It's 1969 and teenager Tyler wants to be a rock 'n roll superstar. He and his mates sign up with a Mr. Ishmael as The Sumerian Kynges, and they buy a whole heap of gear. When it's all stolen, Tyler's brother Andy leads him to Hanwell Cemetery, where the undead arise from their graves.Later on, Tyler and Andy want to be private detectives, and open an agency using the name Lazlo Woodbine (until the copyright holder stops them). After its opening gig, the band goes to New York where Tyler hires the real Lazlo Woodbine to investigate the case of the rising dead. When Woodbine is murdered by Papa Crossbar (see below), Tyler expects Mr. Ishmael to help, but instead is transported nine years into the future, where he learns he's the only hope for the survival of humanity. Taking over Woodbine's detective franchise, Tyler's first client is (you've guessed it) Elvis Presley... who turns out to be one of triplets and wants his brother Keith (aka Papa) Crossbar killed because he's the ultimate incarnation of evil - the homunculus - who wants all earthly life destroyed. Another 20 years that passes for Tyler in a blur, only for him to wake up from a crash-induced coma a further ten years on, although now with new senses. Mr. Ishmael directs Tyler to the subterranean City of Bergrem, there to free a lost tribe of gold-rich George Formby followers who will help him defeat the army of the undead. But, sadly, not. Because, waking up a further 10 years on, ready for the final showdown with Keith (now head of the CIA), the world can only be really saved in a formulaic 1950s private eye denouement. This is a strange book. The last 100 pages were a considerable improvement on what went before; it’s only sad the book isn’t 200 pages shorter so that the good bits start sooner. All in all, however, it’s the standard RR nonsense, and I should know better than to buy these books, even from charity shops. 3/10 (November 2013) Taken from my blog: ************************************I started to read the book in November. I finished it last week? Maybe it was due to my past hectic work in December but I was a slow reader for this book. I can only manage a page or two for a day.A summary of the plot I carelessly lifted from some website that actually lifted it from the back of the book: ONE IN EVERY THREE PEOPLE LIVING IS ACTUALLY DEAD! It is a matter of historical record that during the latter part of World War II, England's top-secret Ministry of Serendipity enlisted the services of arch-magician Aleister Crowley to create a Homunculus. Why? Well that's a long story, spanning almost seven decades as it follows the life and career of Tyler, rock star, private eye - and notable for the fact that he almost saved Mankind. The cast of millions also includes ukulele maestro George Formby, Mick Jagger, Mama Cass, Elvis Presley and Lazlo Woodbine. And Tyler's brother, Andy, who impersonates animals (and who single-handedly brought about the Swinging Sixties). And a lady named Clara from Croydon, who unlocked the meta-phenomena of the Multiverse. And a corner shopkeeper from Brentford, who created a sitting room for God. And a great many living dead. Oh yes, and it also involves a monster in human form whose intention it is to turn the Earth into a Necrosphere, a planet totally devoid of lifeIf you are bewildered reading the summary above, you should try reading the book. Many mentioned it as funny. It does have its funny moments occasionally. But the plot. Dear God, where do I start. Let me say this. I believed that the author write this book while he is all cracked out from cocaine and high from weeds and drunk from whiskey. All at the same time. Maybe he's not. Maybe when he type the story he wrote it in a posh office while smoking pipes during the winter with a hot tea beside the computer, but that is the impression that I got when reading it. It absolutely meanders. It goes from one point to another point, needlessly long. It rambles on and on and on. It started with Tyler when he was in school then without realizing it, you yourself are unsure how long the time had passed and Tyler are not too sure too. Tyler is not likable, but he is not meant to be likable, but there is no other characters for you to hang on to except Tyler. And Tyler himself is flung from one point to another helplessly to his and my indignation. And by the middle of the book, I myself am not sure what's going on and just give up and just read. I really can't describe the story because it really does goes from one place to another in a dizzying speed without reason or explanation.It is not a traditional book. The writing is stellar but prepare to go on a ride. I was bewildered reading the book. Throughout the book. While I mentioned at my review for Sundays at Tiffany that I can take a ridiculous plot. I do, but maybe this is too much of a ridiculousness for me. I had not yet give up Robert Rankin yet. Maybe I'll try another book by him. This book; like the character love to say in the book, speaks too much toots for my taste. ********************************************************************That was long. I actually don't know how to give it how many stars just because at times, I was thinking "get a move on plot~" while the other time I was laughing. So just ok it is.
What do You think about Necrophenia (2008)?
Too many annoying running gags and the plot really meanders to a fairly anti-climatic ending.
—Luvar
Quite good, funny. Zombies, musicians and the apocalypse. What more could you ask for?
—kenziezander22
This is the weakest Rankin book yet. It is just not funny. Blergh!
—Justin
Very funny in places, but overall rather wanting.
—savvy73
