Step into the spellbinding world of the Alex Craft series, where grave magic, gritty detective work, and a dash of romance collide in a vibrant urban fantasy! Written by USA Today bestselling author Kalayna Price, this series follows Alex Craft, a private investigator and grave witch who can raise shades—truth-telling memories of the dead—to solve crimes in the magical Nekros City. With its noir-inspired mysteries and supernatural flair, it’s a must-read for fans craving a fresh twist on urban fantasy.
From shadowy fae courts to chilling encounters with Death himself, Alex’s adventures weave a thrilling tapestry of danger and discovery. Ready to uncover secrets from beyond the grave? Let’s dive into the magic of Alex Craft!
How Alex Craft Began
Kalayna Price, a fantasy enthusiast since childhood, crafted the Alex Craft series from her love of ancient mythologies, classic folklore, and the darker edges of urban fantasy. Launched in 2010 with Grave Witch, the series emerged as Price drew inspiration from real-world mysteries and her fascination with supernatural politics. Her goal? To create a heroine whose magical talents come with real consequences, blending detective noir with otherworldly intrigue. Price’s background in classical painting and her membership in SFWA and RWA infuse her storytelling with vivid detail and genre expertise.
The Heart of Alex Craft
The series kicks off with Grave Witch (2010), where Alex investigates a high-profile murder, only to be attacked by a shade—an impossible event that pulls her into a web of dark magic. In Grave Dance (2011), she tackles a case involving mysterious deaths and fae politics, uncovering her planeweaver abilities. Grave Memory (2012) sees Alex battling reanimated corpses, while Grave Visions (2016) dives deeper into fae conflicts and a deadly street drug. Each book builds on the last, delivering self-contained mysteries within an evolving arc.
Set in Nekros City, a magical hub between Georgia and Alabama, the series blends gritty detective work with urban fantasy staples like witches, fae, and soul collectors. Themes of identity, sacrifice, and power resonate as Alex grapples with her growing abilities and fae heritage, often at great personal cost—like temporary blindness from using her grave sight. The romantic tension between Alex, detective Falin Andrews, and the enigmatic Death adds a sizzling layer to the noir-inspired mysteries. Price’s first-person narrative immerses readers in Alex’s sharp wit and relentless determination.
Why Alex Craft Resonates
The Alex Craft series stands out for its inventive magic system and compelling blend of genres, earning praise from authors like Patricia Briggs and Chloe Neill. Fans on Goodreads rave about its addictive storytelling, with some calling it “a rare treat” for its originality. Its exploration of fae politics and personal sacrifice appeals to readers of urban fantasy and detective fiction alike, while Alex’s flawed yet fierce character keeps them hooked. Though not as mainstream as some series, its cult following and translations into multiple languages highlight its global appeal.
- Publication Years: 2010–present
- Number of Books: 7
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery
- Notable Praise: “A truly original and compelling urban fantasy series” — RT Book Reviews
Grab Grave Witch and dive into Alex Craft’s thrilling world of magic, mystery, and mayhem!