Fablenoir by Vic Sinclair is the first book in the Grimdark Fairy Tale series. In this raw, dark, mishmash of characters from our beloved fairytales, Sinclair tells the story of Jack 'the giant killer' Slade, a drunken, magic bean-addicted detective with the NYPD. Slade has tried to make a difference, but the powers that be have thwarted all his efforts, leaving him cynical about investigating the trivial cases he is assigned. When he comes across the fresh crime scene of one Dick Dumpty, he wants this case assigned to him. However, Chief Cole has a different idea, and Jack is suspended. He discovers clues that put him on the trail of the corrupt influences in the NYPD. In the process, he meets Goldilocks and has run-ins with Papa Bear and a mad Hatter. With a few honest police officers, Jack takes on Chief Cole and Papa Bear in a desperate attempt to reveal their crimes and bring some balance back into the NYPD. Will this little band of officers and a mercenary or two succeed in their fight against corruption, and if so, at what cost?

Vic Sinclair's dark and brutal noir fantasy is characterized by the cynical hero, Jack Slade, and the mercenary and ex-gang member, Goldilocks. The plot is straightforward; however, corruption and wild genre-bending plot twists surprise the reader and bring pivotal points via the characters and their reaction. Through combining fairy tale motifs with noir styling, Sinclair creates a fitting backdrop for the grotesque and fantastical elements. Fablenoir presents characters that conjure up images of happy endings and moral lessons, but lead the reader into a desperate and brutal world that clashes with what they expect. Flashbacks from the characters emphasize the feeling of despondency and hopelessness driving them. However, it becomes clear that this is a compelling satirical commentary on humanity today and all that we (or those in power) are willing to ignore or explain away for it to continue. The missing women and children and human trafficking, as well as the "mad doctor's inhuman experiments," resonate with medical controversies prevalent in the post-COVID times. Fablenoir is not a light read for relaxation; it is thought-provoking and, on some levels, deeply disturbing. However, its message comes across very clearly. It is time for us to stop living in a fairytale and open our eyes to the darkness and evil that has pervaded the world.

Fablenoir by Vic Sinclair follows the epic journey of Jackson Slade, a tough detective in the NYPD, and an unlikely hero who saved his village from a menacing giant 15 years ago. Jack is now at an all-time low, having outlived his glory days. His life is currently fueled by alcohol and magic bean addiction. One fateful night, he discovers the body of Dick Dumpty, a prominent businessman and media tycoon. Jack seizes the opportunity to claim Dumpty's demise as his new case. Unfortunately, he is boycotted by the Chief of Police, who happens to be a descendant of the tyrannical Old King Cole. Unfazed, Jack continues his investigation. Eventually, he reluctantly partners with Jess Robicheaux (a.k.a Goldilocks), an infamous outlaw. How will this case end, as Jack and Goldilocks confront the criminal underworld of NYC?

Fablenoir is a fast-paced and thrilling noir urban fantasy that unfolds in a city now corrupt and vile. This intriguing setting is full of endless possibilities. It is gloomy, dark, humorous, and full of unexpected turns that will cause you to reconsider your perception of classic fairytale characters. I could not put the book down as Jack and Goldilocks wade deeper into this anarchic world. With its colorful dialogue, action-packed sequences, and fascinating cast, this story will keep you guessing from start to finish. I love Vic Sinclair's reimagining of each fairytale character. The cast is a captivating bunch, made up of individuals with disparate objectives, unique challenges, and dissimilar ideals. If you are familiar with the works (and writing styles) of Jim Butcher and Neil Gaiman, Fablenoir will also pique your interest.