Step into the shadowy streets of Boston, where Remy Chandler, a private detective with a celestial secret, battles demons, solves mysteries, and wrestles with his immortal soul! The Remy Chandler series by Thomas E. Sniegoski is a gripping blend of urban fantasy, noir, and detective thriller, following a former angel who traded Heaven’s glory for a human life. With his loyal dog Marlowe by his side, Remy’s adventures are a rollercoaster of heart, humor, and supernatural suspense.
Imagine Philip Marlowe with wings—this is Remy Chandler. Once the seraphim Remiel, he chose to live among humans 6,000 years ago, disillusioned by divine politics. His unique powers, like speaking any language (even dog!), turning invisible, and hearing thoughts, make him the perfect sleuth for cases involving zombies, fallen angels, and apocalyptic threats. Fans of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files will feel right at home in this vivid, action-packed world.
How Remy Chandler Began
Thomas E. Sniegoski, a prolific author known for his work in the Buffyverse and comics like Bone, launched the Remy Chandler series in 2008 with A Kiss Before the Apocalypse. Inspired by noir classics and his love for blending mythology with modern settings, Sniegoski crafted Remy as a complex hero—a celestial being grappling with human emotions. His experience writing for young adult and adult audiences gave the series its accessible yet gritty tone, appealing to fans of urban fantasy and detective stories alike.
The Heart of Remy Chandler
The series kicks off with A Kiss Before the Apocalypse (2008), where Remy hunts for the missing Angel of Death, Israfil, to prevent a celestial catastrophe. In Dancing on the Head of a Pin (2009), he faces a black-market trade in angelic artifacts, diving deeper into his past. Where Angels Fear to Tread (2010) sees Remy rescuing a psychic child, Zoe, from her kidnapper, blending biblical lore with creatures like minotaurs. In the House of the Wicked (2012) takes a surreal turn as Remy’s powers are stolen, and he confronts a sorcerer tied to his past.
Themes of identity, loss, and redemption pulse through the series. Remy’s struggle to balance his angelic nature with his human desires—love, friendship, and purpose—creates an emotional core. Boston’s gritty streets and Heaven’s ethereal battlegrounds provide a dynamic backdrop, while Sniegoski’s sharp dialogue and vivid imagery keep the pace relentless. The series also weaves Christian mythology with original monsters, offering a fresh take on urban fantasy that’s both funny and unsettling.
Why Remy Chandler Resonates
Though not as mainstream as some urban fantasy giants, the Remy Chandler series has carved a niche for its bold mix of genres and its deeply human protagonist. Fans praise its inventive lore and Remy’s relatable quest for meaning, with reviews calling it “urban fantasy at its purest.” Sniegoski’s ability to surprise readers, even after seven books, keeps the series fresh, as seen in the emotional depth of A Deafening Silence in Heaven (2015). Its cult following cherishes its blend of noir cynicism and heartfelt moments, making it a hidden gem for genre enthusiasts.
- First Book: A Kiss Before the Apocalypse (2008)
- Latest Book: A Deafening Silence in Heaven (2015)
- Total Books: 7 novels, 2 short stories
- Setting: Boston, Massachusetts, and Heaven
Dive into A Kiss Before the Apocalypse and join Remy Chandler’s thrilling quest through a world where angels, demons, and detectives collide. Grab a copy, pet your own Marlowe, and get ready for a supernatural ride!