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Banyard & Mingle #2
The Green Ink Ghost
Following their success recovering King Doon's bones, Banyard and Mingle's services are in high demand. But when a mysterious green-ink letter claims Michael's dead father was murdered, he is compelled to reopen a long-forgotten case, Pursuing clues to a powerful, clandestine order and a missing young woman, the duo confront vengeful enemies and shocking truths and then there's Willow, a runaway slave, who bursts back into Josiah's life with deadly effect! With gawpers haunting and a murderer closing in, can they survive long enough to see the case through? And if the green ink ghost is revealed, will it be too late for justice to be done?
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2020
2 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Mears
10 books13 followersBorn in Cornwall, Ben first began writing high fantasy as a hobbyist, later working on a series of early-medieval whodunits before self-publishing the Young Adult Tyler May Series.
In addition to his role as an author, Ben is a published songwriter, a published illustrator and a professional graphic designer. He lives in Clevedon (UK) with his wife and daughters. His three daughters were partly responsible for inspiring the main characters of the Tyler May series.
As a visiting author, he runs Creative Writing Workshops in secondary schools, academies and sixth forms. A Sock Full of Bones is the first of his novels to be traditionally published.
In addition to his role as an author, Ben is a published songwriter, a published illustrator and a professional graphic designer. He lives in Clevedon (UK) with his wife and daughters. His three daughters were partly responsible for inspiring the main characters of the Tyler May series.
As a visiting author, he runs Creative Writing Workshops in secondary schools, academies and sixth forms. A Sock Full of Bones is the first of his novels to be traditionally published.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2020
Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle return in a story that begins with a distinctly Holmesian letter, written in green ink and containing a mysterious code. Before long, though, we are heading full-tilt on an action packed romp of an adventure. There are graves to be robbed, secret organisations to infiltrate, and sojurns into the more inhospitable regions that surround Camdon City. There’s also bounty hunters, airships, and a string of murders that have a complex network of connections.
One thing is for sure, there’s a great deal of story packed into this book – but it has been done with finesse. There is even time to progress some threads that began in the first book. The chapters flicker through a sucession of rich scenes, like a magical zoetrope, from graveyards to alleys, grand masked balls to the parched and toxic desserts of Mors Zonam. Banyard and Mingle certainly cover a lot of physical territory in this investigation.
There is also some pyschological wrestling to be done as things take a couple of unexpected dark twists. Irreversible decisions are made, creating conflict between our heroes, the resolution of which seems as important as the tangle of mysterious cases.
The Green Ink Ghost immerses us ever deeper into Mears’ dystopian world and though the theme is transferred from the maritime coast to the wastelands and outskirts of the city, the essence of the book remains, as do Josiah Mingle’s exclamations of “Why Mr Banyard, I do believe I’ve had an excellent idea!”
One thing is for sure, there’s a great deal of story packed into this book – but it has been done with finesse. There is even time to progress some threads that began in the first book. The chapters flicker through a sucession of rich scenes, like a magical zoetrope, from graveyards to alleys, grand masked balls to the parched and toxic desserts of Mors Zonam. Banyard and Mingle certainly cover a lot of physical territory in this investigation.
There is also some pyschological wrestling to be done as things take a couple of unexpected dark twists. Irreversible decisions are made, creating conflict between our heroes, the resolution of which seems as important as the tangle of mysterious cases.
The Green Ink Ghost immerses us ever deeper into Mears’ dystopian world and though the theme is transferred from the maritime coast to the wastelands and outskirts of the city, the essence of the book remains, as do Josiah Mingle’s exclamations of “Why Mr Banyard, I do believe I’ve had an excellent idea!”
October 28, 2020
Brilliant. I think I read this in about 4 sittings. More and more intriguing and some great answers to things that come up in the first book. There are several threads to the plot that really draw you in as they weave together.
There's a good dose of action towards the end and it's nice to see a change of pace is carried out so well and blended into a crime novel really easily, and is written every bit as well.
There's a good dose of action towards the end and it's nice to see a change of pace is carried out so well and blended into a crime novel really easily, and is written every bit as well.
October 27, 2020
Move over Sherlock and Poirot! This second book in the series was a great read. I loved the interplay between characters and could visualise the story well. With an interesting fantasy element adding to the mysteries and clues the detectives follow, this book was engaging, easy to read and thought provoking. I found myself really ‘rooting’ for the main characters. With a little mystery, a little romance, crime, suspense. skulduggery, strong male and female characters and a some fantasy, I would definitely recommend for all.
February 3, 2021
I am bereft. I really didn't want to finish this book. I got fully engrossed in the characters, particularly enjoying the introduction of Willow and her interaction with Josiah. The scene at the mine towards the end of the book did not turn out as I expected which was great. The gawpers are a theme running throughout and it is interesting to see how this develops in this book. B J Mears is a great writer and I can't wait for the next installment. I would recommend reading a Sockful of Bones first and then this one. Great escapism.
October 6, 2021
The Green Ink Ghost is the second instalment in B.J. Mears ‘Banyard and Mingle’ series. It follows the events of ‘A Sock Full of Bones,’ with Michael Banyard growing his investigative agency ‘Mysteries Solved,’ alongside his friend and colleague Josiah Mingle.
The book gets off to a swift start, as we catch up with the protagonists in a graveyard exhuming a corpse in the middle of the night. The reason for this soon starts to emerge, with the discovery that Banyard has recently received a mysterious letter, exquisitely written in green ink on quality notepaper, which suggests his father’s death occurred under suspicious circumstances. What follows is a broader exploration of the world of Earthoria, this time highlighting the different strata within the two main groups in society – the Silkers and the Threaders. Mears also introduces new characters that have a significant impact on both Banyard and Mingle, while also finding time and space for us to reacquaint ourselves with familiar faces from their earlier adventures.
Picking up and reading this book was a pleasure that was over too soon. I enjoyed finding out about the consequences of Banyard and Mingle’s success in the previous book, but this was not central to the story, which could be enjoyed with no previous knowledge of the world. As the book progresses, more complexity is introduced to the relationship between the two main characters as each has a different background and each responds differently to events as they develop.
I also appreciated the time taken to further build out the world these characters live in. While it is post-apocalyptic, the city that the protagonists inhabit has stable social structures, so I would hesitate to call it dystopian. There is suffering and injustice between the classes, and Mears’ observations and commentary on this is insightful, as well as helping to bring the characters and their problems to life. As well as experiencing action in the city, a variety of different settings in the countryside were also used, which added colour and depth to the surrounding region and its residents.
This story did an excellent job of keeping the final reveal hidden until the end. I was able to make broad guesses about the different motivations and behaviours, but there were sufficient twists in the plot that the ultimate resolution was not obvious in advance. In addition to the resolution of the mystery of the Green Ink Ghost, we are also treated to further interaction with the gawpers, some of their history, and why they are as they are. This is not a complete narrative of their background, but enough to show that there is more to learn, and a greater story arc at play.
This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys mysteries in the vein of Sherlock Holmes. Additionally, if you appreciate gripping stories set in an alternative reality, stories with compelling character development, told with pace and energy, these books are for you.
Another 5-star rating for B.J. Mears and The Green Ink Ghost – looking forward to the next instalment!
The book gets off to a swift start, as we catch up with the protagonists in a graveyard exhuming a corpse in the middle of the night. The reason for this soon starts to emerge, with the discovery that Banyard has recently received a mysterious letter, exquisitely written in green ink on quality notepaper, which suggests his father’s death occurred under suspicious circumstances. What follows is a broader exploration of the world of Earthoria, this time highlighting the different strata within the two main groups in society – the Silkers and the Threaders. Mears also introduces new characters that have a significant impact on both Banyard and Mingle, while also finding time and space for us to reacquaint ourselves with familiar faces from their earlier adventures.
Picking up and reading this book was a pleasure that was over too soon. I enjoyed finding out about the consequences of Banyard and Mingle’s success in the previous book, but this was not central to the story, which could be enjoyed with no previous knowledge of the world. As the book progresses, more complexity is introduced to the relationship between the two main characters as each has a different background and each responds differently to events as they develop.
I also appreciated the time taken to further build out the world these characters live in. While it is post-apocalyptic, the city that the protagonists inhabit has stable social structures, so I would hesitate to call it dystopian. There is suffering and injustice between the classes, and Mears’ observations and commentary on this is insightful, as well as helping to bring the characters and their problems to life. As well as experiencing action in the city, a variety of different settings in the countryside were also used, which added colour and depth to the surrounding region and its residents.
This story did an excellent job of keeping the final reveal hidden until the end. I was able to make broad guesses about the different motivations and behaviours, but there were sufficient twists in the plot that the ultimate resolution was not obvious in advance. In addition to the resolution of the mystery of the Green Ink Ghost, we are also treated to further interaction with the gawpers, some of their history, and why they are as they are. This is not a complete narrative of their background, but enough to show that there is more to learn, and a greater story arc at play.
This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys mysteries in the vein of Sherlock Holmes. Additionally, if you appreciate gripping stories set in an alternative reality, stories with compelling character development, told with pace and energy, these books are for you.
Another 5-star rating for B.J. Mears and The Green Ink Ghost – looking forward to the next instalment!
Read
November 2, 2020This is the second Banyard & Mingle Mystery. I'm particularly fond of this book as the main characters are really in their stride now. It's perhaps a little edgier than A Sock Full of Bones, too.
Following their success recovering King Doon's bones, Banyard and Mingle's services are in high demand. But when a mysterious green-ink letter claims Michael's dead father was murdered, he is compelled to reopen a long-forgotten case.
Pursuing clues to a powerful, clandestine order and a missing young woman, the duo confront vengeful enemies and shocking truths and then there's Willow, a runaway slave, who bursts back into Josiah's life with deadly effect!
With gawpers haunting and a murderer closing in, can they survive long enough to see the case through?
And if the green ink ghost is revealed, will it be too late for justice to be done?
Endorsements
‘In The Green Ink Ghost Ben has created a fascinating world, rich in detail and intriguing characters. A mystery to be solved indeed!’
DAN SEFTON, SCREENWRITER (THE MALLORCA FILES, TRUST ME, THE GOOD KARMA HOSPITAL AND MANY MORE)
‘This classic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world, reminiscent of Dickensian London, is a real page turner. The characters draw the reader in to the class divide between the silkers and the threaders, and after a few pages you are there on the streets of Old Camdon with Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle as they attempt to unravel the information they are receiving from a mysterious letter writer. The vivid descriptions of the surroundings and people allow you to stand alongside the private investigators on every step of their earnest, funny and soul-searching, quest for the truth. Prepare to be taken on a well-written, winding road through the incredible imagination of Ben Mears.’
JULIAN RODERICK, TEACHER, AUTHOR OF THE FELIX JONES ADVENTURES
‘Ben Mears goes from strength to strength as a writer and storyteller. A voice that latches on to you and doesn’t let go until the end.’
DR ALISTAIR SIMS, BOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER
Following their success recovering King Doon's bones, Banyard and Mingle's services are in high demand. But when a mysterious green-ink letter claims Michael's dead father was murdered, he is compelled to reopen a long-forgotten case.
Pursuing clues to a powerful, clandestine order and a missing young woman, the duo confront vengeful enemies and shocking truths and then there's Willow, a runaway slave, who bursts back into Josiah's life with deadly effect!
With gawpers haunting and a murderer closing in, can they survive long enough to see the case through?
And if the green ink ghost is revealed, will it be too late for justice to be done?
Endorsements
‘In The Green Ink Ghost Ben has created a fascinating world, rich in detail and intriguing characters. A mystery to be solved indeed!’
DAN SEFTON, SCREENWRITER (THE MALLORCA FILES, TRUST ME, THE GOOD KARMA HOSPITAL AND MANY MORE)
‘This classic thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world, reminiscent of Dickensian London, is a real page turner. The characters draw the reader in to the class divide between the silkers and the threaders, and after a few pages you are there on the streets of Old Camdon with Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle as they attempt to unravel the information they are receiving from a mysterious letter writer. The vivid descriptions of the surroundings and people allow you to stand alongside the private investigators on every step of their earnest, funny and soul-searching, quest for the truth. Prepare to be taken on a well-written, winding road through the incredible imagination of Ben Mears.’
JULIAN RODERICK, TEACHER, AUTHOR OF THE FELIX JONES ADVENTURES
‘Ben Mears goes from strength to strength as a writer and storyteller. A voice that latches on to you and doesn’t let go until the end.’
DR ALISTAIR SIMS, BOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER
October 30, 2023
I'm probably being a little harsh to give 3 stars for this book, because it was overall a pretty enjoyable read.
The prose is strong, and Mears paints a really vivid atmosphere and a cast of intriguing characters.
I guess that brings me to my first gripe. There's too many characters that don't really do anything, especially those left over from the first book. For example the widow is mentioned several times but I don't think they even appear in the flesh.
A second, bigger, gripe is that the plot doesn't really flow like a mystery story. It starts out as one, but by the end is far more of an adventure story. I know the book is trying to mix genres together, which is a tall order, but several of the key strands of the plot are just quickly summarised by the narrator in the closing chapters, and I felt I didn't get the pay off from following the mystery and trying to guess along.
And my final issue with the book is that it relies on several of the antagonists just making completely nonsensical decisions. I won't put spoilers in here, but the final confrontation is set up in such a way that I just didn't find it believable in the slightest.
The prose is strong, and Mears paints a really vivid atmosphere and a cast of intriguing characters.
I guess that brings me to my first gripe. There's too many characters that don't really do anything, especially those left over from the first book. For example the widow is mentioned several times but I don't think they even appear in the flesh.
A second, bigger, gripe is that the plot doesn't really flow like a mystery story. It starts out as one, but by the end is far more of an adventure story. I know the book is trying to mix genres together, which is a tall order, but several of the key strands of the plot are just quickly summarised by the narrator in the closing chapters, and I felt I didn't get the pay off from following the mystery and trying to guess along.
And my final issue with the book is that it relies on several of the antagonists just making completely nonsensical decisions. I won't put spoilers in here, but the final confrontation is set up in such a way that I just didn't find it believable in the slightest.
July 25, 2021
This was a thrilling adventure exploring more of this world conjured up by Ben Mears' imagination. He takes us to new, scary lands and we learn more about the creatures living amongst the silkers and threaders.
The mystery has a good plot twist I did not see coming! Our heroes are led into dangerous places that made my heart race. A very satisfying ending. Can't wait to read the next book!
The mystery has a good plot twist I did not see coming! Our heroes are led into dangerous places that made my heart race. A very satisfying ending. Can't wait to read the next book!
October 29, 2021
BJ Mears moves the story forward and changes gear as he does it. Banyard & Mingle are drawn into a new mystery and Mears weaves his web of storytelling with such skill. He draws you in to their world and you feel part of it as the mystery deepens. The resolution is completely unexpected and I was just drawn onwards into this book. He then leaves it with a hint (or is it a red herring?) of things to come. Can't wait to get into the next one!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews