The Pale House Devil, by Richard Kadrey

I'd not heard of Richard Kadrey before seeing this novella, but the plot drew me in. I suspected another urban fantasy, with magic mixed with rough city-scapes and cynical gumshoes romancing the dames.

This is SO much more!

We have two detectives, one mortal and one less so. One kills the undead, the other kills the living. Like the Witcher's swords, but with more snark.

I was immediately reminded with 'Randall and Hopkirk: Deceased', but in its own world. The setting is roughly America, roughly now, but unique enough that it seems ageless. The two men likewise - they could be the comedy pair from 'Some Like it Hot', but MUCH later in life (and death).

We have a buddy-detective story then, with the blackest of humour, full of classic noir and a genuinely engaging story. The back-and-forth between our leads is a clear highlight, which made me thank the author via social media as I requested more of their... adventures? Not quite. Shenanigans? No. Bumming along together, perhaps.

The story itself seemed akin to an episode in a wider series, and I do hope that's the case. The logic of the mystery was smart, the side characters well fleshed-out (ahem), and the resolution very satisfactory.

I read this in one sitting, and then went to look up the author's back catalogue, which I am now enjoying likewise. How did I miss his work?!

A smart, fun detective noir with snarks and magic. An easy recommend.