The Demon and the City

The Demon and the City (2006) Liz Williams (Detective Inspector Chen #2)

“I’m here about an irregularity in your feng shui dowsing license,” the demon said. “My name’s Seneschal Zhu Irzh. Want to see my badge?”

At this point he had produced a piece of paper which, to Paravang’s horrified gaze, had proclaimed him to be not only a citizen of Hell, but also a member of Singapore Three’s police department. To Paravang’s mind, this was a truly nightmarish combination.

“The Paugeng heiress. Even I’ve heard of Jhai Tserai.” He grinned. “Most of Hell has, as a matter of fact. She’s got a number of interesting contacts down there.”

“There’s a substantial spring down there.” He pointed.

Paravang said loftily, “I doubt that very much. It’s entirely the wrong sort of terrain.”

Zhu Irzh made a universal both-hands-in-the-air gesture. “I can’t help that. I can see it! There it is. Go and get your little stick and take a look.”

“It is not a little stick! It is a dowsing wand!”

“My apologies.”

Spoiler: He’s not really sorry.

Characters:

Cover by Jon Foster

Publisher: Night Shade

Rating: /10

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