An unusual magical illness is affecting the children of Boston. Junior Auditor Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby and his partner, the veteran Hunstman Mayflower, are tasked by the Department of Unorthodox Affairs with uncovering the cause and putting a stop to it – by any means necessary – before it spreads even further.
It doesn’t take long into the investigation, however, before Grimsby and Mayflower encounter some strange beings that appear to have ancient origins and a heck of a lot of magic power. The duo will visit a depth far below the streets of Boston to face off against unbelievable monsters and then off to a completely different reality, drawing on every bit of knowledge and strength they can muster to protect the humans on earth.
This series actually is getting better and better with each book.
The character of Grimsby has grown nicely through the series so far and while I’ve read the previous three books, I don’t think it’s necessary to have read them in order to enjoy this volume. In fact I might recommend this book before one of the others.
Part of what makes this a stronger book is the fact that the relationship between Grimsby and Mayflower has grown to a point that they seem to work together and play off one another in a fashion that makes the read fun. While the other books were good, I definitely enjoyed this partnership best to date.
The threat which drives the story is strong which creates good tension and keeps the reader anxious to turn the page. The fact that Grimsby pushes himself beyond his normal limits is appropriate but it does also feel a bit over-played. Still I enjoyed this quite a bit. A mature (or maturing) Grimsby is more fun than a truly new and struggling one.
Looking for a good book? Grim Folk Tale by James J. Butcher is the strongest book in The Unorthodox Chronicles and well worth reading for Urban Fantasy fans.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
4-1/2 stars
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Grim Folk Tale
author: James J. Butcher
series: The Unorthodox Chronicles #4
publisher: Ace
ISBN: 9780593819029
hardcover, 480 pages
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