Rupert Harker The Blue Belvoir, 2018, PB, 299pp, £7.99, 978-1913006013
Laugh out Dead is an interesting title that caught my attention. Following his interest in pathology as a medical student, Rupert Harker was inspired to write this book by watching classic Sherlock Holmes. It is the first book in a self-published Urban-Smith Mystery series. The main character is the curiously named forensic pathologist Rupert Harker, who meets a paranormal detective, Fairfax Urban-Smith, when he enters the mortuary, disturbing the post-mortem that Rupert is conducting. Fairfax eloquently and effortlessly deduces the sorry soul’s untimely end with perfect precision. And there the story begins.
Rupert and Fairfax form an unlikely partnership. Fairfax, a renowned criminal investigator of supernatural phenomena, (a ‘paranorensicologist’), introduces Rupert to concepts such as ‘sensitives’ and ‘vibrations’. Rupert is sceptical. However, when more than one high-profile Russian scientist dies by apparently laughing to death, the pathological evidence suggests that they may be connected. The cases incorporate paramilitaries, ex-KGB scientists, assassins, and some cheeky innuendo references. Rupert gets a share of romance with the lovely Nell, which, in turn, leads the story towards a new avenue of events.
During an interview for the book, the ice-cream-eating author describes a difficult period in his life where he required psychological intervention. Encouraged by his therapist, the author commands respect for demonstrating hope and opportunity even when battling with mental health issues. I enjoyed learning terms such as papamorsuphobia (a fear of being bitten by the pope) and lingotelepathy (the ability to communicate with trees).
Using anatomical, pathological, and some physiological descriptions, the author weaves elements of Sherlock Holmes with medicine, the paranormal, and physics. I enjoyed reading this light-hearted and witty book, and learned some new terms too.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2020