Rick McCoy once punched an arrested suspect. Now the detective is sure his new partner is sent to serve as his personal punishment. Soon he learns Dante Brans is no fool, but an accomplished agent—as well as a cursed phoenix. Now that Rick knows magical creatures are real, he and Dante must prevent a war between them and the human race. Alexandra Gilchrist breathes new life into the buddy cop genre with Baptism by Fire, resolving natural themes of biblical faith with a supernatural story. Witty banter, a well-paced police thriller, and a wide variety of fantasy beings create this unique paranormal tale.

Best for: Adult fans of light-hearted murder mysteries with urban fantastical elements.

Discern: Lightly described violence in a modern context.