Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Welcome to the Hollows, the dark wild side of Cincinnati. When half the human population is decimated by a virus spread through genetically engineered tomatoes, human beings learn that they are not alone. Witches, pixies, vampires, werewolves, and more share the planet with them. And now that the Inderlander population is roughly the same size as the human population, they want to be recognized. This is the world of Rachel Morgan, a runner (bounty hunter) for Inderland Security. A witch by birth, Rachel followed in her father's footsteps when she signed on to be a runner. But after several years of service Rachel is ready to quit and strike out on her own. One problem though: no one leaves the IS and lives to tell the tale. Within hours of quitting her job, Rachel's boss has put a contract out on her. Fortunately she did not leave the IS empty handed, as two of her co-workers elected to join her: vampire Ivy Tamwood (one of their best agents) and a pixie named Jenks. The three form a partnership and start their own independent runner agency. Now all Rachel needs to do is pay off the contract on her head. The opportunity to do this presents itself when Rachel learns that one of Cincinnati's most powerful citizens is making and selling antibiotics that have been outlawed. Will Rachel find away to bring him in and in the process save herself from certain death before it's too late?

Dead Witch Walking is simply phenomenal. In her debut novel Harrison has created an alternatve reality that is as rich in detail as it is in intriguing characters. Rachel is a strong heroine that readers will love, flaws and all. Readers will also enjoy the supporting cast that Harrison has deftly drawn. The Hollows will be as real in readers minds as it is in the author's. I highly recommend this book to all readers, especially readers who enjoy urban or dark fantasy. Note: Readers will want to have the next book in the series (The Good, the Bad, and the Undead) close at hand so that they can move on to it as soon as the finish Dead Witch Walking.

The Library Diva recommended this on 6/19/05.