The Left-Hand Way

Puritanical investigator Maj. Michael Endicott takes the lead in Doyle’s rewarding second Craftsman installment (following American Craftsmen). This sprawling tale moves through Istanbul, Tokyo, London, and parts of the U.S., showcasing each region’s unique magic. Endicott is on a mission to root out a mole in the British Magical Ops, but everything goes off the rails the moment he lands in London. Roderick Morton—the evil Left-Hand sorcerer Endicott thought was dead—has hired the notorious Renfield family to assassinate Endicott. Grace Marlowe, a Craft Practitioner, begins to awaken forbidden longings in Endicott, who finds it hard to stick to his morals. Infiltrators, romance, and Endicott’s beliefs about his cause and his magical power all crumble during an epic chase to stop Morton from achieving his dreams of ascending to godhood and destroying the world. This intense, thrilling romp makes excellent use of its cultural touchstones; it far surpasses its predecessor and welcomes new readers. (Aug.)