The Dark Side of the Road

Ishmael Jones Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Simon R. Green

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Ishmael Jones is someone who can't afford to be noticed, someone who lives under the radar, who drives on the dark side of the road. He's employed to search out secrets, investigate mysteries and shine a light in dark places. Sometimes he kills people.

Invited by his employer, the enigmatic Colonel, to join him and his family for Christmas, Ishmael arrives at the grand but isolated Belcourt Manor in the midst of a blizzard to find that the Colonel has mysteriously disappeared. As he questions his fellow guests, Ishmael concludes that at least one of them - not least Ishmael himself - is harboring a dangerous secret, and that beneath the veneer of festive cheer lurk passion, jealousy, resentment and betrayal.

As a storm sets in, sealing off the Manor from the rest of the world, Ishmael must unmask a ruthless murderer before they strike again.

©2015 Simon R. Green (P)2018 Tantor

Turned into a slasher horror novel

I thought this book was going to be a typical British murder mystery, but it turned out shockingly gory and violent and very much full of fantasy creatures. I actually felt ill in a few parts of the book. I thought the “hero” wasn’t very heroic and allowed almost everyone to die when he could have saved them. It’s sad, because I wanted to like him. The writing was pretty good though, and the narration was excellent. The vampire voice of the undead sent a chill through me. Great performance. I finished the book; for some reason I was grossed out but couldn’t stop. And I’m oddly curious about the next book in the series, but also kind of afraid to tackle it...

Definitely NOT up to Tales from Nightside

You will recognize Green's writing style. It's distinctive and it was great to revisit it.

What wasn't so great? This slow, plodding, trope filled story.

If you are seeking a book with action - this isn't it.

If you are seeking a story with strong character and/or world building - you got it, this isn't it.

If you are looking for a lot of dialogue with not a lot of "movement" to the story - a la Agatha Christie with a supernatural twist...then you've found it.

I won't be reading/listening to another book in this series.

I enjoyed it, but...

I loved the murder mystery setting with a supernatural/scifi twist concept. The flow was really good and it was easy to follow.

My only issue with the book is that the main character ends up being less helpful than I would've thought based how much I was told he is some kind of super duper agent-or-whatever. The book spent so much time telling me how awesome he is but most of his abilities weren't put to any use. He could've just as well been a normal dude. While the setting is very that traditional mansion murder mystery thing, don't go into it expecting a Sherlock Holmes style detective story.

So while I was really enjoying the listen, the ending was a little bit of a let down given the premise. That said, I was into it from the beginning to the end.

P.S. I think I've listened to 5 of Simon R. Green's books and it seems like his thing is to tell the story from the main character's perspective and have him constantly remind the reader how amazing he is.

Not the same appeal as the Nightside

I could not stay focused on the book. The pace of the story & the narration were slow to me. Bumping the speed up to 1.25 speed helped.

I was t able to build a lot of interest in the main character. Maybe he’s too methodical and too untrusting? Overall the story felt too dark and depressing for me, but dark is in the title.

As much as I like the nightside series, I wouldn’t follow this if it becomes a series. There were some horror aspects In the night side series, they were pieces that I didn’t care for. There’s more of that kind of stuff in this book, making it even less appealing to me.

A refreshing story.

Delighted I found this series. Clever story that weaves in satisfying and unexpected twists.
This author has loads of experience under his typewriter and it shows.
Story flows easily and Ishmael (s) is solid and consistent.
I found this series by searching for works narrated by Gildart Jackson.
He is, again, flawless in his reading.
Well worth the Credit.

a monster and an alien spend Christmas with family

I did very much enjoy this book. The narration complimented the story. Its a very twisted tale and looking forward to the next one.
It is centered around a family Christmas in a posh manor house and like many gatherings unexpected things can be said and done. Then add a once in the century snow storm trapping everyone in and unable to leave. A little like Agatha Cristie and Bram Stoker colaberated on a story only with an alien human secret agent as the hero.

A great new (to me) series

I bought the 2nd book in this series and immediately after listening to it I used 2 more credits to get this and the 3rd ones. I love all of the characters, the dialogue is believable, the plot and story expertly written and performed, and with some lovely dry wit. I think I'll listen to the others, in sequence, again.

Not impressed

A fair narration of an at best moderate mystery. The end was simple to deduce by the middle of the story.

disappointing

Not up to the high standards of Simon Green's previous works. Way too much talking and not enough action from Ishmael.

Poirot and Marlow Meet Count Dracula.

Plot is highly derivative; characters one dimensional and the whole thing tedious in the extreme. Do NOT buy this book!!

An Atmospheric Mystery Story

This is a well-written, decent book with a collection of varied characters all set amongst the traditional setting of the remote country mansion and grounds. The narrator did an excellent job with all the characters and their individual voices, and his performance was excellent.

Story wise the book held my interest and although some parts were a little contrived, it was still basically believable within the context of the book. The only mildly irritating thing was the word ‘worried,’ which was used rather too often in one small section.

Overall this is a good book and a worthwhile listen. I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to exploring the others available. If you want immersive, comfortable escapism with mild peril, this is the book for you. Recommended!!

Good narrator but God awful book.

The main character comes across as the authors dreary wish fillfillment dream of being, smarter than everyone, ageless, good looking "spy hero" and irresistible to the ladies. I guess the quirk of the story is meant to be that he's duh duh duh! An alien 😐. It both emarrasing and tediously unimaginative to sit though.

Series has potential but this one let me down.

I did like the atmosphere and the idea, had me really hooked until the middle.
Was let down after that and the ending felt like a cop-out.
The parts that i found most intriguing are actually more of a salad dressing and not really part of the story.
Will try the second one and see but if it's like this i'll give it up.

great book

loved it. More of Simon r green great strange look on the world of monster.

Really enjoyed this

so was unsure based on reviews, but managed to get book 3 free. I adore Gildart the narrator and that definitely influences my choices.
anyway. gave this a go. it's good fun and a bit different. can't wait to listen to the rest.

Daft premise, good story

I suspended disbelief and really enjoyed this who (or what) dunnit ... the hero is somewhat other-wordly (!!!) and super-human but very appealing ... it is well-written and the narration (at 1.25 speed) is excellent.

Great fun, excellent narrator

Superb narration of a fun story. It's never going to win any prizes for great literature, but it's a good way to pass the time.

well narrated but a bit slow for me

I liked the narrator but the story was a bit slow overall for me. not as good as other Simon R Green books.

interesting and a bit unexpected

Well that was a twist I didn't see coming! Great story I enjoyed this.

Original but very predictable

Interesting idea but I had guessed all the major and minor plot twists - So a bit of fun but not a masterpiece!