Old bookstores, witty banter, and eldritch horror all combine for a quick read that might keep you up at night. Howard knows how to update the lore of Cthulu for a more jaded modern audience.

Kadrey's heroes are always delightfully snarky, and the doomsday device hot potato makes for a book that's hard to put down.

The very first in the popular "Dresden Files"! If you saw the short-lived TV series, please give the books a try instead. The combo of mysteries and magic only get better; the pop culture references (maybe a little dated now, 17 years later) keep you smiling but the machinations get deeper, and the consequences of Harry's work in Chicago pinball off each other in interesting ways.

McBride (a Washington author) has more books set in this world, but "Hold Me Closer" is still my favorite. Fast-paced, lovable characters (even the talking head), and awesome worldbuilding pull you in and leave you wanting so much more.

For those that enjoyed the "Dresden Files" and "Mercy Thompson," the "Iron Druid Chronicles" has a similar feel, a magic-wielding, reluctant hero, amusing sidekick, a quirky ensemble, and powerful villains.

A little different from the others here, the paranormal in "Landline" is subtle. But Rowell's writing is whimsical and fun, and the twists happening to her character through her interference with the timeline are thought-provoking. Stand-alone.

My first reaction to this series was "Dresden" meets "Elementary." The focus is on the development of his magical forensic skills and chasing down the villain. Excellent worldbuilding though a little heavy on the London-specific references.

"Seconds" is little more serious than the Scott Pilgrim series, but I love the characters and the way that O'Malley explores possibilities and consequences with warmth and love. Stand-alone.