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Alexander Southerland, P.I. #3
A Hag Rises from the Abyss
The Stuff that Nightmares Are Made of!
Years ago, while serving in the Borderland, Alexander Southerland watched helplessly as his friend was terrorized and murdered by the Sihuanaba, a mysterious avenging spirit known as the Woman in White. Now an established private investigator in the teeming metropolis of Yerba City, the unearthly specter from Southerland’s past may have come back to haunt him—literally! As Southerland tries to solve the riddle of a beautiful nightclub singer’s death, the detective finds himself battling corruption, temptation, betrayal—and deadly horrors from his own nightmares!
Years ago, while serving in the Borderland, Alexander Southerland watched helplessly as his friend was terrorized and murdered by the Sihuanaba, a mysterious avenging spirit known as the Woman in White. Now an established private investigator in the teeming metropolis of Yerba City, the unearthly specter from Southerland’s past may have come back to haunt him—literally! As Southerland tries to solve the riddle of a beautiful nightclub singer’s death, the detective finds himself battling corruption, temptation, betrayal—and deadly horrors from his own nightmares!
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2021
47 people are currently reading
65 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 44 reviews
May 1, 2022
This is how you world-build. I mean. I once heard that the key to building a fictional world, universe, whatever, is whether or not a reader/viewer can imagine what’s happening in the setting beyond the nuts and bolts of the protagonist and the main story. Douglas Lumsden is doing a masterful job of this. A Hag Rises from the Abyss is the third Alex Southerland P.I. urban-fantasy book, and nothing has become tired. At first glance, the idea of a hardboiled detective functioning in a world of fantasy creatures is fun, but does the idea have legs? In Lumsden’s hands, absolutely.
Every element is well fleshed out. My favorite example would be the Trolls. It would be easy to lump Trolls together, big, strong, bust-up-the-joint, bad-guy-heavy kinda characters. Kind of like having all dwarves be hard-drinking, beard-sporting, axe-wielding, gruff, fifty-shades-of-Gimli kind of thing. But the Trolls in Alex Southerland’s world are just as varied as humans. There are some bad guys, to be sure, but each troll has a personality of his own (and a pretty cool name!). Some are outright good guys. This really comes to the fore in Hag, more so than the pervious two books because of the appearance of multiple significant Troll characters. I guess the point is, that Lumsden imbues each character with a personality of their own and avoids the laziness of lumping races, species, whatever together. Another great example would be the air elementals that Alex is able to command. Elementals, by definition of the world in which they live are devoid of personality. But Alex’s go-to elementals are full of personal quirks.
Another strength of this series is Lumsden’s inclusion of the folk-creatures of the Western Hemisphere. In this case, the eponymous Hag, is the Sihuanaba, a legend closely resembling the legend of La Llorona. She is cleverly employed in the service of a hard-boiled mystery worthy of Chandler -- with a smokey dame and everything.
Now I’m on to the fourth Alex Southerland book in hopes of being caught up before the fifth one comes out later this year. If you’re not hip to this very popular urban-fantasy series, it’s not too late to hop on board the bandwagon.
Every element is well fleshed out. My favorite example would be the Trolls. It would be easy to lump Trolls together, big, strong, bust-up-the-joint, bad-guy-heavy kinda characters. Kind of like having all dwarves be hard-drinking, beard-sporting, axe-wielding, gruff, fifty-shades-of-Gimli kind of thing. But the Trolls in Alex Southerland’s world are just as varied as humans. There are some bad guys, to be sure, but each troll has a personality of his own (and a pretty cool name!). Some are outright good guys. This really comes to the fore in Hag, more so than the pervious two books because of the appearance of multiple significant Troll characters. I guess the point is, that Lumsden imbues each character with a personality of their own and avoids the laziness of lumping races, species, whatever together. Another great example would be the air elementals that Alex is able to command. Elementals, by definition of the world in which they live are devoid of personality. But Alex’s go-to elementals are full of personal quirks.
Another strength of this series is Lumsden’s inclusion of the folk-creatures of the Western Hemisphere. In this case, the eponymous Hag, is the Sihuanaba, a legend closely resembling the legend of La Llorona. She is cleverly employed in the service of a hard-boiled mystery worthy of Chandler -- with a smokey dame and everything.
Now I’m on to the fourth Alex Southerland book in hopes of being caught up before the fifth one comes out later this year. If you’re not hip to this very popular urban-fantasy series, it’s not too late to hop on board the bandwagon.
June 7, 2022
Lumsden continues to unveil new talents and gadgets in the writer's toolbox, and in some ways this is the strongest of the three first entries in the series. Excellent writing, twists, plotting. Possible spoilers below. Sensitive readers should know a monster does target children midway through the story.
The dialogue sparkles, particularly when Alex FINALLY has a date! The relationsip and chemistry are witty and lifelike. Indeed, it is perhaps the character development that most shines as it rises to new heights (along with the worldbuilding). My favorite element of this series is consistently that even though the world is full of magic and monsters, it is always the fascinating characters that drives these page turners. Even the trolls and gang members are shown to be, well, people. Just folks thrust into an impossible world and situation trying to survive and get through it. I admire how much even the "bad guys" feel human and often relatable (particularly Gordo and his crew). I loved getting to know the trolls' unique backstories and personalities. Even Fulton develops and becomes more layered (as scummy as he is). And Alex grows - he still has a rigid code of honor (Like Pratchett's Disceorld gumshoe Vimes), but dammit he's learning how to also take what he wants and deserves now and then, and his adopted family of outcasts and misfits grows.
I liked the shadowy analogs to the corrupt systems and politics in our own world, including the Lord's Investigative Agency (LIA), a magical mashup of the CIA and Stasi. As usual, the best things said about power are so often done in art rather than expository media. I also liked how apparently small side stories and characters became integral in the climax (particularly with the unexpected houseguest and new elemental - as ornery as he is, Alex has housemates now, and something like a pet!) The plot twists were well executed as well. Special honorable mention of the excellent classic noir denouement to the romance, which made me sad for Alex but was also deeply satisfying and well executed, feeling like something straight out of noir films like the Maltese Falcon.
There were a couple of tail end sections where it felt like the narrative had so many exciting twists that the dialogue was a little unpolished in two key confrontations, but this was quickly absorbed by the momentous reveals. I'm curious to see how Alex's journey evolves now that the Yerba City power structure has been shaken up, the Hatfields are major players, Fulton is in the wind, the LIA are in town, and it feels like Alex may be on a certain dragon's radar as the mysterious elf continues his Mycroftian schemes. Lumsden should be proud not only of creating a lived-in world and a beloved protagonist but for consistently raising the bar on the mechanics of storytelling and world building in each installment. I'm excited to dive into #4! And I am personally grateful that among the stacks of books I read every year, this series is one of the ones that has most helped me to grow in my own writing and storytelling, particularly when studying dialogue and flow. Bravo! Go get a copy and enjoy, as always in physical book form over a coffee if possible (or a tasteful Scotch, in honor of Alex).
The dialogue sparkles, particularly when Alex FINALLY has a date! The relationsip and chemistry are witty and lifelike. Indeed, it is perhaps the character development that most shines as it rises to new heights (along with the worldbuilding). My favorite element of this series is consistently that even though the world is full of magic and monsters, it is always the fascinating characters that drives these page turners. Even the trolls and gang members are shown to be, well, people. Just folks thrust into an impossible world and situation trying to survive and get through it. I admire how much even the "bad guys" feel human and often relatable (particularly Gordo and his crew). I loved getting to know the trolls' unique backstories and personalities. Even Fulton develops and becomes more layered (as scummy as he is). And Alex grows - he still has a rigid code of honor (Like Pratchett's Disceorld gumshoe Vimes), but dammit he's learning how to also take what he wants and deserves now and then, and his adopted family of outcasts and misfits grows.
I liked the shadowy analogs to the corrupt systems and politics in our own world, including the Lord's Investigative Agency (LIA), a magical mashup of the CIA and Stasi. As usual, the best things said about power are so often done in art rather than expository media. I also liked how apparently small side stories and characters became integral in the climax (particularly with the unexpected houseguest and new elemental - as ornery as he is, Alex has housemates now, and something like a pet!) The plot twists were well executed as well. Special honorable mention of the excellent classic noir denouement to the romance, which made me sad for Alex but was also deeply satisfying and well executed, feeling like something straight out of noir films like the Maltese Falcon.
There were a couple of tail end sections where it felt like the narrative had so many exciting twists that the dialogue was a little unpolished in two key confrontations, but this was quickly absorbed by the momentous reveals. I'm curious to see how Alex's journey evolves now that the Yerba City power structure has been shaken up, the Hatfields are major players, Fulton is in the wind, the LIA are in town, and it feels like Alex may be on a certain dragon's radar as the mysterious elf continues his Mycroftian schemes. Lumsden should be proud not only of creating a lived-in world and a beloved protagonist but for consistently raising the bar on the mechanics of storytelling and world building in each installment. I'm excited to dive into #4! And I am personally grateful that among the stacks of books I read every year, this series is one of the ones that has most helped me to grow in my own writing and storytelling, particularly when studying dialogue and flow. Bravo! Go get a copy and enjoy, as always in physical book form over a coffee if possible (or a tasteful Scotch, in honor of Alex).
May 8, 2021
I adored the previous Alex Southerland novels, so when I got the ARC for this one I practically squealed with joy. It was worth the wait!
What to Expect
Another paranormal case in the wonderful urban fantasy series of Alex Southerland, PI. This time time he gets hired (coerced, more like) into helping the mayor with a haunting apparition. He's far more interested in solving the death of a nightclub singer (to say nothing about the strange creature rummaging in his trash bins), and it seems like these contradictory directions might correlate -- as well as bring up nightmares from his own past.
We also get delightfully tantalising views in the history of the world, and the forces that shaped it similarly-yet-differently to ours.
What I liked
I love the blend of both the 1920's and modern sensibilities. Lumsden does a credible job of keeping the pulp gumshoe vibe, while avoiding the cliches and misogyny that were rife in that era and literature. In style, Alex is a likeable and engaging character -- he cares, and you care for him.
What to be aware of
This is book 3 of the series. Each one is a more-or-less independent case and can be read by itself, but as there are references to past events and recurring characters it makes more sense to read in order.
Felix's Review
Other than Alex's choice of food -- for himself and in feeding stray animals -- Felix's very much agrees with me here. Felix found the logical and emotional progression of the case without fault, a true representation of a detective dealing with the occult.
Summary
Go and read this! This is one of the best Urban Fantasy detectives I've read, a perfect blend of a 1920's gumshoe vibe and the occult.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, 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
Another paranormal case in the wonderful urban fantasy series of Alex Southerland, PI. This time time he gets hired (coerced, more like) into helping the mayor with a haunting apparition. He's far more interested in solving the death of a nightclub singer (to say nothing about the strange creature rummaging in his trash bins), and it seems like these contradictory directions might correlate -- as well as bring up nightmares from his own past.
We also get delightfully tantalising views in the history of the world, and the forces that shaped it similarly-yet-differently to ours.
What I liked
I love the blend of both the 1920's and modern sensibilities. Lumsden does a credible job of keeping the pulp gumshoe vibe, while avoiding the cliches and misogyny that were rife in that era and literature. In style, Alex is a likeable and engaging character -- he cares, and you care for him.
What to be aware of
This is book 3 of the series. Each one is a more-or-less independent case and can be read by itself, but as there are references to past events and recurring characters it makes more sense to read in order.
Felix's Review
Other than Alex's choice of food -- for himself and in feeding stray animals -- Felix's very much agrees with me here. Felix found the logical and emotional progression of the case without fault, a true representation of a detective dealing with the occult.
Summary
Go and read this! This is one of the best Urban Fantasy detectives I've read, a perfect blend of a 1920's gumshoe vibe and the occult.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, 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.
November 15, 2024
Noir novels will never go out of fashion, this is proof of it, especially when they're this well written.
In this new adventure Aleksssss finds himself embroiled in yet more magical shenanigans, but now, some stuff from previous books came back to bite back his butt, and he's feeling the heat.
The highlight of this book is how he deals with the political side that dragged him into their comings and goings. Refusing to compromise his integrity for a quick buck or for an easy way out of a problem... or ten... as he find himself here.
Lumsden shines again bringing to life the whole array of characters that surround Alex Southerland, a special shout out to Ralph. That Epilogue has me bursting out loud in laughter.
I am now to start book 4, can't wait to see what new madness assails our valiant, pragmatical P.I.
In this new adventure Aleksssss finds himself embroiled in yet more magical shenanigans, but now, some stuff from previous books came back to bite back his butt, and he's feeling the heat.
The highlight of this book is how he deals with the political side that dragged him into their comings and goings. Refusing to compromise his integrity for a quick buck or for an easy way out of a problem... or ten... as he find himself here.
Lumsden shines again bringing to life the whole array of characters that surround Alex Southerland, a special shout out to Ralph. That Epilogue has me bursting out loud in laughter.
I am now to start book 4, can't wait to see what new madness assails our valiant, pragmatical P.I.
July 17, 2025
Solid four.
This whole book answers the question of " How do you deal with the supernatural in a realistic way?" In Alexander Southerland's case, you lean into it.
First off the bat. Its not a Scooby Doo esque caper, with a technological or theatrical outfitting. Its also not a case of vengeance gone wrong, and oh no, we just need love, caring and acceptance to reform the spirit!
Nope.
This is a grade A Spirit of Vengeance, both capitalized. All our intrepid heroes can do is weather the storm- no reform, no apologies, no appeasement.
And it's refreshing. Some of our characters are the audience by proxy, insiting it has to be a jilted lover or a woman with a vengeance. But I had real fear and sorrow when he faced down the Shihuabana.
World building continued almost incidentally, which lead me to more concerns about the geography and make up of this world. One of the characters did seem a little self indulgent, of a professor of ancient history who builds out this world view and provides information. But you know what? I'd write myself into the story as well.
I like again, the presentation of differing cultures and ethnicities. The Lakota are represented here as well, though how well- again, noir fantasy. I also question how he writes non- professional female characters, as one seems flighty. Maybe thats the noir.
Well developed characters and machinations and a well inhabited, fleshed out, universe.
This whole book answers the question of " How do you deal with the supernatural in a realistic way?" In Alexander Southerland's case, you lean into it.
First off the bat. Its not a Scooby Doo esque caper, with a technological or theatrical outfitting. Its also not a case of vengeance gone wrong, and oh no, we just need love, caring and acceptance to reform the spirit!
Nope.
This is a grade A Spirit of Vengeance, both capitalized. All our intrepid heroes can do is weather the storm- no reform, no apologies, no appeasement.
And it's refreshing. Some of our characters are the audience by proxy, insiting it has to be a jilted lover or a woman with a vengeance. But I had real fear and sorrow when he faced down the Shihuabana.
World building continued almost incidentally, which lead me to more concerns about the geography and make up of this world. One of the characters did seem a little self indulgent, of a professor of ancient history who builds out this world view and provides information. But you know what? I'd write myself into the story as well.
I like again, the presentation of differing cultures and ethnicities. The Lakota are represented here as well, though how well- again, noir fantasy. I also question how he writes non- professional female characters, as one seems flighty. Maybe thats the noir.
Well developed characters and machinations and a well inhabited, fleshed out, universe.
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.
April 30, 2022
White Chivo Soup
No Spoilers
Another wonderful urban fantasy novel featuring P.I. Alex Southerland. Doug Lumsden wrote an entertaining novel that jumps right in into a haunting apparition caper. Without any seatbelts! A Hag Rises from the Abyss grabs a hold of you, with the only means of escaping is to devour it all in one read. While not necessary, it is highly recommended, don't spare a single moment. The world is further expanded in Book # 3 of the series. Hints of future events are dropped. New characters are introduced. But, the twists and turns are all masterfully woven in what turns out to be a really great noir crime caper.
Can't stop raving about the great reads the Alexander Southerland series have been. Doug Lumsden, please keep those stories coming!
No Spoilers
Another wonderful urban fantasy novel featuring P.I. Alex Southerland. Doug Lumsden wrote an entertaining novel that jumps right in into a haunting apparition caper. Without any seatbelts! A Hag Rises from the Abyss grabs a hold of you, with the only means of escaping is to devour it all in one read. While not necessary, it is highly recommended, don't spare a single moment. The world is further expanded in Book # 3 of the series. Hints of future events are dropped. New characters are introduced. But, the twists and turns are all masterfully woven in what turns out to be a really great noir crime caper.
Can't stop raving about the great reads the Alexander Southerland series have been. Doug Lumsden, please keep those stories coming!
May 12, 2021
Wow and Brvo!
I didn’t just read this book. I devoured it. It grabbed my interest on the first page and I will unabashedly admit that I’ve spent every spare moment of the last three days held hostage by the intrigue, the twists and turns, and the thoroughly entertaining elements of the story. I love a good mystery and Douglas Lumsden certainly does not disappoint on that score. His erudite manner of weaving mythological creatures into the adventures of Alex add a unique flavor and even deeper interest to his story. I have only one criticism....why isn’t the next book already written? I happily look forward to further adventures with Alex Sutherland and I hope the wait isn’t overly long.
I didn’t just read this book. I devoured it. It grabbed my interest on the first page and I will unabashedly admit that I’ve spent every spare moment of the last three days held hostage by the intrigue, the twists and turns, and the thoroughly entertaining elements of the story. I love a good mystery and Douglas Lumsden certainly does not disappoint on that score. His erudite manner of weaving mythological creatures into the adventures of Alex add a unique flavor and even deeper interest to his story. I have only one criticism....why isn’t the next book already written? I happily look forward to further adventures with Alex Sutherland and I hope the wait isn’t overly long.
December 19, 2025
So this is where the series takes a turn into the unsettling. You get to explore more of Mr Sutherland’s past, you learn more about the salacious nature of the political elite, and more about some of those pesky people that stick their noses in everything.
This one will definitely stick with me, there are some unsettling events that you hear of and that our unflappable PI go through that just stick with you. Even when I finished I still think of one particular line. Admittedly this line was said on the audio by the incomparable Duffy P Weber, who just gets better with every book in my option.
The gang is back, Smoky always coming through, Badass is the muscle we all love, and Gracie… oh Gracie. Another stellar book in this series. I’m already several chapters into the next.
This one will definitely stick with me, there are some unsettling events that you hear of and that our unflappable PI go through that just stick with you. Even when I finished I still think of one particular line. Admittedly this line was said on the audio by the incomparable Duffy P Weber, who just gets better with every book in my option.
The gang is back, Smoky always coming through, Badass is the muscle we all love, and Gracie… oh Gracie. Another stellar book in this series. I’m already several chapters into the next.
March 17, 2022
A journey into political waters in a magical world similar to ours
The story flows well and the clues Alex uncovers do not completely give away the ending. I have always enjoyed detective based urban fantasies and this series is better than most. Alex's elemental skills and deduction abilities fit well in his city and the story and characters weave together for a solid urban fantasy mystery.
The story flows well and the clues Alex uncovers do not completely give away the ending. I have always enjoyed detective based urban fantasies and this series is better than most. Alex's elemental skills and deduction abilities fit well in his city and the story and characters weave together for a solid urban fantasy mystery.
April 7, 2022
What can I say? Douglas Lumsden keeps putting out must-read stories. After the first two novels in the Southerland series were fantasy noir, I felt A Hag Rises From the Abyss was actually more of a horror story. A few of the new characters or creatures introduced will surely have the hairs standing on the back of your neck. I also really appreciate how none of the endings in this series are predictable. Each one is as creative as they are entertaining.
May 30, 2021
Great urban fantasy
Such a great world Dr. Lumsden has created to visit. Just enough magic with different sentient races to make the world interesting and parallels to our world to keep the whole grounded. This book had plenty of new characters and hooks to explore for future writing so I am looking forward to exploring more in future books.
Such a great world Dr. Lumsden has created to visit. Just enough magic with different sentient races to make the world interesting and parallels to our world to keep the whole grounded. This book had plenty of new characters and hooks to explore for future writing so I am looking forward to exploring more in future books.
May 14, 2022
I am so happy to have stumbled onto this author and series.
The mixing of mythos and it's similarity to those in our world make me want the author to create some world book on what he is creating. I am hooked.
The audio is also well worth the listen, the narrator brings the characters to life with excellence.
Keep writing more please.
The mixing of mythos and it's similarity to those in our world make me want the author to create some world book on what he is creating. I am hooked.
The audio is also well worth the listen, the narrator brings the characters to life with excellence.
Keep writing more please.
January 23, 2023
I don’t give 5 stars lightly
I really enjoy this series very much, it has just the correct balance of reality and fantasy. Alex, the main character is a bit rough around the edges, but has a respectable moral center. Each story has flows well, keeps moving in unexpected places, and has an enjoyable conclusion.
I really enjoy this series very much, it has just the correct balance of reality and fantasy. Alex, the main character is a bit rough around the edges, but has a respectable moral center. Each story has flows well, keeps moving in unexpected places, and has an enjoyable conclusion.
November 19, 2023
this is addictive!
I’m a sucker for this genre. Noir urban fantasy. I was able to predict a bit of this in general, but the details of how were way better than I thought. And the endings of this and the previous two are pretty satisfying. Plus, the series is giving me some ideas for my D&D campaign…gotta write up some stuff before I start book 4!
I’m a sucker for this genre. Noir urban fantasy. I was able to predict a bit of this in general, but the details of how were way better than I thought. And the endings of this and the previous two are pretty satisfying. Plus, the series is giving me some ideas for my D&D campaign…gotta write up some stuff before I start book 4!
April 7, 2022
fun, fun, fun
When I picked up this book, I did it out of curiosity. My love for mystery book’s started with Sherlock Holmes. The Alexander Southerland PI series are fun books that keep me laughing. I truly do hope you make more.
The curious dizzy dish
When I picked up this book, I did it out of curiosity. My love for mystery book’s started with Sherlock Holmes. The Alexander Southerland PI series are fun books that keep me laughing. I truly do hope you make more.
The curious dizzy dish
May 5, 2022
This series keeps getting better
This alternate earth fantasy is a novel world that's almost but not quite ours, good characters and good plot, with enough twists to make you look forward to the bigger plot that is unfolding.
This alternate earth fantasy is a novel world that's almost but not quite ours, good characters and good plot, with enough twists to make you look forward to the bigger plot that is unfolding.
January 23, 2023
This series has really gained traction
The first book was good. The second book was better. Book 3 really pays off the world building and development of that they established. It's urban fantasy with a Native American legendarium heavily influenced by Mayan and Aztec cultures. After decades of reading Northern European fantasy (and loving it) this is a welcome departure.
The first book was good. The second book was better. Book 3 really pays off the world building and development of that they established. It's urban fantasy with a Native American legendarium heavily influenced by Mayan and Aztec cultures. After decades of reading Northern European fantasy (and loving it) this is a welcome departure.
August 20, 2023
Excellent Series
If you liked The Thin Man, if you're a fan of fantastical urban fiction, and if you like mystery, then you've hit the jackpot! Alex Southerland, military vet NIW private investigator, is always in over his head and fighting to stay alive and sane. Fortunately, he has help. Enjoy!
If you liked The Thin Man, if you're a fan of fantastical urban fiction, and if you like mystery, then you've hit the jackpot! Alex Southerland, military vet NIW private investigator, is always in over his head and fighting to stay alive and sane. Fortunately, he has help. Enjoy!
May 24, 2024
The world of Alex Southerland is entertaining and expansive. In this episode, Alex is forced to assist in guarding the corrupt mayor and ends up investigating the suspicious but covered up death of the mayor's former lover. New species of creatures are introduced and in the end, Alex is drawn into an even deeper plot...to be continued in the next book.
May 25, 2025
Solid noir detective story with urban fantasy twist.
This is a solid book and series with interesting mystery / detective plots. I recommend these books if you like hard-boiled detective stories.
This is a solid book and series with interesting mystery / detective plots. I recommend these books if you like hard-boiled detective stories.
May 12, 2021
Very good book
This is fine urban fantasy noire novel. It's well written and edited. The characters have depth and purpose. Big fan of smoky. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is fine urban fantasy noire novel. It's well written and edited. The characters have depth and purpose. Big fan of smoky. I anxiously await the sequel.
October 9, 2021
Love gained and lost
Our hero finds himself involved in an eternal conflict. Still trying to find his way. E excellent story, nice to read.
Our hero finds himself involved in an eternal conflict. Still trying to find his way. E excellent story, nice to read.
October 30, 2021
Brilliant third installment for this wonderful noir urban fantasy series!
January 1, 2022
So glad I found this series. Nice to have fantasy added to my usual crime reading. If only I could summon a Smokey. Book 4 awaits.
April 20, 2023
Douglas Lumsden's Southerland novels are the best in this urban noir genre. I'll quickly order the next ones 'a nymph rises ...' en 'demon's dagger'.
April 30, 2022
Hag was a worthy noir and I awarded it five stars, though I wanted to take half a star back due to a couple of rough transitions. I'm looking forward to what comes next. Several of this novel's colorful villains survived and I expect (and hope!) they'll slink out of some future novel's shadows.
November 17, 2023
The uniqueness of these plots really had me enthralled. I loved it. It makes for fun reading. I like the serializes aspect of some of the plot points. But any book can be read in any order.
October 28, 2021
5 stars. A lovely addition that completes (for now) a trifecta of wonderful stories full of great mystery and characterization!
OK, so confession time: "A Hag That Did What Hags Do" (just go with it) was maybe not as powerful for me personally (which I think might qualify as being redundant if not definitely somewhat self-aggrandizing) as the first two books - and no, I don't think I can sufficiently explain why not but let's see how long I can mumble my way through an explanation of same. But without question this was still a masterful tale full of a b…oatload of intrique, more mysteries than you can shake a charmed amulet at and about as much fun as you can have in the mystic and magical realm of Douglas Lumsden's "Alex Southerland, P.I."
First and foremost, I had to keep reminding myself that this is not really a trilogy, at least not in the classic way I think of a trilogy. None of the three books of Lumsden's that I've devoured in just over a week qualify as such - even though they are without question part of a much much larger picture that is still very much being developed, formed and baked into some kind of fantastic baked thing! Yeah sure, you could argue the author has put together 3 stories that could barely be separated without a lot of troll-grade elbow grease and a solid crowbar working at it … but no matter how you slice the abalone (urgh, that set off my gag reflex again), the books are very unique unto themselves and can only be called resplendent with their own charm and identity. In fact, you could pick one up at random and start reading and only be slightly worse off than if you started at the beginning (but do start there because of, well duh, it's good - as the Germans say - Scheisse!). And despite this long-winded yap yap yap ("just shoot already"), I have to say that this may be in part why I found the pacing of this one … no, not bad but maybe a little skewed when compared to the previous cases. I know I have you all now putting forth your most intellectual questions along the lines of "whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?"
What I'm inexpertly trying to convey is that in this story, we spend a LOT of time in Alex's noggin, whether we're reliving war memories or listening to his inner monologue about the lack of honor in politics or even being treated to the lovesick and silent soliloquies he shares when he finally finds himself in the arms of a dame that would make any living man drool… and even some of the dead ones, too. All that adds up then to what has to be of the three books the most "noir-y" story yet and that doesn't even take into consideration the hellspawn we've met before. I mean, this is the dirty streets of SanFran without any pretending otherwise and I honestly kept waiting for Karl Malden to show up (but from the sounds of it, that may be who either Ralph or the stinky rat wizard were modelled after!). And sure, we get plenty of troll action, some witch-y bits (really Alex? You waited until exactly 2/3s of the book was done before approaching your favorite Bruja who just happens to be the most powerful witch perhaps anywhere?) and even a few unique, even one of a kind cryptids showing up … and yet, at its heart, this story moreso than any of its compatriots was very, very human. The motivation for the "crime", the way that "big politics" works, all of it. Human. With all the bumps, scars and warts that entails!
So maybe I was missing a little of the urban fantasy mojo and sure, maybe that slowed it all down tempo-wise a tad in my cranial areas … but yeah, if so, it wasn't really all that noticeable at the end of the day. Ignore my picking of the nits because this is still a damn fine tale with - again - just wonderful prose and plotting which are obviously Dr. Douglas trademarks! Oh and if you're curious, just like last time, none of my guesses in terms of who- (or what-) dunnit except for Fulton's mole were even close to correct … and in that case it was only my "b" selection which isn't much of a guess when "a" and "b" show up together to reveal their mole-iness (though I did sort of anticipate that final climatic scene what with the splatting and the kablooeyification and more)! And yeah, I'll admit it: I was convinced the mayor's wife had gotten a bit axe-murdery on everyone but that fell pretty flat. Oh well, chalk it up to not trusting or understanding ANY of the dames in a situation like this. Stormclaw knew what he was talkin' about, trust me!
Oh and before I go, there's some damn fine foreshadowing about what will be coming up in any future episodes, which I for one would prefer to see sooner rather than not sooner. The re-birth of the (no spoilers)'n peoples mixed with now an even higher level of "police" activity just makes me rub my hands in glee! This big ol' world that our favorite gumshoe finds himself in is about to get a lot bigger!
OK, so confession time: "A Hag That Did What Hags Do" (just go with it) was maybe not as powerful for me personally (which I think might qualify as being redundant if not definitely somewhat self-aggrandizing) as the first two books - and no, I don't think I can sufficiently explain why not but let's see how long I can mumble my way through an explanation of same. But without question this was still a masterful tale full of a b…oatload of intrique, more mysteries than you can shake a charmed amulet at and about as much fun as you can have in the mystic and magical realm of Douglas Lumsden's "Alex Southerland, P.I."
First and foremost, I had to keep reminding myself that this is not really a trilogy, at least not in the classic way I think of a trilogy. None of the three books of Lumsden's that I've devoured in just over a week qualify as such - even though they are without question part of a much much larger picture that is still very much being developed, formed and baked into some kind of fantastic baked thing! Yeah sure, you could argue the author has put together 3 stories that could barely be separated without a lot of troll-grade elbow grease and a solid crowbar working at it … but no matter how you slice the abalone (urgh, that set off my gag reflex again), the books are very unique unto themselves and can only be called resplendent with their own charm and identity. In fact, you could pick one up at random and start reading and only be slightly worse off than if you started at the beginning (but do start there because of, well duh, it's good - as the Germans say - Scheisse!). And despite this long-winded yap yap yap ("just shoot already"), I have to say that this may be in part why I found the pacing of this one … no, not bad but maybe a little skewed when compared to the previous cases. I know I have you all now putting forth your most intellectual questions along the lines of "whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?"
What I'm inexpertly trying to convey is that in this story, we spend a LOT of time in Alex's noggin, whether we're reliving war memories or listening to his inner monologue about the lack of honor in politics or even being treated to the lovesick and silent soliloquies he shares when he finally finds himself in the arms of a dame that would make any living man drool… and even some of the dead ones, too. All that adds up then to what has to be of the three books the most "noir-y" story yet and that doesn't even take into consideration the hellspawn we've met before. I mean, this is the dirty streets of SanFran without any pretending otherwise and I honestly kept waiting for Karl Malden to show up (but from the sounds of it, that may be who either Ralph or the stinky rat wizard were modelled after!). And sure, we get plenty of troll action, some witch-y bits (really Alex? You waited until exactly 2/3s of the book was done before approaching your favorite Bruja who just happens to be the most powerful witch perhaps anywhere?) and even a few unique, even one of a kind cryptids showing up … and yet, at its heart, this story moreso than any of its compatriots was very, very human. The motivation for the "crime", the way that "big politics" works, all of it. Human. With all the bumps, scars and warts that entails!
So maybe I was missing a little of the urban fantasy mojo and sure, maybe that slowed it all down tempo-wise a tad in my cranial areas … but yeah, if so, it wasn't really all that noticeable at the end of the day. Ignore my picking of the nits because this is still a damn fine tale with - again - just wonderful prose and plotting which are obviously Dr. Douglas trademarks! Oh and if you're curious, just like last time, none of my guesses in terms of who- (or what-) dunnit except for Fulton's mole were even close to correct … and in that case it was only my "b" selection which isn't much of a guess when "a" and "b" show up together to reveal their mole-iness (though I did sort of anticipate that final climatic scene what with the splatting and the kablooeyification and more)! And yeah, I'll admit it: I was convinced the mayor's wife had gotten a bit axe-murdery on everyone but that fell pretty flat. Oh well, chalk it up to not trusting or understanding ANY of the dames in a situation like this. Stormclaw knew what he was talkin' about, trust me!
Oh and before I go, there's some damn fine foreshadowing about what will be coming up in any future episodes, which I for one would prefer to see sooner rather than not sooner. The re-birth of the (no spoilers)'n peoples mixed with now an even higher level of "police" activity just makes me rub my hands in glee! This big ol' world that our favorite gumshoe finds himself in is about to get a lot bigger!
July 18, 2024
A Hag Rises from the Abyss by Douglas Lumsden - Third book in the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series
Adventurous, challenging, dark, hopeful, inspiring, mysterious, reflective, and sad.
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
This is my favourite book in the series, so far. I was able to connect with the story AND the characters. I am invested in the world. It feels comfortable, but also able to bring new info to the reading experience.
Love the races that are sprinkled into this Mystery Noir story, that is based in a Urban Fantasy world. Alexander Southerland, Private Investigator...doesn't have the easiest job. He's a good person, that sometimes has to do bad things, for reasons that he feels are warranted, though he regrets some things.
Love the "softer" side of Alex in this story. He finds "love", but of course...things don't always go his way.
With each story, the worldbuilding is near perfection. The colourful characters, and "on brand" lingo and seedy places...that inhabit this area of the U.S.
Laurence (Larry) Fulton was a bad guy that you love to hate. We will definitely interact with him, again. Also, the Hatfield Syndacate will rear it's evil head up, again.
Love the introduction of the horned goat, with ridged spikes...and other oddities. Love the unkown.
I've also grown fond of Yerba City. There are other cities in the region...mentioned in passing and in setting up other stories...for the future, but Yerba City is the one for Alex and me.
Cannot wait to read on...in this series. Very grateful, that I read this book. Thank you.
Adventurous, challenging, dark, hopeful, inspiring, mysterious, reflective, and sad.
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
This is my favourite book in the series, so far. I was able to connect with the story AND the characters. I am invested in the world. It feels comfortable, but also able to bring new info to the reading experience.
Love the races that are sprinkled into this Mystery Noir story, that is based in a Urban Fantasy world. Alexander Southerland, Private Investigator...doesn't have the easiest job. He's a good person, that sometimes has to do bad things, for reasons that he feels are warranted, though he regrets some things.
Love the "softer" side of Alex in this story. He finds "love", but of course...things don't always go his way.
With each story, the worldbuilding is near perfection. The colourful characters, and "on brand" lingo and seedy places...that inhabit this area of the U.S.
Laurence (Larry) Fulton was a bad guy that you love to hate. We will definitely interact with him, again. Also, the Hatfield Syndacate will rear it's evil head up, again.
Love the introduction of the horned goat, with ridged spikes...and other oddities. Love the unkown.
I've also grown fond of Yerba City. There are other cities in the region...mentioned in passing and in setting up other stories...for the future, but Yerba City is the one for Alex and me.
Cannot wait to read on...in this series. Very grateful, that I read this book. Thank you.
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