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Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf
Bacardi and Coke. Neat.
Not the usual drink of choice for a mountain dwarf. Then again, Detective Sirgrus Blackmane is no ordinary dwarf—at least not since the Great War. Being a gumshoe during Prohibition might appear glamorous, with secret speakeasies, all-night cocktail parties, and scantily clad women displaying their knees, but crime and conspiracy lurk beneath the city’s shining illusion.
When the human half of the Mason and Blackmane Detective Agency is found dead at the scene of a rum-running bust, Sirgrus vows to find the killer. But this quest for justice leads him straight into a tangled web of underhanded deals with demihuman mobsters who are fighting for control of the rum supply.
And when two more corpses turn up, Sirgrus must work double-time if he wants to find the killer—and avoid turning up dead at the next crime scene.
Not the usual drink of choice for a mountain dwarf. Then again, Detective Sirgrus Blackmane is no ordinary dwarf—at least not since the Great War. Being a gumshoe during Prohibition might appear glamorous, with secret speakeasies, all-night cocktail parties, and scantily clad women displaying their knees, but crime and conspiracy lurk beneath the city’s shining illusion.
When the human half of the Mason and Blackmane Detective Agency is found dead at the scene of a rum-running bust, Sirgrus vows to find the killer. But this quest for justice leads him straight into a tangled web of underhanded deals with demihuman mobsters who are fighting for control of the rum supply.
And when two more corpses turn up, Sirgrus must work double-time if he wants to find the killer—and avoid turning up dead at the next crime scene.
220 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2021
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
William Schlichter
14 books83 followersWilliam Schlichter has a Bachelor of Science in Education emphasizing English from Southeast Missouri State, a Masters of Arts in Theater from Missouri State University, and a Master of Fine Arts from Spalding University. With twenty-two years of teaching English/Speech/Theater, he has returned to making writing his priority. Recent successes with scriptwriting earned him third place in the 2013 Broadcast Education Association National Festival of Media Arts for writing a TV Spec Script episode of The Walking Dead.
His full-length feature script, Incinta, was an officially selected finalist in the 2014 New Orleans Horror Film Festival. Incinta received recognition again by being selected as a finalist at the 2015 Beverly Hills Film Festival for a full-length feature. Incinta has advanced in several other script contests, including most recently being an Official Selected finalist in The 2016 Irvine Film Festival. His next life goal would be to see his film transferred from the pages to the screen.
Writing has always been his passion even through travelling, raising twin children and educating teenagers. While he specializes in the phantasmagorical world of the undead and science fiction fantasy stories, William continues to teach acting, composition and creative writing.
His full-length feature script, Incinta, was an officially selected finalist in the 2014 New Orleans Horror Film Festival. Incinta received recognition again by being selected as a finalist at the 2015 Beverly Hills Film Festival for a full-length feature. Incinta has advanced in several other script contests, including most recently being an Official Selected finalist in The 2016 Irvine Film Festival. His next life goal would be to see his film transferred from the pages to the screen.
Writing has always been his passion even through travelling, raising twin children and educating teenagers. While he specializes in the phantasmagorical world of the undead and science fiction fantasy stories, William continues to teach acting, composition and creative writing.
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March 20, 2021
Review for Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf – Book #1 of the Sirgrus Blackmane Series by William Schlichter
My rating: 4 stars.
Reading Time: 2 days.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for access to the book.
An unusual fantasy style, with lead character being a mountain dwarf running a private investigator service with his human business partner who he served with during the war. To top that he is managing his PTSD with alcohol during the prohibition. What could possibly go wrong?
Plot overview: Sirgrus is called to a rumrunner bust to look into a body that has been discovered during the raid. To solve the murder, he has to deal with the city’s shady underbelly, work along side a mage in the Justice department and relive the harrows of the war. DON’T MENTION THE WAR.
TRIGGER WARNING – War, PTSD.
Sirgrus is everything you would expect from an ex-officer who experienced all the harrows of war time, just trying to get back to real life. He has a strong sense of honour, but a jaded view of the world and battles daily with flashbacks that he manages with rum and whiskey. Not an easy task during the prohibition. His private detective business is struggling, and his business partner seems to care more about chasing skirt then helping to keep the bills paid. A well-written story where you can’t help but feel for Sirgrus’ situation and even when it gets tough, he seems to always try to do the best he can without others suffering unnecessarily. Segregation within the magic community and his own prejudices make things tricky to get the job done.
An enjoyable read for those who prefer a less than perfect hero. I would recommend to those that prefer urban fantasies, a good murder mystery and have an interest in the 2nd World War as this is a reoccurring theme throughout the book. I personally do not usually enjoy anything that relates to war but I did enjoy this book. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
My rating: 4 stars.
Reading Time: 2 days.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for access to the book.
An unusual fantasy style, with lead character being a mountain dwarf running a private investigator service with his human business partner who he served with during the war. To top that he is managing his PTSD with alcohol during the prohibition. What could possibly go wrong?
Plot overview: Sirgrus is called to a rumrunner bust to look into a body that has been discovered during the raid. To solve the murder, he has to deal with the city’s shady underbelly, work along side a mage in the Justice department and relive the harrows of the war. DON’T MENTION THE WAR.
TRIGGER WARNING – War, PTSD.
Sirgrus is everything you would expect from an ex-officer who experienced all the harrows of war time, just trying to get back to real life. He has a strong sense of honour, but a jaded view of the world and battles daily with flashbacks that he manages with rum and whiskey. Not an easy task during the prohibition. His private detective business is struggling, and his business partner seems to care more about chasing skirt then helping to keep the bills paid. A well-written story where you can’t help but feel for Sirgrus’ situation and even when it gets tough, he seems to always try to do the best he can without others suffering unnecessarily. Segregation within the magic community and his own prejudices make things tricky to get the job done.
An enjoyable read for those who prefer a less than perfect hero. I would recommend to those that prefer urban fantasies, a good murder mystery and have an interest in the 2nd World War as this is a reoccurring theme throughout the book. I personally do not usually enjoy anything that relates to war but I did enjoy this book. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
March 17, 2021
** This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review **
I am a D&D nerd. I also am a big fan of urban fantasy, and appreciate a little bit of the gumshoe schlock of the classic Raymond Chandler school of pulp fiction.
Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe & The Dark-Elf really nails it in all of those genres and was an absolute delight to discover.
The story opens up with us meeting Sirgrus Blackmane, a Dwarf who, after the Great War in Europa against the Orcs, opened up a detective agency with his war buddy, Craig Mason. It turns out, though, that Mason had a whole lot going on regarding the rum-running organized crime bosses in town that Sirgrus just wasn’t privy to.
The story opens with Sirgrus being escorted by the cops to a busted illegal whiskey barrelhouse. Of interest to Sirgrus is one dead Craig Mason. On top of all that, Sirgrus finds himself investigating the death of a singer from The Dark-Elf that seems to have some very interesting ties to Mason’s death.
Oh, all the while, he’s also trying to figure out what Mason promised these mob bosses, and how he can fix the situation without getting killed. Yeah, it’s not a fun situation for our hero.
Mr. Schlichter sets up this story masterfully. It has all the hallmarks of great pulp fiction, with the added twist of the Demihuman slant. The world-building is wonderfully on-point, and I really wanted to know a lot more about the Great War and the aftermath. One sign of a really well thought fictional world is the ability of the reader to see that it really could expand well beyond the pages of the book they are reading. So much was hinted and teased that I really hope we have more Sirgrus Blackmane adventures in the future. There are definitely a few loose ends that need to be addressed.
I am a D&D nerd. I also am a big fan of urban fantasy, and appreciate a little bit of the gumshoe schlock of the classic Raymond Chandler school of pulp fiction.
Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe & The Dark-Elf really nails it in all of those genres and was an absolute delight to discover.
The story opens up with us meeting Sirgrus Blackmane, a Dwarf who, after the Great War in Europa against the Orcs, opened up a detective agency with his war buddy, Craig Mason. It turns out, though, that Mason had a whole lot going on regarding the rum-running organized crime bosses in town that Sirgrus just wasn’t privy to.
The story opens with Sirgrus being escorted by the cops to a busted illegal whiskey barrelhouse. Of interest to Sirgrus is one dead Craig Mason. On top of all that, Sirgrus finds himself investigating the death of a singer from The Dark-Elf that seems to have some very interesting ties to Mason’s death.
Oh, all the while, he’s also trying to figure out what Mason promised these mob bosses, and how he can fix the situation without getting killed. Yeah, it’s not a fun situation for our hero.
Mr. Schlichter sets up this story masterfully. It has all the hallmarks of great pulp fiction, with the added twist of the Demihuman slant. The world-building is wonderfully on-point, and I really wanted to know a lot more about the Great War and the aftermath. One sign of a really well thought fictional world is the ability of the reader to see that it really could expand well beyond the pages of the book they are reading. So much was hinted and teased that I really hope we have more Sirgrus Blackmane adventures in the future. There are definitely a few loose ends that need to be addressed.
March 2, 2021
A fantasy sub-genre I've never read and not sure even exited before now; Noir.
Meet Sirgrus Blackmane a Dwarf and gumshoe during Prohibition. This includes, scandalous women and Fae who wear hemlines above their calves, secret speakeasies, an historical Great War, and conspiracies around every corner.
The death of Blackmane's human partner at the BlackMane Detective Agency is a mystery Sirgrus is determined to solve. The solution will bring up more questions then answers. Why did his partner keep a rum running side hustle a secret? More importantly, why was he dealing with demihuman mobsters? If Sirgrus doesn't answer them soon it will result in his own death at the hands of Ogres or Rock Giants or perhaps a wizard.
Colorful settings, demihuman characters with depth and a plot full of fun twists make this book an enjoyable and quick read. I'm ready for more.
Meet Sirgrus Blackmane a Dwarf and gumshoe during Prohibition. This includes, scandalous women and Fae who wear hemlines above their calves, secret speakeasies, an historical Great War, and conspiracies around every corner.
The death of Blackmane's human partner at the BlackMane Detective Agency is a mystery Sirgrus is determined to solve. The solution will bring up more questions then answers. Why did his partner keep a rum running side hustle a secret? More importantly, why was he dealing with demihuman mobsters? If Sirgrus doesn't answer them soon it will result in his own death at the hands of Ogres or Rock Giants or perhaps a wizard.
Colorful settings, demihuman characters with depth and a plot full of fun twists make this book an enjoyable and quick read. I'm ready for more.
May 11, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Fantasy, mystery, noir. Three of my favorite things. Sirgrus is a believable character. Suffering from PTSD after serving in the trenches of the Great War, Sirgrus is trying to find out who killed his partner while staying alive himself. Sound familiar? It should since it's the basis for many mainstream noir novels. But in this version, there's a dwarf, ogres, trolls and even a dragon who is president. Prohibition with a backdrop that includes magical creatures. I hope there are more in this series.
Fantasy, mystery, noir. Three of my favorite things. Sirgrus is a believable character. Suffering from PTSD after serving in the trenches of the Great War, Sirgrus is trying to find out who killed his partner while staying alive himself. Sound familiar? It should since it's the basis for many mainstream noir novels. But in this version, there's a dwarf, ogres, trolls and even a dragon who is president. Prohibition with a backdrop that includes magical creatures. I hope there are more in this series.
September 14, 2021
What a great addition to the fantasy noir subgenre!
Schlicter's work offers an exciting entry into the world of fantasy insofar that he offers a veteran dwarf protagonist, Sirgrus, for the reader to adventure with through streets filled with fantastical creatures.
The world serves as a kind of alternate history in which dwarves fought alongside humans against orcs in the trenches of WWI. Schlicter's use of WWI is an excellent backdrop for the story as it allows readers to gain more knowledge of that seemingly forgotten war. PTSD is also a factor in Sirgrus's life and Schlicter does a good job of showing the implications of the malady.
Overall, if you enjoy fantasy and/or detective stories, you'll really enjoy this story. If you've not tried either genre, then you can start here. If are just looking for a fun and well-written story, look no further.
Schlicter's work offers an exciting entry into the world of fantasy insofar that he offers a veteran dwarf protagonist, Sirgrus, for the reader to adventure with through streets filled with fantastical creatures.
The world serves as a kind of alternate history in which dwarves fought alongside humans against orcs in the trenches of WWI. Schlicter's use of WWI is an excellent backdrop for the story as it allows readers to gain more knowledge of that seemingly forgotten war. PTSD is also a factor in Sirgrus's life and Schlicter does a good job of showing the implications of the malady.
Overall, if you enjoy fantasy and/or detective stories, you'll really enjoy this story. If you've not tried either genre, then you can start here. If are just looking for a fun and well-written story, look no further.
August 19, 2021
This is the story of an dwarf who works as a private detective and how his life goes skew when his human partner is found dead. Sirgrus served in Europe in a war something like World War I and it clouds his life. He has to deal with various factions in his city along with the racism that clouds his life.
It felt quite noir and blended fantasy with prohibition and quite a dark complex world that needed better female characters and the end left openings for a sequel.
Enjoyable read with interesting characters and potential.
It felt quite noir and blended fantasy with prohibition and quite a dark complex world that needed better female characters and the end left openings for a sequel.
Enjoyable read with interesting characters and potential.
March 28, 2021
I received an advanced e-book ARC of this novel, thanks to Net Galley and the publisher.
This book made me smile and laugh throughout, as it comes across as a fun genre-mix. Some scenes directly reminded me of classic noir such as The Maltese Falcon. The author successfully hit all of the beats expected from that type of story while also including the interesting elements one would expect from a traditional fantasy story. The protagonist is a grumpy dwarf private detective dealing with a murder investigation in a 1920s-esque Prohibition era setting. I really enjoyed it.
This book made me smile and laugh throughout, as it comes across as a fun genre-mix. Some scenes directly reminded me of classic noir such as The Maltese Falcon. The author successfully hit all of the beats expected from that type of story while also including the interesting elements one would expect from a traditional fantasy story. The protagonist is a grumpy dwarf private detective dealing with a murder investigation in a 1920s-esque Prohibition era setting. I really enjoyed it.
July 20, 2021
unique - hope for more
July 22, 2022
Sirgrus Blackmane is a demihuman. Not just any demihuman: Sirgrus is a Dwarf, “a species, not a size.” Returning from the Great War to Prohibition America, Sirgrus and his war buddy Miller open up a detective agency. Miller’s body is found at a rum bust, and Sirgrus picks up a client with a case about her dead sister. Now, Sirgrus has murders to solve and both investigations lead him to the Dark-Elf, the most exclusive speakeasy in town. He must figure out who killed a Dark-Elf singer, his partner, and if the two cases are related. That doesn’t give Sirgrus much time to sleep but at least he has time for a Bacardi and Coke, neat.
This off-beat action novel will thrill fans of fantasy detective and urban fantasy genres. William Schlichter weaves a noir-style crime drama that takes place in the 1930s prohibition era. The crime drama is peppered with social commentary, while also describing encounters and battles with trolls, ogres, baby rock giants, and even a half-dragon. Characters speak in 1930s lingo. Schlichter has an interesting take on the “private-eye” genre. As lighthearted as this novel can be at times, the author manages to point out the inequities of species segregation, drawing parallels to racial inequalities in 1930s America.
This review was originally published at https://manhattanbookreview.com/produ...
This off-beat action novel will thrill fans of fantasy detective and urban fantasy genres. William Schlichter weaves a noir-style crime drama that takes place in the 1930s prohibition era. The crime drama is peppered with social commentary, while also describing encounters and battles with trolls, ogres, baby rock giants, and even a half-dragon. Characters speak in 1930s lingo. Schlichter has an interesting take on the “private-eye” genre. As lighthearted as this novel can be at times, the author manages to point out the inequities of species segregation, drawing parallels to racial inequalities in 1930s America.
This review was originally published at https://manhattanbookreview.com/produ...
April 13, 2021
I received a copy of this through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program, and I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read it.
This was a solid noir mystery, with a fantasy spin. It suffers from a tension of worldbuilding, I think--set in a historical fantasy, there's like just enough background info to set it up but maybe not enough to feel like I have a grasp on the world. (Also: orc racism is a yikes, though I don't know that Schlichter goes full species eugenicist here, just a history that carries through.) I liked the characters for the most part, mostly his fairy assistant; it did feel a little bit like there was more in this world left to be explored, so I might even read a second book if it was a series. But if like fantasy noir sounds like your jam, I think you might enjoy this!
This was a solid noir mystery, with a fantasy spin. It suffers from a tension of worldbuilding, I think--set in a historical fantasy, there's like just enough background info to set it up but maybe not enough to feel like I have a grasp on the world. (Also: orc racism is a yikes, though I don't know that Schlichter goes full species eugenicist here, just a history that carries through.) I liked the characters for the most part, mostly his fairy assistant; it did feel a little bit like there was more in this world left to be explored, so I might even read a second book if it was a series. But if like fantasy noir sounds like your jam, I think you might enjoy this!
May 29, 2021
The concept of mixing D&D with an alt history of the 1920’s prohibition era becomes a wildly entertaining story. Sclichter weaves a fascinating mystery full of twists and incredible characters, namely the main protagonist, Sirgrus. I can't wait for more!
April 30, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf is a hard boiled PI mystery with a fantasy setting. Due out 27th May 2021 from BHC Press, it's 220 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats at release. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've been a fan of gritty noir books (and films) since forever. I revisit many of my perennial favorites often. My pantheon includes Hammett, Cain, Chandler, and Hughes, and this fantasy twist on the hardboiled PI archetype kept me engaged from the first chapter.
With the codicil that the main protagonist isn't a human (he's a dwarf) and the setting isn't earth (it's alternate-earth-slightly post WW1 prohibition era USA New York(ish)), this could be a period piece straight out of the 1940s pulps.
There are some grim/heavy themes: abduction, prostitution, corruption, sexual abuse, drug abuse, PTSD, and war (to name a few). Sirgrus is trying to keep his head above water (and attached to his neck) pay the bills and keep his trauma from the war from overwhelming him. Despite those facts, there really is quite a lot of humor here, and I found myself smiling often whilst reading.
The dialogue is very well done and true to the spirit of the period. The characters were well fleshed out and believable and although I had a pretty good grasp on where the author was going into the denouement and resolution, there were a few twists I didn't see coming at all. Well played, Mr Schlichter, well played.
I sincerely hope this wasn't a one-off standalone novel and I will be eagerly looking forward to future adventures.
This would be a good one for fans of hard boiled detective fiction, period fantasy, and PI fiction. Really well done. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf is a hard boiled PI mystery with a fantasy setting. Due out 27th May 2021 from BHC Press, it's 220 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats at release. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've been a fan of gritty noir books (and films) since forever. I revisit many of my perennial favorites often. My pantheon includes Hammett, Cain, Chandler, and Hughes, and this fantasy twist on the hardboiled PI archetype kept me engaged from the first chapter.
With the codicil that the main protagonist isn't a human (he's a dwarf) and the setting isn't earth (it's alternate-earth-slightly post WW1 prohibition era USA New York(ish)), this could be a period piece straight out of the 1940s pulps.
There are some grim/heavy themes: abduction, prostitution, corruption, sexual abuse, drug abuse, PTSD, and war (to name a few). Sirgrus is trying to keep his head above water (and attached to his neck) pay the bills and keep his trauma from the war from overwhelming him. Despite those facts, there really is quite a lot of humor here, and I found myself smiling often whilst reading.
The dialogue is very well done and true to the spirit of the period. The characters were well fleshed out and believable and although I had a pretty good grasp on where the author was going into the denouement and resolution, there were a few twists I didn't see coming at all. Well played, Mr Schlichter, well played.
I sincerely hope this wasn't a one-off standalone novel and I will be eagerly looking forward to future adventures.
This would be a good one for fans of hard boiled detective fiction, period fantasy, and PI fiction. Really well done. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 9, 2021
[Thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.]
Sirgrus Blackmane is a private detective and a mountain dwarf in post-World War I New York City. When his human partner Mason is found dead on the site of a prohibition bust, Sirgrus learns that his partner and old war buddy was hiding things from him, notably where he had been getting a lot of money. Trying to make enough money to keep the lights on, find his partner’s killer, find out what illicit things Mason was doing, dodge the dangerous men who believe Sirgrus was in on Mason’s operation and want him to deliver on his promises without explaining what it is he is meant to do, Sirgrus has a lot on his plate even before the human woman turns up at his office wanting him to prove her sister’s death was not a suicide. Oh, and there is a man _ but is he a man? - who is after the packages that turned up on the same day as Mason’s murder, sent from their own army superior.
There is a lot going on in this book, yet for I’d say the first 45% of it, it felt like nothing was happening. Sirgrus was moving around, asking questions and making a lot of people angry, amassing enemies while failing to amass information, and repeatedly assuring the reader he doesn’t talk or think about the war while experiencing nightmares and frequent intrusive thoughts about his time in the trenches. Once the halfway point was reached, the pace picked up, the threads started to come together, and the novel became a lot more interesting.
The universe it is set in is an alternate version of our world, one in which various creatures from fantasy fiction live side by side with humans. World War I happened but the enemy was orcs, there is a hint towards the end of the book that Europe (here called Europa) is ruled by vampires, and the United States have a dragon president. (I kind of wanted to know more about the dragon president. Seriously that little tidbit was just dropped in there. As I said, there is a lot going on in this book.) Yet it is the roaring twenties we know, complete with prohibition, corrupt cops, speakeasies, and flappers. Because this world is so complex, I understand that Schlichter took his time to set up some of the elements before really diving into the story, but I still wish the meaty heart of the mystery had been explored earlier.
There is a lot here to like: the unlikely allies of Sirgrus and the mage G-Man Edgeangel have a nice relationship, the fairy Rhonda who works as Sirgrus’ secretary deserves to be developed further, and the set up of the fairies gaining the right to vote and the consequences this could have in the world could be very interesting. The mystery is good, once I managed to figure out which strands were actually important, and the reveal was a surprise, yet one that made complete sense.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, but it left me strangely emotionally detached. Sirgrus is as gruff as most private detectives in fiction, but it took a bit too long for him to reveal his softer side so I barely started caring about him when the book ended. I admit my lukewarm reaction may be that when I read the description I pictured it in the style of “The Last Smile in Sunder City”, and it was in some ways, but the emotional arc of the character didn’t run as deep. I can’t fault a book for not being what I thought it would be, that’s on me. I do recommend the book because the mystery and world building were good, even though the beginning was a little slow.
Sirgrus Blackmane is a private detective and a mountain dwarf in post-World War I New York City. When his human partner Mason is found dead on the site of a prohibition bust, Sirgrus learns that his partner and old war buddy was hiding things from him, notably where he had been getting a lot of money. Trying to make enough money to keep the lights on, find his partner’s killer, find out what illicit things Mason was doing, dodge the dangerous men who believe Sirgrus was in on Mason’s operation and want him to deliver on his promises without explaining what it is he is meant to do, Sirgrus has a lot on his plate even before the human woman turns up at his office wanting him to prove her sister’s death was not a suicide. Oh, and there is a man _ but is he a man? - who is after the packages that turned up on the same day as Mason’s murder, sent from their own army superior.
There is a lot going on in this book, yet for I’d say the first 45% of it, it felt like nothing was happening. Sirgrus was moving around, asking questions and making a lot of people angry, amassing enemies while failing to amass information, and repeatedly assuring the reader he doesn’t talk or think about the war while experiencing nightmares and frequent intrusive thoughts about his time in the trenches. Once the halfway point was reached, the pace picked up, the threads started to come together, and the novel became a lot more interesting.
The universe it is set in is an alternate version of our world, one in which various creatures from fantasy fiction live side by side with humans. World War I happened but the enemy was orcs, there is a hint towards the end of the book that Europe (here called Europa) is ruled by vampires, and the United States have a dragon president. (I kind of wanted to know more about the dragon president. Seriously that little tidbit was just dropped in there. As I said, there is a lot going on in this book.) Yet it is the roaring twenties we know, complete with prohibition, corrupt cops, speakeasies, and flappers. Because this world is so complex, I understand that Schlichter took his time to set up some of the elements before really diving into the story, but I still wish the meaty heart of the mystery had been explored earlier.
There is a lot here to like: the unlikely allies of Sirgrus and the mage G-Man Edgeangel have a nice relationship, the fairy Rhonda who works as Sirgrus’ secretary deserves to be developed further, and the set up of the fairies gaining the right to vote and the consequences this could have in the world could be very interesting. The mystery is good, once I managed to figure out which strands were actually important, and the reveal was a surprise, yet one that made complete sense.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, but it left me strangely emotionally detached. Sirgrus is as gruff as most private detectives in fiction, but it took a bit too long for him to reveal his softer side so I barely started caring about him when the book ended. I admit my lukewarm reaction may be that when I read the description I pictured it in the style of “The Last Smile in Sunder City”, and it was in some ways, but the emotional arc of the character didn’t run as deep. I can’t fault a book for not being what I thought it would be, that’s on me. I do recommend the book because the mystery and world building were good, even though the beginning was a little slow.
June 16, 2022
Sirgrus is a fun 1920s noir novel with a fantasy twist. This novel really shines in its world building of an alternate prohibition era filled with humans alongside fantasy creatures such as dwarves, fairies, and dragons. It would be so fun to have a D&D campaign set inside this world.
I loved the fantasy elements within the story, but didn't feel super drawn in to the mystery side. This is mostly due to personal preference because detective novels and mysteries aren't genres I typically gravitate towards, but I really just didn't care all that much about Mason and why he was murdered. I was more interested in the questions surrounding the rings/magic artifact, so I hope to see more of that in the sequel. Even though I wasn't necessarily invested in the main mystery, I did like following Sirgrus around town and getting to explore the various places and creatures in his community. I also just enjoyed learning about Sirgrus and his past. A lot of fantasy stories tend to paint dwarves as silly or unserious, but it was nice to see a lot of nuance and depth to him as the main character.
I wasn't necessarily expecting to care about the prohibition element/conversations around alcohol in this book, so I was surprised to find myself enjoying the role of liquor in the story. It really added to the ambiance of the era and was just a great, unexpected tool that continually established character and setting in an interesting way.
I read this book on audio and the narrator had a great Sirgrus voice, but there were some characters where there wasn't a strong enough distinction in their voices so dialogue was a little hard to follow sometimes. It was a minor issue though and I don't think this would have been a problem if I had read a physical copy, it was just something I noticed while listening.
Overall, I liked the concept and tone of Sirgrus. I'm sure there's going to be a lot more to explore in book 2 and I'm looking forward to checking it out.
I loved the fantasy elements within the story, but didn't feel super drawn in to the mystery side. This is mostly due to personal preference because detective novels and mysteries aren't genres I typically gravitate towards, but I really just didn't care all that much about Mason and why he was murdered. I was more interested in the questions surrounding the rings/magic artifact, so I hope to see more of that in the sequel. Even though I wasn't necessarily invested in the main mystery, I did like following Sirgrus around town and getting to explore the various places and creatures in his community. I also just enjoyed learning about Sirgrus and his past. A lot of fantasy stories tend to paint dwarves as silly or unserious, but it was nice to see a lot of nuance and depth to him as the main character.
I wasn't necessarily expecting to care about the prohibition element/conversations around alcohol in this book, so I was surprised to find myself enjoying the role of liquor in the story. It really added to the ambiance of the era and was just a great, unexpected tool that continually established character and setting in an interesting way.
I read this book on audio and the narrator had a great Sirgrus voice, but there were some characters where there wasn't a strong enough distinction in their voices so dialogue was a little hard to follow sometimes. It was a minor issue though and I don't think this would have been a problem if I had read a physical copy, it was just something I noticed while listening.
Overall, I liked the concept and tone of Sirgrus. I'm sure there's going to be a lot more to explore in book 2 and I'm looking forward to checking it out.
April 27, 2021
* I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. *
This is a clever and inventive novel about a dwarf detective who operates in Prohibition-era New York. Dragons and mages occupy senior government positions, and the fae have just won the vote. Blackmane is dragged to a crime scene by Edgeangel, a mage FBI agent, to discover that the victim is his human partner Mason. Edgeangel tasks Sirgrus with solving the crime, which very quickly leads him into contretemps with both a dragon-born rum-runner and his human competitor. Sirgrus has just two days to solve Mason's murder, and pacify both crime lords, or lose his life too.
This could have just been an enjoyable romp, but Schlichter lends it a weightier tone. Sirgrus served with Mason in the trenches of the Great War; dwarves were assigned to human units to assist with digging the trenches. They fought together against orcs allied with the Germans in a series of bloody pitched battles. Sirgrus is prone to horrific flashbacks of his war experiences. These war scenes lift the novel above being just a hard-boiled crime caper, and make it a more serious read.
This is a clever and inventive novel about a dwarf detective who operates in Prohibition-era New York. Dragons and mages occupy senior government positions, and the fae have just won the vote. Blackmane is dragged to a crime scene by Edgeangel, a mage FBI agent, to discover that the victim is his human partner Mason. Edgeangel tasks Sirgrus with solving the crime, which very quickly leads him into contretemps with both a dragon-born rum-runner and his human competitor. Sirgrus has just two days to solve Mason's murder, and pacify both crime lords, or lose his life too.
This could have just been an enjoyable romp, but Schlichter lends it a weightier tone. Sirgrus served with Mason in the trenches of the Great War; dwarves were assigned to human units to assist with digging the trenches. They fought together against orcs allied with the Germans in a series of bloody pitched battles. Sirgrus is prone to horrific flashbacks of his war experiences. These war scenes lift the novel above being just a hard-boiled crime caper, and make it a more serious read.
April 16, 2021
Another Giveaway from Librarything.
This is my first Schlichter, William book. I enjoyed it growth and spurts. The World Dwarf Blackmane lives is an interesting urban fantasy. I liked it because it seemed a more realistic outcome if we humans really had supernaturals in our midst. I mean if we still demean peoples of color and religion, why not other species?
As much as I liked the author's attempt of Noir, the syntax of Blackmane's language felt, well, forced. Mainly because only he spoke "in noir gangsta". The law enforcement, mobsters, and the rest spoke normal.
If the author was trying to convey only Black mane and other Dwarfs spoke this way, I missed it.
Despite this, I enjoyed the book enough to look into the author's sequel and his non horror. (  )
  flagWECrow | Apr 16, 2021 | edit | 
This
This is my first Schlichter, William book. I enjoyed it growth and spurts. The World Dwarf Blackmane lives is an interesting urban fantasy. I liked it because it seemed a more realistic outcome if we humans really had supernaturals in our midst. I mean if we still demean peoples of color and religion, why not other species?
As much as I liked the author's attempt of Noir, the syntax of Blackmane's language felt, well, forced. Mainly because only he spoke "in noir gangsta". The law enforcement, mobsters, and the rest spoke normal.
If the author was trying to convey only Black mane and other Dwarfs spoke this way, I missed it.
Despite this, I enjoyed the book enough to look into the author's sequel and his non horror. (  )
  flagWECrow | Apr 16, 2021 | edit | 
This
May 31, 2021
The demihuman dwarf, Sirgrus, has a problem. Someone has killed his human private eye partner in the new noir novel, Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and the Dark-Elf. The Dark-Elf is the nightclub where the murder happened. Luckily, they allow demihumans, so Sirgrus decides to investigate his partner’s death.
The plot is a typical noir with only the surrounding setting being original. For example, the PIs have a fairy as a secretary but (alcohol) prohibition is still going strong out on their mean streets. I really wanted to like Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and the Dark-Elf. However, the mystery was much too easy to solve. 3 stars.
Thanks to BHC Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The plot is a typical noir with only the surrounding setting being original. For example, the PIs have a fairy as a secretary but (alcohol) prohibition is still going strong out on their mean streets. I really wanted to like Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and the Dark-Elf. However, the mystery was much too easy to solve. 3 stars.
Thanks to BHC Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2021
A fun genre-mixing story of hard-boiled detective, urban fiction with a less than perfect hero, and a Prohibition setting. The main character is a detective who is trying to find out who killed his human partner. But things are complicated by magic, his PTSD from fighting in the Great War and the prejudice between races. This will appeal to fans of both genres. It is nice to have a main character who isn’t a kick-ass female special one (those are great but recently it seems that the field is overweighted in that direction).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
June 20, 2021
Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf (hard from BHC Press) is the tale of the only dwarf in the city, trying to find why is partner, and fellow soldier from the Great War against the Orcs in Europa has been murdered. There’s also a dame who wants to know if her sister was murdered. The two cases may be related to a feud between the two gangs running alcohol in this time of Prohibition. There’s also the fairy secretary who needs her salary. William Schlichter has too much fun with this Mickey Spillane style fantasy. I look forward to further adventures.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
May 29, 2021
A great mix of noir and fantasy, a Marlowe living in a fantasy world.
Gripping, entertaining and well written.
Excellent world building and character development, a plot that kept me hooked.
I'd like to read other books featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Gripping, entertaining and well written.
Excellent world building and character development, a plot that kept me hooked.
I'd like to read other books featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 27, 2021
It's a great read. I loved the mystery and did not expect the ending
December 20, 2021
Honestly I was a little annoyed. I loved the book, don’t get me wrong. The mystery part of who the killer was really had me guessing. What I was annoyed with was the blasé attitude of the dwarf. He was the main character and I wanted to punch him in the face sometimes. He almost had me not rooting for him at all. It would have been interesting to have him and the mage partner up.
March 18, 2022
I had not heard of this book or author, but was looking for something a little different and yet still in my favorite mystery/detective genre, and I stumbled across this. It fit the bill perfectly and was great fun to read, an absolute page-turner! It definitely has me hoping for more about Dwarfy, his fairy, and the Justice mage!!
Read
November 20, 2021Great read if you love mysteries involving unusual private investigators. Sirgrus Blackmane, dwarf, is definitely unusual. He's also very likeable. Follow his exploits into solving a case involving two crime bosses.
June 20, 2021
In the vane of Raymond Chandler, You meet Sirgrus at the scene of his partners murder. Schlichter pays homage to the classic noir novels, full of dames and the tortured returned from war. All of this is the backdrop to solving a murder that is thought to be a suicide.
Schlichter seamlessly incorporates the fantasy world of dwarves, orcs, fey, and vampires. Of course, as is the way with the human world, racism and discrimination effect many aspects of life. There is so much more to explore in this world.
Schlichter seamlessly incorporates the fantasy world of dwarves, orcs, fey, and vampires. Of course, as is the way with the human world, racism and discrimination effect many aspects of life. There is so much more to explore in this world.
September 15, 2021
Sirgrus is a PI during the Prohibition Era investigating the death of a club dancer as well as trying to understand the smuggling operation that his dead partner was hiding. He has also recently come home from the Great War and is struggling with PTSD.
I enjoyed the time period and the noir style. The best character may have been Sirgrus' Fay office manager, Rhoda. Hopefully more background and interaction with her will come in the next installment. While there were some paranormal elements in the story (I would actually prefer more development of this part of the world) I think this would still appeal to those interested in regular detective novels. The mystery was pretty twisty with many red herrings.
The one thing that I found overwhelming was the PTSD. Sirgrus was either constantly dreaming about the war, drinking to forget it, seeing it in his head, or in a bar reminiscing. Along with alternating chapters where he was actually experiencing the war, it became too much for a book that was supposed to be a mystery rather than a war novel.
The pace picked up in the last half, and I would consider reading the next in the series just to see where this goes.
I enjoyed the time period and the noir style. The best character may have been Sirgrus' Fay office manager, Rhoda. Hopefully more background and interaction with her will come in the next installment. While there were some paranormal elements in the story (I would actually prefer more development of this part of the world) I think this would still appeal to those interested in regular detective novels. The mystery was pretty twisty with many red herrings.
The one thing that I found overwhelming was the PTSD. Sirgrus was either constantly dreaming about the war, drinking to forget it, seeing it in his head, or in a bar reminiscing. Along with alternating chapters where he was actually experiencing the war, it became too much for a book that was supposed to be a mystery rather than a war novel.
The pace picked up in the last half, and I would consider reading the next in the series just to see where this goes.
September 8, 2022
What a great concept, and the author makes it a lot of fun. When Sirgrus, a tough-talking dwarf with PTSD from the Great War, is on the case, there's going to be some good one-liners as well as a sizable body count. The story is set in an alternate world, populated by all manner of demihumans and often filled with the stench of magic. I'm looking forward to Sirgrus's next adventure. I enjoyed the audiobook version of this novel, and I recommend the story to anyone looking for something fresh and original.
May 11, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for an advanced copy of this fantasy novel.
A private detective haunted by war and what he did to survive, tries to solve the murder of his partner in a dark city ruled by the underworld and filled with corruption during Prohibition. For a mountain dwarf, the only one of his people still in the city this case might be the hardest case he's ever had and his last.
In Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf, written by William Schlichter, Sirgrus Blackmane, a war veteran of the Great War, is one of the last of the dwarves to stay in the city of Chicago, and it's only nonhuman private detective. Crime rules, magic is disappearing and nobody, human, dragon, faerie is to be trusted.
The book is hardboiled in the best pulp sense. The story of a dead partner is not new, but the treatment and the characters are what sell the story. Not much is explained, why did the dwarves leave, how long have humans and nonhumans coexisted, how has history changed. Hints are dropped, which is nice as it means that there might be more stories to come. Which is a very good thing.
The story is very noir, with a light touch of the fantasy. The characters are interesting, and enough is left unsaid that the reader wants to know more. A very promising start to a possible series.
A private detective haunted by war and what he did to survive, tries to solve the murder of his partner in a dark city ruled by the underworld and filled with corruption during Prohibition. For a mountain dwarf, the only one of his people still in the city this case might be the hardest case he's ever had and his last.
In Sirgrus Blackmane Demihuman Gumshoe and The Dark-Elf, written by William Schlichter, Sirgrus Blackmane, a war veteran of the Great War, is one of the last of the dwarves to stay in the city of Chicago, and it's only nonhuman private detective. Crime rules, magic is disappearing and nobody, human, dragon, faerie is to be trusted.
The book is hardboiled in the best pulp sense. The story of a dead partner is not new, but the treatment and the characters are what sell the story. Not much is explained, why did the dwarves leave, how long have humans and nonhumans coexisted, how has history changed. Hints are dropped, which is nice as it means that there might be more stories to come. Which is a very good thing.
The story is very noir, with a light touch of the fantasy. The characters are interesting, and enough is left unsaid that the reader wants to know more. A very promising start to a possible series.
October 18, 2021
I purchased this book at a signing from the author. I enjoyed a fresh take on fantasy. Usually fantasy isn't in my preferences for reading. The author drew me in with his modern take on fantasy. Not a castle to be heard of. Instead he created a world that is fantasy mixed with the 1920s. With just enough mystery to keep me engaged. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a different take on fantasy and enjoys a good mystery.
August 5, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and to the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed the idea of this book, a fantasy noir?? Gosh, yes! I think we need more of these, really! And I also quite enjoyed the book on the whole. I wasn't 100% invested in the characters, so this is why my enthusiasm is muted, but I still liked them, the world-building, and the story. And since sometimes I have problems with characters in the noir genre, this was not so unexpected, and again, it wasn't a really big problem. I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the main story, and the one that is rooted in the past, because both of them offer us so much insight into this world, that I find fascinating.
I really enjoyed the idea of this book, a fantasy noir?? Gosh, yes! I think we need more of these, really! And I also quite enjoyed the book on the whole. I wasn't 100% invested in the characters, so this is why my enthusiasm is muted, but I still liked them, the world-building, and the story. And since sometimes I have problems with characters in the noir genre, this was not so unexpected, and again, it wasn't a really big problem. I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the main story, and the one that is rooted in the past, because both of them offer us so much insight into this world, that I find fascinating.
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