I had never read a Ben Elton book before but have always liked his screen work. I can honestly say that this book was not what I was expecting but with my previous experience of his work being Blackadder, The Thin Blue Line and Maybe Baby that came as little surprise. This book was an absoulute gripping thriller and a prime example of how talented a writer Ben Elton is as he is able to pen this thriller novel which quite rightly ranks alongside the work of some of the full-time thriller writers that are out there. The plot centering on bullying that has stemed from the characters school days was a very original one, and the way that the main character remenices about his school days is something that we can all relate to. The Friends Reunited storyline is also interesting and original but in the days of Facebook and Twitter already seemed dated. There were a couple of little niggles though. The way that the serial killer choses his victims is obvious from page one (although I think that is meant to be the case) But what I don't think is meant to be so obvious is who the killer is from about halfway through the book. Ben Elton gives us alot of suspects and tries to keep us guessing as anyone of these people have the motive for the killings. But the author (not sure if it's deliberate or not) drops a couple of clangers half way through the book which left no doubt in my mind to who the serial killer was. But even with this in mind it didn't distract from what was a very original, detailed and well writen story and like I said a crime thriller to rank amoung the best. The ending was a bit flat though once the killers identity was revealed. I would of perhaps liked a bit of a longer epilogue especially when you consider the continuing subplot throughout the book regarding two of the main charcaters.
As you will see from my other reviews, I generally enjoy reading Mr. Elton's output in the form of novels. 'Past Mortem' disappointed, however. What I normally like is the way he is able to combine wit, social issues and realistic characters into an intriguing storyline. The characaters in this novel were not as well fleshed out as in some others (such as 'Inconceivable'), but they were real enough to keep the plot going. So what didn't I like about this one? First, it was not very funny. That is shocking from a man who has been within the circle of comedians who have defined British comedy for last 20 years. Shocking, but forgiveable. Second, the storyline did not really work. In a previous book loosely based on the detective story genre (Dead Famous), the 'whodunnit' aspect was a major part of the success of the story. It was a real mystery. In this book, I could spot the culprit a mile off - a long time before the apparently brilliant young detective was anywhere near. Disappointing, but redeemable if all of the other elements are in place. So what did I really not like about this book? Ben Elton's novels generally tackle a particular social issue. This one is no exception. The issue here is that of bullying. This is a major problem that needs to be tackled in British society and I commend Mr. Elton's approach and bravery in the way that he deals with it. What I did not like, however, is that the issue of bullying became the only successful part of the novel (see the comments above). The book then becomes a morality tale without the tale. I expect better craftsmanship from someone who has been working on his style for such a long time.
After his stand-up career stalled, Mr Elton turned to writing comic novels, and in my opinion, he is much more talented in that vein. He may air similar opinions, but somehow controversial issues are more acceptable on paper rather than in an outraged spoken rant. This particular effort involves young Detective Inspector Edward Newson and his attractive sidekick Detective Sergeant Natasha Wilkie as they investigate a series of bizarre and very gruesome murders. In his spare time, D.I. Newson is looking up old flames on the Friends Reunited website and as his former school class comes back together, they remember their old passions and long-forgotten feuds. One of the reasons I quite liked this book because Newson is about the same age as me, so I could relate to a lot of his reminiscences, particularly his taste in music. The only disappointment I had is that it is not quite as funny as Elton's usual tales, and reads like a more serious detective novel with a few humorous asides rather than a comic novel written as a detective story - but it's still very entertaining. I enjoyed it a lot.
—James Perkins
"Past Mortem" is a mystery which takes place in contemporary England. Edward Newson, a detective inspector from Scotland Yard, together with Natasha Wilkie, a detective sergeant, trace a thread of murders in which victims die from lengthy torture. The scenes of each crime are connected only by a single common element -- the meticulousness and elaborate planning to avoid quick death.On the surface this would have been a mystery about the psychology of the perpetrator, there is that, but what this book brings above others is the two additional lines of development -- Newson's infatuation with Natasha, and the episodes of Newson's memories from high-school and him attempting to connect with his objects of puerile adulation from the end of the 80s.Unrequited love is pain, Newson is a confidante into which Natasha's vents frustrations from her boyfriend. A position from which Newson believes he would never manage to graduate, him being simply a good friend is emasculating. Could a revival of old high-school passions bring the vigor he needs so desperately to demonstrate.I found Ben Elton by checking out the credits on the BBC comedy "Black Adder", where he figured as one of the writers. The outstanding black humor of the series prompted me to reach out and try one of his books. To this I give enthusiastic 5 stars. The book is a mastery of pace, plot and style, it manages to not only entertain by the methods of typical good mystery -- keeping you on the edge -- but during the slow moments actually engaged my own memories about what high-school was, the good and the bad of it.
—port22
This is one of the more enjoyable books from Ben Elton. It had an interesting plot, insane characters, and a "love" story that ended quite cutely.I like that Ben has a way of tackling current issues/trends in his own kind of way. (e.g. global warming, reality TV, fame, etc etc)Also, I'm quite happy with the fact that I predicated the killer halfway through the book. Not that it was predictable or anything. It's just that I've read enough crime thrillers to kind of predict how things play out and I'm happy that I got this one right.
—Laura
