Courtney Smyth’s debut novel, “The Undetectables,” is a captivating, funny and enjoyable entry into the realm of supernatural fiction. Hopefully this will be the the first installment of The Undetectables series, and it introduces readers to a world where magic and mystery intertwine.
A magical serial killer is stalking the Occult town of Wrackton. Hypnotic whistling causes victims to chew their own tongues off, leading to the killer being dubbed the Whistler (original, right?). But outside the lack of taste buds and the strange magical carvings on the victims’ torsos, the murderer leaves no evidence. No obvious clues. No reason—or so it seems.
The writing style is engaging and readable and drew me into the story. The pacing felt spot-on, with just the right balance of laughs, suspense, and character development that drove the story forward.
The diverse backgrounds and imperfections of the characters add depth and authenticity to the story and marks it out as differemt to many similar books. Smyth’s sensitive exploration of life with a chronic illness and its impact on relationships resonates deeply with those who have experienced similar struggles and feels authentic – though I am lucky enough not to be afflicted. This portrayal is a refreshing departure from typical narratives, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of human experience with honesty and empathy.
It builds an interesting world where ghosts and magic are commonplace, at least for some, but the mantra of “Be gay, solve crimes, take naps” was always going to attract
“The Undetectables” is a great fun debut that heralds Courtney Smyth as a talented new voice in the realm of fantasy fiction. It feels like a comfortable world but in its own way feels very uniqure and I am looking forward to reading more!