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The Mervyn Stone Mysteries #3
Cursed Among Sequels
Mervyn Stone does not look like a special man but he is special in one very important respect. Mervyn was script-writer of the BBC television series 'Vixens from the Void', a 'Dynasty in Space' soap opera which gripped the nation in the 1980s. The funny thing about Mervyn is that everywhere his career takes him, there are murders.
250 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Nev Fountain
53 books45 followersNev Fountain, born Steven John Fountain, is an English writer, best known for his comedy work with writing partner Tom Jamieson on the radio and television programme 'Dead Ringers'.
He is currently writing for Dead Ringers and the satirical magazine 'Private Eye'.
He has written three humorous murder-mystery novels, collectively called 'The Mervyn Stone Mysteries', and a serious thriller called 'Painkiller'.
His latest book, 'The Fan Who Knew Too Much' was released in July this year.
Nev was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire and now resides in Surrey.
He is currently writing for Dead Ringers and the satirical magazine 'Private Eye'.
He has written three humorous murder-mystery novels, collectively called 'The Mervyn Stone Mysteries', and a serious thriller called 'Painkiller'.
His latest book, 'The Fan Who Knew Too Much' was released in July this year.
Nev was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire and now resides in Surrey.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 23, 2021
The Mervyn Stone books finish (although there could easily be more) on fine form with Cursed Among Sequels, which recaptures that kind of high concept setting that made Geek Tragedy feel so fresh. (I felt the second book didn’t really have that, despite revolving quaintly around a DVD commentary.)
This time, instead of a sci-fi convention, the story happens on a location shoot for the Vixens From The Void reboot. Instead of a series of murders there are suspicious attempted murders; curiously this involves just as much investigation as a “normal” murder mystery. The plot is pleasingly complex and comes together very neatly. The only element that really stuck out (and it’s not really a spoiler) was Mervyn’s long lost son appearing out of nowhere for one scene. Surely even Mervyn would strike a red pen through that one!
It’s as laconically funny as its hero, although as usual his somewhat dated, little-bit-sleazy personality does creep into the narrative. (But not as much as in DVD Extras Include: Murder.) I enjoyed the references to cult SF telly, some subtler than others! Brisk chapters as usual keep the momentum going, and I enjoyed thumbing through it at a quick pace.
This time, instead of a sci-fi convention, the story happens on a location shoot for the Vixens From The Void reboot. Instead of a series of murders there are suspicious attempted murders; curiously this involves just as much investigation as a “normal” murder mystery. The plot is pleasingly complex and comes together very neatly. The only element that really stuck out (and it’s not really a spoiler) was Mervyn’s long lost son appearing out of nowhere for one scene. Surely even Mervyn would strike a red pen through that one!
It’s as laconically funny as its hero, although as usual his somewhat dated, little-bit-sleazy personality does creep into the narrative. (But not as much as in DVD Extras Include: Murder.) I enjoyed the references to cult SF telly, some subtler than others! Brisk chapters as usual keep the momentum going, and I enjoyed thumbing through it at a quick pace.
August 2, 2012
I have now finished the entire Mervyn Stone trilogy. Will there be more? I honestly wasn't sure if I would like this third part. I thought the second novel was inferior to the first and I was afraid that this one might limp along. However, I was delighted to see that Cursed Among Sequels was almost as brilliant as number one. (Nothing beats a murder or two that occur at a sci-Fi convention!) Mervyn is hired to help out on a remake of Vixens from the Void, his space-age Dynasty rip-off cult classic tv series from the 80s. It always amazes me how he continually gets suckered back into the Vixens lair, becomes a super genius investigator, and narrowly misses a horrible, painful death.
I've never been a sci-Fi fan. My dad and brother were the fans in the household. In fact, I think they both have blister-packed action figures lurking in their homes. Granted, my dad's were probably gifts from my brother. But the both are still addicted to Doctor Who and Torchwood. I even have a nasty ex who was a Trekker and force fed me old Star Trek movies. All of that aside, this series tickled my funny bone and brought back memories of my tortured youth where Sundays were ruled by the males having ownership over the remote control with dreary Science Fiction programming brainwashed into my brain. I guess the point I'd like to make is: this series is for everyone. Mystery lovers will be highly entertained. Comedy lovers will giggle themselves silly. And Sci-Fi lovers....well let's just hope they can laugh at themselves. Just a little bit.
I've never been a sci-Fi fan. My dad and brother were the fans in the household. In fact, I think they both have blister-packed action figures lurking in their homes. Granted, my dad's were probably gifts from my brother. But the both are still addicted to Doctor Who and Torchwood. I even have a nasty ex who was a Trekker and force fed me old Star Trek movies. All of that aside, this series tickled my funny bone and brought back memories of my tortured youth where Sundays were ruled by the males having ownership over the remote control with dreary Science Fiction programming brainwashed into my brain. I guess the point I'd like to make is: this series is for everyone. Mystery lovers will be highly entertained. Comedy lovers will giggle themselves silly. And Sci-Fi lovers....well let's just hope they can laugh at themselves. Just a little bit.
June 9, 2012
Pretty decent. I liked the twist ending.
December 26, 2017
Cute and funny, I quite enjoyed this random book (with the horrible cover). Camp murder mystery.
November 28, 2014
I was vaguely disappointed with this. I love the other two books in the series, and is hoping for more of the same. But somehow this one doesn't quite work in the same way. There are some nice ideas in there, but the payoff isn't as interesting or clever as in the other two books in the series.
November 17, 2015
The series continues. Still great fun.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews