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meganh123's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't listening nor read to any other books on the series but I absolutely loved this graphic audiobook experience. It was fun, entertaining and at parts put me on my edge of the seat. I loved both the "good" characters and their back story but also loved to hate the evil one. Was so entertaining to listen to and root for the good guys as the evil character where one of the better ones I've read. A true good enemy to hope to success of the good versus evil. Will absolutely with no hesitation listen to more in the series even though I don't know if I want to start from the beginning or continue from where I am now because I so wanna see how the story of the main characters will develop
ellelainey's review against another edition
4.0
Death Shall Come, by Simon R. Green
Ishmael Jones, 04
★★★★☆
185 Pages
1st person, single character POV
Themes: murder, science fiction, aliens, secret organisations, forced proximity, mummies
Triggers: mentions of violence and supernatural beings, Alzheimer's
Genre: Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Science Fiction, Crime
Death Shall Come is the fourth book in the Ishmael Jones series and harks back to the essence of Book 1 – a locked house mystery with some very personal stakes.
This time, the Colonel – Stuart, as we learn – asks for Ishmael's help privately, outside of official Organisation business. His father-in-law has acquired a supposedly rare mummy – the very first Cleopatra of Egypt, wiped from historical records – but the Colonel fears that he could never have done so financially or legally, and he wants to protect his wife, Chloe, from any fallout by having Ishmael get hard evidence before he admits his suspicions to the family.
It's an intriguing concept, as there's high stakes for Stuart, the Colonel, and because he and Ishmael have a professional reliance on each other, so they both have reason to make sure this all goes well. The two of them, and Penny, make up the only recurring cast members, but there are a host of other players in the game:
George and Marjorie – Stuart's father-in-law and Chloe's father, and his second wife.
Bernard and Susan – George's parents. Bernard has Alzheimer's and Susan is more his carer than wife, lately.
Chloe – Stuart's wife, and a paper-pusher for Black Heir
Nicholas and Caroline – Chloe's brother and his wife
Professor Samuel Rose – there to catalogue and research the collection of artefacts
The dynamics of the family are strained. Because of Bernard's Alzheimer's, George took over the family, the house and the collection of historical artefacts passed down from previous generations. There's definite resentment about that between Bernard and George, though Bernard's Alzheimer's is also a sticking point for various members of the family, as his wife Susan has become his carer, George keeps them in the house when Bernard really needs medical and nursing care, and the family can't agree on what needs to be done. But George rules over them all with an iron fist. Worse, George has only recently re-married, just months after his first wife died, which creates tension between him and his two children: Chloe and Nicholas. Nicholas' wife is also quite a gold-digger and is pushing Nicholas to demand information about whether they've been written out of the will, while working hard to get him put back in, if that's the case.
On top of all that, Stuart – the Colonel – is like one of the family. He's an orphan who only ever had the Army as a family until he met Chloe and her family have welcomed him, which means he has a lot to lose if the family fractures. Though, I loved the fact that he and Ishmael started bonding over their shared lives and experiences.
As usual with the series, the story starts off just immediately before events begin although it's a little more reflective and distant than the others. I also noticed that there are some phrases and catchphrases, if you will, that recur throughout the series, usually said by the same characters as well. It gets a little annoying and roll-your-eyes when you're reading them one after the other, but if you were just dipping into one at a time you probably wouldn't notice as much.
As always, Ishmael and Penny are my favourite characters, though I certainly warmed up to Stuart, seeing his softer side here. Penny was fantastic as always, and it was nice to delve a little deeper still into the complexities that make Ishmael so unique and unusual.
Overall, the plot was clever and intriguing. I love a good Mummy, like Penny, and this one didn't disappoint with the layers upon layers of suspects, motives and twists.
Ishmael Jones, 04
★★★★☆
185 Pages
1st person, single character POV
Themes: murder, science fiction, aliens, secret organisations, forced proximity, mummies
Triggers: mentions of violence and supernatural beings, Alzheimer's
Genre: Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Science Fiction, Crime
Death Shall Come is the fourth book in the Ishmael Jones series and harks back to the essence of Book 1 – a locked house mystery with some very personal stakes.
This time, the Colonel – Stuart, as we learn – asks for Ishmael's help privately, outside of official Organisation business. His father-in-law has acquired a supposedly rare mummy – the very first Cleopatra of Egypt, wiped from historical records – but the Colonel fears that he could never have done so financially or legally, and he wants to protect his wife, Chloe, from any fallout by having Ishmael get hard evidence before he admits his suspicions to the family.
It's an intriguing concept, as there's high stakes for Stuart, the Colonel, and because he and Ishmael have a professional reliance on each other, so they both have reason to make sure this all goes well. The two of them, and Penny, make up the only recurring cast members, but there are a host of other players in the game:
George and Marjorie – Stuart's father-in-law and Chloe's father, and his second wife.
Bernard and Susan – George's parents. Bernard has Alzheimer's and Susan is more his carer than wife, lately.
Chloe – Stuart's wife, and a paper-pusher for Black Heir
Nicholas and Caroline – Chloe's brother and his wife
Professor Samuel Rose – there to catalogue and research the collection of artefacts
The dynamics of the family are strained. Because of Bernard's Alzheimer's, George took over the family, the house and the collection of historical artefacts passed down from previous generations. There's definite resentment about that between Bernard and George, though Bernard's Alzheimer's is also a sticking point for various members of the family, as his wife Susan has become his carer, George keeps them in the house when Bernard really needs medical and nursing care, and the family can't agree on what needs to be done. But George rules over them all with an iron fist. Worse, George has only recently re-married, just months after his first wife died, which creates tension between him and his two children: Chloe and Nicholas. Nicholas' wife is also quite a gold-digger and is pushing Nicholas to demand information about whether they've been written out of the will, while working hard to get him put back in, if that's the case.
On top of all that, Stuart – the Colonel – is like one of the family. He's an orphan who only ever had the Army as a family until he met Chloe and her family have welcomed him, which means he has a lot to lose if the family fractures. Though, I loved the fact that he and Ishmael started bonding over their shared lives and experiences.
As usual with the series, the story starts off just immediately before events begin although it's a little more reflective and distant than the others. I also noticed that there are some phrases and catchphrases, if you will, that recur throughout the series, usually said by the same characters as well. It gets a little annoying and roll-your-eyes when you're reading them one after the other, but if you were just dipping into one at a time you probably wouldn't notice as much.
As always, Ishmael and Penny are my favourite characters, though I certainly warmed up to Stuart, seeing his softer side here. Penny was fantastic as always, and it was nice to delve a little deeper still into the complexities that make Ishmael so unique and unusual.
Overall, the plot was clever and intriguing. I love a good Mummy, like Penny, and this one didn't disappoint with the layers upon layers of suspects, motives and twists.
tracey_stewart's review against another edition
4.0
Quite a while ago I had read the first book of the author's other series, enjoyed it very much, and somehow never got back into his work. When I saw his name pop up on Netgalley, it seemed like a fine idea to give him a try again – and, thank goodness, it actually was.
The Ishmael Jones series is a slightly mad mélange of genres (say that three times fast). There's a science fiction element, of course, in that Ishmael Jones himself is an alien in human form, with no memory of his previous, extraterrestrial, life. And there is a fantasy element in the circumstances of the murder(s) (though not the fantasy element you might think). Otherwise, regardless of the murder weapon (of which I say no more), this was almost pure English Country House Mystery – locked and unlocked rooms, a dwindling population of characters, endless hallways and staircases and people going off when they oughtn't.
One somewhat small thing that kept this from getting the full five stars was simply a running gag between Ishmael and his lady love, Penny Belcourt. Every now and then she felt an irresistible need to make the same suggestion about the identity of the murderer, to the point that I wanted to throw her down a handy staircase or stuff her in a sarcophagus. I think it was supposed to be cute – that she was playing on Ishmael's tendency to take everything seriously … and this is something that might play much better in an audiobook, where the narrator could make her constant comment 'I still say we shouldn't rule out …' mischievous, with Jones not picking up on the mischief … but I didn't listen to an audiobook, and it drove me up a wall. Along with Jones.
"I looked at her. ‘If I offered you a large amount of money, would you stop saying that?’
"‘How large?’ said Penny."
It's a fascinating bit of world-building, with a group to clean up after starship crashes, secret even to the secret group Ishmael belongs to. Ishmael seems thoroughly human … except when he's really not. I'm looking forward to going back and starting at the beginning.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
The Ishmael Jones series is a slightly mad mélange of genres (say that three times fast). There's a science fiction element, of course, in that Ishmael Jones himself is an alien in human form, with no memory of his previous, extraterrestrial, life. And there is a fantasy element in the circumstances of the murder(s) (though not the fantasy element you might think). Otherwise, regardless of the murder weapon (of which I say no more), this was almost pure English Country House Mystery – locked and unlocked rooms, a dwindling population of characters, endless hallways and staircases and people going off when they oughtn't.
One somewhat small thing that kept this from getting the full five stars was simply a running gag between Ishmael and his lady love, Penny Belcourt. Every now and then she felt an irresistible need to make the same suggestion about the identity of the murderer, to the point that I wanted to throw her down a handy staircase or stuff her in a sarcophagus. I think it was supposed to be cute – that she was playing on Ishmael's tendency to take everything seriously … and this is something that might play much better in an audiobook, where the narrator could make her constant comment 'I still say we shouldn't rule out …' mischievous, with Jones not picking up on the mischief … but I didn't listen to an audiobook, and it drove me up a wall. Along with Jones.
"I looked at her. ‘If I offered you a large amount of money, would you stop saying that?’
"‘How large?’ said Penny."
It's a fascinating bit of world-building, with a group to clean up after starship crashes, secret even to the secret group Ishmael belongs to. Ishmael seems thoroughly human … except when he's really not. I'm looking forward to going back and starting at the beginning.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
pandaplantain's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kirkw1972's review against another edition
3.0
I've read a few of these all back to front so know more about Ishmael that I probably would have done reading in order. I don't think it makes too much difference though, all these stories seems to work well as stand alones' as well as a series. This one is an entertaining story of a missing mummy along with a dead body in a stately home. I like Ishmael as a character and the back story of how he came to be where is now. These books are always a quick read but they do contain a really good story. The author makes good use of his word count. Looking forward to reading the rest
especiallybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Ishmael Jones and Penny are definitely two characters that readers will want to know about in this unique, genre-bending mystery from author Simon R. Green. This is a great entry-point into the series, even though it is book four. Readers will be intrigued by this unique brew of story that has elements of sci-fi, Egyptology, and mystery all rolled into one.
Not having read any of the books previously in this series, I really enjoyed the character of Jones and Penny. Green definitely handles nuance well in not giving the reader too much information about what happened in previous books, but enough to pique interest in going on to read other books in the series. It's a winner for this reader and I'll be buying it for my as well as going back to the beginning and reading more. Interesting story!
Not having read any of the books previously in this series, I really enjoyed the character of Jones and Penny. Green definitely handles nuance well in not giving the reader too much information about what happened in previous books, but enough to pique interest in going on to read other books in the series. It's a winner for this reader and I'll be buying it for my as well as going back to the beginning and reading more. Interesting story!
weesam_nz's review against another edition
4.0
Like Penny, I love a good Mummy story. Best of the Ishmael Jones stories so far.
vailynst's review against another edition
4.0
The story begins with an atypical meeting within the Ancient Egypt rooms at the British Museum. The Colonel veers off the usual path and asks Ishmael Jones to do him a favor. He's concerned that his wife's father, George Cardavan, may be involved in dangerous affairs. Matters that could be of note for the Organization. Ishmael agrees to help the Colonel and pretend to be an expert of Egyptian artifacts. The Cardavan's are meeting at the family estate for a private showing of George Cardavan's latest acquisition. The family has a history of collecting Egyptian relics. George has added the rarest of all prizes and he cannot wait to show it off to his family.
Here is a story of pride, greed, endless hungers and love. It all starts with a mummy, a curse and a hero of unlikely attributes.
Death Shall Come is the first book I've read in the Ishmael Jones series. The story captured my imagination with the opening synopsis. An inhuman hero without a past. A man that does not age. An unknown warrior that fights to keep people safe from unimaginable harm. I was hooked from the very start.
Ishmael Jones is like Sherlock Holmes without the mania. He's intelligent, has keen senses, perceptive and strong but he doesn't have an over inflated ego or cutting cynicism. He is actively living life, embracing his experiences and does what he feels is right.
His girlfriend, Penny Belcourt, is a spunky glam-girl full of energy and curiosity. Her enthusiasm and humor is a great foil to Ishmael's unflappable demeanor. I love the easy familiarity between them. Their banter, non-verbal communication and the solid way they back each other.
The story atmosphere made me feel like I was in a middle of a Hitchcock film. All gloom and doom and icky shadows. The plot was like a game of Clue. I figured out most of the important bits from the clues within the story but I didn't predict exactly how it would happen.
Now, I'm dying to find out more about Ishmael and Penny. There's hardly a clue about them except a few references to the past. I want to know about Black Heir, the Organization and everything about Ishmael.
This was a fun adventure into a new series and I can't wait to read more. If you want a clever mystery with a dash of humor, you've come to the right place.
Review ARC via NetGalley
Here is a story of pride, greed, endless hungers and love. It all starts with a mummy, a curse and a hero of unlikely attributes.
Death Shall Come is the first book I've read in the Ishmael Jones series. The story captured my imagination with the opening synopsis. An inhuman hero without a past. A man that does not age. An unknown warrior that fights to keep people safe from unimaginable harm. I was hooked from the very start.
Ishmael Jones is like Sherlock Holmes without the mania. He's intelligent, has keen senses, perceptive and strong but he doesn't have an over inflated ego or cutting cynicism. He is actively living life, embracing his experiences and does what he feels is right.
His girlfriend, Penny Belcourt, is a spunky glam-girl full of energy and curiosity. Her enthusiasm and humor is a great foil to Ishmael's unflappable demeanor. I love the easy familiarity between them. Their banter, non-verbal communication and the solid way they back each other.
The story atmosphere made me feel like I was in a middle of a Hitchcock film. All gloom and doom and icky shadows. The plot was like a game of Clue. I figured out most of the important bits from the clues within the story but I didn't predict exactly how it would happen.
Now, I'm dying to find out more about Ishmael and Penny. There's hardly a clue about them except a few references to the past. I want to know about Black Heir, the Organization and everything about Ishmael.
This was a fun adventure into a new series and I can't wait to read more. If you want a clever mystery with a dash of humor, you've come to the right place.
Review ARC via NetGalley
prideguy's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Fast read. Solid book until the ending which wasn’t quite stuck. With this said, out of the four I’ve read so far in this series, this one rates at the top.