Today we welcome Sophia Rose to the blog to share The Jupiter Knife, the second urban fantasy novel in the The Cunning Man series by DJ Butler and Aaron Michael Ritchey. Narrated by Stephen Bel Davies you’ll want to add this one to your audiobook list!
by D.J. Butler, Aaron Michael Ritchey
Narrator: Stephen Bel Davies
Length: 10 hours 42 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
EVEN GHOSTS NEED HELP FROM A CUNNING MAN. A new novel in the Cunning Man series from Dragon Award-nominated author D.J. Butler and Aaron Michael Ritchey.
Hiram and his son Michael are dowsing a well in Eastern Utah when they hear a cry of help from the ghost of a small boy, torn to pieces by wild animals. Before they can even begin to look into that tragedy, however, a prosperous local rancher is murdered right before their eyes.
In an attempt to both help the ghost and find the killer, Hiram and Michael must navigate an eccentric cast of characters that includes failed bank robbers, a seductive fortune-teller, an inept sheriff, a crazy prospector, and a preacher with an apocalyptic grudge against the Roosevelt administration.
The mystery, however, isn’t just in the hearts of men. There’s an astrological puzzle that Michael, now his father’s apprentice, must solve. Meanwhile, the murderer is moving slowly against Hiram and Michael, forcing them into a trap from which there is no escape.
Sophia Rose’s Review
Old West meets Urban Fantasy… irresistible! I love westerns, mysteries and urban fantasies so when I spotted this latest release in The Cunning Man series that brought all those genres together in one spot, I happily jumped on board for the mysterious adventure.
The Jupiter Knife is the second of The Cunning Man series. While there were many references back to their first adventure, I was easily able to pick this one up and dive into a clever father-son team of heroes.
In truth, I got the ‘Old West’ part technically wrong since the story’s time frame is actually set in the American West during The Great Depression Era. That said, small town Eastern Utah populated by ranchers and miners hadn’t changed all that much in some ways so I got my western fix just fine.
I was intrigued by a man, Hiram, who worked old lore magic like a hedge witch while was a deeply spiritual Mormon. At the same time, Hiram’s adopted son Michael is Navaho and still skeptical of the Cunning Man role and agnostic about Hiram’s faith. There is a little tension because of the difference in believes, but mostly, they love and respect each other. Hiram is proud of how beautiful Michael’s intellect is and dreams of him going off to university and becoming a great scientist, while Michael is just as impressed with Hiram’s humble, generous spirit and skills with simple magic that helps others. Hiram and Michael are something of outcasts because of Hiram’s gifts and Michael’s race, but they shrug it off and go on with life. They work well together.
As to the situation, it begins when Hiram accepts the task of dowsing to find water for a Moab area rancher. The rancher is prosperous and generous and has many friends from town, including the local Mormon bishop who isn’t concerned in the slightest about Hiram being there. From the crowd of men, they learn of a ghost who haunts the ranch land out by the rock arches, about a quirky guy prospecting for uranium, about a hell-fire crazy preacher out in the canyons, and a woman psychic medium in town. The ghost intrigues Hiram, who is burdened to help it find peace after they discover it was a murdered boy. Soon, they are on the spot for a new murder and some dangerous secrets hiding in Moab.
The book takes a meandering, gentle pace as it sets up the new situation, introduces the characters, and even after the murders are introduced. It is one of those sleeper stories that jumps into action, but starts off slowly. I felt the drag of the earlier part of the book even while I devoured all the background, situation, and character introduction, but I never got bored. There was a vast deal of unique paranormal lore and even religious, spiritual, and ritual elements to add some great flavor to the story. And, through it all, I got to know and adore both Hiram and Michael.
Stephen Bel Davies is a solid match as narrator for the book. He had a casual style that took me time to adjust to, but then I liked his work. His voices were distinct for all the characters, particularly Hiram and Michael. I loved his voice for the widow- I swear he was channeling Marlene Dietrich and the choleric Reverend. He adjusted to scenes and situations so the story came alive.
In summary, this was an unexpected, sparkling surprise. Hiram and Michael are new favorite characters and the world of their stories has me captivated. I will definitely be back for more and want their first story. A clever, refreshing spin on this genre mash up that I recommend.
The Jupiter Knife by D.J. Butler & Aaron Michael Ritchey was an unexpected, sparkling surprise #StephenBelDavies #audiobook Share on XAbout Aaron Michael Ritchey
Aaron Michael Ritchey was born with Colorado thunderstorms in his soul. He's sought shelter as a world traveler, an endurance athlete, a story addict, and even gave serious thought to becoming a Roman Catholic priest. After too brief a time in Paris, he moved back to the American West and lives semi-comfortably with three forces of nature: a little, blonde hurricane, an artistic tornado, and a beautiful, beautiful blizzard.
About D.J. Butler
D.J. Butler (Dave) is a novelist living in the Rocky Mountain west. His training is in law, and he worked as a securities lawyer at a major international firm and inhouse at two multinational semiconductor manufacturers before taking up writing fiction. He is a lover of language and languages, a guitarist and self-recorder, and a serious reader. He is married to a powerful and clever novelist and together they have three devious children. Dave is published by Baen, Knopf, and WordFire Press. He writes adventure fiction for all ages. He writes for young readers under the name Dave Butler
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tyler H. Jolley
Dave Butler is such a cool guy. I’ve met him several times at conferences and only have great things to day about him. I’m glad you enjoyed his book, Sofia! Great to see you on the blog!
Sophia Rose
That is so cool that you met him, Tyler, and that he is a class act.
It was fabulous and now I want to read the first one and future ones.
Thanks, glad to visit! 🙂
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
This sounds like such an interesting series! I love that it is a mash-up of several genres and the slower pace would be nice.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, they blended them well and I was deeply into the story. 🙂
Mary Kirkland
A ghost and a murder. Wow, that sounds interesting.
Sophia Rose
It was pretty cool and different, Mary!
Melanie Simmons
Wonderful review, Sophia. I’m glad you were able to pick up the story even without having read the first book. I enjoy when authors do that (though I personally, don’t like picking up a series in the middle, though I know many who will do that).
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Melanie! I usually try to get them in order, but I didn’t come across the series until this one was releasing so I crossed my fingers and hoped it would be okay. And, it was more than. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Oh wow all those genres mixed into one great story good for you for finding this Sophia Rose. But you do have a nose for finding your fixes 🙂
Sophia Rose
Yep, I was well pleased with myself, Debbie. It caught my attention and just had to give it a go.
Wendy Williams
It sounds like an interesting combination of Genres and it sounds like it worked out! Nice review.
Sophia Rose
Yes, it was interesting how they blended the two. It sure worked for me, Wendy. 🙂
Joyousreads
that’s definitely a genre combo that I’ve not read before. the Dark Towers series by Stephen King comes close. 🙂
Sophia Rose
I don’t see them often, but there are a few out there. Some have a bit of steampunk, too. Oh yes, I need to read that series at some point. Thanks for reminding me. 🙂
Ailyn Koay
the title itself is interesting, is it something that ties to the story or it’s a metaphor?
Sophia Rose
Great question, Ailyn! That knife is an important clue in the mystery part and also the urban fantasy element. 🙂
Ailyn Koay
Sometimes it is the title that grabs the attention isn’t it?
Sophia Rose
Sure is! 🙂
Melliane
Oh the mix is quite intriguing there and it’s the first time I hear about this novel
Sophia Rose
Yes, the mix was what really grabbed my fancy. Glad to introduce you, Melliane!