The John Persons Files - (Persons Non Grata) by Cassandra Khaw (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Experience bestselling author Cassandra Khaw's hard-boiled, Lovecraftian horror series, Persons Non Grata, in one volume, containing the novellas Hammers on Bone and A Song for Quiet, and a brand new novelette.

John Persons is a private investigator--a good one. Over the course of his ancient, arcane existence, he's hunted gods and demons, and broken them in his teeth. He's also a monster, which makes him perfect for the darkest, most dangerous jobs.

Deacon James is a rambling bluesman straight from Georgia - a Black man with troubles he can't escape and music that won't let him go. When he crosses paths with John Persons, he thinks the PI is a madman. But this weird, monstrous investigator may be the only person who can help him.

Enter a world of frightening, eldritch delights, where danger lurks in every corner and monsters sometimes wear familiar faces.

Also by Cassandra Khaw:
Find Me Where it Ends
The Library at Hellebore
The Salt Grows Heavy
Nothing But Blackened Teeth
The Dead Take the A Train (co-written with Richard Kadrey)

Review Quotes

Praise for the Persons Non Grata series:

"A glorious fusion of the classic noir detective thriller with Lovecraftian horror." ―Charles Stross, author of the Laundry Files

"Khaw's explosive, evocative prose is a treat to read. Khaw's ability to transform the mundane into the deeply phantasmagorical is nothing short of magical. Prepare to take a long leap into the gory, the weird, and the fantastic." ―Kameron Hurley, Hugo Award-winning author

"The drearily everyday is infused with Lovecraftian dread in a marvelously horrifying, tightly built novella that spins a satisfying tale while doing honor to both of its core sources." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Khaw is one of the most exciting writers I've seen emerge in the past two years...Lovecraftian in all the best ways." ―Silvia Moreno-Garcia, New York Times bestselling author

"A Song for Quiet is a moving story of music, monsters, and grief." ―Victor LaValle, author of The Ballad of Black Tom

"Khaw continues to demonstrate mastery of seductive short-form horror, juxtaposing the disgusting and relentlessly terrifying with moments of exquisite beauty in ways that make it impossible to look away." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Gritty, unflinching, and unexpected, A Song for Quiet has an infectious Blues rhythm that's impossible to ignore." ―Angela Slatter, World Fantasy Award-winning author

"Atmospheric Lovecraftian noir with a really tremendous eye for detail... If you like Dashiel Hammett and Lovecraft, this is a very effective blend." ―Aliette de Bodard, Nebula Award-winning author

Praise for The Library at Hellebore
AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
An Indie Next & LibraryReads Pick

Khaw reminds us why they're considered one of the best prose stylists in the horror game...The Library at Hellebore [is] one of the finest horror books you're likely to pick up this summer." --Paste Magazine

"This is the punk rock, eldritch god, carnage-fueled battle royale dark academia. The Library at Hellebore is more metal than I'll ever be and too cool for most of you." --Olivie Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six

"Khaw's writing will have you by the throat...Gory, gruesome, and gloriously gripping!" --RuNyx, New York Times bestselling author of Gothikana

"As rich and gruesome as a fresh-plucked heart...The Library at Hellebore is a perfect horror novel by one of my favorite writers." --Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author

"Wonderfully inventive and thoroughly engrossing. Khaw takes dark academia to a terrifying new level." --Kelley Armstrong, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A gorgeous, gory shuddering heart of a book! Khaw's prose and storytelling remain god-tier!" --Katee Robert, New York Times bestselling author

"A horrifying tale with lush and gorgeous prose you can sink your teeth into." --Monika Kim, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Eyes Are the Best Part

"Devilishly entertaining, thrillingly structured, and full of unexpected blows to the heart. It's the most fun you'll ever have, rooting for Armageddon(s)." --Nat Cassidy, USA Today bestselling author of When the Wolf Comes Home

"Wretched and filthy with gore...The Library at Hellebore is absolutely killer." --Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Compound Fracture

"A succulent, gory, ambrosial fever dream of a tale with prose as luscious as an overripe peach." --Delilah S. Dawson, New York Times bestselling author

"Frighteningly good! The Library at Hellebore reminds us that revenge is a dish best served cold, alongside a pound of quivering flesh for good measure." --P. Djéli Clark, author of The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

About the Author