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: Detective Inspector Chen, Seneschal Zhu Irzh, Sergeant Ma, Deveth Sardai, Opal Sardai, Malian Sardai, Dowser Paravang Roche, Hsu Ko, Robin Yuan, Jhai Tserai, Giris Sardai, George Su, Exorcist Ghi, Tarai Alba, Colonel Ei, Kuan Yin, Senditreya, Mhara, badger / teakettle, Mrs Yin Deng Soi, Tarai Alba, Wo Ti, Mahibel Wing, Iso Matabe

Cover by Jon Foster

Publisher: Night Shade

Rating: 8/10

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