A Man at War

by Johnny Mains

Author, bookseller, spybreaker, killer. Enter the world of Russell Stickles. Not since George Harvey Bone in Hangover Square has there ever been a singular protagonist as compelling. As sickly. As sick.

From the creator of Dead Funny: Horror Stories by Comedians comes a stunning novel that re-invents the tale of the empty man.

258 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2022

Reviews

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we meet Russell Stickles at the beginning of the book he seems, for a short time, like a normal man under pressure at home. As the story unravels we find a man, desensitized during the war who now deals with day to day problems in the most brutal manner without a care. Steeling, lying murdering at will. One day he meets a lady who has a dark past of her own and other characters that begin to make small chinks in his cold heart.
A very chilling book that has been compared to Hangover Square. Something so British about the feel and dark humour. I really enjoyed it and found it very unusual.

[Bobby P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! I'm trying to put a lid on the genre and I'm finding it difficult. It's a study of a life through 3 different time periods, fused with seemingly supernatural horror, torture methods the likes of which come from the darkest recesses of the mind and all the while feeling very very British. I loved it. Different and refreshing. I look forward to reading more by Mr Mains.

[Clint Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stickles is one of the most reprehensible characters I've ever read. But I just want to read more! A genre defying tale that manages to capture time and place perfectly and is written in a way that just pulls you along. Read it all in one sitting!

[Tania Negru · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most captivaiting books I've recently read! I loved how the author portrayed Russell and the storyline kept me hooked the entire time. It was a real pleasure!

[Tristan John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual and genre defying, this is a great read, intelligent, well written and convincing historical detail. Can't wait to read more.

[Ernesto In Rome · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the rather rotten Russell Stickles feels like a lost Patrick Hamilton tale told by BS Johnson. This is a very good book.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a rare book that is compelling from the first page through to the last, and this is one of them. This is a gem of a story (or, more accurately, three stories), with a truly original, detailed protagonist who is dread-inducing and disconcertingly believable, all at once. Johnny Mains's words are gripping and dazzling; this is one of those stories that is very hard to put down, and creeps around the corners of your mind for a long time afterwards.