Wake of the Bloody Angel

Bledsoe’s fourth epic fantasy noir featuring “sword jockey” Eddie LaCrosse (after 2011’s Dark Jenny) is action-packed and witty, if slightly distant from the PI side of its family tree. LaCrosse’s investigative skills are called upon this time in the service of his landlady, Angelina, a tavern owner. She wants him to track down her onetime lover, Edward Tew, a pirate; she’s been waiting 20 years for him to make good on his promise of coming back to her. LaCrosse quickly learns that Tew’s ship, the Bloody Angel, was reported to have sunk after its crew captured a legendary cache of treasure, and that only one crew member—not Tew—survived. There’s more swordplay and action than actual detection, and the supernatural elements are downplayed, but the lead’s sardonic narrative voice will amply entertain readers who like their urban fantasies on the lighter side. Agent: Marlene Stringer, the Stringer Literary Agency. (July)