Keith R.A. DeCandido
Dragon Precinct (2004)
Author: Keith R.A. DeCandido
Genre (and subgenre): Fantasy (Mystery)
Plot Summary:
When Gan Brightblade, one of the world’s greatest heroes, is killed at a hotel the before starting a quest, Cliff’s End Castle Guards Lt. Danthres Tresyllione, a half-elf, and Lt. Torin ban Wyvald are ordered to find and capture the murderers. Danthres, Torin, and the Magical Examiner find no forensic evidence at the crime scene and get no leads from Brightblade’s six close-mouthed companions. When Olthar, an elf and companion of Brightblade, is found with his neck broken, Danthres and Torin learn that the group was on a quest to find and kill the evil wizard Chalmraik. As no evidence was left at the scene, the Castle Guards follow a series of dead-end leads, including meetings with both wizards and prostitutes, until two more of Brightblade’s companions are killed. After Danthres, Torin, and the M.E. realize that only the forbidden magic of time travel could have allowed no forensic or magic evidence to be found, the Castle Guards talk to the remaining three companions and learn that Brightblade and his companions assaulted a young mage a few days before being killed. Danthres and Torin then find the mage and elicit a confession.
Geographical Setting: Cliff’s End, the main port and capital city of Flingaria
Time Period: None (Fantasy World)
Appeal Characteristics:
This story is a non-literary detective mystery set in a fantasy world. It is fast-paced and character driven. The plot focuses on the characters, police procedure, and the politics of power (it is not a hero/quest story).
Similar Authors: Lisa Barnett; Jim Butcher; Vera Chapman; Laurell Hamilton; Melissa Scott; Tim Waggoner
Red Flags: Excessive Profanity; Sexual Innuendos; Sexual Subject Matter (Adultery, Prostitution)
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