What do you think?
Rate this book
Alexander Southerland, P.I. #4
A Night Owl Slips into a Diner
He’s up to his eyeballs in hot water, and he thinks he’s taking a bubble bath!A routine case of industrial espionage pitches hardboiled P.I. Alexander Southerland headlong into a maelstrom of shadowy political intrigue and deadly supernatural mayhem—not to mention some malevolent owls and the mysterious 'boy who talks backwards'! After his exposure of a white-collar thief has harrowing consequences, a guilt-ridden and disconsolate Southerland roams the mean streets and dark alleys of Yerba City seeking to uncover a secret so stunning—so staggering—that just knowing it could unravel the bonds that keep the social order from dissolving into chaos!
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2021
35 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Lumsden
14 books183 followersMy parents raised me right. Any mistakes I made were my own. Hopefully, I learned from them.
I earned a doctorate in medieval European history at the University of California Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos! I taught world history at a couple of colleges before settling into a private college prep high school in Monterey. After I retired, I began to write an urban fantasy series featuring hardboiled private eye Alexander Southerland as he cruises through the mean streets of Yerba City and interacts with trolls, femme fatales, shape-shifters, witches, and corrupt city officials.
I am happily married to my wife, Rita. The two of us can be found most days pounding the pavement in our running shoes. Rita listens to all of my ideas and reads all of my work. Her advice is beyond value. In return, I make her tea. It's a pretty sweet deal. We have two cats named Cinderella and Prince who are happy to stay indoors. They demand that we tell them how pretty they are.
See my blog at https://douglaslumsden.blogspot.com/
Visit my website at https://douglaslumsdenauthor.com
I earned a doctorate in medieval European history at the University of California Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos! I taught world history at a couple of colleges before settling into a private college prep high school in Monterey. After I retired, I began to write an urban fantasy series featuring hardboiled private eye Alexander Southerland as he cruises through the mean streets of Yerba City and interacts with trolls, femme fatales, shape-shifters, witches, and corrupt city officials.
I am happily married to my wife, Rita. The two of us can be found most days pounding the pavement in our running shoes. Rita listens to all of my ideas and reads all of my work. Her advice is beyond value. In return, I make her tea. It's a pretty sweet deal. We have two cats named Cinderella and Prince who are happy to stay indoors. They demand that we tell them how pretty they are.
See my blog at https://douglaslumsden.blogspot.com/
Visit my website at https://douglaslumsdenauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 1, 2022
Very good book
This a fine urban fantasy novel. It is well written and edited. This entire series is so good. I anxiously await the sequel.
This a fine urban fantasy novel. It is well written and edited. This entire series is so good. I anxiously await the sequel.
October 7, 2025
Alexander Southerland, P.I. 04 A Night Owl Slips into a Diner by Douglas Lumsden
4.25 Stars
challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus: Yes
I really needed this type of story, for I was feeling "down and out" with all the heavy themed stories that I was reading. I knew that I could pickup an Alexander Southerland, P.I. novel...and have a good ole time...and I did.
Poor Alexander is just good enough to get the jobs, but he also has ethics and a sense of morality, that he has to do the "right thing", even though it's going to be a bit harder to do, and he's going to suffer the consequences for this high standard.
In this story, Deet was certainly a being that doesn't take rejection, well. Also, I was unexpectedly surprised by "who he actually was", and disturbed by it...immensely. Yuck. The very thought of Deet...now, brings up bile.
There were so many interesting characters that turned into this or that (don't want to spoil it...for anyone), but in this world...that's normal.
I love how Alexander works in and out with these colourful people, both with the police and with the "bad guys" within the city.
He's never going to get rich, but I believe he gets by...the best he can.
Alexander reminds me...a bit of Harry Dresden, but without all the powers. Alexander has a little bit of power, but not like the Great Harry Dresden.
I look forward to picking up Alexander Southerland, P.I. 4.5 The Demon's Dagger: A Noir Urban Fantasy novella...next.
4.25 Stars
challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus: Yes
I really needed this type of story, for I was feeling "down and out" with all the heavy themed stories that I was reading. I knew that I could pickup an Alexander Southerland, P.I. novel...and have a good ole time...and I did.
Poor Alexander is just good enough to get the jobs, but he also has ethics and a sense of morality, that he has to do the "right thing", even though it's going to be a bit harder to do, and he's going to suffer the consequences for this high standard.
In this story, Deet was certainly a being that doesn't take rejection, well. Also, I was unexpectedly surprised by "who he actually was", and disturbed by it...immensely. Yuck. The very thought of Deet...now, brings up bile.
There were so many interesting characters that turned into this or that (don't want to spoil it...for anyone), but in this world...that's normal.
I love how Alexander works in and out with these colourful people, both with the police and with the "bad guys" within the city.
He's never going to get rich, but I believe he gets by...the best he can.
Alexander reminds me...a bit of Harry Dresden, but without all the powers. Alexander has a little bit of power, but not like the Great Harry Dresden.
I look forward to picking up Alexander Southerland, P.I. 4.5 The Demon's Dagger: A Noir Urban Fantasy novella...next.
June 21, 2022
I’m finally caught up! I started on Douglas Lumsden’s Alexander Southerland books a couple of books late. Now, with he assistance of the top-notch audiobook narrated by the incomparable Duffy Webber, I am completely caught up and ready to jump on the next one when it appears – I happen to know that Mr. Lumsden is currently going hammer and tongs on the next installment.
The gang’s all back! Alex, and Smokey, and Badass, and Crawford, and Detective Kalama. I continue to be impressed with how Lumsden is able to keep expanding on the world he has created. We know and love the characters. We know more and more about a world ruled by Dragon Lords, but inhabited by work-a-day stiffs. Alex Southerland continues to acquire a depth of character. The big lug that holds to principle above monetary reward or self-preservation is a hallmark of the hardboiled PI. Southerland is really growing into that trope, but in his own way, making it fresh and interesting.
I’ve read a LOT of indie and small-press authors over the last year or two. Douglas Lumsden’s books continue to set a bar. From a professional presentation, to elevated prose, to layered story-telling and character development, these books are at the top of the indie-publishing scene.
The gang’s all back! Alex, and Smokey, and Badass, and Crawford, and Detective Kalama. I continue to be impressed with how Lumsden is able to keep expanding on the world he has created. We know and love the characters. We know more and more about a world ruled by Dragon Lords, but inhabited by work-a-day stiffs. Alex Southerland continues to acquire a depth of character. The big lug that holds to principle above monetary reward or self-preservation is a hallmark of the hardboiled PI. Southerland is really growing into that trope, but in his own way, making it fresh and interesting.
I’ve read a LOT of indie and small-press authors over the last year or two. Douglas Lumsden’s books continue to set a bar. From a professional presentation, to elevated prose, to layered story-telling and character development, these books are at the top of the indie-publishing scene.
June 2, 2024
This is a great series! This particular book is full of twists. The nightowl is a great character, and part of the mystery is identifying it. But, it's a whole community built on greed and treachery, where PI Southerland thrives revealing the lies and deceit when supernatural criminals aim to make big money fast or make for a power grab.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
I loved the Southerland urban fantasy series from the moment I first came across it, so obviously jumped on this one as soon as I could.
What to Expect
Expect Alex to get dragged into another supernatural adventure, this one involving more of the spirit world. What starts as a good old-fashioned industrial espionage, soon involves secretive government agencies, state secrets, and otherworldly spirits.
We get exposed to more of Alex's complex world, a unique blend of urban fantasy and alternative history, where immortal dragons lords run the world and history is based on Native American cultures.
What I liked
I like Southerland as a person, a classical noir detective. Lumsden does an excellent job in catching all the vibe and style of the genre from Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett to Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant - but without falling into tropes or the bad sides (like chauvinism) of the genres. All his characters are well drawn, human beings of various dispositions.
I love the setting as well, a blend of contemporary urban fantasy (where magic can be combined with computers for supernatural encryption and new kinds of technological gizmos), on a back drop of alternative history steeped in Meso-and North-American native cultures and mythologies.
What to be aware of
This is book four in the series. While each 'case' in the previous books was more or less independent, this one draws heavily on past events and characters. I'd strongly recommend reading this excellent series from the start.
Felix's Review
If there was a club for private detectives specialising in the occult, Felix and Alex would have hit it off immediately. As such, I'm sure that they'll enjoy visiting the same seedy bars and sharing many a drink together (rye for Alex, spiced wine for Felix). Their methods are similar (think fast, act faster, reflect before it's too late), as are their cases. While Felix didn't quite get all the technical bits of the modern world, he quite approves of Alex's handling of supernatural entities.
Summary
If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy detectives, this series is an absolute must read. Lumsden's writing stands out as unique and refreshing.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Expect Alex to get dragged into another supernatural adventure, this one involving more of the spirit world. What starts as a good old-fashioned industrial espionage, soon involves secretive government agencies, state secrets, and otherworldly spirits.
We get exposed to more of Alex's complex world, a unique blend of urban fantasy and alternative history, where immortal dragons lords run the world and history is based on Native American cultures.
What I liked
I like Southerland as a person, a classical noir detective. Lumsden does an excellent job in catching all the vibe and style of the genre from Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett to Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant - but without falling into tropes or the bad sides (like chauvinism) of the genres. All his characters are well drawn, human beings of various dispositions.
I love the setting as well, a blend of contemporary urban fantasy (where magic can be combined with computers for supernatural encryption and new kinds of technological gizmos), on a back drop of alternative history steeped in Meso-and North-American native cultures and mythologies.
What to be aware of
This is book four in the series. While each 'case' in the previous books was more or less independent, this one draws heavily on past events and characters. I'd strongly recommend reading this excellent series from the start.
Felix's Review
If there was a club for private detectives specialising in the occult, Felix and Alex would have hit it off immediately. As such, I'm sure that they'll enjoy visiting the same seedy bars and sharing many a drink together (rye for Alex, spiced wine for Felix). Their methods are similar (think fast, act faster, reflect before it's too late), as are their cases. While Felix didn't quite get all the technical bits of the modern world, he quite approves of Alex's handling of supernatural entities.
Summary
If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy detectives, this series is an absolute must read. Lumsden's writing stands out as unique and refreshing.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
May 14, 2022
I'm sad (at time of writing) I've just finished the last book available.
I love Ralph - can you really trust the little guy. Heck the language is crude, but it so matches the gumshoe era concept it doesn't detract from the storytelling.
I bought the audio as, a must have to compliment the experience.
Looking forward to more!
I love Ralph - can you really trust the little guy. Heck the language is crude, but it so matches the gumshoe era concept it doesn't detract from the storytelling.
I bought the audio as, a must have to compliment the experience.
Looking forward to more!
December 23, 2021
Yeah, so whaddya wanna hear from me? I'll give you the short version first: Lumsden has written another bang-up of a book. Happy?
No, I didn't think so. You see, our boy here is a genius when it comes to this "noir urban fantasy" mumbo-jumbo. He really is. And what's even better is that it doesn't take a genius to see that. Which is where I come in. Because let's call it like it is: NOT being a genius about things is my specialty. I ain't smart, but I'm pretty. Pretty ugly anyway. But you're not here to talk about my looks, are you now?
OK, OK, so let's keep proceedin'. I will say this: I'm not always sure the author is all that practical. Every time I think I've got his plots sussed out, well things get… complicated. And this book has enough complicated to go around for everyone and have some left over to drop into the Our Church of Perpetual Baloney charity box later. Technical stuff, mystical stuff, deep human (or others) emotional stuff, you name it. It's in here. And there's plenty of it to spread around. Yeah, his writing moves with purpose in just about every direction and somehow manages to sift smoothly through all the disorder he creates without serious incident. And least word-wise I mean. What happens to his characters, well, that's a story for you to read through for sure. Thank the Dragon Lords that some folks' wounds heal quickly is all I gotta say!
So I started like you're supposed to, namely, at the beginning of this chapter, my fourth in as many months (don't quote me on the timing, I just work here). But damn, I hadn't even made it to the point when the first sap gets offed in mysterious ways before I found myself having to go back and do a little research by pulling out my copies of previous books. Take just one example: how was I to know that, how you call it, them heartstones was gonna be so important? Yeah yeah, we got the scoop before. But my memory ain't what it used to be, capice? Probably because I use my head too much to stop punches or help the ground not get hurt when I fall... or just maybe it's way too much cheap hooch... anyway.
Besides, it wasn't like I lost all that much time. A couple of word searches, a few re-read paragraphs, bada bing bada boom we were as good as new. Like I said, the third book was good, this book was good, we're all good here. Tuna melt anyone? But oh boy, all kidding aside, you gotta keep your eyes open in this one. I definitely had force my eyes more open than ever before a few times (no owl jokes wiseguys) just to try and bring this amazing world and clever plot into clearer focus. You try it and tell me your head didn't feel like it's filled with lead a few times. And that's tryin' to run in a town like Yerba City without hitting any hills along the way!
And speakin' of along the way, well, in this case our crazy Universe gets expanded, stretched and bent all out of shape. Ain't nothin' exactly like we thought it was and that's just the start. We've got a story in the background that just isn't going away any time soon, at least not until The Elf (all CAPS there) wants it to. And I still think MOST of what happened in this one was his doing anyway and we've all just been played like a cheap fiddle. You can go ahead and quote me on that if I wind up being right, no worries. I just can't shake that feeling, you know, that more is about to happen! Machine like the one we learned about here, no matter how bizarre, could mean a lot to folks trying to make what you might call your proverbial comeback. No, not like becoming the Big Owl, oops, I mean Cheese in town again, this would be a dream way beyond something like that. But things get, like I said before, complicated. What sounds eggsciting for some might be another kind of rebirth for others! Ahem.
So yeah, there's Troy now and he'll be here for a while, because we sure didn't see him enough. Nice kid and I liked how he and our gumshoe hit it off. Yeah, kinda weird him being the only troll we dance with after all that's happened before but it is what it is. And what's going to happen with Ralph and Crawford and Walks in Cloud (oh my ribs are still aching from all the puns smackin' me in the guts with the computer talk!) will also need to get a little more comfortable before they get their gold watches. And Chivo. Well, if you're tryin' to sell me a story where Chivo doesn't mean a helluva lot more than we think, well, I definitely ain't buyin' that! Even if the guy-dog-thing reeks perpetually of roadkill and the succulence you find in your most select neighborhood garbage cans (not to mention the tasty flesh of more than just a couple of bozos who got in his way), something is "up" there. And I ain't just talkin' about those damn owls that seem to be everywhere nowadays.
Anyway, take the word of this old jasper, get in touch with your spirit animal (I think mine is a Sloth) and read not only this book but each and every one of the Alexander Southerland P.I. books. Yeah, some of the twists and turns may seem difficult, but I think it's something you - ALL OF YOU - can handle. You'll be glad you did!
P.S. Good gravy, yes, I stole as many lines in this review as I could find to fit! Read the book(s), you'll see! Sheesh!
No, I didn't think so. You see, our boy here is a genius when it comes to this "noir urban fantasy" mumbo-jumbo. He really is. And what's even better is that it doesn't take a genius to see that. Which is where I come in. Because let's call it like it is: NOT being a genius about things is my specialty. I ain't smart, but I'm pretty. Pretty ugly anyway. But you're not here to talk about my looks, are you now?
OK, OK, so let's keep proceedin'. I will say this: I'm not always sure the author is all that practical. Every time I think I've got his plots sussed out, well things get… complicated. And this book has enough complicated to go around for everyone and have some left over to drop into the Our Church of Perpetual Baloney charity box later. Technical stuff, mystical stuff, deep human (or others) emotional stuff, you name it. It's in here. And there's plenty of it to spread around. Yeah, his writing moves with purpose in just about every direction and somehow manages to sift smoothly through all the disorder he creates without serious incident. And least word-wise I mean. What happens to his characters, well, that's a story for you to read through for sure. Thank the Dragon Lords that some folks' wounds heal quickly is all I gotta say!
So I started like you're supposed to, namely, at the beginning of this chapter, my fourth in as many months (don't quote me on the timing, I just work here). But damn, I hadn't even made it to the point when the first sap gets offed in mysterious ways before I found myself having to go back and do a little research by pulling out my copies of previous books. Take just one example: how was I to know that, how you call it, them heartstones was gonna be so important? Yeah yeah, we got the scoop before. But my memory ain't what it used to be, capice? Probably because I use my head too much to stop punches or help the ground not get hurt when I fall... or just maybe it's way too much cheap hooch... anyway.
Besides, it wasn't like I lost all that much time. A couple of word searches, a few re-read paragraphs, bada bing bada boom we were as good as new. Like I said, the third book was good, this book was good, we're all good here. Tuna melt anyone? But oh boy, all kidding aside, you gotta keep your eyes open in this one. I definitely had force my eyes more open than ever before a few times (no owl jokes wiseguys) just to try and bring this amazing world and clever plot into clearer focus. You try it and tell me your head didn't feel like it's filled with lead a few times. And that's tryin' to run in a town like Yerba City without hitting any hills along the way!
And speakin' of along the way, well, in this case our crazy Universe gets expanded, stretched and bent all out of shape. Ain't nothin' exactly like we thought it was and that's just the start. We've got a story in the background that just isn't going away any time soon, at least not until The Elf (all CAPS there) wants it to. And I still think MOST of what happened in this one was his doing anyway and we've all just been played like a cheap fiddle. You can go ahead and quote me on that if I wind up being right, no worries. I just can't shake that feeling, you know, that more is about to happen! Machine like the one we learned about here, no matter how bizarre, could mean a lot to folks trying to make what you might call your proverbial comeback. No, not like becoming the Big Owl, oops, I mean Cheese in town again, this would be a dream way beyond something like that. But things get, like I said before, complicated. What sounds eggsciting for some might be another kind of rebirth for others! Ahem.
So yeah, there's Troy now and he'll be here for a while, because we sure didn't see him enough. Nice kid and I liked how he and our gumshoe hit it off. Yeah, kinda weird him being the only troll we dance with after all that's happened before but it is what it is. And what's going to happen with Ralph and Crawford and Walks in Cloud (oh my ribs are still aching from all the puns smackin' me in the guts with the computer talk!) will also need to get a little more comfortable before they get their gold watches. And Chivo. Well, if you're tryin' to sell me a story where Chivo doesn't mean a helluva lot more than we think, well, I definitely ain't buyin' that! Even if the guy-dog-thing reeks perpetually of roadkill and the succulence you find in your most select neighborhood garbage cans (not to mention the tasty flesh of more than just a couple of bozos who got in his way), something is "up" there. And I ain't just talkin' about those damn owls that seem to be everywhere nowadays.
Anyway, take the word of this old jasper, get in touch with your spirit animal (I think mine is a Sloth) and read not only this book but each and every one of the Alexander Southerland P.I. books. Yeah, some of the twists and turns may seem difficult, but I think it's something you - ALL OF YOU - can handle. You'll be glad you did!
P.S. Good gravy, yes, I stole as many lines in this review as I could find to fit! Read the book(s), you'll see! Sheesh!
May 19, 2022
A Hoot!
Non-spoiler version: Douglas Lumsden has written another noir urban fantasy GEM!
A Night Owl Slips into a Diner, the 4th book in the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series, to summarize a bit, has damaged beast mobiles, industrial espionage, secretive government agencies, and otherworldly spirits. Plus Owls. Big Owls. Powerful Owls.
All of that is mixed together, shaken up, and served up in a finely crafted book that makes you wish the story would NOT END!
The world building started with A Troll Walks into a Bar all the way into the current book has managed to expand in scope without losing the essence of what makes Alex Southerland a compelling character.
As an avid reader of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Or Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, books with expansive World building and interesting protagonists, please take time and give the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series a go.
Don't think you will regret it.
Non-spoiler version: Douglas Lumsden has written another noir urban fantasy GEM!
A Night Owl Slips into a Diner, the 4th book in the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series, to summarize a bit, has damaged beast mobiles, industrial espionage, secretive government agencies, and otherworldly spirits. Plus Owls. Big Owls. Powerful Owls.
All of that is mixed together, shaken up, and served up in a finely crafted book that makes you wish the story would NOT END!
The world building started with A Troll Walks into a Bar all the way into the current book has managed to expand in scope without losing the essence of what makes Alex Southerland a compelling character.
As an avid reader of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Or Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, books with expansive World building and interesting protagonists, please take time and give the Alexander Southerland, P.I. series a go.
Don't think you will regret it.
January 29, 2022
Best one yet!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m not even a fan of urban noir. I’m more of a cozy mystery sort of reader. But Douglas Lumsden weaves a story that captivates the reader from the very first paragraph. I used to think I knew a bit about mythology but his knowledge of it makes me feel abysmally ignorant. Lumsden’s use of mythological creatures rivals anything that a fantasy novel could possibly dream up. If you want to read a page turner that you can’t put down, I highly recommend this series. I hope there will be more to come, although I wouldn’t mind a new series. I’ve a feeling that this author has yet to fold the full scope of his writing capabilities. Who knows what surprises may lay ahead?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m not even a fan of urban noir. I’m more of a cozy mystery sort of reader. But Douglas Lumsden weaves a story that captivates the reader from the very first paragraph. I used to think I knew a bit about mythology but his knowledge of it makes me feel abysmally ignorant. Lumsden’s use of mythological creatures rivals anything that a fantasy novel could possibly dream up. If you want to read a page turner that you can’t put down, I highly recommend this series. I hope there will be more to come, although I wouldn’t mind a new series. I’ve a feeling that this author has yet to fold the full scope of his writing capabilities. Who knows what surprises may lay ahead?
September 30, 2022
I simply cannot say enough about how much I love these stories. The Alexander Southerland series is the perfect blend of noir and comedy and a surprising dash of horror. Self published author Douglas Lumsden continues to show the world that he’s a heavy hitter. I absolutely recommend this book or this series to fiction lovers. Added tip: the Alexander Southerland series goes great with light cocktail jazz playing in the background.
However, I must admit that my positive reviews of Douglas Lumsden’s stories are slightly self-serving. Even though my rave reviews are completely genuine, I have a secondary motive. Secretly, I am hoping that my five star reviews will inspire Mr. Lumsden to continue pumping out these novels. Please read, and also please rate and review! These are great stories written by one cool dude.
However, I must admit that my positive reviews of Douglas Lumsden’s stories are slightly self-serving. Even though my rave reviews are completely genuine, I have a secondary motive. Secretly, I am hoping that my five star reviews will inspire Mr. Lumsden to continue pumping out these novels. Please read, and also please rate and review! These are great stories written by one cool dude.
December 4, 2022
Once again, our intrepid lead is in over his head. A loner without friends... who gets by with a little help from his friends. Five stars as it's an enjoyable read... but for this one, I might have removed a star. The reason I loved the first few books is that Southerland is just your average Joe. Now, he has extraordinary powers. The bigger the villain, the more our average detective becomes Superman.
The author is amazing at building characters. And I can almost see the world he is building. But now it is getting to be too many characters that are easily thrown away or conveniently change their values as the plot dictates. And the main villain, just decided to be... "Hey, it was just all fun and games... Let me buy you dinner."
The author is amazing at building characters. And I can almost see the world he is building. But now it is getting to be too many characters that are easily thrown away or conveniently change their values as the plot dictates. And the main villain, just decided to be... "Hey, it was just all fun and games... Let me buy you dinner."
August 3, 2022
Another solid story for Alexander Southerland, PI
If Dresden fans liked the flatfoot mystery-solving parts more than the wizarding parts then I would recommend this book to them. What sets these stories apart from other books in the "grimnoir" genre is the use of Mesoamerican and Indigenous American mythos as the backdrop to the stories. I liked how the legends were integrated into the urban fantasy plot. 4-stars instead of 5 because it had more plot twists, double-crosses, and U-turns than the 20 year recap of a daytime soap opera.
If Dresden fans liked the flatfoot mystery-solving parts more than the wizarding parts then I would recommend this book to them. What sets these stories apart from other books in the "grimnoir" genre is the use of Mesoamerican and Indigenous American mythos as the backdrop to the stories. I liked how the legends were integrated into the urban fantasy plot. 4-stars instead of 5 because it had more plot twists, double-crosses, and U-turns than the 20 year recap of a daytime soap opera.
August 22, 2023
Wild!
Alex Southerland, private investigator, is having a bad day. He does a job he feels pretty crummy about and then the job takes a turn he didn't see coming and once again, he's in up to his neck. How is this different than any PI story? Well, it involves spirits, dwarves, elves, gnomes, and those who are conversant with spirits. All in a alternate version of earth. One where dragon lords rule. If all of this doesn't pique your curiosity, well, there's no hope for you!
Alex Southerland, private investigator, is having a bad day. He does a job he feels pretty crummy about and then the job takes a turn he didn't see coming and once again, he's in up to his neck. How is this different than any PI story? Well, it involves spirits, dwarves, elves, gnomes, and those who are conversant with spirits. All in a alternate version of earth. One where dragon lords rule. If all of this doesn't pique your curiosity, well, there's no hope for you!
August 1, 2022
Another Hit
I love this series! Mr. Lumsden has created a great noir world using mythology and fantasy to make a setting that’s unique and intriguing. The characters are well developed and keep you wanting to learn more about them. The stories twist and turn and as Alex knows he sometimes finds himself doing the wrong thing for the right reasons and vice versa. Please, carry on!
I love this series! Mr. Lumsden has created a great noir world using mythology and fantasy to make a setting that’s unique and intriguing. The characters are well developed and keep you wanting to learn more about them. The stories twist and turn and as Alex knows he sometimes finds himself doing the wrong thing for the right reasons and vice versa. Please, carry on!
July 22, 2024
Gosh, I Hope There’s Another!
What an enjoyable series! Each one has been well written, and the plots are original and clever. It’s been a while since I’ve relished a collection as much as this one. Interesting, imaginative characters, plenty of twists, and a stalwart hero who makes plenty of well-timed mistakes, but with a sure course. Ready to hop back into Yerba City to see what creatures will be wreaking havoc.
What an enjoyable series! Each one has been well written, and the plots are original and clever. It’s been a while since I’ve relished a collection as much as this one. Interesting, imaginative characters, plenty of twists, and a stalwart hero who makes plenty of well-timed mistakes, but with a sure course. Ready to hop back into Yerba City to see what creatures will be wreaking havoc.
January 13, 2022
Fell into this Series! Absolutely COULD NOT stop reading.
Loved every bit. Well written. Enthralling, fun, and loved all the characters! I want to see more! Keep writing on this series!! Comparable to the “Nancy Drew” books…(many!)
Loved every bit. Well written. Enthralling, fun, and loved all the characters! I want to see more! Keep writing on this series!! Comparable to the “Nancy Drew” books…(many!)
February 25, 2024
Almost Romantic
This is book 4 in the Alexander Sutherland, P.I. Series. I am really enjoying these short mysteries with the same character. After a few of these books, all of the characters become like friends! I love the main character and I get a kick out of the endings!
This is book 4 in the Alexander Sutherland, P.I. Series. I am really enjoying these short mysteries with the same character. After a few of these books, all of the characters become like friends! I love the main character and I get a kick out of the endings!
August 29, 2024
I enjoyed the action and tension through out the story. Alex is a fun character and the world is fascinating. I like the Native American mythology baked into it and it seems like Douglas does his best to respect the subject matter and do it justice.
November 4, 2025
I think that this is great work
The world build is an excellent medium for the brand noir world and the PI is more than the right choice. The scene is somewhat SF as well as fantasy. The were rat pal is a good move, too. All is recommended.
The world build is an excellent medium for the brand noir world and the PI is more than the right choice. The scene is somewhat SF as well as fantasy. The were rat pal is a good move, too. All is recommended.
February 10, 2022
Another wonderful book
Glad to have read the fourth book in the series. Always looking forward to the next one. Great fun venturing through the urban magic of Yerba City.
Glad to have read the fourth book in the series. Always looking forward to the next one. Great fun venturing through the urban magic of Yerba City.
March 5, 2022
Eagerly await the next one.
April 7, 2022
Very entertaining
This is a very entertaining series. I like the combination of technology, magic, and legend in the books. I recommend
This is a very entertaining series. I like the combination of technology, magic, and legend in the books. I recommend
May 6, 2022
Keeps interest
I have read all four in the series. The characters continue to become more detailed and believable with each passing story. Definitely worth a read.
I have read all four in the series. The characters continue to become more detailed and believable with each passing story. Definitely worth a read.
May 15, 2022
good finally to four book series
Book four of Southerland series was good as were the first three books. Enjoyed it very much. Plenty of action and good characterization.
Book four of Southerland series was good as were the first three books. Enjoyed it very much. Plenty of action and good characterization.
July 30, 2022
Enjoyable
I've read all four books in this series, and enjoyed them all. They are well conceived and written. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I've read all four books in this series, and enjoyed them all. They are well conceived and written. I look forward to the next book in this series.
October 28, 2023
Loved it
I have become immersed in the storyline and ready for the next book. The characters have become more and more alive and interesting as I read on.
I have become immersed in the storyline and ready for the next book. The characters have become more and more alive and interesting as I read on.
November 22, 2023
This one was great. Real unique story line. It explores side characters that have been in it since the beginning, casts some light on the larger goings on, has a great “dream” like quality to the narrative that blew the doors opened for the series as a whole. I want to know what’s going to happen with the series as it goes on.
Favorite character is Cougar and that’s pretty awesome.
Favorite character is Cougar and that’s pretty awesome.
January 26, 2023
NICE
Your books provide everything I need to love a book. Thank you and please do not stop writing your stories!
Your books provide everything I need to love a book. Thank you and please do not stop writing your stories!
November 15, 2024
This was a nonstop adventure for our dear gumshoe, Alex Southerland.
The cast of characters keeps growing and the world keeps getting wider, broader and more vivid, just like Alex.
This time around the story adds a spiritual layer to the world, and makes it even stronger, because Douglas does it with care and respect for the source (in my non-professional opinion) and you feel the love he pours into it.
The way Alex gets into unfathomable messes is delightful as the ways he finds to get out of them.
The cast of characters keeps growing and the world keeps getting wider, broader and more vivid, just like Alex.
This time around the story adds a spiritual layer to the world, and makes it even stronger, because Douglas does it with care and respect for the source (in my non-professional opinion) and you feel the love he pours into it.
The way Alex gets into unfathomable messes is delightful as the ways he finds to get out of them.
December 20, 2021
Great continuation, will ready all subsequent books
This series is great, has a good mixture of humor and self awareness sprinkled in. It's good to read intelligent protagonists.
This series is great, has a good mixture of humor and self awareness sprinkled in. It's good to read intelligent protagonists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews