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Montague & Strong Detective Agency #22
Corpse Road
Killing an enemy once is difficult…having to kill them twice is just unfair.
Monty’s recent shift in power after using the First Elder Rune has awakened old enemies.
Enemies who were once dead have been cursed to roam the earth again…with one purpose.
Destroy Tristan Montague and Simon Strong.
Now, together with the help of Simon and his uncle Dex, Monty must discover how the dead have risen—and, more importantly, how to return them to their graves.
In order to succeed, they must locate a powerful necromancer rumored to be dead for centuries.
When it comes to old necromancers, the dead have a tendency to wander the night, and the rumors of their death may be exaggerated.
If Monty and Simon don’t reverse the curse in time, they may soon join the undead hunting them.
Monty’s recent shift in power after using the First Elder Rune has awakened old enemies.
Enemies who were once dead have been cursed to roam the earth again…with one purpose.
Destroy Tristan Montague and Simon Strong.
Now, together with the help of Simon and his uncle Dex, Monty must discover how the dead have risen—and, more importantly, how to return them to their graves.
In order to succeed, they must locate a powerful necromancer rumored to be dead for centuries.
When it comes to old necromancers, the dead have a tendency to wander the night, and the rumors of their death may be exaggerated.
If Monty and Simon don’t reverse the curse in time, they may soon join the undead hunting them.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2024
291 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
106 books590 followersOrlando Sanchez has been writing ever since his teens when he was immersed in creating scenarios for playing Dungeon and Dragons with his friends every weekend. An avid reader, his influences are too numerous to list here. Some of the most prominent are: J.R.R. Tolkien, Jim Butcher, Kat Richardson, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, Lee Child, George Lucas, Andrew Vachss, and Barry Eisler to name a few in no particular order.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 2, 2024
I love my Monty!! I wish it was longer but I can’t wait til the next one. More Monty and Simon bonding is always welcome
May 26, 2024
This was another good one. There were some new characters, a lot of funny moments, and some good action. I like how the conflict was resolved in this one and how it didn't involve the end of the world for once. Then, there's the cliffhanger epilogue, cannot wait to read the next one and see what happens next.
January 2, 2026
I think this was the first time I chose a book to start purely based on who I wanted to spend NYE with.
I've spent a lot of time with Simon, Monty and Peaches the last few years. Even more so in 2025. I had actually started another book on Dec 30 but switched to this on the 31st. I knew I would be up late because I live in Florida where fireworks are ubiquitous and chaotic. So it's not an organized, local NYE bash, it's multiple people within a one-mile radius exercising a pyrotechnic compulsion. The random acts of boom boom start days early (practice?), then the big BOOM BOOMS happen from like 10pm - 3am on the actual night.
I don't handle this chaos well. So I needed to escape into my favorite world of magic, mayhem and sausages.
Corpse Road was a well-written window into Monty - who he is and where he came from. (The War Mage, a short story in the series written from Monty's POV, adds another glimpse into his history as well.) The portrayal of Monty throughout the series has been like unrolling a tapestry and in this one, not only do we see Monty working through some heavy stuff, we get some good and compassionate info from Dex.
We also learn that even when she's not really trying to be scary, the Morrigan can unintentionally break your brain a little bit.
I love this series so much. Clearly, since this was book 22. I've never needed a recap no matter how many other books I've read in between. The world and the people in it stay with me.
As of the time of this review, there are 6 more published and another in-progress. The series is ongoing but I will catch up to Mr. Sanchez on this, likely sometime this year. He has written many other books, including multiple series in the same universe. And I will read those, probably when I enter that state known as "waiting for the next book in the series". But I'm not there yet. Lots more MS&P just sitting there waiting for me like a big titanium bowl of pastrami that will be gone all too soon.
I've spent a lot of time with Simon, Monty and Peaches the last few years. Even more so in 2025. I had actually started another book on Dec 30 but switched to this on the 31st. I knew I would be up late because I live in Florida where fireworks are ubiquitous and chaotic. So it's not an organized, local NYE bash, it's multiple people within a one-mile radius exercising a pyrotechnic compulsion. The random acts of boom boom start days early (practice?), then the big BOOM BOOMS happen from like 10pm - 3am on the actual night.
I don't handle this chaos well. So I needed to escape into my favorite world of magic, mayhem and sausages.
Corpse Road was a well-written window into Monty - who he is and where he came from. (The War Mage, a short story in the series written from Monty's POV, adds another glimpse into his history as well.) The portrayal of Monty throughout the series has been like unrolling a tapestry and in this one, not only do we see Monty working through some heavy stuff, we get some good and compassionate info from Dex.
We also learn that even when she's not really trying to be scary, the Morrigan can unintentionally break your brain a little bit.
I love this series so much. Clearly, since this was book 22. I've never needed a recap no matter how many other books I've read in between. The world and the people in it stay with me.
As of the time of this review, there are 6 more published and another in-progress. The series is ongoing but I will catch up to Mr. Sanchez on this, likely sometime this year. He has written many other books, including multiple series in the same universe. And I will read those, probably when I enter that state known as "waiting for the next book in the series". But I'm not there yet. Lots more MS&P just sitting there waiting for me like a big titanium bowl of pastrami that will be gone all too soon.
April 15, 2024
Definitely a quick read, even with the background & all the dialogue. But that’s what makes these stories so engaging. Rather than spell everything out, Sanchez lets the characters talk through everything so there’s an evolution to it.
Definitely look forward to the next installment; will have sausages ready for Peaches!
Definitely look forward to the next installment; will have sausages ready for Peaches!
January 30, 2024
Orlando Sanchez’s newest book is not only funny but at points literally had me laughing out loud. Finally we get some of Monty’s history and a glimpse into his home the Golden Circle Sect. This may seem odd as this is book #22 in the series but Sanchez’s books are typically action heavy and witty engrossing reads. I think readers were wanting more insight into the history and makeup of the main characters and what shaped them and Sanchez is giving it to us. That does not mean Sanchez has skimped on his trademark action filled scenes. From the very beginning we are given one of my favorite things. Simon in a “training” set. Right away I know I am home. The Mighty Peaches and his irrefutable logic coupled with my favorite valkyrie Nan make for an entertaining opener. We are soon treated to a trip the Montague School of Battle Magic for Gifted Mages where Peanut, Cece, Uncle Dex and Mo aka The Morrigan can all be found.
This would not be an honest review if I did not write what I feel is lacking a bit overall. This series seems to always be building to some grand crescendo but it does not seem as if it will ever get there. It is great in that each story can stand alone while hinting a larger overall threat, but this is book 22 and we seem to have been introduced to so many enemies that are never fully gone. Each story seems to add a new “bad guy” but the reader is always reminded of the slew of others still hanging out in the wings. None of them are unknown. We have watched the Trio of Terror battle them all with varying degrees of success. But each book adds a new troublemaker or super villain and at this point it feels like at least one of these enemies should be taken care of.
That being said, the fact this is book 22 and we readers cannot wait for 23 speaks to the craftsmanship of Sanchez. He listens to his readers and is committed to his art. I have never once not been looking forward to the next book in any of his series. His dialogue, character interaction, and writing style are always a joy to experience. And that’s what his stories are. An experience that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. He elicits genuine emotion from his readers because he is committed to producing something worth your time, not just churning out stories for the sake of deadlines and likes.
This would not be an honest review if I did not write what I feel is lacking a bit overall. This series seems to always be building to some grand crescendo but it does not seem as if it will ever get there. It is great in that each story can stand alone while hinting a larger overall threat, but this is book 22 and we seem to have been introduced to so many enemies that are never fully gone. Each story seems to add a new “bad guy” but the reader is always reminded of the slew of others still hanging out in the wings. None of them are unknown. We have watched the Trio of Terror battle them all with varying degrees of success. But each book adds a new troublemaker or super villain and at this point it feels like at least one of these enemies should be taken care of.
That being said, the fact this is book 22 and we readers cannot wait for 23 speaks to the craftsmanship of Sanchez. He listens to his readers and is committed to his art. I have never once not been looking forward to the next book in any of his series. His dialogue, character interaction, and writing style are always a joy to experience. And that’s what his stories are. An experience that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. He elicits genuine emotion from his readers because he is committed to producing something worth your time, not just churning out stories for the sake of deadlines and likes.
January 29, 2024
Corpse Road is an accurate title for.a.nasty place.Tristan and Simon have picked up some nastiness in all their recent nasty battles, things they really couldn't help as part of it was way back in Trust man's past and part of it was things attaching to inanimate objects, so invisible. Dex had the Morrigan test Tristan and question Simon to learn these things and then sends them off to a friend of his for the advice needed on how to rid themselves of the unwanted hangers on. Problem is, the advice is confusing and leads to more questions. Tristan must do some deep soul searching, literally, to get to the bottom of it and be able to walk the Corpse Road to provide redemption not only for himself, but to.save Simon and one other while ridding the world of yet another bad guy. Sometimes, those roads are hard to walk, but he never has to walk it alone, as Simon and Peaches are always at his side!
January 29, 2024
There is no rest for Simon and Tristan, after their last battle with Keeper Gault, it seems they have opened a new problem for themselves. If Tristan and Simon want to stop what is happening and remain alive, they will need to remember the lessons from their training and listen to the words from Dex, Mo, a powerful necromancer, and Hades. I don't want to give any spoilers! I will say I liked learning something about Tristan's past that may have contributed to how he is now. The introduction of a new character we may see in the future, and of course, the mighty Peaches played his part in the story to perfection. It was easy to start reading and lose myself in the story. If you're reading this series, this is a story you don't want to miss. I'm now looking forward to the next in this series.
January 30, 2024
The book opens with a bang - Simon and Peaches are fighting for their lives, under the guise of 'training'. Simon won't advance to the level he needs to reach if he doesn't take it seriously. And he needs to get serious - fast! Along with the other groups and individuals who want our intrepid trio dead, now is added an old enemy of Monty's; one he believed had died by his hand. Without giving anything away, the story of Monty, Simon, and Peaches' quest to understand exactly what this enemy is and how he can be defeated is a good one. It is a bit dark, and filled with tension, new locations, new characters, and magic. If you like fast-paced and imaginative urban fantasy, with likeable main characters, snappy dialog, character growth, interesting and fearsome secondary characters and villains, don't wait! Pick up this book, find a quiet corner, and dive in.
June 3, 2024
Obtuse cause and solution.
This was probably the weakest of all the M&S books I’ve read (which is almost all). The villain reveal was telegraphed very broadly and the “solution” to the problem was so convoluted I couldn’t figure out what the heck any of the characters were talking about.
The solution was nonsense and didn’t explore anything about “walking the corpse road”.
The author could have just said “you have to forgive him and yourself.” To resolve the conflict but I guess he needed another 2000 words of gibberish from 3 different characters so had to make up a bunch for obtuse crap.
Very disappointed.
This was probably the weakest of all the M&S books I’ve read (which is almost all). The villain reveal was telegraphed very broadly and the “solution” to the problem was so convoluted I couldn’t figure out what the heck any of the characters were talking about.
The solution was nonsense and didn’t explore anything about “walking the corpse road”.
The author could have just said “you have to forgive him and yourself.” To resolve the conflict but I guess he needed another 2000 words of gibberish from 3 different characters so had to make up a bunch for obtuse crap.
Very disappointed.
March 27, 2024
My shoes are dead
One of the best laugh out loud moments in this amazing story. The corpse road that Tristan must follow and complete is a learning experience for both Monty and Simon. We learn more about Monty's past and one of the reasons why he is the way he is. Simon and Peaches have a "training" session using their battle form. We meet Anu who Monty's uncle sends them to for information. I can't wait to learn more about him. The next book can't be published soon enough for me. As with everything written by Orlando Sanchez I highly recommend this book.
One of the best laugh out loud moments in this amazing story. The corpse road that Tristan must follow and complete is a learning experience for both Monty and Simon. We learn more about Monty's past and one of the reasons why he is the way he is. Simon and Peaches have a "training" session using their battle form. We meet Anu who Monty's uncle sends them to for information. I can't wait to learn more about him. The next book can't be published soon enough for me. As with everything written by Orlando Sanchez I highly recommend this book.
January 30, 2024
Necromancy?
Not a pleasant thought or embodiment. Monty has to face his past. He fiercely doesn’t want to but as we all must do as we go forward in life our past is what defines who we are now and what we will become. Simone and Peaches of course are by his side. The three of them continue to embrace family is not always by blood. Orlando Sanchez you continue to outdo yourself with the M&S series and help us as readers to think about where we are in our lives.
Not a pleasant thought or embodiment. Monty has to face his past. He fiercely doesn’t want to but as we all must do as we go forward in life our past is what defines who we are now and what we will become. Simone and Peaches of course are by his side. The three of them continue to embrace family is not always by blood. Orlando Sanchez you continue to outdo yourself with the M&S series and help us as readers to think about where we are in our lives.
January 31, 2024
What to say? Fantastic does not come close, awesome is overused, great is just not good enough.
Corpse Road has Monty and Simon taking centre stage together, working as a team and showcasing how far they have come together. Peaches the Mighty One is on hand to bail them out if need be but will even his might be enough when the dead come calling for vengeance? Maybe more meat will be needed.
Yet another masterpiece from Mr Sanchez, definitely a paperback addition to my bookshelf as well.
Corpse Road has Monty and Simon taking centre stage together, working as a team and showcasing how far they have come together. Peaches the Mighty One is on hand to bail them out if need be but will even his might be enough when the dead come calling for vengeance? Maybe more meat will be needed.
Yet another masterpiece from Mr Sanchez, definitely a paperback addition to my bookshelf as well.
February 2, 2024
Not the normal adventure
This entry is more mind bending and soul searching than most of the books. A number of conversations and training and cryptic ideas percolate throughout the story. At times I felt even less clued in than Simon. A new character is introduces that promises to be interesting. A nice delve into the part for Monty and Simon stats to realise how close he is to Death even though he is cursed alive.
This entry is more mind bending and soul searching than most of the books. A number of conversations and training and cryptic ideas percolate throughout the story. At times I felt even less clued in than Simon. A new character is introduces that promises to be interesting. A nice delve into the part for Monty and Simon stats to realise how close he is to Death even though he is cursed alive.
February 2, 2024
I first came across this series a few years ago .
From the first Montague & Strong story I was immediately hooked. 22 books later, this series is still fresh and entertaining and I can’t get enough of these characters. Every one of the supporting characters that Orlando Sanchez brings to life deserve their own stand alone series . That’s just how interesting everyone in the Montague & Strong world is. As a famous Hellhound once said “Meat is life” and so is this series .
From the first Montague & Strong story I was immediately hooked. 22 books later, this series is still fresh and entertaining and I can’t get enough of these characters. Every one of the supporting characters that Orlando Sanchez brings to life deserve their own stand alone series . That’s just how interesting everyone in the Montague & Strong world is. As a famous Hellhound once said “Meat is life” and so is this series .
February 6, 2024
Meat is Life
If you are reading this book you have read the other 21. You know what this means. Simon and Peaches are training together after their battle with Gault. No surprise that the keepers death causes some problems for Monty Simon and Peaches. Now, Monty has to face his past to have a future. These books, this series is an incredible ride. They are fraught with danger, action and suspense. A must read.
If you are reading this book you have read the other 21. You know what this means. Simon and Peaches are training together after their battle with Gault. No surprise that the keepers death causes some problems for Monty Simon and Peaches. Now, Monty has to face his past to have a future. These books, this series is an incredible ride. They are fraught with danger, action and suspense. A must read.
February 8, 2024
The Master Storyteller has struck again!!
I loved how this story dealt with dark issues from Montys past and some defining factors from his early days in The Golden Circle. It very much explains his lack of happy go lucky traits and serious countenance. I hope he feels it was a cathartic experience!
Strong's meltdowns and baiting of the enemy du jour were spot on and perfectly timed.
The very end is deliciously sinister and foreboding!
I loved how this story dealt with dark issues from Montys past and some defining factors from his early days in The Golden Circle. It very much explains his lack of happy go lucky traits and serious countenance. I hope he feels it was a cathartic experience!
Strong's meltdowns and baiting of the enemy du jour were spot on and perfectly timed.
The very end is deliciously sinister and foreboding!
February 15, 2024
Dealing with the past
I can't believe we're 22 books into this series. I'd really like to start again at the beginning to see how far we've come, but it feels so far away. This was not the book I was expecting, I think that's the next one, but it was the book I wanted. It felt like a little side step on Monty and Simon's journey, but it was certainly worth the visit. More talking, less explosions in this one, but sometimes you need that little bit of respite.
I can't believe we're 22 books into this series. I'd really like to start again at the beginning to see how far we've come, but it feels so far away. This was not the book I was expecting, I think that's the next one, but it was the book I wanted. It felt like a little side step on Monty and Simon's journey, but it was certainly worth the visit. More talking, less explosions in this one, but sometimes you need that little bit of respite.
January 29, 2024
Wow!
Wow! I don’t think that I have words to do justice to this engaging story. So much action, and most of my favorite characters make at least an appearance in this story. Simon is practicing his battle form, Monty will be facing someone from his past, and the others are busy.
It may be difficult to believe, but this is the best M&S story yet!
Wow! I don’t think that I have words to do justice to this engaging story. So much action, and most of my favorite characters make at least an appearance in this story. Simon is practicing his battle form, Monty will be facing someone from his past, and the others are busy.
It may be difficult to believe, but this is the best M&S story yet!
January 31, 2024
Another great book!!
I honestly don't know how this writer manages to top himself, but he has done it again!! As always, this story was great! If I had to find fault with it, it would only be that it was too short!!! That is not enough to remove any stars, however. I'm looking forward to his next book. Keep up the great work!
I honestly don't know how this writer manages to top himself, but he has done it again!! As always, this story was great! If I had to find fault with it, it would only be that it was too short!!! That is not enough to remove any stars, however. I'm looking forward to his next book. Keep up the great work!
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January 31, 2024Outstanding!
While destruction is kept to a minimum (boo hiss) action is at a maximum! Simon is getting to be his best and it's amazing. Can't wait to get more personal with the girls at school. That will be beyond incredible. Hurry up Orlando! Give us Terrible Two's stories!
While destruction is kept to a minimum (boo hiss) action is at a maximum! Simon is getting to be his best and it's amazing. Can't wait to get more personal with the girls at school. That will be beyond incredible. Hurry up Orlando! Give us Terrible Two's stories!
February 1, 2024
Choices
There are times you must confront your past and either resolve it or let it destroy you. The author takes us on a fraught trip down memory lane almost at the speed of sound. The characters emotions & decisions are fast & furious and where even the car doesn't come out unscathed.
There are times you must confront your past and either resolve it or let it destroy you. The author takes us on a fraught trip down memory lane almost at the speed of sound. The characters emotions & decisions are fast & furious and where even the car doesn't come out unscathed.
April 10, 2024
Back to school for M&S
Both Simon and Monty are back in class at Dexter’s school for Gifted Mages except the dead have become involved, well one particular dead person. On a scale of M&S destruction this is just a walk in the park. Well once the brain fog has lifted and a quick side trip to hell.
Great read as ever from Mr Sanchez
Both Simon and Monty are back in class at Dexter’s school for Gifted Mages except the dead have become involved, well one particular dead person. On a scale of M&S destruction this is just a walk in the park. Well once the brain fog has lifted and a quick side trip to hell.
Great read as ever from Mr Sanchez
June 12, 2024
Great Storyline
Great Storyline. Nice to find out a bit more about Monty 's pass and how "hanging out" with Simon and Peaches has changed him for the better. Just need Simon to learn to listen more before engaging his mouth, but what would be the fun in that? Looking forward to the next book in the series as old enemies return!
Great Storyline. Nice to find out a bit more about Monty 's pass and how "hanging out" with Simon and Peaches has changed him for the better. Just need Simon to learn to listen more before engaging his mouth, but what would be the fun in that? Looking forward to the next book in the series as old enemies return!
February 5, 2024
Truly Enjoy this series!
Great ending! I definitely agree this book was needed in the series, seeing Tristan as a flawed man not a battle mage was essential to the series. Keep them coming oh and I want more of that bad ass vampire !
Great ending! I definitely agree this book was needed in the series, seeing Tristan as a flawed man not a battle mage was essential to the series. Keep them coming oh and I want more of that bad ass vampire !
February 6, 2024
Fanflippintastic
Orlando never never disappoints. This one was a bit introspective and filled with nuggets along with the adventure and twists that only this trio can provide. They are truly T3TE. You will have to read this one to understand the code.
Orlando never never disappoints. This one was a bit introspective and filled with nuggets along with the adventure and twists that only this trio can provide. They are truly T3TE. You will have to read this one to understand the code.
March 5, 2024
Action packed as always! Love Simon’s “funnies.” I have to admit that some of the mages’ explanations went over my head, but that’s not unusual for me. Mr. Sanchez is way smarter than I am in the mage field. Sometimes I feel like Simon! 🤣
April 10, 2024
Another fun adventure
Monty has to face a spirit from his past, and come to terms with his mistakes. Simon is right there with him, and they both learn about facing your past (though they each have a lot more past to face!)
Monty has to face a spirit from his past, and come to terms with his mistakes. Simon is right there with him, and they both learn about facing your past (though they each have a lot more past to face!)
May 2, 2024
3 terrors return
Monty and Simon returned with peaches in another death defiying moment and live to tell the tail plenty of meat magic and mayhem and Simon is still snarky as hell absolutely fabulous book again loved every bit ready for the next one ❤️ 📚 ❤️
Monty and Simon returned with peaches in another death defiying moment and live to tell the tail plenty of meat magic and mayhem and Simon is still snarky as hell absolutely fabulous book again loved every bit ready for the next one ❤️ 📚 ❤️
June 14, 2024
Another cliffhanger as normal
That is a good thing. It makes yiu want to see what is going to happen next. I know the series will not last forever but so far its been an awesome ride.
That is a good thing. It makes yiu want to see what is going to happen next. I know the series will not last forever but so far its been an awesome ride.
December 31, 2024
Montague, Strong, and Peaches are going for a ride.
A friend introduced me to this series a couple of years ago. I can't stop thanking them. I love watching the characters grow and persevere through saving the world on a regular basis. Also, Peaches. Peaches is awesome.
A friend introduced me to this series a couple of years ago. I can't stop thanking them. I love watching the characters grow and persevere through saving the world on a regular basis. Also, Peaches. Peaches is awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews