The Devil You Know

Felix Castor is an exorcist-for-hire in London, where ghosts and supernatural beings have become an acknowledged part of everyday life. He takes on what appears to be a routine case at a museum, involving a ghost that has begun terrorizing the staff and visitors. The investigation pulls Castor into a complex web of supernatural threats and competing interests in London's occult underworld. His work brings him into contact with demons, were-beings, and rival exorcists as he tries to uncover the truth behind the haunting. The story combines elements of noir detective fiction with urban fantasy, set against the backdrop of a modern London where the supernatural exists alongside the mundane. Castor navigates this world armed with his wit, his knowledge of the occult, and his primary tool - a tin whistle he uses to bind and banish spirits. The novel explores themes of redemption, responsibility, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world where the dead walk among the living. Through its supernatural lens, it raises questions about mortality and what truly separates the human from the inhuman.

Readers highlight Felix Castor's character development and sarcastic humor as standout elements. The book's blend of noir detective and supernatural horror draws frequent comparisons to The Dresden Files, though readers note a darker, more mature tone. Likes: - British urban setting and mythology - Complex secondary characters - Detailed worldbuilding - Atmospheric descriptions of London Dislikes: - Slow pacing in first third - Too much description/exposition - Some find Felix less likeable than similar protagonists - Romance elements feel forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (380+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (900+ ratings) Common reader quotes mention "gritty realism," "clever dialogue," and "fresh take on exorcism." Multiple reviews praise the unique magic system and rules for ghosts/demons. Some note the book requires patience but rewards careful reading with a satisfying conclusion.

Storm Front by Jim Butcher A Chicago wizard works as a private investigator solving supernatural crimes while battling dark forces in this noir-influenced urban fantasy.

Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey An escaped hitman from Hell hunts for revenge through a supernatural Los Angeles filled with angels, demons, and monsters.

Low Town by Daniel Polansky A former intelligence agent turned drug dealer navigates a gothic fantasy city's criminal underworld while investigating a series of child murders.

Dead Things by Stephen Blackmoore A necromancer returns to Los Angeles to solve his sister's murder using his ability to speak with the dead.

Twenty Palaces by Harry Connolly A prison ex-con works as an enforcer for a secret society that protects the world from supernatural predators who enter through magical gates.

🔥 Mike Carey developed the character of Felix Castor after writing extensively for comic books, including Hellblazer and Lucifer for DC Comics/Vertigo 📚 The novel's London setting draws heavily on actual locations, with many scenes taking place in real streets and buildings, creating an authentic urban horror atmosphere ⚔️ Felix Castor's weapon of choice—a tin whistle he uses to exorcise ghosts—was inspired by the traditional role of music in folklore and supernatural tales across cultures 🌟 The book kicked off a five-novel series that earned praise for blending hardboiled detective noir with supernatural horror elements 🎭 Felix Castor's profession as an exorcist-for-hire reflects a growing trend in urban fantasy literature of treating supernatural problem-solving as a legitimate business, similar to Jim Butcher's Dresden Files