Gilded Latten Bones – Glen Cook - Garrett PI is back in lucky thirteenth episode

Graeme's Fantasy Book Review: ‘Gilded Latten Bones’ – Glen Cook (Roc):

"‘Gilded Latten Bones’ is one of those rare books where both established fans and newcomers will get a lot out of the story. The book hearkens back to events in prior books but this is done in such a way that it doesn’t detract from the story itself and is accessible for newer readers such as myself. If this wasn’t enough, the nature of the case lends a real ‘stand alone’ feel to the book. If you’ve read earlier books in the series then you will get more out of ‘Gilded Latten Bones’; don’t let that put you off though if you haven’t."

I've read the first twelve books of the series and look forward to picking up this latest installment of the Garrett PI series. The series has delivered unevenly but has always been entertaining. The books set a noir-style detective drama in a broad fantasy setting that is similar to Terry Pratchett's Discworld in that it tends to put a humorous spin on the 'monsters' that populate these worlds.

I passed on the first few books when they first came out (oh so many years ago) because I thought the series would peter out quickly. When I finally picked up book one I had 4 or 5 books to look forward to if I enjoyed the first. While it wasn't as good as Pratchett or Robert Asprin's Myth series, it was definitely good enough to pick up the next book in the series.

Some series have a story arc that has a beginning and an ending and some series are open-ended and provide a platform for entertaining stories. The Garrett PI series is the latter. Picking up the latest installment is like visiting an old friend.

Glen Cook is and accomplished and prolific novelist. Quality is never an issue and each story stands on its own. I especially appreciate the restraint Cook uses when it comes to the cliffhanger.

I'd start with Sweet Silver Blues (1987) and work up through the series.