Mortedant's Peril

by R.J. Barker

In a city of ancient automata, strange spirits, and sleeping gods, a cleric of death finds his own life on the line in this vividly imagined fantasy murder mystery from the acclaimed author of The Bone Ships and Age of Assassins.

Irody Hasp is a Mortedant, a cleric tasked with reading the last thoughts of the dead—though no one thanks him for it. No Mortedant is popular, but Irody is scarcely tolerated even by the other members of his own guild, and rarely selected for anything but the lowliest of jobs.

This impoverished existence would be dismal enough—but after reading the corpse of a low-level records keeper, Irody's troubles quickly multiply when his own apprentice is murdered, and all fingers point to him as a suspect. The only way to save his own skin is to find the real culprit himself, an investigation that quickly attracts powerful enemies with few scruples, and draws him into a plot that threatens the entire corrupt yet wondrous city he calls home.

Perfect for fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora, Foundryside, and Witness for the Dead, this investigative misadventure begins a perilous new series by award-winning author RJ Barker.

Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Epic Fantasy, Mystery, Dark Fantasy

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Fanna]

I was sold at "a city of ancient automata, strange spirits, and sleeping gods."

[Mackenzie Schley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

RJ Barker brings to life another fascinating world with layered characters you want to know more about rather than being sick of by the end of the nearly 500 page journey. Found family is a trope I can always get behind and enjoyed again, though I personally would’ve loved even more of the darkly gleeful crow, Harpsimast. Bottom line, this was another solid, intricate fantasy set in an interesting world with characters you invest in making it well worth the read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on quite the ride! As usual RJ Barker's world building is unique and incredible. Mortendant Irody Hasp is a quirky and multi-faceted main character with very relatable flaws. The side characters all have their own motivations and goals. Plenty of foreshadowing, but it does not give away the twists and turns. Wonderful for fans of intrigue and mystery as well as fantasy. It tackles many difficult topics such as classism and xenophobia as well as questioning the status quo of governance and tradition. When it was listed as being for fans of Witness for the Dead and the Lies of Locke Lamora I knew I had to get my hands on a copy, and it did not disappoint. It does not include any romantic sub-plots which its a refreshing change of pace. I would love to see this world expand, and possibly even more about Mortedant Hasp's youth which is alluded to throughout the story.

[LambchoP]

New series from RJ Barker?! Sign me up and take my money!

[Alexander Páez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, bold and super entertaining. Massive recommendation. Barker is a master of storytelling.