Who Are The Main Characters In 'Dead Man In A Ditch'?

'Dead Man in a Ditch' is the second book in Luke Arnold's 'Fetch Phillips Archives' series, and it’s packed with characters that feel like they’ve stepped right out of a gritty noir film—only with magic. The protagonist, Fetch Phillips, is a washed-up detective in a world where magic has vanished, and he’s still clinging to the past. He’s the kind of guy who’s equal parts charming and self-destructive, with a sharp wit and a heart that’s seen too much. Fetch’s voice carries the story, and his mix of cynicism and hidden idealism makes him impossible not to root for, even when he’s making terrible decisions.

Then there’s Simms, Fetch’s old friend and former partner, who’s trying to keep him from completely spiraling. Simms is the steady hand in Fetch’s chaotic world, though he’s got his own secrets. The dynamic between them is one of the highlights of the book—full of history and unspoken tension. On the darker side, you’ve got villains like Mayor Thornton, who’s all smiles and corruption, and the mysterious figures lurking in the shadows of Sunder City. The way Arnold weaves these characters together creates a world that feels lived-in and dangerous, where every interaction could turn deadly. It’s the kind of book where even the minor characters leave an impression, like the bartenders, informants, and old magicians who pop up just long enough to break your heart. By the end, you’re left wondering who’s really the 'dead man' in the title—because everyone in Sunder City seems to be carrying some kind of wound.