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Markhat #4
The Cadaver Client
Markhat’s new client is already dead and buried—or is he?
The Markhat Files, Book 4
Humans, Trolls and even the halfdead have all passed through Markhat’s door—more than once—seeking his services as a finder of missing persons and lost loves. This is a first, though. This time, his client is a dead man. At least that’s what Granny Knot claims. But as long as the coin is real, Markhat has no trouble working for a guilt-ridden ghost.
Trouble is exactly what he finds, and soon he suspects his client, ghost or not, has darker motives for finding his estranged wife than the reconciliation he claims. Left with a cadaver for a client, a spook doctor for a partner, and Mama Hog as advisor on all things spiritual, Markhat must unravel a dark mystery ten years old, and do it before another grave is filled. Maybe his own.
The Markhat Files, Book 4
Humans, Trolls and even the halfdead have all passed through Markhat’s door—more than once—seeking his services as a finder of missing persons and lost loves. This is a first, though. This time, his client is a dead man. At least that’s what Granny Knot claims. But as long as the coin is real, Markhat has no trouble working for a guilt-ridden ghost.
Trouble is exactly what he finds, and soon he suspects his client, ghost or not, has darker motives for finding his estranged wife than the reconciliation he claims. Left with a cadaver for a client, a spook doctor for a partner, and Mama Hog as advisor on all things spiritual, Markhat must unravel a dark mystery ten years old, and do it before another grave is filled. Maybe his own.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 22, 2020
What The Markhat Series Aren't:
No overlong, flowery, adverby descriptions; no page-long information dumps describing how this magic system works or the world topography from east to west; no excessively snarky voice that disturbs the emotional balance, destroying both tension and compassion. They do not suffer from excess oinkism; in this one, two elderly ladies (well, to be honest, neither are 'ladies' in the world-definition sense of the word), and a mother-daughter duo play significant roles and I didn't catch Tuttle describing in terms of natural chauvinism ("As a man, I must protect these women and children!") or sexability. That's a selling point right there.
The synopsis:
Mama Hog, always somewhat suspect for shenanigans, introduces a new client to Markat--Granny, a local spirit doctor ("She looked to be a hundred and twenty, and though I doubt that, I’d buy even odds she is on the bad side of eighty"). Granny has her own suspect client, a ghost who has contacted her and wants her to find his long-lost wife and daughter. He's a troubled ghost and wants to turn over a bag of gold to his family in compensation for years of absence. Markhat, very skeptically, takes the job, convinced enough by the gold coins. However, when he starts investigating, he discovers few leads. The local community suffered a devastating fire during that same time and no one remembers the widow and her daughter. However, when a reward is offered, plenty of the populace answer the ad "All of them, though, seemed surprised to learn they had a daughter. One couldn’t even recall where she’d lived. One was obviously a man." Markhat becomes the target of attacks, both corporeal and spiritual. Is Granny for real? Running a con on Markhat? Or is she being duped?
What This Book Is:
It feels like a fantasy interpretation of a ghost story--enjoyable and just a little sinister. It was a solid read both times through, and I admire the sparing way he has his lead maintain skepticism, his humor fading as the story builds danger. Something about Tuttle's writing is so solid, the voice clear and just a little familiar. He hits my taste bud sweet spot, the perfect salt and sweet combo; the combination of description, commentary and action that makes a story perfectly readable.
Although technically this is number four in the Markhat series when considered in order of publication, Tuttle often recommends starting here. It is more book-like (the first are short stories and novellas) and contains more solid world-building and character background, so if you prefer the feel of a longer story to introduce yourself to Markhat, by all means, start here.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
I highly recommend the series.
No overlong, flowery, adverby descriptions; no page-long information dumps describing how this magic system works or the world topography from east to west; no excessively snarky voice that disturbs the emotional balance, destroying both tension and compassion. They do not suffer from excess oinkism; in this one, two elderly ladies (well, to be honest, neither are 'ladies' in the world-definition sense of the word), and a mother-daughter duo play significant roles and I didn't catch Tuttle describing in terms of natural chauvinism ("As a man, I must protect these women and children!") or sexability. That's a selling point right there.
The synopsis:
Mama Hog, always somewhat suspect for shenanigans, introduces a new client to Markat--Granny, a local spirit doctor ("She looked to be a hundred and twenty, and though I doubt that, I’d buy even odds she is on the bad side of eighty"). Granny has her own suspect client, a ghost who has contacted her and wants her to find his long-lost wife and daughter. He's a troubled ghost and wants to turn over a bag of gold to his family in compensation for years of absence. Markhat, very skeptically, takes the job, convinced enough by the gold coins. However, when he starts investigating, he discovers few leads. The local community suffered a devastating fire during that same time and no one remembers the widow and her daughter. However, when a reward is offered, plenty of the populace answer the ad "All of them, though, seemed surprised to learn they had a daughter. One couldn’t even recall where she’d lived. One was obviously a man." Markhat becomes the target of attacks, both corporeal and spiritual. Is Granny for real? Running a con on Markhat? Or is she being duped?
What This Book Is:
It feels like a fantasy interpretation of a ghost story--enjoyable and just a little sinister. It was a solid read both times through, and I admire the sparing way he has his lead maintain skepticism, his humor fading as the story builds danger. Something about Tuttle's writing is so solid, the voice clear and just a little familiar. He hits my taste bud sweet spot, the perfect salt and sweet combo; the combination of description, commentary and action that makes a story perfectly readable.
Although technically this is number four in the Markhat series when considered in order of publication, Tuttle often recommends starting here. It is more book-like (the first are short stories and novellas) and contains more solid world-building and character background, so if you prefer the feel of a longer story to introduce yourself to Markhat, by all means, start here.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
I highly recommend the series.
March 27, 2016
Much lighter than the previous Markhat story. There is more humour, but it still has that Markhat darkness whether we're dealing with common hired thugs, vampires, ghosts or whatever else this world decides to throw at the Finder. Needless to say, I liked it a lot.
It's the tenth birthday of Markhat's business. You get more about his beginnings: his first clients were family members looking for lost solders after the War, then the times changed and he got different jobs from clients who rarely got good news (spouses and such). From ghosts, street urchins, civic-minded gang lords, elderly former gang members, Markhat will have his hands full with this job.
As usual, Mama Hog brings one of the strangest clients so far and Markhat is hired by a spook doctor. Granny Knot speaks for her dead client who apparently wants to make amends towards his wife for something he did ten years ago. However, nothing is as easy or straightforward as it sounds.
It's the tenth birthday of Markhat's business. You get more about his beginnings: his first clients were family members looking for lost solders after the War, then the times changed and he got different jobs from clients who rarely got good news (spouses and such). From ghosts, street urchins, civic-minded gang lords, elderly former gang members, Markhat will have his hands full with this job.
As usual, Mama Hog brings one of the strangest clients so far and Markhat is hired by a spook doctor. Granny Knot speaks for her dead client who apparently wants to make amends towards his wife for something he did ten years ago. However, nothing is as easy or straightforward as it sounds.
December 15, 2015
One of the shorter stories somewhat similar to Dead Man's Rain and just as well dealing the dead man's issue. Not as gripping or emotional as the previous book but still a pleasant quick read.
April 8, 2022
3.5 stars - This story is also part of a collection (The Markhat Files) which includes The Mister trophy and Dead Man’s Rain. Although The Cadaver Client was published later in the series I would recommend starting with this story if seemingly minor continuity problems tend to bother you. It did for me, reading it after Hold the Dark.
June 27, 2013
A good, tight little book. The Finder Markhat is hired by a ghost to find a man's lost wife and child. And that is where a seemingly simple and straight forward job gets complicated. Finishing the book I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't see the twist coming - although I wasn't entirely surprised. The beauty of what the author did is that the surprise wasn't heavily foreshadowed but was entirely plausible. Finishing the book I immediately thought of Dune - "plots within plots."
I like these Markhat books. The writing is crisp and no frills. The stories move along briskly and the characters are intriguing. I'm pretty sure that I am reading them out of order but that doesn't seem to make any difference.
I like these Markhat books. The writing is crisp and no frills. The stories move along briskly and the characters are intriguing. I'm pretty sure that I am reading them out of order but that doesn't seem to make any difference.
April 7, 2020
Envie d'un peu de légéreté ? me suis régalé avec nouvelle dans la série The Markhat Files : le style enlevé, drôle, piquant même ; les personnages (mama hog le chat etc) un monde étrange que l'on découvre aux détours d'une phrase Bravo, M Tuttle ! même si cet histoire de fantôme n'a rien de nouveau, tout l'habillage autour m'a fait passé un excellent moment
Je lirais sans aucun doute les suites en les espérant aussi jubilatoires
Je lirais sans aucun doute les suites en les espérant aussi jubilatoires
June 18, 2025
Stars: 4 out of 5
Another excellent short story about our finder with a heart of gold. This one has an interesting twist - Markhat is hired to find a living person by a dead man, but not all spirits are benevolent, and some people have good reasons not to be found. Oh, and Markhat has a cat now, so extra points there.
Another excellent short story about our finder with a heart of gold. This one has an interesting twist - Markhat is hired to find a living person by a dead man, but not all spirits are benevolent, and some people have good reasons not to be found. Oh, and Markhat has a cat now, so extra points there.
March 29, 2023
I’ve read three of these Markhat novellas in quick succession, and they’ve been great! Well written, well paced and highly entertaining. Each story stands alone, so order isn’t critical. This one, The Cadaver Client, is labeled #3 (or #4 on some lists) in the series, but actually has more exposition and therefore serves better as an intro to the series than either of the two I read first (Dead Man’s Rain and The Mister Trophy). I can’t wait to continue the series.
March 6, 2018
And with the fourth book in the series Tuttle has really come in to his own. At its heart this is still a detective series but the cast of characters and the world sets it far and away above any other fantasy detective series I've read. I've really enjoyed the delve in to the darker side of the world and this book brings back some of the lightheartedness of the first short story which, in my opinion, only highlights how good Tuttle is. Markhat is character that is easy to see oneself in as he has real reactions to bad things and slowly seems to recover. It's obvious that the past weighs on him and has tattooed its mark on his soul but in the end he remains himself. It's something we've all been through.
The introduction of Granny Knot adds some levity at a time I think the series needed it and it also adds another layer of mysticism to the world. Markhat reacts a little too much like Mulder at times but I'm not sure how much of that is him not wanting to admit the reality of things and how much is actual disbelief. In the end it doesn't matter as a case is case, whether the client is dead or alive.
Without spoiling too much, Markhat being led astray by a well crafted story solidifies his humanity in ways that I can't really describe. It's one reason this story got five stars. Tuttle's ability to continue crafting Markhat as a fallible human being is a joy to read.
The introduction of Granny Knot adds some levity at a time I think the series needed it and it also adds another layer of mysticism to the world. Markhat reacts a little too much like Mulder at times but I'm not sure how much of that is him not wanting to admit the reality of things and how much is actual disbelief. In the end it doesn't matter as a case is case, whether the client is dead or alive.
Without spoiling too much, Markhat being led astray by a well crafted story solidifies his humanity in ways that I can't really describe. It's one reason this story got five stars. Tuttle's ability to continue crafting Markhat as a fallible human being is a joy to read.
March 2, 2022
I've really enjoyed the first three stories in this series, all three of which are included in the newly republished combined edition called, "Three Mean Streets (The Markhat Files Book 1)" by Frank Tuttle. Each of the three is essentially a novela, do publishing them together under one cover makes sense and makes the purchase a bargain.
This this story in the series is called "The Cadaver Client" and it continues the colorful characters and spooky world introduced in the previous stories. Each one is a cracking good short story that will grab your attention, entertain you, and then let you free before the story wears out its welcome.
If you like detective stories with a spooky atmosphere and some fantasy world elements mixed in, this will be a real find for you. I like the emphasis on mystery with just enough spooky and fantasy world elements to add some color to the setting.
Really fun, tense, suspenseful, and very colorful!
Recommended!
This this story in the series is called "The Cadaver Client" and it continues the colorful characters and spooky world introduced in the previous stories. Each one is a cracking good short story that will grab your attention, entertain you, and then let you free before the story wears out its welcome.
If you like detective stories with a spooky atmosphere and some fantasy world elements mixed in, this will be a real find for you. I like the emphasis on mystery with just enough spooky and fantasy world elements to add some color to the setting.
Really fun, tense, suspenseful, and very colorful!
Recommended!
November 12, 2018
I am really enjoying this series !
January 21, 2013
The Cadaver Client was more of what I enjoyed in The Mister Trophy and Dead Man's Rain. Markhat (who I realized still doesn't have a first name) was, as usual, snarky, smart, and in possession of a strong sense of justice, and the mystery itself was interesting. Unfortunately, some of the things I disliked about Dead Man's Rain were also present in this story.
Although the first three stories in the series could be read in any order, I kind of wish that weren't the case. It feels like Markhat has the same level of skepticism in each of the stories. After seeing supposedly impossible things in the first two stories in the series, I would think it would be easier for Markhat to believe in ghosts, but Mama Hog had to repeatedly tell him that Granny Knot's abilities were genuine. And his belief in Mama Hog's magic seemed only slightly stronger in this story than in the others. Since her magic hasn't once failed him, I'm not sure why she still has to warn him not to throw her little presents out, whether or not they're gross or pitiful-looking.
I still enjoyed Markhat's “voice,” and I liked that the mystery turned out to be a little more complicated than “dead soldier wants Markhat to deliver some money to his family.” Markhat's idea for getting himself into the graveyard at the end made me laugh, as did the thug who was deathly afraid of Mama Hog. Also, I enjoyed getting to see a little more of Markhat's world. I already own several more works in this series, and I imagine I'll enjoy them. I just hope that, at some point soon, events that happen in previous stories start having more of an effect on later stories. I'd like to see evidence of change.
Goodreads Note: Grading this one was tough. Part of me wanted to give it 4 stars for being an enjoyable read on its own. I settled on three stars, though, because as part of a series it's frustrating. I feel like each story in this series is starting me and the characters off on square one, and that's not what I look for in a series.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Although the first three stories in the series could be read in any order, I kind of wish that weren't the case. It feels like Markhat has the same level of skepticism in each of the stories. After seeing supposedly impossible things in the first two stories in the series, I would think it would be easier for Markhat to believe in ghosts, but Mama Hog had to repeatedly tell him that Granny Knot's abilities were genuine. And his belief in Mama Hog's magic seemed only slightly stronger in this story than in the others. Since her magic hasn't once failed him, I'm not sure why she still has to warn him not to throw her little presents out, whether or not they're gross or pitiful-looking.
I still enjoyed Markhat's “voice,” and I liked that the mystery turned out to be a little more complicated than “dead soldier wants Markhat to deliver some money to his family.” Markhat's idea for getting himself into the graveyard at the end made me laugh, as did the thug who was deathly afraid of Mama Hog. Also, I enjoyed getting to see a little more of Markhat's world. I already own several more works in this series, and I imagine I'll enjoy them. I just hope that, at some point soon, events that happen in previous stories start having more of an effect on later stories. I'd like to see evidence of change.
Goodreads Note: Grading this one was tough. Part of me wanted to give it 4 stars for being an enjoyable read on its own. I settled on three stars, though, because as part of a series it's frustrating. I feel like each story in this series is starting me and the characters off on square one, and that's not what I look for in a series.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
April 26, 2010
Finally! This novella opened the way the first story should have (in my opinion). We finally get an explanation of what exactly a finder is (someone who is paid to find things, not a magical skill, just a job title) and a little background on Markhat. I'm interested in this world and this character, but so far, the stories just aren't pulling me in, and I'm not really sure why. Even four stories into this world with these same characters, I don't feel like I really know any of them. I haven't gotten to see into any of their heads, know their motivations, know their feelings, etc. Markhat is a smartass, which is fun, but...I still don't know him.
I'd like to see some more background for this world - what is the War, why is there a curfew, etc.
Also, something bothered me a lot about this book - there is no mention whatsoever of Darla from the previous book. It's a pet peeve of mine when the "hero" of a series of books gets a different girl in each book with no mention of the previous one(s). Not that Markhat is some ladies man - he has no love interest at all in the first two stories, and there's not really one in this either, although there's some flirting and a date at the end. This might not bother other people.
Still...I'd really give this store more of a 2.5...inching towards 3 than a solid 2 because I did feel like it improved in some of the areas that bothered me about the previous Markhat stories.
I'd like to see some more background for this world - what is the War, why is there a curfew, etc.
Also, something bothered me a lot about this book - there is no mention whatsoever of Darla from the previous book. It's a pet peeve of mine when the "hero" of a series of books gets a different girl in each book with no mention of the previous one(s). Not that Markhat is some ladies man - he has no love interest at all in the first two stories, and there's not really one in this either, although there's some flirting and a date at the end. This might not bother other people.
Still...I'd really give this store more of a 2.5...inching towards 3 than a solid 2 because I did feel like it improved in some of the areas that bothered me about the previous Markhat stories.
May 12, 2012
Just finished reading this for the second time, and realized I had forgotten to review it. I love this world Mr. Tuttle has created. The characters are colorful and at times bizarre. The city is dark but beautiful. My only complaint is I would like to see a bit deeper into Markhat, what drives him, what's in his past? And Mama Hog, what's her story? As for the Cadaver Client, it is a fun mystery with a spooky twist. I won't detail the plot, but rather say that this is a series that is well worth picking up, especially if you're looking for something a bit different.
June 2, 2012
I've been finding a lot of the private eye fantasy books lately. This one is a keeper. The right amount of smart-alec hero with a story that maintains a good pacing throughout and interesting characters I look forward to seeing in other books in the series.
Frank Tuttle is an author I'm glad I've found. And I love his About the Author blurbs in the books as well. I like this author's sense of humor.
Frank Tuttle is an author I'm glad I've found. And I love his About the Author blurbs in the books as well. I like this author's sense of humor.
June 16, 2015
More trouble, more ghoulies, a cadaver and tongue in cheek humor. A large sum of coin is offered Markhat for finding the dead man's wife. Mama hog returns here and is a larger part of the story. I love the main characters, crazy, intense and so funny. Not my favorite story in the series thus far, but not a bad one by any means. There is plenty of action, creepiness and laughs. Worthwhile quick read for a day or two of escape.
April 24, 2010
Probably the weakest of the 4 Markhat books to come out so far, but still enjoyable. Markhat gets a quieter case to solve, which results in slower pacing and a rather anticlimactic ending, but I still love this world too much not to get immersed in the author's voice and characters.
June 20, 2011
I don't think this is the BEST Markhat story, but it's well over a solid 4 stars, and definitely essential to any continuity going forward. I recommend this series to everyone I know who reads, and I wouldn't dream of allowing them to skip this part.
September 21, 2011
The more I read about The Finder, the more I love him. Actually, I think it's more Mr. Tuttle's voice as a author I love so much. There's elements of Jim Butcher. Really enjoying this series - funny, charming and just a bit odd. In a very good way. :)
December 6, 2014
I liked it. The book makes you initially worry that may be a Harry Dresden copy-cat, but the feel of the book is totally different in a good way.
The book was shorter than I would have liked; I think a paperback with the first 3 books has been published, so that might be the better buy.
The book was shorter than I would have liked; I think a paperback with the first 3 books has been published, so that might be the better buy.
July 26, 2011
Absolutely loved it!
October 24, 2011
This was a great way to spend the afternoon. A delightful read! More review to follow.
May 21, 2013
Another short-story.. Despite it being marked as #4 it went right back to status quo from before #3. That was a bit disappointing, but disregarding that an okay story..
December 21, 2014
Client's initial story was so obviously full of holes I can't believe Markat wasn't more careful.
April 11, 2017
3.75 stars. This story felt much more shallow (not just short) than the other tales in the Markhat series.
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