The Devil You Know [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

I can see the small similarities between the Harry Dresden series and this one. There are differences though. I found Felix Castor more dark and grittier than Dresden. It definitely more "noir" and having the setting taking place in London is perfect. London is so dark and wet most of the time and cold. I think the setting fits well and is described perfectly for this novel. The world here is much different than present day. The dead and ghosts are actually out and we're aware that they are. Most of the time though, they actually don't bother us except for a select few that have risen up to settle some differences. There is plenty of magic but it's not in the way of Harry Potter it's more darker and more realistic.

I have to admit, it took me a while to get into this book. It started off a little slow and I had to nearly force myself to get into it. Eventually it started picking up and I got more interested. It was especially interesting that although it's paranormal in regards to ghosts and other creatures (there's a loup garou but not what you usually think it would be..it's different). There's also an underlying realistic element in it as naturally the ghost is there with a reason and has a story to tell (ie; how she became a ghost) so real life comes into play just as much as the paranormal side does in this book. Which is good it's a nice mixture and it's done nicely so that the magic parts come naturally and it doesn't seem so out of the ordinary, it actually feels like everyday life.

I think the other reason why it took me a while to get into it, is because in the beginning, Felix goes through a huge narration on explaining how he got to this point, and how he met certain characters and their background stories. He does this throughout the book and although the explanations are great and provides a nice depth to the novel, some of them are too detailed and rather long winded. Then I'm left wondering where did we leave off and what does this have to do with it? although the background information is nice, it should have been done in small specific paragraphs but not deviate entirely from the main plot. This could be a deterrent to some readers and those reading might feel like putting the book to the side and leave it for another day, but try and get through it. You'll find it connects the dots in one way or another and it leaves the story more complete and more detailed.

As for characters I like Felix. He's got wit and a dark sense of humor. I'm not sure if you could call him your typical detective in a noir book as although he does have an eye for the ladies I don't think he really has much of a charm or is that charismatic. To me he's more like a good guy friend who you'd have a drink with and just relax. He's likable, don't get me wrong and there are certainly parts in the book where I found myself laughing at him because of comments he's made either towards others or towards himself but he's lacking in something. He just falls short of standing out. I guess what I am trying to say is, it took me a while to warm up to him and even then although I like him, there's no strong attachment or anything.

The plot is great and albeit for the slow start, putting the pieces together was a puzzle for me and it was fun trying to guess what it was. You're left guessing what it is and in the end I was sort of right, but wrong as well. I had the wrong idea. It was well done with how the ends were all tied and no questions asked except in regards to Felix' past and what will happen next (there are more books to this series). The ending was great and I'm curious as to what will happen. I will be reading the second book definitely however I'm hoping it won't be as slow starting as this one.

Overall, it's not a bad book! give it a try if you're a fan of Harry Dresden but want something more realistic, more dark, and with more grit. You'll find it's actually quite good and well worth the wait.

First of all , I enjoyed it. The story did develope a little slowly in the first part, introducing charactors who seem to intend to be involved in Felix's life, but not necessarilly in the story's main plot... until connections are made later. I stumbled through the first third of the book, and then was pulled in, and HAD TO read the last part of the book.
The translation from the world we live in (at least the one we think we know) to one with ghosts, magic and various undead up and around in the general mix of society... is well crafted. His reluctance to excorcise a ghost he has been contracted to make go away, until that nagging feeling is understood; that works very well; gives you a good read on the Felix. And the main charactor, Felix, is not a hero who has all the right answers and all the right moves, he gets into scrapes and sometimes 'takes the worse of it'... but, coincidence or luck, or karma, little clues to the mystery are granted.
I enjoyed it enough that I will pick up the second in the series so I can read the further adventures, but I can read some other books without getting itchy to read that second book 'this minute' 3 stars, better than that, 4 stars, maybe generous, probably justified.