Till Sudden Death Do Us Part, by Simon R. Green (Severn House)
It’s always a challenge to jump into the middle of series,
but a skillful author will give you all the background you need, woven into the
action without infodumps or confusion. Such was the case with this, the seventh "Ishmael Jones" mystery.
Ishmael Jones was a real person, or rather the pseudonym
used by a covert CIA officer. Green’s Ishmael Jones isn’t exactly human and is
very much a secret agent for a succession of secret agencies. He looks human
enough, and has a rewarding relationship with the fearsomely intelligent Penny
Belcourt, but he doesn’t age and he fights a continual battle to keep his
demonic self submerged.
The current episode follows the classical form of a murder
mystery: a gathering in a small English town, a family curse, a series of
murders designed to prevent a wedding, and so forth. Green’s deft handling of
the elements of the unfolding mystery (actually, several) and Jones’s personal
journey make for a fast, enjoyable read. I did not see the ending coming, even
though all the clues were there.
The usual disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book,
but no one bribed me to say anything in particular about it. Although
chocolates and fine imported tea are always welcome.
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