The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison Summary

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead follows Rachel Morgan, a witch and bounty hunter, as she investigates a series of brutal witch murders in supernatural Cincinnati. Rachel uncovers that Piscary, an ancient vampire, is behind the killings and must make a dangerous bargain with the demon Algaliarept to survive. The urban fantasy novel explores power dynamics, moral choices, and dangerous alliances in a world where supernatural beings coexist after a plague decimated humanity.

Kim Harrison is the pen name of American author Dawn Cook, born September 30, 1966, known for her New York Times bestselling Hollows series. After earning a science degree, Harrison spent nearly a decade honing her craft before publishing Dead Witch Walking in 2004, followed by The Good, the Bad, and the Undead in 2005. She shifted from traditional science fiction to character-driven contemporary fantasy, creating the Hollows universe with its unique blend of supernatural elements and urban mystery.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead appeals to urban fantasy fans who enjoy complex supernatural worlds, morally gray characters, and action-packed mysteries. Readers who appreciate strong female protagonists navigating dangerous power dynamics will connect with Rachel Morgan's journey. The book suits those comfortable with darker themes, violence, and intricate vampire politics. It's ideal for fans of The Dresden Files, Sookie Stackhouse series, or readers seeking character-driven paranormal fiction with rich world-building.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead is widely considered an improvement over the first Hollows book, with readers praising enhanced character development and world-building. The novel delivers action-packed plot twists, deeper relationship dynamics, and significant revelations about the supernatural hierarchy. While some find Rachel's impulsiveness frustrating, most appreciate her growth and the complex moral dilemmas she faces. Fans particularly love Jenks the pixie and the expanding mythology of the ever-after demon realm.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead centers on Rachel Morgan investigating witch hunter murders plaguing Cincinnati's supernatural community. Her investigation leads to Trent Kalamack's estate where she discovers mutilated bodies, then uncovers Piscary, an ancient vampire, as the true mastermind. To escape Piscary's deadly grasp, Rachel makes an unprecedented deal with the demon Algaliarept, becoming its familiar while keeping her soul. The novel culminates in a brutal confrontation where Rachel narrowly escapes death with unexpected help.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead features distinctive world-building where genetically modified tomatoes caused a plague that killed a quarter of humanity, leading to humans' innate distrust of tomatoes. Harrison creates the "ever-after," a menacing demon realm that powers ley lines and subverts traditional fairy tale endings—stories don't end "happily ever after" but "in the ever-after". Small details enrich the world, like Jenks wearing red when crossing other pixies' territories to signal peaceful intentions, creating an immersive supernatural Cincinnati.

• Rachel Morgan is the witch protagonist and private investigator navigating Cincinnati's dangerous supernatural politics.
• Piscary serves as the ancient vampire antagonist manipulating events behind the witch murders.
• Ivy, Rachel's vampire roommate, struggles with her vampiric nature and connection to Piscary, creating complex relationship dynamics.
• Jenks, the fan-favorite pixie, provides comic relief and loyal support.
• Trent Kalamack appears as a mysterious businessman with dark secrets, while Algaliarept is the demon who strikes a bargain with Rachel.

Rachel Morgan makes a desperate bargain with the demon Algaliarept to escape Piscary's deadly intentions. She offers to become Algaliarept's familiar—an unprecedented arrangement where Rachel retains her soul. This dangerous deal intrigues the demon due to its novelty of having a willing familiar. The agreement sets the stage for Rachel's complex future, as she must navigate maintaining her independence and morality while bound to a demon, creating ongoing tension throughout the series.

The ever-after is a menacing otherworld realm where demons roam and which serves as the power source for ley lines that supernatural beings use for magic. Harrison cleverly subverts traditional fairy tales by revealing they don't end "happily ever after" but rather "in the ever-after," giving classic stories a sinister undertone. This parallel dimension plays a crucial role in The Good, the Bad, and the Undead's magic system and becomes increasingly important as Rachel's deal with Algaliarept connects her directly to this dangerous realm.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead is widely considered superior to Dead Witch Walking, the series' first installment, with significantly enhanced character development and world-building. While the first half has slower pacing, the second half delivers more revelations, mysteries, and action that keep readers engaged. Rachel Morgan shows notable growth despite her continued impulsiveness, and the supernatural politics become more complex and nuanced. The violence and stakes escalate considerably, with darker themes and more brutal confrontations than the debut novel.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead explores:

• Power dynamics in supernatural hierarchies and how they shape relationships and survival.
• Moral ambiguity pervades the narrative as Rachel navigates choices between duty and dangerous alliances, particularly her demon bargain.
• The novel examines trust and betrayal within the supernatural community where political manipulation runs deep.
• Maintaining humanity emerges as Rachel faces the seductive pull of power while trying to preserve her moral compass amid vampiric influence and demonic dealings.

Piscary represents the ultimate vampire power in Cincinnati's supernatural hierarchy—an ancient, manipulative vampire who orchestrates the witch hunter murders. His control extends to Rachel's roommate Ivy, demonstrating his ability to dominate and manipulate those around him through vampiric influence. Piscary's confrontation with Rachel showcases the seductive danger of the undead and the precarious power dynamics Rachel must navigate. His character embodies the corrupting nature of immortal power and tests Rachel's resolve to maintain her independence against overwhelming supernatural force.