Candlemark & Gleam readers first met Nick Moss – WWII veteran, Night War survivor, member of the dwindling human cohort, hard-bitten private eye – in Justin Robinson’s neo-noir comédie fantastique City of Devils and renewed their acquaintance with Nick’s dangerous, fascinating world in Fifty Feet of Trouble, Wolfman Confidential and A Stitch in Crime.

In City of Devils and Fifty Feet of Trouble we encountered Hexene Candlemas, a witch with her own complex story who was very much in Nick’s thoughts before circumstances made them drift apart. Hexene now takes center stage in Unwitch Hunt, Justin’s fifth foray into his universe of pulp monsters; and with Kate Sullivan’s expert help, I created what I hope is an eloquent distillation of Hexene’s inner and outer landscape with a cover that also pays visual tribute to siblings Fifty Feet of Trouble and Wolfman Confidential.

Publishers Weekly found Unwitch Hunt delightful and Hexene charming; those steeped in Hollywood lore will recognize Unwitch Hunt as an inspired transmutation of The Wizard of Oz.

 The riveting synopsis of Unwitch Hunt:

Hexene Candlemas was part of the most powerful witch coven in Los Angeles. Then her toad died in a mad scientist’s stab at doomsday. Now she’s got nothing.

In a last-ditch effort at regaining their powers, her coven journey to the one place that might have answers: La Ciudad de las Brujas. Founded by witches and run according to their ancient laws, Las Brujas is intended as a utopia. Hexene quickly learns that’s not the case as she finds herself facing down the city’s unofficial police force, a mad soft drink magnate, and a full-blown zombie rebellion.

It’s not the City of Devils. It’s something worse.

Launch date:

Unwitch Hunt will appear on everyone’s night sky on March 14, 2022. Mark your calendars and keep a firm grip on your brooms and hex satchels!