“Past Mortem” (PM) is the ninth novel by Ben Elton. Unlike many of his previous novels which are heavily steeped in satire PM is a classic whodunnit detective story. A series of bizarre ritualistic murders have occurred over time. Are these the work of the same perpetrator and if so what connects them? Throw in a high school reunion and you have the makings of a very entertaining and, at times humorous, novel.

Elton’ main theme of the book centres on bullying and other associated themes such as revenge, "getting a life" versus living in the past, and domestic violence. Additionally Elton also touches on how perceptions of people and their so-called social market value changes as they get older.

Tightly written the PM does not labour nor get bogged down but still provides all the necessary detail to engage the reader to guess who the culprit is (and you will keep guessing until the end). While there is one sex scene that is particularly graphically described it is not out of place nor out of character with the book overall.

PM is a cleverly plotted whodunnit that will keep you engaged from the first page right through to the end and gets 4 clinically constructed capital crimes out of 5!

Another great novel by Ben Elton. Stopped me ordering grandé lattés immediately. Now I only order large coffee's.

Bullies are being murdered in the most gruesome fashion, and inspector Newson is after the murderer while also getting his personal life messed about by old and new flames. A fun and engaging read.

As ever Ben elton deliver a gripping page turner filled with twists.
Absolutely love his books and read this in just over a day.
Brilliant.