Every Which Way But Dead characters

Appears from the start

The witch who leads Vampiric Charms. Rachel has helped imprison Piscary and free Ceri, but she begins the book owing Algaliarept a dangerous service. Nick has left Cincinnati, and Rachel's growing command of ley-line magic is inseparable from the demon attention it attracts.

Appears from the start

Rachel's living-vampire partner. Piscary's imprisonment has altered the hierarchy that shaped Ivy's life without removing its emotional hold, leaving her friendship with Rachel under pressure from grief, hunger, and competing ideas about trust.

Appears from the start

The pixy partner responsible for much of the church's security and intelligence work. Jenks remains loyal to Rachel but is increasingly frustrated when she keeps plans from him or lets larger supernatural powers dictate the firm's choices.

Also known as Ceri

Appears from the start

An ancient elf whom Rachel freed from Algaliarept. Ceri lives at the church while recovering from centuries as a demon familiar and uses her exceptional knowledge of old magic to help Rachel prepare for the debt Al intends to collect.

Also known as Al

Appears from the start

The demon holding a claim to Rachel's service. Algaliarept is a patient teacher only when instruction increases his control, and he regards Ceri's escape and Rachel's resistance as injuries to his ownership and reputation.

Appears from the start

A living vampire formerly managed by Piscary and closely connected to Ivy. Kisten offers Rachel companionship without pretending that vampire instincts are harmless, and their attraction grows while both are dealing with Piscary's absence.

Appears from the start

Rachel's human boyfriend, now away from Cincinnati after the magical familiar bond and the Piscary case damaged their relationship. His absence leaves Rachel uncertain whether they are separated temporarily or whether he has abandoned the relationship.

First appears in chapter 5

A wealthy elf whose public influence, criminal trade, and secret genetic work make him both Rachel's adversary and a potential employer. Trent knows more about Rachel's family than he has admitted and offers information only when it advances his own interests.

First appears in chapter 7

Trent's chief security officer, an elf charged with protecting both his employer and the secrecy of their people. Quen distrusts Rachel's judgment but respects her abilities enough to work with her when Trent faces a threat ordinary security cannot contain.

First appears in chapter 12

A polished practitioner of demon magic operating within the same wealthy and criminal world as Trent. Lee presents himself as a useful political and business connection, while his magical knowledge makes him a direct rival for control of any bargain involving Algaliarept.

First appears in chapter 16

The undead master whose conviction for murdering witches has left Cincinnati's vampires without their former center of authority. Though confined, Piscary's claims over Ivy and Kisten still influence their decisions and the struggle to control his former territory.