Cold Iron Task

The Unorthodox Chronicles, Book 3

By: James J. Butcher

Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

Grimsby, a junior Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs, finds himself on the other side of the law in this spellbinding urban fantasy.

Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby may have one case under his belt, but he’s still a novice Auditor in Boston’s Department of Unorthodox Affairs. And he’s already made mistakes.

Desperate to repair his fraying friendships, he doesn’t ask too many questions when a mysterious patron offers him the chance to join a heist of an otherworldly vault—and in the process find answers that could make things right.

Complications arise when Grimsby learns that his partner, Mayflower, is keeping secrets about his past. Between facing new demons, old horrors, and monsters—both Usual and Unorthodox—Grimsby soon realizes nothing is how it appears and that not asking enough questions just might be his downfall.

©2024 James J. Butcher (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Solid action and quippy dialogue will keep readers engaged for the long haul.”—Library Journal

"Cold Iron Task does an excellent job of building on the previous books. . . . where The Unorthodox Chronicles shines is its characters. . . . I fully enjoyed Cold Iron Task . . . and devoured it in only a couple of sittings, and I can't wait to see how Butcher continues to weave the threads he has started laying out in these early books."— Game Vortex

"If you love urban fantasy, compelling character dynamics, and a perfect mix of action and heart, Cold Iron Task is a must-read. Whether you’re here for the magic, the mayhem, or the mentor-mentee banter, this book has something for you."—Tessa Talks Books

Coming together

Great story. I only saw one twist coming, well done. Looking forward to the next addition.

Can’t wait for the next installment

Love this book and the narration. Definitely worth a credit and I can’t wait for the next installment

Best Book Yet

Although there were a few of the inevitable Heist tropes, I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Oron Task. James Butcher's alt Boston continues to get fleshed out and the characters are as well written as ever. Every book the story gets better and I can't wait to see what's next for Grimsby and Mayflower.

Absolutely beautiful story

Every book so far from him has been great. I have enjoyed the rollercoaster of emotions this has been.

What a ride!

I am really enjoying this series. I anxiously awaited this book as soon as it was announced, and it did not disappoint. ...but now I have to wait until a book 4 is announced, so that's the only disappointment for me.

James Butcher is really improving

third time is the charm, James Butcher is really starting to come into his own as a writer

Good but not as good as the first two

I did enjoy this one but I think it’s the weakest of the series so far. Grimsby is just so so ignorant in this one and basically everything he did in this one was just thoughtless. Stumbling into rooms he shouldn’t be in, not drawing obvious connections. Not even wondering why a knife with his name on it is so important to the heist. Lying to mayflower. Honestly he was just so stupid in this one that it diminished the character for me. Which sucked because I liked his character and morality previously. I still like mayflower but grimsby really dropped in my mind. And I never really liked rayne anyways so her starting all this and using his guilt again is just par for the course.

Can’t wait until the next book!

What an enjoyable ride! Find myself both hoping for the hero to gain the power to achieve what he is trying to achieve while at the same time loving how he grows stronger in himself as he works around his limitations.

now we're got a story

the 1st book story world building second book more character depth this book was a great 3rd book for the arc and more story and character development very much enjoyed

Like father like son

If you are a fan of Jim Butcher his kid does not disappoint. James has a way of weaving stories together as intricate and fine like a spiders web. James has gotten me in each of his books and I'm glad he does. the books are fresh exciting, and his lore has a very unique perspective. 10/10 will read again.