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Necropolis
(Being relaunched on Aug. 29 2022) #1 in Necropolis Series. Soon-to-be 4 books.
Danger and deceit come naturally to a sociopath.
Public sector worker Dyson Devereux has just discovered there is a large reward on offer for the capture of a genocidal fugitive. Dyson thinks he knows exactly where to find him. All the scheming sociopath needs now is a plan. It has to be good, otherwise he will be in big trouble.
But the obstacles to his mission are mounting. To compound matters, work colleagues are becoming ever more aggravating, and his girlfriend has gone off the rails.
Will Dyson get the reward he feels he so richly deserves, or is his destiny to be a life of toil in the Burials and Cemeteries department at Newton Council?
Grab your copy.
‘The book is full of razor-sharp satire’ – Crime Fiction Lover
‘… a magnificent foray into the mind of a sociopath’ – DLS Reviews
Necropolis is the first instalment in the Necropolis Trilogy - #1 Necropolis #2 Sepultura #3 Golgotha #4 Emergence (Coming late 2022)
‘…it’s the well-crafted and perfectly executed satirical observations, along with the dry wit and devious humour that makes ‘Necropolis’ such a delight to read.’ – Chris Hall (Top 500 Amazon Reviewer. Vine Voice)
‘… a mix between The Office and American Psycho’ – Amazon Reviewer
‘I remain slightly troubled as to why I found myself applauding a sociopath for being so thoroughly entertaining.’ – Little Bookness Lane (Top 1000 Amazon Reviewer)
Danger and deceit come naturally to a sociopath.
Public sector worker Dyson Devereux has just discovered there is a large reward on offer for the capture of a genocidal fugitive. Dyson thinks he knows exactly where to find him. All the scheming sociopath needs now is a plan. It has to be good, otherwise he will be in big trouble.
But the obstacles to his mission are mounting. To compound matters, work colleagues are becoming ever more aggravating, and his girlfriend has gone off the rails.
Will Dyson get the reward he feels he so richly deserves, or is his destiny to be a life of toil in the Burials and Cemeteries department at Newton Council?
Grab your copy.
‘The book is full of razor-sharp satire’ – Crime Fiction Lover
‘… a magnificent foray into the mind of a sociopath’ – DLS Reviews
Necropolis is the first instalment in the Necropolis Trilogy - #1 Necropolis #2 Sepultura #3 Golgotha #4 Emergence (Coming late 2022)
‘…it’s the well-crafted and perfectly executed satirical observations, along with the dry wit and devious humour that makes ‘Necropolis’ such a delight to read.’ – Chris Hall (Top 500 Amazon Reviewer. Vine Voice)
‘… a mix between The Office and American Psycho’ – Amazon Reviewer
‘I remain slightly troubled as to why I found myself applauding a sociopath for being so thoroughly entertaining.’ – Little Bookness Lane (Top 1000 Amazon Reviewer)
Unknown Binding
First published April 17, 2014
35 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
About the author
Guy Portman
18 books317 followersAs far back as anyone can remember Guy has been an introverted creature, with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, and a sardonic sense of humour.
Throughout a childhood in London spent watching cold war propaganda gems such as He Man, an adolescence confined in various institutions, and a career that has encompassed stints in academic research and the sports industry, Guy has been a keen if somewhat cynical social observer.
Humour of the sardonic variety is a recurring theme in Guy’s writing. His first novel, 'Charles Middleworth', is an insightful tale of the unexpected. Like the author, the protagonist in 'The Necropolis Series' is a darkly humorous individual – though, unlike the author, he is a sociopath.
Guy is a dedicated blogger and an avid reader. Reviews of the books he has read can be found in the review section of his blog.
Click on my website link below and get 'Mangetout' for FREE.
These shocking and suspenseful stories are a must read.
Throughout a childhood in London spent watching cold war propaganda gems such as He Man, an adolescence confined in various institutions, and a career that has encompassed stints in academic research and the sports industry, Guy has been a keen if somewhat cynical social observer.
Humour of the sardonic variety is a recurring theme in Guy’s writing. His first novel, 'Charles Middleworth', is an insightful tale of the unexpected. Like the author, the protagonist in 'The Necropolis Series' is a darkly humorous individual – though, unlike the author, he is a sociopath.
Guy is a dedicated blogger and an avid reader. Reviews of the books he has read can be found in the review section of his blog.
Click on my website link below and get 'Mangetout' for FREE.
These shocking and suspenseful stories are a must read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 16, 2022
Very good story. I can really relate to Dyson, his hatred of Céline Dion had me laughing. I also learnt all about wolfing in this book a hobby I have yet to partake in.
You can see the influence of American Psycho, it has the same bold character, the extreme violence and madness has been removed, instead you have a much more controlled character. This makes for a scarier sociopath. How Dyson has to try and fit in at work, dealing with lame-ass work colleagues was well written, it really gets you on his side. The plot is strong, lots of plot lines all tying in nicely for a great ending.
A top blend of dark humour and satire. Looking forward to reading the sequel that has just come out.
PS: Looking forward to reading Céline Dion's review after I send a copy of this book.
REVIEW OF SECOND READ: I can’t believe it was 8 years ago that I first read this book and I still haven’t partaken in the art of wolfing…pretty sure I can somehow blame the author for that…just give me a bit of time. This book is still great fun, Dyson is still one of my favourite characters and Celine Dion’s music is still a blight on those with ears. The stand-out thing for me this time was Dyson’s wit, his ability to have the right thing to say, no matter on how tense the situation. The secondary characters are fantastic, they each have plenty of baggage that they bring to the story…mostly to annoy Dyson…what I do want to see is a spin-off with Sunita, I’m sure she is leading a secret life too. This edition has been tidied up a bit and what you are left with as a very slick piece of writing, a great story that finishes up nicely and all under an awesome new cover.
If I was to describe this book in a certain number of words I would say this is a “Psychopath’s Dexter”.
Blog review is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...
You can see the influence of American Psycho, it has the same bold character, the extreme violence and madness has been removed, instead you have a much more controlled character. This makes for a scarier sociopath. How Dyson has to try and fit in at work, dealing with lame-ass work colleagues was well written, it really gets you on his side. The plot is strong, lots of plot lines all tying in nicely for a great ending.
A top blend of dark humour and satire. Looking forward to reading the sequel that has just come out.
PS: Looking forward to reading Céline Dion's review after I send a copy of this book.
REVIEW OF SECOND READ: I can’t believe it was 8 years ago that I first read this book and I still haven’t partaken in the art of wolfing…pretty sure I can somehow blame the author for that…just give me a bit of time. This book is still great fun, Dyson is still one of my favourite characters and Celine Dion’s music is still a blight on those with ears. The stand-out thing for me this time was Dyson’s wit, his ability to have the right thing to say, no matter on how tense the situation. The secondary characters are fantastic, they each have plenty of baggage that they bring to the story…mostly to annoy Dyson…what I do want to see is a spin-off with Sunita, I’m sure she is leading a secret life too. This edition has been tidied up a bit and what you are left with as a very slick piece of writing, a great story that finishes up nicely and all under an awesome new cover.
If I was to describe this book in a certain number of words I would say this is a “Psychopath’s Dexter”.
Blog review is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...
May 11, 2014
This is the story of Dyson Devereux, the Head of Burials and Cremations for his local council. He despises the council, his fellow workers, almost everyone except his neighbour Eve whom he ‘tolerates’. Nevertheless, he exudes a studied charm and women seem to admire him greatly. He is very intelligent and speaks a number of languages but by any definition, he’s a sociopath. We discover to what extent as the story progresses.
I usually dislike present tense narrations and find them wearing and artificial but this story dragged me headlong into it to the extent that I rapidly forgot my dislike. It’s a story I couldn’t help reading. It had an inevitability to it, which made reading it like watching a train crash. There’s a gory bit, brace yourself, but I can’t say I’ve ever read a book quite like it – and I more than quite like it! I really enjoyed this.
I usually dislike present tense narrations and find them wearing and artificial but this story dragged me headlong into it to the extent that I rapidly forgot my dislike. It’s a story I couldn’t help reading. It had an inevitability to it, which made reading it like watching a train crash. There’s a gory bit, brace yourself, but I can’t say I’ve ever read a book quite like it – and I more than quite like it! I really enjoyed this.
April 20, 2014
I found this book a really interesting read, and was thoroughly entertained by the black humour. The characterisation and use of irony are also excellent. Although the novel is essentially the story of a deranged psychopath, named Dyson, the author has used humour to great effect resulting in some laugh out loud moments. Despite the subject matter, the use of humour isn’t incongruous as it is so skilfully interwoven.
There are undercurrents throughout the book which hint at the main character’s sociopathic nature as a result of his troubled past. These are displayed through the way in which Dyson depersonalises people. For example, he can never remember names and often refers to people as ‘it’. Dyson doesn’t feel sadness when someone dies in the way that people normally do. Instead, he has a morbid fascination with death, and reacts to bereavement in the way that is expected of him rather than on natural impulse. He is full of self-importance and feels contempt for his co-workers. In fact, the person who Dyson identifies with most is a genocidal maniac.
Although it takes a while for this novel to reach its climax, there are plenty of nuances along the way if you watch out for them. This book is very cleverly written, especially when you consider that the author has made use of the first person and has therefore really got inside the head of a deranged psychopath. I have to say though that this novel isn’t one for those that are easily shocked. Nevertheless, as it delivers on so many levels, I could see it becoming a cult classic of the future.
There are undercurrents throughout the book which hint at the main character’s sociopathic nature as a result of his troubled past. These are displayed through the way in which Dyson depersonalises people. For example, he can never remember names and often refers to people as ‘it’. Dyson doesn’t feel sadness when someone dies in the way that people normally do. Instead, he has a morbid fascination with death, and reacts to bereavement in the way that is expected of him rather than on natural impulse. He is full of self-importance and feels contempt for his co-workers. In fact, the person who Dyson identifies with most is a genocidal maniac.
Although it takes a while for this novel to reach its climax, there are plenty of nuances along the way if you watch out for them. This book is very cleverly written, especially when you consider that the author has made use of the first person and has therefore really got inside the head of a deranged psychopath. I have to say though that this novel isn’t one for those that are easily shocked. Nevertheless, as it delivers on so many levels, I could see it becoming a cult classic of the future.
December 7, 2014
I went into reading this book with (possibly unfair) high expectations for it, based on what I know of Guy Portman's taste as a reader. Transgressive fiction can be so diverse in taste, however when it's good you know it's good almost from the first page. This book was good.
The narrative of frustration, anger, judgement, desperation, perfection & bitchiness that comes from the main character Dyson made me switch between loving & hating him every few pages - I like when I care enough about a character to have these feelings.
Towards the end of the novel it takes an interesting turn that I didn't fully expect but kept me very interested & satisfied. I ended up obsessively reading the last quarter of the book.
Great work Guy! This was a pleasure to tick off my "to read" list.
The narrative of frustration, anger, judgement, desperation, perfection & bitchiness that comes from the main character Dyson made me switch between loving & hating him every few pages - I like when I care enough about a character to have these feelings.
Towards the end of the novel it takes an interesting turn that I didn't fully expect but kept me very interested & satisfied. I ended up obsessively reading the last quarter of the book.
Great work Guy! This was a pleasure to tick off my "to read" list.
May 15, 2014
I have to admit to being taken completely by surprise by this book. As the first I've read of Guy Portman's work, I didn't have anything to base any expectations on. So I didn't know I was really going to crawl behind the civil mask of a charming, but truly inhumane sociopath. Yes, I know, it's in the description. But often that means little at all.
There were times I thought the author strove for shock factor, but I was later forced to reconsider this idea. As an example, at one point Dyson engaged in a fairly risqué, drug fuelled threesome that was described in some detail. My first reaction (remembering that I rather like a little erotica in my fiction) was to roll my eyes and tisk at the pointless inclusion of base titillation. That is until I realised the whole thing was relayed with as bland a recitation as Dyson's appreciation of pastel shirts or distaste for custard creams, and far less virulence than his abhorrence of the cat-in-heat howls of Celine Dion's music. This is not to say it or any other aspect of the book was boring, but that Dyson's normal human affect was somewhat lacking and the event therefore held no more importance that a stale repast refreshment or daily grande cafe latte extra hot with soy milk from Starbucks.
And here-in lies the genius of this book—the dichotomous nature of what Dyson sees/thinks/does and the considered visage he presents the world, all contradicted against his utter disinterest in those same individuals. As readers, we are never told Dyson is a sociopath (other than in the synopsis). We are SHOWN his personality disorder in everything he does. It's subtle but unmistakable. He never remembers names, dehumanises individuals he particularly dislikes ('cause he dislikes almost everyone) as 'it' and, even surrounded by the moribund accoutrements of death daily, is unmoved by it.
There is a lot of dark humour here. Dyson is, after all, a well-educated, intelligent, witty man. A lot of this humour is at the expense of the proletariat masses and their/our common, recognisable lives. Disturbingly (considering Dyson's obvious social imbalance), I agreed with a lot of his opinions—the repugnance of the X Factor as a form of entertainment, the forgeability of the Kardashians as a clan, the omnipresence of banal office chatter, the wretch-inducing encroachment of kitsch tat into otherwise somber environs. All of this makes Dyson a frighteningly relatable, though completely unlikable character. Think Dexter with a British accent.
All of this is wrapped in wonderful prose, interesting speech patters (that never got on my nerves), good editing and a satisfying conclusion. It was an all out win in my books.
There were times I thought the author strove for shock factor, but I was later forced to reconsider this idea. As an example, at one point Dyson engaged in a fairly risqué, drug fuelled threesome that was described in some detail. My first reaction (remembering that I rather like a little erotica in my fiction) was to roll my eyes and tisk at the pointless inclusion of base titillation. That is until I realised the whole thing was relayed with as bland a recitation as Dyson's appreciation of pastel shirts or distaste for custard creams, and far less virulence than his abhorrence of the cat-in-heat howls of Celine Dion's music. This is not to say it or any other aspect of the book was boring, but that Dyson's normal human affect was somewhat lacking and the event therefore held no more importance that a stale repast refreshment or daily grande cafe latte extra hot with soy milk from Starbucks.
And here-in lies the genius of this book—the dichotomous nature of what Dyson sees/thinks/does and the considered visage he presents the world, all contradicted against his utter disinterest in those same individuals. As readers, we are never told Dyson is a sociopath (other than in the synopsis). We are SHOWN his personality disorder in everything he does. It's subtle but unmistakable. He never remembers names, dehumanises individuals he particularly dislikes ('cause he dislikes almost everyone) as 'it' and, even surrounded by the moribund accoutrements of death daily, is unmoved by it.
There is a lot of dark humour here. Dyson is, after all, a well-educated, intelligent, witty man. A lot of this humour is at the expense of the proletariat masses and their/our common, recognisable lives. Disturbingly (considering Dyson's obvious social imbalance), I agreed with a lot of his opinions—the repugnance of the X Factor as a form of entertainment, the forgeability of the Kardashians as a clan, the omnipresence of banal office chatter, the wretch-inducing encroachment of kitsch tat into otherwise somber environs. All of this makes Dyson a frighteningly relatable, though completely unlikable character. Think Dexter with a British accent.
All of this is wrapped in wonderful prose, interesting speech patters (that never got on my nerves), good editing and a satisfying conclusion. It was an all out win in my books.
July 10, 2014
This book is a deliciously dark book to read. The character is the main draw here, he's a sociopath and it's told in first person, almost stream of conciousness way that pulls you into his mindset. However the strength here is that it doesn't dive straight in with the blood. It takes its time, but not in a drawn out way. In the early chapters you build a rapport with him as he goes about his daily business, but even in these early stages you catch glimpses of his internal darkness.
The writing matches the mood and captures the personality perfectly. The story is interesting and progresses at a decent pace. I'm usually one that declares story to be king, here though I found it secondary. Not in quality, but because it was almost incidental. I enjoyed being in the mind of this character and the story provided the vehicle to do that.
Like all good things in life there is always a flaw to accentuate the positive. In this case it was the ending. The book ends quite abruptly although to be honest I would happily have read more chapters just to experience more of this person's life. All told this is an excellent read and one suitable for those who (like me) enjoy reading about the darker aspects of life.
The writing matches the mood and captures the personality perfectly. The story is interesting and progresses at a decent pace. I'm usually one that declares story to be king, here though I found it secondary. Not in quality, but because it was almost incidental. I enjoyed being in the mind of this character and the story provided the vehicle to do that.
Like all good things in life there is always a flaw to accentuate the positive. In this case it was the ending. The book ends quite abruptly although to be honest I would happily have read more chapters just to experience more of this person's life. All told this is an excellent read and one suitable for those who (like me) enjoy reading about the darker aspects of life.
April 15, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A sociopath heads the cemetery department of his part of London. He hates everyone for lacking taste. Bored and disgusted, he thinks a fellow worker is a Serbian war criminal, and decides to prove it.
It reminded me a lot of the Dexter series.
A sociopath heads the cemetery department of his part of London. He hates everyone for lacking taste. Bored and disgusted, he thinks a fellow worker is a Serbian war criminal, and decides to prove it.
It reminded me a lot of the Dexter series.
July 15, 2014
I looked up the definitions of psychopath and sociopath. I'm thinking this character is a psychopath. Whatever he is, he is STRANGE. I was thoroughly enjoying the author's dark humor when he throws in the shocker towards the end. I wasn't expecting that.
It would be hard to write a complete review without giving away too many spoilers. I'll just say if you don't mind some gore and casual conversations about dead people you'll get a kick out of this.
I am absolutely sure a lot of this type of casualness (is that a word?) is very common amongst folks willing to handle the bodies of dead people.
Read this book, you'll like it if you are just a little bit "twisted". I know I will be looking for more books by this author. He has a most unusual and entertaining writing style.
It would be hard to write a complete review without giving away too many spoilers. I'll just say if you don't mind some gore and casual conversations about dead people you'll get a kick out of this.
I am absolutely sure a lot of this type of casualness (is that a word?) is very common amongst folks willing to handle the bodies of dead people.
Read this book, you'll like it if you are just a little bit "twisted". I know I will be looking for more books by this author. He has a most unusual and entertaining writing style.
August 19, 2014
This book is as original as Guy's first. Written in his unique style, this story bounds along with skill, enthralling the reader. A great central character and gripping plot. Recommended.
December 26, 2014
Necropolis (2014) by Guy Portman is an unusual novel: a hybrid of both transgressive and thriller fiction. Dyson Devereux is the head of burials and cemeteries for Newton Borough council in a London suburb. He is also a sociopath, as the blurb - aping American Psycho's - tells us. Living a life detached, Dyson baulks at the painful lack of refinement he sees in all of his colleagues at the council, and - testament to the ubiquitous tastelessness evident in Dyson's world - the gaudy tributes to loved ones that festoon the graves in the cemeteries he oversees. A string of casual liaisons and cheap lunches string together Dyson's monotonous existence, that is, until he finds a means of escape in the form of a disgruntled European: Kiro Burgan, a council employee who spends his days tending the borough's cemeteries. Convinced that Kiro is in fact a Balkans war criminal, Dyson sets about trying to prove his hunch and claim the two million euro reward that would come with it. Is Kiro just the escape route that Dyson needs? He certainly thinks so, and that makes him one dangerous sociopath.
From the novel's opening pages its hero, Dyson Devereux, speaks in a calm, detached voice that is more than reminiscent of American Psycho's Patrick Bateman, only here the protagonist drops the names of cheap deodorants and high street brands rather than expensive colognes and exclusive tailors. This juxtaposition, of the supremely erudite, discriminating narrator, stuck in a world where his good taste goes to waste on inexpensive Chinese lunches and snakeskin ties (the latter more an aberration in taste than a compromise) is extremely funny at times - particularly when one first encounters Essex's answer to Patrick Bateman. Dyson's voice develops, however, and drifts between the sociopath amused by humanity's foibles, and the autistic onlooker, bemused by society's customs - think more Don Tillman than Hannibal Lector.
Perhaps fittingly for the Head of Burials and Cemeteries, Dyson appears obsessed by death and war, leering over embalming methods whenever he visits the local mortuary and spending his evenings watching documentaries about wars or reading about weaponry. As with Six Feet Under, the death game proves a suitable background from within which to explore the banality of existence. Indeed, for Dyson the living are no more distinguishable from each other than from the dead. His derisory view of his fellow human beings extends to the point where not only can he not be bothered to remember most of their names, but reduces those he finds most distasteful to the offensive pronoun `it' - a slightly jarring way of demonstrating his contempt for others.
Deindividuation is important in Necropolis, Dyson's inability to recall the names of his colleagues a nod not only to his own insular mentality, but to the stagnant world in which he lives, where sedation is as readily available in the form mind-numbing programming like the X Factor as it is from more obvious sources like heroin, both of which his part-time girlfriend seeks solace in to Dyson's distaste. It might be surprising that such a sneering isolated individual should have a girlfriend of any kind but this is not this sociopath's only relationship. Indeed, Dyson has mastered the fundamentals of human emotion, able very easily to forge connections with others through small pieces of body language trickery, exposing how simple, and how easily manipulated, human connection really is.
The plot in Necropolis sits somewhere between transgressive fantasy and straight action thriller, and this is a fine line to tread. As Dyson boasts of his conquests, the women who simper at one of his smiles, even the incredible plot that sees him locking horns with a Sierra Leon war criminal turned drug dealer and a Balkans war criminal, all reported in his unexcitable monotone, one can't help but be pulled towards a transgressive reading, which has Dyson as a fantasist in the ilk of Tyler Durden's narrator. However, as the text progresses, one is forced, unexpectedly, to read it more as a realist thriller. Read in this light, the novel begins to resemble something more akin to Jeff Lindsay's Dexter books. This is fairly successful, although as the novel reaches its denouement, there is a slight lack of peril for Dyson, who appears to sail through most challenges calmly and with little chance of his world caving in on him. That said, the balancing act that Portman attempts to pull off here is a tricky one, and he cuts a definite path between the two genres, which makes Necropolis very much its own beast.
Dyson is well written for the most part and the satellite characters that surround him are disdainfully drawn, mere paper thin projections as seen through Dyson's eyes. The writing is crisp, suiting Dyson's logical, sneering voice. Occasionally too many adjectives are levered into a sentence, or a needlessly ornate word is misused, but these instances of overwriting are rare and concentrated near the book's beginning. Another minor gripe is the phonetic dialogue, which is used with a handful of supplementary characters, and is at times a little frustrating (although some readers will have more tolerance for this than others).
As is often the case with sociopathic characters, Dyson is able to highlight - to comic effect - some of the flaws in the way `normal' people live their lives. Here this is less through Dyson's own behaviour and more through his observations about the characters around him. The funniest moments, however, are probably those were Dyson's incongruence with his surroundings are most keenly felt. Necropolis is an intelligent novel, which to some extent gets caught between trying mesh a fast-paced plot with more thoughtful satire. Portman understands the genres in which he writes, however, and does well to bring the two together. While the plat may, at times, struggle to meet the demands of both genres, Portman's characterisation of Dyson works well and this mitigates, to an extent, any cracks that show in what is an ambitious novel.
From the novel's opening pages its hero, Dyson Devereux, speaks in a calm, detached voice that is more than reminiscent of American Psycho's Patrick Bateman, only here the protagonist drops the names of cheap deodorants and high street brands rather than expensive colognes and exclusive tailors. This juxtaposition, of the supremely erudite, discriminating narrator, stuck in a world where his good taste goes to waste on inexpensive Chinese lunches and snakeskin ties (the latter more an aberration in taste than a compromise) is extremely funny at times - particularly when one first encounters Essex's answer to Patrick Bateman. Dyson's voice develops, however, and drifts between the sociopath amused by humanity's foibles, and the autistic onlooker, bemused by society's customs - think more Don Tillman than Hannibal Lector.
Perhaps fittingly for the Head of Burials and Cemeteries, Dyson appears obsessed by death and war, leering over embalming methods whenever he visits the local mortuary and spending his evenings watching documentaries about wars or reading about weaponry. As with Six Feet Under, the death game proves a suitable background from within which to explore the banality of existence. Indeed, for Dyson the living are no more distinguishable from each other than from the dead. His derisory view of his fellow human beings extends to the point where not only can he not be bothered to remember most of their names, but reduces those he finds most distasteful to the offensive pronoun `it' - a slightly jarring way of demonstrating his contempt for others.
Deindividuation is important in Necropolis, Dyson's inability to recall the names of his colleagues a nod not only to his own insular mentality, but to the stagnant world in which he lives, where sedation is as readily available in the form mind-numbing programming like the X Factor as it is from more obvious sources like heroin, both of which his part-time girlfriend seeks solace in to Dyson's distaste. It might be surprising that such a sneering isolated individual should have a girlfriend of any kind but this is not this sociopath's only relationship. Indeed, Dyson has mastered the fundamentals of human emotion, able very easily to forge connections with others through small pieces of body language trickery, exposing how simple, and how easily manipulated, human connection really is.
The plot in Necropolis sits somewhere between transgressive fantasy and straight action thriller, and this is a fine line to tread. As Dyson boasts of his conquests, the women who simper at one of his smiles, even the incredible plot that sees him locking horns with a Sierra Leon war criminal turned drug dealer and a Balkans war criminal, all reported in his unexcitable monotone, one can't help but be pulled towards a transgressive reading, which has Dyson as a fantasist in the ilk of Tyler Durden's narrator. However, as the text progresses, one is forced, unexpectedly, to read it more as a realist thriller. Read in this light, the novel begins to resemble something more akin to Jeff Lindsay's Dexter books. This is fairly successful, although as the novel reaches its denouement, there is a slight lack of peril for Dyson, who appears to sail through most challenges calmly and with little chance of his world caving in on him. That said, the balancing act that Portman attempts to pull off here is a tricky one, and he cuts a definite path between the two genres, which makes Necropolis very much its own beast.
Dyson is well written for the most part and the satellite characters that surround him are disdainfully drawn, mere paper thin projections as seen through Dyson's eyes. The writing is crisp, suiting Dyson's logical, sneering voice. Occasionally too many adjectives are levered into a sentence, or a needlessly ornate word is misused, but these instances of overwriting are rare and concentrated near the book's beginning. Another minor gripe is the phonetic dialogue, which is used with a handful of supplementary characters, and is at times a little frustrating (although some readers will have more tolerance for this than others).
As is often the case with sociopathic characters, Dyson is able to highlight - to comic effect - some of the flaws in the way `normal' people live their lives. Here this is less through Dyson's own behaviour and more through his observations about the characters around him. The funniest moments, however, are probably those were Dyson's incongruence with his surroundings are most keenly felt. Necropolis is an intelligent novel, which to some extent gets caught between trying mesh a fast-paced plot with more thoughtful satire. Portman understands the genres in which he writes, however, and does well to bring the two together. While the plat may, at times, struggle to meet the demands of both genres, Portman's characterisation of Dyson works well and this mitigates, to an extent, any cracks that show in what is an ambitious novel.
July 3, 2014
Reviewers often say that the second novel is a test of an author's power. Well if so, then Guy Portman passes the test. His first novel, Charles Middleworth, was a great debut but so idiosyncratic it was hard to guess what he'd come up with next. Necropolis, his new novel, is written in Guy's unmistakable and utterly charming voice, yet Dyson the devious, hero of this novel, is very different from Adrian the perplexed of Middleworth.
Guy Portman is one of the very few authors who can make me laugh out loud and snigger a lot while reading. Necropolis is full of dark and satirical humour, juxtaposed with engaging characters whose individuality shines through their stereotypical roles. His portrayal of the employees of a London council Burials and Cemetaries department and their deranged head, Dyson, is hilarious because the characters are so recognisably from real life.
I'm not sure if Dyson is a sociopath, a psychopath, insane, or driven to a logically awful response to his upbringing. But I would love to meet him in conversation. Odd, because whatever motivates Dyson he is a calculating, untrustworthy murderer, yet with redeeming features that make me hesitate to brand him as absoluely unappealing. We can admire his rise from hideously bullied child to intelligent social commentator and lover of knowledge, appreciate his longterm protective relationship with Eva (he tells us he does not care for her but his actions clearly show he does), and envy his lack of fear in the face of extreme personal hazard. His victims may not deserve to be executed, but they are all pretty nasty folk. Dyson often tells us how much he despises his friends but again his actions show that he likes their company, and in his ability to remain unruffled in the midst of panic, he personifies Kipling's ideal man.
The story of Dyson's attempt to bring his ambition of financial freedom within touching distance is funny, unpredictable and full of interesting obsevations and perspectives on modern British culture. If you like novels that also provide detailed information as an integral part of the plot this is a great example. I think I could be interested in any body of knowledge that Guy Portman chooses to describe. My only fear is that however plausible his information, it is as made up as the thought provoking romp with Dyson.
Guy Portman is one of the very few authors who can make me laugh out loud and snigger a lot while reading. Necropolis is full of dark and satirical humour, juxtaposed with engaging characters whose individuality shines through their stereotypical roles. His portrayal of the employees of a London council Burials and Cemetaries department and their deranged head, Dyson, is hilarious because the characters are so recognisably from real life.
I'm not sure if Dyson is a sociopath, a psychopath, insane, or driven to a logically awful response to his upbringing. But I would love to meet him in conversation. Odd, because whatever motivates Dyson he is a calculating, untrustworthy murderer, yet with redeeming features that make me hesitate to brand him as absoluely unappealing. We can admire his rise from hideously bullied child to intelligent social commentator and lover of knowledge, appreciate his longterm protective relationship with Eva (he tells us he does not care for her but his actions clearly show he does), and envy his lack of fear in the face of extreme personal hazard. His victims may not deserve to be executed, but they are all pretty nasty folk. Dyson often tells us how much he despises his friends but again his actions show that he likes their company, and in his ability to remain unruffled in the midst of panic, he personifies Kipling's ideal man.
The story of Dyson's attempt to bring his ambition of financial freedom within touching distance is funny, unpredictable and full of interesting obsevations and perspectives on modern British culture. If you like novels that also provide detailed information as an integral part of the plot this is a great example. I think I could be interested in any body of knowledge that Guy Portman chooses to describe. My only fear is that however plausible his information, it is as made up as the thought provoking romp with Dyson.
March 6, 2016
Necropolis follows a lovable, pedantic sociopath named Dyson Devereux. The story is mature, dark and not without it's genuine laugh-out-loud moments. While Dyson is the only true character of focus in the story, we never truly get a sense of who he is or what he is capable of. Rather than there being any character development, there is only simply character reveal but Dyson is interesting enough that this can carry one through the story in a seemingly effortless motion.
The story is written as if it were the personal thoughts of Dyson, the language becomes stumbled and broken if the character is tired, names are consistently forgotten and the narration gets hung up on small details that would only interest the character. This unusual form of story-telling strangely suits the style of being a very individual focused book.
Often, however, there are times where there story focuses on something seemingly redundant or repeats itself. This is more noticeable in the early parts of the story. The main criticism of the novel is that there is no clear indication of what the main story is. The plot is not void of its interesting, even action filled moments, but of the numerous potential stories none seem to take precedence and we are left with feeling like we are just reading an excerpt from Dyson's life, rather than following an adventure. Once one thread is tied up, it does not seem to have any impact in the rest of the story.
Overall, this is an enjoyable book, a refreshing break from the hero-centric novels. Despite the inherent flaws in Dyson's personality, there is enough complexity there that a reader can find at least one way of empathising with him, which may or may not leave the reader with a slight sense of discomfort.
Warning: best approached with a sense of humour or a lack of fondness for cats.
I received this book free through the Goodreads Giveaways.
The story is written as if it were the personal thoughts of Dyson, the language becomes stumbled and broken if the character is tired, names are consistently forgotten and the narration gets hung up on small details that would only interest the character. This unusual form of story-telling strangely suits the style of being a very individual focused book.
Often, however, there are times where there story focuses on something seemingly redundant or repeats itself. This is more noticeable in the early parts of the story. The main criticism of the novel is that there is no clear indication of what the main story is. The plot is not void of its interesting, even action filled moments, but of the numerous potential stories none seem to take precedence and we are left with feeling like we are just reading an excerpt from Dyson's life, rather than following an adventure. Once one thread is tied up, it does not seem to have any impact in the rest of the story.
Overall, this is an enjoyable book, a refreshing break from the hero-centric novels. Despite the inherent flaws in Dyson's personality, there is enough complexity there that a reader can find at least one way of empathising with him, which may or may not leave the reader with a slight sense of discomfort.
Warning: best approached with a sense of humour or a lack of fondness for cats.
I received this book free through the Goodreads Giveaways.
June 14, 2014
http://bookbloke.weebly.com/
4.5
The main protagonist of this book is a well thought out, twisted and dark individual, the story is told in the first person narrative by Dyson Deveraux, who is a psychopath, someone who microanalyses everything, extremely clever, witty and manipulative. The way in which the author has so expertly portrayed the inner workings of the mind of Deveraux make you question the authors own state of mind.
Dyson on the outside is leading your average mundane work life but when seen through the eyes of a psychopath makes the mundane all that more interesting. He cares very little for people, throughout the books he regularly forgets the names of people, and people are nothing more than pawns that are there to get him where he wants to be. I wouldn't say he is likable but I do envy his drive and calculated way at making things go in his favour.
The story at times is fast paced, those parts which could be described as slow are enjoyable due to the dark humour and the way the author describes situations through Dyson’s eyes. The plot is original and unpredictable, yet not too farfetched making it highly believable. Dialogue throughout contains wit and the intelligence of the author shines through.
Dyson is a damaged man with a troubled past, mentally scarred from the treatment suffered when he was young; he uses his charm and intelligence to get what he wants.
Portman has written a brilliant book which surprised the hell out of me, extremely enjoyable, thought provoking, shocking and at times disturbing. Necropolis is a highly recommended read.
4.5
The main protagonist of this book is a well thought out, twisted and dark individual, the story is told in the first person narrative by Dyson Deveraux, who is a psychopath, someone who microanalyses everything, extremely clever, witty and manipulative. The way in which the author has so expertly portrayed the inner workings of the mind of Deveraux make you question the authors own state of mind.
Dyson on the outside is leading your average mundane work life but when seen through the eyes of a psychopath makes the mundane all that more interesting. He cares very little for people, throughout the books he regularly forgets the names of people, and people are nothing more than pawns that are there to get him where he wants to be. I wouldn't say he is likable but I do envy his drive and calculated way at making things go in his favour.
The story at times is fast paced, those parts which could be described as slow are enjoyable due to the dark humour and the way the author describes situations through Dyson’s eyes. The plot is original and unpredictable, yet not too farfetched making it highly believable. Dialogue throughout contains wit and the intelligence of the author shines through.
Dyson is a damaged man with a troubled past, mentally scarred from the treatment suffered when he was young; he uses his charm and intelligence to get what he wants.
Portman has written a brilliant book which surprised the hell out of me, extremely enjoyable, thought provoking, shocking and at times disturbing. Necropolis is a highly recommended read.
May 31, 2015
This book surprised me on several levels and for me, it would describe it as a mix between The Office and American Psycho
Dyson works for the local council, responsible for cemeteries and burials. It becomes quickly clear that while ambitious, he loathes working for the people he does, the people he has to work with. Now, anyone who has ever worked for the local council (or even in any office) recognises a lot of the characters described immediately. The power-hungry, the sad ones without a social life, the lazy ones. The author has a wonderful way of describing them with wit and morbid humour, and I couldn't help but literally laugh out loud. But Dyson has a very dark streak to him and I kept wondering whether that's all in his mind (think American Psycho here!).
The plot is around Dyson discovering that one of the people working under him looks very similar to war criminal who is being sought by an International Court. Can he hand him over and pocket the large reward sum to escape his humdrum life? But what you will mostly enjoy will be the characters he meets. In the middle of the book there is a rather explicit sex scene which came a bit unexpected for me (as Dyson didn't really talk dirty in his mind before), but it does fit in with his psycho character. I just came as a bit of a surprise for me.
Now, none of us would like to think that we would require the services of a cemetery one day, but we all will do. Great little book and quickly read, I would recommend it to anyone who works for the Local Council or even in an office. Great lunchtime reading, I'll promise.
http://thepegsterreads.blogspot.com.t...
May 23, 2014
3.5*
This story is about Dyson Devereux who works in the Burials and Cemeteries department of his local council but wishes he didn't so when he sees a highly risky opportunity to escape it all he goes for it. It is written from Dyson's POV which is generally very critical and egotistical but darkly humorous.
I spent most of the first half of the book feeling puzzled and trying to figure out where the story was going. Dyson has nothing but contempt for most of the people and things around him and yet he seems content to be surrounded by those he mocks spending his lunchtimes and evenings with his 'friends' and/or girlfriends. I don't know, I just expected people not to like him much or for him to distance himself from others - he clearly has an excellent poker face!
Once I had gotten over my own expectations I began to enjoy his day-to-day activities and observations. In the second half of the book the story starts to pick up the pace and Dyson sets his plans into action. I added half a star just for the ending because it was perfect (no spoilers hehe!).
Above all, I like the complexities of Dyson's character - he is perfectly accomplished at functioning 'normally' and there doesn't seem to be anything compulsive about his behaviour and yet simmering beneath the surface is a consummate anger that drives him to behave outside the confines of acceptable society...and people love him!
Fastidious in detail (especially regarding death related procedures) and gory in places, be prepared if you are have a weak stomach for that kind of thing.
This story is about Dyson Devereux who works in the Burials and Cemeteries department of his local council but wishes he didn't so when he sees a highly risky opportunity to escape it all he goes for it. It is written from Dyson's POV which is generally very critical and egotistical but darkly humorous.
I spent most of the first half of the book feeling puzzled and trying to figure out where the story was going. Dyson has nothing but contempt for most of the people and things around him and yet he seems content to be surrounded by those he mocks spending his lunchtimes and evenings with his 'friends' and/or girlfriends. I don't know, I just expected people not to like him much or for him to distance himself from others - he clearly has an excellent poker face!
Once I had gotten over my own expectations I began to enjoy his day-to-day activities and observations. In the second half of the book the story starts to pick up the pace and Dyson sets his plans into action. I added half a star just for the ending because it was perfect (no spoilers hehe!).
Above all, I like the complexities of Dyson's character - he is perfectly accomplished at functioning 'normally' and there doesn't seem to be anything compulsive about his behaviour and yet simmering beneath the surface is a consummate anger that drives him to behave outside the confines of acceptable society...and people love him!
Fastidious in detail (especially regarding death related procedures) and gory in places, be prepared if you are have a weak stomach for that kind of thing.
April 27, 2014
“He hud tae lae, th' beanflicker uv a radge.”
This means nothing to me. Turning to Cheikh I ask.
“Where is Kiro?”
“Rebecca a perdu son sang-froid et a renvoyé chez lui.”
“Thank you.”
Portman presents an exciting, fascinating glimpse into a logical, ordered, and deliciously twisted mind with this tour de force.
"From their grinning faces it is apparent that these photographs were taken pre-food poisoning."
Devereux is so cold, yet with such a convivial bonhomie on the outside that you can't but help be drawn in, and it's good to see that Guy has found another thing to latch on to (it was alcoholic drinks last time, as I recall, and this time it's a rather impressive list of foreign languages).
“You have the right to legal representation.”
“No representation required,” responds I, looking at the two of them in turn. “A cappuccino will suffice.”
To sum, a well-spun poke at political correctness and an absorbing look into a mind alien to many of us, with that twist of class and decorum at which Portman excels.
This means nothing to me. Turning to Cheikh I ask.
“Where is Kiro?”
“Rebecca a perdu son sang-froid et a renvoyé chez lui.”
“Thank you.”
Portman presents an exciting, fascinating glimpse into a logical, ordered, and deliciously twisted mind with this tour de force.
"From their grinning faces it is apparent that these photographs were taken pre-food poisoning."
Devereux is so cold, yet with such a convivial bonhomie on the outside that you can't but help be drawn in, and it's good to see that Guy has found another thing to latch on to (it was alcoholic drinks last time, as I recall, and this time it's a rather impressive list of foreign languages).
“You have the right to legal representation.”
“No representation required,” responds I, looking at the two of them in turn. “A cappuccino will suffice.”
To sum, a well-spun poke at political correctness and an absorbing look into a mind alien to many of us, with that twist of class and decorum at which Portman excels.
September 3, 2016
Review: Necropolis
Narrator/protagonist Dyson Devereux is not human. Not to say, "extraterrestrial"; but definitely, alien. His only claim to humanity is his physiognomy. Internally, he experiences no emotions in the sense that normal.humans do; his one rule is self-interest. As if to make up for his emotional void, the Universe granted him a high level of intellect; were he tested, he might be considered "gifted." With that high intellectual capacity arise the concomitant qualities of easily acquired boredom, total tactlessness, and elitism. Like most sociopaths, Dyson is self-analytical. All that given, why is he spending his career life as Head of Burials and Cemeteries for his local borough council? Why not, instead, Minister of Defense, Prime Minister, or world domination? One wonders.
Narrator/protagonist Dyson Devereux is not human. Not to say, "extraterrestrial"; but definitely, alien. His only claim to humanity is his physiognomy. Internally, he experiences no emotions in the sense that normal.humans do; his one rule is self-interest. As if to make up for his emotional void, the Universe granted him a high level of intellect; were he tested, he might be considered "gifted." With that high intellectual capacity arise the concomitant qualities of easily acquired boredom, total tactlessness, and elitism. Like most sociopaths, Dyson is self-analytical. All that given, why is he spending his career life as Head of Burials and Cemeteries for his local borough council? Why not, instead, Minister of Defense, Prime Minister, or world domination? One wonders.
March 16, 2018
Dyson is like a cross between Dexter & Patrick Bateman, so if you like that kind of thing then I would recommend this book. I think Portman did a good job of portraying a sociopath: Dyson is charming, narcissistic, manipulative & pretty much devoid of empathy and the full spectrum of human emotions. What normal man would be more interested in reading a wine label than 2 girls hooking up on a bed in front of him!
I expected (well hoped really) for more killing, but the story kept me entertained throughout & there are some disturbingly written scenes toward the end, probably not for the squeamish!
Even though he's a sociopath, I found myself really liking Dyson & I loved the fact he called people he disliked 'it'. Hilarious!
I expected (well hoped really) for more killing, but the story kept me entertained throughout & there are some disturbingly written scenes toward the end, probably not for the squeamish!
Even though he's a sociopath, I found myself really liking Dyson & I loved the fact he called people he disliked 'it'. Hilarious!
May 8, 2014
When I started reading the book, I thought the first chapters felt long and had a little too much information, details almost went overboard and I wondered if the book would be written like that all the time but after a while I got into the book and it is like most describe, dark twisted humor and a couple of times when I thought 'what the hell ....! "
It's definitely not for everyone, but I think you have to have a certain humor and twinkle in the eye to read the book without getting a little offended.
A good book, a little different though.
It's definitely not for everyone, but I think you have to have a certain humor and twinkle in the eye to read the book without getting a little offended.
A good book, a little different though.
May 28, 2014
This is a funny, dark, intelligent, imaginative, disturbing, thought-provoking novel with a unique take on the psychopath. Guy Portman populates his vividly created world with a bestiary of twisted characters, not the least of which is Dyson Devereux, a compelling anti-hero whose malevolent logic implicates the reader in his designs. The story also has a capacity to shock, no mean feat in this day and age, while still having a point. It's also very enjoyable to read - you'll never look at a mortician's in the same way.
A real novel, by a real writer.
A real novel, by a real writer.
October 9, 2014
Very fun to read!, at the beginning I though why so specific descriptions of items and situations surrounding the main character but the I came to understand it was part of what described the main character, the morbid dark humour becomes more intense at the ending. Funny most of the time and intense surprising and clever ending. I recommended fully.
December 27, 2019
I’ve been enjoying the British Psycho that is Dyson Deveraux (the x is silent) for two books now. Though as it turns out those were books 2 and 3 in the series. Far from optimal for someone who likes correct order as much as I do, so to my and my OCD’s great joy the author has kindly provided book 1 for my reading and reviewing pleasure. Finally, I was able to check out Dyson’s origins. Which were in fact, quite mild. In book 1 he is a dedicated city employee with something like a girlfriend he genuinely likes and cares for (as much as he can) and a notably low body count. You see, Dyson isn’t and has never been a typical serial killer, despite his numbers, he’s just someone who settles personal scores in a murderous manner. There’s no type, but the people who have wronged him. Many of those people were in his past, there was a large amount of emotional abuse he’s had to endure as a child, it’s certainly shaped the very precise punctilious properly groomed man he has become. With childhood abuse one can get therapy to deal with it, one can rise above…or one can turn to murder. It’s all therapeutic in its own ways or so it is to Dyson. There’s just something about the guy, an innate peculiar likeability to him, all the more credit to the way Guy Portman has written him, jocularly checking Dyson at his wildest turns. It’s all darkly humorous, no matter how dark it gets and the style works very well for the singular creature that Dyson is. I did want more out of this book, I’ll admit, especially how a man like that gets to be a father, sort of Dyson daddy, the early years. But alas, this wasn’t covered, it almost seems like there can be another book in between the 2 and 3 I’ve read before and this one. And there’s that fairly abrupt ending the author seems to be a fan of. But this is really a good sign, though, when you’re left wanting more, it shows that the book succeeded in getting your attention, in engaging your mind, in caring about it and its offbeat protagonist. So yeah, maybe I don’t get to know every single detail about Dyson’s life or maybe it’ll be revealed via flashbacks in further installments. But the thing is I’ll probably read those, because the draw is there. The sartorial perfection of the ever so well educated polyglot with crisp manners, refined tastes and homicidal tendencies is indeed a considerable draw. Recommended.
August 21, 2014
Dyson Devereux is not your average person, he doesn’t like slow sad love songs from artists like Celine Dion and he hates reality shows like the X Factor. He lives in England and he works in the burials and cemeteries department for his local council. To say that Dyson doesn’t relate to people would be an understatement. He forgets people’s names, he doesn’t show any emotion when his co-worker Dorthy dies and in the beginning of the book when he is at her funeral he thinks how glorious his funeral will be and about the promotion he will get now that Dorthy is dead.
What he lacks in empathy he makes up for in intelligence and attention to detail. Dyson sees himself as the smartest person where he works and he thinks Dorthy’s death will lead him to bigger and better things. Dyson knows a lot about death but it doesn’t necessarily get him anywhere when it comes to higher pay. That’s ok though, because he just found out that a war criminal may be working under a fake name in the cemetery and there is a big reward for his capture. Dyson’s skills may not help him on the job but it will get him that reward money.
The first thing I thought when I started Necropolis by Guy Portman was: “Hey it’s Dexter, he must have moved to Great Britain and started working as a funeral director. In reality the only similarities between Dexter and Dyson is that they are both sociopaths trying to fit into society when they don’t relate to people. The story to Necropolis isn’t why you should read this book. What really makes this book good is Dyson himself.Dyson has a different view on society than most people have and its told entirely from his point of view. One thing I kept wondering about him was if he cares about the people that he interacts with?
Dyson has a girlfriend named Eve who has a drug problem, at one point he says he doesn’t love her but he says he does tolerate her. That being said he takes it upon himself to pay off her drug debts and get revenge on the dealer that has threatened her. Because he does that you think maybe he does care but then he gets embarrassed when she gets emotional and he has other women on the side. Another point in the story after a drug fueled threesome he asks himself if this is love which proves that he doesn’t know what love is and he even admits he has never felt it.
Necropolis shows you what goes on in the mind of a sociopath from what made him to how he lives his day-to-day life. Death does not bother Dyson, its his business and the other funeral workers aren’t bothered by it either. I found myself wondering if all people who work in funeral parlors are like this since all the characters shown in the story come across as uncaring. One point where they were preparing a body for a funeral made me almost stop reading. There were times that I felt that Dyson was the normal one among his coworkers. Necropolis is a different type of book and a dark twisted comedy that is not for the squeamish.
What he lacks in empathy he makes up for in intelligence and attention to detail. Dyson sees himself as the smartest person where he works and he thinks Dorthy’s death will lead him to bigger and better things. Dyson knows a lot about death but it doesn’t necessarily get him anywhere when it comes to higher pay. That’s ok though, because he just found out that a war criminal may be working under a fake name in the cemetery and there is a big reward for his capture. Dyson’s skills may not help him on the job but it will get him that reward money.
The first thing I thought when I started Necropolis by Guy Portman was: “Hey it’s Dexter, he must have moved to Great Britain and started working as a funeral director. In reality the only similarities between Dexter and Dyson is that they are both sociopaths trying to fit into society when they don’t relate to people. The story to Necropolis isn’t why you should read this book. What really makes this book good is Dyson himself.Dyson has a different view on society than most people have and its told entirely from his point of view. One thing I kept wondering about him was if he cares about the people that he interacts with?
Dyson has a girlfriend named Eve who has a drug problem, at one point he says he doesn’t love her but he says he does tolerate her. That being said he takes it upon himself to pay off her drug debts and get revenge on the dealer that has threatened her. Because he does that you think maybe he does care but then he gets embarrassed when she gets emotional and he has other women on the side. Another point in the story after a drug fueled threesome he asks himself if this is love which proves that he doesn’t know what love is and he even admits he has never felt it.
Necropolis shows you what goes on in the mind of a sociopath from what made him to how he lives his day-to-day life. Death does not bother Dyson, its his business and the other funeral workers aren’t bothered by it either. I found myself wondering if all people who work in funeral parlors are like this since all the characters shown in the story come across as uncaring. One point where they were preparing a body for a funeral made me almost stop reading. There were times that I felt that Dyson was the normal one among his coworkers. Necropolis is a different type of book and a dark twisted comedy that is not for the squeamish.
April 11, 2018
Another ebook from Voracious Readers. I originally picked this because it is about working in the funeral industry and my sister works in a cemetery and crematorium. It’s a fascinating subject to me. The main character starts off as a bit of a larrikin but evolves throughout the book until the reader realizes just how messed up he really is. Well written, and a though-provoking read. Thumbs up from me 👍
December 30, 2017
I received this ebook via Voracious Readers Only.
Oh how I love dark humor. This book really made me laugh out loud... then made me do self-reflection on why I did. The author really lets you dive into the mind of a psychopath. It made me understand how some people can get away with murder... they can be so charming and play to your every emotion to get what they want.
This is the first I've read from the author. I did not have a lot to go but it far exceeded my expectations. It really was a great read and I would definitely recommend.
Oh how I love dark humor. This book really made me laugh out loud... then made me do self-reflection on why I did. The author really lets you dive into the mind of a psychopath. It made me understand how some people can get away with murder... they can be so charming and play to your every emotion to get what they want.
This is the first I've read from the author. I did not have a lot to go but it far exceeded my expectations. It really was a great read and I would definitely recommend.
August 29, 2022
What a great start to a new series! It feels wrong to say I loved sociopath Dyson Devereux but I really did love him. His witty thoughts and observations had me laughing out loud and I often found myself agreeing with him. Uh-oh! Am I a sociopath? No, I'm just not a great fan of people.
Dyson works for the local council in Burials and Cemeteries but behind his professional persona is a dark and dangerous killer. Cross him and you'll find a part of you in his keepsake tin. He reminisces about past kills, fantasises about new ones and the only personal pronoun in his dictionary is 'it".
Dyson's thoughts about his work colleagues are absolutely hilarious and one particular colleague has caught his eye. Could a member of Dyson's team be a missing war criminal? Dyson has a new target but it's one he must deliver alive in order to collect the huge reward.
Aside from the escapade with the wanted fugitive, Dyson has a rather surprising personal life. His girlfriend (I was surprised he had one) is mixed up with some shady characters and there's a pretty graphic drug-fuelled sex scene that some readers of a sensitive disposition may find uncomfortable to read.
Hilarious, disturbing and completely entertaining, Necropolis is a highly original dark comedy. It's like Dexter, The Office, American Psycho and The Benny Hill Show all rolled into one and I absolutely loved it. My only disappointment was coming to the end of the book, and the ending is a little abrupt to ensure that everyone who reads Necropolis will be eager to read the next book, Sepultura.
Many thanks to Guy Portman for sending me a digital ARC to read and review. I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Dyson works for the local council in Burials and Cemeteries but behind his professional persona is a dark and dangerous killer. Cross him and you'll find a part of you in his keepsake tin. He reminisces about past kills, fantasises about new ones and the only personal pronoun in his dictionary is 'it".
Dyson's thoughts about his work colleagues are absolutely hilarious and one particular colleague has caught his eye. Could a member of Dyson's team be a missing war criminal? Dyson has a new target but it's one he must deliver alive in order to collect the huge reward.
Aside from the escapade with the wanted fugitive, Dyson has a rather surprising personal life. His girlfriend (I was surprised he had one) is mixed up with some shady characters and there's a pretty graphic drug-fuelled sex scene that some readers of a sensitive disposition may find uncomfortable to read.
Hilarious, disturbing and completely entertaining, Necropolis is a highly original dark comedy. It's like Dexter, The Office, American Psycho and The Benny Hill Show all rolled into one and I absolutely loved it. My only disappointment was coming to the end of the book, and the ending is a little abrupt to ensure that everyone who reads Necropolis will be eager to read the next book, Sepultura.
Many thanks to Guy Portman for sending me a digital ARC to read and review. I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 26, 2020
Be great made into a movie with Joaquin Phoenix as the main character.
January 2, 2018
*** This review is also live on my blog! ***
This book was such an interesting and different read and I loved it. I went into this thinking it would be like the usual crime/thriller/mystery novel just from the perspective of the perpetrator and that it would be filled with lots of murder but I was wrong and I’m happy I was. The book is so much better than that; it takes a while for the book to get going and for a plot to become clear but the build up to this plot wasn’t boring or dragged. It was funny, laugh-out-loud funny but was so dark at the same time. I’ve not read anything like this at and it was a different yet interesting read.
Dyson loathes human company and, to be honest, just humans in general and his interactions with his fellow colleagues, neighbours, everyday people are just hilarious and also resonate with how I feel about certain people sometimes – it’s realistic, obviously to a certain extent as it’s obvious that Dyson is an extremely intellectual sociopath and is so smooth. We don’ actually get told how good looking he is but his personality and actions all show us that he’s clearly a charming and good looking character. The way Guy describes the characters in this book is nothing short of fantastic, you don’t get long descriptive paragraphs instead you get an overall picture of characters through Dyson’s interactions with them as well as this descriptors and it makes for such a better picture of the characters.
Dyson deals with his colleagues as the Cemeteries and Burials department, his ‘relationship’ with his neighbour Eva and her troublesome, low-life drug dealer and finding out if one of his cemetery workers is actually a war criminal in hiding. I actually found myself wanting Dyson to succeed and hoping he didn’t get caught so he could carry on which was interesting for me! The plot and story is life-like and realistic as compared with our country now with the different social classes and how they talk and the job interactions and that was one of the bits I loved as well. I’m that this story could be relatable in a lot of different was for people with the obvious exception of Dysons personality.
I originally gave this 4 stars mainly because I felt the writing style was different to what I usually read and I found it difficult to get into at first but it’s been around a week since I finished it and I can’t stop thinking about the book and that to me is the sign of a great book hence the upgraded star rating. I can’t get it out of my head and I would honestly pick it up and re-read it now if I didn’t have the sequel to read now!
This book was such an interesting and different read and I loved it. I went into this thinking it would be like the usual crime/thriller/mystery novel just from the perspective of the perpetrator and that it would be filled with lots of murder but I was wrong and I’m happy I was. The book is so much better than that; it takes a while for the book to get going and for a plot to become clear but the build up to this plot wasn’t boring or dragged. It was funny, laugh-out-loud funny but was so dark at the same time. I’ve not read anything like this at and it was a different yet interesting read.
Dyson loathes human company and, to be honest, just humans in general and his interactions with his fellow colleagues, neighbours, everyday people are just hilarious and also resonate with how I feel about certain people sometimes – it’s realistic, obviously to a certain extent as it’s obvious that Dyson is an extremely intellectual sociopath and is so smooth. We don’ actually get told how good looking he is but his personality and actions all show us that he’s clearly a charming and good looking character. The way Guy describes the characters in this book is nothing short of fantastic, you don’t get long descriptive paragraphs instead you get an overall picture of characters through Dyson’s interactions with them as well as this descriptors and it makes for such a better picture of the characters.
Dyson deals with his colleagues as the Cemeteries and Burials department, his ‘relationship’ with his neighbour Eva and her troublesome, low-life drug dealer and finding out if one of his cemetery workers is actually a war criminal in hiding. I actually found myself wanting Dyson to succeed and hoping he didn’t get caught so he could carry on which was interesting for me! The plot and story is life-like and realistic as compared with our country now with the different social classes and how they talk and the job interactions and that was one of the bits I loved as well. I’m that this story could be relatable in a lot of different was for people with the obvious exception of Dysons personality.
I originally gave this 4 stars mainly because I felt the writing style was different to what I usually read and I found it difficult to get into at first but it’s been around a week since I finished it and I can’t stop thinking about the book and that to me is the sign of a great book hence the upgraded star rating. I can’t get it out of my head and I would honestly pick it up and re-read it now if I didn’t have the sequel to read now!
April 13, 2018
***I won this book via the Goodreads Giveaway program. This has not influenced my review.***
I am not sure what I just read. Dyson is certainly living the life where he can get away with anything. He's emotionally unattached but recognizes he should be. He's irresponsible and rarely is held accountable. He's obsessive-compulsive but can chill when needed. He's quite the character.
The issue is the actual story. I am not sure there's really a plot. The author just covers the day to day activities of this guy who works in the death business. Some of the office stuff is funny and quirky. Then the author shows us Dyson's after work activities which are strange. Sometimes he's connecting with people and sometimes he is locked into himself. Then there's the obsessive parts of the book - very dark and weird.
I didn't get much out of reading this book, and I'm not interested in more (there's a sequel!?).
I am not sure what I just read. Dyson is certainly living the life where he can get away with anything. He's emotionally unattached but recognizes he should be. He's irresponsible and rarely is held accountable. He's obsessive-compulsive but can chill when needed. He's quite the character.
The issue is the actual story. I am not sure there's really a plot. The author just covers the day to day activities of this guy who works in the death business. Some of the office stuff is funny and quirky. Then the author shows us Dyson's after work activities which are strange. Sometimes he's connecting with people and sometimes he is locked into himself. Then there's the obsessive parts of the book - very dark and weird.
I didn't get much out of reading this book, and I'm not interested in more (there's a sequel!?).
January 11, 2018
This book started out clever and intriguing. I liked Dyson's personality; it was funny and different than your usual characters. A lot of what he said out loud is what we all think throughout our days, but he went further and even said some of them. So the book was quite comical in a dark way. Then I'm not sure what happened, but I got bored and it took a plunge, and then suddenly picked up again and reminded me so much of Dexter; which was AMAZING! Dyson kept his personality, clever, funny, quick on his feet, totally had it all together, just like your typical (from everything I've learned about them) psychopath. The book went from...what exactly is going to happen, this is getting boring that he just keeps going to work and hooking up with these women and then all of a sudden he has goals and you learn his secrets and it gets nice and juicy and then it ends! This book left me wanting some more.
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