John Taylor is a private investigator specializing in odd cases. His home is the Nightside, a part of London where the supernatural thrives. John’s latest client is the infamous tabloid of the Nightside, THE UNNATURAL INQUIRER. It seems that Pen Donavon has a recording he claims is proof of the Afterlife but disappeared before the tabloid could get their copy. Accompanied by reporter Bettie Divine, John intends to find Pen and the recording despite the fact that someone very powerful doesn’t want him to.

Any trip into the Nightside is always worth taking! Simon R. Green takes readers on a tour of the Nightside as John and Bettie search for Pen. John has to rely on his investigative skills a bit more than usual in this installment as his usual powers are only working sporadically due to the interference of someone powerful. I liked seeing this side of John as his detective skills came to the forefront when his gift failed him. 

Bettie Divine offers up an interesting diversion as she tries to entice John to forget his girlfriend, Shotgun Suzie. I did miss seeing more of Shotgun Suzie in this installment but John’s unwillingness to cheat on her endeared him even more to me. Suzie has a horrific past and John’s dedication to her despite her issues is admirable. Suzie and John have seen the worst of each other and I can only hope that they are able to heal one another emotionally. However, some growth in their relationship is needed, either moving forward or ending it completely, as the scenario between them is starting to grow a bit stale.

Reviewed by Debbie

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Posted April 2008