Dark Side Of The Morgue By Raymond Benson

By: FSWL team

Published:
2009-03-09

Publication of Dark Side of the Morgue is a new book written by our friend, James Bond continuation author Raymond Benson.

Raymond comments:
"Dark Side of the Morgue is my second novel in a series of “rock ‘n’ roll thrillers,” is now available for pre-order and shipping at the end of February! Featuring a rock music industry private investigator named Spike Berenger, the book blends thriller elements, humor, and classic rock references to create what Ian Anderson (front man of the band Jethro Tull) called, “A frantic dash through the world of rock and roll. Thrills-a-plenty and backstage passes to the magical mystery musical twilight zone.”

DARK SIDE OF THE MORGUE, like its 2008 predecessor - A HARD DAY'S DEATH - skews the rock ‘n’ roll world into a very dangerous place and it’s up to the Rockin’ Security team to clean it up. This time, the story takes Spike and his sidekick Suzanne to Chicago to investigate a series of murders involving musicians. These victims make up a long line of progressive rock acts that have been kicking around Chi-town since the 60s. Loosely inspired by the “Canterbury” school of progressive rock that began in England in the mid-sixties (e.g. Soft Machine, Caravan, Gong, Hatfield and the North, Kevin Ayers, Robert Wyatt, etc.), these “Chicago Prog Bands” are entirely fictitious. Nevertheless, the story utilizes many real Chicago locations, mostly music clubs like Reggie’s, the Kinetic Playground, Schubas Tavern, and the Abbey Pub…all landmark spots for music lovers in the city.

Ultimately, though, the novel really is about “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.” The book is a thriller and a murder mystery and a P.I. procedural—and it’s a bit darker than its predecessor. But tongue-in-cheek humor still abounds (again, there is a “Track Listing” instead of a “Table of Contents,” and “Liner Notes” instead of “Acknowledgments”), and there are plenty of references to rock trivia and cameo appearances by real rock stars.

DARK SIDE OF THE MORGUE was tremendous fun to write...and I hope you have a rockin' good time reading it!"

Reviews:
"Benson is a top-class thriller craftsman who knows showbiz and music like the back of his hand. An unbeatable combination." - Lee Child

"Spike Berenger is so real that I even tried looking him up in my address book in order to give him a call! Best rock read you will ever find!." - Rick Wakeman

"Book two in the Spike Berenger series is a riot. This time out Spike is involved in a series of murders in which the victims are all progressive rock musicians (or as the new term goes “Math Rock”). Spike’s security firm are called in and the people who could be next on the list are scared to death, of a dead woman. Benson’s writing here is full of insider music knowledge, which judging from the Rick Wakeman (keyboard player for Yes) blurb is authentic. Benson is a musician himself and he knows what he’s talking about. He also is a hell of a writer and this book moves faster than a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. He keeps the suspense going right to the end and while keeping the action tight he still manages to toss in some humor and loads of fun. Raymond Benson is someone who should be on everyone’s must read list." - Jon Jordan, CRIMESPREE MAGAZINE

"DARK SIDE OF THE MORGUE is a terrific page-turner by one of the best thriller writers in the business!" - David Morrell, author of FIRST BLOOD

"DARK SIDE OF THE MORGUE assures Benson's place among the masters of the genre. A classic!" - J. A. Konrath, author of FUZZY NAVEL

"Filled with musical references, tongue-in-cheek humor and fast-paced action, DARK SIDE OF THE MORGUE is a must for fans of rock-n-roll and mystery investigations alike. Benson artfully encourages the reader to predict various possible outcomes with his expert prose and springs surprises around every corner." - Vicky Gilpin, FRESHFICTION.COM

Book details:
Mass Market Paperback: 305 pages
Publisher: Leisure Books
Language English
ISBN-10: 0843961988
ISBN-13: 978-0843961980
Dimensions: 17 x 10.6 x 2.6 cm

Order the book from Amazon UK:

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0843961988/fromswedenwit-21/

Tags:

#raymond_benson_novels

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Dark Side Of The Morgue By Raymond Benson

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