Midnight Taxi Tango

Older’s gritty second Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy (after Half-Resurrection Blues) launches readers once again into the dangerous, ghost-ridden streets of New York City. Carlos Delacruz is an agent for the New York Council of the Dead, and his job is to get rid of unwanted ghosts. The city has more of them than ever, thanks to a string of deadly—and suspicious—accidents. Someone is training ghostlings to do some dirty work, which is just the sort of complication Carlos needs when he’s trying to reunite with his old flame and help a young friend who’s started seeing ghosts herself. “The street is hungry,” and before long Carlos uncovers an evil insect cult bent on causing a paranormal apocalypse. Older brings an elemental street vibe to his urban magic, adding an earthiness and texture that really makes his work stand out. Readers looking for stories that deftly mix magic with contemporary Brooklyn culture will enjoy this series. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary Agency. (Jan.)