I admit, I picked up this book because of the blurb saying that it was a "brilliant urban fantasy" from the son of Jim Butcher (author of The Dresden Files). Urban fantasy is one of the genres I enjoy and I was curious to see what the next generation in the Butcher family had to offer readers. It is a world filled with the Usuals (aka Muggles) and the Unorthodox (anyone or anything magical). The Department of Unorthodox Affairs has witches known as Auditors (aka Aurors of a sort) who handle problems involving magical entities and artifacts.
The protagonist is a mediocre witch who has physical problems that interfere with his use of magic. He grew up wanting to be an Auditor, but didn't make the cut during training. Now the witch who had him dropped from the program is dead and the Department is after him as a suspect. How does one failed applicant take on the might of the Auditors and prove his innocence? Among other things, he is also at a disadvantage because of his name - Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby. (What kind of parent does that to a child?)
There are power plays at work within the Department, ordinary troubles at Grimsby's job, the retired partner of the dead witch takes an interest in the investigation, and creatures from Elsewhere (an alternate dimension that witches can see and enter) are also following poor Grimsby around. When it rains, it pours.
I especially liked the descriptions of Elsewhere. They reminded me of the movie "Constantine" when he enters the afterlife. Locations have a connection to those in our physical world, but they may look different or be inhabited by dangerous creatures. The method of entering and exiting the Elsewhere is also clever (nope, not telling), and the need for witches to wear some sort of mask to block their perception of that dimension is an interesting touch.
The ending wraps up some issues, but also leaves openings for a sequel. For those who have come to appreciate Grimsby and his underdog style, as well as some of his companions, that means more adventures in the future. For now, Dead Man's Hand hits shelves on October 11th.
I received an advance copy from the publisher for review purposes.
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