The 8 Top Urban Fantasy Novels with Crime Solving
Book RaiderHave you ever wondered what it would be like Harry Potter traded his wand for a badge, or if Sherlock Holmes prowled the mean streets with a powerful grimoire stuffed in his tweed coat? Welcome to the heady and enthralling world of urban fantasy, where magic and mystery collide, and where our favorite detectives have more than just forensics at their disposal.
Diving into urban fantasy is like stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia, but with a noir twist. Imagine gritty gumshoes navigating messy crime scenes with a quick wit, sharp instincts, and a flicker of sorcery. This is where elves don silk suits, werewolves run mafia syndicates, and pixies are notorious pickpockets. Ready to embark on a mystical crime-solving adventure? Then read on.
Moon Called
by Patricia Briggs
Why Moon Called is on this list: Because this isn't your run-of-the-mill whodunnit, it's an urban fantasy where crime-solving takes a wild spin – with werewolves. Talk about unusual suspects, am I right?
Moon Called is the first in the Mercy Thompson series. It features our gutsy heroine – a shape-shifting mechanic named Mercy – who is drawn into a mystery involving some shady dealings within the local wer pack. There are disappearances, a murder, and enough creepy vibes to shake a stick at. Or a wrench, in Mercy's case.
What readers like: Fans really dig the blend of mystery, action, and supernatural elements in this story. Plus, there's something about a lead character who can change into a coyote that steals the show. Reading this book is like driving a classic car – it's a thrilling ride, with some bumps and turns along the way, but you won't want to put the brakes on until you reach the end.
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Storm Front
by Jim Butcher
Why Storm Front is on this list: Storm Front blends the cool worlds of detective stories and urban fantasy, essentially giving you two great genres for the price of one.
This nifty little number is about a guy named Harry Dresden who's a private eye and a wizard. No, you read that right, he's a wizard - wand and all. Wizardry meets whodunit when Dresden investigates a mysterious murder and is plunged into the magical and murky underbelly of Chicago. If that's not enough, our wizard-slash-detective also has to deal with a seductive vampire, the mafia, and his own necromantic skeletal assistant. What could possibly go wrong, right?
What readers like: Readers dig the clever weaving of crime and magic, the heart-racing mystery and the crisp, snappy dialogue. And let's not forget Harry Dresden himself, with his grizzled charm, his unique problem-solving (because who doesn't whip out a little magic to crack the case?), and his dog-like loyalty - he's the wizarding world's answer to a hardboiled detective.
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Dead Witch Walking
by Kim Harrison
Why Dead Witch Walking is on this list: Witches and vampires and pixies, oh my! Who doesn't love a good urban? Now imagine that rich fantastical world combined with gritty crime solving. That's the flavor of Kim Harrison's 'Dead Witch Walking'.
On the surface, Rachel Morgan is an ordinary witch working as a runner for the Inderland Security, but when she decides to quit her boring day job and set up as a rogue detective, things get a tad bit more interesting. She soon finds her life, and the lives of her unlikely partners (a mischievous pixie and a living vampire, as one does), in danger and at the center of a universe filled with supernatural beings and menacing criminals. Challenges aren't in short supply as she tackles all sorts of magical mishaps and macabre mysteries.
What readers like: With an engaging storyline, rich atmosphere and unforgettable characters, readers have fallen in love with the distinctive blend of urban fantasy, supernatural thrills, and crime-solving intrigue. Just a heads up, though: this book may transform your regular reading corner into a fantastical world of mystery and adventure. But hey, who wouldn't love a sprinkle of magic with their murder mystery, right?
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Hounded
by Kevin Hearne
Why Hounded is on this list: Hounded seamlessly blends the urban fantasy and crime-solving genres, with its protagonist, a millennia-old druid, juggling mythological drama and detective work in equal parts.
Hounded is the first novel in Kevin Hearne's The Iron Druid Chronicles series. Atticus'Sullivan is the last of the Druid, living peacefully in Arizona and running his occult bookshop. His quiet life is disrupted when an angry god sends mythological creatures after him, forcing abs-destroying workout routine (did we mention he looks 21?). Atticus suddenly finds himself knee-deep in arm-twisting, sleuthing and trouble-making, with a dose of dry humor that might just make you spill your coffee.
What readers like: Readers love Atticus’s sharp wit, the unique premise of an ancient druid in the modern world, and the comedic spin on typical crime-solving tropes. Plus, there's a talking dog. What’s not to love about a snarky, four-legged sidekick who can keep up with an ancient druid?
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Repairman Jack
by F. Paul Wilson
Why Repairman Jack is on this list: Not your average Joe, Jack is a 'repairman' but swaps leaky pipes and broken appliances for solving supernatural and criminal problems. Cue crimes, urban fantasy and a whole lot of page turning.
Jack isn't your typical repairman, he fixes situations - and they're usually not pretty. In a world where the weird and wild merge with crime, Jack is your go-to supernatural repairman who sorts out predicaments that are far from ordinary. From damp ghouls fouling up your basement to malevolent entities messing with your sanity, Jack has seen and fixed it all.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the mix of gritty crime-solving and the supernatural - with Jack's character truly shining through as he battles both the real and unearthly worlds. His smart, witty comebacks and an array of unreal equipment that would make Batman envious only adds to the gritty urban fantasy vibe. There's even some emotional pull with Jack's complex relationships. If you're digging an urban fantasy with a twist, look no further.
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Some Girls Bite
by Chloe Neill
Why Some Girls Bite is on this list: Chloe Neill cleverly intertwines the elements of urban fantasy and crime-solving to create a riveting plot that keeps readers at the edge their seats. Our protagonist, newly turned vampire Meredith 'Merit' isn't just trying to navigate her new life; she also knee-deep in solving mysteries.
With a sassy lead, Merit, who turns into a vampire against her will, the book takes a spin when the responsibility of solving an unusual string of murders falls into her lap. As she attempts to unravel the mystery, dealing with her newfound physical prowess and ally-seeking amongst supernatural beings in her city, gets a whole lot messier.
What readers like: Readers love the strong female lead, Chloe Neill's deft mix of humor and suspense, the oh-so-dramatic life of the urban supernatural, and of course, a good old-fashioned whodunit. If you like a book that keeps you guessing with a side of vampires, Some Girls Bite is definitely worth sinking your teeth into.
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Spider’s Bite
by Jennifer Estep
Why Spider’s Bite is on this list: With an assassin as the protagonist and the underbelly of the city as her playground, Spider’s Bite serves up a generous blending of underworld crime-solving with quirkily delicious urban fantasy.
Our protagonist, Gin Blanco, known as the Spider, isn’t your typical sleuth. She’s a professional killer who retired after being set up. But when tragedy strikes close to home, she decides to rope in her lethal talents for the greater good. Needless to say, criminals skulking in the shadowy alleyways of her city are about to find themselves webbed in some major trouble. Think gritty crime drama with a generous sprinkle of magic, fantastical creatures and a heroine who's as sassy as she is deadly.
What readers like: Readers love the lovable and refreshing Gin, who is a far cry from your traditional hardboiled detective. She's tough, has a heart of gold, and doesn’t hesitate to kill when necessary. Plus, the balance of this unique world's grounded crime-ridden reality with its supernatural elements is a welcome addition to the urban fantasy genre.
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Magic Bites
by Ilona Andrews
Why Magic Bites is on this list: Magic Bites ticks all the boxes of an ideal urban fantasy novel with crime-solving. It's got magic, mystery, a kick-ass heroine, and a plot that will keep you turning pages faster than you can sayabracadabra'.
Our tough-as-nails protagonist, Kate Daniels, is a magic-wielding mercenary in a world that alternates between magic and technology. When her guardian is murdered, she is thrust into the center of Atlanta's paranormal investigation world to uncover the truth. In comes a hodgepodge of supernatural bad guys, a healthy dose of murder, and an errant fireball or two. Throw in some good ol' detective work, and you've got yourself a recipe for a cracking supernatural whodunit.
What readers like: Fans of Magic Bites rave about the gritty urban setting, the unique magic system, and above all, Kate's snappy one-liners and her refreshingly practical approach to problem-solving. Tight plotting combined with memorable characters and Andrews' witty prose have turned even the most skeptical readers into devoted fans of the series.
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