced to us in the first book Nightwise as “a cynical bastard who stopped thinking of himself as the good guy a long time ago.” Fans who enjoyed reading about the jaded, nihilistic perspective of our fallen hero will be glad to know this second installment is just as tantalizingly dark with all its action-packed and emotional twists.

While technically, The Night Dahlia is the beginning of a new mystery and can be read as a standalone without Nightwise as a prerequisite, I still highly recommend reading the books in publication order to get the full impact. There are developments by the end of this book that will make a lot more sense if you have followed the character’s journey from the beginning. This time, Laytham has been charged by the powerful fae mob boss Theo Ankou to track down his daughter Caern, who has been missing since she was 13 years old. As this was almost a decade ago, the trail has long since gone cold, but our protagonist has a reputation for having a number of magical underground connections and a knack for always finding what he needs. Because of this, Ankou is convinced that Laytham will succeed where all his other investigators have failed.

Provided with a near limitless amount of cash as well as an elf bodyguard named Vigil Burris to both protect him and keep him in line, Laytham embarks on his search for Caern, a mission that will take him from the stunning and luxurious islands of Greece to the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles’s nightclubs and porn industry. Along the way, he’ll face the many demons of his past, which includes a few bitter enemies as well as some former friends.

R.S. Belcher continues to be one of the best when it comes to dark and gritty urban fantasy, going places where most authors in this genre only dare dream about. He is bold and unafraid of pushing the boundaries, especially when it comes to his protagonist. As we learned in Nightwise, Laytham Ballard is more than just a conflicted anti-hero; at times he can be downright dastardly and villainous. Just when you think he’s coming around, he’ll show you how wrong you are by defaulting back to the aggressive, selfish and cowardly creature that he is. He’s someone you can never depend upon to keep a promise, someone who would sell out a friend at the drop of a hat if it means saving his own hide. To his credit though, he’s also self-aware enough to know he’s a despicable shitheel which is probably why he intentionally prevents anyone from getting close. You won’t want to get on his bad side either, because he can also be a cruel and vengeful bastard, having been known to go to frightening extremes just to settle a score.

For all that though, Laytham is still a fascinating character to read about, and while his world is a pretty grim and messed up place to be, everything about it piques my curiosity to learn more. The author’s creativity is on full display here as every page is steeped with magic and the paranormal—the kind where the Fae are a powerful drug running crime syndicate, Aztec wizard gangsters rule the streets, and even the infamous serial killer Charles Manson makes an appearance as a lunatic mage who creates monsters out of thoughts and nightmares. The wondrous and the fantastic are everywhere, even in the most hellish and most hopeless scenarios. As such, The Night Dahlia is not always an easy book to read, especially when it portrays situations that are uncomfortably close to some of the awfulness experienced in our own real world. That is immediately evident as the novel opens on a horrific scene of school shooting, in which a nine-year-old boy becomes possessed with the spirt of a psychotic killer and is made to commit mass murder. That enough should tell you the tone of these books. This isn’t merely dark urban fantasy; this is urban fantasy that frequently treads into horror territory.

But while this series may be filled with pain and suffering, there is also growth and a chance at redemption. Laytham knows he’s a terrible person, but perhaps owning up to his flaws and mistakes is the first step to doing better, and being better. His character is the embodiment of that dark place in all our psyches, the part that most of us try to ignore or pretend is not even there. In a way, that makes Laytham feel very genuine and human, so even when he is at his worst, you can’t help but feel for him on some level, even if it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth to admit it. Complex characters like that get to me every time, though, so I never once considered throwing in the towel, even if I personally find it difficult to relate to the protagonist. I was also pleased to see, by the end of the novel, that there may be hope for Laytham Ballard yet.

Perfect for readers of gritty and in-your-face dark urban fantasy with tinges of horror, the Nightwise series will ignite the imaginations and test the mettle of even those who think they’ve seen it all. The Night Dahlia follows marvelously in the tradition of the first book, with R.S. Belcher giving his fans more of what they love.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night Dahlia
Nightwise, Book 2
By: R. S. Belcher
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
I love this series with the magic, different species of supernatural creatures, the action, and suspense! This book had many of the characters from book one so that was nice too. But this had our hero a bit too much on the snarky side than last time. Snark can be fun but too much at times can be annoying. Too much smoking and drinking...maybe but the smoking was getting there. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the book and would recommend it, just being honest with my review.
I also felt the narration was just shy of the performance from last time too.

[Tammy - Books, Bones & Buffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The nitty-gritty: Violent, action-packed and filled with cool world-building details, this is an amped up, supernatural Pulp Fiction on steroids!

I listened to the jangled murmur of traffic on the freeway--all day, all night--it was the constant rhythm of this city. Sirens punctuated by horns, the bone-vibrating thud of bass from car radios below me. L.A. was a champagne call girl with a razor blade hidden between her knuckles. I hated this fucking city, and I had missed her like a junkie misses what his veins scream for.

R.S. Belcher is back with one of speculative fiction’s most infamous characters, Laytham Ballard, a powerful wizards in the Belcher's magical world called the Life. Laytham is a violent son of a bitch, is addicted to smoking, drugs and alcohol, can’t keep a promise to save his life, and will just as soon kill you as shake your hand. If you haven’t read the first book in this series, Nightwise , don’t despair. I was actually thrilled to discover that The Night Dahlia works great as a stand-alone, which is good news for readers who have yet to discover the incomparable charms of Laytham Ballard. (Although I encourage you to read Nightwise when you can, it’s not necessary to understand what’s going on here, but it’s a damn good story!)

Laytham Ballard, previously a member of a secret supernatural crime fighting unit called the Nightwise, is approached one day (or rather he’s kidnapped) and taken to the home of Theodore Ankou, the powerful matriarch of the Ankou family, a fae clan hiding in plain sight in Los Angeles. Ankou’s daughter Caern has been missing for the past nine years, and Ankou has exhausted his extensive resources trying to find her. His last chance is Laytham, who despite his reputation for lying, cheating and killing indiscriminately, is a talented wizard with seemingly infinite resources. Ankou makes Laytham a sweet deal (well, as sweet as can be expected for a couple of powerful and dangerous dudes) if he promises to find and return Caern to her home, and of course, Laytham accepts. Ankou insists on sending a body guard along with Laytham, an elf named Vigil Burris, and Laytham reluctantly agrees to let him tag along.

But once they set out to find Caern’s trail, Laytham and Vigil will be forced to deal with assassins, LA street gangs, drug dealers, porn stars and even monsters from Cambodian mythology, as they search the supernatural underbelly of Los Angeles for a girl whose trail went cold nearly a decade ago.

One of my favorite aspects of Belcher’s world is that magic is EVERYWHERE, but most folks don’t know about it. The author comes up with some creative scenarios as to how magic is entangled in certain true events and how well-known people are involved in that magic. This time around he tackles Charles Manson, who actually plays a fairly big role in the story. I won’t spoil any of the details, but suffice it to say after reading this book, I’m even more creeped out and horrified by Manson than I already was. And because this story takes place in Los Angeles, my backyard, more or less, I loved running across mentions of familiar things, like one of my favorite radio stations (KROQ). Belcher infuses all sorts of things with magic, even phone apps, so be ready for lots of fun surprises while you’re reading The Night Dahlia .

Belcher’s characters are all larger than life, and although I have to give props to Laytham for stealing the show—and keep in mind he’s narrating the story as well, so you see everything from his warped point of view!—there are plenty of other engaging characters. I loved the “buddy film” vibe I got from the relationship between Laytham and Burris. When they are first introduced, they absolutely hate each other. Burris is simply trying to do his job and keep Laytham from getting killed, but Laytham is a lone wolf and wants to do things his way, by himself, so Burris is about as welcome as the plague. It was great fun watching Laytham try to ditch Burris in all sorts of creative and dangerous ways, and I loved that Burris could dish out the pain just as well as Laytham.

A few other favorite characters of mine were a couple of ex-lovers of Laytham’s, Lauren Hawthorne, better known as “the Dragon,” and a dominatrix named Anna, both of whom Laytham left on pretty bad terms. Now of course he needs them in his search for Caern, and they aren’t going to be easy to convince. I also loved computer hacker extraordinaire Grinner, who can uncover just about any deeply buried secret on the internet. As with many of Laytham’s associates, Grinner doesn’t like Laytham very much, but Laytham has an arsenal of resources to use to convince people to help him and so he usually gets what he wants.

A couple of triggers should be mentioned, for those readers who are sensitive (to which Laytham would probably tell you “Then get the fuck out!”). The Night Dahlia is violent as hell, as you can imagine when drug gangs and magical assassins are involved. But as over-the-top as it was in some places, I felt as if much of the violence was there for a reason. There’s also a bunch of swearing, especially when Laytham and Grinner are talking, so if you’re offended by that, then perhaps this isn’t the book for you.

This story is packed with characters, action scenes, and all sorts of cool details, but Belcher keeps it all together with excellent pacing. Despite everything that was happening, never once did I feel lost or overwhelmed. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: my favorite stories are ones that combine great characters, plenty of action, humorous dialog and of course, a bit of heart and emotion. It’s hard to get all these elements just right, but somehow Rod Belcher manages to do it over and over. I fervently hope we haven’t seen the last of Laytham Ballard, and I eagerly await his next adventure. Highly recommended!

Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.

Good news! Stop by next Monday for an interview with the author and a giveaway of The Night Dahlia! You won’t want to miss it:-D This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy

[THE BIBLIOPHILE (Rituranjan) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good second book in the series, which is part crime caper, part picaresque, mixed with some grim supernatural elements. I breezed through the story, though I can't say I enjoyed it. It's too brooding, filled with pessimism which I can do without, especially in these times.

This is almost like Dresden Files, but a little on the dark side of things. Laytham Ballard is basically Harry fucked-up with drugs, booze, and the occasional murder. I don't like Ballard, though he's one asshole who recieves all the juice he can get while in action. There's some gory scenes, a little of bdsm erotica in-between which could've been curtailed.

If Belcher writes a third book, I want some change in Ballard which was apparent towards the end. I liked that this ended with some hope, despite all the gloom and doom.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+

R.S. Belcher knows grim dark, and Ballard is one hell of a character. I like this series a lot.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.S. Belcher does it again. This one is not available to the public yet but when it is, grab it, this is my favorite to date. The characters are never dull. Surprises keep the pace moving nicely. A dragon in a big city seems perfectly reasonable in Belcher's gritty real world. Ballard is just as annoying, regretable, and enticing as you would want an antihero traipsing through lovely islands in Greece and dive bars in LA. Put this on your to read list immediately.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caern Ankou has been missing for several years. All the trails are cold and have been for quite some time. In desperation, her father brings in Laytham Ballard the only former Nightwise in the organization’s history. It’s simple, find the girl, save the soul of his lost love. Thing is, if Ballard wants to find Caern, he’s going to have to chase her across the world to do so. He’ll have to face former friends, old enemies, even the case that’s left him haunted ever since. Nothing to it.

The Night Dahlia is an interesting book in that it earned its way up from a one star read to a three star read and then back down to a two. There were cool ideas, yes, some of the ideas here were really cool. Some of the scenes were cool, but for every cool or impactful scene there are three that nullify anything that could have worked with them.

In a lot of ways, The Night Dahlia doesn’t feel confident. There’s this feeling like Belcher wasn’t comfortable with the emotive weight of key scenes and felt the need to hammer them home shortly after to make sure that the reader gets it. That lack of confidence killed a lot of moments for me, especially towards the end where the story hit a lot of what should have been big character moments only to fritter them away. It all winds up being a bit too neat considering how much of a mess the protagonist is supposed to be.

Laytham Ballard himself is also a big part of why a lot of scenes didn’t work. His whole deal is that he’s a bad man, a fallen hero driven rogue by one bad case. But then he spends enough of his time drunk or high or generally running away from himself and the plot that I could believe that he’s washed up, as so many minor characters tell him, but I have a hard time seeing him as more than that. He can come across as the creepy guy at the occult shop, insisting that he just knows a girl is a sensual creature just by looking and describing nearly every woman he runs into’s breasts. He can come across as slimy for the same reasons, plus his constant dodging of the rules of his contract. But Ballard doesn’t come across as the wicked fallen hero that he seems to want to be. There’s a scene that shows what could have been, where he’s legitimately kind of frightening and inflicts a pretty awful curse on a number of people because one of them annoyed him, but that’s once.

That actually feeds into a lot of my issues with The Night Dahlia and Laytham Ballard in particular. It might be due to missing some of the set up in Nightwise, but a lot of the book just doesn’t land for me. Ballard makes a big point of talking about how his magic style is a mutt thrown together with stuff that works best for him, that could be really cool. But then, when he uses magic, his big thing is using his chakras and pushing energy through them. He uses the specific names of the chakras he’s using but then doesn’t generally explain what that means and the magic isn’t given sensory detail often beyond boiling or bubbling up through whichever chakra he’s using, so it winds up feeling lazy and a little disorienting. Things just sort of pop up that could have been interesting concepts but either aren’t gone into or just feel too out there. Like Ballard having a random musical interlude at a bar while out looking for clues, he just sort of gets pulled into playing a set with some local band. Everyone there knows his old band and is just super pumped for this random guy to jump on with the band they actually came to see. A lot of it feels like is exists in service to Laytham Ballard rather than the plot.

There’s this really great bit about half way through that shows us a younger Ballard on the big life ruining case. It contextualizes him, gives a foundation to a lot of the things he does in the present day of the story. There’s still messy bits to the writing itself, but it does a lot to make me care about that version of Ballard. But then we jump back to the present and a Ballard who is still in the middle of his bad decisions and is still more about doing things his way than getting to the bottom of things. There’s a character arc here, but it’s done in a way that feels sort of fractured. Like I mentioned about, scenes that should have emotional impact happen but either only sort of land or don’t feel like they have any consequences. Of course things not landing makes everything feel less impactful.

That’s where I’m left with The Night Dahlia. It had some nifty ideas, some moments that could have been super solid, and some just odd stuff. But it never landed right. It’s a book that felt like it had earned a single star up to around the half way mark and then nearly earned its way back down. It sort of always felt like I was just a touch out of the loop or hadn’t done my homework. The Night Dahlia gets a two out of five.

I was sent a copy of this book by Tor with the understanding that it would receive an honest review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laytham Fuckin' Ballard is the man. This story did not disappoint and I cannot wait to see what the next story brings for the anti-hero and his crew.

[Janet Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dissatisfying listening experience despite including elements that should have made me love it--Bronson Pinchot's wonderful performance, brilliant prose filled with irony, sarcasm, and flat out funny moments, original characters and unpredictable twists and turns. But the whole failed to engage me as the story got lost in the words, and I missed both a major conflict and focus on story goal--it's a risk when listening. Main character Ballard gets bogged down exploring his past for much of the book and spends much of his time being too drunk to function--meaning those scenes just wasted my time. I've loved everything else I've read by Belcher and this isn't bad, but failed to grab me. It's fine as a free standing novel, and those who start here will not miss much since there is more backstory here than in the first, "Nightwise," which I loved. I will eye read my next Belcher book.

[Kdawg91 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and Mr. Belcher ramped it up big time. Urban fantasy should be this type of book, a thinly veiled world where the unreal rubs elbows with the mundane and dirty. The main character Laytham Ballard, in my opinion, is a better "John Constantine" than the actual character (best way I could put that thought..but feel free to tell me I'm wrong, I'm not).

There is a thick layer of dirt and grime and REAL that soaks through the mystical world buried under ours and it is how urban fantasy SHOULD be. America is a perfect melting pot setting for all the various magics to meet up in and this book is fast paced, gritty and tons of fun.

read this series. 20 stars out of 5.

[Chris Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very different take on traditional urban fantasy. Elements of Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green and similar authors set in a bleak worldscape with one of the most anti-heroic of all anti-heroes I've read in a long time.

RS Belcher weaves a sort of grimdark urban fantasy landscape unlike any other. There were more than a few scenes which made me a bit squeamish - not something which occurs often. But the writing, style and character voice is solid bedrock and the escalations of conflict, along with MC revelations kept me flipping pages.

To be fair, it took me a few chapters to get back into the nitty grittiness of the worldbuilding but I really enjoyed the book.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Night Dahlia a bit more than Nightwise, the first part of this series. I think that is due to the ending, as there was a lot of sleaze and grief I did not enjoy wading through. The author does make a throwaway reference to John Constantine in this book, so at least he acknowledges indirectly the parallels between that character and his own protagonist. Not a whole lot of surprises with our villains of the piece you will probably spot the “twist” right away. Still an entertaining supernatural thriller.

[Christian Faure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Fast-paced. Highly entertaining. References to great music, and a scene with Crazy Charlie Manson. Going back to start this series at the beginning.

[Jonathan Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Dudley Do-Right here, and I like it like that!

As usual, Belcher's writing doesn't disappoint. I'm always excited to read his stories because the language flows, the dialogue feels natural, and even minor characters are written so that they seem to have some depth. There is a hint that they exist, fully formed, even if the reader only has a brief glimpse of them.

I have been waiting for this book since I finished Nightwise. Dark and villainous he might be, but Laytham Ballard is my favorite character. I know, he says anyone foolish enough to love him deserves what they get. Does that mean we get a third installment?

[M Tat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here's the clincher:

The ending/conclusion wraps the narrative up so well, is written well, and makes it seem like the entirety of the book was leading up to this metaphoric equivalent of a gorgeous flower blooming rapidly.

However, that 'gorgeous flower bloom' of an ending means that, by contrast, the _bulk_ of the book is pretty much the basic 'detective seeks leads, makes enemies, somehow escapes largely unscathed, lots of deus ex machina interventions' and therefore is an unfortunately large amount of chaff. The bulk of the book is written well (Belcher IS skilled), and yes, most audiences are not looking for something 'outside the box' in terms of literary mechanics or narrative style (if so, Toni Morrison is quite enjoyable, as is Dan Simmons), so for those who enjoy detective-style reads then this is a sure thing. What weakens this work is that Belcher has simply laid a skin of mythological creature/magic elements atop the standard detective story and that. . .well, it doesn't engage sufficient interest long-term for the reader. Instead the reader will find themself skimming through chunks of the prose in order to progress the narrative.

Belcher should be applauded for bringing in a number of different mythos successfully, playfully, and concisely within his works. The author succeeds at bringing in just the right amount of mythos to each of his works that, as a result, establishes the realm/setting/environment that is pertinent to the narrative. This is not so easily done, and Belcher's works are enjoyable because of his ability to bring in specific, unique mythos and establish a narrative thoroughly involving them. In prior decades (pre-2000) we might have miscategorized his works as 'horror', but in the current decades his works are much better categorized as 'fiction' because of these specific, unique mythos involved rather than the simple fact that different characters die off (sometimes gruesomely).

[J. Griff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This being my second reading/listening to "Night Dahlia" I picked up a bit more out of the story this time. Laytham didn't ever seem to see his self as a "hero", he openly admits in being too selfish to be one & in "Nightwise" you get a taste of what a piece of shit he is a person despite what he did for his friend Boz. He's run away from anyone & everyone that cares an iota about him (Grinner, Didjeri, & Magdalena). In "Night Dahlia" we find out just how fall Laytham has fallen when he gets hired by a Fae Leader to find his daughter that's been missing for over 10 years & Laytham while following the trail ends up back in Los Angeles, California. His stomping grounds back when he was a Nightwise & forced to look at the people he's betrayed, lied to, left for dead in all for the sake of Laytham's "pride & ego". Laytham is forced to face the mirror of himself as his search for the fae daughter is connected to the same case that got Laytham kicked out of the Nightwise in the first place in '84. The second half of the book begins the search for redemption with Laytham. Belcher does an amazing job in his writing of Laytham Ballard while making him very relatable. I myself knowing that I am nowhere near being an evil person, but I have done my share of lying, breaking promises, going back on my word & deliberately making decisions that I knew were wrong for nothing more than it would be a good time. For me, that's what makes this book & series worth reading.

04/18/18
I love the Laytham Ballard character. Some of his struggles are very similar to some of my own & not always making the best decisions. The story is amazing & its great to read about this “mutherfucking rockstar” & his struggles. Between Laytham Ballard , John Constantine, & Harry Dresden these are my wisemen lol!!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review here:

http://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/2...

I look forward to returning to this series whenever that time comes.

[Caroline Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to "Nightwise". Very dark stories, but this author is a good storyteller! This book is about the protagonist (Ballard) making his way back to his better self, being hired by a Fae lord (and drug dealer) who can't find his daughter - for the last 10 years. The porn industry and a dark branch of Buddhism are also implicated in this story.

In addition to the good writing and storytelling, I think it is the author's ever-present message that appeals to me: that we have the wrong values, or are chasing the wrong things. I don't really like the cynicism, but the author expresses an underlying belief in love and that there is a place/community/family for all of us - even in these darlk stories.

[Jack Stubblefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished another Laytham Ballard book. Wow. I have now turned my wife on to the series. She does audiobooks, so you do you, Boo. Again, the same as the first novel, great writing, great characters, and great story. It's a heady concoction of originality, mixed with private dick tropes and sorcery tropes to make a for a head f*** of a story! I was thinking someone was going to say, "It's Chinatown, Laytham." This series speaks to me on a level that makes me uncomfortable. I know or have known people like those in the novel. Minus the magic (I think?). I cannot recommend this series enough adventurous readers. Mr. Belcher, there better be a Night Shift, Night Owl, coming! I look forward to reading where you take Laytham next. This is great stuff, Maynard!

[Monical · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good but violent trip into Belcher's Laytham Ballard universe. The plot moved along briskly, with any number of twists and turns; lots of really engaging characters (but he kills off more than I'd like!, pretty ruthless!). These stories fill the gap left when Jim Butcher gave up on the Dresden Files-- lots of similarities in the universes, similar plotting, and even the two main characters have similarities. That said, I enjoy both series. Not great literature but a page turner. Wish it weren't quite so violent, though. And stop killing off my favorite characters, who are you, George RR Martin??

[Jaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have vague memories about Nightwise, but I recall that I enjoyed it, as I have Mr Belcher's other works. Laytham Ballard is a modern day sorcerer, a former member of the Nightwise, a society of supernatural cops. A lord of Faerie contracts him to find his missing daughter, and the case takes him to the City of Angels, a place he hasn't visited since leaving the Nightwise. His journey brings him into conflict with mortal and supernatural gangsters while reuniting him with old partners and other interesting characters.
As with Brotherhood of the Wheel, this book has a soundtrack. Nearly every chapter mentions a song or two, and the list covers genres from classic rock to dance to hip hop.

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s the classic tale of a mob boss who hires a hard-drinking noir detective to find his missing daughter. In R. S. Belcher’s The Night Dahlia (trade from Tor), the mob boss is an Elf Lord, and the detective Laytham Ballard, is a notorious wizard. With all sorts of demons and monsters to stop him, including the half-human knight he’s supposed to work with, Laytham returns to the dark side of LA, especially the porn industry, filled with old friends and enemies. Not only that but his case is tied to a still unsolved serial murder case which he had worked on as a magical cop. Unbelievably there’s actually a happy ending. Fun.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to the world of Latham Ballard and the world of the Nightwise. Of course, Ballard is no longer part of the Nightwise, he's a private operator, hired by a lord of the Fae to find his missing daughter. Belcher combines the best of urban fantasy and classic noir flavors for a great meal of mystery, monsters, and magic.

Note: If you don't like books without happy endings, you might want to avoid the reality of Ballard.

Note regarding the audio version: If you had told me 30 years ago that I would be enjoying a series of audiobooks ready by Bronson "Balki Bartokomous" Pinchot, I would have laughed in your face. Pinchot does a great job of voice acting.

[Horror DNA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of R.S. Belcher’s work for a while. On one hand, his novels are always intricate narratives that deserve to be called epic in depth and scope. However, what truly draws me to his storytelling is the fact that he manages to deliver 400-page books that are never boring, never feel bogged down, and never cease to have a cinematic feel to them. The Night Dahlia, his latest effort, is no different.

You can read Gabino's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here

[Richard Maxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belcher's stuff is GGGGOOOODDDD. I often think of the Stormwatch/Authority run by Warren Ellis for some reason reading the Nightwise series (that's a compliment in case there's any confusion). Much like Harry Dresden, Laytham Ballard is a wizard, and often his own worst enemy.. Unlike Harry, Laytham is at the top of the food chain in power AND skill. He and his world are both much darker places than what we typically see in Urban Fantasy books, and more abstract in some ways. . .anyway, if you like the Dresden Files, but feel it needs more grimdark-ish vibes this is for you.
By the way, his Brotherhood of the Wheel series (set in the same world) is great too!

[Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent instalment in the Nightwise series. Laytham is still working off his debt to the devil and has been employed by the fae mob boss to find his daughter Caern. Finding Caern takes Laytham just about everywhere and everywhere Laytham goes, someone dies or is blown up etc. He still can rely on a few friends and Anna and Dragon are still on the scene. It is a bit tiring listening to Laytham wondering about his lack of friends and his tendency to use everyone he knows. He does not seem to learn anything or grow. I hope the next story Laytham finds his joy or gets his soul back. A change of atmosphere is required.

[Michael Carrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must disclose that the author is a close friend, however that does not color my review.

Another great book. Hope the Nightwise series continues. May need to go back to #1 to just refresh a few facts for me. Was thrilled to see the mention of CheerWine again. Adds more flesh to the story of Laythem Ballard. In many ways I felt like I was reading about myself, aside for the magical abilities.

As always, I find Rod's books to be page turners. Alway look forward to his next work and am sad when I finish one up. The stories just leave me wanting more.

[Eric Loflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, dirty, and gritty, this is not for the faint of heart. This is not a YA Urban Fantasy. This is as dark as it gets and I loved it. Belcher didn't pull any punches in this story. If you liked the first Nightwise, you'll love this one. It's half flashback to fill you in on what happened before Nightwise #1, half new story that ties the entire timeline together. This will make you ask a lot of questions about yourself that you may not be ready to answer...

[Suzanne Gandolfi-lapham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE me some Laytham Ballard!
I wish I could hangout with Laytham Ballard. And I LOVE Bronson Pinchot bringing him and his world to life. The Nightwise book's are kinda gritty, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. R.S.Belcher ROCKS. 5 stars across the board only cause I can't give more. Definitely recommend listening over reading. Bronson Pinchot knocks it out of the park.