I first read this book a few years ago whilst I was in a reading slump. 
My partner, having already read it, suggested I might enjoy it. I was sceptical at first since we rarely ever like the same books, but the novelty of reading a fantasy noir was enough to convince me to give it a try. 

And I'm so glad that I did!

The Sword-Edged Blonde is a wonderful mix of pulp noir and fantasy. Bledsoe manages to merge two seemingly disparate genres together to create something new and refreshing. 

The story's greatest strength lies with its protagonist, Eddie LaCrosse, who just happens to be one of my all-time favourite literary protagonists. 

Eddie is a fully-actualised character from the start - he knows exactly who he is, bad and good - and his age affords him a sense of maturity that makes his character far more relatable to me in my mid-thirties than the usual younger fantasy protagonists.
Even the minor characters have gravitas about them that make them feel like fully formed characters even without much (or any) background or introduction. 

I find Bledsoe's storytelling style to be really enjoyable, and the fantastical twist on the private eye trope is good fun. 

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a new spin on an old trope.