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Dead & Talking: A Porter & The Gliss Investigation
Porter Norton is saved from suicide by a strange and sarcatic spirit who then gives him a mission to right historical injustices or die. Porter has to decide whether to seek medical help or just go along with it before his sister has him locked up. For generations, all the men of his family have committed suicide. He soon discovers that his first case, clearing a World War 1 soldier executed for spying - has links to his own family history. Given the gift of being able to eavesdrop on the dead's last words and deeds - but only if he's near their remains - Porter picks up an ensemble of quirky misfit helpers to try and sort out the mess that's been dumped in his lap.
No-one believes his story and even his helpers believe he might be ill. However, a perverse evil from WW1 has also been resurrected. It is after, not just Porter and his friends, but the whole world.
No-one believes his story and even his helpers believe he might be ill. However, a perverse evil from WW1 has also been resurrected. It is after, not just Porter and his friends, but the whole world.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2019
12 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Des Burkinshaw
4 books6 followersBorn in the middle of the Summer of Love on a pre-fab council estate in Luton, teenage bitterness and a chance viewing of the Watergate movie, All the President’s Men, made him vow to become a journalist and bring down the government.
First he had to pay for his journalism course, so he became a civil servant. Literally the day he had enough for his fees, he packed it in.
Twelve years on from watching the film, he was a journalist at The Times and had a big hand in bringing down John Major’s government. News ambitions sated, he packed that in too.
Several years of working for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC as a senior producer saw him working across the world, but he eventually got fed up with asking bands how the new album was coming along, and packed it in.
He set up his own production company magnificent! in 2002 and simultaneously worked on the BBC Live Events team for another 10 years. But then six years of work on the Olympics came along, so he packed the BBC in. Again.
Des has jammed with many of his heroes from Paul McCartney to Brian Wilson, Queen to Nancy Sinatra. He has interviewed many A-listers, including David Bowie, Michael Caine, John Cleese and even Noam Chomsky.
He has directed/produced a fairly long list of people – Muse, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, produced BBC3’s Glastonbury coverage for a couple of years, made films about leprosy in India, comedy shorts with Miranda Hart and Lenny Henry and played guitar for Chas and Dave at the Hackney Empire.
He has made 300+ short films for the Queen, MI5, the BBC, Sky, Discovery, EMI, the British Academy and dozens of authorities, charities and private sector firms. His most recent publication was a series of interviews with leading academics like Mary Beard on the state of the humanities which was published as a standalone magazine by the British Academy.
Fed up with travelling and determined to be a half-decent dad, he now works in London as often as he can. He runs the Young Directors Film School making movies with young people and is about to head up the Digital Film and Video MA at Tileyard. An avid musician and producer, he releases his third album as Romano Chorizo (he plays drums, bass, piano, guitar and really bad sax).
He hates to be pigeon-holed, thinks creativity is a learned state of mind and wishes they would teach people memory and learning techniques at school.
Dead & Talking is his first novel, the first in a series of Porter & The Gliss investigations.
First he had to pay for his journalism course, so he became a civil servant. Literally the day he had enough for his fees, he packed it in.
Twelve years on from watching the film, he was a journalist at The Times and had a big hand in bringing down John Major’s government. News ambitions sated, he packed that in too.
Several years of working for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC as a senior producer saw him working across the world, but he eventually got fed up with asking bands how the new album was coming along, and packed it in.
He set up his own production company magnificent! in 2002 and simultaneously worked on the BBC Live Events team for another 10 years. But then six years of work on the Olympics came along, so he packed the BBC in. Again.
Des has jammed with many of his heroes from Paul McCartney to Brian Wilson, Queen to Nancy Sinatra. He has interviewed many A-listers, including David Bowie, Michael Caine, John Cleese and even Noam Chomsky.
He has directed/produced a fairly long list of people – Muse, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, produced BBC3’s Glastonbury coverage for a couple of years, made films about leprosy in India, comedy shorts with Miranda Hart and Lenny Henry and played guitar for Chas and Dave at the Hackney Empire.
He has made 300+ short films for the Queen, MI5, the BBC, Sky, Discovery, EMI, the British Academy and dozens of authorities, charities and private sector firms. His most recent publication was a series of interviews with leading academics like Mary Beard on the state of the humanities which was published as a standalone magazine by the British Academy.
Fed up with travelling and determined to be a half-decent dad, he now works in London as often as he can. He runs the Young Directors Film School making movies with young people and is about to head up the Digital Film and Video MA at Tileyard. An avid musician and producer, he releases his third album as Romano Chorizo (he plays drums, bass, piano, guitar and really bad sax).
He hates to be pigeon-holed, thinks creativity is a learned state of mind and wishes they would teach people memory and learning techniques at school.
Dead & Talking is his first novel, the first in a series of Porter & The Gliss investigations.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 21, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Poor Cherry. As much comfort as a pair of nettle knickers.
You’re about as much use as a sniper with Parkinson’s…
Porter sipped the coffee. After the drink and drugs, it was like getting a snog from Aphrodite.
Get me some water. I’m drier than an Arab’s roof. Has someone been stuffing my gob full of crackers?
“There’s one room here, the Oubliette, where a ghost strokes you in the night. Not in a nice way either.” “Is there a nice way to be stroked by a ghost in the night?” “Probably not, but then I’ve been single for a while,” said Feng.
Feng expected to find a doddery old man, wrapped in blankets, dribbling. He was met, instead, by a chipper bald-headed man, with monstrous tentacles of nasal hair... His white eyebrows were the size of slippers. More hair than Barry Gibb in his prime –none of it on top.
They’re not Bond villains with a masterplan. They're the spiritual equivalent of a plague… There are nuclear and chemical weapons now. If yours gets to its full power… It would take seconds for it to realise it should go after the man with the nuclear football. Look who's holding that. He's barely got a mind to control, but I'm guessing, what there is of it, would be easy prey.
He pressed the Facetime button. Zouche appeared, picking his nose, with the gusto of the Seven Dwarves digging for diamonds.
Awkwardness patrolled their corridor like a Pac-Man.
My Review:
Admittedly, anything paranormal is not my usual read but there is nothing about this cunningly crafted, highly amusing and vastly imaginative tale that could be considered as usual. The original storylines were exceptionally creative and bristled robustly with intriguing conundrums and life-threatening events that kept the initially skeptical characters scurrying and adapting on the fly. Mr. Burkinshaw’s tantalizing and engaging writing style quickly lured me into his characters' rather odd vortex, while his clever humor and sneaky strokes of levity had me occasionally barking aloud, as well as smirking and giggle-snorting throughout.
His deftly penned descriptions evoked sharp visuals, which were often outrageously comical, although a few gave my delicate intestines a queasy churn. This deviously clever scribe cast his tale with an unending group of peculiar characters who were each perceptively drawn with their own quirky traits and unique histories, while also realistically delineated with recognizable and mind-tickling human foibles which often led to humorous encounters, and delightfully amusing observations and inner musings. I had four pages of favorite quotes and notes highlighted and have gleefully added his name to my list of talents to watch and hope I am paying attention when his next missive is given wings.
I’ve gained three new words and phrases for my ever-expanding Brit Word List with struck off – which is officially being barred from working in one’s profession or field; bonce – head; and screaming abdabs – being extreme nervousness.
Poor Cherry. As much comfort as a pair of nettle knickers.
You’re about as much use as a sniper with Parkinson’s…
Porter sipped the coffee. After the drink and drugs, it was like getting a snog from Aphrodite.
Get me some water. I’m drier than an Arab’s roof. Has someone been stuffing my gob full of crackers?
“There’s one room here, the Oubliette, where a ghost strokes you in the night. Not in a nice way either.” “Is there a nice way to be stroked by a ghost in the night?” “Probably not, but then I’ve been single for a while,” said Feng.
Feng expected to find a doddery old man, wrapped in blankets, dribbling. He was met, instead, by a chipper bald-headed man, with monstrous tentacles of nasal hair... His white eyebrows were the size of slippers. More hair than Barry Gibb in his prime –none of it on top.
They’re not Bond villains with a masterplan. They're the spiritual equivalent of a plague… There are nuclear and chemical weapons now. If yours gets to its full power… It would take seconds for it to realise it should go after the man with the nuclear football. Look who's holding that. He's barely got a mind to control, but I'm guessing, what there is of it, would be easy prey.
He pressed the Facetime button. Zouche appeared, picking his nose, with the gusto of the Seven Dwarves digging for diamonds.
Awkwardness patrolled their corridor like a Pac-Man.
My Review:
Admittedly, anything paranormal is not my usual read but there is nothing about this cunningly crafted, highly amusing and vastly imaginative tale that could be considered as usual. The original storylines were exceptionally creative and bristled robustly with intriguing conundrums and life-threatening events that kept the initially skeptical characters scurrying and adapting on the fly. Mr. Burkinshaw’s tantalizing and engaging writing style quickly lured me into his characters' rather odd vortex, while his clever humor and sneaky strokes of levity had me occasionally barking aloud, as well as smirking and giggle-snorting throughout.
His deftly penned descriptions evoked sharp visuals, which were often outrageously comical, although a few gave my delicate intestines a queasy churn. This deviously clever scribe cast his tale with an unending group of peculiar characters who were each perceptively drawn with their own quirky traits and unique histories, while also realistically delineated with recognizable and mind-tickling human foibles which often led to humorous encounters, and delightfully amusing observations and inner musings. I had four pages of favorite quotes and notes highlighted and have gleefully added his name to my list of talents to watch and hope I am paying attention when his next missive is given wings.
I’ve gained three new words and phrases for my ever-expanding Brit Word List with struck off – which is officially being barred from working in one’s profession or field; bonce – head; and screaming abdabs – being extreme nervousness.
July 10, 2019
Ok I know this is the second paranormal investigation book I’ve read and enjoyed in a few days, so talking about how it isn’t a personally preferred genre seems kind of wrong, but it really, really isn’t. It’s just a random lovely glitch in the matrix or something that brought two very good paranormal investigation themed books to my radar. Not even from trusted publishers, either. Genuinely random finds. This one…there was just something about it that attracted my attention immediately, despite the fact that normally I wouldn’t necessarily be sold on the plot where a ghost and a discredited depressed solicitor team up to wring a historical wrong. But The Gliss (yeah, use the The) and Porter are actually a terrific team, especially The Gliss, a sarcastic mysterious being who kinda looks like a robot and randomly belts out musicals. Porter is no slouch either, at least in a way that the guy can take a beating (and another one and another one) and goes on ticking. And not just ticking, but also teaming up with a pretty variegated cast of characters to solve the mysteries behind the death of WWI soldiers, one of whom was his own ancestor. It turns out a very serious international case and if solving century old crimes wasn’t difficult enough, there’s also a malevolent poltergeist to contend with. So there’s a lot going on and it’s all pretty exciting. In fact, this book too me an uncharacteristically long time to read (which is to say over a day) and I didn’t even mind, because I was so thoroughly entertained throughout. This is the author’s debut novel, but the man has written for tv for ages, so he’s got the chops to delight the audiences and the versatility too, going from drama to comedy to suspense to action to mystery, from natural to supernatural and so on. And it’s all done so well, especially the comedy, very nicely balanced in with the dark and heavy subject matter. I liked this book so much, I almost loved it. Despite being generally opposed to sequels and series, I do admit The Gliss and Porter are a team worth revisiting with. This was just entirely too much fun for one and done. Somehow this was exactly a book I was in the mood for and I’m very pleased to have given this a try. You should too. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
July 9, 2019
Porter Norton is at the end of his tether. He’s lost his girlfriend, he’s about to lose his job and career as a solicitor and the worst thing a girl died because of his mistake. Unable to take it any more he attempts suicide, only to be saved by a ghostly robot called The Gliss.
He tells him that he’s invoked an ancient curse which means he has to make up for the hurt that his family has caused over the years. First is investigating the death of a young soldier Max Cartwright but someone or something doesn’t want the truth coming out and will stop at nothing to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Dead & Talking is an absolute gem of a novel! It doesn’t specifically fit into any genre which I really enjoy when an author shakes it up a bit. There’s mystery, ghostly happenings, historical scenes and sarcasm by the bucket load.
I found each and everyone of the characters memorable from Porter’s strait laced solicitor Namita, to Porter’s new friend Feng, the sceptic ghost hunter even Porter’s very unlikeable sister Cherry. I also loved the back and forth between The Gliss and Porter, genuinely had me chuckling out loud.
There is also some good historical research in the book too, it really gets across grim realities of the first world war.
There was one very minor character who really annoyed me and I felt that he was just put into the novel to be vile but of course that’s just my opinion.
Dead & Talking is a book packed with action, ghostly goings on that had me fascinated from beginning to end.
He tells him that he’s invoked an ancient curse which means he has to make up for the hurt that his family has caused over the years. First is investigating the death of a young soldier Max Cartwright but someone or something doesn’t want the truth coming out and will stop at nothing to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Dead & Talking is an absolute gem of a novel! It doesn’t specifically fit into any genre which I really enjoy when an author shakes it up a bit. There’s mystery, ghostly happenings, historical scenes and sarcasm by the bucket load.
I found each and everyone of the characters memorable from Porter’s strait laced solicitor Namita, to Porter’s new friend Feng, the sceptic ghost hunter even Porter’s very unlikeable sister Cherry. I also loved the back and forth between The Gliss and Porter, genuinely had me chuckling out loud.
There is also some good historical research in the book too, it really gets across grim realities of the first world war.
There was one very minor character who really annoyed me and I felt that he was just put into the novel to be vile but of course that’s just my opinion.
Dead & Talking is a book packed with action, ghostly goings on that had me fascinated from beginning to end.
April 23, 2019
I picked up a copy from a friend and was gripped from the word go. It’s a very strange book in one way because it includes a lot of humour and some very dark themes. I tell you what it reminded ne of: the TV version of Dirk Gently. That’s a very contemporary take on things and borders on being literary with the quality of the writing.
The hero is told he has to put right some injustices from the past as a sort of punishment - think a modern take on It’s a Wonderful Life and you won’t go far wrong. Ghosts, yes, World War 1 scenes, yes, but being set now and the way the intense plotting is carried out and it’s part mystery, part modern fable, part thriller. It probably shouldn’t work but it does, beautifully.
I hope there are more adventures to come from Porter and The Gliss - this partnership really works and I have no hesitation giving this five stars.
The hero is told he has to put right some injustices from the past as a sort of punishment - think a modern take on It’s a Wonderful Life and you won’t go far wrong. Ghosts, yes, World War 1 scenes, yes, but being set now and the way the intense plotting is carried out and it’s part mystery, part modern fable, part thriller. It probably shouldn’t work but it does, beautifully.
I hope there are more adventures to come from Porter and The Gliss - this partnership really works and I have no hesitation giving this five stars.
July 9, 2019
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
We meet Porter Norton as he is throwing himself a pity party, as everything in his life is falling apart. But for both Porter and the reader, his subsequent actions turn out to be just the start of things…
From the blurb, I was expecting this book to be a standard paranormal mystery book: amateur discovers they can see/talk to ghosts and embarks on a career/hobby of murder investigation.
This book though, this book stands out from the crowd!
Yes, there is mystery and murder, ghosts and psychic abilities. There is a deep, and often painful, exploration of trench conditions in WWI, and of suicidal thoughts and actions in the past and present day. There is also humour, resilience and comradery, and some lovely, witty asides.
The characterisation is wonderful. Porter feels like a cross between Bertie Wooster and Sir Peter Wimsey initially, but soon develops his own idiosyncratic personality and becomes a great main character. He shares that billing though, because it doesn’t take long for what I initially classed as ‘side character’ – The Gliss, Feng, Namita and Karin – to find their slots alongside Porter, with just as much interest and empathy generated by their exploits.
Dead and Talking is absolutely top notch paranormal mystery fiction, with plenty of depth and humour and a fascinating cast. Definitely one for my personal favourite pile, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next in what I hope will be a long-running series! Sorry Porter but I really think at least a hundred will be required…! 😉
The girl he had killed followed him around the kitchen with her yellow, accusing eyes. As usual. Stare all you want, Janine. Today I die too. Time for music, food and wine.
– Des Burkinshaw, Dead & Talking
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
We meet Porter Norton as he is throwing himself a pity party, as everything in his life is falling apart. But for both Porter and the reader, his subsequent actions turn out to be just the start of things…
From the blurb, I was expecting this book to be a standard paranormal mystery book: amateur discovers they can see/talk to ghosts and embarks on a career/hobby of murder investigation.
This book though, this book stands out from the crowd!
Yes, there is mystery and murder, ghosts and psychic abilities. There is a deep, and often painful, exploration of trench conditions in WWI, and of suicidal thoughts and actions in the past and present day. There is also humour, resilience and comradery, and some lovely, witty asides.
The characterisation is wonderful. Porter feels like a cross between Bertie Wooster and Sir Peter Wimsey initially, but soon develops his own idiosyncratic personality and becomes a great main character. He shares that billing though, because it doesn’t take long for what I initially classed as ‘side character’ – The Gliss, Feng, Namita and Karin – to find their slots alongside Porter, with just as much interest and empathy generated by their exploits.
Dead and Talking is absolutely top notch paranormal mystery fiction, with plenty of depth and humour and a fascinating cast. Definitely one for my personal favourite pile, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next in what I hope will be a long-running series! Sorry Porter but I really think at least a hundred will be required…! 😉
The girl he had killed followed him around the kitchen with her yellow, accusing eyes. As usual. Stare all you want, Janine. Today I die too. Time for music, food and wine.
– Des Burkinshaw, Dead & Talking
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
July 16, 2019
Dead & Talking promises to be a great series! It has a bit of everything, wicked humor, mystery, and the supernatural!
Porter is on the brink of losing his sanity, and he has decided to end it all by taking his life. He just figures he is following in the steps of his cursed family in which almost all his relatives have committed suicide. Imagine his surprise when a spirit appears and puts an end to his plan, saving his life. That was probably one of my favorite scenes. The spirit that calls itself The Gliss informs Porter he must atone for his family’s sins by solving past injustices. This is the beginning of one heck of a ride, alternating between the present and WWI.
Porter’s first step is solving the murder that occurred in 1917. Porter gets some aid from a band of misfits, and this is where a lot of the comedy comes in. Porter is a complex character. In the beginning, he is at the end of his rope and his sanity. He was rather sad, and he does grow exponentially by the end of the chapter. He is cynical and sarcastic, and when he and The Gliss are together, it’s pretty hysterical.
I was so glad to hear that this is only the first book in a series! I’m really looking forward to the team of Porter and The Gliss!!!!
Porter is on the brink of losing his sanity, and he has decided to end it all by taking his life. He just figures he is following in the steps of his cursed family in which almost all his relatives have committed suicide. Imagine his surprise when a spirit appears and puts an end to his plan, saving his life. That was probably one of my favorite scenes. The spirit that calls itself The Gliss informs Porter he must atone for his family’s sins by solving past injustices. This is the beginning of one heck of a ride, alternating between the present and WWI.
Porter’s first step is solving the murder that occurred in 1917. Porter gets some aid from a band of misfits, and this is where a lot of the comedy comes in. Porter is a complex character. In the beginning, he is at the end of his rope and his sanity. He was rather sad, and he does grow exponentially by the end of the chapter. He is cynical and sarcastic, and when he and The Gliss are together, it’s pretty hysterical.
I was so glad to hear that this is only the first book in a series! I’m really looking forward to the team of Porter and The Gliss!!!!
July 14, 2019
How could a paranormal investigation two-man-team where one of the team is a ghost be so intriguing? Let me tell you, this book hooked me from the start! Fantastic character build ups and interactions helped to create a likeable, enjoyable, story and one that had my interest peaked.
Porter Norton is a man who is in a dark place when we meet him. A lot has happened in his life, which leads him to wanting to take his own life. This doesn’t go as planned, and he finds himself saved by The Gliss, a ghostly figure who tells him that he has to make up for all the ill-deeds that his family have done through the years. With this comes a story that is thrilling, mysterious, dark and funny. We read as together, this unusual team look into death of a British man in WW1. There was a fantastic dialogue between Porter and The Gliss, which created some humorous moments. The characters added were fantastic, each creating differing levels of like and dislike from the reader.
As the case unravelled, the characters were taken on a journey as secrets and tortured memories are disclosed. Porter struggles to deal with what he is discovering about his families traumatic history, and I read greedily as I raced eagerly towards the dramatic conclusions.
This book was amazing from start to finish and I really do hope that we read more from this fantastic crime duo!
Porter Norton is a man who is in a dark place when we meet him. A lot has happened in his life, which leads him to wanting to take his own life. This doesn’t go as planned, and he finds himself saved by The Gliss, a ghostly figure who tells him that he has to make up for all the ill-deeds that his family have done through the years. With this comes a story that is thrilling, mysterious, dark and funny. We read as together, this unusual team look into death of a British man in WW1. There was a fantastic dialogue between Porter and The Gliss, which created some humorous moments. The characters added were fantastic, each creating differing levels of like and dislike from the reader.
As the case unravelled, the characters were taken on a journey as secrets and tortured memories are disclosed. Porter struggles to deal with what he is discovering about his families traumatic history, and I read greedily as I raced eagerly towards the dramatic conclusions.
This book was amazing from start to finish and I really do hope that we read more from this fantastic crime duo!
July 13, 2019
Dead & Talking is one of those rare books where you read the blurb and think you know what you’re getting into, and then you get something even better.
This is a really interesting mix of themes that I didn’t expect to be together. It’s a paranormal, murder mystery with ghosts and psychic abilities. There are deep explorations of some harsher realities. Thrown in the mix there’s a lot of humor, that had me laughing out loud.
The characters are absolutely brilliant. The growth and development of them is really astonishing and realistic. Des Burkinshaw is extremely talented when it comes to creating well rounded characters.
I loved Dead & Talking so much. It’s deep and witty, and the mystery was fantastic. There’s a brilliant cast of characters and fantastic writing. This is 5 star material, and I highly recommend checking it out! I cannot wait to read more from Des Burkinshaw!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
This is a really interesting mix of themes that I didn’t expect to be together. It’s a paranormal, murder mystery with ghosts and psychic abilities. There are deep explorations of some harsher realities. Thrown in the mix there’s a lot of humor, that had me laughing out loud.
The characters are absolutely brilliant. The growth and development of them is really astonishing and realistic. Des Burkinshaw is extremely talented when it comes to creating well rounded characters.
I loved Dead & Talking so much. It’s deep and witty, and the mystery was fantastic. There’s a brilliant cast of characters and fantastic writing. This is 5 star material, and I highly recommend checking it out! I cannot wait to read more from Des Burkinshaw!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
June 5, 2019
Dead and Talking is a paranormal mystery novel by Des Birkinshaw. Abandoned by his girlfriend, about to be laid off from his job as a solicitor because his mistake resulted in a human fatality, and depressed, the protagonist, Porter Norton, decides to follow the family curse and commit suicide. He is prevented from accomplishing this goal by the appearance of a supernatural being called The Gliss who informs Porter that his actions have triggered a paranormal event called a Quincunx. Porter is given the ability to hear the voices of the dead and must use that power to seek justice for the dead. He joins forces with a motley crew to solve the reasons for a series of World War I deaths for desertion, all of whom claimed innocence. When the men’s firing squads failed to kill them, all were dispatched with coups de grace delivered by one Georges Pelenot, their superior officer.
As an editor, I was occasionally driven mad by tense shifts, some bizarre paragraphing, and other minor grammatical problems. I felt the scenes of the motley crew doing research could have been trimmed. Readers don’t necessarily need to read about the research (research itself is mostly boring, and reading about something boring is boring); we only need the results.
Some of the writing bordered on poetic ( … “the latter volume, its binding dark-unto-black leather, scarped and scratched to a Jackson Pollock texture …”). The humor was amusing with occasions where it seemed forced. Birkinshaw’s comparisons were mostly fresh (“…with the grace of an octopus trapped in the spin cycle …”), but some of the metaphors seemed a tad strained (“The lady, a Laura Ashley curtain catalogue made flesh …”). As a physician, I particularly enjoyed his “‘Memories and emotions are different beasts,’ said The Gliss. ‘Your memories are like keypads on a calculator … your thoughts and emotions are the sums you do with the keypad…’” The book is laden with popular cultural references.
Overall, a mixed bag of a book.
As an editor, I was occasionally driven mad by tense shifts, some bizarre paragraphing, and other minor grammatical problems. I felt the scenes of the motley crew doing research could have been trimmed. Readers don’t necessarily need to read about the research (research itself is mostly boring, and reading about something boring is boring); we only need the results.
Some of the writing bordered on poetic ( … “the latter volume, its binding dark-unto-black leather, scarped and scratched to a Jackson Pollock texture …”). The humor was amusing with occasions where it seemed forced. Birkinshaw’s comparisons were mostly fresh (“…with the grace of an octopus trapped in the spin cycle …”), but some of the metaphors seemed a tad strained (“The lady, a Laura Ashley curtain catalogue made flesh …”). As a physician, I particularly enjoyed his “‘Memories and emotions are different beasts,’ said The Gliss. ‘Your memories are like keypads on a calculator … your thoughts and emotions are the sums you do with the keypad…’” The book is laden with popular cultural references.
Overall, a mixed bag of a book.
May 19, 2019
Dr. Who meets Charlie Chan in this wickedly funny thriller by journalist and producer/director Des Birkinshaw. Abandoned by his girlfriend and about to be struck off as a solicitor, miserable Porter Norton decides to follow the traditional path of Nortons before him and end it all. Fortunately for the reader, that doesn’t work out for him, either. Turns out the tragic Norton clan has already exceeded its quota of permitted suicides and Porter’s attempt triggers a paranormal event called a quincunx. According to The Gliss, an apparition-cum-oracle conjured up by the quincunx, Porter must atone for his family’s sins by seeking out justice for the dead or the world will become cataclysmically unbalanced.
Granted the power to hear the voices of the departed, Porter investigates a trio of World War II deaths, including his grandfather’s suicide. The trail leads him into a tortured netherworld where he’s in danger of losing what’s left of his mind as well as his life. A sharp plot, twisted humor, and moments of nail-biting suspense make this a fun and satisfying read.
Granted the power to hear the voices of the departed, Porter investigates a trio of World War II deaths, including his grandfather’s suicide. The trail leads him into a tortured netherworld where he’s in danger of losing what’s left of his mind as well as his life. A sharp plot, twisted humor, and moments of nail-biting suspense make this a fun and satisfying read.
July 20, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
This is a unique book. I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly at at how enjoyable a read it was.
Porter has decided to commit suicide but a 'ghost' (The Gliss, who prefers to be called a Messenger) stops him and the two of them go on an epic journey to right the wrongs of the past. Their relationship and bantering are fun and when a new character (Feng) joins their quest it gets even better. On a more serious note, we go back to WWI frequently, with sad and eye opening scenes featuring Porter's forefathers.
A recommended read, I hope this is the beginning of a series. It would be great to enjoy the further adventures of Porter and The Gliss.
This is a unique book. I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly at at how enjoyable a read it was.
Porter has decided to commit suicide but a 'ghost' (The Gliss, who prefers to be called a Messenger) stops him and the two of them go on an epic journey to right the wrongs of the past. Their relationship and bantering are fun and when a new character (Feng) joins their quest it gets even better. On a more serious note, we go back to WWI frequently, with sad and eye opening scenes featuring Porter's forefathers.
A recommended read, I hope this is the beginning of a series. It would be great to enjoy the further adventures of Porter and The Gliss.
September 19, 2019
This was just ok. I like the idea, the characters have potential and the story isn’t bad. There was just some intangible element missing. It never became engrossing, though it was closer to it as it neared the end.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
September 12, 2019
Characters come alive in this book. Follow
The path as the mystery unfolds. Be prepared
To keep on reading until the end. This could actually
Be a great movie. Enjoy
The path as the mystery unfolds. Be prepared
To keep on reading until the end. This could actually
Be a great movie. Enjoy
September 8, 2019
I love how different this book is, I haven’t read anything else like it before.
The story starts with Porter struggling with his life, he decides to make the ultimate decision to end it all. Despite his best intentions he is saved and discovers he can now hear and see the dead.
In return for his life he finds himself solving mysteries of the past, seeking justice for those who were wronged. With the help of his new found talent, he looks into the death of a soldier in WW1, who was accused of spying.
A truly delightful read and I’m happy it is the first in a series.
The story starts with Porter struggling with his life, he decides to make the ultimate decision to end it all. Despite his best intentions he is saved and discovers he can now hear and see the dead.
In return for his life he finds himself solving mysteries of the past, seeking justice for those who were wronged. With the help of his new found talent, he looks into the death of a soldier in WW1, who was accused of spying.
A truly delightful read and I’m happy it is the first in a series.
October 3, 2019
This genre-bending debut from Des Burkinshaw is a delight. Is it crime fiction? Paranormal thriller? War book? Road movie? It doesn't matter. Good books are good books. Dealing with themes of suicide, war, redemption, at times it gets very dark and I had to close the pages for a while. At other times I giggled from paragraph to paragraph, and that's what makes it so readable. The writing is snappy, witty and often devastatingly poignant. As the first novel of (hopefully) a whole series, it definitely leaves the reader wanting more. The characters become so three-dimensional by the end that I could almost see them jump off the page and on to the screen. It would make a great and rather original TV series. Note: I've deliberately omitted to talk too much about the plot - and there's a lot of it! But it would be wrong to spoil it for another reader. Read the blurb, buy the book and get thoroughly lost in the work of a very promising new author.
May 13, 2021
Divorced & disgraced solicitor Porter is about to commit suicide, but he gets another chance at life. Hearing the dead, he is given a mission to clear the name of a WW1 deserter, and perhaps his own great-grandfather.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the series, but I did things backwards, and read Miniskirts are Murder first.
I'm glad I read Dead & Talking, following how Porter tries to kill himself, and the strange group of friends he picks up afterwards.
Porter knows that he is succumbing to the family curse - which affects the men and drives them to suicide. It's the only explanation for how terrible his life is right now.
An admin error he made led to a girl dying in a fire. Not only does Porter blame himself; his now-ex-boss is bringing a legal case against him. Porter's career is ruined, and the wife he worshipped has left him.
I liked how the author approached suicide in this book. I thought it was handled head on, and it never felt like it was just being added for the sake of the plot. You get to look at the thing that affect Porter, his father and grandfather etc. It felt like an honest account, and was never belittled or treated flippantly.
Because five generations of suicides would lead to a spiritual imbalance, Porter is revived and with the help of a floating head - The Gliss - he is charged with a mission. He has to help unsettled spirits find peace, until he can balance out all the pain and suffering his family has caused.
Starting with Max Cartwright, a soldier from WW1, who was shot for taking secret plans to the enemy.
I really liked the investigative story, as Porter has to piece together the scanty details of the long-dead soldier; whilst a paranormal shadow seems intent of hurting him, and those around him. Oh, and his sister wants to have him committed, too.
I liked Porter's team of allies/friends. They join the investigation in a natural way, with reasonable suspicions that Porter might be crazy. But they all push on, putting themselves in danger, desperate to uncover the truth behind who killed Cartwright and why.
I thought the confirmation of the villain was well done, and I liked the subtle changes to how this "war hero" was portrayed.
On a back-to-front-reading note, I can now see why in Miniskirts are Murder, the author lets Karin and Namita get the bulk of the screen time.
Dead & Talking is more heavily focussed on Porter and Feng. The ladies play important parts, but it's good that they get their turn to show what they can do in the second book.
The not-so-good.
Compared to Miniskirts are Murder, I thought the forming of friendship between our main four characters made the connections and interactions much stronger. But, I still felt for all the diversity of the characters, they were all very samey in their thoughts, actions and speech.
I thought that the diversity of the characters wasn't handled as well as the second book. When their cultural history was pointed out, it just felt clumsy, and sometimes left a bad taste in my mouth.
The book was occasionally slow, but I thought the pacing worked quite well until the end.
I was a little disappointed that our main characters were stuck in a hole for at least three chapters, whilst the villain cackled and preened. I thought the threat level that had been good, dropped a few points.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery, and the touch of paranormal, and look forward to the rest of the series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the series, but I did things backwards, and read Miniskirts are Murder first.
I'm glad I read Dead & Talking, following how Porter tries to kill himself, and the strange group of friends he picks up afterwards.
Porter knows that he is succumbing to the family curse - which affects the men and drives them to suicide. It's the only explanation for how terrible his life is right now.
An admin error he made led to a girl dying in a fire. Not only does Porter blame himself; his now-ex-boss is bringing a legal case against him. Porter's career is ruined, and the wife he worshipped has left him.
I liked how the author approached suicide in this book. I thought it was handled head on, and it never felt like it was just being added for the sake of the plot. You get to look at the thing that affect Porter, his father and grandfather etc. It felt like an honest account, and was never belittled or treated flippantly.
Because five generations of suicides would lead to a spiritual imbalance, Porter is revived and with the help of a floating head - The Gliss - he is charged with a mission. He has to help unsettled spirits find peace, until he can balance out all the pain and suffering his family has caused.
Starting with Max Cartwright, a soldier from WW1, who was shot for taking secret plans to the enemy.
I really liked the investigative story, as Porter has to piece together the scanty details of the long-dead soldier; whilst a paranormal shadow seems intent of hurting him, and those around him. Oh, and his sister wants to have him committed, too.
I liked Porter's team of allies/friends. They join the investigation in a natural way, with reasonable suspicions that Porter might be crazy. But they all push on, putting themselves in danger, desperate to uncover the truth behind who killed Cartwright and why.
I thought the confirmation of the villain was well done, and I liked the subtle changes to how this "war hero" was portrayed.
On a back-to-front-reading note, I can now see why in Miniskirts are Murder, the author lets Karin and Namita get the bulk of the screen time.
Dead & Talking is more heavily focussed on Porter and Feng. The ladies play important parts, but it's good that they get their turn to show what they can do in the second book.
The not-so-good.
Compared to Miniskirts are Murder, I thought the forming of friendship between our main four characters made the connections and interactions much stronger. But, I still felt for all the diversity of the characters, they were all very samey in their thoughts, actions and speech.
I thought that the diversity of the characters wasn't handled as well as the second book. When their cultural history was pointed out, it just felt clumsy, and sometimes left a bad taste in my mouth.
The book was occasionally slow, but I thought the pacing worked quite well until the end.
I was a little disappointed that our main characters were stuck in a hole for at least three chapters, whilst the villain cackled and preened. I thought the threat level that had been good, dropped a few points.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery, and the touch of paranormal, and look forward to the rest of the series.
July 29, 2019
What a fresh take on the paranormal genre this is, I loved it! The book is a well paced mix of dark humour, mystery, and the paranormal. We get to meet the unlikely duo of The Gliss, the ghostly-non-ghost guide and Porter, the reluctant human who’s been unceremoniously thrown into investigating old war crimes with his newfound gift. Along the journey Porter alos teams up with, wait for it, a ghost hunter who is also a sceptic, and a TV historian who is completely out of her depth but along for the ride regardless.
I think it’s hard to pin this book down to any particular genre, it’s a large mix of many, but that works in it’s favour. Firstly we have the paranormal aspects with The Gliss, and various other spirits who make themselves known over the course of the story. There’s also the crime and mystery side of it, as Porter works to solve long forgotten war crimes whilst piecing together fragments of his family history. Last but certainly not least, there’s a large dose of humour injected into the story line, with the book making me chuckle several times.
There are dark moments, and the natures of the crimes that are being investigated are pretty dark, too, but that isn’t something that bothers me in books. That being said, there are no really graphic scenes, instead it is skilled scene setting that allows the reader to fill in the blanks themselves, so anyone who is more adverse to darker subjects would probably still enjoy reading this.
The relationship between Porter and The Gliss slowly blossoms into a sort of friendship, which comes a long way from their first meeting. Porter wanted nothing more than for The Gliss to disappear and leave him alone; he was always there judging and commenting on Porters daily activities and thoughts, only Porter could see him so he regularly looked like he’d lost the plot by speaking to The Gliss whilst out in public. Towards the end of the book, Porter changes his tune and this is clearly shown by the fact he appears uncomfortable with the absence of The Gliss on a few occasions when it disappears for a while. I’m thrilled to see that this book is only book one of a series, as I can’t wait to read more of Porters adventures with The Gliss!
I think it’s hard to pin this book down to any particular genre, it’s a large mix of many, but that works in it’s favour. Firstly we have the paranormal aspects with The Gliss, and various other spirits who make themselves known over the course of the story. There’s also the crime and mystery side of it, as Porter works to solve long forgotten war crimes whilst piecing together fragments of his family history. Last but certainly not least, there’s a large dose of humour injected into the story line, with the book making me chuckle several times.
There are dark moments, and the natures of the crimes that are being investigated are pretty dark, too, but that isn’t something that bothers me in books. That being said, there are no really graphic scenes, instead it is skilled scene setting that allows the reader to fill in the blanks themselves, so anyone who is more adverse to darker subjects would probably still enjoy reading this.
The relationship between Porter and The Gliss slowly blossoms into a sort of friendship, which comes a long way from their first meeting. Porter wanted nothing more than for The Gliss to disappear and leave him alone; he was always there judging and commenting on Porters daily activities and thoughts, only Porter could see him so he regularly looked like he’d lost the plot by speaking to The Gliss whilst out in public. Towards the end of the book, Porter changes his tune and this is clearly shown by the fact he appears uncomfortable with the absence of The Gliss on a few occasions when it disappears for a while. I’m thrilled to see that this book is only book one of a series, as I can’t wait to read more of Porters adventures with The Gliss!
September 13, 2021
Fun Read
A man convinced of a family curse, jilted by his lover and facing a career crisis, has his suicide attempt thwarted by a supernatural creature. Porter the man and The Gliss, embark on a harrowing but humorous investigation that takes them back to the First World War.
This is an entertaining novel. It started slow and was a bit talky but picked up as the cast of engaging characters interacted. The conclusion is satisfying. Fun read.
A man convinced of a family curse, jilted by his lover and facing a career crisis, has his suicide attempt thwarted by a supernatural creature. Porter the man and The Gliss, embark on a harrowing but humorous investigation that takes them back to the First World War.
This is an entertaining novel. It started slow and was a bit talky but picked up as the cast of engaging characters interacted. The conclusion is satisfying. Fun read.
March 21, 2021
A brilliantly clever and entertaining mystery
This is such a brilliant and entertaining mystery book and I’m really looking forward to reading the next in the series. The writing is sharp and the premise of the story is really, really clever. Not just a straightforward cold case!
This is such a brilliant and entertaining mystery book and I’m really looking forward to reading the next in the series. The writing is sharp and the premise of the story is really, really clever. Not just a straightforward cold case!
July 7, 2023
Really Enjoyed this.
I saw a poster for this in a coffee shop in Hackney. The plot sounded completely different to my usual reads but I liked the sound of it. It didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the plot and the way it was written. I'm looking forward to moving onto Miniskirts are Murder.
I saw a poster for this in a coffee shop in Hackney. The plot sounded completely different to my usual reads but I liked the sound of it. It didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the plot and the way it was written. I'm looking forward to moving onto Miniskirts are Murder.
October 31, 2019
Fabulous book. Funny, quirky and always interesting. Would recommend and eagerly awaiting the next book from this author!
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