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Arthur
Arthur Norman returns! Have you met Arthur? He has a job, friends, a family, a girlfriend, and an ex-wife (who’s back from the dead). Oh, and he’s still a killer. But he’s trying to change. . . .
The highly anticipated follow-up to the award-winning 'You're Gone.'
The highly anticipated follow-up to the award-winning 'You're Gone.'
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
9 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Morton
11 books45 followersJ.S. Morton is an award-winning fiction writer renowned for his darkly comedic storytelling. His works often explore real-life issues and delve into human psychology. He is best known for his book "You're Gone," which received a Red Ribbon in the Wishing Shelf Book Competition, a bronze medal in the Readers' Favourite awards, and was reviewed with a 'Get it' by Kirkus Reviews.
AMAZON.COM
Morton's writing style is characterized by a blend of humour and suspense, engaging readers with unpredictable plots and relatable characters. His notable works include:
"You're Gone": A darkly comedic thriller that follows Arthur Norman, a widower grappling with grief and his own sinister inclinations.
"Arthur": A continuation of Arthur Norman's story, exploring his return after 25 years in absentia.
BOOKSHOP.ORG
"Tabula Rasa": A thriller that delves into themes of identity and self-discovery.
As a reader, Morton enjoys gritty dystopian narratives and dark, humorous reads, citing "The Handmaid's Tale," "1984," and "You" among his favourites.
REEDSY.COM
Outside of writing, Morton is passionate about live music, particularly punk and metal genres, cars, reading, cinema, and snow. He is also a staunch believer in kindness and that it is never too late to start anew in life.
AMAZON.COM
For more information about J.S. Morton and his works, you can visit his Amazon author page.
AMAZON.COM
Morton's writing style is characterized by a blend of humour and suspense, engaging readers with unpredictable plots and relatable characters. His notable works include:
"You're Gone": A darkly comedic thriller that follows Arthur Norman, a widower grappling with grief and his own sinister inclinations.
"Arthur": A continuation of Arthur Norman's story, exploring his return after 25 years in absentia.
BOOKSHOP.ORG
"Tabula Rasa": A thriller that delves into themes of identity and self-discovery.
As a reader, Morton enjoys gritty dystopian narratives and dark, humorous reads, citing "The Handmaid's Tale," "1984," and "You" among his favourites.
REEDSY.COM
Outside of writing, Morton is passionate about live music, particularly punk and metal genres, cars, reading, cinema, and snow. He is also a staunch believer in kindness and that it is never too late to start anew in life.
AMAZON.COM
For more information about J.S. Morton and his works, you can visit his Amazon author page.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 11, 2023
“Arthur” by J.S. Morton is the sequel to the author’s work, “You’re Gone.” Our protagonist/narrator is Arthur Norman, who has a family, close-knit circle of friends, a girlfriend he is mad for, and a daughter on the way. Oh, yes—and Arthur is a killer, but he’s trying to change because his girlfriend, Ophelia, makes him want to be a better man who is deserving of her love. Arthur’s rationale is that he only kills those who have done evil things, well, except that one—no, actually two—who really didn’t. (One disrespected him, the other wanted to be him). He gets fidgety if he goes long periods without killing someone, but he’s working reforming…well, except for the assassin who hunted him down and threatened him and his family and friends…but, then again, she fell in the category of “evil things.” Arthur is mostly self-absorbed and very happy to narrate his own story.
J.S. Morton has created a well-written (other than a few typos), very readable, interesting sequel to “You’re Gone” with “Arthur.” I read through this work in one sitting because I was anxious to find out what happened in this continuation. There are a couple of surprises throughout and a great twist at the very end; the tone of the book once again about this bumbling main character is darkly humorous throughout. Mr. Morton illustrates the depths of grief and depression, though not through Arthur this time (who has been lifted up by the beautiful Ophelia) but in the words and actions of the widowed nosy neighbor, June. I do think if you haven’t read the first book, you should seriously consider doing so for filling in Arthur’s background and the beginning of his story, then following through with this second book conclusion.
I’d like to thank ReedsyDiscovery, J.S. Morton, and Dystopic Publishing, Ltd. for the opportunity to read and review this work.
J.S. Morton has created a well-written (other than a few typos), very readable, interesting sequel to “You’re Gone” with “Arthur.” I read through this work in one sitting because I was anxious to find out what happened in this continuation. There are a couple of surprises throughout and a great twist at the very end; the tone of the book once again about this bumbling main character is darkly humorous throughout. Mr. Morton illustrates the depths of grief and depression, though not through Arthur this time (who has been lifted up by the beautiful Ophelia) but in the words and actions of the widowed nosy neighbor, June. I do think if you haven’t read the first book, you should seriously consider doing so for filling in Arthur’s background and the beginning of his story, then following through with this second book conclusion.
I’d like to thank ReedsyDiscovery, J.S. Morton, and Dystopic Publishing, Ltd. for the opportunity to read and review this work.
October 5, 2025
Keep Cheering for Arthur
J.S. Morton's Arthur plunges us right back into the life of the eponymous, deeply conflicted character, picking up immediately where the abrupt ending of You're Gone left off. While it's possible to read this alone, I strongly recommend reading You're Gone first; the sequel relies heavily on the reader understanding Arthur’s past trauma and his current, desperate quest for self-improvement.
Told entirely through Arthur's eyes, the premise is simple: Arthur is trying to be a better man, and for him, that means not killing people. The dark, comedic friction comes from his constant, often comically frustrated attempts to go straight. The world, however, won't let him. Bodies keep dropping, and the victims are starting to be those closest to him. His ten-year relationship with someone he thought he knew is shattered, though she reappears in a surprising new role to help him.
The book is a darkly humorous thriller—a sort of anti-hero's journey. If you can suspend your disbelief and stop trying to figure out the logic of how he gets away with everything, you’ll be rewarded. Arthur's relentless, miserable struggle to choose the high road is the heart of the novel and what will keep you turning pages. It's a fun, twisty ride, provided you're ready for Arthur.
J.S. Morton's Arthur plunges us right back into the life of the eponymous, deeply conflicted character, picking up immediately where the abrupt ending of You're Gone left off. While it's possible to read this alone, I strongly recommend reading You're Gone first; the sequel relies heavily on the reader understanding Arthur’s past trauma and his current, desperate quest for self-improvement.
Told entirely through Arthur's eyes, the premise is simple: Arthur is trying to be a better man, and for him, that means not killing people. The dark, comedic friction comes from his constant, often comically frustrated attempts to go straight. The world, however, won't let him. Bodies keep dropping, and the victims are starting to be those closest to him. His ten-year relationship with someone he thought he knew is shattered, though she reappears in a surprising new role to help him.
The book is a darkly humorous thriller—a sort of anti-hero's journey. If you can suspend your disbelief and stop trying to figure out the logic of how he gets away with everything, you’ll be rewarded. Arthur's relentless, miserable struggle to choose the high road is the heart of the novel and what will keep you turning pages. It's a fun, twisty ride, provided you're ready for Arthur.
November 28, 2023
Darkly Funny Serial Killer Story
Arthur is determined to settle down and go on the straight and narrow. But with murders happening around him that at one point makes him think he might be doing them until he discovers that someone far more dangerous is after him, Arthur’s life spirals out of control. With the appearance of his formerly dead ex wife, the announcement that his current girlfriend is pregnant, his sister may have a secret life of her own, it just all adds to the chaos that is Arthur’s life. Apparently this is book is part of a series but this is the first that I have read. However you can easily understand and pick up what’s going on as this does well as a stand-alone but at the same time also mentions stuff that I presume happens in the previous books. It is darkly and satirically funny. It’s a bit like the British version of Dexter so fans of that show will love this too. The writing is fast paced and the comedic timing is great making this a real page turner. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Arthur is determined to settle down and go on the straight and narrow. But with murders happening around him that at one point makes him think he might be doing them until he discovers that someone far more dangerous is after him, Arthur’s life spirals out of control. With the appearance of his formerly dead ex wife, the announcement that his current girlfriend is pregnant, his sister may have a secret life of her own, it just all adds to the chaos that is Arthur’s life. Apparently this is book is part of a series but this is the first that I have read. However you can easily understand and pick up what’s going on as this does well as a stand-alone but at the same time also mentions stuff that I presume happens in the previous books. It is darkly and satirically funny. It’s a bit like the British version of Dexter so fans of that show will love this too. The writing is fast paced and the comedic timing is great making this a real page turner. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
December 14, 2025
A brilliant sequel to You're Gone
October 27, 2023
A great second book!
I read book one not that long ago and when I saw book two I knew I had to read it as the story was still fresh in my mind. The author has a great way of telling the story and along with some humor and a few twists along the way. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this author.
I read book one not that long ago and when I saw book two I knew I had to read it as the story was still fresh in my mind. The author has a great way of telling the story and along with some humor and a few twists along the way. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this author.
September 8, 2023
Yet another stunner from John. Being close to his books make me realise the effort and talent that goes into creating these unbelievable stories. Arthur continues from the story of You’re Gone - and honestly I didn’t think the story could get better, but it does. From the word go, it starts, and there’s still as much drama, humour and suspense as the first. A final one to complete the trilogy?
January 11, 2026
Just as good as the first one with the way it was written, dark comedic humour-very funny parts I laughed out loud. I think I preferred this one as I knew that there was a third one unlike when I read the first one I didn’t know that it was part of a series and it ended abruptly. I will be buying it tomorrow.
October 24, 2023
Didn't enjoy QUITE as much as first book.
Wasn't too thrilled with the ending but not too surprising
for the type of book it was....... I guess we're not supposed
to be routing for the "bad guy" ???
Wasn't too thrilled with the ending but not too surprising
for the type of book it was....... I guess we're not supposed
to be routing for the "bad guy" ???
September 9, 2023
I read You're Gone: I loved You're Gone. This was exactly the follow-up I was looking for.
September 17, 2023
Honestly I didn’t know the story could get better from You’re Gone - but the book was a wonderful surprise. Great sequel.
September 30, 2023
A superb follow-up to a super dark comedy. I loved the progression of the character, but I don't want to spoil this for anyone.
Read You're Gone, and then immediately read this!
Read You're Gone, and then immediately read this!
November 21, 2023
What a super follow-up to You're Gone!
February 26, 2024
What a great follow-up to You're Gone. I was glad to see Arthur Norman alive and well and back to his antics. I only hope there is a reprieve for this sinister character.
April 11, 2024
A solid follow-up to the spectacular 'You're Gone'. Not quite as good, but it's always tough for a sequel and You're Gone was a tough act to follow.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews