| Title | : | The Jupiter Knife (The Cunning Man, #2 |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1982125187 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781982125189 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published February 2, 2021 |
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.
The Jupiter Knife (The Cunning Man, #2 Reviews
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Audiobook Edition
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 heroies.
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.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for providing the digital audiobook to listen to in exchange for an honest review. -
This supernatural murder mystery set in Moab, Utah during the 1930's is a cracking good yarn. The second in The Cunning Man series, about a humble but magically adept Mormon beet farmer and his brasher son, whose scientific world view is being enlarged by the experiences with the supernatural. Lots of great 1930s flavor, strongly developed characters, inventive supernatural ideas, and thrilling adventure. Butler and Richiey are also excellent wordsmiths.
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Hiram Woolley and his adopted son Michael are providing dowsing services in Lehi.
They find theirselves trying to help a ghost of a little boy, who died in mysterious
circumstances. The local sheriff doesn't seem to be much help, but can the pair
find out what happened?
A sequel that is even better than the previous novel! I love the Silver John (Manly Wade
Wellman) feel to the story. It was a pleasure to read and I hope there is more to the
characters and becomes a long series. Keep 'em coming, please!! -
Jupiter shines bright tonight!
The second installment in The Cunning Man series, "The Jupiter Knife," continues the thrilling escapades of Hiram and Michael Woolley with a delightful mix of magic, mystery, and murder. This sequel plunges readers back into the enchanting world crafted by Butler and Ritchey.
One of the highlights of this book is the exploration of Michael's burgeoning interest in his father's cunning man profession. It adds depth to their relationship, as Hiram grapples with the dilemma of nurturing his son's passion while worrying about his possible future in the sciences. The dynamic between them is beautifully portrayed, imbuing the story with an emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page.
The introduction of a femme fatale character injects a fresh dose of excitement into the narrative, testing the resolve of both Woolleys as they navigate temptation and danger. Their interactions with her provide some interesting moments, showcasing the authors' talent for crafting compelling character dynamics.
Similar to the first book, this installment delivers plenty of unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Overall, "The Jupiter Knife" offers a captivating blend of adventure, intrigue, and heartfelt moments that will appeal to fans of fantasy and historical fiction. I can't wait to see where the Woolleys' adventures take them next!
4.75 stars out of 5. -
This fantastic follow-up to
The Cunning Man has Hiram Woolley and his son Michael drawn into mysterious events in a small town in Depression-era Utah. Michael now knows about his father's "gifts" and is truly his partner now, which I think really helped the plot. Now both characters could be active participants in helping the ghost of little Jimmy Udall find peace, as well as figuring out who murdered a local rancher. Several characters introduced in this story are great as well, from local astrologer Diana Artemis to eccentric preacher Earl Bill Clay, who steals every scene he's in.
The story has a lot of the hallmarks of urban (or contemporary) fantasy, but brings a lot more to the table. There's the unique historical setting, and an interesting twist on the source (and limits) of the magic practiced by both Hiram and Michael. -
D.J. Butler and Aaron M. Ritchey's second Cunning Man is a great sequel to the first book. Hiram Wooley and his son return for another heart-pounding mystery. I love the blend of Mormonism and folklore practices. Most of all, I love Hiram's "salt of the earth" character. He is persistent, faithful, and good--even when his "cunning man" work jeopardizes his church standing. I hope the authors have more books in this series in the works. Highly recommend.
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Depression era, Moab, Utah. The vivid scene-paintings of both the small town and the area's natural features are perfect. Hyram Wooley and Michael are complex and sympathetic. Word-smithing is excellent. The spiritual and folk magic provide a compelling backdrop for a murder mystery with unexpected twists.
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Some elements seemed less than fresh when enough information was had, but the story is very new and relevant. I see this as a caricature of current realities and an escape to something fantastic at the same time. Very well written with great characterization and compelling tension.
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Another great urban fantasy/historical fantasy Hiram Woolley book.
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3.5
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Liked it better than the first, wonder if there will be a third...
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This is a supernatural murder mystery set in Moab, Utah during the 1930's. It is a thrilling page turner and I look forward to the continuing adventures of Hyrum and his adopted Navajo son Michael.
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With his son, Michael, newly initiated into the lore of cunning men (and women), Hiram travels to Moab to dowse a well. Just the town name should have been a warning!
Anyway, the well leads to a ghost that leads to a murder that leads to a hunt and an ancient ritual brought from the old world to the new. Poor Hiram is presented with all sorts of challenges and his life and that of Michael are both in peril. All of this set in the unnatural landscape of the rugged lands near Arches National Park.
