Customer Reviews
A fantastic supernatural mystery - By: S. Bates, 06 Aug 2008 
The book's blurb sounded interesting & I'd heard of Mike Carey from his comic book work so I thought I'd give this a go. And I'm so glad I did! This is a cracking, easy read which has such a great take on the whole undead thing. Felix Castor - an exorcist who is more like a wisecracking, tough psychic private detective - is a likeable, brilliant character & the supernatural reflection of modern-day London that he inhabits is dark & thrilling.
If you like mysteries, thrillers, or whodunnits with a horror-like urban fantasy feel to it, then pick up this book. You won't regret it.
Gumshoe Exoricist - By: Gareth Wilson, 07 Jul 2008 
Felix Castors original outing & one that proves Carey's origins in Hellblazer. Well crafted, witty & with characters that just jump out of the page this supernatural thriller takes the reader on a wild ride whilst also alllowing them to become accustomed to the "alternate" version of London. Yet the plot doesn't let up with it clearly being well planned & character driven as we struggle to come to terms with the back story of Felix as he tries to live his life as normallly as possible against the chaos that seems to beat its way to his door.
If you're looking for a grittier Harry Dresden that's more "spirit of man" rather than magic then this is going to be a real treat with London's Dark Alleyways & hidden cemeteries coming to the fore as well as alllowing the seedier side of man show itself during this tale. A real gem & something to keep around for multiple readings.
Definitely X files stuff - By: Tallulah, 29 Mar 2008 I picked up this book in a second hand shop not knowing what to expect as I have never read this author before, but I will certainly read the rest of them now. It was the most gripping, funny, unusual book I've read this year. Felix Castor is a gem. I would love to know where Mike Carey gets his information from in the first place. Are there manuals about ghosts or does he make it up as he goes along? However he does it, the books are well worth reading. Buy one & enjoy.
wonderfull - By: P. Wagner, 03 Feb 2008 was a bit weary as he used to write for hellblazer, but is an original, gripping & entertaining supernatural noir story, with heart. Bring on the new ones
The Devil Takes His Time - By: Sam, 26 Nov 2007 
Felix Castor is an exorcist in a version of modern day London were ghosts are a common occurrence. He is hired by the head of an archive to exorcise the spirit of a young women whose face is hidden behind a red haze. Castor's investigations will lead him away from the world of academia into one of people trafficking & deadly gangsters. Will Castor ignore the warnings of his friend when he is told to not take this case or face death?
There were elements of 'The Devil You Know' that I reallly liked, whilst others fell slightly flat. The character of Felix Castor himself is a great one & Carey creates a reallly interesting world for him to live in. It is instantly recognisable as modern day London & somehow the introduction of ghosts, zombies & were-creatures seems to work. I also thought that the investigation in the book was decent & was similar to a PI novel more than science fiction.
Unfortunately, a lot of the good work that Carey put into realising his universe is undone by his inability to be succinct. The book comes in at over 400 pages & feels far too long for lightweight fare. He adds too much explanation & goes into more detail than needed on several occasions. Despite this it is still a good book & the ending suggests that sequels could even be better. I would recommend it to fans of Jim Butcher as it a companion series to the 'Harry Dresden' books.
