Step into the spellbinding world of Dulcie O’Neil, where a sassy fairy Regulator battles supernatural chaos while juggling steamy romances and dark family secrets! H.P. Mallory’s Dulcie O’Neil series, launched in 2010, blends urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and gritty police procedural vibes. With its feisty heroine and a Netherworld teeming with vampires, warlocks, and demons, this series hooks readers with its thrilling mix of mystery and heart-pounding adventure.
Dulcie, a fairy with a knack for law enforcement, patrols the line between the mortal world and the chaotic Netherworld, ensuring creatures don’t wreak havoc. Her sharp wit, magical prowess, and complicated love life—think a smoldering investigator, a charming vampire, and a disgraced ex-boss—make her a heroine you can’t help but root for. Ready to dive into a world where danger and desire collide? Let’s explore Dulcie’s journey!
How Dulcie O’Neil Began
H.P. Mallory, a paranormal enthusiast with a love for hauntings and spirits, crafted the Dulcie O’Neil series to scratch her itch for gritty, romantic urban fantasy. After moving to the U.S. from Cambridge, England, Mallory quit her day job to write full-time, and in 2010, To Kill a Warlock introduced Dulcie to the world. Inspired by authors like Charlaine Harris, Mallory wanted a heroine who was tough, flawed, and fiercely independent, with a world that felt both magical and grounded in detective work.
The series’ inception came from Mallory’s fascination with blending supernatural elements into a modern setting. She envisioned Dulcie as a Regulator—a cop for the Netherworld—whose cases would unravel larger conspiracies. Fans quickly latched onto the series’ conversational tone and fast-paced plots, propelling it to bestseller status and cementing Mallory’s place in urban fantasy.
The Heart of Dulcie O’Neil
The series kicks off with To Kill a Warlock (2010), where Dulcie investigates a dark-arts warlock’s murder, only to become a suspect herself. Teaming up with the irresistibly attractive Knight Vander, she battles dark magic and her own heart. A Tale of Two Goblins (2011) ramps up the stakes as Dulcie faces a Dreamstalker targeting her loved ones, forcing her to ally with shady criminals. In Great Hexpectations (2011), a trip to the chaotic Netherworld uncovers shocking truths about her father, while Pride and Poltergeists (2018) sees Dulcie possessed by a powerful vampire, testing her resilience.
The series weaves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and self-discovery against a backdrop of supernatural crime. Mallory’s Netherworld is vivid, with S&M clubs, potions cartels, and demon worlds adding gritty texture. The romance—steamy yet emotionally complex—adds spice, as Dulcie navigates relationships with Knight, the vampire Bram, and others. Mallory’s witty, first-person narration keeps the tone light, even as plots darken, making each book a page-turner.
Why Dulcie O’Neil Resonates
The Dulcie O’Neil series has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes action. Fans praise Dulcie’s relatability—her flaws and fierce loyalty mirror real-world struggles, making her a standout heroine. The series’ mix of police procedural and paranormal romance appeals to readers craving both mystery and passion. With 13 books, ending with The Ghouls of Wrath (2020), it’s left a lasting mark, inspiring fan communities and glowing reviews.
Despite its cult status, the series’ fresh take on supernatural tropes and Mallory’s knack for cliffhangers keep it alive in readers’ hearts. Its influence lingers in how it balances gritty crime-solving with fantastical elements, paving the way for similar genre-blending stories.
- First Book: To Kill a Warlock (2010)
- Total Books: 13
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
- Final Book: The Ghouls of Wrath (2020)
Grab To Kill a Warlock and dive into Dulcie O’Neil’s thrilling world of magic, mystery, and romance—you won’t put it down!