Books matching: magical crime
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- #1
Save:Clever, funny, and distinctly British - Midnight Riot is a quirky urban fantasy that’s more police romp than Hogwarts retread. Not perfect, but a must-try for anyone wanting something different in the genre.
"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau...February 2011•292 pages - #2
Save:A fun, foundational urban fantasy-mystery that’s a bit rough around the edges but full of supernatural intrigue. Worth picking up if you want a nostalgic ride with a smart, capable witch at the helm.
"Burning Water" by Mercedes Lackey is the first book in the Diana Tregarde series, featuring a powerful witch who assists the police in solving occult crimes. Set in 1980s Dallas, Texas, the story follows Diana as she teams up with detective Mark Valdez to investigate a series of ritualistic murders with supernatural elements. The plot unfolds with a mix of police procedural and supernatural mystery, delving into Aztec mythology and showcasing Diana's witchcraft skills in a race against time to stop a powerful evil force.
The book is described as a blend of urban fantasy and occult fiction, focusing on Diana Tregarde's character as a strong, knowledgeable, and powerful witch. The narrative combines elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements, creating an engaging story that keeps readers hooked with its brisk pace and dynamic main characters.
Lupe sobbed harshly, her voice muffled, as if smothered by the darkness all about her. She clawed at the rubble that hemmed her in; her finger-ends were surely raw and bloody, but she couldn’t see the...February 1989•334 pages - #3
Save:Dark, twisty, and atmospheric, "Ninth House" is a gripping blend of murder mystery and magical academia - but its heavy themes and dense world-building aren’t for the faint of heart. Perfect for fans of edgy fantasy looking for something bold and adult.
In 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo, the story revolves around Galaxy Alex Stern, a survivor dealing with a traumatic past who is recruited to oversee the mystical activities of the secret societies at Yale. As part of House Leathe, the ninth house, Alex becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets, disappearances, and murder on campus. The book delves into themes of trauma, magic, violence, and the power dynamics within the elite circles of Yale, creating a world where the supernatural intertwines with the everyday struggles of its characters. The writing style is described as dark, compelling, and filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the atmospheric setting of Yale University.
By the time Alex managed to get the blood out of her good wool coat, it was too warm to wear it. Spring had come on grudgingly; pale blue mornings failed to deepen, turning instead to moist, sullen af...October 2019•491 pages - #4
Save:A clever, action-packed urban fantasy romp that gets better as the series grows. Gritty, witty, and wildly entertaining - just be ready to weather some rough, trope-heavy early chapters if you’re starting from book one.
Storm Front, the first book in Jim Butcher's acclaimed *Dresden Files* series, introduces us to Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book, who works as a private investigator. The plot weaves together supernatural elements with classic detective noir, as Harry tackles mysteries involving vampires, werewolves, and other fantastical creatures. The writing is engaging and humorous, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked. Though the early books have been critiqued for simplistic characterization, especially concerning female characters, they improve as the series progresses, showcasing Butcher's growth as a writer and the development of a richly layered world filled with magical politics and compelling story arcs.
1997•337 pages - #5
Save:A clever, imaginative mashup of classic mystery and alternate history fantasy that’s charming and fun - even if it’s more about brainy sleuthing than emotional depth. Great for fans of magical detectives and cozy mysteries!
Murder and Magic by Randall Garrett is a collection of Lord Darcy stories set in an alternate universe where King Richard the Lionheart is alive and magic is a part of everyday life. Lord Darcy, the Chief Forensic Investigator for the Duke of Normandy, solves crimes and untangles international intrigues with the help of forensic sorcerer Sean O' Lochlainn. The stories combine elements of mystery and fantasy, with a blend of medieval and Victorian England, elevators and guns coexisting with sorcery and swordplay.
The book features four short stories that involve cases such as a supposed suicide, mistaken identities, blackmail, and a plot by the King of Poland to disrupt Atlantic trade. The writing style is a mix of mystery, fantasy, and alternative history, with well-developed characters and intricate plots that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
Sir Pierre Morlaix, Chevalier of the Angevin Empire, Knight of the Golden Leopard, and secretary-in-private to my lord, the Count D’Evreux, pushed back the lace at his cuff for a glance at his wrist w...1981•266 pages - #6
Save:A punchy, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant urban fantasy for fans of queer noir and magical mysteries - short, stylish, and bittersweet, but may feel a tad rushed for some.
'Even Though I Knew the End' by C.L. Polk is a sapphic urban fantasy noir novella set in 1930s Chicago. The story follows a magic protagonist who is tempted into investigating a series of ritually killing by the 'White City Vampire.' The book builds beautifully to a heartbreakingly hopeful ending, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and second chances. The plot is described as a voicey noire tale with dynamic characters, a well-built world, and a magic system that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with urban fantasy. Readers praise the detective vibe, the love story, and the fundamental unfairness portrayed in the story.
November 2022•138 pages - #7
Save:A creative and fun mashup of detective noir and fantasy, bursting with clever world-building and humor - best enjoyed by genre fans looking for lighthearted escapism, but possibly not for those wanting deeper characters or modern sensibilities.
'Sweet Silver Blues' in the 'Garrett P.I.' series by Glen Cook is a fantasy noir novel featuring a hard-boiled Private Eye named Garrett who is hired to investigate the disappearance of an old war buddy's heiress. Set in a world filled with gnomes, elves, dwarves, vampires, and unicorns, the story unfolds as Garrett delves into a complex mystery involving a hidden horde of silver, a missing heiress, and dangerous adversaries. The writing style is described as straightforward and matter-of-fact, with elements of humor to lighten the mood as the investigation uncovers more than just a simple missing persons case.
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19...1987•317 pages - #8
Save:A deliciously weird Victorian gothic mystery brimming with strange charm and literary flair - perfect for lovers of lyrical prose, atmospheric settings, and unconventional detective tales.
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd is a Victorian supernatural mystery following Bridie Devine, a flame-haired detective in London, as she investigates the kidnapping of a strange and supernatural child. With the help of her unusual entourage including a seven-foot housekeeper and the ghost of a tattooed boxer, Bridie navigates through a dark and atmospheric world filled with folklore, oddities, and mysteries from the past.
The narrative of Things in Jars shifts between two timelines, exploring Bridie's investigations into the missing child as well as her complex relationships with her companions. Set in a magical realism version of Victorian England, the book weaves together elements of myth, anatomy, and specimen collecting, creating a richly atmospheric tale that delves into the supernatural while maintaining a compelling mystery at its core.
The raven levels off into a glide, flight feathers fanned. Slick on the rolling level of rising currents and down-draughts, she turns her head, this way and that. To her black eye, as black as pooled...2019•405 pages - #9
Save:A wonderfully zany, brainy romp that’s not for everyone, but if Adams’ brand of comedy is your jam, Dirk Gently offers a uniquely entertaining ride through chaos and cosmic connection.
'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency' by Douglas Adams is a quirky and creative novel that follows the eccentric private detective Dirk Gently as he investigates peculiar cases involving time travel, ghosts, and interconnected plots. The book is filled with witty humor, unexpected twists, and a mix of bizarre characters like the electric monk, a disgruntled former magazine publisher, and a time-traveling university professor. The plot unfolds in a non-linear fashion, gradually weaving together seemingly disparate storylines into a cohesive and satisfying narrative.
This time there was just the dead earth, a rumble of thunder, and the onset of that interminable light drizzle from the north-east by which so many of the world’s most momentous events seem to be acco...January 1987•300 pages - #10
Save:A warm, magical hug of a book that’s perfect for fans of gentle queer romance, faerie magic, and Regency adventures - just don’t expect a fast-paced thrill ride.
'Longshadow' by Olivia Atwater is a delightful blend of faerie tale, charming romance, and intriguing murder mystery set in Regency England and Faerie. The story follows Abigail Wilder, a young woman discovering her identity and magical abilities while investigating mysterious deaths of girls she knows. Atwater's writing style is described as whimsically dark, addressing dark themes with eloquence and integrating diverse characters and magical structures seamlessly into the narrative.
2021•279 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Regency Faerie Tales )
