Member Review

‘Some comebacks can be murder … Stranger Times Investigates’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to Random House U.K./Transworld Publishers/Bantam Press for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Relight My Fire’ by C.K. McDonnell.

This is the fourth book in The Stranger Times series in which the author skilfully blends urban fantasy, mystery, comedy, and horror. It is set in Manchester and features an ensemble cast of eccentric characters who produce The Stranger Times, a weekly newspaper that prints the news that no one else will report.

While some background is provided, I would suggest that it is best to read these books in order to appreciate the characters’ development, a number of ongoing plot threads, and the running jokes. I was very pleased that it opened with a Dramatis Personae, which proved very useful as an aid to memory. It also includes a Drinkiposium, advising on each character’s favourite drink.

As for the plot of ‘Relight My Fire’, it sort of defies summary. So just a taste. In the opening trainee journalist, Stella, is on her way home when a body falls from the sky right in front of her. Squelch! Certain Powers That Be are convinced that Stella is responsible for this event. The Stranger Times team need to prove her innocence and this leads them down various rabbit holes, including investigating disturbed graves. Could there be zombies?

In addition, Vincent Banecroft is contacted by a tall, dark sinister figure, dressed like a funeral director, who no one else seems to see. He announces that he is there to ensure Banecroft atones for his sins. These and other plot lines are woven together with the occasional strange report from The Stranger Times archives.

Overall, ‘Relight My Fire’ was another excellent instalment in this quirky series. It is filled with action, great characters, witty dialogue and plenty of pop culture references, including the all important question of what type of zombies they are dealing with based on various film references.

Very highly recommended.