[]
Grim Folk Tale
  • Published: 17 November 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593819029
  • Imprint: Ace
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $75.00
Categories:

Grim Folk Tale

Formats & editions
Hardback
17 Nov 2026
EBook
20 Oct 2026
Audiobook
20 Oct 2026
Pre-order from…
Book Hero BookHub Fishpond Mighty Ape Paper Plus The Nile The Warehouse Whitcoulls Unity Books University Book Shop Find Local Retailers

Grimsby, a junior Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs, must do all he can to fight for the innocent in this riveting urban fantasy.

Grimsby, a junior Auditor in the government-sanctioned, magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs, must do all he can to fight for the innocent in this riveting urban fantasy.

When a magical illness begins to afflict children in Boston, the Department of Unorthodox Affairs tasks junior Auditor Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby with uncovering the source and—together with his partner, the grizzled veteran Huntsman Mayflower—putting a stop to it by any means necessary.

But their efforts to determine the origin of the spreading malady are soon complicated by the emergence of ancient and strange beings that Grimsby and Mayflower have never encountered before. To uncover the truth, they will have to turn to old acquaintances and allies and delve deep below Boston, into the city of monsters that lies beneath, and travel to the unfathomable reality of the Elsewhere.

Burdened by his own troubles, both past and present, it will take all Grimsby’s skill, iron, and no shortage of magic to stop this apparent plague and save those who have been afflicted.

Assuming it’s not already too late.
  • Published: 17 November 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593819029
  • Imprint: Ace
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $75.00
Categories:

About the author

James J. Butcher

James J. Butcher spends most of his time in places that don’t exist, some of which he even created himself—including the world of the Unorthodox Chronicles. What little time he has left is usually spent writing or exercising. He is the son of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, who introduced him to books, movies, and games. James lives in Denver and is working on his next novel.
portrait photo of James J. Butcher

Also by James J. Butcher

Cold Iron Task
Long Past Dues
Dead Man's Hand
See all

Praise for Grim Folk Tale

Praise for the Unorthodox Chronicles

“Woot! Get set for a wild ride! . . . Nonstop action in this character-driven urban fantasy that is both laugh-out-loud and terrifying—sometimes at the same time.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs

“Clear your schedule. You won’t want to put this down. . . . An entirely enjoyable read that proves once more that snark is indeed a deadly weapon.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison

“Dead Man’s Hand is splendid, a spectacular debut novel and the best book I’ve read in years. James J. Butcher is an outstanding storyteller, and I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next.”—New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter

“A fun twist on hard-boiled urban fantasy thrills. . . . Sure to capture genre fans.”—Publishers Weekly

“Butcher’s deft dialogue continues with tongue-in-cheek humor, wry commentary, and snark, while this magical Boston setting is both familiar and fantastical. . . . This well-paced urban fantasy is a delightful addition to the subgenre.”—Library Journal


Praise for the Unorthodox Chronicles

“Woot! Get set for a wild ride! . . . Nonstop action in this character-driven urban fantasy that is both laugh-out-loud and terrifying—sometimes at the same time.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs

“Clear your schedule. You won’t want to put this down. . . . An entirely enjoyable read that proves once more that snark is indeed a deadly weapon.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison

“Dead Man’s Hand is splendid, a spectacular debut novel and the best book I’ve read in years. James J. Butcher is an outstanding storyteller, and I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next.”—New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter

“A fun twist on hard-boiled urban fantasy thrills. . . . Sure to capture genre fans.”—Publishers Weekly

“Butcher’s deft dialogue continues with tongue-in-cheek humor, wry commentary, and snark, while this magical Boston setting is both familiar and fantastical. . . . This well-paced urban fantasy is a delightful addition to the subgenre.”—Library Journal