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Ishmael Jones #1
The Dark Side of the Road
A Country House Murder Mystery with a Supernatural Twist
Ishmael Jones is someone who can't afford to be noticed, someone who lives under the radar, who drives on the dark side of the road. He's employed to search out secrets, investigate mysteries and shine a light in dark places. Sometimes he kills people. Invited by his employer, the enigmatic Colonel, to join him and his family for Christmas, Ishmael arrives at the grand but isolated Belcourt Manor in the midst of a blizzard to find that the Colonel has mysteriously disappeared.
As he questions his fellow guests, Ishmael concludes that at least one of them not least Ishmael himself - is harbouring a dangerous secret, and that beneath the veneer of festive cheer lurk passion, jealousy, resentment and betrayal. As a storm sets in, sealing off the Manor from the rest of the world, Ishmael must unmask a ruthless murderer they strike again.
Ishmael Jones is someone who can't afford to be noticed, someone who lives under the radar, who drives on the dark side of the road. He's employed to search out secrets, investigate mysteries and shine a light in dark places. Sometimes he kills people. Invited by his employer, the enigmatic Colonel, to join him and his family for Christmas, Ishmael arrives at the grand but isolated Belcourt Manor in the midst of a blizzard to find that the Colonel has mysteriously disappeared.
As he questions his fellow guests, Ishmael concludes that at least one of them not least Ishmael himself - is harbouring a dangerous secret, and that beneath the veneer of festive cheer lurk passion, jealousy, resentment and betrayal. As a storm sets in, sealing off the Manor from the rest of the world, Ishmael must unmask a ruthless murderer they strike again.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
184 people are currently reading
1630 people want to read
About the author
Simon R. Green
312 books3,207 followersSimon Richard Green is a British science fiction and fantasy-author. He holds a degree in Modern English and American Literature from the University of Leicester. His first publication was in 1979.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
May 11, 2023
DNF @ 50% - I just couldn't be bothered. Insufferable POV main character and an entire book of info dumping far outweighed the deliciousness of my favorite trope
May 6, 2017
I thought that since I just got an eARC of the fourth book in the series "Death Shall Come" was it about time I got the review written for the first book in the series. As usual did I not start this series from the beginning, I have a special talent for starting in the middle or so in a series and with this one did I read book two "Dead Man Walking" first. And, I loved it! And, now I have read all three books and can't wait to start book four.
The Dark Side of the Road was nice to read since it gave me the full story of what happened at Belcourt Manor. I read a lot of what happened in the sequels, but it was very nice to get the whole picture. Ishmael Jones arrives at Belcourt Manor after getting an invitation to join the Colonel to spend Christmas at Belcourt Manor with him. The mysterious Colonel and Ishmael work together, but they never really socialize together and the Colonel also hints that something is wrong at his family home and that's why he is returning for the first time in years. But, when Ishmael arrives is the Colonel missing and his family and guest are a really odd bunch of people. And, could it be that the Colonel is right, is there someone there out to kill the people at the manor? It gets even worse when they all get snowed in...
If you read more of these books will you start to notice a pattern. Ishmael Jones travels to a mysterious mansion/castle etc. to solve something, and it often ends with a lot of dead bodies. The first sentence in the blurb "a country house murder mystery with a supernatural twist" is very fitting. That's what it is and if that's what you're looking to read then you will like this book. It has a very interesting main character; Ishmael Jones who has a mysterious past. I quite like him and his partner Penny, although in this book they are not yet partners. The book has a lot of action, banter, and brutal killings. Perhaps it's not that hard to figure out or suspect who the killer is, especially when more and more of the family members and guest starts to die, but it's such an enjoyable book. Personally, did I like this book a bit extra because I wanted to read how Ismael and his partner Penny met.
The Dark Side of the Road was nice to read since it gave me the full story of what happened at Belcourt Manor. I read a lot of what happened in the sequels, but it was very nice to get the whole picture. Ishmael Jones arrives at Belcourt Manor after getting an invitation to join the Colonel to spend Christmas at Belcourt Manor with him. The mysterious Colonel and Ishmael work together, but they never really socialize together and the Colonel also hints that something is wrong at his family home and that's why he is returning for the first time in years. But, when Ishmael arrives is the Colonel missing and his family and guest are a really odd bunch of people. And, could it be that the Colonel is right, is there someone there out to kill the people at the manor? It gets even worse when they all get snowed in...
If you read more of these books will you start to notice a pattern. Ishmael Jones travels to a mysterious mansion/castle etc. to solve something, and it often ends with a lot of dead bodies. The first sentence in the blurb "a country house murder mystery with a supernatural twist" is very fitting. That's what it is and if that's what you're looking to read then you will like this book. It has a very interesting main character; Ishmael Jones who has a mysterious past. I quite like him and his partner Penny, although in this book they are not yet partners. The book has a lot of action, banter, and brutal killings. Perhaps it's not that hard to figure out or suspect who the killer is, especially when more and more of the family members and guest starts to die, but it's such an enjoyable book. Personally, did I like this book a bit extra because I wanted to read how Ismael and his partner Penny met.
January 17, 2024
absolutely loved this read so happy I found this series.
this book started out like the game cluedo, but ended up being so much more, a little slow starting out getting to know the characters but very glad I stuck with it.
This could quite possibly be my next epic series, only time will tell on to the next book.
Happy Reading 📚📙📗📘📒📓📕📚📙📗📓📒📘📔📚📓📚📕📙📒📘📗📚📗📖
this book started out like the game cluedo, but ended up being so much more, a little slow starting out getting to know the characters but very glad I stuck with it.
This could quite possibly be my next epic series, only time will tell on to the next book.
Happy Reading 📚📙📗📘📒📓📕📚📙📗📓📒📘📔📚📓📚📕📙📒📘📗📚📗📖
January 15, 2015
I don’t know why I asked for this book. I mean I haven’t liked a Simon Green book since the nineties. I keep trying, maybe it’s the magic of Paris that keeps me coming back for more. I mean I tried three times to read Ghost of a Chance, but I just couldn’t get into it.
The Dark Side of the Road just sounded so interesting. Maybe like a paranormal ending to Clue, it made me curious.
The book started off pretty good, but the farther I got in the more the "surprises" kept bringing down my rating.
1. Aliens: I didn’t know this was going to be sci fi.
2. The Romance: No chemistry…none. It was just really awkward.
3. The Mystery: Really? You are really going with that?
4. The Killer: see above
5. The Aftermath: A lot of eyerolls. Lots.
So I think I have learned my lesson. Green and I just need to part ways…but we will always have Paris.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
The Dark Side of the Road just sounded so interesting. Maybe like a paranormal ending to Clue, it made me curious.
The book started off pretty good, but the farther I got in the more the "surprises" kept bringing down my rating.
1. Aliens: I didn’t know this was going to be sci fi.
2. The Romance: No chemistry…none. It was just really awkward.
3. The Mystery: Really? You are really going with that?
4. The Killer: see above
5. The Aftermath: A lot of eyerolls. Lots.
So I think I have learned my lesson. Green and I just need to part ways…but we will always have Paris.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
January 23, 2015
A refreshingly fun spin on the classic English locked room mystery, involving murder most foul at a snowed in family manor. Green serves up a tale featuring all the usual suspects....including a Jeeves who isn't....and doesn't.
No one is who they appear to be, particularly Ishmael Jones, who not only isn't what he appears, even he's not quite sure what he is.
An entertaining read, written with a sly humor and a touch of Green's Nightside that will please both mystery purists and fans of subtler dark urban fantasy.
Highly recommended.
Expected publication: May 1st 2015 by Severn House Publishers
This was an eARC from Netgalley.
No one is who they appear to be, particularly Ishmael Jones, who not only isn't what he appears, even he's not quite sure what he is.
An entertaining read, written with a sly humor and a touch of Green's Nightside that will please both mystery purists and fans of subtler dark urban fantasy.
Highly recommended.
Expected publication: May 1st 2015 by Severn House Publishers
This was an eARC from Netgalley.
February 2, 2015
I received this book on net-galley from the publishers in return for an honest review.
I love Simon R Green, aside from his sci-fi series I pretty much have ready everything he has ever written. I don't care for the Secret History novels, but the Nightside books and the Ghost Hunter books and many of his stand alone novels are ones I have read over and over and recommended to anyone and everyone.
This book was really good and I can't wait to purchase it in paperback this coming May. It was like Clue on fantasy crack. I always love this authors way of writing people humorously and in a very real and dark way, playing on how we humans have darkness that lurks in our thoughts that we sometimes act on. Mr. Green also has a talent for writing backstories and places that pop, whether that pop is light hearted or sinister and haunted.
This was a great mystery novel and I didn't get the catch until the MC himself figured it out, though I did guess the murderer a bit before hand. I like mysteries where it's a bunch of people locked in a house where they can't leave and people are being murdered, secrets are revealed and EVERYONE is a suspect. My favorite board game is Clue. There is a colorful cast of characters and very much "The Trophy Wife in the Study with the Poisoned Hot Toddy" kind of feel to it. (No that's NOT a spoiler, sheesh, it's just a funny Clue-esque joke.)
My only issue with this book is that Simon R Green write most of his male lead characters the same; Eddie Drood, Ishmael Jones, John Taylor and JC Chance.... all kind of the same person, just different in whether they are human or not and have a unique special gift. I would REALLY like a main character from Simon R Green that is a woman or not a decently handsome dark haired sarcastic awesome guy...Though in THIS book what Ishmael is...is a little kooky.
So enjoy the mystery, I sure did!
I love Simon R Green, aside from his sci-fi series I pretty much have ready everything he has ever written. I don't care for the Secret History novels, but the Nightside books and the Ghost Hunter books and many of his stand alone novels are ones I have read over and over and recommended to anyone and everyone.
This book was really good and I can't wait to purchase it in paperback this coming May. It was like Clue on fantasy crack. I always love this authors way of writing people humorously and in a very real and dark way, playing on how we humans have darkness that lurks in our thoughts that we sometimes act on. Mr. Green also has a talent for writing backstories and places that pop, whether that pop is light hearted or sinister and haunted.
This was a great mystery novel and I didn't get the catch until the MC himself figured it out, though I did guess the murderer a bit before hand. I like mysteries where it's a bunch of people locked in a house where they can't leave and people are being murdered, secrets are revealed and EVERYONE is a suspect. My favorite board game is Clue. There is a colorful cast of characters and very much "The Trophy Wife in the Study with the Poisoned Hot Toddy" kind of feel to it. (No that's NOT a spoiler, sheesh, it's just a funny Clue-esque joke.)
My only issue with this book is that Simon R Green write most of his male lead characters the same; Eddie Drood, Ishmael Jones, John Taylor and JC Chance.... all kind of the same person, just different in whether they are human or not and have a unique special gift. I would REALLY like a main character from Simon R Green that is a woman or not a decently handsome dark haired sarcastic awesome guy...Though in THIS book what Ishmael is...is a little kooky.
So enjoy the mystery, I sure did!
May 6, 2017
he did every Cliché and followed every rule in ( how to annoy the living shit out of your reader Manual ) and ( guide to be a very bad writer )
Want to read
March 3, 2018Ishmael Jones books:
"The Dark Side of the Road" (May 2015)
"Dead Man Walking" (May 2016)
"Very Important Corpses: An Ishmael Jones mystery" (March 2017)
"Death Shall Come" (September 2017)
"Into the Thinnest of Air" (March 2018)
"The Dark Side of the Road" (May 2015)
"Dead Man Walking" (May 2016)
"Very Important Corpses: An Ishmael Jones mystery" (March 2017)
"Death Shall Come" (September 2017)
"Into the Thinnest of Air" (March 2018)
September 21, 2016
First in the Ishmael Jones mystery urban fantasy series and revolving around a man who stays under the radar this Christmas of 2013.
My Take
It's easy to tell this is a Simon Green, if only by his writing, his approach in his stories, and those comic-style names for the bad guys. That said, it doesn't feel like a Nightside or Secret Histories tale. Not quite as outrageous, lol.
It's obvious, clichéd, and full of tropes. Think murdering country house party à la Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None crossed with the supernatural with all the backstabbing you hate to see in a soap opera of horrific possibilities. It's a sad fall from the plenitude of family with so many of them dead and the table bare with the business failing — and I'm really curious if it's Walter's or Khan's mishandling.
I like Ishmael's firm stance and his moral code. I also enjoy his snarky attitude, lol. Where things get really interesting is in how long he's been alive and the interaction he has had with different guests: as Adam, Diana Helm's lover in 1969 during her dancing heyday and as a Black Heir operative from 1982 to 1987 with Khan.
I like Ishmael's moves too, as he shows 'em all why it's not a good idea to go up against him. I'm looking forward to reading more of his adventures, even if I do feel like crying for the Colonel. Green has set up such an amazing back history in The Dark Side of the Road, that I have trouble remembering this is only the first in the series.
I don't know what the Cook's problem is. She and her partner have been hired as security. And Khan, well, I despised Khan. Until the end. As for that unexpected move towards the end…why couldn't he have stepped forward sooner? Was it because of the truth of his existence? Green was stretching things out?
I will give Green props for a complete story full of possibilities.
The Story
It's the prodigal son returning home, so to speak, for the Colonel hasn't been back home for the past many, many years.
Also invited to this country house Christmas is Ishmael Jones, one of the Colonel's operatives, for something is threatening the Colonel's family.
And the Colonel will need all the help he can get to stop it.
The Characters
Ishmael Jones is the name he's using these days. He "searches out secrets, investigates mysteries, and shines a light into dark places". Sometimes punishing the guilty. His past began in 1963.
It's been fifteen years since Ishamael first signed on with the Colonel, who heads up the Organization for which Ishmael works in exchange for protection from those who hunt him.
Belcourt Manor is…
…the Colonel's — James Belcourt's — childhood home. Walter Belcourt is the Colonel's father and still chairman of the board. Melanie is his scheming second wife. Penelope is Walter and Melanie's slutty daughter who works in publishing. The dissatisfied Diana Helm Belcourt is Walter's first wife and James' mother. The predatory Sylvia Heron is Diana's companion. Roger Levine was once engaged to Penelope and still wants to be, despite her dislike. Jeeves is the butler while Ms. Leilah Bridges, the dissatisfied cook, is the only other servant who agreed to work over Christmas.
Alexander Khan is Walter's business partner, and a former Black Heir operative who betrayed the organization. Ishmael doesn't like that he's very ready to terminate any alien.
Black Heir is…
…a very secret U.K. organization for alien affairs.
The Cover and Title
The cover is cold and lonely with the bulky figure of Ishamel Jones trudging down the snow-rutted road, trees arching over it with fat flakes of snow coming down, some hit by the camera light into perfect circles of varying transparency. The series information, author's name (blackened in places), and title are all in white.
The title is where Ishamel travels, on The Dark Side of the Road.
My Take
It's easy to tell this is a Simon Green, if only by his writing, his approach in his stories, and those comic-style names for the bad guys. That said, it doesn't feel like a Nightside or Secret Histories tale. Not quite as outrageous, lol.
It's obvious, clichéd, and full of tropes. Think murdering country house party à la Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None crossed with the supernatural with all the backstabbing you hate to see in a soap opera of horrific possibilities. It's a sad fall from the plenitude of family with so many of them dead and the table bare with the business failing — and I'm really curious if it's Walter's or Khan's mishandling.
I like Ishmael's firm stance and his moral code. I also enjoy his snarky attitude, lol. Where things get really interesting is in how long he's been alive and the interaction he has had with different guests: as Adam, Diana Helm's lover in 1969 during her dancing heyday and as a Black Heir operative from 1982 to 1987 with Khan.
I like Ishmael's moves too, as he shows 'em all why it's not a good idea to go up against him. I'm looking forward to reading more of his adventures, even if I do feel like crying for the Colonel. Green has set up such an amazing back history in The Dark Side of the Road, that I have trouble remembering this is only the first in the series.
I don't know what the Cook's problem is. She and her partner have been hired as security. And Khan, well, I despised Khan. Until the end. As for that unexpected move towards the end…why couldn't he have stepped forward sooner? Was it because of the truth of his existence? Green was stretching things out?
The ending was clichéd and reminded me of the ending of Casablanca with that ending comment from Renault, and they walk off with "…the beginning of a beautiful friendship"."'I'm so sorry. I killed your mother.'
'That's all right,' said Penny. 'We weren't close.'"
I will give Green props for a complete story full of possibilities.
The Story
It's the prodigal son returning home, so to speak, for the Colonel hasn't been back home for the past many, many years.
Also invited to this country house Christmas is Ishmael Jones, one of the Colonel's operatives, for something is threatening the Colonel's family.
And the Colonel will need all the help he can get to stop it.
The Characters
Ishmael Jones is the name he's using these days. He "searches out secrets, investigates mysteries, and shines a light into dark places". Sometimes punishing the guilty. His past began in 1963.
It's been fifteen years since Ishamael first signed on with the Colonel, who heads up the Organization for which Ishmael works in exchange for protection from those who hunt him.
Belcourt Manor is…
…the Colonel's — James Belcourt's — childhood home. Walter Belcourt is the Colonel's father and still chairman of the board. Melanie is his scheming second wife. Penelope is Walter and Melanie's slutty daughter who works in publishing. The dissatisfied Diana Helm Belcourt is Walter's first wife and James' mother. The predatory Sylvia Heron is Diana's companion. Roger Levine was once engaged to Penelope and still wants to be, despite her dislike. Jeeves is the butler while Ms. Leilah Bridges, the dissatisfied cook, is the only other servant who agreed to work over Christmas.
Alexander Khan is Walter's business partner, and a former Black Heir operative who betrayed the organization. Ishmael doesn't like that he's very ready to terminate any alien.
Black Heir is…
…a very secret U.K. organization for alien affairs.
The Cover and Title
The cover is cold and lonely with the bulky figure of Ishamel Jones trudging down the snow-rutted road, trees arching over it with fat flakes of snow coming down, some hit by the camera light into perfect circles of varying transparency. The series information, author's name (blackened in places), and title are all in white.
The title is where Ishamel travels, on The Dark Side of the Road.
June 27, 2020
I have to say that even though Simon R Green is not everyones cup of tea (sorry I am British after all) his stories are incredibly easy to read. They are fast pace, filled humorously sharp dialogue and are wickedly inventive even if sometimes they can be a little predictable and formulaic.
So here I am with the first of a new series and yes I have not finished the other series either, more a case of an opportunity too easy to pass up and I am a nightmare for switching from one book to another
So where do we start. Well that is rather tricky as already in the first book which is just over 200 pages you have major revelations about the main characters, the dynamics of power shift within chapters and the who thing at first reads like a pretty straight forward case - even if the details are little harder to work out.
So literally it felt like with the first 50 pages every card was on the table - and yet the story carried on and reveals and surprised kept on coming and the pace did not let up.
Currently at this time I believe this is the only series Simon Green is currently releasing new material for although it does appear his books come in and out of print following an order I cannot fathom and I suspect are totally to their own time table.
So for me the real question is where will this series go and what more is going to be revealed - I guess I need to order the next one on the series/
So here I am with the first of a new series and yes I have not finished the other series either, more a case of an opportunity too easy to pass up and I am a nightmare for switching from one book to another
So where do we start. Well that is rather tricky as already in the first book which is just over 200 pages you have major revelations about the main characters, the dynamics of power shift within chapters and the who thing at first reads like a pretty straight forward case - even if the details are little harder to work out.
So literally it felt like with the first 50 pages every card was on the table - and yet the story carried on and reveals and surprised kept on coming and the pace did not let up.
Currently at this time I believe this is the only series Simon Green is currently releasing new material for although it does appear his books come in and out of print following an order I cannot fathom and I suspect are totally to their own time table.
So for me the real question is where will this series go and what more is going to be revealed - I guess I need to order the next one on the series/
July 18, 2025
A bit slow starting but it picked up quickly. Ishmael Jones is someone who is called to deal with things uncanny. He works for something called the Organization.
His handler contacts him to meet at his family's estate for a Christmas get together. He doesn't explain himself. Ishmael arrives in a massive snowstorm which has stranded everyone in the house.
A body is discovered, making this like the game of Clue, where someone in the house is likely the killer.
An interesting enough story l will be continuing the series.
His handler contacts him to meet at his family's estate for a Christmas get together. He doesn't explain himself. Ishmael arrives in a massive snowstorm which has stranded everyone in the house.
A body is discovered, making this like the game of Clue, where someone in the house is likely the killer.
An interesting enough story l will be continuing the series.
March 13, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to advance read this brilliant book. I thoroughly enjoyed it (it was almost a five star book, something I will elaborate on shortly) and I appreciate the chance I was given to read it. So much so that I now feel the need to read more books by the author, to see what else I have been missing out on.
The book itself is one of those genre mixes that you’re never quite sure if it will work or not. I love a good mystery along with a good fright, so any book which is to be a mix of the two is something I am happy to read (even if I’m usually somewhat tentative about such reads). Of the books I have read which mix the two genres together there are very few that I have grown to really love, but this one is certainly up there towards the top.
At first I thought I was going to be disappointed by the supernatural aspect. In truth, it is more than merely a mystery with a supernatural twist, as there is also a sci-fi twist in there. Whilst I am not against sci-fi I had expected a horror and was disappointed on the faulty information – that is until the horror came about. It may sound a bit much – horror, sci-fi and mystery in one – yet it works much better than you could imagine.
It was beautifully written, with great characters all of whom were unique in their own way. It was a refreshing read, on that front. Despite it being such a short read it was a book so original that you wanted it to go on for much longer than it did. Will there be more, and it seems as though there will be, I don’t know. But I certainly hope there are more as I really came to love the characters and would love to see more about the world they live in.
However, it is a four star book rather than a five star book. Sadly, the fact that I managed to work out the mystery aspect early into the book let me down. It is a four and a half star book but I’m really picky about handing out my five stars. Perhaps if it had not been quite so obvious I would have given it the five stars, alas I cannot be handing out the five stars to just anything.
Nevertheless, it is certainly a wonderful read and one of the best reads I have had in a while. I certainly recommend it to those looking for something a little bit different.
The book itself is one of those genre mixes that you’re never quite sure if it will work or not. I love a good mystery along with a good fright, so any book which is to be a mix of the two is something I am happy to read (even if I’m usually somewhat tentative about such reads). Of the books I have read which mix the two genres together there are very few that I have grown to really love, but this one is certainly up there towards the top.
At first I thought I was going to be disappointed by the supernatural aspect. In truth, it is more than merely a mystery with a supernatural twist, as there is also a sci-fi twist in there. Whilst I am not against sci-fi I had expected a horror and was disappointed on the faulty information – that is until the horror came about. It may sound a bit much – horror, sci-fi and mystery in one – yet it works much better than you could imagine.
It was beautifully written, with great characters all of whom were unique in their own way. It was a refreshing read, on that front. Despite it being such a short read it was a book so original that you wanted it to go on for much longer than it did. Will there be more, and it seems as though there will be, I don’t know. But I certainly hope there are more as I really came to love the characters and would love to see more about the world they live in.
However, it is a four star book rather than a five star book. Sadly, the fact that I managed to work out the mystery aspect early into the book let me down. It is a four and a half star book but I’m really picky about handing out my five stars. Perhaps if it had not been quite so obvious I would have given it the five stars, alas I cannot be handing out the five stars to just anything.
Nevertheless, it is certainly a wonderful read and one of the best reads I have had in a while. I certainly recommend it to those looking for something a little bit different.
May 2, 2015
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
The Dark Side of the Road marks my 16th Simon R. Green novel. I continue to be a fan of his writing. He never disappoints in bringing a unique perspective to horror storytelling.
Readers meet Ishmael Jones just as he embarks on a journey to arrive at a mysterious country manor. Jones is rather mysterious and we learn that he works for a classified agency called the Organization and his boss is known only as the Colonel. Said Colonel has asked that Jones immediately travel to a country estate despite a catastrophic blizzard. Upon arrives readers meet a cast of characters as a horrifying plot of supernatural murder and mayhem unfurl.
This is a heart-pumping, quick read for fans not only of Green but supernatural, mystery, and horror fiction.
The Dark Side of the Road marks my 16th Simon R. Green novel. I continue to be a fan of his writing. He never disappoints in bringing a unique perspective to horror storytelling.
Readers meet Ishmael Jones just as he embarks on a journey to arrive at a mysterious country manor. Jones is rather mysterious and we learn that he works for a classified agency called the Organization and his boss is known only as the Colonel. Said Colonel has asked that Jones immediately travel to a country estate despite a catastrophic blizzard. Upon arrives readers meet a cast of characters as a horrifying plot of supernatural murder and mayhem unfurl.
This is a heart-pumping, quick read for fans not only of Green but supernatural, mystery, and horror fiction.
May 1, 2015
I received an advance copy of The Dark Side of the Road from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is published by Severn House Publishers.
Simon R Green. Another new one on me. Picked this up after seeing a few friends had enjoyed it and thought I would too. I’m still undecided as to whether I did or not.
Ishmael Jones works for the “Organisation”. His boss/handler is simply known as “The Colonel”. Ishmael takes his jobs from The Colonel. Jobs that involve hunting people down. Jobs that sometimes involve killing these people. He is sort of like the James Bond of the dark world.
The Colonel unexpectedly invites Ishmael to his family home, Belcourt Manor, for Christmas. Ishmael has no idea why. All he knows is the Colonel is scared of some dark horror that has come to Belcourt Manor. He wants Ishmael to seek it out and destroy it.
By the time he arrives The Colonel is missing and Ishmael is surrounded by strangers with secrets. One of them is a killer. Ishmael needs to closely guard his own secrets while trying to figure out who the killer is, and try and stop them before they strike again.
Think Cluedo. Think Miss Marple. Think Poirot. Mix them all in with a bit of supernatural and a lot more blood. Voila, you have The Dark Side of the Road.
I was actually quite disappointed with this one. It started well with the mysterious Ishmael on the long road to see The Colonel in the worst winter storm to hit the UK in years. It had intrigue. It had secrets. It had huge potential to go places and be a gripping story. Sadly, for me, it just didn’t deliver.
Belcourt Manor is a huge country estate. All of the occupants are snowed in and can go nowhere. When the bodies start to pile up is really when it all starts to go wrong for me. Predictable is a term I would use.
The main character of Ishmael is a dark horse. He is obviously not human. He has “powers” that are so much more enhanced than mere humans. Until you find out why, it is quite interesting. When you do find out what he is, I just crumbled. I wanted to put the book down at that point but felt I owed it to whoever to finish it. If it had been a film, I would have switched off then and there.
It’s an old plot. People trapped in a house together, dropping like flies one after the other. No one knows who the killer is and they all start to fall out because of this. They all have secrets and the story ploughs on trying to keep you interested enough to care what they are and get excited to try and figure out who the bad guy is.
I don’t mean to be cruel but I found it boring. The writing did nothing to keep me rooted to my seat. I often found myself drifting off when reading and had to go back over pages only to discover I didn’t miss anything. I can’t even think of anything else to add.
To summarise: Old country manor, old plot. Potential for a level of intrigue and mystery which sadly fell on its face. Predictable in parts. Boring in others. This story had a lot going for it and would have been good if it had something original to make it stand out from others of a similar vain. The something original never arrived. I kept waiting on it. I don’t know why.
General rating:
★★ It held my attention (mostly) but could have been a lot better.
It comes under many banners so can’t really give it a second rating. If I was to try and give it a second rating for the specific genres it would probably average out at a 2 as well.
Simon R Green. Another new one on me. Picked this up after seeing a few friends had enjoyed it and thought I would too. I’m still undecided as to whether I did or not.
Ishmael Jones works for the “Organisation”. His boss/handler is simply known as “The Colonel”. Ishmael takes his jobs from The Colonel. Jobs that involve hunting people down. Jobs that sometimes involve killing these people. He is sort of like the James Bond of the dark world.
The Colonel unexpectedly invites Ishmael to his family home, Belcourt Manor, for Christmas. Ishmael has no idea why. All he knows is the Colonel is scared of some dark horror that has come to Belcourt Manor. He wants Ishmael to seek it out and destroy it.
By the time he arrives The Colonel is missing and Ishmael is surrounded by strangers with secrets. One of them is a killer. Ishmael needs to closely guard his own secrets while trying to figure out who the killer is, and try and stop them before they strike again.
Think Cluedo. Think Miss Marple. Think Poirot. Mix them all in with a bit of supernatural and a lot more blood. Voila, you have The Dark Side of the Road.
I was actually quite disappointed with this one. It started well with the mysterious Ishmael on the long road to see The Colonel in the worst winter storm to hit the UK in years. It had intrigue. It had secrets. It had huge potential to go places and be a gripping story. Sadly, for me, it just didn’t deliver.
Belcourt Manor is a huge country estate. All of the occupants are snowed in and can go nowhere. When the bodies start to pile up is really when it all starts to go wrong for me. Predictable is a term I would use.
The main character of Ishmael is a dark horse. He is obviously not human. He has “powers” that are so much more enhanced than mere humans. Until you find out why, it is quite interesting. When you do find out what he is, I just crumbled. I wanted to put the book down at that point but felt I owed it to whoever to finish it. If it had been a film, I would have switched off then and there.
It’s an old plot. People trapped in a house together, dropping like flies one after the other. No one knows who the killer is and they all start to fall out because of this. They all have secrets and the story ploughs on trying to keep you interested enough to care what they are and get excited to try and figure out who the bad guy is.
I don’t mean to be cruel but I found it boring. The writing did nothing to keep me rooted to my seat. I often found myself drifting off when reading and had to go back over pages only to discover I didn’t miss anything. I can’t even think of anything else to add.
To summarise: Old country manor, old plot. Potential for a level of intrigue and mystery which sadly fell on its face. Predictable in parts. Boring in others. This story had a lot going for it and would have been good if it had something original to make it stand out from others of a similar vain. The something original never arrived. I kept waiting on it. I don’t know why.
General rating:
★★ It held my attention (mostly) but could have been a lot better.
It comes under many banners so can’t really give it a second rating. If I was to try and give it a second rating for the specific genres it would probably average out at a 2 as well.
July 9, 2020
Got 26% into the book. 26% of the main character driving in a snowstorm and then chatting with a bunch of people in a mansion. I kept thinking it was dragging, and kept telling myself that maybe this was a HUGE clue as to who the killer could be. Only to find out the guy is a flipping alien?!?!?! I wondered why he seemed too 007 like. I was quite displeased to say the least. No aliens, thanks.
Never bothered to find out if it was an actual murder mystery. Besides that HUGE flaw, the author can form complete sentences and it seemed like it could go somewhere. Eventually.
Never bothered to find out if it was an actual murder mystery. Besides that HUGE flaw, the author can form complete sentences and it seemed like it could go somewhere. Eventually.
September 8, 2024
I read this book on the spur-of-the-moment having absolutely no preconceptions about it, and for the most part I'm glad I did.
Ishmael Jones is a seemingly ageless secret agent who possesses superhuman strength and senses. He is a man of many mysteries.
In this, the first in a series, he finds himself racing to an English country manor at the behest of his employer and friend, the Colonel, and discovers mayhem and murder there whilst everyone is snowed in during a blizzard. Naturally, Ishmael begins a hunt for the killer and more murder quickly follows...
It's strange, it's not the most brilliantly written book, there is some cheesy dialogue, odd humour, the evolution of relationships feels peculiar at times, and the emotional reactions to certain shocking events seem short lived or wholly inappropriate and yet, somehow, it is compelling in spite of the flaws.
It's silly, I can't deny it, but I don't think it particularly takes itself seriously and perhaps that's where the appeal lies? It's a very light read and just has a bit of a laugh.
If you can approach it with a bit of humour and don't feel a chronic need to judge harshly, then you could actually have a few hours of good fun reading through this.
However, if some slightly clunky text and absurdity will get to you then maybe give it a miss. But, personally, I found it nice to just relax with something a touch ridiculous for a change.
Ishmael Jones is a seemingly ageless secret agent who possesses superhuman strength and senses. He is a man of many mysteries.
In this, the first in a series, he finds himself racing to an English country manor at the behest of his employer and friend, the Colonel, and discovers mayhem and murder there whilst everyone is snowed in during a blizzard. Naturally, Ishmael begins a hunt for the killer and more murder quickly follows...
It's strange, it's not the most brilliantly written book, there is some cheesy dialogue, odd humour, the evolution of relationships feels peculiar at times, and the emotional reactions to certain shocking events seem short lived or wholly inappropriate and yet, somehow, it is compelling in spite of the flaws.
It's silly, I can't deny it, but I don't think it particularly takes itself seriously and perhaps that's where the appeal lies? It's a very light read and just has a bit of a laugh.
If you can approach it with a bit of humour and don't feel a chronic need to judge harshly, then you could actually have a few hours of good fun reading through this.
However, if some slightly clunky text and absurdity will get to you then maybe give it a miss. But, personally, I found it nice to just relax with something a touch ridiculous for a change.
March 29, 2019
Mini-Review:
4 Stars for Narration by Gildart Jackson
3.5 Stars for Story
I did not love the overall story for the first book like I did when I read the ARC for a later book in the series. But! It's was a solid intro to the series, atmospheric, nostalgic & totally rocked the cozy mystery vibe. I'll definitely continue with the series. =)
4 Stars for Narration by Gildart Jackson
3.5 Stars for Story
I did not love the overall story for the first book like I did when I read the ARC for a later book in the series. But! It's was a solid intro to the series, atmospheric, nostalgic & totally rocked the cozy mystery vibe. I'll definitely continue with the series. =)
June 15, 2022
I had fun with this book. It’s a combination of locked room, Christie-esque murder mystery and action-packed horror/thriller, with a soupçon of sci-fi. So be prepared for that unusual mash-up. The back story of Ishmael and the man he calls The Colonel is far to vague to be compelling; in fact, their whole relationship is a bit lacking. But the mystery and story, with its unpredictable but genre-consistent supernatural twists is a good time, and Ishmael is an entertaining narrator.
March 30, 2020
It started really well, I liked the voice and how the setting was built, but the ending was really disappointing. Our hero caught idiot ball in the final chapters and was holding to it firmly.
And it would be nice if the book at least tried for psychological probability during the final.
And it would be nice if the book at least tried for psychological probability during the final.
November 17, 2021
Kind of a cross over between The Droods series and the Nightside series. The main character reminds me heavily of the detective from the Nightside and that disappointed me. I wanted something new with some of the same humor but basically got a retelling of the same characters in his other series.
November 16, 2023
Honestly this book was so great. It was like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None with a Lovecraftian feel. Also Aliens.
Plus he made the call me Ishmael joke.
Plus he made the call me Ishmael joke.
February 12, 2017
*Book source ~ Library
These days he goes by Ishmael Jones, but he’s been many people in the past. With growing technology it’s harder and harder for him to remain hidden, so he works for The Corporation doing secretive things, things most people don’t want to do. In exchange they pay him well and keep him off the world’s radar. When his handler, the Colonel, calls him and asks him to join his family for Christmas, Ishamel is taken aback by the invitation, but complies, feeling an urgency to get there as quickly as possible. Racing through a blizzard he arrives to discover things are going bad fast. It’s up to him to solve the Colonel’s problem, but will he survive doing so?
I really enjoyed this supernatural tale of murder and mystery. Locked in a mansion at Christmas in the middle of the worst blizzard in decades, who is doing the killing? And why? Reminds me of something Agatha Christie may have done. Anyway, Ishmael is a very interesting character (I won’t spoil his background) and while the mystery is top rate and the tension first class, the execution of it is a bit simple and at times, dumb. It’s hard to explain. I must mention the poor editing when it comes to identifying the Colonel as Penny’s half-brother. She keeps calling him her stepbrother even though they share a father. And in one paragraph he’s first her half-brother and then her stepbrother again. Fix that shit! It pisses me off! But overall I am impressed with the world in which Ishmael exists and I look forward to continuing with the series.
These days he goes by Ishmael Jones, but he’s been many people in the past. With growing technology it’s harder and harder for him to remain hidden, so he works for The Corporation doing secretive things, things most people don’t want to do. In exchange they pay him well and keep him off the world’s radar. When his handler, the Colonel, calls him and asks him to join his family for Christmas, Ishamel is taken aback by the invitation, but complies, feeling an urgency to get there as quickly as possible. Racing through a blizzard he arrives to discover things are going bad fast. It’s up to him to solve the Colonel’s problem, but will he survive doing so?
I really enjoyed this supernatural tale of murder and mystery. Locked in a mansion at Christmas in the middle of the worst blizzard in decades, who is doing the killing? And why? Reminds me of something Agatha Christie may have done. Anyway, Ishmael is a very interesting character (I won’t spoil his background) and while the mystery is top rate and the tension first class, the execution of it is a bit simple and at times, dumb. It’s hard to explain. I must mention the poor editing when it comes to identifying the Colonel as Penny’s half-brother. She keeps calling him her stepbrother even though they share a father. And in one paragraph he’s first her half-brother and then her stepbrother again. Fix that shit! It pisses me off! But overall I am impressed with the world in which Ishmael exists and I look forward to continuing with the series.
March 23, 2015
Ishmael Jones is the sort of fellow who gets things that need doing done. He worked for the organization Black Heir, chasing down illegal Aliens (of the in from space variety) and covering up any messes they might have caused. The kill first, never get to the questioning part rubbed him the wrong way, considering the fact that Ishmael himself is not quite human. So he left his Black Heir days behind to work for The Colonel and his Organization. And when the Colonel asks Ishmael to come to his familial home for Christmas, Ishmeal starts driving.
But The Colonel is missing when Ishmael arrives, and all is very much not well in the massive, old home, or with its strange and often estranged holiday guests.
Green has written a sinister game of Clue, expertly crafted in his usual way of playing with words to make them do things you are pretty sure they did not want to do. The prose, characters you are not sure you want to like but somehow get maybe attached here and there, and the shadowy world Green has created work to bring what could have been a tired old plot to grim and uncanny life. Recommended for Green fans, mystery fans, or folks who want to leave the hall light on at night. Just in case.
But The Colonel is missing when Ishmael arrives, and all is very much not well in the massive, old home, or with its strange and often estranged holiday guests.
Green has written a sinister game of Clue, expertly crafted in his usual way of playing with words to make them do things you are pretty sure they did not want to do. The prose, characters you are not sure you want to like but somehow get maybe attached here and there, and the shadowy world Green has created work to bring what could have been a tired old plot to grim and uncanny life. Recommended for Green fans, mystery fans, or folks who want to leave the hall light on at night. Just in case.
June 19, 2015
This book was not up to Simon R. Green's usual standard of plotting.
Plot elements that were supposed to be a surprise were so perfectly obvious that the "big reveal" at the end fell flat. If I've figured something out by Chapter Two, but I'm supposed to be shocked by it on the next to last page of the book, there's something wrong.
Then there's the ending. The timing for the characters didn't work during the climax of the book. Rather than fix the scene, the author wrote a very weak patch and left it to reader gullibility to smooth it over. The manipulation was blatant, and jarring. The reader should never see the author/puppeteer pulling the strings! It was very annoying to get this far into a book and have the ending thrown away in this manner, especially when it could have been fixed.
I liked the main characters very much. Simon R. Green's trademark witty banter was firmly in place. But, I can't recommend it.
Plot elements that were supposed to be a surprise were so perfectly obvious that the "big reveal" at the end fell flat. If I've figured something out by Chapter Two, but I'm supposed to be shocked by it on the next to last page of the book, there's something wrong.
Then there's the ending. The timing for the characters didn't work during the climax of the book. Rather than fix the scene, the author wrote a very weak patch and left it to reader gullibility to smooth it over. The manipulation was blatant, and jarring. The reader should never see the author/puppeteer pulling the strings! It was very annoying to get this far into a book and have the ending thrown away in this manner, especially when it could have been fixed.
I liked the main characters very much. Simon R. Green's trademark witty banter was firmly in place. But, I can't recommend it.
August 16, 2016
The Dark Side of the Road by Simon R Green is another fantastic tale by the master of strange, and I mean that in a good way! His books always surprise me with the wonderful plots, delightful imagination, creative creatures, and the defined characters he molds onto the paper. This one is about a guy, that is not quite human, that is asked to urgently come to his boss/friend's Manor. There is a tone of worry in the boss' voice that makes our hero hurry in the snow storm to get to the mansion. There he meets the family and friends of the boss, but no one can find the boss. The story goes from there when people start dying. Of course, nothing is straight forward in his books. Always twists, turns, action, creatures, suspense, and lots of fun dialogue. I just love his books. A must read for sci-fi/fantasy fans! If you haven't had the chance to read any of his books, what are you waiting for? Start here, then travel to the Nightside...
May 14, 2016
Review: DARK SIDE OF THE ROAD by Simon R. Green
This novel "blew me away"! Seamless in exposition, convoluted in its mystery, extending clues cautiously, I found myself enrapt from Page 1. (I also discovered a new favorite author--yes, sometimes it only takes one story.)
Protagonist Ishmael Jones is a fascinating and admirable character, with an honor code all his own, exemplified throughout his life. When he unfolds his secret truth, metaphorically my eyes widened to saucer size and my jaw dropped [yes, more mind-boggling than quantum physics!]. I plan to run off and devour everything Simon R. Green has composed, and witness my imagination and admiration expand.
This novel "blew me away"! Seamless in exposition, convoluted in its mystery, extending clues cautiously, I found myself enrapt from Page 1. (I also discovered a new favorite author--yes, sometimes it only takes one story.)
Protagonist Ishmael Jones is a fascinating and admirable character, with an honor code all his own, exemplified throughout his life. When he unfolds his secret truth, metaphorically my eyes widened to saucer size and my jaw dropped [yes, more mind-boggling than quantum physics!]. I plan to run off and devour everything Simon R. Green has composed, and witness my imagination and admiration expand.
December 11, 2020
Absolutely, laughably unreadable. Needless to say I DNF'd this pretty hard, but skipped to the end to find out what the outcome was, and am glad I did. Utter ridiculousness. The premise was promising, the first chapter passable, then all went to hell. His descriptions are funny, but the dialogue it atrocious. It reads like someone's first draft of a debut novel, so you can imagine my shock when I read the back jacket and found out Green is a well published author. Holy smokes. Who let this go to the press?
June 4, 2015
Thrilling!
May 2, 2020
I was expecting some sort of Genesis story here, whereby we learn more about Ishmael and the adventures he had in his long, eventful life on Earth, before he started working for the Organisation. However, that didn’t happen. In fact, if I hadn’t been told that this was the first book in the series, I wouldn’t have guessed. Initially, I was a bit disappointed – but on reflection I think it probably is a strength of this series. Once more, Ishmael is plunged into a tricky situation whereby he is a suspected outsider, looking on a group who all have strong reasons to want to see the back of at least one of their companions. Attending a Christmas party at the urgent request of his boss, Ishmael finds himself driving through one of the worst snowstorms on record. He ends up at a country house in the middle of Cornwall, more cut-off than the moon from any outside help, when it all starts to kick off.
There are a series of gory murders and Ishmael is confronted with trying to discover who the perpetrator is. Green presents us with a series of twists – though I had already guessed who the perpetrator was. Though in this case, it wasn’t a question of finding out who so much as trying to discover how to stop the murderer. I liked the fact that superstrong and inhumanly fast Ishmael had met his match. While there wasn’t quite so much humour in this first offering, there was still enough to make me grin in amongst the mayhem, and it was clear to see the foundations of what has made this series so successful. Recommended for fans of paranormal suspense that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The ebook arc copy of The Dark Side of the Road was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
8/10
There are a series of gory murders and Ishmael is confronted with trying to discover who the perpetrator is. Green presents us with a series of twists – though I had already guessed who the perpetrator was. Though in this case, it wasn’t a question of finding out who so much as trying to discover how to stop the murderer. I liked the fact that superstrong and inhumanly fast Ishmael had met his match. While there wasn’t quite so much humour in this first offering, there was still enough to make me grin in amongst the mayhem, and it was clear to see the foundations of what has made this series so successful. Recommended for fans of paranormal suspense that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The ebook arc copy of The Dark Side of the Road was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
8/10
August 14, 2019
Ishmael Jones has been around for a long time and one reason for that is that he is good and blending in and not being seen. He is hired by people to find out secrets and investigate mysteries. The man who hired him is called The Colonel and for some reason he has asked Ishmael to his house for a Christmas dinner in the middle of a horrible snow storm with his family.
When Ishmael arrives he finds out that the Colonel is missing and not to long after that they find out he has been murdered. With the blizzard going outside nobody can leave so that means that the killer is still in their midst. It pits family members against each other, as well as ex-family members and they all want to know why Ishmael a stranger is there. He just wants to find out who killed his Colonel.
One by one people start dying and the stakes are pretty high for Ishmael if he wants to find out whodunit and get out alive.
This was different and not real great but it was still pretty interesting. I really liked Ishmael and for a country house type mystery I thought it was well, different. Ishmael is not human and the killer is not either. I will leave it like that and you can read and find out for yourself. It wasn't really that hard to figure out who the killer was especially with the body count going up, but it was still an interesting mystery. Decent start to a series and I will probably try another one.
When Ishmael arrives he finds out that the Colonel is missing and not to long after that they find out he has been murdered. With the blizzard going outside nobody can leave so that means that the killer is still in their midst. It pits family members against each other, as well as ex-family members and they all want to know why Ishmael a stranger is there. He just wants to find out who killed his Colonel.
One by one people start dying and the stakes are pretty high for Ishmael if he wants to find out whodunit and get out alive.
This was different and not real great but it was still pretty interesting. I really liked Ishmael and for a country house type mystery I thought it was well, different. Ishmael is not human and the killer is not either. I will leave it like that and you can read and find out for yourself. It wasn't really that hard to figure out who the killer was especially with the body count going up, but it was still an interesting mystery. Decent start to a series and I will probably try another one.
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