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Markhat #3
Hold The Dark
Hold The Dark
Markhat the finder knows going missing in Rannit is as easy as stepping outside. But when vanished seamstress Martha Hoobin’s brothers hire Markhat to bring their sister home, he quickly finds himself face to fang with a murderous halfdead blood cult, a coven of treacherous Church leaders, and a vampire gangster with schemes all his own. Markhat’s only chance of survival may lie with a dark magic that brings power, but at an awful price.
In a city where the dead walk and the living must stay a step ahead, can a lone Finder survive to earn his fee?
Author’s Note:
Previously published, with a different cover, but under the same title.
There is an order to the Markhat Files series. They are best read in this order:
THREE MEAN STREETS
HOLD THE DARK
THE BANSHEE’S WALK
THE BROKEN BELL
BROWN RIVER QUEEN
THE FIVE FACES
THE DARKER CARNIVAL
WAY OUT WEST
Markhat the finder knows going missing in Rannit is as easy as stepping outside. But when vanished seamstress Martha Hoobin’s brothers hire Markhat to bring their sister home, he quickly finds himself face to fang with a murderous halfdead blood cult, a coven of treacherous Church leaders, and a vampire gangster with schemes all his own. Markhat’s only chance of survival may lie with a dark magic that brings power, but at an awful price.
In a city where the dead walk and the living must stay a step ahead, can a lone Finder survive to earn his fee?
Author’s Note:
Previously published, with a different cover, but under the same title.
There is an order to the Markhat Files series. They are best read in this order:
THREE MEAN STREETS
HOLD THE DARK
THE BANSHEE’S WALK
THE BROKEN BELL
BROWN RIVER QUEEN
THE FIVE FACES
THE DARKER CARNIVAL
WAY OUT WEST
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
14 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 27, 2023
Squee. I can't put this series down. Witty, interesting, well-written, an actual investigation--happy girl.
Markat has returned to the office after successfully solving a missing-persons case, and can only shake his head at the innocence of some people:
"You'd think that surviving the War would teach a man certain things--don't volunteer, don't go in first, don't put wads of cash in paper envelopes and ask a mob of strangers to take it cross country--but you'd be wrong."
Before he knows it, he on the job again: Martha Hoobin, steamstress for a high-end brothel, has disappeared. Her Hoobin brothers, each one larger than the last, are convinced she's in trouble, but their glowing descriptions of their sister's virtue have Markat struggling to rein in his sarcasm:
"She is the daughter of our mother, of our father,' said Ethel, as if that would explain the unimpeachable purity of Martha's soul. 'She sews. She does not leave home, without word, without warning. Martha does not do this thing.'
I might have asked a smaller man about the diameter and luminous intensity of his sister's halo. But I considered the restrained rural nature of the Hoobin sense of humor and merely nodded."
But Markat isn't the only impertinent being around:
"Then, with a great show of elaborate grace, he [the ogre] doffed his three-cornered, feathered hat, stepped out of my path, and motioned me to the doors with a grand, easy sweep of his clawed four-fingered hand.
'Enner, 'ordship,' he growled, grinning around his tusks. 'Enner.'
The doors opened as I hit the top step, and then I was inside, leaving sarcastic ogres and the clatter and rumble of downtown Rannit behind."
His investigation takes him to the Velvet, the establishment Martha is employed at, and Markhat finds himself struggling to control himself with all the seduction charms inside:
"The mojo lingered, though, and it did its best to turn my thoughts from purity, which meant it was reduced to the arcane equivalent of whispering things like 'see how she wears that pencil seductively behind her right ear' and 'those pants are rather tight, in a loose sort of way, are they not?'"
What is wonderful about the writing is the way Tuttle slowly builds from Marhat's perfunctory investigation into something truly horrific and dangerous. The prologue foreshadows the seriousness of the eventual conflict; the initial playfulness is the pretty wrapping paper stripped away as Markhat discovers corruption and evil. His search brings him into contact with the Corpsemaster, one of the most powerful beings in the land. The description in this section is thoroughly stomach churning, giving a sense of the dark side of the other beings, the politics of the city and his own stake.
I enjoyed the way the external conflict dovetailed with an internal one, and if parts of the plot weren't unexpected, they were deeply engaging--I was reading as I left work, the first time I've walked halls and taken elevators with my nose in a book for a very long time. I can't say I was surprised by the plot development, which is my only reason for a less than five star designation. Yet it occurs to me that Tuttle bears a crucial hallmark of a first-class story-teller; able to take familiar elements and craft a tale that not only has the listener chuckling, but gripping the edge of the seat.
Four-and-a-half stars
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/?p=1113
Markat has returned to the office after successfully solving a missing-persons case, and can only shake his head at the innocence of some people:
"You'd think that surviving the War would teach a man certain things--don't volunteer, don't go in first, don't put wads of cash in paper envelopes and ask a mob of strangers to take it cross country--but you'd be wrong."
Before he knows it, he on the job again: Martha Hoobin, steamstress for a high-end brothel, has disappeared. Her Hoobin brothers, each one larger than the last, are convinced she's in trouble, but their glowing descriptions of their sister's virtue have Markat struggling to rein in his sarcasm:
"She is the daughter of our mother, of our father,' said Ethel, as if that would explain the unimpeachable purity of Martha's soul. 'She sews. She does not leave home, without word, without warning. Martha does not do this thing.'
I might have asked a smaller man about the diameter and luminous intensity of his sister's halo. But I considered the restrained rural nature of the Hoobin sense of humor and merely nodded."
But Markat isn't the only impertinent being around:
"Then, with a great show of elaborate grace, he [the ogre] doffed his three-cornered, feathered hat, stepped out of my path, and motioned me to the doors with a grand, easy sweep of his clawed four-fingered hand.
'Enner, 'ordship,' he growled, grinning around his tusks. 'Enner.'
The doors opened as I hit the top step, and then I was inside, leaving sarcastic ogres and the clatter and rumble of downtown Rannit behind."
His investigation takes him to the Velvet, the establishment Martha is employed at, and Markhat finds himself struggling to control himself with all the seduction charms inside:
"The mojo lingered, though, and it did its best to turn my thoughts from purity, which meant it was reduced to the arcane equivalent of whispering things like 'see how she wears that pencil seductively behind her right ear' and 'those pants are rather tight, in a loose sort of way, are they not?'"
What is wonderful about the writing is the way Tuttle slowly builds from Marhat's perfunctory investigation into something truly horrific and dangerous. The prologue foreshadows the seriousness of the eventual conflict; the initial playfulness is the pretty wrapping paper stripped away as Markhat discovers corruption and evil. His search brings him into contact with the Corpsemaster, one of the most powerful beings in the land. The description in this section is thoroughly stomach churning, giving a sense of the dark side of the other beings, the politics of the city and his own stake.
I enjoyed the way the external conflict dovetailed with an internal one, and if parts of the plot weren't unexpected, they were deeply engaging--I was reading as I left work, the first time I've walked halls and taken elevators with my nose in a book for a very long time. I can't say I was surprised by the plot development, which is my only reason for a less than five star designation. Yet it occurs to me that Tuttle bears a crucial hallmark of a first-class story-teller; able to take familiar elements and craft a tale that not only has the listener chuckling, but gripping the edge of the seat.
Four-and-a-half stars
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/?p=1113
December 13, 2015
Whoa! What an emotional roller-coaster!
There are some unexpectedly dark turns in this story and just as F.Tuttle's humour works for me and makes me burst out laughing at the most unexpected moments - so does his horror and pain terrify me.
A very gripping dark story that starts of deceptively light and full of humour and keeps you at the edge of the seat through the rest of it.
There are some unexpectedly dark turns in this story and just as F.Tuttle's humour works for me and makes me burst out laughing at the most unexpected moments - so does his horror and pain terrify me.
A very gripping dark story that starts of deceptively light and full of humour and keeps you at the edge of the seat through the rest of it.
March 26, 2016
4.5
If it weren't for the prologue that tells you about something that will happen in the book way past the halfway mark, Hold the Dark would be perfect.
This time Markhat is hired by the Hoobins to find their missing sister, a seamstress. She seems to be one of the best people in the world, so there's no way she left her family or any other bad thing. Even the ogres liked her! And they don't like anyone.
Through her brothers you are given a glimpse of life of the New People. Unlike so many other books, you are shown how Martha Hoobin's family lives and from there you can draw your own conclusions about the way of life of part of the population.
Then there's Markhat's dealing with the Church and vampire houses. So much new information about the life in Rannit, the way Church operates and some surprising things about vampires.
The case soon turns into something horrendous. As expected, since this is Markhat we're talking about.
He will find love and he will form a deep friendship with an unlikely person. To top it all on the creepiness scale, he will also meet the Corpsemaster. The less I say about him, the better. Somehow I doubt this will be the last time we see him.
One of the things I liked the most (there are so many; as I said, it is almost perfect) is Mama Hog's way of taking care of Markhat.
I don't want to go into everything I loved about this book. I don't want to spoil anything. The subtle dark humour is still there and the writing is pretty damn great too.
If it weren't for the prologue that tells you about something that will happen in the book way past the halfway mark, Hold the Dark would be perfect.
This time Markhat is hired by the Hoobins to find their missing sister, a seamstress. She seems to be one of the best people in the world, so there's no way she left her family or any other bad thing. Even the ogres liked her! And they don't like anyone.
Through her brothers you are given a glimpse of life of the New People. Unlike so many other books, you are shown how Martha Hoobin's family lives and from there you can draw your own conclusions about the way of life of part of the population.
Then there's Markhat's dealing with the Church and vampire houses. So much new information about the life in Rannit, the way Church operates and some surprising things about vampires.
The case soon turns into something horrendous. As expected, since this is Markhat we're talking about.
He will find love and he will form a deep friendship with an unlikely person. To top it all on the creepiness scale, he will also meet the Corpsemaster. The less I say about him, the better. Somehow I doubt this will be the last time we see him.
One of the things I liked the most (there are so many; as I said, it is almost perfect) is Mama Hog's way of taking care of Markhat.
I don't want to go into everything I loved about this book. I don't want to spoil anything. The subtle dark humour is still there and the writing is pretty damn great too.
June 20, 2025
Stars: 5 out of 5
This was a lot darker than the previous 3 short stories in the series (and longer too), but still excellent.
I admit that Markhat is fast becoming one of my favorite private eyes, or Finder, as he calls himself. In this book, he goes into a very dark place, and I am not sure his soul left entirely unscathed. It was tense, and dark, and heartbreaking at times, and terrifying at others as well.
The secondary characters continue to be excellent. Mama Hog is great, as usual, and I admit that Evis is becoming my favorite. I hope we see more of him in future books.
I am going to continue with this series.
This was a lot darker than the previous 3 short stories in the series (and longer too), but still excellent.
I admit that Markhat is fast becoming one of my favorite private eyes, or Finder, as he calls himself. In this book, he goes into a very dark place, and I am not sure his soul left entirely unscathed. It was tense, and dark, and heartbreaking at times, and terrifying at others as well.
The secondary characters continue to be excellent. Mama Hog is great, as usual, and I admit that Evis is becoming my favorite. I hope we see more of him in future books.
I am going to continue with this series.
June 29, 2013
These Markhat books are really something special. Frank Tuttle creates Markhat's world effortlessly. Everything is revealed bit by bit. Nothing feels forced or contrived. You discover things and learn about the world as Markhat experiences them. And although the books are short, they are so good that you don't feel disappointed with them. Hold the Dark is no exception.
In this volume Markhat is hired to track down a missing woman - a seamstress for a brothel. In the course of his investigation the Finder discovers a much larger and much more sinister plot that brings him in touch with all sorts of colorful characters. The scenes with the Corpsemaster are loads of fun, especially the first encounter.
Four and a half stars rounded down to four. My only real knock on the book is that in the final confrontation, Markhat became more than human and I wasn't sure how I liked that. I much prefer the all too human Markhat in Dead Man's Rain who survives and overcomes challenges while being terribly vulnerable.
I'm hooked on these books and will absolutely be picking up the remaining volumes. They are just that good.
In this volume Markhat is hired to track down a missing woman - a seamstress for a brothel. In the course of his investigation the Finder discovers a much larger and much more sinister plot that brings him in touch with all sorts of colorful characters. The scenes with the Corpsemaster are loads of fun, especially the first encounter.
Four and a half stars rounded down to four. My only real knock on the book is that in the final confrontation, Markhat became more than human and I wasn't sure how I liked that. I much prefer the all too human Markhat in Dead Man's Rain who survives and overcomes challenges while being terribly vulnerable.
I'm hooked on these books and will absolutely be picking up the remaining volumes. They are just that good.
July 9, 2013
I can’t figure out why I like this series so much. I’m not a big fan of mystery noir nor I usually enjoy dark macho fantasy heroes, but I really like this series and its hero, the Finder Markhat. I look forward to reading more of his adventures. I guess the writer, Frank Tuttle, is to blame. He writes too well.
The plot of this short novel is running. It never stops and it’s so swift, I can’t relax. I know that on the next page, something unexpected will happen; some new and probably magical twist will occur. It always does in this series.
When Markhat accepts the job to find Martha, a seamstress to the most elite brothel in town, he is thrown into an intrigue so dark and terrible that even his skills as a finder mightn’t be enough to solve the problem. Women have been disappearing from the city streets for the past several months, and Martha is the latest victim. If he doesn’t find her in the next few days, she would definitely die… or worse. But how to find her? Like every investigator, in both real and fantasy settings, Markham starts by asking questions. He stirs the hornet’s nests and watches what will crawl out.
Street-smart and courageous, with an old-fashioned sense of honor, Markhat doesn’t shy away from hard tasks. His rugged charm tugs at my heart, his pluck and tenacity are endearing, and his irreverent remarks often make me chuckle. And he has a positive penchant of making friends. Without his friends, he mightn’t have been able to solve this case at all.
Tuttle involves several secondary characters in Markhat’s quest to find the young woman. Each one is vivid and distinct; each plays an important role in the story. Some of them, like his neighbor Mama Hog, an old street witch, are regulars in Markhat’s universe, making their cameo appearances in each novel. Others, like the horrifyingly repulsive Corpsemaster, the powerful sorcerer controlling corpses, only appear in one story (so far) but make a lasting impression. And some, like the vampire Evis Prestley (note the name!), become unexpected allies.
In general, Markham dislikes and distrusts the halfdead, but he makes an exception for Evis – a war veteran, just like Markhat, and an unusual vampire. They kind of bond during the investigation. Both are strongly motivated, although by different reasons, to bring the culprits who kidnap and murder young women to justice.
And last but not least, there is a young woman, Darla. Although Markham doesn’t seem to have a romantic bone in his aging soldier’s body, he falls for Darla, and I’m glad for him. His feelings are gruff and unsentimental, and all the more precious because of it. Darla is definitely smitten, maybe a bit faster than is realistic, but it’s a fantasy tale after all. Unfortunately, Markham’s infrequent interludes with Darla seem to stall the story. They’re not needed for the plot, so they seem alien, unnecessary. Perhaps they serve the next novels of the series.
The dénouement also disappointed. To fight the bad guys, Mama gives Markham a strange mojo, which makes him invincible. As a result, the last fight is only hinted upon. Markham as a man blacks out, for himself as well as for the readers, the mojo takes over, and the hero only wakes up when the fight is finished and every bad guy is dismembered. What happens in that scene is bloody but unclear. Maybe it’s for the best, considering the dismemberment part.
What the author concentrates on at this point is Markham’s inner struggle to maintain control, not to fall completely under the mojo’s malicious influence. The intertwined inner and outer conflicts make the protagonist's personality richer, but the details could’ve been handled better.
The language of this novel, like all the other Tuttle’s writing I’ve read up to now, is very clean, expressive, and spare. There are no extraneous words, no spelling mistakes, and almost no fluff. It was a delight to read and a challenge to close the book (or rather turn off the Kindle) for the night. Recommended.
The plot of this short novel is running. It never stops and it’s so swift, I can’t relax. I know that on the next page, something unexpected will happen; some new and probably magical twist will occur. It always does in this series.
When Markhat accepts the job to find Martha, a seamstress to the most elite brothel in town, he is thrown into an intrigue so dark and terrible that even his skills as a finder mightn’t be enough to solve the problem. Women have been disappearing from the city streets for the past several months, and Martha is the latest victim. If he doesn’t find her in the next few days, she would definitely die… or worse. But how to find her? Like every investigator, in both real and fantasy settings, Markham starts by asking questions. He stirs the hornet’s nests and watches what will crawl out.
Street-smart and courageous, with an old-fashioned sense of honor, Markhat doesn’t shy away from hard tasks. His rugged charm tugs at my heart, his pluck and tenacity are endearing, and his irreverent remarks often make me chuckle. And he has a positive penchant of making friends. Without his friends, he mightn’t have been able to solve this case at all.
Tuttle involves several secondary characters in Markhat’s quest to find the young woman. Each one is vivid and distinct; each plays an important role in the story. Some of them, like his neighbor Mama Hog, an old street witch, are regulars in Markhat’s universe, making their cameo appearances in each novel. Others, like the horrifyingly repulsive Corpsemaster, the powerful sorcerer controlling corpses, only appear in one story (so far) but make a lasting impression. And some, like the vampire Evis Prestley (note the name!), become unexpected allies.
In general, Markham dislikes and distrusts the halfdead, but he makes an exception for Evis – a war veteran, just like Markhat, and an unusual vampire. They kind of bond during the investigation. Both are strongly motivated, although by different reasons, to bring the culprits who kidnap and murder young women to justice.
And last but not least, there is a young woman, Darla. Although Markham doesn’t seem to have a romantic bone in his aging soldier’s body, he falls for Darla, and I’m glad for him. His feelings are gruff and unsentimental, and all the more precious because of it. Darla is definitely smitten, maybe a bit faster than is realistic, but it’s a fantasy tale after all. Unfortunately, Markham’s infrequent interludes with Darla seem to stall the story. They’re not needed for the plot, so they seem alien, unnecessary. Perhaps they serve the next novels of the series.
The dénouement also disappointed. To fight the bad guys, Mama gives Markham a strange mojo, which makes him invincible. As a result, the last fight is only hinted upon. Markham as a man blacks out, for himself as well as for the readers, the mojo takes over, and the hero only wakes up when the fight is finished and every bad guy is dismembered. What happens in that scene is bloody but unclear. Maybe it’s for the best, considering the dismemberment part.
What the author concentrates on at this point is Markham’s inner struggle to maintain control, not to fall completely under the mojo’s malicious influence. The intertwined inner and outer conflicts make the protagonist's personality richer, but the details could’ve been handled better.
The language of this novel, like all the other Tuttle’s writing I’ve read up to now, is very clean, expressive, and spare. There are no extraneous words, no spelling mistakes, and almost no fluff. It was a delight to read and a challenge to close the book (or rather turn off the Kindle) for the night. Recommended.
March 6, 2018
With this installment we've settled in to a much deeper horror vibe and that's alright because Tuttle has managed to be consistent in his writing all the way through books. Admittedly what I thought was going to be a light series with a snarky protagonist whose heart was pure and I'd enjoy between heavier reads has turned in to a fairly dark series. No Markhat isn't really any less snarky but the snark is much more a self defense mechanism than it is humorous, most of the time.
While decidedly a detective series Hold the Dark pits Markhat against a seriously nasty cult. We are exposed to Markhat's very human side and start to see his mortality in ways that a lot of writers couldn't have managed to get right. Tuttle has done an excellent job of character development here, and while it wasn't lacking in the previous two tales his prowess is really starting to show.
The world building continues and more is learned about the magic that exists outside of the shamanistic Mamma Hog. If this keeps up I could easily add this series to my top ten! I remain impressed by Tuttle hungry for more Markhat books. I am sort of glad I came to this series as late as I did because there is plenty here for me to read!
While decidedly a detective series Hold the Dark pits Markhat against a seriously nasty cult. We are exposed to Markhat's very human side and start to see his mortality in ways that a lot of writers couldn't have managed to get right. Tuttle has done an excellent job of character development here, and while it wasn't lacking in the previous two tales his prowess is really starting to show.
The world building continues and more is learned about the magic that exists outside of the shamanistic Mamma Hog. If this keeps up I could easily add this series to my top ten! I remain impressed by Tuttle hungry for more Markhat books. I am sort of glad I came to this series as late as I did because there is plenty here for me to read!
February 1, 2020
Still satisfying.
April 28, 2013
I've mentally divided this book up into the first two thirds or so, which I loved, and the last third, which was a bit of a disappointment.
I'll begin by writing about the first two thirds. That part of Hold the Dark was really good, and, I think, played a big part in helping to break the mild case of reader's block that had been weighing me down. As usual, I enjoyed Tuttle's sense of humor and Markhat's “voice.” The mystery was interesting, and I wanted to see if Markhat could manage to find Martha in time to save her from being killed. For once, Mama Hog was hobbled, unable to even drop cryptic-but-helpful hints. Markhat was pretty much on his own, and it made for some fun reading.
So did the introduction of a couple new characters. I'm not sure if the Corpsemaster will ever pop up again in this series, but I thought he was wonderfully horrifying to read about. And also nauseating. I kind of liked how much he freaked Markhat out. Darla, too, was a lot of fun, although for different reasons. I laughed a good bit when she took advantage her workplace's magical mojo to mess with Markhat's head a little. She was very sharp and reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Adora Belle Dearheart (Going Postal). The bit in the prologue, which stated that she had died, intrigued me, because I knew from reading descriptions of some of the later Markhat stories that she was going to be a recurring character. How was that going to work out? Was she going to be transformed into a vampire? I desperately wanted to know.
Unfortunately, what had started off as (so far) one of the strongest works in the Markhat series sort of fell apart when Markhat and Darla began dating. Darla had struck me as the sort of woman who'd make Markhat work for every bit of her time and attention. I figured it would take them until at least the next book before they started dating, and, in the meantime, I could look forward to lots of fantastic, clever, flirty conversation. Instead, they fell into a lovey dovey relationship incredibly quickly.
This, I soon learned, was meant to help the story along – it gave Markhat a reason to wallow in manpain after Darla died, thereby pushing him to do stupid things he might not have done if he and Darla had still been in the “attracted to each other, but still feeling things out” stage of their relationship. While I, the reader, felt like I was only just starting to get to know Darla, Markhat was so grief-filled that he was willing to plunge into the depths of magical darkness. I was not impressed, and the way Darla “saved” Markhat was another annoyance.
I really loved the first two thirds of this book, so my disappointment when the relationship between Markhat and Darla was fumbled so badly was pretty huge. I would definitely still recommend this series overall – Markhat is so much fun – but I hope that his and Darla's relationship becomes less gag-worthy later in the series. Darn it, I want Darla to be as awesome as it seemed like she was going to be when she was first introduced.
Other Comments:
- “Evis Prestley” as a character name? Really? If this was done as a joke, it's one of the few times Tuttle's humor has not worked for me – I just could not take the character seriously. I wish he'd been named something else.
[Goodreads rating note: My rating for the first two thirds would probably be 4 stars, maybe a little higher. My disappointment with the last third knocked it back to 3.5. I decided to round up.]
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I'll begin by writing about the first two thirds. That part of Hold the Dark was really good, and, I think, played a big part in helping to break the mild case of reader's block that had been weighing me down. As usual, I enjoyed Tuttle's sense of humor and Markhat's “voice.” The mystery was interesting, and I wanted to see if Markhat could manage to find Martha in time to save her from being killed. For once, Mama Hog was hobbled, unable to even drop cryptic-but-helpful hints. Markhat was pretty much on his own, and it made for some fun reading.
So did the introduction of a couple new characters. I'm not sure if the Corpsemaster will ever pop up again in this series, but I thought he was wonderfully horrifying to read about. And also nauseating. I kind of liked how much he freaked Markhat out. Darla, too, was a lot of fun, although for different reasons. I laughed a good bit when she took advantage her workplace's magical mojo to mess with Markhat's head a little. She was very sharp and reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Adora Belle Dearheart (Going Postal). The bit in the prologue, which stated that she had died, intrigued me, because I knew from reading descriptions of some of the later Markhat stories that she was going to be a recurring character. How was that going to work out? Was she going to be transformed into a vampire? I desperately wanted to know.
Unfortunately, what had started off as (so far) one of the strongest works in the Markhat series sort of fell apart when Markhat and Darla began dating. Darla had struck me as the sort of woman who'd make Markhat work for every bit of her time and attention. I figured it would take them until at least the next book before they started dating, and, in the meantime, I could look forward to lots of fantastic, clever, flirty conversation. Instead, they fell into a lovey dovey relationship incredibly quickly.
This, I soon learned, was meant to help the story along – it gave Markhat a reason to wallow in manpain after Darla died, thereby pushing him to do stupid things he might not have done if he and Darla had still been in the “attracted to each other, but still feeling things out” stage of their relationship. While I, the reader, felt like I was only just starting to get to know Darla, Markhat was so grief-filled that he was willing to plunge into the depths of magical darkness. I was not impressed, and the way Darla “saved” Markhat was another annoyance.
I really loved the first two thirds of this book, so my disappointment when the relationship between Markhat and Darla was fumbled so badly was pretty huge. I would definitely still recommend this series overall – Markhat is so much fun – but I hope that his and Darla's relationship becomes less gag-worthy later in the series. Darn it, I want Darla to be as awesome as it seemed like she was going to be when she was first introduced.
Other Comments:
- “Evis Prestley” as a character name? Really? If this was done as a joke, it's one of the few times Tuttle's humor has not worked for me – I just could not take the character seriously. I wish he'd been named something else.
[Goodreads rating note: My rating for the first two thirds would probably be 4 stars, maybe a little higher. My disappointment with the last third knocked it back to 3.5. I decided to round up.]
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
December 30, 2016
4.2 stars rounded down.
I know that each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but I'd like to think that this novel is one of the "major" ones of the Markhat series, since important secondary characters are introduced in this novel, and it's also longer than the previous installments.
The mystery was pretty interesting, though a tad gruesome.
Markhat and Mama Hog's relationship is really explored in this story, and we see just how much they trust and care for each other. Even though Markhat usually passes off her advice as superstition and exaggerations, he does actually listen to her.
Surprisingly enough, there is romance in this novel! Not the kind of dancing around that other urban fantasy novels with male leads feature. Darla and Markhat actually get together. I liked Darla a lot, and it was obvious that she could handle Markhat. The author nicely balanced the romance and mystery aspect of the novel, since the mystery wasn't put into the sidelines by the romance. Instead, the romance part was more of a small subplot. I'm pretty sure that more of Darla and Markhat's relationship will be explored in the next installments anyway, so I was fine with the romance being in the background.
Something big happens in this story actually, and I'm curious to see if there will be any repercussions for Markhat in the next novels. Nevertheless, it was cool to see him so badass. I'd also like to end this review with one of my favorite quotes from this novel:
An another great addition to the Markhat series. I can't wait to check out the next novels!
I know that each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but I'd like to think that this novel is one of the "major" ones of the Markhat series, since important secondary characters are introduced in this novel, and it's also longer than the previous installments.
The mystery was pretty interesting, though a tad gruesome.
Markhat and Mama Hog's relationship is really explored in this story, and we see just how much they trust and care for each other. Even though Markhat usually passes off her advice as superstition and exaggerations, he does actually listen to her.
Surprisingly enough, there is romance in this novel! Not the kind of dancing around that other urban fantasy novels with male leads feature. Darla and Markhat actually get together. I liked Darla a lot, and it was obvious that she could handle Markhat. The author nicely balanced the romance and mystery aspect of the novel, since the mystery wasn't put into the sidelines by the romance. Instead, the romance part was more of a small subplot. I'm pretty sure that more of Darla and Markhat's relationship will be explored in the next installments anyway, so I was fine with the romance being in the background.
Something big happens in this story actually, and I'm curious to see if there will be any repercussions for Markhat in the next novels. Nevertheless, it was cool to see him so badass. I'd also like to end this review with one of my favorite quotes from this novel:
“Hello, darling,” I said, as I drew her to my side. “Have these persons been less than polite to you?”
An another great addition to the Markhat series. I can't wait to check out the next novels!
May 31, 2014
Markhat - finder, is on the job again. Mama Hog, Evis Prestley (giggle) and Corpse-master oh my! Brimming with characters that are giant, unique and memorable. This one was a bit creepier in my opinion, I'll never think of a stagecoach in the same way again. Just Eew! A missing seamstress, a love found, a vampire and a bloodsucking rogue cult. Markhat is taken through the ringer on this job and nearly looses himself over to the darkness and all the while the corpse-master toys with him. Who can he truly trust seems to be the topic on the outside edge. Markhat books are a guilty pleasure, making me laugh, cringe, and at times give me the creeps.
A fun escape.
Thus far, these books seem (to my memory) rather clean. There is some innuendo of adult content with a bit of steam, but nothing brazen or outright in your face, this book more so than the first couple (subject matter being working girls - wink wink) but all in all a joy because there are no explicit sexual situations given in detail. Which I truly appreciate!
A fun escape.
Thus far, these books seem (to my memory) rather clean. There is some innuendo of adult content with a bit of steam, but nothing brazen or outright in your face, this book more so than the first couple (subject matter being working girls - wink wink) but all in all a joy because there are no explicit sexual situations given in detail. Which I truly appreciate!
February 24, 2015
Everyone should know Frank Tuttle and The Markhat Files
I got the first book in this series (The Mister Trophy) for free, it was a short story and I read it in a few hours, I purchased the next 7 books before I finished the first and have not been disappointed. This is a fantastic series that blends fantasy urban fantasy, mystery, supernatural beings, a smart ass finder (detective) and a one of a kind Mama Hog (my favorite character in the series) and winds up with a highly entertaining collection of words. Frank Tuttle can turn a phrase with the best of them, from laugh out loud funny to the passages you read over a few times because they're so clever. Do yourself a favor and check out these books, start with the first book in this series and I guarantee that you won't stop at just one.
I got the first book in this series (The Mister Trophy) for free, it was a short story and I read it in a few hours, I purchased the next 7 books before I finished the first and have not been disappointed. This is a fantastic series that blends fantasy urban fantasy, mystery, supernatural beings, a smart ass finder (detective) and a one of a kind Mama Hog (my favorite character in the series) and winds up with a highly entertaining collection of words. Frank Tuttle can turn a phrase with the best of them, from laugh out loud funny to the passages you read over a few times because they're so clever. Do yourself a favor and check out these books, start with the first book in this series and I guarantee that you won't stop at just one.
Read
February 13, 2012But. . . but. . . Darla's alive? No! So Markhat has turned into Mr. Valentine? So his spirit has been botoxed by Love? No!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book until Darla reappeared, skin and bones intact. I actually groaned out an expletive. I don't want Markhat the boyfriend, and certainly not Markhat the husband. One of the reasons I've so adored this series is that it's been blessedly free of romance. I mean, romance is wonderful -- we all know that -- but once in a while I crave superb, imaginative fiction devoid of all the usual tropes.
Oh, man. I'm afraid I can no longer look forward to the next two novels in the series. In fact, I couldn't even bring myself to read the end of this one.
What a damned shame.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book until Darla reappeared, skin and bones intact. I actually groaned out an expletive. I don't want Markhat the boyfriend, and certainly not Markhat the husband. One of the reasons I've so adored this series is that it's been blessedly free of romance. I mean, romance is wonderful -- we all know that -- but once in a while I crave superb, imaginative fiction devoid of all the usual tropes.
Oh, man. I'm afraid I can no longer look forward to the next two novels in the series. In fact, I couldn't even bring myself to read the end of this one.
What a damned shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2016
I've started turning to Frank's books when I'm just fed up with my world because Rannit is way worse but also very entertaining. It's kind of like a fantasy version of the Jerry Springer show but with more blood.
This was another great tale with some disgustingly evocative and effective descriptions, and Markhat finally meets up with a potential romantic partner who can handle him. I won't say any more about her, just that it was fun to read Markhat's feelings as they dawn and then as he recognizes them. Mama Hog makes appearances, of course, and I loved pretty much all of the secondary characters. Can't wait to read the next one!
This was another great tale with some disgustingly evocative and effective descriptions, and Markhat finally meets up with a potential romantic partner who can handle him. I won't say any more about her, just that it was fun to read Markhat's feelings as they dawn and then as he recognizes them. Mama Hog makes appearances, of course, and I loved pretty much all of the secondary characters. Can't wait to read the next one!
May 21, 2013
First real book in the series.. It did not fail to amaze! Much of what didn't impress me in the previous short-stories got cured in this one.. Much more depth, two-three important characters got introduced and fleshed out nicely. We got a really nice taste for the magical aspects of the universe. Cool plot-threads that i expect will be taken up later got introduced. In all, I enjoyed myself immensely throughout..
I recommend this very highly to everyone who liked the Dresden Files, Garrett PI or in fact just good books in general..
I recommend this very highly to everyone who liked the Dresden Files, Garrett PI or in fact just good books in general..
April 17, 2010
This is the first novel-length story about Markhat, and I think that helped it out. A lot of the stuff I wondered about from the first two stories still isn't explained in this one, but the story itself was more involved. It was a missing person type mystery, and that part of the story really pulled me along. Markhat also gets a love interest in this one, although that's not really developed as well as I was hoping. Still, it was an enjoyable read. I'll be reading the fourth book too.
May 12, 2012
I was happy to have a full length Markhat novel at last. This character is too much fun to be satisfied with short stories. This novel was twisty and mysterious as always, and while the Corpsetaker was a bit grim, the gore was not overwhelming as it can be in some books. Further character development was nice to see, and I look forward to more of this in the future. Another great read from Mr. Tuttle.
June 20, 2011
I feel bad giving these stories 4 stars. They are solid 4.5 material, and it's only because I've started strictly enforcing my own private "5 star" rule that I don't go ahead and bump them up. I LOVE these stories and this author. The material is fresh and fun, despite being a tad dark. Definitely not the sort of thing you run into every day.
April 28, 2014
The series gets better and better. The world that Markhat lives in is a dark and gruesome world. A place where to win a war an uneasy peace was made with vampires who now hold a legal place in society. A legal place that allows anyone outside after curfew to be fair game for hungry vampires. So far none of the books have been long, but they all have been page turners from the start.
April 9, 2013
Its got a bit more umf than the previous (chronologically speaking) installments, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I feel three stars is a little generous at this point, but what the hell. Ratings are pretty frivolous anyhow. Sometimes. Concerning this type of book at least.
Ramble.
Ramble.
June 29, 2014
I liked the longer length of this one - more novella than short story, although I was rather disappointed that the last 10% was actually promo, not story. (That's not the fault of the story, however, and isn't reflected in my rating).
September 13, 2016
This was excellent. The Markhat series is starting to feel like cross between the Dresden files and Terry Pratchett. Which is very high praise indeed! I really enjoyed the longer length compared to the previous two short stories and the additional world and character building this leads to.
June 17, 2014
4.5 Stars
Markhat the Finder!
Markhat the Finder!
July 22, 2014
Markhat by himself is pretty wonderful. Markhat with Darla is fantastic!
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