Soul Remains

February 25, 2019
Fresh from adventures in Peril in the Old Country, hapless accountant—and now, ghost—Sloot Peril once again finds himself at the center of a messily tangled web of the fantastic and frankly absurd. Upon waking in the Hereafter, quite deceased, Sloot discovers that his life’s burdens have followed him into death. The evil Serpents of the Earth are still attempting world domination, he’s still an agent for two competing factions, and Wilhelm, his burden in life, is just as odiously amusing and demonic in death. Worst of all, Sloot seems to have acquired a girlfriend, Myrtle—a first for the formerly lonely and retiring gentleman. Now the reluctant hero is faced with the unenviable task of marshalling his motley collection of colleagues against a variety of foes, internal and external, for reasons he doesn’t fully understand. Delightfully zany with an intellectual kick, the plot careens from action to thoughtfulness with a modicum of introspection and a plethora of metaphor.

April 1, 2019

Sloot is one of many killed by the goblins and walking undead. Now Sloot and his companion have to figure out how to be dead, learn the rules of the Hereafter, and navigate safely among the bad guys, before an evil vs. evil fight. Even in the best of circumstances Sloot might not be the hero most would dream of, but maybe this time things will be different. A solid plot keeps the story moving, but the oddball elements make it shine: lovable but derpy characters, a plethora of unexpected and laugh-out-loud moments, plus a few absurd side tangents. VERDICT This second "Terribly Serious Darkness" novel (after Peril in the Old Country), with an ending that promises more to come, can stand on its own but benefits by being read in order. Fans of Terry Pratchett, James K. Morrow, and Douglas Adams will find a new favorite in Hooker.--Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

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