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Alexander Southerland, P.I. #2
A Witch Steps into My Office
She killed him with a curse--but he hasn't died yet!
Alex Southerland is back, along with Smokey, Badass, and Crawford the were-rat! In his most harrowing case yet, the hardboiled. P.I. must stop the most powerful witch in Yerba City from casting deadly curses against her will. Southerland plunges into the dark world of witchcraft and find himself pitted against forces beyond his imagination, including a hummingbird-headed god who wants to eat his heart and a giant shadowy dog who drags him to the borders of the land of the dead! The stakes couldn't be higher: failure to find the mysterious puppet-master controlling his client could result in the end of all life on earth!
Alex Southerland is back, along with Smokey, Badass, and Crawford the were-rat! In his most harrowing case yet, the hardboiled. P.I. must stop the most powerful witch in Yerba City from casting deadly curses against her will. Southerland plunges into the dark world of witchcraft and find himself pitted against forces beyond his imagination, including a hummingbird-headed god who wants to eat his heart and a giant shadowy dog who drags him to the borders of the land of the dead! The stakes couldn't be higher: failure to find the mysterious puppet-master controlling his client could result in the end of all life on earth!
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
50 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Lumsden
14 books183 followersMy parents raised me right. Any mistakes I made were my own. Hopefully, I learned from them.
I earned a doctorate in medieval European history at the University of California Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos! I taught world history at a couple of colleges before settling into a private college prep high school in Monterey. After I retired, I began to write an urban fantasy series featuring hardboiled private eye Alexander Southerland as he cruises through the mean streets of Yerba City and interacts with trolls, femme fatales, shape-shifters, witches, and corrupt city officials.
I am happily married to my wife, Rita. The two of us can be found most days pounding the pavement in our running shoes. Rita listens to all of my ideas and reads all of my work. Her advice is beyond value. In return, I make her tea. It's a pretty sweet deal. We have two cats named Cinderella and Prince who are happy to stay indoors. They demand that we tell them how pretty they are.
See my blog at https://douglaslumsden.blogspot.com/
Visit my website at https://douglaslumsdenauthor.com
I earned a doctorate in medieval European history at the University of California Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos! I taught world history at a couple of colleges before settling into a private college prep high school in Monterey. After I retired, I began to write an urban fantasy series featuring hardboiled private eye Alexander Southerland as he cruises through the mean streets of Yerba City and interacts with trolls, femme fatales, shape-shifters, witches, and corrupt city officials.
I am happily married to my wife, Rita. The two of us can be found most days pounding the pavement in our running shoes. Rita listens to all of my ideas and reads all of my work. Her advice is beyond value. In return, I make her tea. It's a pretty sweet deal. We have two cats named Cinderella and Prince who are happy to stay indoors. They demand that we tell them how pretty they are.
See my blog at https://douglaslumsden.blogspot.com/
Visit my website at https://douglaslumsdenauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 18, 2023
Like the previous novel in the Alex Southerland, P.I. series, A Witch Steps Into My Office is a fun fantasy take on the detective noir genre, with plenty of fifties lingo to bring the atmosphere to life. Many of the characters from the first novel in this series make a welcome return and plenty of new and intriguing people are added.
The witch of the title is Madame Cuapa, a powerful coven leader known as the “Barbary Coast Bruja”. She is being compelled by someone to murder against her will and comes to Alex Southerland to find out who is behind this. Her fearsome power could threaten the entire world if she is unable to overcome the person controlling her.
A new detective character is introduced, the witty and down-to-earth Detective Kalama. Happily married, with a teenage daughter she is a determined bulldog of a detective when the duo discover what they think might be an underage sex-trafficking ring related to the coven and the first murder victim. Her character acts as a welcome foil for Alex’s banter and they make a great double act as they untangle the clues to the murder mystery.
In this fast-paced story, the world of early Mayan deities plays a large part, with these gods being worshipped and called upon through ritualistic summoning and blood magic. The author uses some artistic license in their portrayal, but at the back of the book he includes a glossary of the actual historical beings to which he refers in the story. I found this aspect of the story particularly compelling, having visited the Mayan area of Mexico last year and seen plenty of art and performances depicting some of these deities.
There are plenty of fantastical and witty additional details, the wind elementals which I really enjoyed in the first book are back again and Madame Cuapa has a manticore familiar called Mrs Whiskers, which was such a great name for a terrifying beast. In addition to the were-rat, Crawford, who we met in book one, there are other were-creatures in this story. There is also enchanted tattoo magic, which was an idea I loved, curses and horrific ritual sacrifices undertaken by certain members of the coven.
I enjoyed this romp of a story and found it hard to put down as Alex uncovers more and more clues. I did feel that his final ‘seeing the light’ moment, when he realises who has actually been the puppetmaster all along, was a little hurried and confused and the reader could perhaps have been given more explanation as he thought it through, rather than him blurting it out.
This book would work well as a standalone, despite being the second in a series, and I enjoyed it more than the first book and would not hesitate to recommend it.
The witch of the title is Madame Cuapa, a powerful coven leader known as the “Barbary Coast Bruja”. She is being compelled by someone to murder against her will and comes to Alex Southerland to find out who is behind this. Her fearsome power could threaten the entire world if she is unable to overcome the person controlling her.
A new detective character is introduced, the witty and down-to-earth Detective Kalama. Happily married, with a teenage daughter she is a determined bulldog of a detective when the duo discover what they think might be an underage sex-trafficking ring related to the coven and the first murder victim. Her character acts as a welcome foil for Alex’s banter and they make a great double act as they untangle the clues to the murder mystery.
In this fast-paced story, the world of early Mayan deities plays a large part, with these gods being worshipped and called upon through ritualistic summoning and blood magic. The author uses some artistic license in their portrayal, but at the back of the book he includes a glossary of the actual historical beings to which he refers in the story. I found this aspect of the story particularly compelling, having visited the Mayan area of Mexico last year and seen plenty of art and performances depicting some of these deities.
There are plenty of fantastical and witty additional details, the wind elementals which I really enjoyed in the first book are back again and Madame Cuapa has a manticore familiar called Mrs Whiskers, which was such a great name for a terrifying beast. In addition to the were-rat, Crawford, who we met in book one, there are other were-creatures in this story. There is also enchanted tattoo magic, which was an idea I loved, curses and horrific ritual sacrifices undertaken by certain members of the coven.
I enjoyed this romp of a story and found it hard to put down as Alex uncovers more and more clues. I did feel that his final ‘seeing the light’ moment, when he realises who has actually been the puppetmaster all along, was a little hurried and confused and the reader could perhaps have been given more explanation as he thought it through, rather than him blurting it out.
This book would work well as a standalone, despite being the second in a series, and I enjoyed it more than the first book and would not hesitate to recommend it.
April 7, 2022
A great sequel by one of my new favorite authors. The humor, character development, world building, and plotting of the Alexander Southerland, P.l. novels are excellent, and cannot recommend them highly enough. Urban fantasy and noir with a wicked wit.
Just finished 2 and excited for 3! Do yourself a favor and give Douglas Lumsden a read, preferably by buying the physical paperback (real pages simply "read" better). As a writer, I can appreciate the hard work and skill that goes into every page.
In the sequel, the plotting is smoother and has numerous carefully set up twists and reveals while doing an excellent job keeping you guessing about "who dunnit". I really liked Alex's ability to have a respectful, friendly working relationship with a married female colleague without any hanky panky - just helps further develop his character as the battered but true old fashioned gentleman. Indeed, the character development is even more pronounced than in #1; even the villains feel "real" and true to life.
The world building is also next-level. Instead of being distracted by the magical elements, they are so well-crafted and integrated that you simply accept them as part of a world that feels genuinely "lived-in". I admire a fantasy story that is so carefully executed that I forget all about the unusualness of a gnomish lawyer because he's such a loveable-yet-conniving a**hole. I also especially liked seeing more not just of the magical side of the world but the humdrum back room politics and corruption that make the city run. The dragons are an accepted reality looming over all, but the focus shifts to the corrupt business and political figures, the evil child trafficking gangs and the brave captain and detective fighting a corrupt police force.
This level of—I don't know, "pseudoverisimilitude?"—helped cement the classic "noir" elements of the world in a way that the first novel only hinted at. I also like how Alex faces even the darkest, vilest impulses of human (I mean sentient!) nature honestly, unflinchingly, and with courage. I also appreciated how even a certain villainous shapeshifter (no spoilers!) had a sympathetic side, showing the careful and deeply human touch of the 3D character development. Lastly, the wry wit and one liners had me laughing out loud constantly, and I'm a very tough audience for humor.
In sum, I enjoyed it even more than the first! And despite the noir aspects one of the few stories that consistently can make me laugh out loud with the wit. It really did feel like one of the great old silver screen noir films I used to love as a kid.
Just finished 2 and excited for 3! Do yourself a favor and give Douglas Lumsden a read, preferably by buying the physical paperback (real pages simply "read" better). As a writer, I can appreciate the hard work and skill that goes into every page.
In the sequel, the plotting is smoother and has numerous carefully set up twists and reveals while doing an excellent job keeping you guessing about "who dunnit". I really liked Alex's ability to have a respectful, friendly working relationship with a married female colleague without any hanky panky - just helps further develop his character as the battered but true old fashioned gentleman. Indeed, the character development is even more pronounced than in #1; even the villains feel "real" and true to life.
The world building is also next-level. Instead of being distracted by the magical elements, they are so well-crafted and integrated that you simply accept them as part of a world that feels genuinely "lived-in". I admire a fantasy story that is so carefully executed that I forget all about the unusualness of a gnomish lawyer because he's such a loveable-yet-conniving a**hole. I also especially liked seeing more not just of the magical side of the world but the humdrum back room politics and corruption that make the city run. The dragons are an accepted reality looming over all, but the focus shifts to the corrupt business and political figures, the evil child trafficking gangs and the brave captain and detective fighting a corrupt police force.
This level of—I don't know, "pseudoverisimilitude?"—helped cement the classic "noir" elements of the world in a way that the first novel only hinted at. I also like how Alex faces even the darkest, vilest impulses of human (I mean sentient!) nature honestly, unflinchingly, and with courage. I also appreciated how even a certain villainous shapeshifter (no spoilers!) had a sympathetic side, showing the careful and deeply human touch of the 3D character development. Lastly, the wry wit and one liners had me laughing out loud constantly, and I'm a very tough audience for humor.
In sum, I enjoyed it even more than the first! And despite the noir aspects one of the few stories that consistently can make me laugh out loud with the wit. It really did feel like one of the great old silver screen noir films I used to love as a kid.
February 8, 2021
In my review for Mr. Lumsden's previous adventure of Alexander Southerland, I stated:
This return to the fantastical noir world is even better than the first book.
I've noticed a tendency in urban fantasy that the authors tend to reveal their world and its differences from our own in dribs and drabs over several books. In fact the first book tends to be fairly under-descriptive in the underpinnings. In the first book, Mr. Lumsden gave us a few hints (elves, dragon lords). This book even more so (the world of the Brujah witches). The more he peels back on his world, the more I want to see.
In addition, Alex's magic/ties to air elementals has become more interesting than it was in the first book.
Lastly, Mr. Lumsden has added a total of 5 characters (4 major and 1 minor) that I want to see more of in addition to the characters introduced in the previous book. I was also pleased that despite the Detective being female, there is NO scent of any kind of romance between her and Alex.... but rather a mutual respect for their professionalism and ability.
He now has two books in competition for the best of 2021.
Mr. Lumsden has nailed the hard boiled PI genre beyond anything either author has done. His protagonist is Philip Marlow, Sam Spade, Mike Hammer, etc etc... to a T and even the supporting characters fit perfectly within that genre... and his setting is a corrupt and dirty as anything Spillane, Chandler or Hammett ever created.
I enjoyed it as a light read and will definitely be reading the sequel.
One of my best of 2021 (note, my "best of" category is based on the year read, not the year published).
This return to the fantastical noir world is even better than the first book.
I've noticed a tendency in urban fantasy that the authors tend to reveal their world and its differences from our own in dribs and drabs over several books. In fact the first book tends to be fairly under-descriptive in the underpinnings. In the first book, Mr. Lumsden gave us a few hints (elves, dragon lords). This book even more so (the world of the Brujah witches). The more he peels back on his world, the more I want to see.
In addition, Alex's magic/ties to air elementals has become more interesting than it was in the first book.
Lastly, Mr. Lumsden has added a total of 5 characters (4 major and 1 minor) that I want to see more of in addition to the characters introduced in the previous book. I was also pleased that despite the Detective being female, there is NO scent of any kind of romance between her and Alex.... but rather a mutual respect for their professionalism and ability.
He now has two books in competition for the best of 2021.
July 13, 2025
4.2.
In reverse order, the end notes were fascinating to me. The building of a spiritual practice on ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican beliefs was fascinating and showcased how Ameri-centric Dresden can be. ( Navajo spiritual beliefs are great but icky human sacrifices by proto Mexicans....).
Alex Southerland is once again over his head. A dame walks into his office and then things go wrong. In this case, the dame is a witch on par with the Pope as a leader of a major religion. Sure, its a coven of witches but you know, religious power is thrown around.
I like the interplay and I really love the noir elements without the fetishization or sexualization. Yes, the main character is tattooed but he's not ogling her. Yes, hes having meals with a detective and what is revealed to be her daughter, but both the daughter and detective are ready to take him down if hes anything less than a gentleman. In fact, that later characterization is seen via the novels villians. They are the ones trading sex as power and victimizing... well, victims.
Alex is just a little guy trying to get by.
The only major concerns I have again are part of the suspension of disbelief- which is the noir world this series inhabits. I didnt question that shapeshifters would be addicted to " rock/crack" but I did wonder how credit cards with their electronics would work in this magical world.
As for world building, I'll say it again- this religious system felt practical. Investment and payoffs all are required in magic and it felt realistic. Granted, that realism had gods, spirits and human sacrifices, but realistic for all of that!
A good series that I look forward to and eagerly await the next one.
In reverse order, the end notes were fascinating to me. The building of a spiritual practice on ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican beliefs was fascinating and showcased how Ameri-centric Dresden can be. ( Navajo spiritual beliefs are great but icky human sacrifices by proto Mexicans....).
Alex Southerland is once again over his head. A dame walks into his office and then things go wrong. In this case, the dame is a witch on par with the Pope as a leader of a major religion. Sure, its a coven of witches but you know, religious power is thrown around.
I like the interplay and I really love the noir elements without the fetishization or sexualization. Yes, the main character is tattooed but he's not ogling her. Yes, hes having meals with a detective and what is revealed to be her daughter, but both the daughter and detective are ready to take him down if hes anything less than a gentleman. In fact, that later characterization is seen via the novels villians. They are the ones trading sex as power and victimizing... well, victims.
Alex is just a little guy trying to get by.
The only major concerns I have again are part of the suspension of disbelief- which is the noir world this series inhabits. I didnt question that shapeshifters would be addicted to " rock/crack" but I did wonder how credit cards with their electronics would work in this magical world.
As for world building, I'll say it again- this religious system felt practical. Investment and payoffs all are required in magic and it felt realistic. Granted, that realism had gods, spirits and human sacrifices, but realistic for all of that!
A good series that I look forward to and eagerly await the next one.
November 24, 2020
Lumsden's previous novel left me wanting more, so it didn't take me long to delve into this second book in the series. Nor was I disappointed - this is an excellent sequel, even better than the previous.
What to Expect
Expect a story that reads like Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett, but with mobile phones and magic. This is the second noir urban-fantasy case for Alex Sutherland. This novel has even more of the hard-boiled atmosphere that before, from slang and aesthetics to the pace and crime aspects, as well as deeper world-building. This time Alex is given to solve a murder before it takes place - but which he can't prevent from happening. Naturally the mystery gets complicated, with few leads but plenty of human-emotional angles.
What I liked
Loved the writing style (I do like the classic hard-boiled detectives), from the characterisation to the language. Lumsden does an excellent job of adhering the genre aesthetics, while keeping it fresh and current (as our culture has moved on since the times the classics were written).
The magic system is very interesting, as is the world in general. Lumsden has chosen a Meso-American backdrop, which is refreshing, and his treatment of were-creatures is wonderfully unique. No mean feat, bringing it all seamlessly together.
What to be aware of
This is the second book of the series. While it can be read first (there are only some passing references to events in the previous books), I do think Lumsden has an over-arching, long-running plan (one I'm very much interested in seeing!), so perhaps best read in order.
Also, noir detectives are not everyone's cup of tea. This is an excellent example of the best of the genre, just know what you're getting into.
Felix's Review
Felix is also eagerly waiting Alex's next adventure. Despite the time and culture separating their background, it seems like they share several characteristics and would enjoy swapping stories over wine (Felix is curious as to what that "Scotch" thing is). Felix particularly liked Alex's doggedness in chasing clues, and his brilliance in putting them all together.
Summary
If you love the detective side of urban fantasy (rather than thriller or romance), then you absolutely have to read this novel!
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Toags, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Expect a story that reads like Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett, but with mobile phones and magic. This is the second noir urban-fantasy case for Alex Sutherland. This novel has even more of the hard-boiled atmosphere that before, from slang and aesthetics to the pace and crime aspects, as well as deeper world-building. This time Alex is given to solve a murder before it takes place - but which he can't prevent from happening. Naturally the mystery gets complicated, with few leads but plenty of human-emotional angles.
What I liked
Loved the writing style (I do like the classic hard-boiled detectives), from the characterisation to the language. Lumsden does an excellent job of adhering the genre aesthetics, while keeping it fresh and current (as our culture has moved on since the times the classics were written).
The magic system is very interesting, as is the world in general. Lumsden has chosen a Meso-American backdrop, which is refreshing, and his treatment of were-creatures is wonderfully unique. No mean feat, bringing it all seamlessly together.
What to be aware of
This is the second book of the series. While it can be read first (there are only some passing references to events in the previous books), I do think Lumsden has an over-arching, long-running plan (one I'm very much interested in seeing!), so perhaps best read in order.
Also, noir detectives are not everyone's cup of tea. This is an excellent example of the best of the genre, just know what you're getting into.
Felix's Review
Felix is also eagerly waiting Alex's next adventure. Despite the time and culture separating their background, it seems like they share several characteristics and would enjoy swapping stories over wine (Felix is curious as to what that "Scotch" thing is). Felix particularly liked Alex's doggedness in chasing clues, and his brilliance in putting them all together.
Summary
If you love the detective side of urban fantasy (rather than thriller or romance), then you absolutely have to read this novel!
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Toags, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
May 27, 2024
Cool!
This is the second book of the series, and I like it very much. The author tapped the Brujeria (Aztec witchcraft) and it gives the story an interesting flavor stewed in with the whole paranormal, noir detective thing. I am hooked. Great story, well written, so it's easy to absorb, and the audible book is a good deal on kindle unlimited.
This is the second book of the series, and I like it very much. The author tapped the Brujeria (Aztec witchcraft) and it gives the story an interesting flavor stewed in with the whole paranormal, noir detective thing. I am hooked. Great story, well written, so it's easy to absorb, and the audible book is a good deal on kindle unlimited.
July 9, 2024
A Worthy Sequel
This was a good read. The plot was interesting from the get-go, and I enjoyed learning more about Alex and his expanding group of supporters. I look forward to the next in the series!
This was a good read. The plot was interesting from the get-go, and I enjoyed learning more about Alex and his expanding group of supporters. I look forward to the next in the series!
October 4, 2021
Great tale, witches, monsters, beautiful ladies
What more could one want? Our I trepid hero ends up cursed and walking the borders of the dead. Excellent read.
What more could one want? Our I trepid hero ends up cursed and walking the borders of the dead. Excellent read.
July 8, 2025
Lumsden's second effort in this fantasy noir series is every bit as engrossing as the first. The introduction of Aztec-inspired witchcraft gives PI plenty to handle.
A seriously bingeable series.
A seriously bingeable series.
May 14, 2022
I thought the first book was great, this one just adds to the previous.
The witches and Mr Wiskers (a manticore) had me enthralled. Again I also bought the audio as the narrator is brilliant and enlivens the world being created around you.
Please keep writing more in this series, I'm hooked.
The witches and Mr Wiskers (a manticore) had me enthralled. Again I also bought the audio as the narrator is brilliant and enlivens the world being created around you.
Please keep writing more in this series, I'm hooked.
October 26, 2021
5 stars. An absolute delight that was more murder mystery than fantasy when compared to Book 1, but a story I still found thoroughly tantalizing and utterly satisfying.
"A Witch Steps Into My Office" is an entertaining tour de force in more ways than one and definitely for a lot more reasons than the two I'll elaborate on here. In terms of its - well, I guess power would be an apt descriptive - of being a very strong mystery: good gravy, kudos aren't enough to hand out for how this one turned and twisted. We were zipped about and even at one point literally flown from one conundrum to another… AND through the edges of a few realms along the way, too. To say that practically none of my own guesses were even close to correct (I was sure it was a were-troll!! Or is that 'it were a was-troll'? Damn past-perfect creature titles…) has led me to already shave my Poirot-ian moustache in shame and humiliation. How will I ever be able to show my face again at the Christie Club on Cognac Thursdays?
In addition - and this was really the clincher for me after a night of reflection about Douglas Lumsden's 2nd book in the "Alexander Southerland P.I." series - for one of the first times ever, I really got into the whole witch "thang"! Truly, since the days of following the grand adventures of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg (and whichever third member of their wee coven they towed along at the time), I've not had this much fun with what I usually consider to be one of the weaker players in the urban fantasy genre. That's an "in general" thing if you're wondering and not in anyway limited to this series!
I mean, no worries, witches are fine as a plot device in most cases, but I'm never comfortable as to where they truly 'fit in' with all this (waves hands vaguely - again - in a decidedly non-spell-casting way). Probably a result of growing up with a mom that insisted we watch the "Wizard of Oz" every time it was on TV (my therapist would say). I mean, are they magical beings in the same vein (oops, bad pun) as vampires, manticores (by Chthulu's floppy mandibles, that was cool!), were-critters and more? Or are they just folks that have passed around "lore" and smoky juju until they're just fancy hopped up versions of David Blaine sharing his psychedelic brand of misdirection with the paying public (no, I will not use the other "m word" here because there's nothing m-ical about it! Almost as bad as m-imes they are!)? Answer: I dunno. But they generally make my skin itch. Must be the toads… (Oh and if you're keeping score, I do not include Rick Gualtieri's "Magi" in this category as, well, they're mostly just empowered a-holes - sorry Christie - and not what I'd call witches at all… total bitches, yes, but let's not go there for now…)
And as with the first book in the series, Lumsden's prose and plotting remain just absotively delectable and a joy to devour, no doubt suitable to fulfil the wishes and needs of any self-respecting sesquipedalian along the way (no, that's not a type of Morris dancer, look it up)! Granted, one might argue Alex might not go down as the most dynamic leading man we'll ever come across, but he gets the job done and manages not to die (+/-) in the process! And he's a lot smarter and better at deductive reasoning than anyone including himself is willing to admit. I'll confess I was really appreciative of some of his summations because it all went over my bald spot in a flash!
I also enjoyed the collection of new characters we get to meet, watch explode, watch get ripped to shreds, watch be tortured brutally and, um, have breakfast with a few times. It all fit together so very, very well and this time seemed to be just a little more real and relatable. Sure, this book might have been a little lacking in the "oh this new world and/or creature is really cool" department as our introductionary tale did, where we got to meet mysterious elves, were-rats, and adaros among others - oh and let's not forget Alex getting the snot kicked out of himself by trolls more than a few times - but like I said, the balance was still mesmerizing during this run! For example, the whole "private eye working with the police in a big, rough city" aspect really found its pacing in this tale and I can't wait to see how that develops! Though I do need to ask both this author and his compatriot Chris Tullbane about their fascination with Quetzalcoatl and His (Her?) need to subjugate and potentially murder millions of folks as part of their rule. Must be a West Coast thing because we definitely never heard of this fellow growing up in the Bible Belt. Like the song doesn't say: meet the New Gods… (not the) same as the Old Gods…
Good stuff. On to the third chapter!
"A Witch Steps Into My Office" is an entertaining tour de force in more ways than one and definitely for a lot more reasons than the two I'll elaborate on here. In terms of its - well, I guess power would be an apt descriptive - of being a very strong mystery: good gravy, kudos aren't enough to hand out for how this one turned and twisted. We were zipped about and even at one point literally flown from one conundrum to another… AND through the edges of a few realms along the way, too. To say that practically none of my own guesses were even close to correct (I was sure it was a were-troll!! Or is that 'it were a was-troll'? Damn past-perfect creature titles…) has led me to already shave my Poirot-ian moustache in shame and humiliation. How will I ever be able to show my face again at the Christie Club on Cognac Thursdays?
In addition - and this was really the clincher for me after a night of reflection about Douglas Lumsden's 2nd book in the "Alexander Southerland P.I." series - for one of the first times ever, I really got into the whole witch "thang"! Truly, since the days of following the grand adventures of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg (and whichever third member of their wee coven they towed along at the time), I've not had this much fun with what I usually consider to be one of the weaker players in the urban fantasy genre. That's an "in general" thing if you're wondering and not in anyway limited to this series!
I mean, no worries, witches are fine as a plot device in most cases, but I'm never comfortable as to where they truly 'fit in' with all this (waves hands vaguely - again - in a decidedly non-spell-casting way). Probably a result of growing up with a mom that insisted we watch the "Wizard of Oz" every time it was on TV (my therapist would say). I mean, are they magical beings in the same vein (oops, bad pun) as vampires, manticores (by Chthulu's floppy mandibles, that was cool!), were-critters and more? Or are they just folks that have passed around "lore" and smoky juju until they're just fancy hopped up versions of David Blaine sharing his psychedelic brand of misdirection with the paying public (no, I will not use the other "m word" here because there's nothing m-ical about it! Almost as bad as m-imes they are!)? Answer: I dunno. But they generally make my skin itch. Must be the toads… (Oh and if you're keeping score, I do not include Rick Gualtieri's "Magi" in this category as, well, they're mostly just empowered a-holes - sorry Christie - and not what I'd call witches at all… total bitches, yes, but let's not go there for now…)
And as with the first book in the series, Lumsden's prose and plotting remain just absotively delectable and a joy to devour, no doubt suitable to fulfil the wishes and needs of any self-respecting sesquipedalian along the way (no, that's not a type of Morris dancer, look it up)! Granted, one might argue Alex might not go down as the most dynamic leading man we'll ever come across, but he gets the job done and manages not to die (+/-) in the process! And he's a lot smarter and better at deductive reasoning than anyone including himself is willing to admit. I'll confess I was really appreciative of some of his summations because it all went over my bald spot in a flash!
I also enjoyed the collection of new characters we get to meet, watch explode, watch get ripped to shreds, watch be tortured brutally and, um, have breakfast with a few times. It all fit together so very, very well and this time seemed to be just a little more real and relatable. Sure, this book might have been a little lacking in the "oh this new world and/or creature is really cool" department as our introductionary tale did, where we got to meet mysterious elves, were-rats, and adaros among others - oh and let's not forget Alex getting the snot kicked out of himself by trolls more than a few times - but like I said, the balance was still mesmerizing during this run! For example, the whole "private eye working with the police in a big, rough city" aspect really found its pacing in this tale and I can't wait to see how that develops! Though I do need to ask both this author and his compatriot Chris Tullbane about their fascination with Quetzalcoatl and His (Her?) need to subjugate and potentially murder millions of folks as part of their rule. Must be a West Coast thing because we definitely never heard of this fellow growing up in the Bible Belt. Like the song doesn't say: meet the New Gods… (not the) same as the Old Gods…
Good stuff. On to the third chapter!
January 20, 2022
I am actually a bit late on this review, as I read it last year but have only just managed to get my thoughts down on this one.
I have come into contact Douglas Lumsden on Twitter and he is always a delight to converse with, which brought me into contact with his books.
Now, I will have to put my hands up here and come clean. Unfortunately, I started this series by reading the second book. It was an honest mistake guv’nor, and by the time that I had realised that this was the second book, I didn’t want to relinquish my investment in the story as it had gripped me completely.
The other thing about this is that I consumed this via the audio book (and let me tell you ‘consumed’ is the absolute correct word because I did the listening equivalent of not being able to put this down, and finding myself sneaking any opportunity to slip my headphones on and carry on with this wonderful story).
The book revolves around Alex Sutherland P.I. who runs his investigative business in Yerba City, and kicks off in typical gumshoe detective fashion when a femme fatale walks into his office. However, from there we can leave the familiarity of the gum shoe detective behind when we are told that the ‘femme fatale’ is a witch of the highest standing, and indeed she is the most fatal of femme fatale’s who has the capability to destroy the world. Not only that, she is confessing to a murder that hasn’t been committed yet, and that she is under the compulsion of an unknown someone who is using her as a weapon to place curses on individuals in Yerba city.
Alex is then tasked with trying to solve the mystery of who is controlling the head honcho of the most powerful witch cults, Citlali Cuapa, also dubbed the ‘Barbary Coast Brujera’
Following this, Alex immediately tries to save the life of the cursed man in a race against time.
Do you think he is successful? Well suffice it to say that this is one of the hooks that is immediately at play in this action packed fantasy/thriller, and I am not going to tell you anymore. What I do need to tell you though, is that this is the first forty or so pages, and the book carries on in much the same vein, as Alex attempts to discover the power behind the Barbary Coast Brujera’s compulsions and who is causing eh mysterious deaths in Yerba City.
As with any new series that you start, you don’t know exactly what you are going to get, but I tell you, this is a gloriously fun, witty, and sharp piece of urban fantasy. And the marriage of urban fantasy and forties style detective novel is something that works tremendously well.
There is so much to enjoy in this book! Douglas Lumsden creates a fantastical and intricate modern world, but mixes with it with the authenticity of Forties noir to bring something to the page that is exhilarating and fun. He manages to take the tropes of both forms of fiction and magically transforms them into something new.
Now, I cannot say that I am not particularly au fâit with the written form of noir fiction, and whilst I have read a few, I have not been particularly steeped in this form of literary fiction. However, I have seen enough films and other things to make this familiar. Similarly, with urban fantasy! Again I am not all that well versed in urban fantasy, but again, know enough to get by. However, this does not matter, as Douglas Lumsden’s story is like an old comfy seat, and it is not long before you are feeling like these settings are wrapping you in your favourite blanket.
Not only that, Douglas Lumsden’s world building is something to behold. At times, he will bring in the familiar beasts and races of fantasy fiction, but will transpose them on to a modern background, which works extremely well, for instance, there are gnomes, trolls, witches and a variety of other creatures. My personal standout was Mr Whiskers, the Manticore, who has a psychic connection with his ‘handler’, Cody.
In addition to this, Douglas Lumsden sets the story in a Mesoamerican setting, which is full of mythology based on the pre – Columbian culture of Mexico and Central America and incorporates it really well into the story. As it is identified in the nicely supplied glossary at the end of the book, the stories of Alex Sutherland are based in Tolanica, which derives its name from Tollan, or Tolan and is incuded in Mayan folklore.
I loved every character in this book, even the bad guys. Again, he cleverly uses stereotypical representations of characters out of these types of fiction, and then rips the stereotypicality away to make something inexorably pleasing.
Now whilst the book might seem all lightness and fun, it does at times, with some of its subplots go to some pretty dark places, such as human trafficking, and whilst there are never any details as such, there are these undertones. However, whilst they are present, they are carefully interwoven into the main body of the story and plot.
Now, I think I have chewed your ear off enough about this, I can only say that if you are looking for a brilliantly written fusion of detective/urban fantasy let me point you in the direction of this series.
If you liked this review, there are many more at www.fantasybooknerd.com
Pop in and see me sometime😁
I have come into contact Douglas Lumsden on Twitter and he is always a delight to converse with, which brought me into contact with his books.
Now, I will have to put my hands up here and come clean. Unfortunately, I started this series by reading the second book. It was an honest mistake guv’nor, and by the time that I had realised that this was the second book, I didn’t want to relinquish my investment in the story as it had gripped me completely.
The other thing about this is that I consumed this via the audio book (and let me tell you ‘consumed’ is the absolute correct word because I did the listening equivalent of not being able to put this down, and finding myself sneaking any opportunity to slip my headphones on and carry on with this wonderful story).
The book revolves around Alex Sutherland P.I. who runs his investigative business in Yerba City, and kicks off in typical gumshoe detective fashion when a femme fatale walks into his office. However, from there we can leave the familiarity of the gum shoe detective behind when we are told that the ‘femme fatale’ is a witch of the highest standing, and indeed she is the most fatal of femme fatale’s who has the capability to destroy the world. Not only that, she is confessing to a murder that hasn’t been committed yet, and that she is under the compulsion of an unknown someone who is using her as a weapon to place curses on individuals in Yerba city.
Alex is then tasked with trying to solve the mystery of who is controlling the head honcho of the most powerful witch cults, Citlali Cuapa, also dubbed the ‘Barbary Coast Brujera’
Following this, Alex immediately tries to save the life of the cursed man in a race against time.
Do you think he is successful? Well suffice it to say that this is one of the hooks that is immediately at play in this action packed fantasy/thriller, and I am not going to tell you anymore. What I do need to tell you though, is that this is the first forty or so pages, and the book carries on in much the same vein, as Alex attempts to discover the power behind the Barbary Coast Brujera’s compulsions and who is causing eh mysterious deaths in Yerba City.
As with any new series that you start, you don’t know exactly what you are going to get, but I tell you, this is a gloriously fun, witty, and sharp piece of urban fantasy. And the marriage of urban fantasy and forties style detective novel is something that works tremendously well.
There is so much to enjoy in this book! Douglas Lumsden creates a fantastical and intricate modern world, but mixes with it with the authenticity of Forties noir to bring something to the page that is exhilarating and fun. He manages to take the tropes of both forms of fiction and magically transforms them into something new.
Now, I cannot say that I am not particularly au fâit with the written form of noir fiction, and whilst I have read a few, I have not been particularly steeped in this form of literary fiction. However, I have seen enough films and other things to make this familiar. Similarly, with urban fantasy! Again I am not all that well versed in urban fantasy, but again, know enough to get by. However, this does not matter, as Douglas Lumsden’s story is like an old comfy seat, and it is not long before you are feeling like these settings are wrapping you in your favourite blanket.
Not only that, Douglas Lumsden’s world building is something to behold. At times, he will bring in the familiar beasts and races of fantasy fiction, but will transpose them on to a modern background, which works extremely well, for instance, there are gnomes, trolls, witches and a variety of other creatures. My personal standout was Mr Whiskers, the Manticore, who has a psychic connection with his ‘handler’, Cody.
In addition to this, Douglas Lumsden sets the story in a Mesoamerican setting, which is full of mythology based on the pre – Columbian culture of Mexico and Central America and incorporates it really well into the story. As it is identified in the nicely supplied glossary at the end of the book, the stories of Alex Sutherland are based in Tolanica, which derives its name from Tollan, or Tolan and is incuded in Mayan folklore.
I loved every character in this book, even the bad guys. Again, he cleverly uses stereotypical representations of characters out of these types of fiction, and then rips the stereotypicality away to make something inexorably pleasing.
Now whilst the book might seem all lightness and fun, it does at times, with some of its subplots go to some pretty dark places, such as human trafficking, and whilst there are never any details as such, there are these undertones. However, whilst they are present, they are carefully interwoven into the main body of the story and plot.
Now, I think I have chewed your ear off enough about this, I can only say that if you are looking for a brilliantly written fusion of detective/urban fantasy let me point you in the direction of this series.
If you liked this review, there are many more at www.fantasybooknerd.com
Pop in and see me sometime😁
December 4, 2023
Essential Noir Fantasy
Alex Southerland's latest client is unlike any he's worked for before, and unlike any you've probably read about either. What could possibly be bothering the most powerful witch in all of Tolanica that she would need to come to a lowly gumshoe like Southerland? At least nobody's dead … yet! Not that there's anything Southerland will be able to do to stop the inevitable, or so he's told.
Curses, compulsions, monsters, and secret covens only begin to scratch the surface of this twisted caper that draws on Mesoamerican religion to plunge its hero and reader deeper than ever into the wonderfully unique world of Yerba City.
All the promise of Lumsden's initial Southerland book (A Troll Walks Into A Bar) is exceeded in this fantastic follow up in what has become my favorite new urban fantasy series. Southerland is as rough and ready as ever, but still every bit as soft-hearted and charming. Old friends shine, and new allies hold their own with the smart-talking Alex, even getting one up on him now and again. But what about villains? If only it were so easy to tell friend from foe.
This book makes great use of noir conventions, and deepens its magical fantasy elements more and more, page by page. The dialogue sings. The action thrills. The magic is darker and more otherworldly than ever before, and the mystery is subtle and deadly, winding us 'round and 'round, confounding and delighting and building to a terrific climax you won't be able to look away from.
"Slashed to ribbons … And his heart and eyes are missing."
Be forewarned, Lumsden knows just how to end a chapter to make a reader say, "Well, now I HAVE to keep reading." And that feeling doesn't end with the last page either. I can't wait to start my next adventure with Southerland and see what this series and author have in store for me next. Lumsden is a talent you don't want to miss. These books are essential reading for fans of noir fantasy.
Alex Southerland's latest client is unlike any he's worked for before, and unlike any you've probably read about either. What could possibly be bothering the most powerful witch in all of Tolanica that she would need to come to a lowly gumshoe like Southerland? At least nobody's dead … yet! Not that there's anything Southerland will be able to do to stop the inevitable, or so he's told.
Curses, compulsions, monsters, and secret covens only begin to scratch the surface of this twisted caper that draws on Mesoamerican religion to plunge its hero and reader deeper than ever into the wonderfully unique world of Yerba City.
All the promise of Lumsden's initial Southerland book (A Troll Walks Into A Bar) is exceeded in this fantastic follow up in what has become my favorite new urban fantasy series. Southerland is as rough and ready as ever, but still every bit as soft-hearted and charming. Old friends shine, and new allies hold their own with the smart-talking Alex, even getting one up on him now and again. But what about villains? If only it were so easy to tell friend from foe.
This book makes great use of noir conventions, and deepens its magical fantasy elements more and more, page by page. The dialogue sings. The action thrills. The magic is darker and more otherworldly than ever before, and the mystery is subtle and deadly, winding us 'round and 'round, confounding and delighting and building to a terrific climax you won't be able to look away from.
"Slashed to ribbons … And his heart and eyes are missing."
Be forewarned, Lumsden knows just how to end a chapter to make a reader say, "Well, now I HAVE to keep reading." And that feeling doesn't end with the last page either. I can't wait to start my next adventure with Southerland and see what this series and author have in store for me next. Lumsden is a talent you don't want to miss. These books are essential reading for fans of noir fantasy.
May 24, 2024
A Witch Steps into My Office by Douglas Lumsden - Second book in the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series
Challenging, dark, funny, reflective, sad, and tense.
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
I'm really enjoying these stories/books. The Urban Fantasy Noir feel is a wonderful getaway from the sometimes oppressive grimdark of certain Fantasy writers, but adds a different flare from the straight up Thrillers of Jack Reacher.
I also love how you've added historical mythos of the region, especially in this story. I've heard these names before, but your use of their characters within this mystery/case was a lot of fun to experience.
Each one of these cases allows us to learn the world that you have created, along with the very colourful creatures and supernatural characters, like the Bruha.
Alexander Southerland, Private Investigator reminds me a bit of Harry Dresden of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher...though obviously not as powerful. He is a working man's character. He is able to gather his friends together to help him solve whatever case he's found himself attached to.
It also reminds me of Dixon Hill, the character that Captain Jean Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise created for holodeck adventures. A private investigator (two fisted gumshoe) solving cases. These episodes were created becasue of the writers, on loving Humphrey Bogart's role in The Lonely Place and the other writer's love of Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe character.
I see that same love of the genre, represented here.
You have added the supernatural world, for the Urban Fantasy setting, and I love the adventures that you put your main character through.
Challenging, dark, funny, reflective, sad, and tense.
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
I'm really enjoying these stories/books. The Urban Fantasy Noir feel is a wonderful getaway from the sometimes oppressive grimdark of certain Fantasy writers, but adds a different flare from the straight up Thrillers of Jack Reacher.
I also love how you've added historical mythos of the region, especially in this story. I've heard these names before, but your use of their characters within this mystery/case was a lot of fun to experience.
Each one of these cases allows us to learn the world that you have created, along with the very colourful creatures and supernatural characters, like the Bruha.
Alexander Southerland, Private Investigator reminds me a bit of Harry Dresden of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher...though obviously not as powerful. He is a working man's character. He is able to gather his friends together to help him solve whatever case he's found himself attached to.
It also reminds me of Dixon Hill, the character that Captain Jean Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise created for holodeck adventures. A private investigator (two fisted gumshoe) solving cases. These episodes were created becasue of the writers, on loving Humphrey Bogart's role in The Lonely Place and the other writer's love of Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe character.
I see that same love of the genre, represented here.
You have added the supernatural world, for the Urban Fantasy setting, and I love the adventures that you put your main character through.
October 29, 2021
I just started reading Doug Lumsden’s Alex Southerland P.I trilogy and I’ve got to say – it has really caught me by surprise. Not usually a fan of P.I. novels, as I find them the most unoriginal of the crime genre. If you’ve read one, hell, you’ve pretty much read them all. What else can be said that hasn’t already been said exceedingly well by Chandler, Spillane et al. Right? Wrong. Lumsden has twisted and woven the noir P.I. genre into the fantasy realms and he does it all while using the hard, bullet sentence structure and punctuations to rival the aforementioned greats. We’ve got trolls brushing shoulders with mob bosses, pimps mixing it up with were-rats, gnomes, elves and mythological monsters of the deep. And its all set in a bastardized, seedy fantasy version of our own downtown areas. If ever there were a trilogy of novels made for Netflix, it’s got to be Lumsden’s. I found his prose a pleasure to read and was envious as hell of his flowing sentence structures and talent for creating bright visuals of the world he creates.
If you want to read a fantasy crime novel, I can’t recommend Lumsden more highly.
If you want to read a fantasy crime novel, I can’t recommend Lumsden more highly.
February 21, 2023
Welcome back to Yerba City.
The most powerful witch in the area has been controlled against her will and has cursed a businessman to die at a specific time, and she wants Southerland's help. Not to stop the death, but to find out how she is being manipulated. So begins Southerland's second case, which involves the brujeria, a pet manticore, more trolls, various were-creatures and his air elementals. There's also a new captain of police in town, and he doesn't have a sense of humour.
I like Southerland as a P.I. I don't find his wise-cracks to be excessive or annoying, and he knows when to be quiet. His elf-enhanced abilities are useful without being extreme, which is good when encountering murders of crows. The 1920s slang he uses can be just as confusing to other characters as to the reader, which I thought was amusing, and he isn't yet old enough to have an over-developed cynicism and world-weariness that so many gumshoes develop.
I'm looking forward to reading more of his cases, because there is so much in Southerland's story that can be told. It would also be good to see Cody and Mr Whiskers back at some point.
The most powerful witch in the area has been controlled against her will and has cursed a businessman to die at a specific time, and she wants Southerland's help. Not to stop the death, but to find out how she is being manipulated. So begins Southerland's second case, which involves the brujeria, a pet manticore, more trolls, various were-creatures and his air elementals. There's also a new captain of police in town, and he doesn't have a sense of humour.
I like Southerland as a P.I. I don't find his wise-cracks to be excessive or annoying, and he knows when to be quiet. His elf-enhanced abilities are useful without being extreme, which is good when encountering murders of crows. The 1920s slang he uses can be just as confusing to other characters as to the reader, which I thought was amusing, and he isn't yet old enough to have an over-developed cynicism and world-weariness that so many gumshoes develop.
I'm looking forward to reading more of his cases, because there is so much in Southerland's story that can be told. It would also be good to see Cody and Mr Whiskers back at some point.
April 22, 2022
No Spoilers
Book: A Witch Steps into My Office
Hearts. Curses. Magic. Dark Magic. Pets. Rats. Falcons. Good Cops. Salty Captain. Widowed Wife. Hot widowed wife. All that and Mr. Whiskers help make A Witch Steps into My Office a great fun read. Another rollicking book by Douglas Lumsden. The Alexander Southerland, P.I. series continues to be a fantastic and entertaining read.
For those looking to get your Urban Fantasy fix, give Alexander Southerland, P.I. series a try. Again, like I stated before, don't think you will regret it!
Book: A Witch Steps into My Office
Hearts. Curses. Magic. Dark Magic. Pets. Rats. Falcons. Good Cops. Salty Captain. Widowed Wife. Hot widowed wife. All that and Mr. Whiskers help make A Witch Steps into My Office a great fun read. Another rollicking book by Douglas Lumsden. The Alexander Southerland, P.I. series continues to be a fantastic and entertaining read.
For those looking to get your Urban Fantasy fix, give Alexander Southerland, P.I. series a try. Again, like I stated before, don't think you will regret it!
March 22, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
The second novel of a hilarious series, this Sci-fi noir paranormal novel is a hoot, one to keep you up nights. If you have started the series, go for this one ASAP. If you are new to Douglas Lumsden, these can be read in any order, but the first, A Troll Walks Into a Bar, will introduce all the characters more thoroughly. And characters they are, all fully rounded and there for your enjoyment. I cannot wait for number three, A Hag Rises From the Abyss. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
REVIEWED on March 21, 2024, at Goodreads, and AmazonSmile. Not available for review on B&N, BookBub, or Kobo.
The second novel of a hilarious series, this Sci-fi noir paranormal novel is a hoot, one to keep you up nights. If you have started the series, go for this one ASAP. If you are new to Douglas Lumsden, these can be read in any order, but the first, A Troll Walks Into a Bar, will introduce all the characters more thoroughly. And characters they are, all fully rounded and there for your enjoyment. I cannot wait for number three, A Hag Rises From the Abyss. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
REVIEWED on March 21, 2024, at Goodreads, and AmazonSmile. Not available for review on B&N, BookBub, or Kobo.
March 24, 2024
Engaging Noir PI Story with a Healthy Serving of Magic and Fantasy!
Luckily, I stumbled across A Troll Walks into a Bar (stop and read that one, too!) and hooked me on these tales about Alex Southerland. If you enjoy twisty plot lines that keep you off-balance until the end, colorful characters that you respect or despise immediately (and flip flop about their character) and the noir patter of jaspers, pugs, twists and gumshoes -- you just found a satisfying new investment in your time and imagination. Now -- open the book!
Luckily, I stumbled across A Troll Walks into a Bar (stop and read that one, too!) and hooked me on these tales about Alex Southerland. If you enjoy twisty plot lines that keep you off-balance until the end, colorful characters that you respect or despise immediately (and flip flop about their character) and the noir patter of jaspers, pugs, twists and gumshoes -- you just found a satisfying new investment in your time and imagination. Now -- open the book!
January 31, 2022
Magic, Monsters, and Detectives
A beautifully imagined alt-world where magic and digital technology exist harmoniously side by side. But the human and magical inhabitants? Not so much. There is a lot of work for a tough detective to do and powerful magicals can be tracked down just like anyone else. Very entertaining read for anyone who enjoys both detective and fantasy genres (or either).
A beautifully imagined alt-world where magic and digital technology exist harmoniously side by side. But the human and magical inhabitants? Not so much. There is a lot of work for a tough detective to do and powerful magicals can be tracked down just like anyone else. Very entertaining read for anyone who enjoys both detective and fantasy genres (or either).
July 17, 2022
Great Storyline, Entertaining, Loved It.
This is a fun read and a unique story. I really enjoyed it and I love how the author peppers in information from the previous book in the series without the clunky recap smashed in the first few paragraphs. Those drive me nuts. There are just a few times in the book where the description of details are just to minuscule. That’s OK, I skim over them. Looking forward to the next book!
This is a fun read and a unique story. I really enjoyed it and I love how the author peppers in information from the previous book in the series without the clunky recap smashed in the first few paragraphs. Those drive me nuts. There are just a few times in the book where the description of details are just to minuscule. That’s OK, I skim over them. Looking forward to the next book!
August 2, 2024
Solid Followup to the first book. The mystery was fun and engaging with the who-done-it element constantly making you doubt your own conclusions. The world continues to develop and its clearly alternate earth where the gods and other worldly beings were real. I enjoyed the incorporation of Aztec beliefs, it’s always fun to feel like you are learning something while reading, not that there’s a chance I’ll remember the gods names. Those complicated spellings would see to that, but at least next time I see it spelt, I’ll know it’s a big dog or a snake 🫠 I recommend this to anyone looking for a gritty modern arcana setting with a fast pace and a dark tone.
August 25, 2021
The noir gumshoe lingo, the mystery, the magic and the ensuing mayhem are just a few of the reasons why this series is so much fun to read. Southerland is a likable PI, the setting is rich and full of interesting (and sometimes unsettling) characters and places, and Lumsden does a masterful job stitching an engrossing story. Definitely recommended!
March 1, 2021
Entertained and spellbound.
I want more books, two is not nearly enough. An old fashion gumshoe stories in fantasy land; delightful! The writing is consistent and superb. Where the plot ideas come from I can’t even guess. I could read a hundred books in this series.
I want more books, two is not nearly enough. An old fashion gumshoe stories in fantasy land; delightful! The writing is consistent and superb. Where the plot ideas come from I can’t even guess. I could read a hundred books in this series.
March 2, 2021
Great urban fantasy
Another great book in the series of Detective Southerland. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. I guess it just needs to be written. I hope others enjoyed this as much as I did.
Another great book in the series of Detective Southerland. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. I guess it just needs to be written. I hope others enjoyed this as much as I did.
December 27, 2021
Two books in and I'm enjoying this series very much. I'm all about the characters and every character in this book, the series so far, is . . . well . . . a character. The marriage of Noir and Fantasy is unique and well executed. I'm looking forward to books 3 & 4.
March 13, 2022
Lord Alkwat’s balls! Another must-read by Douglas Lumsden. I tend not to read series, but the tales of Alexander Southerland keep me coming back for more. A Witch Steps into My Office was one of the most original and unpredictable stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
January 22, 2024
Comedy and Fantasy!
This is a wonderful book of laughs and fantasies. The main character, Alex, has a place in my heart. What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon! This will long be one of my favorites.
This is a wonderful book of laughs and fantasies. The main character, Alex, has a place in my heart. What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon! This will long be one of my favorites.
October 5, 2024
Twisted Noir Mystery
Book 2 of this series gives a nice logic puzzle doused in a Philip Marlow like atmosphere of cigar smoke, beautiful woman, and conspiracies then overlaid with magic and myth.
Book 2 of this series gives a nice logic puzzle doused in a Philip Marlow like atmosphere of cigar smoke, beautiful woman, and conspiracies then overlaid with magic and myth.
December 9, 2024
Another great read!
I'm loving this imaginative, action packed series!
Alex Sutherland, a cranky PI with a knack for finding trouble, finds more than he bargains for this time!
Enough action for even the most jaded adventure seeker. I've already downloaded the next book.
I'm loving this imaginative, action packed series!
Alex Sutherland, a cranky PI with a knack for finding trouble, finds more than he bargains for this time!
Enough action for even the most jaded adventure seeker. I've already downloaded the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews