Dead Man Walking: A country house murder mystery with a supernatural twist

Dead Man Walking: A country house murder mystery with a supernatural twist (2016) Simon R Green

I tend to either love Simon R Green’s series, or … not.

This is a series I like I think.

Ishmael Jones works for a super secret agency that takes care of beings and events that would disturb the unknowing public.

A suitably anonymous vehicle slammed to a halt before us. Not new enough to hold the eye or old enough to attract attention, it had probably started out a fierce crimson. But age and a complete lack of attention had reduced it to a two-tone mix of red and rust. I couldn’t even guess at the make; which was probably just as well, as the maker would only have been embarrassed to acknowledge it.

When one of the agents who left and went to work for the other side wants to come back, they need to verify that he is who he is. So in addition to the interrogators, they send Ishmael who brings along Penny, who he has taken up with after the events of the previous book.

There were half a dozen photographs, of six entirely different faces. I felt like wincing. After so many plastic surgeries, it would be a wonder if Parker had any working facial nerves left. If he wanted to raise an eyebrow, he probably had to give himself plenty of warning or use a wire.
…
Looking closely, I could see scars concealed in his face and neck, along with surgical implants designed to change the shape and structure of his skull. Whoever he was, he really didn’t want to be recognized.

Penny is aware of his origins, even if no one else is.

Penny … If at any time I turn to you and say “Run!”, don’t stop to ask why. Just try to keep up with me.’

Mystery-wise, I had figured this one out pretty quickly, but that didn’t spoil the book for me. Mostly because I really like Ishmael.

‘What did I just say about sticking together?’ I said loudly. ‘Splitting up is always going to be a bad idea.’

This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m enjoying this series.
Rating: 7.5/10

Publisher: Severn House Digital

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