A fantastic supernatural mystery
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The book's blurb sounded interesting and I'd heard of Mike Carey from his comic book work so I thought I'd give this a go. And I'm so glad I did! This is a cracking, easy read which has such a great take on the whole undead thing. Felix Castor - an exorcist who is more like a wisecracking, tough psychic private detective - is a likeable, brilliant character and the supernatural reflection of modern-day London that he inhabits is dark and thrilling.
If you like mysteries, thrillers, or whodunnits with a horror-like urban fantasy feel to it, then pick up this book. You won't regret it.
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Gumshoe Exoricist
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Felix Castors original outing and one that proves Carey's origins in Hellblazer. Well crafted, witty and with characters that just jump out of the page this supernatural thriller takes the reader on a wild ride whilst also allowing them to become accustomed to the "alternate" version of London. Yet the plot doesn't let up with it clearly being well planned and character driven as we struggle to come to terms with the back story of Felix as he tries to live his life as normally as possible against the chaos that seems to beat its way to his door.
If you're looking for a grittier Harry Dresden that's more "spirit of man" rather than magic then this is going to be a real treat with London's Dark Alleyways and hidden cemeteries coming to the fore as well as allowing the seedier side of man show itself during this tale. A real gem and something to keep around for multiple readings.
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Definitely X files stuff
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I picked up this book in a second hand shop not knowing what to expect as I have never read this author before, but I will certainly read the rest of them now. It was the most gripping, funny, unusual book I've read this year. Felix Castor is a gem. I would love to know where Mike Carey gets his information from in the first place. Are there manuals about ghosts or does he make it up as he goes along? However he does it, the books are well worth reading. Buy one and enjoy.
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wonderfull
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was a bit weary as he used to write for hellblazer, but is an original, gripping and entertaining supernatural noir story, with heart. Bring on the new ones
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The Devil Takes His Time
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Felix Castor is an exorcist in a version of modern day London were ghosts are a common occurrence. He is hired by the head of an archive to exorcise the spirit of a young women whose face is hidden behind a red haze. Castor's investigations will lead him away from the world of academia into one of people trafficking and deadly gangsters. Will Castor ignore the warnings of his friend when he is told to not take this case or face death?
There were elements of 'The Devil You Know' that I really liked, whilst others fell slightly flat. The character of Felix Castor himself is a great one and Carey creates a really interesting world for him to live in. It is instantly recognisable as modern day London and somehow the introduction of ghosts, zombies and were-creatures seems to work. I also thought that the investigation in the book was decent and was similar to a PI novel more than science fiction.
Unfortunately, a lot of the good work that Carey put into realising his universe is undone by his inability to be succinct. The book comes in at over 400 pages and feels far too long for lightweight fare. He adds too much explanation and goes into more detail than needed on several occasions. Despite this it is still a good book and the ending suggests that sequels could even be better. I would recommend it to fans of Jim Butcher as it a companion series to the 'Harry Dresden' books.
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