Mortedant's Peril

The Trials of Irody Hasp #1

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, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Audiobook, Epic Fantasy

432 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2026

About the author

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

Reviews

[Nils | nilsreviewsit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortedant’s Peril by RJ Barker weaves a deft tale of mystery and corruption, set in a strangely wondrous world, where three unlikely heroes band together to unravel a dark plot before it’s too late.

Irody Hasp, as a Mortedant, can see and read a deceased last thoughts and moments before their death. This is a thankless and lowly paid job but Hasp takes his abilities seriously and is highly skilled among his peers. Yet when Hasp is accused of murder he faces execution unless he can prove his innocence. Who is framing him and worse still who is trying to kill him too?

It was so refreshing to have such an obviously prejudiced and flawed character like Hasp and still find him likeable and endearing. Hasp isn’t cruel nor mean spirited but he does look down upon those of lower status and non human races. His talents as a Mortedant are under appreciated and he’s always given the jobs that no one else will take all because of some past discrepancy involving his family. Essentially he is ridiculed by his peers and he himself is looked down upon. Yet Hasp’s growth is phenomenally crafted. Barker gives a subtle gradual change to his character, his views of others alter as he learns more about them and as his knowledge and experiences broaden. He begins to treat those closest to him with more respect and by the end he even puts others before himself, which was something he would never have done at the beginning of the novel. This makes him a sympathetic character to root for.

Barker gives us some fantastic side characters too with Whisper, an Oster guard and Mirial, a street urchin. What I loved about Whisper’s non human race was that they seemed quite spiritual and in tune with the sea and nature. Her native language was quite melodic and had such beautiful meaning behind it. Despite everybody’s trepidation of her, she could see the good in people and readily gave them her loyalty and that’s what I loved most about Whisper. Mirial had the capability of being an overly defiant immature street urchin, but Barker shapes her much more clever than that, he makes her perceptive and strong willed but also eager to learn. Together they all formed such a fantastic friendship. 

Of course Barker immerses us into such a fascinating world. The tiered city of Elbay is divided into rings with the lower ones being for the poor and the highest being for the rich. Further divisions are included as there are sectors for the Worshippers who follow the creed of the Howling Lord, the Spurriers who bring spiritform to life and the Mortedants. Barker’s prose vividly brings this city to life with all its oddities and wonder. Every nugget of information built up the world fantastically. It’s not a city I’d ever want to live in, but it was one I enjoyed reading about!

Barker’s signature inventive style and his heartfelt storytelling really shines in this novel. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to discover what’s in store in future installments.

[Fanna]

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

[MikaReadsFantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortedant’s Peril by R. J. Barker is a vividly imaginative fantasy mystery that blends eerie magic, layered intrigue, and compelling character dynamics into a thoroughly engaging read.

Set in a strange and atmospheric city filled with ancient machines, lingering spirits, and slumbering gods, the story follows Irody Hasp, a death cleric whose role is to uncover the final memories of the deceased. His work is unsettling and widely disliked, leaving him isolated even within his own order. When a routine assignment spirals into chaos and his apprentice is murdered, suspicion turns toward Irody himself. Forced to clear his name, he is pulled into a dangerous investigation that exposes both the city’s corruption and its fragile balance.

This was my first experience with Barker’s writing, and it left a strong impression. The mystery is gripping and thoughtfully constructed, but what truly stands out is the cast of characters. The supporting ensemble feels lively and distinct, with a chemistry that makes every interaction enjoyable. Despite the high stakes, their contrasting personalities create moments of warmth and humor that almost evoke a found-family dynamic.

The setting is another highlight. The city feels richly imagined and unlike anything I have encountered before. The fusion of arcane elements with hints of technology can occasionally feel elusive, but it never detracts from the overall atmosphere. Instead, it adds to the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates the story.

Interestingly, Irody’s role as a reader of the dead’s memories takes more of a backseat than expected. The narrative leans more into the politics, bureaucracy, and interpersonal tensions within his order. While I would have loved to see more of his unique abilities in action, the focus on institutional dynamics still provides plenty of intrigue.

The pacing is excellent throughout. The story moves briskly without feeling rushed, and I was never bored. Every chapter adds something meaningful, whether it is a clue, a character moment, or a deeper look into the world.

I also experienced this as an audiobook narrated by Joe Eyre, whose performance adds an extra layer of enjoyment. His voice is pleasant and expressive, and he brings particular life to the side characters, enhancing their personalities and emotional beats.

If I had to draw comparisons, the mystery has a similar pull to The Tainted Cup, while the character dynamics echo the reluctant mentor relationships found in The Silverblood Promise. The unsettling concept of accessing the memories of the dead also brings to mind The Witness for the Dead. At the same time, Barker weaves these familiar elements into something that feels entirely fresh.

This has easily become one of my favorite reads of the year, and I am genuinely excited to explore more of Barker’s work.

I’m grateful to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to experience this book early and share my thoughts.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Tor and MacMillan audio for the ARC and ALC!

I loved The Tainted Cup and A Drop of Corruption, so I was SUPER excited to dive into this one! It's very similar in a lot of ways--incredibly descriptive and detailed prose, murder mystery, reluctant her of it all, etc. But this one just didn't hit quite the same for me.

I started reading this one as the ARC and then transitioned to the audiobook and found that I enjoyed the audiobook a lot more than reading it. I think the narration was a bit slow--I was at around 2.5x speed, and there's a lot of random silence at the start and end of each chapter, but it definitely was much more engaging to me. The narrator was great! If you're an audiobook listener, I definitely recommend the audiobook over reading with your eyes for this one.

Something about the way this was written just didn't work for me. It didn't have the same charm I got from The Tainted Cup. Relationships felt shallow, and I really struggled to care about...anything. When we're on a three day deadline to prove innocence or die, I shouldn't be reading the book going "Oh my GOD, we're still on day one??" It just felt so slow for such an impending and serious deadline.

I'm unsure if I'll continue this series. It was fine, but not my favorite in this fantasy sub genre.

[LambchoP]

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

[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.

[CadmanReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortedant’s Peril really hit the spot for me. It’s the kind of fantasy-mystery I love, with great worldbuilding, political drama, occult magic, and a heartfelt found-family story. The book reminded me a lot of The Silverblood Promise and The Lies of Locke Lamora, which are two of my favorites, so I was hooked right away.

The setting really stands out. Elbay feels alive and gritty, with secrets, cults, scandals, and odd bits of lore around every corner. Barker does a great job making the city feel old, dangerous, and immersive without overloading you with details. I enjoyed how the story blends murder mystery, religious politics, unusual magic, and social tension.
Irody Hasp was a great main character. He begins as abrasive, cynical, and pretty prejudiced, but seeing him slowly change and connect with others was one of my favorite parts of the book. Whisper and Mirial always stood out when they showed up, and the bond between the three of them added a lot of emotion to the story.

If I had to be picky, the pacing sometimes slowed down more than I expected for a murder mystery with a ticking clock. I also wish there had been more scenes of Hasp using his mortedant abilities, since reading the dead’s final thoughts is such a cool idea. Still, I was never bored. I stayed invested in the atmosphere, the characters, and the unfolding conspiracy.

The audiobook is also worth mentioning. Joe Eyre really captures the story's mood. His performance gives each character a lot of personality, especially showing Hasp’s dry sarcasm and tiredness. The narration made the world feel even more real and honestly made the whole experience better for me.

Even with a few pacing issues, this is still a solid 5-star read for me. It’s dark, weird, funny, emotional, and full of personality. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Drew McCaffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley.

This book feels like a herald, in some ways.

THE TAINTED CUP won the Hugo for Best Novel last year, and A DROP OF CORRUPTION was another hit. Robert Jackson Bennett has revitalized interest in detective fantasy. MORTEDANT'S PERIL, on the other hand, feels like the signal that RJB isn't just a flash in the pan. Irody Hasp, Mirial, and Whisper are the perfect found family dynamic to hit in the mid-2020s, along with the zest of gothic worldbuilding, twisty murder plots, and brisk action.

Barker's writing is effective if simple. He builds the world of Elbay quickly and vividly, but rarely wowed me with his wordsmithing. He's got the sort of Sanderson-esque prose that will appeal to a wide range of readers even if it doesn't earn him artistic acclaim. Similarly, the plotting of MORTEDANT'S PERIL is layered enough to engage, but approachable enough to not overwhelm. Many of the twists and turns were easy to see coming; despite that predictability, they were often still satisfying.

The result is a fun book with a breezy pace. It's also a book with a dark backbone and dreary furnishings, opening up the potential for deeper exploration in sequels if it performs well enough. I enjoyed the read, and I'll probably read any potential sequels when they pop up.

3.5/5 stars

[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.

[Jyanx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. A positive review was not offered or expected in return. All opions are my own.

I requested this book on a whim, and I ended up loving it. The world is richly developed, and complex. I felt like I was dropped into a fully realized world, and I had to learn about it as I went. Some people might not enjoy that, but it's my favorite way to start a fantasy world. Too much exposition throws me out of the story, and it makes me less invested in what is going on.

Irody Hasp is my favorite sort of main character. He begins a closed off, judgmental, snob, and slowly over the course of the story his ideas about the world and the people around him begin to change. He is not a perfect man, but he is stubborn, and unwilling to take the easy way out. The other characters bring so much life to this story as well, and no one is exactly who they seem they might be, and all have stories of their own.

The mystery was well developed, and compelling. The timeline makes everything feel more urgent, and the twists and turns kept me on edge. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, I discovered that I was not entirely correct. The ending was well done, and while many questions were answered I was still left wanting to know more.

The writing had the perfect blend of heart, humor, and horror. Hasp has an amazingly dry sense of humor even in the worst of times, and I loved it so much. The narrator was perfect, and really brought this world, and its characters to life. I am looking forward to reading more of this series, and I am definatly going to read more by this author now.

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Full review to come later.

[the.bookish.designer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first RJ Barker experience and it will absolutely not be my last.

Mortedant's Peril is the opening book in The Trials of Irody Hasp series, and it follows Irody Hasp, a Mortedant, a cleric gifted with the ability to read the final thoughts of the dead, and deeply unpopular for it. As he is framed for the murder of his own apprentice and given mere days to uncover the real killer before he faces the gallows. What begins as a murder investigation spirals swiftly into something far larger and far more dangerous, pulling Irody and his unlikely companions Mirial and Whisper into the corrupt, wondrous heart of the city of Elbay itself.

And what a city. Elbay is the kind of richly layered, deeply lived-in world that most authors take an entire trilogy to build. Ancient automata, sleeping gods, rival guilds jostling for power, tiers of society that feel as real and tactile as cobblestones underfoot. Barker conjures all of it with remarkable confidence and economy. The fact that he fits this level of worldbuilding alongside equally deep character work into around 400 pages is genuinely impressive. It never feels rushed, and it never feels thin.

The plot strikes a wonderful balance between the familiar and the unexpected. Some threads you'll see coming, and there's real satisfaction in that, those small dopamine hits of getting something right. But others will catch you completely off guard, and it's the combination of the two that keeps you absolutely hooked. The mystery and the fantasy elements feed into each other in a way that feels entirely seamless.

Barker also mentions in the afterword that book two is already written, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to hear it. In the meantime I will be making my way through his back catalogue at speed. The Bone Ships is already calling my name!

If this is what RJ Barker does, I have a lot of wonderful reading ahead of me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you so much for Tor UK for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a honest review

i really wanted to like this more than i did, and i think it may be a case of very high expectations going into it. i saw the comparison to tainted cup probably too many times, and while it's similar in the murder mystery aspect in fantasy, i just didn't think it was to the same level

to start off with what i liked: i really enjoyed the set up of Mortedant's and their ability to hear a dead person's last thoughts. the aspect of religion and belief was explored very well, and weaved into the story of Irody Hasp. i also LOVED the setting of Elbay, and how this city is built on different levels. the description was very good, and seeing Irody's journey of exploring the different tiers and their reflection of status and wealth was interesting

my main issue was i think the characters. i wasn't really emotionally invested in their stories, which then lead me to not being as intrigued by the plot or even the who-dunnit. other murder mysteries' i've read, i have been at the edge of my seat to find out who actually did it, but i didn't find that with this one at all. and i think personally i'm someone who if i don't feel connected to the characters, then my interest in the story itself then wanes

overall i would give it a 3/5 stars, because the setting and concept of the mordent's was well executed. I just think i finished it wanting a bit more from the character work and plot.

[Valarie - WoodsyBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

RJ Barker is one of those authors I've heard about but never gotten around to reading so when the opportunity to listen to an ALC of Mortedant's Peril dropped in my lap I lunged for it.

Mortedant's Peril follows Irody, our main character mortedant, aka speaker for the dead aka very snobby stuck-up not so lovable guy, after he's accused of murder and goes off to clear his name all while avoiding being killed himself as a greater mystery unfolds.

Irody is an unlikable protagonist. He's witty and fun but he's also an absolute jerk who thinks he's better than everyone around him based off his skills as a mortedant and his rank in society. He does grow as a character, but that progression isn't immediate so if you're looking for a lovable sweetheart try elsewhere. 

In my mind the setting, the city of Elbay, was almost a blend of Full Metal Alchemist's Central City and T. Kingfisher's Archenhold from the World of the White Rat - a magic, melting pot of chaos, a claustrophobic tiered city filled with various classes, cults, and creatures. It was gritty and fantastical all at once and I felt like that claustrophobic ruinous cityscape setting added to the urgency and mystery of the story. 

For my first ever RJ Barker book this was an absolute hit! The audiobook was well read and I had a great time listening. Audiobooks are definitely becoming one of my go to ways to consume books these days. Thank you MacMillan Audio for access to the ALC on Netgalley!

[Dan (ThatBookIsOnFiyah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Mortedant’s Peril (The Trials of Irody Hasp 1) by RJ Barker

5/5 stars. RJ Barker is one of my favorite writers and I am always excited when he has a new book releasing. In this case, I was extra surprised to receive the ARC of the audiobook, narrated by Joe Eyre, from NetGalley. This novel focuses on Irody Hasp, a lowly Mortedant in the city of Elbay, who stumbles upon a deeper mystery than he ever imagined as a result of reading the last thoughts of a dead man in the slums of the city. As always, Barker weaves a, literal and figurative, magical tale with wonderful characters – particularly Irody, his apprentice Mirial, and his bodyguard Whisper, and builds an intriguing city and world for the reader to explore. This story reminds me, in some ways, of Richard Swan’s Empire of the Wolf and Sir Konrad Vonvalt, though not as horrific in tone.

Joe Eyre does a wonderful job with the narration, and his voice work was particularly good. I could feel the tension and the desperation of our characters through Eyre’s reading of the story, and I particularly enjoyed his voices for Whisper and Niofa, the satyr overseer of the city.

I cannot recommend this book, or any book by RJ Barker, highly enough, and the audiobook adds significantly to the experience of the novel. I highly anticipate the next story in this new series and look forward to continuing my exploration of Elbay and the exploits of Irody, Whisper, and Mirial.

Highly highly recommended!!

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost I’d like to thank NetGalley & Macmillan for the amazing opportunity of listening to an audio copy of this book. I am forever thankful and this review will be a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.
Enter a world where a man talks to the dead and when he hears something he wasn’t meant to hear. The living will do everything in their power to silence him.
This book for sure was a huge step up from my last book where I was left more than disappointed.
Irody was a main character who I completely loved following his story of solving the mystery of who wants him dead for doing his job. In this book as well we have the found family trope and this book handled it beautifully. This was a patch work quilt family who each person played a part that made the whole amazing. Let’s just say I love Whisper. Read and see why.
The narrator Joe Eyre was a perfect choice to bring Irody and company.
Overall an engaging, unique and captivating book that quickly became one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.

[Twainy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Mortedant’s Peril a couple days ago, just been mulling it over. The pacing felt on the slow side but I enjoyed the character building & found family. RJ Barker has a way of focusing on & cultivating even the most unlikely of characters.

Irody Hasp is the main character & grabbed my attention immediately. He’s cynical, a bit of a mess, and only has three days to prove he didn't commit a murder as he’s scheduled for execution for that murder. I think my inner monologue has mirrored his at times (not the murder mystery just that work’s been busy). The author brought him vividly to life. Character development perfection, Hasp is part desperate, part brilliant.

Everyone else. Chemistry. All of them. His interaction with his protecters was a strange mix of “I’d die for you” and all the while rolling their eyes! It got a bit of humor! The situation and the people.

If you love a character-driven fantasy where the stakes ore personal and the voices feel real, this might be the book for you! It’s a fantastic initial book for this trilogy, interesting unique character and I enjoyed the murder mystery plot.

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio, looking forward to book two!!

[Xath Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this book had me worried, with Irody's self importance oozing from his every pour and blatant racism. Irody grows as a person while trying to always do the right thing, even if it's inconvenient. The side characters are very much the best part of this story and it's a happy surprise it's a first in a series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

This is the first book I’ve ever read by RJ Barker and it won’t be my last.

His character work really stood out to me as even thought Irody Hasp is a very stuck up character you can’t help but grow to like him. Especially when the secondary characters; Mirial, and Whisper are introduced.

Mortdedant’s Peril is a fantasy murder mystery if you liked books such as The Tainted Cup I think you’d enjoy this!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5

Ever since I read 'The Tainted Cup' last year I've had a major craving for fantasy mystery novels and been hoping to find something that would hit in that same, mesmerising way. When I first saw the premise of 'Mortedant's Peril' I was convinced that I'd found just that book; particularly as I've seen fantastic things said about the author's previous titles and been curious about trying their work for a while now. As the rating suggests this wasn't quite the hit that I'd been envisioning; at least, it wasn't initially although by the end I was besotted and craving more; a mixed experience that makes this one tricky to give a fair rating to.

When I first picked 'Mortedant's Peril' up I found myself instantly hooked. It starts off with the perspective of this novel's killer; something that beautifully sets the scene and left me longing to discover more. Then the perspective switches to that of Irody and at first I was still quite taken in by this tome. This book provided interesting details of the fantasy world and 'magic' involved within it, along with an unexpected cabbage usage. The tension built as things grew darker and increasingly dangerous yet somehow after a strong start I found my attention wandering. There were definitely elements that intrigued me dotted throughout but I couldn't find much enthusiasm to read on.

Initially I found it hard to put my finger on exactly why this happened but on reflection I think it boiled down to two things. Firstly the investigation, whilst on an urgent deadline, seemed a little meandering; especially when you'd learn something with the characters, then have to listen to them discuss it again afterwards. And secondly Irody's perspective really started to grate on me after a while. The blurb tells you that he's disliked and let's just say that it's certainly not without reason. There are things he says and thinks that are bound to make your blood boil.

Then came a point, around half way through, when everything seemed to click into place for me and I found myself growing increasingly invested. Something that, again, can be traced back to certain elements and events. Naturally I can't mention the events, due to the spoiler risk, but let's just say the introduction of two new characters majorly increased my interest levels for the setting and left me desperate to discover more. I feel like there was more focus on events, worldbuilding and the actual plot and less time spent going around in circles, almost. Plus the writing felt sharper and more immersive somehow; I believe as less time was spent on Irody thinking prejudice thoughts and running down those around him.

Which brings me onto the change in his character. At the start of this novel he's really not a particularly pleasant person. He does get the odd moment of conscience and show signs of having a heart but he also has a lot of vain, classist and prejudice views. As the events of 'Mortedant's Peril' force him to interact with those he holds those prejudice opinions towards he gradually grows as a person and realises the error of his ways. It feels like a believable growth arc and is worth mentioning as if you also struggle with his character early on, hopefully knowing that there's light at the end of the tunnel will help spur you on.

Surprisingly, given his prickly nature, by the end of 'Mortedant's Peril' there's actually a sense of found family to it almost. There's a mix of interesting characters who grow to support and care for one another, including a few moving moments between them all.

Another thing worth noting is that there are times within 'Mortedant's Peril' that things feel a little inconsistent. For example Irody always claims his 'Mortedant' status will protect him, yet people seem to look down upon those like him so it doesn't truly seem to fit. And the punishment system concerning murder struck me as pretty absurd at first, although I assumed it was simply a statement of how flawed some societies can be. In fact there's deeper meaning to it all; but you'll have to read the book for yourself to discover those truths.

I hope this review doesn't sound too negative though as after a strong start and shaky follow up - where I admittedly was doubting that this series would be for me - I found myself growing increasing enamored of this world. The character introductions that came later in the book - as well as some revelations about the core cast - really added to the fantasy stakes of this novel over all and left me truly invested in the world. As the characters grew closer, and Irody became aware of his own flawed ways, I found myself caring about the leads too and willing them on. By the end the overall mystery too was more complex than I'd initially imagined. Some things I'd guessed at, admittedly, but the scope of the scheme and specifics were certainly of a grander and more horrific nature than I ever could have guessed at.

So overall I recommend 'Mortedant's Peril' but also advice proceeding with caution. It has a rough beginning and if you struggle with it too I do truly advice carrying on (even if you do decide only to read a couple of chapters at a time and offset it with another read) but by the end its more than worth those early struggles. Its set within a fascinating world with a variety of interesting characters and a lot of creative inclusions. Its has a flawed society but those can be fascinating to experience within fantasy. Some things may look clumsy on the surfaces but by the end they generally have hidden depths. And initially Irody is a hard character to experience but trust me when I say he grows. Its odd to say but I struggled to keep going with this one after a strong start then came away truly besotted over all and craving more. So although there may have been some early hesitation on my part I definitely think this one is worth adding to your TBR overall and I'll be impatiently waiting for more within this world.

[Marie Grim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded down to 4 stars for Goodreads

Mortedant’s Peril by R.J. Barker is the first in his new trilogy The Trials of Irody Hasp. A delightfully unique, layered novel, it follows the misadventures of Irody Hasp, a Mortedant - a priest-like figure who reads the last thoughts of the deceased to pass on knowledge, last wishes, and treasure locations to their bereaved loved ones. Accused of murder following the death of Hasp’s apprentice, and an attempt on his own life, Irody sets off to clear his name, acquiring friends along the way as they unravel the mysteries of the City of Elbay and the many factions within in a race against time.

Written in first person singular POV, the narration follows Irody Hasp. This is a fantasy murder mystery, and contains no spice or romantic subplot. There is no obvious LGBTQ representation. There is very little gore depicted, and no modern- day profanity used.

The publisher comps are The Lies of Locke Lamora, Foundryside, and Witness for the Dead, and I found them to be generally appropriate comps. The tone and concepts of Witness for the Dead are especially apt. The city of Elbay itself is a major part of the story and it reminded me of Josiah Bancroft’s The Books of Babel.

The world-building is robust, with a lovely quirky grittiness to it. However, there is a ton of info-dumping front-loaded into the story. The first 65-70 pages are extremely information laden, and if you do not find Tolkien’s rapturous discussion of trees engaging you may have a hard time with both the style and quantity of info dumps.

I loved the stratified city of Elbay, redolent, covered in crows, guilds, mysticism, and inequality. It’s comprised of seven layers, with the wealthy at the top and the poor at the bottom, and each higher tier viewing the ones below it as inferior. The city is very much so divided on class lines, and guild lines. The city holds a sleeping god - The Howling God - whose worshippers are called the Worshipful and believe that the god will rise and destroy the city in its waking. The city is ruled by the Roundhorn Niofa, who gave me strong Ember/Umber of Lev Grossman’s The Magicians vibes, a quasi-mythical creature that no one has seen in centuries but rules through the Ventran, invincible bronze-clad warrior constructs.

The magic system falls toward soft, as there are different types of magic employed - the Mortedants, the Spurriers, and the Howling God - containing their own rules, but the rules aren’t explained in a robust way. I thought the Spurriers were especially interesting, as they employ souls that are harnessed into technology, from quasi-alive servants, messengers, firearms, and carriages and a host of things in between. The automata almost had a steampunk feel to them. The mysticism of the city is great, and I really enjoyed the interplay between the different sects.

The prose was a little tough for me to access for the first quarter of the book. Irody, especially at the start, has an extremely annoying voice, and is generally arrogant, unaware, and unpleasant. This is definitely deliberate, as the tone of his voice shifts as the story proceeds and indicates his shifting perspectives along his character arc. But it can be rough reading especially combined with the info-dump. As I went along I got into the rhythm of the story and felt more comfortable with the prose, so I’d recommend sticking it out if you struggle with it. Despite some obnoxious traits, Irody is sympathetic, and I found him to be relatable.

The side characters provided relief and interest and helped carry me forward when I wanted to slap Irody. Irody is definitely the Main Character, but there are two Supporting Characters that do robust plot work, Mirial and Whisper. Mirial is your classic scrappy streetwise orphan from the rough part of town, and provided levity and pathos - she has attached herself to Irody through a desire to avenge her brother Malkin, Irody’s murdered neophyte. Whisper is an oster, one of the Sea People, and is a powerful warrior assigned to guard Irody Hasp after the murder of Malkin, but she later becomes a friend as they seek to find answers to the strange and terrible events occurring in the city. I definitely want to see more of the Sea People in future installments, as the peek we get of their culture and society is fascinating.

I really enjoy having female characters who are not love interests in fantasy stories, but are instead valuable members of the story on their own merit. Both Mirial and Whisper do solid plot work. There is a host of smaller side characters, some important and some not, but you have to pay attention to see which is which. The side characters feel distinct, and I like the interaction they provide.

The plot being a murder mystery was fun and interesting. It is not a dark detective style, but rather more inquisitive adventuring. Not everything is explained, but I found that added to the story. I was able to predict most of the movement but found it still engaging and thought the plot resolved well. The series is definitely designed to be serial in nature, and I’m looking forward to Irody’s further misadventures. All around a fun, interesting read with lovely world-building and enjoyable MCs.

I will definitely be getting a copy for the shelf, and hope that The Broken Binding picks it up for a signed special edition as they previously featured Barker’s The Bone Ships in their subscription service.

[Ed Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s the sign of a great fantasy writer? I’d wager one indicator, to make a completely unrelated steak metaphor, is taking the well-done and making it seem rare. Enter R J Barker, the revered fantasy author of, among others, the scintillatingly wonderful trilogies The Tide Child and The Forsaken, whose new book, Mortedant’s Peril, an epic fantasy murder mystery with a protagonist who can reads the minds of the dead, presents us with a scenario that we have seen many times before. A dystopian city, arranged in many tiers, with the poor on the bottom and the rich on the top, with a conspiracy at its heart, full of strange and barely understood magic, and a put-upon much-maligned protagonist with the odds against them and a pair of reluctant allies, who must fight the system to get to the truth in a frantic race against time. It’s a well-trodden fantasy path. But, and here’s the thing, Barker makes it seem like it’s the first time I’ve ever read a fantasy like this. His characters are so compelling, and his world is so intriguing, and his writing is so witty yet deeply, subtly emotional when you least expect it, that it feels like he’s just invented the fantasy city genre from scratch. This is one of the fantasies of the summer.

The plot revolves around Irody Hasp—who is a Mortedant, one of the three key groups in the strange multi-tiered city of Elbay vying for power over it. Mortedants read the minds of the recently dead—maybe to pass on their last thoughts to the bereaved, maybe to try and gleam some vital information. It’s often a thankless job, and he is a particularly unthanked member of it. But when he reads the corpse of a seemingly low level records keeper, Irody’s assistant is then killed, and he’s blamed for it. Now he has four days to clear his name, find out the connection, and uncover a conspiracy that threatens the city who wants him dead.

Barker is a deeply wonderful worldbuilder, one of modern fantasy’s very finest, and in this book he is a wonderful city-builder. Elbay is a fascinating place full of Mortedants, who we have covered, the Worshipful, who believe an ominously-named deity the Howling God lies beneath the city sleeping, and, perhaps most fascinatingly of all, we have the Spurriers, who use chemicals and sacrificed animals to create bizarre spirit creations which fill the city, whether as carriages or weapons or for all manner of eerie uses. When you add in the pylons atop the city which regularly discharge energy across the wastes that surround the city—get your timing wrong and get caught outside the gates and you are very literally toast—and the sinister castle at the top of the city which may or may not contain its mythical ruler, you get a wondrous mix of imagination and dystopian detail. But for all the wacky ideas, it’s Barker’s Pratchett-like care for the ordinary people who must suffer through these strange locales that make this feel as grounded as it is surreal.

But, perhaps even more than a gifted worldbuilder (and a gifted storyteller, the plot is addictive, propulsive, compelling, based around the classic “few days till your execution” trope and as twisty and carefully layered as you could want from a murder mystery) Barker has that Robin Hobb gift of unexpected, nuanced and briefly heartbreaking character moments. Irody Hasp starts off as a seemingly selfish grump. Then, in that classic comedy set up, he’s reluctantly paired with a non-human and deeply fascinating “sea people” species—the classic immigrant who the protagonist learns is more than simply the xenophobia they attract—who must guard them during their murder investigations, as well as the sister of his murdered young assistant, who wants a job and revenge. Cue much dry wit and subtle deadpan as Hasp suffers from being lumbered with them. But every time you’re settled in for the comedy, Barker throws in random nuggets of unexpected poignancy, made the more powerful for their brevity and the character work he’s put in, and our slow realisation that Irody Hasp is becoming much, much more than the impression we were initially given. It is splendidly nuanced fantasy writing that few can pull off.

Overall, Mortedant’s Peril is a perfect mix of the wit of Pratchett, the city building of Scott Lynch and the unexpected emotional gut punches of Robin Hobb. Barker takes that most common of fantasy tropes, a magic city with a conspiracy at it heart and, fittingly for a tale of a man who reads the dead, breathes new life into it. A deeply wonderful fantasy that made me fall in love with the genre all over again.

[Chira · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a rocky start, I found myself completely drawn in to the mystery and political plot that unfolds in Mortedant's Peril. The beginning is rough because Irody Hasp starts off /very/ unlikable, tired and condescending in a way that he can't recognize that he's doing to others what he so hates being done to him. It takes the murder of his assistant to make him realize he actually liked the kid and misses him, despite complaining about him the entire time. It's an interesting line that Barker walks, in starting Hasp off this prickly, where I was almost rooting for him to end up executed at the end of his given time limit, and changing his worldview and interactions in such an interconnected way that left me really looking forward to reading more.

Because Irody Hasp /does/ grow - mostly by being thrown into situations against his will and seeing for the first time how people can help each other and live in a community, rather than only using each other as stepping stones or rivals. It's not something he specifically recognizes in himself, but that we get to see in his changing interactions and expectations as he traverses different parts of the city in trying to solve this double murder and save his own life.

The layout and descriptions of the city of Elbe (Elbay?) were very cool, and the vague bits of worldbuilding about the world outside of the city always kept me intrigued as to know this system, with its very controlled bureaucracy was developed. There's some extremely cool bits I loved about the mythology and the rulers of each city that I'm looking forward to learning more about in future books.

Since I started out not liking Hasp, it really fell on the side characters who get attached to him/his circumstances through various means to shine and hold the heart of the story. Whisper and Mirial are both so great, and while I don't think I'd call it found family /yet/, it's definitely moving in that direction. It's a collection of outsiders determined to do better, and dragging Irody Hasp into doing better by association.

My one qualm kept being that for how important it was to Hasp's deduction (and dismissing suspects or ideas) that the three priories would never, EVER, work together or even help one another, this is something that's told rather than shown most of the time. Probably because of the shortened timeframe and narrow interactions of the case, but since there were multiple points where as a reader, the obvious next leap of logic would be to one suspect or action that Hasp dismissed immediately as something that could never happen, it felt like something that needed more on-page actions to better drive home just how much of an anomaly it would be.

This is the rare book where I don't hate or completely disagree with the marketing comps - the city setting does really remind me of Lies of Locke Lemora, and while the tone is extremely different from Witness for the Dead (there's nothing cozy and very little comforting or kind here), the setup of magic and bureaucracy around having people able to head the dead's last thoughts feels familiar.

Joe Eyre does a fantastic job narrating, and in such a way that I found myself completely immersed in the world and the characters. He does read a bit slowly, so this was one I had to crank the speed up above normal, but I feel like the tone of Irody's tiredness and sarcasm were perfectly conveyed as well as all of the tension and anticipation of the race against time.

[Nick Borrelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Summary:
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.


My Review:
RJ Barker is one of my very favorite fantasy authors for a variety of reasons. The biggest being that he never repeats himself and every one of his series is very different in tone, theme, and worldbuilding. So I never know what I'm going to get when I embark on a new series by him, and this is a really really good thing.

Once again Barker kept me on my toes as MORTEDANT'S PERIL gradually revealed itself. This first book in Barker's Trials of Irody Hasp series is something of a caper, with the protagonist investigating a murder. Albeit out of necessity as the reason why he is investigating said murder is because he's the one who was framed for it. So to save himself from the executioner's blade, Irody is forced to try and find the real killer or killers before things go south and he's on the chopping block (literally).

The worldbuilding in this book is absolutely superb, maybe my favorite world that Barker has ever created. The setting is quite dark, which I always love, and it just enhances the dark and sinister events at play. The fact that the main character can also converse with the dead (oh I didn't mention that?) also doubles down on the dark fantasy aspect. Irody definitely has his issues and he's rather expendable in the eyes of many of his enemies, and frankly, his friends as well.

All in all this is another banger of a story from one of the best author's in the genre. Barker just keeps getting better and better with each fantasy offering and this book had me reading well into the night and losing much sleep in the process. There are so many amazing things to say about MORTEDANT'S PERIL, but the greatest thing about it is just how intoxicating it is and how you will be immediately pulled in to it's wonderful prose and characterization.

Kudos to RJ Barker for wowing me once again (I had no doubt really). This one is setting up to be a fantastic series and honestly I can't wait to read more. I just wish I didn't have to wait another year. If you haven't checked out RJ Barker's books, there are a lot to choose from and they are all brilliant in their own way. So yeah, pick one up today and start reading. Meanwhile, I will patiently await the next book in this brand new series of his, The Trials of Irody Hasp!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from Tor Books via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Release date May 19th, 2026.

I had mixed feelings about Barker's Bone Ships, but it had some compelling elements and his latest premise was excellent, so I thought I'd give his writing another shot. In Mortedant's Peril, Irody Hasp is the poorest and least popular Mortedant, a cleric who reads the last moments of the recently deceased. When his neophyte is unexpectedly murdered, Hasp must find the murderer among the chaotic city-state of Elbay—or due to the city's illogical justice system, he'll be executed as the last person to see Malkin.

Mortedant's Peril is structured like a mystery novel, albeit not in the Golden Age style of ferreting out clues and following leads. Instead, Hasp follows the nearly equally classic method: walk around asking questions and causing problems until the guilty party tries to kill you. And since Malkin's murderer was mixed up in a political scheme much larger than the death of one neophyte, Hasp is about to stumble into a world of trouble. Unfortunately, his inherent prejudices against everybody from the poor to foreigners to other sects of priests mean he spends a solid chunk of the novel annoying completely the wrong people until they try to kill him. Hasp is so egocentric and abrasive that he becomes an unreliable narrator through sheer force of bad judgement. But while he spends most of the novel parroting bigotry about anyone from outside the city, he also has a secret soft spot and commitment to justice. Yes, he spends two thirds of the book calling his assigned bodyguard Whisper slurs, but he'd also quietly buy her a meat pie with his last pennies. However, while a narrator determined to investigate entirely the wrong leads keeps the reader guessing, the foreshadowing was a bit heavy-handed. I like when plot twists are logical and intuitive, but I don't need a big flashing neon arrow every couple of chapters telling me that the bad guys are plotting [redacted]. I get it!!!

I'd class the worldbuilding as vaguely steampunk rather than more typically medieval fantasy, but it's rich and detailed with no cliched top hats in sight. Elbay is a tiered city segregating the rich from the poor, with mechanical marvels powered by souls, a periodic death ray that blasts everything outside the walls, and three warring sects of priests plus a mythical fourth type of priest solely devoted to pipes. Also, Hasp has a ceremonial big floppy hat. Alas, in the eternal death match between the rich and the poor in Elbay, Hasp is decidedly on the losing side: while Mortedants are famous for corruption and skimming off the estate of the deceased, Hasp lives on a low tier and can barely pay his rent. Due to his lack of wealthy connections and general abrasiveness, the officials in the priory avoid assigning him any work as a Mortedant, and without work, he can't gather even the smallest fees.

While Mortedant's Peril lacks the intense emotional stakes I tend to prefer in novels, Barker has an excellent hand with the worldbuilding and creating the labyrinthine politics of Elbay. It's a solid fantasy novel, and I liked it much more than Bone Ships. The ending of the book clearly sets it up for a series of sequels, and I'll probably read them when they come out.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advance copy of this novel that is a mix of fantasy and science fiction about a great city and the powers that run it, those that heal, those that create magical creatures, and those that talk to the dead.

As one gets older there are many things one wishes that one had said. Maybe told someone that they meant more to them then they ever knew. Maybe tell one last bit of advice to their children. Maybe where the money is hidden. A gift would be to know what a person is thinking when the curtain is about to be pulled for the last time. To see the love, the regrets, and again where the money is. Or any other secrets. In the world of this book, that is possible, people select people, and those sometimes better than others have the gift to talk to the dead. See the last thoughts. The emotions, and the money. And sometimes something more. Something that might make a great city collapse. Mortedant's Peril is the first in a new series The Trials of Irody Hasp by R.J. Barker and tells of a young man with a gift for talking to the dead just trying to survive in an expensive city, and the secrets that others are willing to kill him for.

Irody Hasp lives in the greatest city of all, the city of Elbay, though Hasp really has never left the city to see others. Nor left the walls of the city to be honest. Elbay is the home of the Howling God, a god who sleeps but is worshipped by many. The city sits on tiers, each one nicer than the one below with a castle at the highest point ruled by a great leader who sees and knows all. Supposedly. The town is rift with religious sects, as well as magic users, healers and people like Hasp, Mortedants, who can communicate with the dead. Once a proud group Mortedants have suffered much over the years for keeping secrets, for charging families great amounts for the secrets only the death have. Hasp is also a difficult person, shunned by his own group for being poor and for acts in the past. A simple job, passed on to him by his neophyte trainee suddenly becomes very dangerous. Hasp is accused of a crime he did not commit, and given a short period to prove his innocence. As Hasp probes he finds parts of himself he didn't know he had, friends he never thought he'd earn, and a sense that all is not right in his city, a city that might explode in violence and destruction.

A book that really surprised me, loaded with ideas, and lots of story points for future novels. And a book I really enjoyed. The writing is quite good, putting one right in the world, and not letting up until the end. Hasp is an interesting character, a snob in some places, a person sure of the world he knows, and one that changes as the book progresses. Mostly for the better. There are some sad moments, moments of real emotion, that are rare in books of fantasy like this. The magic is well thought out and described, and leave a lot to be explored in future books. Barker does a good job with the supporting characters, building them up, revealing them slowly, and giving everyone a chance to shine.
A really solid fantasy novel, with touches of steampunk, even a little eldritch horror. One I really liked and can't wait to read more of. This was my first book by R.J. Barker, something I am going to have to remedy.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.

If your TBR needs a fun and imaginative fantasy mystery full of investigative misadventures then Mortedant’s Peril by RJ Barker is the book for you. This is my first book by RJ Barker and it definitely won’t be the last.

Perfect for fans of Robert Jackson Bennett with the feel of the Tainted Cup and a splash of Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. It is a delightfully witty and quirky story with a well-layered mystery and fascinating world-building that steals the show. I had a really great time with it.

It follows Irody Hasp, a cleric, tasked with reading the last thoughts of the dead. Barely tolerated amongst the members of his own guild and with jobs scarce to be found, Hasp reluctantly agrees to read the corpse of a low-level records keeper. But when his apprentice is killed shortly after and Hasp is framed for the murder, he sets off to clear his name with the help of an industrious street urchin named Mirial and Whisper, a mysterious sea person assigned as his guard. With his own life on the line, Hasp unravels the mysteries of the chaotic tiered city of Elbay, its strange automata and its sleeping god and stumbles into a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the city in its entirety.

Hasp as a narrator is quite unlikeable at the start of the book, with his arrogant nature and slightly prejudiced view to those ‘below’ him in the city. That, along with the heavy levels of world building at the beginning meant it took about a third of the book to really pull me in. But once the mystery really got going and our side characters were established the plot really picked up momentum and Hasp’s perspective starts to shift subtly over time until I found myself really liking him and the dynamic between him, Miriam and Whisper.

The world feels somewhat steampunk which is always a hit for me. The City of Elbay consists of 6 tiers, segregating the rich from the poor with rumours of a sleeping god in the city’s core, a mysterious ruler in the castle at the top of the hill, a periodic deadly ring of fire blasting from the city wills, and three Priories vying for power. There is the Mortedant’s Priory, the religious priory of the Worshipful, and the Spurrier’s Priory - who harvest animal souls to power mechanical marvels and ingenious creations for the wealthy and powerful. The complex politics between the priories and the class divide in the cities are a central part of the story’s conflict and well-explored throughout the mystery. As much as Mortedant’s Peril delves into the mysteries of Elbay, there is so much more to uncover with the city, not to mention the culture of the sea people and the world beyond the city that I really look forward to in future instalments.

There were a few points in the mystery where plot conveniences took me out of the story and felt inauthentic or Hasp was particularly dense and ignorant and made me want to shake him, however as the book developed these were lightly addressed and while they weren’t totally explained or resolved the ending clearly set up elements of future books and I will definitely read them when they come out!

Overall this was a 4 star read for me. A quirky cast of characters, unique world building and a mystery that balanced foreshadowing well will with keeping the reader guessing made for a fun read and a new series to keep your eye out for!

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor, RJ Barker and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of Mortedant's Peril.

Mortedant's Peril follows Irody Hasp, a Mortedant who can commune with the recently departed to see what their last moments were. He's disliked by a lot of his peers in the Mortedant order, and Mortedants themselves aren't the most liked. After Irody reads the corpse of a record keeper on one of the lower levels of the tiered city of Elbay, he's drawn into a conspiracy that is more than he bargained for. His apprentice is murdered and unless he is able to find the killer in only days, he will be executed as the murderer. He has to work with unlikely allies to find the real murderer before his time is up.

2.5 stars.

I am really sad about this one; I had high hopes for it but was sadly disappointed! I did really enjoy the worldbuilding and the magic system in this book; I thought the ringfire aspect was really unique and well done, and being in Elbay almost the whole book gave it a very claustrophobic feeling, which is great in a murder mystery such as this. However, the thing that really soured this book for me was Irody himself. In the beginning of the book he is so incredibly prejudiced against pretty much anyone that he deems as below him, like people who live on the lower tiers of the city, or people from other races such as the Sea People. Being in his head as he was being so negative all the time and thinking lots of snarky comments about other people while inflating himself just really didn't endear me to him at all. Even as he went through character growth and his inner monologue got less negative, I still didn't end up growing to like him, which is definitely a me thing. I imagine others will grow to love him as they read the story, but it just didn't happen for me, and that really affected my reading experience with this book. I did really like Whisper and Mirial as characters, and I do wish that we'd been following one of their POVs instead of Irody's as I think this would have made me enjoy the story so much more.

The murder mystery aspect was fun enough to keep me wanting to read the story, and as it progressed I was also interested to see how events would unfold, and even had some theories, which I got partially right, but for the most part I was quite disconnected from Irody's perspective and wasn't the most invested in his story. I also found that some of the plot points were resolved a little too conveniently for my liking, especially at a certain point in the book. However, I did find this to be a pretty quick read, and flew through it in only a few days. Now that I've finished, I don't think I'll be rushing to continue the series, however if I find myself in the mood for another fast read then I may pick the sequel up.

Overall I think this is just a case of this being the wrong book for me; it's definitely not a bad book in the slightest! I'd definitely recommend it if you want a fast paced murder mystery fantasy, and you enjoy reading about unlikeable characters that go through lots of growth and development as the story goes on.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irody Hasp is a mortedant, those who can read the last thoughts of the dead. Living in Elbay, a tiered city stratified by status, Hasp is rather down on his luck and his money. He takes a job reading a dead man of a lower tier, which unbeknownst to him is the beginning of a much larger plot - and which embroils Hasp into the plot's mechanisms after his neophyte is murdered.

The worldbuilding in this novel is the definite star. Elbay is richly imagined. The reader gets a sense of the crowded working class lower tiers and the haughty upper tiers. The ringfire, the gallows, even a bit of food gives the city a medieval+steampunk+fantasy setting that I found intriguing. The three main political sects of the city are the Mortedants, the Worshipful is Elbay's religious sect (reminded me of a jab at Christianity maybe?), and the Spurriers who use alchemy to create spirit forms like walking carriages and inhuman messengers. Each sect is faceted but outwardly antagonistic against the other sects.

The characters were a hit and miss for me. I loved Whisper, she is straightforward but with depth, and I think her backstory and the story of her people would make a really neat sequel or prequel. Niofa is also a good character, grey and otherworldly and slightly mad. Irody...I have mixed feelings about. He starts out very entitled, racist, and rather annoying. He does grow through the story in that regard, but I also feel like he didn't have as much agency as it seems. He kept moving where the events led and where others told him, but hesitantly, and it wasn't until the last quarter that he really makes a few actual choices and started to grow on me. Mirial felt younger than she was, stubborn to a fault, and while she does bring a fire under Hasp she also makes very naive decisions.

The plot is a mystery story, and several breadcrumbs and red herrings are provided. The middle seemed to stretch a little long and the ending wasn't a surprise to me, maybe because things were foreshadowed a bit too much. The story fit the world well, but I can't say it was the most earth-shattering. The prose was approachable, and some really nice descriptions of the feel of the city. I did find some inconsistencies - Hasp spends a lot of money for having no money, repeated phrases (like how everyone is excited for the upcoming festival but they don't know the bigger story), and some fantasy elements not being explained in a timely manner (like the firelances). A couple of very small deux ex machina moments at the end but they were small and could be skipped over intellectually.

Overall, this is a good installment to the "fantasy mystery" subgenre that I have been enjoying seeing more of lately. My qualms about some of the characters and prose are relatively small compared to my enjoyment of the overall story. The worldbuilding is the star and I can easily see sequel books being written in this same world. If you like high fantasy and mystery plots, I think you should definitely give this is a go.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for a chance to read the eARC.

[Jay Queue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to Mortedant's Peril by R.J. Barker because the premise reminded me of a favourite D&D spell ('Speak with the Dead') that I have seen used to great and entertaining effect in my campaigns. I have also been on an investigative mystery kick as of late, sparked by my delight with Robert Jackson Bennett's popular Tainted Cup and A Drop of Corruption, and Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series. This book did not disappoint, and might be my favourite of the genre I've read this year.

Irody Hasp is the titular Mortedant, described as a cleric with the ability to read the last thoughts of the dead. The story is told from his first-person point of view, which works very well. Hasp is at once a prickly loner, but also charming, self-depreciating, driven and intelligent, He starts off a bit full of himself - "Not all are as honest and hardworking as I am" he says, early on, with no hint of satire. It’s the sort of line that would make Hasp seem unlikable, but I knew at this moment I would enjoy his inner monologue. He sees himself as 'better' for his existence amongst the upper tiers even though he remains quite poor and somewhat of a black sheep among his Mortedant peers. He wonders repeatedly why anyone would ever want to leave Elbay, the ancient great city of automata and strange magic in which the story takes place, and looks down on those in the lower tiers and who live outside the city. But as the story takes off, he is forced to work with an unlikely pair of other societal outsiders to solve the central murder and prove his innocence. As they help each other untangle the conspiracy, he develops a deep respect for his companions that challenges him directly, and it becomes clear that Hasp is a fundamentally honest and good person, who has a deep longing to care for others. I could go on and on similarly about everything I loved about his companions, the delightful Whisper and Mirial, who were both rich and well realized in their own rights, but it would make this review 3x longer.

At its heart I found this to be as much a story of unlikely friendships and found family, as it was a murder mystery. Both the character development and the investigation were well paced. The relevance of the many clues and hints are well woven into the narrative, with Barker giving just enough to let me make connections and build my own plausible theories, while providing twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout. I also found the world of Elbay beautifully realized, full of politics and secrets that only add to the story's complexity.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and I thought Joe Eyre's narration was superb. He brings a vivid life to Elbay, to Hasp, and to the broader cast of characters.

TLDR: A captivating investigative fantasy murder mystery. Come for the bristly and compelling protagonist of Irody Hasp, stay for the charming companions and found family he builds with them. Perfect for those who enjoyed the Tainted Cup. I really loved it, and I can't wait for the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Tor for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook as a ARC.