Traveler (2003) (edit title/settings)

Much of the action in Jackson's paranormal romance takes place in a city that seems just like present-day Detroit, with one difference: this Motor City is home to an underground nightmare city populated by refugee goblins expelled from Europe. Though seemingly grateful for their new world haven, the foul-smelling goblins have in fact secretly replaced the nation's leading industrialists, including Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, with deodorized doubles-and the takeover trail may lead much higher. Pitted against mysterious goblin leader Horroban and his six-limbed, four-breasted rock star girlfriend are "siren fey" Io Cyphre, who's a H.U.G. (Humans Under Ground) magical agent, and charismatic cop Jonathan "Jack" Frost, who's half fairy. A deliciously playful tone, especially in the banter between Io and Jack, makes this a fun, light read. At times, however, Jackson's Detroit feels more like a cartoon world than a plausible alternate realm. Still, this imaginative tale, the first in a new series of mystical romances from Jackson, delivers sizzling romance and ghoulish thrills at a breathtaking clip.