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Precinct #2
Unicorn Precinct
Humans and elves, dwarves and gnomes, wizards and warriors all live and do business in the thriving, overcrowded port city of Cliff's End, to say nothing of the tourists and travelers who arrive by land and sea, passing through the metropolis on matters of business or pleasure-or on quests. The hard-working, under-appreciated officers of the Cliff's End Castle Guard work day and night to maintain law and order as best they can. Arra Cynnis is the youngest child in one of the most powerful families in the wealthy district of Unicorn Precinct. When she's found murdered, with the culprit's identity hidden from the magickal examiner's spells, the Captain of the Guard sends his best investigators. Ex-soldier Torin ban Wyvald and half-elf Danthres Tresyllione have two viable Arra's fiancé, who is the cousin of another member of the Castle Guard, or the unknown person with whom Arra was having a torrid affair. Torin and Danthres must navigate the difficult political waters of Cliff's End's upper classes in an attempt to determine the girl's killer. Complicating the case is the unexpected appearance of Torin's estranged father, who has come to return the detective to his far-off homeland of Myverin, and he won't take no for an answer . . . . An all-new adventure of the Cliff's End Castle Guard!
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2011
12 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 21, 2025
I just flew through this one - desperate to see who did it, who killed her, - and I have to say, I never saw it coming. Normally I’d be embarrassed about something like that, but with this book I was having too much fun to care that I was being slow 🙂
March 16, 2021
This book is getting two stars, because it was OK. I didn't like it very much, but I didn't DNF or throw it across the room either.
In the first book I recommended that these be read on a beach. They don't take themselves very seriously, and it's entertaining enough to curl your toes in the sand and relax. I should have stuck to that opinion and saved more of these for that scenario.
This book took all the parts of the first book that I didn't like and doubled down on them.
The mystery is quite simple. I figured out the culprit right at the beginning and never saw a reason to change my mind. The only reason that the hero detectives did not follow up on the obvious was because they were made deliberately stupid so the rest of the story could take place. OK fine, they have troubles of their own, and I'd feel OK if they missed it for a day, but not days and days that go by without them ever going back to the obvious gap that they just left there.
Making characters dumb drives me crazy.
The POV expanded to follow even more of the detective squad and none of them are as interesting as the nominal main heroes. That just felt like filler material again, trying to make the story reach some artificial word count. The filler also include moments with the detective captain, and various denizens of the city.
Then.... the book ended at 65% of the way through. It just ended. There was some other story. I hate that. Emotionally I always feel cheated when I'm surprised by something else at the end. This fact should be noted right at the start. I don't care if it's on the cover, or a table of contents but don't surprise me with the story just ending and something else starting. Otherwise, it just feels like more cheap filler to reach some artificial page count.
In the first book I recommended that these be read on a beach. They don't take themselves very seriously, and it's entertaining enough to curl your toes in the sand and relax. I should have stuck to that opinion and saved more of these for that scenario.
This book took all the parts of the first book that I didn't like and doubled down on them.
The mystery is quite simple. I figured out the culprit right at the beginning and never saw a reason to change my mind. The only reason that the hero detectives did not follow up on the obvious was because they were made deliberately stupid so the rest of the story could take place. OK fine, they have troubles of their own, and I'd feel OK if they missed it for a day, but not days and days that go by without them ever going back to the obvious gap that they just left there.
Making characters dumb drives me crazy.
The POV expanded to follow even more of the detective squad and none of them are as interesting as the nominal main heroes. That just felt like filler material again, trying to make the story reach some artificial word count. The filler also include moments with the detective captain, and various denizens of the city.
Then.... the book ended at 65% of the way through. It just ended. There was some other story. I hate that. Emotionally I always feel cheated when I'm surprised by something else at the end. This fact should be noted right at the start. I don't care if it's on the cover, or a table of contents but don't surprise me with the story just ending and something else starting. Otherwise, it just feels like more cheap filler to reach some artificial page count.
April 17, 2020
I put four stars but to me it is 3.75 stars. I cannot do a fraction of a star though.
There are two stories in this book both relate to the Main Characters. Bot have equal writing even the second is shorter. Good descriptions, a good mystery, and other actions. The POV does shift to a couple of other characters at times. One smaller part of the over all plot I didn't like but it fits in with the rest of the story.
If you like mysteries and fantasy you will like this one. It is the second of a series but you can just read this one. It is not on my favorite level but I enjoyed both stories and I will be getting the next one. And I recommend it.
There are two stories in this book both relate to the Main Characters. Bot have equal writing even the second is shorter. Good descriptions, a good mystery, and other actions. The POV does shift to a couple of other characters at times. One smaller part of the over all plot I didn't like but it fits in with the rest of the story.
If you like mysteries and fantasy you will like this one. It is the second of a series but you can just read this one. It is not on my favorite level but I enjoyed both stories and I will be getting the next one. And I recommend it.
January 6, 2024
Reminds me, a little, of Hill Street Blues
Yes, I am that old.
This is a police story.
This is a story about paranormal beings.
This is a tale that is all about prejudice. About people who will do anything to make things stay the same. About people desperate to change everything, even though they haven't really thought it through what they want things to change into...
Just like the world today.
Just like the world always.
Maurice Chevalier sang a song, "I'm glad I'm not young anymore".
M. Chevalier had a long career. The world changed a lot. In some ways it got better, but in many ways it got worse. Contrary to what the generation that is now young thinks, the time between the world wars was very free of prejudice.
Of course, a lot of people thought that certainly couldn't be allowed to go on. So here we are...
I recommend this if you have room in your heart for a little less prejudice.
Or you can just read it for the murder mystery.
Yes, I am that old.
This is a police story.
This is a story about paranormal beings.
This is a tale that is all about prejudice. About people who will do anything to make things stay the same. About people desperate to change everything, even though they haven't really thought it through what they want things to change into...
Just like the world today.
Just like the world always.
Maurice Chevalier sang a song, "I'm glad I'm not young anymore".
M. Chevalier had a long career. The world changed a lot. In some ways it got better, but in many ways it got worse. Contrary to what the generation that is now young thinks, the time between the world wars was very free of prejudice.
Of course, a lot of people thought that certainly couldn't be allowed to go on. So here we are...
I recommend this if you have room in your heart for a little less prejudice.
Or you can just read it for the murder mystery.
November 1, 2025
A solid tale, a light and breezy read.
The mystery is still magic-based, which, for me, is the point of all this. It arrives a bit late in the show, however, like a suspect not quite at the last minute, but almost.
I also thought the main character was unnecessarily mean to his dad. Yes, dad was pushy and arrogant. But to hate him that much...
Still, the characters were the real stars of this one.
The mystery is still magic-based, which, for me, is the point of all this. It arrives a bit late in the show, however, like a suspect not quite at the last minute, but almost.
I also thought the main character was unnecessarily mean to his dad. Yes, dad was pushy and arrogant. But to hate him that much...
Still, the characters were the real stars of this one.
February 17, 2019
Another cracking entry in DeCandido's fantasy police procedural series. The mystery is good bit resolves a bit too quickly. Some lovely character development. Am thorpughly lookimg forward to the next book.
January 30, 2020
I enjoyed the book but it wasn't quite as good as the first installment in the series. The case was less developed and the book had a very sudden stop. But there was some very nice character development and I look forward to continuing with the series.
May 8, 2023
8 Shades of Terry Pratchett and about as enjoyable. Myriad characters but I didn’t get a sense of the world. Plotting is relatively straightforward. ’you looked as if your day sucked as much as ours.”
August 14, 2025
The Precinct series by Keith R.A. DeCandido is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. His detailed world building makes the stories so immersive, and I love how real the characters feel. If you love detective stories, mysteries, or fantasy novels then you should definitely give this series a read.
October 7, 2020
The story was great, but way too short!
I also wish it had been in paperback form instead of trade paper because it costs more.
I also wish it had been in paperback form instead of trade paper because it costs more.
November 21, 2021
Audiobook, reader Michael Page; excellent.
Whimsical fun, quite enjoyable listen.
Whimsical fun, quite enjoyable listen.
August 19, 2023
A Murder Mystery that takes place in a Fantasy setting worthy of Dungeons and Dragons? Yes please and I can't wait to dive back in.
August 21, 2012
I'm honestly not sure what to say about this book.
I've been a big fan of the author since I randomly picked up Dragon Precinct a few years ago, and I remember being so wowed by the original characters and plot, and after that amazing read I can't help but feel this was a rather lackluster effort. Dragon Precinct was one of those really original books where there was no way you could guess how it was going to turn out, and I suppose this had it going for it as well, but it lacks...well that certain charm the first one had. It had its moments, but honestly the plot seemed a little ham handed and the dialogue between the two characters, again, lacked that special something the first one had. Its somehow a little like the author had to revisit settings and characters years later, and only had vague memories of who the characters were to begin with. The author tries to connect us emotionally with the characters by introducing us to a painful period in Torin's life, and unlike when the same thing was done with Danthres at the end of the last book, the whole thing kinda failed to produce much sympathy or even interest on my part. As much as I love Torin as a character, I honestly didn't care that much.
Also, this might not be a huge thing, but I tend to mistrust authors a little (Terry Pratchett not included)if they turn out more than one book that's part of the same series per year. So far there's been 2 or 3. I don't know, to me that screams churning something out like production line crap, and I can't help but feel that's reflected a little in this novel, if not in its quality but in its length. Dragon Precinct had 260 or so pages, this has around 90 less.
I've decided to give this book 3 stars because I honestly couldn't dislike it. The characters are still good and the plot certainly wasn't terrible. I'd recommend it a)if you are a fan of the first book and b) if your're looking for a quick read (this one took me about an hour and a half.)
I've been a big fan of the author since I randomly picked up Dragon Precinct a few years ago, and I remember being so wowed by the original characters and plot, and after that amazing read I can't help but feel this was a rather lackluster effort. Dragon Precinct was one of those really original books where there was no way you could guess how it was going to turn out, and I suppose this had it going for it as well, but it lacks...well that certain charm the first one had. It had its moments, but honestly the plot seemed a little ham handed and the dialogue between the two characters, again, lacked that special something the first one had. Its somehow a little like the author had to revisit settings and characters years later, and only had vague memories of who the characters were to begin with. The author tries to connect us emotionally with the characters by introducing us to a painful period in Torin's life, and unlike when the same thing was done with Danthres at the end of the last book, the whole thing kinda failed to produce much sympathy or even interest on my part. As much as I love Torin as a character, I honestly didn't care that much.
Also, this might not be a huge thing, but I tend to mistrust authors a little (Terry Pratchett not included)if they turn out more than one book that's part of the same series per year. So far there's been 2 or 3. I don't know, to me that screams churning something out like production line crap, and I can't help but feel that's reflected a little in this novel, if not in its quality but in its length. Dragon Precinct had 260 or so pages, this has around 90 less.
I've decided to give this book 3 stars because I honestly couldn't dislike it. The characters are still good and the plot certainly wasn't terrible. I'd recommend it a)if you are a fan of the first book and b) if your're looking for a quick read (this one took me about an hour and a half.)
September 21, 2016
Another fun police procedural for the sword and sorcery set!
This is the second book about the castle guards of Cliff's End, and things have only gotten worse for them all. Aside from the murder of a socialite, they also have to look into corruption in the force, which hinders everything they're trying to do.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, finding the characters fully developed and very believable. The setting is also fleshed-out even more than before.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes police procedurals and fantasy worlds.
This is the second book about the castle guards of Cliff's End, and things have only gotten worse for them all. Aside from the murder of a socialite, they also have to look into corruption in the force, which hinders everything they're trying to do.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, finding the characters fully developed and very believable. The setting is also fleshed-out even more than before.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes police procedurals and fantasy worlds.
February 19, 2013
Castle Guard Detectives Danthres Tresyllione and Torin ban Wyvald are back for their second adventure in ‘Unicorn Precinct’. When the youngest daughter of a very influential Cliff’s End family is murdered, they’re on the case. Yet, as usual, things are not always as they seem and when Torin’s father comes to take him home, it brings out a very different side of Torin – which may not help their investigation.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (‘Dragon Precinct’) and ‘Unicorn Precinct’ is a worthy successor. Danthres and Torin have a great partnership, where each has strengths which complement each other. The murder mystery was tangled up in magic, which means the Brotherhood, which is never a good thing. I also liked seeing a different side of Grovis, who is such a prig, and learning about his family. Throwing Torin’s father into the mix created an interesting dynamic and personality change in Torin. It was good to see Danthres has ‘softer’ side which can counter Torin’s gruff attitude, which is not her normal mode. Fun and fantastical with a good mystery, ‘Unicorn Precinct’ is a delightful novel!
Series: Dragon Precinct (1), Unicorn Precinct (2), Goblin Precinct (3)
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (‘Dragon Precinct’) and ‘Unicorn Precinct’ is a worthy successor. Danthres and Torin have a great partnership, where each has strengths which complement each other. The murder mystery was tangled up in magic, which means the Brotherhood, which is never a good thing. I also liked seeing a different side of Grovis, who is such a prig, and learning about his family. Throwing Torin’s father into the mix created an interesting dynamic and personality change in Torin. It was good to see Danthres has ‘softer’ side which can counter Torin’s gruff attitude, which is not her normal mode. Fun and fantastical with a good mystery, ‘Unicorn Precinct’ is a delightful novel!
Series: Dragon Precinct (1), Unicorn Precinct (2), Goblin Precinct (3)
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March 10, 2015Entertaining fantasy detective story
I have thoroughly enjoy this series so far. The characters are interesting and relatable while they try to solve tough murders. I will say that I enjoyed the first book more than that one, but this was a good cookies on story. It was nice getting to know some of the other characters better and there were several moments in this book where I laughed out loud like an evil maniac. I look forward to the next in the series! :)
I have thoroughly enjoy this series so far. The characters are interesting and relatable while they try to solve tough murders. I will say that I enjoyed the first book more than that one, but this was a good cookies on story. It was nice getting to know some of the other characters better and there were several moments in this book where I laughed out loud like an evil maniac. I look forward to the next in the series! :)
January 23, 2015
It was an enjoyable read but definitely worse than the first one in the series. We did learn more about the characters, but it felt like Anita Blake book - in the beginning you get the same descriptions and information like it the previous book. Which doesn't matter when you wait for release for a year. But when you decide to marathon it (like myself) it gets annoying.
February 17, 2016
"I didn't see that coming"
That is what you will say at the end of this book.
Again Keith has done a fun job crafting a world that has "cops" and elves, magic and gnomes.
Even with magical crimes you still have to listen to the witness.
Well done.
That is what you will say at the end of this book.
Again Keith has done a fun job crafting a world that has "cops" and elves, magic and gnomes.
Even with magical crimes you still have to listen to the witness.
Well done.
September 10, 2013
Not as good as Dragon Precinct. Seemed to be a short story stretched into a short novel. The mystery was pretty easy to figure out, and I'm annoyed at the author's constant harping on the judgmentalism of one of the major families in town. But interesting enough that I'll probably try one more.
August 9, 2018
This series, originally published by Ace when originally released, is an excellent example of a police procedural in a fantasy setting - sort of like Ed McBain 87th Precinct novels, but with swords and magic.
Also, I built a fan site for it!
http://medinnus.com/flingaria/index.html
Also, I built a fan site for it!
http://medinnus.com/flingaria/index.html
September 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. I like this one more than dragon precinct. The characters are great. This was a fun whodunit.
May 13, 2019
After the first book caught my attention, I had to try the second one. Overall I felt this was a great story, and really helped with character development. Unique case and result.
May 17, 2019
Unicorn Precinct
I very much enjoyed this story. It was well written and the characters were well fleshed out and engaging. I highly recommend this book.
I very much enjoyed this story. It was well written and the characters were well fleshed out and engaging. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews