# Shadow of a Dead God

By Patrick Samphire · Mennik Thorn, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/shadow-of-a-dead-god-972700e4/

Mennik Thorn can hardly afford to turn down work. A curse-breaking favor for his thief friend Benny looks manageable, until a murder leaves the mage needing to clear his own name.

## What makes it funny?

Nik describes other people with the energy of a man who has plenty of complaints and no safe place to direct them. Even an aged face can prompt a comparison with temple corpses. Benny's daughter is quite capable of intimidating the adults.

### The comedy at work

Samphire gives a dangerous investigation to a narrator who doubts his own decisions. Nik's sharp descriptions and self-deprecation keep the case from adopting the solemnity its threats might otherwise demand.

### Try this if…

This offers a murder puzzle for readers who enjoy a beleaguered protagonist and a detailed fantasy city. Nik's voice is a major part of the appeal, alongside his attempts to outthink stronger opponents.

### Good to know

The story includes frequent swearing and magical violence.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Mystery
- On the shelf: Paranormal mystery
- Kind of humor: Dry wit
- Story ingredients: Supernatural detective
- Format: Novel
- Length: 439 pages (ebook)
- Published: 2020

## More in Mennik Thorn

- Book 2: Nectar for the God
- Book 3: Strange Cargo
- Book 4: Legacy of a Hated God

## A few distinguishing details

- A mage must clear his own name
- A nervous investigator with cutting observations

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Apple Books identifies Shadow of a Dead God by Patrick Samphire as a 439-page ebook.](https://books.apple.com/us/book/shadow-of-a-dead-god/id6449538694)
- Review: [Jim C. Hines review](https://www.jimchines.com/2020/06/shadow-of-a-dead-god-by-patrick-samphire)
- Book information: [Edition bibliography](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/db4c40e7-5ff1-49e8-968a-aba72516e663/editions)
- Review: [Grimdark Magazine review](https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/review-shadow-of-a-dead-god-by-patrick-samphire)
- Author commentary: [Author](https://patricksamphire.com/books/shadow-of-a-dead-god)
- Book information: [Paperback edition record](https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-a-dead-god-an-epic-fantasy-mystery-patrick-samphire/ca6dcf4c33100f7d)