The Hexologists: A Tangle of Time
Published on 9. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
432 pages
978-0-356-51907-4 (ISBN)
Description
From one of the most exciting and original voices in fantasy comes the second book following the adventures of the Hexologists, Iz and Warren Wilby, as they tackle a case that could redefine the nature of magic itself.
As the nation's foremost investigators of the paranormal, Isolde and Warren Wilby are accustomed to bumping up against things that go bump in the night. They have made quite a name for themselves as the Hexologists: detectives of the uncanny, the monstrous, the strange. After a decade of wedded bliss and dozens of fantastical adventures, there is little in the world that can still surprise them.
But when a famous artist dies under suspicious circumstances, Isolde finds herself investigating a murder that may not have happened, and a crime scene that seems to shift beneath her feet. The mystery will carry the devoted duo to seedy underworlds, enchanted gardens, and subterranean military zoos. Old friends will come to the Wilbies' aid as they infiltrate secret societies, battle vicious imps, and flee from a pack of venomous wolves. Equipped with Isolde's hexes, Warren's muscle, and an enchanted bag full of magical relics, the Hexologists will have to risk life and limb to unravel the riddle at the heart of A Tangle of Time.
Praise for the series:
'Bancroft is a wonder as ever! The Hexologists was a joyous delight on every page - buoyantly inventive, witty, poignant, gripping and deeply satisfying' Madeline Miller, author of Circe
'Fantastic! The Hexologists fizzes eloquently with wit and elegance, but also has marvellous worldbuilding and an excellent plot - and a central pair of characters who I quite simply love. A cocktail of a book made with the very best champagne' Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library
'Bancroft's writing shines throughout the book, with an entertaining balance of delightful wordplay and down-to-earth storytelling. He has created a Victorianesque world filled with magic, creatures, spells and relics, blending elements of mystery, fantasy and steampunk, to create a real sense of wonder and excitement' SciFiNow
As the nation's foremost investigators of the paranormal, Isolde and Warren Wilby are accustomed to bumping up against things that go bump in the night. They have made quite a name for themselves as the Hexologists: detectives of the uncanny, the monstrous, the strange. After a decade of wedded bliss and dozens of fantastical adventures, there is little in the world that can still surprise them.
But when a famous artist dies under suspicious circumstances, Isolde finds herself investigating a murder that may not have happened, and a crime scene that seems to shift beneath her feet. The mystery will carry the devoted duo to seedy underworlds, enchanted gardens, and subterranean military zoos. Old friends will come to the Wilbies' aid as they infiltrate secret societies, battle vicious imps, and flee from a pack of venomous wolves. Equipped with Isolde's hexes, Warren's muscle, and an enchanted bag full of magical relics, the Hexologists will have to risk life and limb to unravel the riddle at the heart of A Tangle of Time.
Praise for the series:
'Bancroft is a wonder as ever! The Hexologists was a joyous delight on every page - buoyantly inventive, witty, poignant, gripping and deeply satisfying' Madeline Miller, author of Circe
'Fantastic! The Hexologists fizzes eloquently with wit and elegance, but also has marvellous worldbuilding and an excellent plot - and a central pair of characters who I quite simply love. A cocktail of a book made with the very best champagne' Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library
'Bancroft's writing shines throughout the book, with an entertaining balance of delightful wordplay and down-to-earth storytelling. He has created a Victorianesque world filled with magic, creatures, spells and relics, blending elements of mystery, fantasy and steampunk, to create a real sense of wonder and excitement' SciFiNow
Reviews / Votes
Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking -- Madeline Miller, author of CIRCE Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking -- Madeline Miller, author of CIRCE Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking -- Madeline Miller, author of CIRCE The Books of Babel are something you hope to see perhaps once a decade - future classics, which may be remembered long after the series concludes -- LA TIMES The Books of Babel are something you hope to see perhaps once a decade - future classics, which may be remembered long after the series concludes -- LA TIMES It's rare to find a modern book that feels like a timeless classic. I'm wildly in love with this book -- Pierce Brown, author of RED RISING, on SENLIN ASCENDS It's rare to find a modern book that feels like a timeless classic. I'm wildly in love with this book -- Pierce Brown, author of RED RISING, on SENLIN ASCENDS Bancroft is a wonder as ever! The Hexologists was a joyous delight on every page - buoyantly inventive, witty, poignant, gripping and deeply satisfying -- Madeline Miller, author of CIRCE, on THE HEXOLOGISTS Fantastic! The Hexologists fizzes eloquently with wit and elegance, but also has marvellous worldbuilding and an excellent plot - and a central pair of characters who I quite simply love. A cocktail of a book made with the very best champagne -- Genevieve Cogman, author of THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY, on THE HEXOLOGISTS Bancroft has returned to the page in force, deploying his crystal prose and razored wit around a tale that mixes whimsy and threat in equal measure. He's a gift to the genre and we should support his work -- Mark Lawrence, author of THE BOOK THAT WOULDN'T BURN, on THE HEXOLOGISTS This light and charming tale encompasses a twisty mystery, detailed Victorian-esque worldbuilding, and nuanced protagonists who love each other dearly, all relayed in Bancroft's superior prose. Readers will be eager to see how the series evolves -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on THE HEXOLOGISTS Josiah Bancroft's writing is truly a remarkable thing. His poetic and verbose prose always give such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The Hexologists is a perfect recipe of magic, fantasy, action, wonder, and charm. I can't wait to see where this series goes! -- FanFiAddict on THE HEXOLOGISTS Effective and entertaining . . . [a] contemporary urban fantasy, addressing real-world injustices while also being very, very funny -- BookPage on THE HEXOLOGISTSMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Little, Brown Book Group
Dimensions
Height: 193 mm
Width: 123 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
296 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-356-51907-4 (9780356519074)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Josiah Bancroft is the author of five novels, a collection of short fiction, and numerous poems. His books have been translated into eight languages. Before settling down to write fantasy full time, he was a college instructor, rock musician and aspiring comic book artist. When he's not writing, he enjoys strumming a variety of stringed instruments, drawing with a growing cache of imperfect pens, and cooking without a recipe. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sharon, their daughter, Maddie, and their two rabbits, Mabel and Chaplin.