I am not sure when urban fantasy/urban horror was released on the scene but it is safe to say that there are a number of authors whose books would fit within this genre. Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris are two that come to mind. Simon R. Green’s Nightside series and Liz Williams’ Snake Agent are two that I have read which are written in a similar vein. Mystery stories featuring a private investigator set in a world where the supernatural is not a myth, but a reality. While the products of good writers tend to spawn derivative works from those looking to cash in on a trend, there are surprises to be found amongst the pretenders. Kat Richardson‘s debut novel, Greywalker, is one of those surprises.
Kat Richardson’s protagonist Harper Blaine, like Green’s John Taylor and Williams’ Chen, is a detective. The world in which she works is, she believes, quite ‘normal’. She soon discovers that the ‘paranormal’ exists with the mundane and her growing clientele appears to be from the other side. As she begins to learn of her newfound abilities she discovers that a life she once thought potentially dangerous is more terrifying than she could have ever imagined.
Richardson describes her books as “Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction Mysteries” and it fits. The word “horror” should be thrown in the mix as well. Richardson succeeds in making her novel stand out from the crowd with skilled writing and the creativity to take stock characters and ideas and make them fresh. Harper Blaine, as narrator of her tale, knows no more than the reader knows about the circumstances of her life and Richardson manages to bring both along in a way that keeps one wanting to turn the pages. Richardson’s voice speaks with the kind of aplomb that makes the unbelievable believable. I was impressed with her ability to take multiple story threads and weave them together for a satisfying conclusion. While this book is the first in a series featuring Harper Blaine, Greywalker is a self-contained story with a satisfying end. If you are looking for a page-turning mystery story replete with magic, ghosts,witches, vampires (and things worse than vampires) helmed by a smart, balanced heroine, I highly recommend Greywalker.
While visiting Kat Richardson’s website I was excited to see that the second novel in the series is due for release in August. I am looking forward to more of Harper Blaine’s adventures.
This is bad! I love these type of books and am trying to reduce my tbr mountains and you tempt me so… Oh well, they go on the wishlist.
First off I love the covers!
Secondly, damn you. Yet another book I want to read now especially after reading the first two Anita Blake comics. They brought back my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Greywalker sounds like it fits right in with that horror/heroine theme.
Thanks for the review!
I saw that you were reading this, from your sidebar.. I love the cover & couldn’t wait to hear what you had to say about it.
Now, I’m definitely going to have to pick it up. It’s right down my alley. I have the Borders coupon for buy 3 regular priced books & get a 4th free… plus I have some gift certificates burning a hole in my pocket…
Yeah, I’m hitting Borders after work. LOL
Oh, this one sounds interesting. Don’t you hate having to wait for the next one in a series? I used to wait for the George R. R. Martin books, but waiting years for the next one, I lost interest after 3.
Jeff can sympathize JenClair, he is a huge Martin fan and also waits impatiently for each book!
I thought of you the whole time I was reading this, Angela, knowing you’d really like it.
Jeff, feel free to borrow it eventhough you have a huge pile of books to read!
Good review, Carl. I was hoping you would like this as much as I did. August is a long wait.
I am so glad you got it for me Pat, it was so enjoyable. I look forward to book two!
Hmm…we wants it, Precious, yes we do. Sounds good, Carl! I’ll have to check it out when I have a chance. 🙂
jenclair… I was lucky and only discovered George RR Martin a few years ago. I love his series. Book 4 was just as good as the others and it looks as if Book 5 will be out this fall. The series will now run seven books instead of six though just so you know.
I just finished Greywalker, and it was NNIIIIICCCCCCEE…………. Now I MUST go out and get Poltergeist. Ahh, lovely. I heart Wygan
Glad you enjoyed it. Poltergeist is on my bookshelf awaiting its turn in line to be read.