The Familiar Spirit: Volume 3
Published on 21. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-6680-7292-9 (ISBN)
Description
A new novel in the Cunning Man series from Dragon Award-nominated author D.J. Butler and Aaron Michael Ritchey.
Cunning man Hiram Woolley and his son Michael carry an itinerant preacher across the border into Mexico. Hiram is haunted by the specter of a bloody-faced man that stalks him in his dreams, but also by doubts about what lies ahead in the Mormon colonies around Nuevo Casas Grandes-this is the country Hiram's father fled to when he abandoned young Hiram and his mother.
In the colonies, Hiram and Michael are dragged into investigating an impossible murder. They track the killer across a land haunted by robbers, by its history of oppression and revolution, by ancient conflict and modern racial strife, and by the insanity that flows from loneliness and exile. They battle bandits and also an elusive ghostmaster who blights the land with the spirits of the uneasy dead.
But before the killer can be brought to justice, Hiram will learn that the most haunting thing of all is family.
Cunning man Hiram Woolley and his son Michael carry an itinerant preacher across the border into Mexico. Hiram is haunted by the specter of a bloody-faced man that stalks him in his dreams, but also by doubts about what lies ahead in the Mormon colonies around Nuevo Casas Grandes-this is the country Hiram's father fled to when he abandoned young Hiram and his mother.
In the colonies, Hiram and Michael are dragged into investigating an impossible murder. They track the killer across a land haunted by robbers, by its history of oppression and revolution, by ancient conflict and modern racial strife, and by the insanity that flows from loneliness and exile. They battle bandits and also an elusive ghostmaster who blights the land with the spirits of the uneasy dead.
But before the killer can be brought to justice, Hiram will learn that the most haunting thing of all is family.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for The Jupiter Knife:"It's like Jim Butcher crossed with Grapes of Wrath!" -Larry Correia
"Butler and Ritchey return to Depression-era Utah for a second thrilling tale of murder and folk magic (after The Cunning Man). . . . The play between Hiram's earnest Mormonism and the more secular Michael's growing unease with folk magic adds depth to the father-son dynamic, and the false leads and eccentric side characters make for a delightful mystery. This well-crafted historical fantasy is sure to please." -Publishers Weekly
Praise for prequel The Cunning Man:
"An attempt at charity during the Great Depression turns into a protracted fight against supernatural forces in this admirable paranormal mystery. . . . the richly imagined magic system and glimpses of Mormon culture create a fully realized world. Historical fantasy fans will delight in the zigzagging plot of this mystery." -Publishers Weekly
"An amazing tale that grabs you by the throat and won't let go! Butler & Ritchey are a literary force to be reckoned with! Hit that download button and grab your copy now! The Cunning Man will never let you go!" -Sherrilyn Kenyon, #1 New York Times Best-selling author
". . . a brisk and engaging narrative . . . folk and religious based magic . . . for fans of urban or historical fantasy . . . a satisfying read." -Booklist
Praise for D.J. Butler:
"Butler follows Witchy Eye with a satisfying second tale of a magic-filled early America. . . . Deep and old magic influences both places and characters, and the story is tightly focused on the determined Sarah . . . Fans of epic and alternate historical fantasy will savor this tale of witchery and intrigue." -Publishers Weekly
"For readers who love history-based fantasy, steampunk, or urban fantasy . . . this series that gives the genre a new twist." -Booklist
". . . you can't stop yourself from taking another bite . . . and another . . . and another. . . . I didn't want to stop reading. . . . Kudos!" -R.A. Salvatore
"Excellent book. I am impressed by the creativity and the depth of the world building. Dave Butler is a great storyteller." -Larry Correia
"Witchy Eye is an intricate and imaginative alternate history with a cast of characters and quirky situations that would make a Dickens novel proud." -Kevin J. Anderson
"Butler's fantasy is by turns sardonic and lighthearted; ghoulish shadows claw into the most remote areas and heroism bursts out of the most unlikely people. Sarah is the epitome of the downtrodden hero who refuses to give up until she gets what she needs, and her story will appeal to fantasy readers of all stripes." -Publishers Weekly
"David's a pro storyteller, and you're in for a great ride." -Larry Dixon
". . . a fascinating, grittily-flavored world of living legends. Hurry up and write the next one, Dave." -Cat Rambo
"This is enchanting! I'd love to see more." -Mercedes Lackey
"Goblin Market meets Magical Musketpunk . . . A great ride that also manages to cover some serious cultural terrain." -Charles E. Gannon
"Witchy Eye is a brilliant blend of historical acumen and imagination, a tour-de-force that is at once full of surprises and ultimately heart-warming. This is your chance to discover one of the finest new stars writing today!" -David Farland
"A gritty, engrossing mash-up of history, fantasy, and magic. Desperate characters careen from plot twist to plot twist until few are left standing." -Mario Acevedo
"Captivating characters. Superb world-building. Awesome magic. Butler fuses fantasy and history effortlessly, creating a fascinating new American epic. Not to be missed!" -Christopher Husberg
"[A] unique alternative-history that is heavily influenced by urban and traditional fantasy and steeped in the folklore of the Appalachians. . . . Fans of urban fantasy looking to take a chance on something with a twist on a historical setting may find this novel worth their time." -Booklist Praise for Aaron Michael Ritchey:
". . . richly drawn, beautifully complex characters . . ." -Kirkus on Long Live the Suicide King
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Riverdale
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
358 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6680-7292-9 (9781668072929)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
D.J. ("Dave") Butler grew up in swamps, deserts, and mountains. After messing around for years with the practice of law, he finally got serious and turned to his lifelong passion of storytelling. He now writes adventure stories for readers of all ages, plays guitar, and spends as much time as he can with his family. He is the author of City of the Saints, Rock Band Fights Evil, Space Eldritch, and Crecheling from Wordfire Press, and from Baen: Witchy Eye, Witchy Winter, Witchy Kingdom, and Serpent Daughter; The Cunning Man and The Jupiter Knife with coauthor Aaron Michael Ritchey; In the Palace of Shadow and Joy as well as Between Princesses and Other Jobs; Abbott in Darkness; and with M.A. Rothman, Time Trials.
Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of a bunch of novels and his short fiction has appeared in various anthologies and online magazines. In 2019, Armageddon Girls (The Juniper Wars Book 1) was a Dragon Award Finalist. He's spoken at writing conferences and sci-fi/fantasy conventions across the US, including the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, the RMFW Gold Conference, and the Colorado Teen Lit Conference. He lives in Colorado with his wife and two ancient goddesses posing as his daughters. For more about him, his books, and how to overcome artistic angst, visit www.aaronmritchey.com. He's on Facebook as Aaron Michael Ritchey.
Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of a bunch of novels and his short fiction has appeared in various anthologies and online magazines. In 2019, Armageddon Girls (The Juniper Wars Book 1) was a Dragon Award Finalist. He's spoken at writing conferences and sci-fi/fantasy conventions across the US, including the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, the RMFW Gold Conference, and the Colorado Teen Lit Conference. He lives in Colorado with his wife and two ancient goddesses posing as his daughters. For more about him, his books, and how to overcome artistic angst, visit www.aaronmritchey.com. He's on Facebook as Aaron Michael Ritchey.