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Necropolis
"Dying is easy. It’s staying dead that’s hard."
Ancient prophecies, vile creatures of the abyss, and sardonic wit abound in this epic supernatural-suspense mystery/thriller about Rip Eulogy, a modern-day necromancer bridging the gap between the living and the dead for a fee.
When the police ask for his help identifying a homicide victim, it’s the body of a past client he finds lying on the morgue slab with no clothes, no I.D. and no brain. An old case of post-mortem retribution against an escaped war criminal has come back to haunt Rip at the worst possible moment, just when financial problems, competition from psychics, and a contract killer threaten to put him out of business permanently.
What begins as a single unexplainable death leads to a string of murders that promises to culminate in the end of all life on earth.
Ancient prophecies, vile creatures of the abyss, and sardonic wit abound in this epic supernatural-suspense mystery/thriller about Rip Eulogy, a modern-day necromancer bridging the gap between the living and the dead for a fee.
When the police ask for his help identifying a homicide victim, it’s the body of a past client he finds lying on the morgue slab with no clothes, no I.D. and no brain. An old case of post-mortem retribution against an escaped war criminal has come back to haunt Rip at the worst possible moment, just when financial problems, competition from psychics, and a contract killer threaten to put him out of business permanently.
What begins as a single unexplainable death leads to a string of murders that promises to culminate in the end of all life on earth.
460 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2017
123 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
Shane Simmons
50 books45 followersShane Simmons is an award-winning screenwriter and graphic novelist whose work has appeared in international film festivals, museums and lectures about design and structure. His art has been discussed in multiple books and academic journals about sequential storytelling, and his short stories have been printed in critically praised anthologies of history, crime and horror. He was born in Lachine, a suburb of Montreal best known for being massacred in 1689 and having a joke name.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 7, 2019
* This is one of the #SPFBO titles I read for this year as a judge *
I have to admit, this one was a fun one. Imagine a world where Necromancers are for hire, they're snarky, they're sassy and they're involved in crazy day-by-day activities. That's this book.
We follow a main character called Rip Eulogy. He's a Necromancer by trade and he's a fairly comical guy in general. This is Urban fantasy of the sort I enjoy, and that's pretty particular. I find humour in books and fantasy to be pretty niche and subjective, and this book managed to completely tap into what I love about snark and wit.
There's a big adventure in this book, all to do with goldfish un-dead, slaughterhouses, ghost-like wraiths and more. Rip, of course, is at the centre of all of it, and we follow him and his friends as they try to suss out what on earth (or beyond) is going on.
I really enjoyed the tone of this book and the way it was a very easy story to follow, but it had layers of complexity and plot too. The characters of Rebecca and Rip are the two we see most, and although I can't say I'd like them both if I met them I did understand them and their scenarios and actions throughout the book as I read.
My one real niggle with this story was the ending which I found a little bit of a cop-out. I think it would be interesting to see where book 2 goes (as I see there is one planned) and I would read that, but I would have liked the plot to resolve in this one slightly more 'believably' (hard to ask when it's fantasy).
Overall, this is a solid start to a series which I think I could really enjoy going forward. I found myself constantly reaching to pick up the book wen I wasn't reading it, and I would certainly recommend it if you think the madness above sounds good to you! 4*s
I have to admit, this one was a fun one. Imagine a world where Necromancers are for hire, they're snarky, they're sassy and they're involved in crazy day-by-day activities. That's this book.
We follow a main character called Rip Eulogy. He's a Necromancer by trade and he's a fairly comical guy in general. This is Urban fantasy of the sort I enjoy, and that's pretty particular. I find humour in books and fantasy to be pretty niche and subjective, and this book managed to completely tap into what I love about snark and wit.
There's a big adventure in this book, all to do with goldfish un-dead, slaughterhouses, ghost-like wraiths and more. Rip, of course, is at the centre of all of it, and we follow him and his friends as they try to suss out what on earth (or beyond) is going on.
I really enjoyed the tone of this book and the way it was a very easy story to follow, but it had layers of complexity and plot too. The characters of Rebecca and Rip are the two we see most, and although I can't say I'd like them both if I met them I did understand them and their scenarios and actions throughout the book as I read.
My one real niggle with this story was the ending which I found a little bit of a cop-out. I think it would be interesting to see where book 2 goes (as I see there is one planned) and I would read that, but I would have liked the plot to resolve in this one slightly more 'believably' (hard to ask when it's fantasy).
Overall, this is a solid start to a series which I think I could really enjoy going forward. I found myself constantly reaching to pick up the book wen I wasn't reading it, and I would certainly recommend it if you think the madness above sounds good to you! 4*s
February 12, 2018
Drat. I really loved this book. Great snark and cynic level. Great protagonist. Great flow.
Suddenly it bogged down with a little plot twist/device, and got a bit convoluted.
Then it ended. It ended. I did not expect that ending. I was sorely disappointed in that ending.
So it's this necromancer dude, stumbling around doing necromancer things. Trying to scrounge a few bucks out of corpses, etc. Missing bills. Summoning the office assistant from Hell. Stuff like that. Great fun stuff. Totally socially dysfunctional. Can you imagine a cuter and cuddlier protagonist? Were we supposed to not like him much?
Anyway, there is a hint of an upcoming sequel of sorts. I suppose that should give us some hope? We'll see.
Why 4? It was a solid 5 in most ways. But that bogging down in the plot device that I won't spoil for you. That's where the 4 came from. Read it and see for yourself.
Suddenly it bogged down with a little plot twist/device, and got a bit convoluted.
Then it ended. It ended. I did not expect that ending. I was sorely disappointed in that ending.
So it's this necromancer dude, stumbling around doing necromancer things. Trying to scrounge a few bucks out of corpses, etc. Missing bills. Summoning the office assistant from Hell. Stuff like that. Great fun stuff. Totally socially dysfunctional. Can you imagine a cuter and cuddlier protagonist? Were we supposed to not like him much?
Anyway, there is a hint of an upcoming sequel of sorts. I suppose that should give us some hope? We'll see.
Why 4? It was a solid 5 in most ways. But that bogging down in the plot device that I won't spoil for you. That's where the 4 came from. Read it and see for yourself.
July 24, 2017
A complex yet easy-to read, beautifully-crafted, dark, funny masterpiece.
I don't know how the author is going to follow it up in the sequels, but I'm looking forward to them!
I don't know how the author is going to follow it up in the sequels, but I'm looking forward to them!
September 12, 2020
5 stars
2020-2021 Book Bingo: Canadian author (self-published)
I’ve been reading more self-published books this year, and this is exactly the reason why. This book is a gem, and I hope that Shane Simmons gets more recognition in the future.
An irreverent black comedy, “Necropolis” tells the story of Rip Eulogy, a gumshoe detective / necromancer trying to eke out a living in the big city. His odd jobs range from prying bank account information from deceased relatives to tracking down the remains of Nazi war criminals. All of this is served with acid wit; I laughed out loud at least once per chapter, which is surprising given the subject matter.
The plot is tightly paced, evoking classic tales like “The Maltese Falcon” while maintaining a highly original and unpredictable second act. As a bonus, side characters include a secretary who is actually a talking skull, a modern-day moirologist, and a possessed dead goldfish.
Fans of horror comedy, please pick this book up. It will not disappoint. I bought the sequel already! (And the series is apparently only a duology, for fans of shorter series.)
2020-2021 Book Bingo: Canadian author (self-published)
I’ve been reading more self-published books this year, and this is exactly the reason why. This book is a gem, and I hope that Shane Simmons gets more recognition in the future.
An irreverent black comedy, “Necropolis” tells the story of Rip Eulogy, a gumshoe detective / necromancer trying to eke out a living in the big city. His odd jobs range from prying bank account information from deceased relatives to tracking down the remains of Nazi war criminals. All of this is served with acid wit; I laughed out loud at least once per chapter, which is surprising given the subject matter.
The plot is tightly paced, evoking classic tales like “The Maltese Falcon” while maintaining a highly original and unpredictable second act. As a bonus, side characters include a secretary who is actually a talking skull, a modern-day moirologist, and a possessed dead goldfish.
Fans of horror comedy, please pick this book up. It will not disappoint. I bought the sequel already! (And the series is apparently only a duology, for fans of shorter series.)
July 15, 2019
Wow. That was the best urban fantasy I've read in a long time. Couldn't put it down for long - food, sleep, other things necessary to existence, but that was it. Inhaled it in a day. Kind of a wee bit reminiscent of Butcher's Dresden files - back at the beginning of that series - but with a style all its own. The end, though? I can't even begin to... Argh. As soon as I finished it, I scrambled to find the sequel - and paid full price for it. (If you know me, you know that means a ton.) Broke chick readin' here. Anyway, I have to know what happens. Like now. Or as soon as my Kindle recharges. (Which also means a lot since I rarely read sequels back to back.) Here's hoping the next one is as awesome as this one.
January 9, 2020
Mixed feelings on this one.
None of the characters stand out - or rather, I felt no connection to any of them. That said, "Rip Eulogy" is the protagonist in this tale. He is a broke, necromancer-for-hire that has a pretty cool skill beyond the ability to talk to the dead: He can't die.
The story itself is pretty ambitious. Beyond the necromancy, there is time-travel and the Apocalypse is just around the corner. At its core, there is the who-done-it detective thread going through the tale. It makes the back-half of the book pretty entertaining.
About the first half of the book is slow going, but things pick up substantially and there is a fun flow through the rest of the read. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending.
3.6 Stars.
None of the characters stand out - or rather, I felt no connection to any of them. That said, "Rip Eulogy" is the protagonist in this tale. He is a broke, necromancer-for-hire that has a pretty cool skill beyond the ability to talk to the dead: He can't die.
The story itself is pretty ambitious. Beyond the necromancy, there is time-travel and the Apocalypse is just around the corner. At its core, there is the who-done-it detective thread going through the tale. It makes the back-half of the book pretty entertaining.
About the first half of the book is slow going, but things pick up substantially and there is a fun flow through the rest of the read. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending.
3.6 Stars.
October 18, 2019
Fun
The MC is a sort of Noire character with very limited social skills and a twisted childhood. He's reminiscent of Harry Dresden minus the fashion sense. It's hard to empathize with him but he's fun to read, even as he's making some small steps to learn empathy. The
His few friends are a weird bunch and they get weirder. He isn't fast on the thinking through things but he does act on his feet pretty quickly. I wanted him to win his battles, mostly to save his friends from the fallout of his failures.
The novel is Dresden-esque but not as warm, yet was still fun to read. I liked the take on death and he supernatural. Must read the next book.
The MC is a sort of Noire character with very limited social skills and a twisted childhood. He's reminiscent of Harry Dresden minus the fashion sense. It's hard to empathize with him but he's fun to read, even as he's making some small steps to learn empathy. The
His few friends are a weird bunch and they get weirder. He isn't fast on the thinking through things but he does act on his feet pretty quickly. I wanted him to win his battles, mostly to save his friends from the fallout of his failures.
The novel is Dresden-esque but not as warm, yet was still fun to read. I liked the take on death and he supernatural. Must read the next book.
August 5, 2018
Taking Quirky to Amazing New Levels
Once upon a time, as every good story begins, I believed I had met the ultimate in quirky, never-before-imagined characters. Not since Dean Koontz introduced me to "Odd Thomas" have I traversed a mystery with a more unusual gang of misfits than I have now with "Necropolis". Simmons brings together an entire community of multi-faceted, amusing, enduring weirdos I just want to spend more time with. I thoroughly enjoyed every second and can't wait to dive into whatever is next in this fascinating new world.
Once upon a time, as every good story begins, I believed I had met the ultimate in quirky, never-before-imagined characters. Not since Dean Koontz introduced me to "Odd Thomas" have I traversed a mystery with a more unusual gang of misfits than I have now with "Necropolis". Simmons brings together an entire community of multi-faceted, amusing, enduring weirdos I just want to spend more time with. I thoroughly enjoyed every second and can't wait to dive into whatever is next in this fascinating new world.
September 28, 2018
I’m not sure what I expected when I bought this book but whatever is was, this wasn’t it. The book is reasonably well written & peppered with characters I had trouble believing in or caring about. I will not be buying Book 2. That being said I am sure there are many readers who will really enjoy this book.
October 19, 2018
Unlike any other
This book was exceptional! The author is very well spoken and gives real life to the characters and locations. As far as content it’s wonderfully weird and creepy. It’s unlike any paranormal-esc book I’ve read. And the plot is twisted and strange. Excellent book!
This book was exceptional! The author is very well spoken and gives real life to the characters and locations. As far as content it’s wonderfully weird and creepy. It’s unlike any paranormal-esc book I’ve read. And the plot is twisted and strange. Excellent book!
February 4, 2020
Necromancer vs comedy and the end times
Don’t get me wrong. This is not a funny book. I don’t think it was meant to be. But amid the tension and the Agatha Christie like mystery, he had some great one liners that made me LOL. Thank you Shane for the experience.
Don’t get me wrong. This is not a funny book. I don’t think it was meant to be. But amid the tension and the Agatha Christie like mystery, he had some great one liners that made me LOL. Thank you Shane for the experience.
April 19, 2020
This Author is Unique
I didnt expect more than the usual supernatural formula from this book, but ive unexpectedly found a unique & compelling character. I highly recommend this book to Jim Butcher fans. Its darker than Butcher's work, but excellent.
I didnt expect more than the usual supernatural formula from this book, but ive unexpectedly found a unique & compelling character. I highly recommend this book to Jim Butcher fans. Its darker than Butcher's work, but excellent.
May 22, 2017
Rip is a necromancer and he's been asked to help out in a murder case. Interesting book for a first time read with this author. Don't miss out.
September 24, 2017
Unique and funny. This was an enjoyable read.
December 21, 2017
Very good
This was different and a lot of fun to read.
I'm looking forward to book two.
I don't have a clue how he is going to top this though.
This was different and a lot of fun to read.
I'm looking forward to book two.
I don't have a clue how he is going to top this though.
August 16, 2018
Genuinely Weird
This novel is the first truly novel novel I’ve read. It’s funny and imaginative, a real page turner, and touching in an odd way.
This novel is the first truly novel novel I’ve read. It’s funny and imaginative, a real page turner, and touching in an odd way.
January 25, 2019
Good
It was a very good read until the ending of the book. I thought that he would end the thing that was a Charlie. I suppose that is what happens when there may be another book.
It was a very good read until the ending of the book. I thought that he would end the thing that was a Charlie. I suppose that is what happens when there may be another book.
June 1, 2020
Fun book
Antisocial hero quirky characters and a lot of sarcasm. What's not to like about this book? It's a quick read and quite and anventure.
Antisocial hero quirky characters and a lot of sarcasm. What's not to like about this book? It's a quick read and quite and anventure.
June 15, 2019
I finished this book over a week ago, and I’ve been trying to write my review ever since. I loved everything about this. It’s full of dry humor, sarcasm, dark comedy, and gore so vividly written that one scene in particular made me regret reading on my lunch break. If you’re into necromancers and humor of the darkest kind, this is definitely the book for you. I want everyone to read it so I have someone to talk to about it.
It’s listed as the first book in a series, but as far as I can tell, no others have been written yet. The good thing is, this book does work as a stand-alone. But I hope the story someday continues so I can live in this world some more.
It’s listed as the first book in a series, but as far as I can tell, no others have been written yet. The good thing is, this book does work as a stand-alone. But I hope the story someday continues so I can live in this world some more.
July 15, 2017
I can't remember why this book was on my Kindle - maybe someone had recommended it? Regardless, it was on my Kindle, so I had decided wanted to read it.
This turned out to be a good story, with interesting characters and an interesting premise. It sort of feels like the Dresden Files, but there are plenty of differences. It's dark, and it's gritty, and it's fascinating.
This turned out to be a good story, with interesting characters and an interesting premise. It sort of feels like the Dresden Files, but there are plenty of differences. It's dark, and it's gritty, and it's fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews