Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dead Man's Hand by James J Butcher Narrator: James Patrick Cronin
Series: The Unorthodox Chronicles #1
Published by Ace, Penguin Audio on October 11, 2022
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 336
Length: 11 hours, 10 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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On the streets of Boston, the world is divided into the ordinary Usuals, and the paranormal Unorthodox. And in the Department of Unorthodox Affairs, the Auditors are the magical elite, government-sanctioned witches with spells at their command and all the power and prestige that comes with it. Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby is...not one of those witches.
After flunking out of the Auditor training program and being dismissed as "not Department material," Grimsby tried to resign himself to life as a mediocre witch. But he can't help hoping he'll somehow, someway, get another chance to prove his skill. That opportunity comes with a price when his former mentor, aka the most dangerous witch alive, is murdered down the street from where he works, and Grimsby is the Auditors' number one suspect.
Proving his innocence will require more than a little legwork, and after forming a strange alliance with the retired legend known as the Huntsman and a mysterious being from Elsewhere, Grimsby is abruptly thrown into a life of adventure, whether he wants it or not. Now all he has to do is find the real killer, avoid the Auditors on his trail, and most importantly, stay alive.
I was curious to learn about this debut novel in The Unorthodox Chronicles series from Jim Butcher’s son, James. I found it a worthwhile read, although like any new world I had to assimilate the parameters. I was initially uncertain who the main character would be, but it is clear in the blurb.
Grimsby is very young and has a struggling past. He’s not stupid or completely unskilled but his self-confidence is lacking. He’s been rejected or put down enough it isn’t surprising. He works at a place similar to Chucky Cheese doing a little magic for kid’s parties, and also handling janitorial tasks. The writing is third person but we do get a lot of Grimsby’s thoughts and not the others.
The main story is a murder mystery, where the victim is a witch and Grimsby is a suspect. The witch’s old partner Mayflower gets to Grimsby before the “Auditors” and then realizes he is not the killer and works with him to find the killer as well as the magic object she was protecting.
It’s a dangerous and active adventure. Some of the Auditors are corrupt for power so it’s even more harrowing. Grimsby goes through a lot of character growth, prodded by Mayflower, as they try to solve the issues, protect the magical object and stay alive.
I would say I didn’t like the type of humor in the story. I felt it was sort of making fun of Grimsby and it didn’t seem funny. Sure, Grimsby didn’t know a lot but he hadn’t had much support in his life or training.
I did really like the Mayflower, the Huntsman, and his working with Grimsby. I’m excited to see what comes next as Grimsby, like all urban fantasy main characters, has started to form his band of allies, with Mayflower and Wudge. He also has a bit more experience and confidence.
Narration:
I don’t believe I’ve listened to this narrator previously. I enjoyed the different voices for the different characters which really enhanced the performance for me. The tone and emotional timbre added to it also. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About James J Butcher
James J. Butcher spends most of his time in places that don’t exist; some of which he even made himself. What little time he has left is usually spent writing or exercising. He is the son of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, who introduced him to books, movies and games. He lives in Denver, and is working on his next novel.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
I’d love to read this, it sounds like a good series opener. I love seeing the children of successful authors following in their parent’s footsteps😁
I thought it was pretty good. The main character had a lot of growth which was needed because he was a mess at the start.
I read one or two from this series. I really should read some more. Maybe go back to the beginning.
Carole this is the first in a series, a debut for this author. He is the son of Jim Butcher who writes the Harry Dresden series.
Ooooh! That makes sense! The name and everything seemed to familiar lol. Thanks for clarifying! 😀
Ooh, I must give this a try. Thanks for sharing your review.
Of course Laura! I am happy to see you, haven’t heard about you (Sunday post) for a long while.
I have a copy of this one but time got away from me. I do hope to get to it soon. It sounds like a good start to the series!
It’s definitely the start of a series as it was a bit of work for me to get my mind around all of the things.
Looks like a great beginning to a wonderful series. That cover is wild.
Yes it’s a good start and now I look forward to more.
Oh, I didn’t know it was the son writing this. I thought it was the same guy who wrote Dresden files. I’ve only listened to a couple books in the series and enjoyed them. Glad you enjoyed the son’s debut as well.
Yes Rachel it’s the son of Jim Butcher. I really want to do the Dresden as a Read-along but think I will push it out a year since I want to not do 2 male MC in a row.
Who is the narrator? – I’m curious now.
Did you find his voice similar to his father’s? Is there any comparison to Dresden? I assume it’s not in first person POV based on the blurb.
Anyhow, I’m curious, but I don’t think I’m going to pick it up until I see how the next one goes. 🙂 Thanks!!
I don’t know how I missed it, but I updated now. The narrator is James Patrick Cronin. I don’t believe I have listened to him before but I really thought it was well done. The protagonist here is MUCH younger and less experienced than a Harry Dresden. The Auditors may be a bit like the Council but Harry does not want to be on the Council where Grimsby does. I wouldn’t say they compare really easily.
Wonderful review, I will look at adding this to my TBR as I do love a good urban fantasy.
Thank you Louise. There was a lot of character growth and I hope it will be a good series.
Really glad to see your review, Anne, as I was curious if Butcher’s sone had his writing magic. Looks like he passed on that gene. Wonderful review💜
Thank you Jonetta. I will see how it goes but I think it’s a pretty good start.
Great review Anne. I am looking forward to the next one.
Yes me too. I think then I can enjoy the story with already knowing a bit of the world and characters.