Fantasy Book Review – Madhouse by Rob Thurman

The Leandros brothers are back for a third installment in the series. Cal, the half auphe demon and Nikos the battle trained warrior are still trying to make their fledging business successful. Being trained to kill the undead and other supernatural evils had the brothers open a security/detective agency dealing with all the assorted creatures of the night.

Business is not good and the brothers take on other jobs to make ends meet. Shortly into the story evil erupts onto the scene and the brothers are called into action. The remains of the notorious Scottish mass murderer, Sawney Beane have disappeared. The niche services of Cal and Nikos is needed because Sawney Beane was a Redcap, who, according to legend, were goblins that murdered travelers and stained their caps red with their victim’s blood. This particular Redcap was even more deranged; he wore no cap but soaked his hair with blood.

Sawney Beane killed and consumed a thousand people before he was captured and burned at the stake. The brothers discover he has been brought back to life and has begun his killing streak again on the streets of New York City.

Once again I enjoyed the two protagonists. Cal is hard and tough with a past that keeps him from ever really being whole and well. As a half demon he always struggles with his monster tendencies. We the readers are allowed into his mind to see how he suffers and worries. It is a striking contrast; tough guy on the outside and insecure on the inside.

Nikos is the only person Cal loves and trusts wholeheartedly and the appeal of Nikos is the pure goodness that makes him who he is. It is a toss-up of who I like better. Fortunately, I don’t have to choose. I get to have both; bad boy and good boy.

Paranormal fans will thoroughly enjoy the wild ride that Madhouse takes them on. I was entranced and entertained – this was an excellent read.

Get your copy of Madhouse and read about the Leandros brother’s adventures.