The Grand Capital of the once mighty Aelfan Empire, has fallen, and Grant Scotland searches for anything real to cling to as the world devolves into insanity. But when an old friend shows up asking for help, Grant is thrust into a world where ancient magic is wielded by deadly players who compete against one another for a prize greater than simply the rotting carcass of a dead empire.
Glen Cook's Garrett, P.I. series;
Raymond Chandler's Marlowe stories;
Ian Fleming's Bond novels.