Wicked Gentlemen

As if the Inquisition wasn't bad enough by itself, in this alternate universe the Lords of Hell were forced to confess their crimes. Now these people are treated poorly in Capital City, where they must live in a ghettoized area. They stand out with their black fingernails and unique eye color, so it's easy for the people of the city to find them and literally make their lives hell (pardon the pun.) When Captain Harper of the Inquisition police/brotherhood needs help finding his sister in the ghetto, he goes to Belimai Sykes, a private eye who is descended from demons and strung out on a dangerous drug.Why It Made the List This book has a unique combination of features that make it very readable. First, the use of the Inquisition, one of the ugliest times in history, makes for a bleak worldview. Then the inclusion of demons and magic bring a further edge to the tale. Finally, the book has an attraction between Harper and Sykes that is unexpected, but in character. Well worth the read.'Read It If You Like'historicals, demons, dark private eye