City of Wolves

Alexander Drake, Investigator for Hire, doesn’t like working for the Nobility, and doesn’t prefer to take jobs from strange men who accost him in alleyways. A combination of hired muscle and ready silver have a way of changing a man’s mind. A lord has been killed, his body found covered in bite marks. Even worse, the late lord’s will is missing, and not everyone wants Drake to find it. Solving the case might plunge Drake into deeper danger.

Genre: Fantsy / Mystery

Author: Willow Pelecek

Paperback, 128 pages

Published: July 26th, 2016

Publishing House: Tor.com

My Review

Alexander Drake is hired in a dark alley to solve a royal murder case. The coin is good enough so he agrees to help on his terms although he does not like to serve nobility. Away from coble stone streets of the city with pub's galore, he is taken by horse carriage to the residence of the deceased and begins his investigation. With his first clues collected, the interrogation of family does not show anything promising to come forth. However, there is something strange going on. The body of the murdered man was found below the window in the gardens with definite bite marks of some sort, yet no obvious struggle in the room or on the body is found.


This is such a classic good old fashioned "Investigator for Hire" plot packed into a short story with fantastical elements. The ambiance of the setting reflects London two centuries ago, but I cannot tell for sure.

I had this sleepless night and picked it up in a quick setting. You know when you can't sleep and things in your head keep going 180 mph...well this did the trick. It's quick and entertaining.