author : Liz Williams

• Concussion panel discussion of the Arthur C Clarke Awards shortlists

Detective Inspector Chen, Singapore Three, is looked on askance by his colleagues, because he is a "Snake Agent", one who investigates preternatural crimes, and has dealing with the demons and other denizens of Hell. How much more would they distrust him if they knew his wife was a demon? He has already been disowned by his protector goddess, Kuan Yin, for this act. Then the wife of a prominent businessman comes to ask his help for the ghost of her dead daughter. His investigations lead him to a deadly conspiracy in the very depths of Hell.

This is an interestingly different fantasy detective story, making use of a relatively unknown mythology. It's new, intriguing, snappy, frightening, and complex, with a great protagonist and well-drawn supporting characters. The various plot strands are woven together well, gradually revealing the enormity of the conspiracy. Hell as an evil but inefficient bureaucracy is nicely drawn, and its parallels with the suffocatingly hot earthly locations are well made. The plot is rather driven by coincidences, but given the amount of supernatural meddling going on, that can probably be forgiven.

A fascinating new series.