Book excerpt: A beleaguered PI searches for a missing unicorn in a city full of strange creatures in this classic humorous fantasy by a five-time Hugo Award winner. It’s New Year’s Eve, and private investigator John Justin Mallory is drowning his sorrows in whiskey. His wife ran off with his partner, his business is in bad shape, and the mob is out to get him. He begins to wonder if he’s had enough to drink when his next client walks in. Mürgenstürm the elf is missing his unicorn, and if he doesn’t get it back by dawn, his guild will kill him. Mallory’s search soon leads him into a fantastical world—a shadowy side of Manhattan full of strange creatures including goblins, trolls, cat people, ghosts in the Stock Exchange, and gnomes in the subway. But in this world of new friends and unusual rules, there’s also a malevolent demon named Grundy. He will do anything to get his hands on the unicorn, and if he succeeds, Mallory’s client won’t be the only being who suffers . . . A terrific choice for fans of Alan Dean Foster. “[An] enchanting blend of fantasy and hard-boiled detection. . . . The crisp dialogue and imaginative setting will have many fantasy readers wanting to revisit Manhattan’s magical side.” —Publishers Weekly “It’s clever, funny, and exciting, with a likable hero, plenty of offbeat supporting characters, and that beguiling blend of fantasy and mystery.” —Booklist