Magic on the Line

Monk’s electric seventh Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy (after Apr. 2011’s Magic on the Hunt) is the best one yet. With Portland’s magical community already in upheaval, local leader Bartholomew Wray decides to completely overhaul the Portland Authority. His plans don’t sit well with Allie; her lover, Zayvion; and their friends Shame and Terric. Wray is also ignoring some incredibly suspicious magical events: undead magic users are possessing the living, and several people are dying of magic poisoning. Allie refuses to stand by and do nothing—but using her own magic is making her ill. This dark and delicious novel digs deep into the characters, their relationships, and the mysterious Authority. Allie is one of urban fantasy’s most entertaining heroines, and her latest adventure will leave readers desperately wanting more, especially when Monk whips out a killer cliffhanger ending. (Nov.)