Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor and the Case of the Errant Demigod and other misadventures by Dan Ehl (Book Review #2404)

Some investigations are complicated. Others involve a potentially kidnapped demigod, a stolen dragon egg, a celestial conflict, an irritated goddess, and creatures that are considerably more dangerous than the average interview subject. In Dan Ehl’s Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor and the Case of the Errant Demigod and Other Misadventures, chaos is very much part of the job description.

As the eleventh book in the Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor series, the novel drops readers into a world where magic, gods, alchemy, metaphysics, and detective work can apparently coexist with remarkably unpredictable results. At the center is Jak Barley, whose attempt to reconnect with a dour dwarfish priest from his childhood quickly turns into something far larger than a simple reunion. Before long, he finds himself investigating the possible kidnapping of a demigod and becoming entangled in a conflict involving forces far beyond the ordinary mortal realm.

What makes the premise particularly entertaining is the sheer variety of problems Jak must navigate. His investigation doesn’t stop with divine intrigue. He must also look into a stolen egg belonging to the Bone Reaper Dragons, a task that sounds considerably less appealing when one considers their reputation for vile tempers. It is the kind of case where asking the wrong question could potentially have consequences far more serious than simply offending a witness.

Fortunately, Jak isn’t working alone. His agency partner and intended, the Witch Morgana, provides an important ally, while Lorenzo Spasm brings an entirely different perspective as an otherworldly friend from a place where magic does not exist. Brother Olmsted, an alchemist and metaphysicist, adds yet another unusual dimension to the group. Together, they create an ensemble that feels perfectly suited to a story where conventional investigative methods are unlikely to be enough.

There is also an enjoyable sense of irreverence surrounding Jak’s relationship with Ninkasi, his favorite deity and goddess of ale. His youthful indiscretion involving her sacramental ale adds a personal complication to his hopes of receiving divine assistance, giving the supernatural elements a playful quality rather than allowing them to become overly solemn.

Ehl’s story appears to embrace fantasy as a place where absurdity and adventure can comfortably occupy the same page. The result is a mystery that combines detective fiction with mythology, magical adventure, humor, and plenty of unusual characters.

Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor and the Case of the Errant Demigod and Other Misadventures should appeal particularly to readers who enjoy fantasy mysteries that don’t take themselves too seriously. With gods, dragons, witches, alchemists, metaphysicists, and a private inquisitor caught somewhere in the middle, Jak Barley’s latest case promises exactly the kind of wonderfully complicated trouble that makes a fantastical investigation worth following.

Written by Jayran Main