Even Goblins Get the Blues

Talk therapy comes to a fantasy setting in the clever, if overly long, solo debut by former Neil Gaiman collaborator Rodgers. Human Abernathy the Clear, retired adventurer, now works as a therapist in Sapphire City, treating everything from anxiety disorders to PTSD among elves, dwarfs, minotaurs, and other mythical creatures. When two prominent citizens of Sapphire are murdered, the City Watch turns to Abernathy for insight into the killer. Months after solving that crime, the wife of one of Abernathy’s least stable clients disappears. Suspicion immediately falls on the client, putting Abernathy at risk of losing his practice. Fortunately, he can call upon his old adventuring skills and his loyal friends to help hunt down the truth. Rodgers depends heavily on lengthy expository passages that slow the pace, and despite the original concept and humorous details (Abernathy’s magical therapy couch can stretch or contract to fit any client), the worldbuilding sputters. Readers will find this a slog. (May)