In Dan Willis's Equal & Opposite, the latest Arcane Casebook novel, New York City becomes a battleground between magic and murder. A killer is wielding explosive runes, a form of magic from Alex Lockerby's own fictional lore, wreaking havoc across the city. With his own magical abilities mysteriously absent, Alex, a gifted investigator, must rely on his intellect to track down the culprit before they strike again. The mystery deepens as the killer's identity proves to be shockingly close to home. This fast-paced fantasy detective noir, reminiscent of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, is a thrilling blend of supernatural suspense and intricate investigation, filled with explosive twists and turns. Can Alex solve the case before it's too late?
Review Equal & Opposite
Oh, Equal & Opposite! Another fantastic entry in the Arcane Casebook series. Honestly, I’m always a little sad when I finish one of these, but so happy to have spent time in Dan Willis’s wonderfully crafted 1930s magical New York. This eleventh book perfectly balances the familiar comfort of revisiting beloved characters with the thrill of a fresh, engaging mystery. It’s a testament to Willis’s skill that, even after eleven books, he manages to keep the world feeling both rich and expansive, not weighed down by established lore but rather enriched by it.
What I really appreciate about this series, and especially this installment, is the way it subtly builds on previous books. There are nods to past events and characters, clever callbacks that reward longtime readers without ever feeling like essential background knowledge. It’s smart storytelling; it lets newcomers jump in relatively easily, but it also offers a delightful sense of continuity and depth for those who’ve followed Alex Lockerby’s journey from the beginning. The plot itself is gripping. The explosive rune angle? Brilliantly conceived. The mystery unfolds cleverly, keeping you guessing until the very end. I was definitely surprised by the twist – and I consider myself pretty good at figuring out whodunnits! Willis expertly drops breadcrumbs, leading you down intriguing paths before expertly pulling the rug out from under you. It’s the kind of well-crafted puzzle that leaves you satisfied yet eager to dissect it further.
While the book is self-contained enough to be enjoyed as a standalone, it’s clearly meant to be part of a larger narrative, and that’s fine by me. The ending neatly wraps up the immediate case while simultaneously setting the stage for what promises to be an equally compelling next chapter. Those little cliffhangers are brilliantly done; they leave you wanting more without feeling overly manipulative. It's that perfect balance of satisfying conclusion and tantalizing preview.
Beyond the plot, I continue to be impressed by the character development. Alex, while consistently the resourceful and witty protagonist we know and love, faces new challenges that genuinely test his skills and resilience. We see growth, not just in him, but in the supporting characters as well. They're not simply static figures; they evolve, their relationships deepen, and their roles within the story organically shift. It’s this attention to character that makes the world of the Arcane Casebook feel so lived-in and believable, even with its fantastical elements. It's a world I genuinely enjoy visiting, and I always find myself eagerly anticipating the next installment. The wait until September 2025 feels excruciatingly long – I'll need to reread some favorites to keep myself occupied!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.84 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 336
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
