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Markhat #1
The Mister Trophy
A troll’s missing head could cause Markhat to lose his own.
A Markhat story.
All the finder Markhat wanted was a beer at Eddie’s. Instead he gets a case that will bring him face to fang with crazed, blood-craving halfdead, a trio of vengeful Troll warriors, and Mama Hog’s backstreet magic. Plus, the possible resurgence of the Troll War.
All right in his own none-too-quiet neighborhood.
Through the town of Rannit’s narrow alleys and mean streets, Markhat tries to stay one step ahead of disaster. And ignore Mama Hog’s dire warnings that this time, the head that rolls could be his own.
This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.
A Markhat story.
All the finder Markhat wanted was a beer at Eddie’s. Instead he gets a case that will bring him face to fang with crazed, blood-craving halfdead, a trio of vengeful Troll warriors, and Mama Hog’s backstreet magic. Plus, the possible resurgence of the Troll War.
All right in his own none-too-quiet neighborhood.
Through the town of Rannit’s narrow alleys and mean streets, Markhat tries to stay one step ahead of disaster. And ignore Mama Hog’s dire warnings that this time, the head that rolls could be his own.
This book has been previously published and has been revised and expanded from its original release.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 29, 2024
Once I knew a nurse that had an info-mercial-buying problem. Her friend confided she must have thirty watches all still in the box, and closets full of unopened packages. I never understood the appeal of that kind of shopping, and I usually prove immune to impulse buying. Until now. Late at night, I stumbled upon Mister Trophy and immediately bought it. I have no idea how I found it, but what a pleasant discovery. And this is where the instant-grata of the kindle becomes troublesome. I purchased the next three novellas in about three minutes before I was able to get a rein in on my buying impulse. Thankfully it's all electronic, otherwise I'd be up to my ears in boxes in no time. I've already accidentally bought Wool #5 (I had already read it), a Sanderson novel (he's okay but doesn't wow me), two books on recommendation from a GR friend, a mediocre apocalypse/alien book, a free story from a favorite author that turned out to be weird erotica, a .99 book that was awful and every Kate Daniels novella e-published (fabulous).
This was one of those lucky jackpot finds, the kind that convinces me to keep trying the slot machine of Amazon deals; well written, fast moving action, and manages overtones of ominous well enough that I couldn't quite predict where it was going to go. A fantasy world that reminds me of Glen Cook's Sweet Silver Blues, set in a fantasy world with a number of non-human species but not much active magic. The half-dead dominate the night, so smart people are tucked inside by dusk. I've run into the concept before, and find it an interesting one--how is daily life organized if you have only certain hours to be outdoors?
More of a novelette at 59 pages, this is a quick introduction to Markhat (no first name), a 'Finder.' A delegation of Trolls come calling ("three is the customary number for quests"), requesting he deliver a message to a clan of half-dead. Markhat gets the feeling he hasn't got the whole story. In best detective noir tradition, Markhat's quick with a quip:
"'I walked fifty sunsets to see you, Finder,' it said. 'I wade wide swamps, swim deep rivers, sleep on brother stones.'
'I live three blocks from here,' I replied. 'So, I suppose, I walked fifteen minutes and drank two beers and sat on cousin chair.'"
Why the title Mister Trophy? The Trolls are demanding their kinsman's head back, taken as a war trophy by one of the half-dead. And because the lead Troll ominously tells Markhat, "'You may call me Mister Smith,' said the Troll, to a deep bass rumble I took to be chuckling. 'Mister Bill Smith.'" It isn't long before Markhat is the target of a sinister warning to drop the case, but the Trolls prove true allies. Also according to noir protocol, there's a confrontation that is sure to be a double or triple-cross.
Too brief of a piece by far, Tuttle still manages to imbue his characters with a sense of complex personality. Markhat is wise-cracking lonely detective, but more in a self-mocking kind of way. He knows better than to mock the Trolls. They were the surprise stars here, and I found myself savoring their appearance. Violent, enigmatic, honor-bound; certainly these are some of the standards but there was something with more layering and finesse in their characterization. There's hints at a past war against them, that seems like an interesting backstory, but does't leave so many questions lying around that I trip up and get distracted from the main plot. The half-dead vampires were creepy, with an air of cold miasma surrounding their appearance.
Writing was a pleasant surprise in variety and sophistication. I rarely hit an awkward 'hm' to interrupt flow; word choices and construction were satisfying. Honestly, I was a little concerned when I realized it was first e-pub only (see above mistakes), but I need not have worried. Definitely far above average for first books, first-in-series and the like. The humor is Dresden-esque, and I suspect Tuttle is making some broad winks at the reader (see 'Mr. Smith' above), trying to keep a lighter tone. It works well, mostly because Markhat usually knows when to keep quiet.
Good enough to start a new bad habit.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
This was one of those lucky jackpot finds, the kind that convinces me to keep trying the slot machine of Amazon deals; well written, fast moving action, and manages overtones of ominous well enough that I couldn't quite predict where it was going to go. A fantasy world that reminds me of Glen Cook's Sweet Silver Blues, set in a fantasy world with a number of non-human species but not much active magic. The half-dead dominate the night, so smart people are tucked inside by dusk. I've run into the concept before, and find it an interesting one--how is daily life organized if you have only certain hours to be outdoors?
More of a novelette at 59 pages, this is a quick introduction to Markhat (no first name), a 'Finder.' A delegation of Trolls come calling ("three is the customary number for quests"), requesting he deliver a message to a clan of half-dead. Markhat gets the feeling he hasn't got the whole story. In best detective noir tradition, Markhat's quick with a quip:
"'I walked fifty sunsets to see you, Finder,' it said. 'I wade wide swamps, swim deep rivers, sleep on brother stones.'
'I live three blocks from here,' I replied. 'So, I suppose, I walked fifteen minutes and drank two beers and sat on cousin chair.'"
Why the title Mister Trophy? The Trolls are demanding their kinsman's head back, taken as a war trophy by one of the half-dead. And because the lead Troll ominously tells Markhat, "'You may call me Mister Smith,' said the Troll, to a deep bass rumble I took to be chuckling. 'Mister Bill Smith.'" It isn't long before Markhat is the target of a sinister warning to drop the case, but the Trolls prove true allies. Also according to noir protocol, there's a confrontation that is sure to be a double or triple-cross.
Too brief of a piece by far, Tuttle still manages to imbue his characters with a sense of complex personality. Markhat is wise-cracking lonely detective, but more in a self-mocking kind of way. He knows better than to mock the Trolls. They were the surprise stars here, and I found myself savoring their appearance. Violent, enigmatic, honor-bound; certainly these are some of the standards but there was something with more layering and finesse in their characterization. There's hints at a past war against them, that seems like an interesting backstory, but does't leave so many questions lying around that I trip up and get distracted from the main plot. The half-dead vampires were creepy, with an air of cold miasma surrounding their appearance.
Writing was a pleasant surprise in variety and sophistication. I rarely hit an awkward 'hm' to interrupt flow; word choices and construction were satisfying. Honestly, I was a little concerned when I realized it was first e-pub only (see above mistakes), but I need not have worried. Definitely far above average for first books, first-in-series and the like. The humor is Dresden-esque, and I suspect Tuttle is making some broad winks at the reader (see 'Mr. Smith' above), trying to keep a lighter tone. It works well, mostly because Markhat usually knows when to keep quiet.
Good enough to start a new bad habit.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
December 13, 2015
Loved it! Fast and fun. Action followed by humour and not a word waisted. Cheeky tone reminded me of Peter Grant series. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5* is that it's fairly short.
On to the next one!
On to the next one!
March 25, 2016
3.5
Markhat is the city of Rannit's P.I. - a Finder. He is hired by three Trolls to find something for them. The case provokes the city's vampires and all of a sudden what was supposed to be a simple job turns out to be more dangerous than Markhat expected.
Fortunately for him, the Trolls seem to like him and he has a very helpful neighbour.
What makes this story good is its dark (occasionally bloody) humour. The Mister Trophy is a great beginning and it only gives you enough to get you interested in this world. it only hints at other things one might be interested in (the Trolls wars, their reluctance to use magic, anything regarding vampires and so on).
Now I want to know more about Markhat, his past and this world.
Markhat is the city of Rannit's P.I. - a Finder. He is hired by three Trolls to find something for them. The case provokes the city's vampires and all of a sudden what was supposed to be a simple job turns out to be more dangerous than Markhat expected.
Fortunately for him, the Trolls seem to like him and he has a very helpful neighbour.
What makes this story good is its dark (occasionally bloody) humour. The Mister Trophy is a great beginning and it only gives you enough to get you interested in this world. it only hints at other things one might be interested in (the Trolls wars, their reluctance to use magic, anything regarding vampires and so on).
Now I want to know more about Markhat, his past and this world.
June 26, 2013
I picked this up on a whim and I was not disappointed. The Mister Trophy was a short, fun romp of a story. The Finder Markhat is hired by some trolls to recover an artifact from some vampires. What could possibly go wrong?
Evidently I tackled this book out of order. It is #3 in the series, but that didn't bother me. the story stood on its own two legs. I was introduced into a very plausible, believable world and didn't miss a beat (despite joining the series mid-stream). Immersion came almost effortless. And it was lots of fun. Maybe because it was so short the story just zipped along from action to action. A great, fun little read.
Evidently I tackled this book out of order. It is #3 in the series, but that didn't bother me. the story stood on its own two legs. I was introduced into a very plausible, believable world and didn't miss a beat (despite joining the series mid-stream). Immersion came almost effortless. And it was lots of fun. Maybe because it was so short the story just zipped along from action to action. A great, fun little read.
January 20, 2014
**edited 01/18/14
Frank Tuttle, I have a bone to pick with you. You need to put caution labels on your books:
"DANGER: CAN CAUSE UNCONTROLLED LAUGHTER IN PUBLIC."
I made the foolish decision to start The Mister Trophy while on the subway. I really did manage to stifle my mirth to those almost silent single sniffs of amusement, but the rest of the passengers started giving me worried looks. If I'd put a cap on the ground, they probably would have made charitable donations to the crazy girl smirking to herself. As it was, a child pointed at me and started whispering to his mother, and they promptly got out at the next stop. I could have tried to explain that it was all due to lines like, [A troll, after attack by vampires] "Mister Jones...he is sorry. He meant to leave the half-dead creature able to answer to you for the insult to your house, but he fears he squashed it." but I'm not sure it would have helped.
...
Due to my disapproval of GR's new and highly subjective review deletion policy, I am no longer posting full reviews here.
The rest of this review can be found on Booklikes.
Frank Tuttle, I have a bone to pick with you. You need to put caution labels on your books:
"DANGER: CAN CAUSE UNCONTROLLED LAUGHTER IN PUBLIC."
I made the foolish decision to start The Mister Trophy while on the subway. I really did manage to stifle my mirth to those almost silent single sniffs of amusement, but the rest of the passengers started giving me worried looks. If I'd put a cap on the ground, they probably would have made charitable donations to the crazy girl smirking to herself. As it was, a child pointed at me and started whispering to his mother, and they promptly got out at the next stop. I could have tried to explain that it was all due to lines like, [A troll, after attack by vampires] "Mister Jones...he is sorry. He meant to leave the half-dead creature able to answer to you for the insult to your house, but he fears he squashed it." but I'm not sure it would have helped.
...
Due to my disapproval of GR's new and highly subjective review deletion policy, I am no longer posting full reviews here.
The rest of this review can be found on Booklikes.
April 2, 2022
3.5 stars
July 17, 2015
I really liked this! A little bit Vampire, a little bit fairy tale, a little bit mystery, a little bit steampunk. All things I love. I finished this as it's fairly short then immediately went onto the 2nd book in the series. Our "finder," Markhat is almost a hard boiled detective but in an alternate place where Vampires and Trolls roam around. As he solves cases he encounters and dare I say it? Makes friends with some of these citizens.
March 13, 2017
Fun read. Loved the trolls.
November 19, 2012
According to this page, this is the first story in Frank Tuttle's Markhat series. I became aware of this series when one of Tuttle's works (The Broken Bell?) popped up on Samhain's new releases page and set off my "ooh pretty" reaction. The excerpt sounded good and reminded me a little of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. I passed it by when I noticed that it was a later book in a series that sounded like it might need to be read in order, although I did add Tuttle's books to my ARe wishlist. When a good sale came up, I took a chance and bought the whole series. Some, like this story, weren't available through ARe, so I ended up buying this direct through Samhain.
I was right when I said that this series seemed very much like Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. There's a similar level of snark, both series star a private eye who is resourceful but in over his head, and both series have a lot of fantasy elements. I'm not sure if Markhat has any magical abilities, but so far the answer seems to be “no.” However, he knows at least one person who can give him a bit of magical help.
I found this particular story to be way too short – I wanted to know more about Markhat and his world – but there was enough there for me to be glad that I already own the rest of the series, or at least what's been published so far. This story doesn't reveal much about Markhat other than that he has no family and apparently very few friends and that he fought in the war that took place between the Trolls and the humans. The interesting part, to me, was that, although the vampires fought for the humans during the war, in this story it was the Trolls who were Markhat's allies, while the vampires were the ones he had to be most wary of. The Trolls, while a bit freaky, were still the more trustworthy beings.
The story was fairly simple (a good thing, considering how short it was), but interesting. Considering how it ended, I'm hoping that the Trolls pop up in one of the later books/stories. Markhat seems to be one of those characters who is probably perpetually short on funds but rich in not-quite-comfortable alliances. I love characters like that.
Unfortunately, Samhain charges rather a lot for its short works – this story sells for $2.50 and, like I said, isn't available via ARe, so you can't count on a future sale there to reduce the price. However, it's a good story, and I don't feel that the money I spent was a waste. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and will hopefully be able to give my input on how easy it would be for a newbie to start with one of the later works.
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I was right when I said that this series seemed very much like Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. There's a similar level of snark, both series star a private eye who is resourceful but in over his head, and both series have a lot of fantasy elements. I'm not sure if Markhat has any magical abilities, but so far the answer seems to be “no.” However, he knows at least one person who can give him a bit of magical help.
I found this particular story to be way too short – I wanted to know more about Markhat and his world – but there was enough there for me to be glad that I already own the rest of the series, or at least what's been published so far. This story doesn't reveal much about Markhat other than that he has no family and apparently very few friends and that he fought in the war that took place between the Trolls and the humans. The interesting part, to me, was that, although the vampires fought for the humans during the war, in this story it was the Trolls who were Markhat's allies, while the vampires were the ones he had to be most wary of. The Trolls, while a bit freaky, were still the more trustworthy beings.
The story was fairly simple (a good thing, considering how short it was), but interesting. Considering how it ended, I'm hoping that the Trolls pop up in one of the later books/stories. Markhat seems to be one of those characters who is probably perpetually short on funds but rich in not-quite-comfortable alliances. I love characters like that.
Unfortunately, Samhain charges rather a lot for its short works – this story sells for $2.50 and, like I said, isn't available via ARe, so you can't count on a future sale there to reduce the price. However, it's a good story, and I don't feel that the money I spent was a waste. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and will hopefully be able to give my input on how easy it would be for a newbie to start with one of the later works.
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
June 28, 2013
Carol’s excellent review (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...) persuaded me to buy this book. I’m glad I did. It’s a short novella, a noir detective story, sweet and very fast. Despite the low page count, characterization is excellent. The tale introduces Markhat, the Finder. Three trolls hire him to find something for them – a war trophy, kept at the mansion of a local vampire. Of course, the wicked vampire doesn’t wish to part from his trophy, so mayhem ensues, and the trolls become Markhat’s unlikely friends and protectors. Clan-buddies, really.
Markham is definitely the hero here. Slightly embittered, definitely disillusioned, this smart-mouthed PI and a former soldier wouldn’t let any undead stand in the way of his Findings. Especially if he feels that his clients are in the right. Markhat’s moral compass makes him one of my favorite fantasy PIs.
The world building is handled marvelously. In as few terse sentences as possible, the writer transports his readers to a vaguely steampunk-ish city, balancing in between medieval tropes, industrial revolution, vampires, and sewers. Every detail plays a role, and nothing extraneous interferes with the galloping plot.
The secondary characters – Markhat’s clients, the trolls – are very colorful and surprisingly honorable, despite their teeth and claws. They fit well into the fantasy world the writer has created, and their integrity (with a troll twist, for sure, but still) is frequently funny for the jaded reader of the 21st century. I haven’t seen many ethical trolls in the genre, which makes this story highly original.
All the above-mentioned qualities, along with Mr. Tuttle’s dry sense of humor and his amazingly good language, clean and expressive, catapults this story to the top of the genre, at least for me. I’m going to buy the rest of Markhat’s adventures. There are already seven installments, I believe: something to look forward. I already smile in anticipation.
A very pleasurable little book.
Markham is definitely the hero here. Slightly embittered, definitely disillusioned, this smart-mouthed PI and a former soldier wouldn’t let any undead stand in the way of his Findings. Especially if he feels that his clients are in the right. Markhat’s moral compass makes him one of my favorite fantasy PIs.
The world building is handled marvelously. In as few terse sentences as possible, the writer transports his readers to a vaguely steampunk-ish city, balancing in between medieval tropes, industrial revolution, vampires, and sewers. Every detail plays a role, and nothing extraneous interferes with the galloping plot.
The secondary characters – Markhat’s clients, the trolls – are very colorful and surprisingly honorable, despite their teeth and claws. They fit well into the fantasy world the writer has created, and their integrity (with a troll twist, for sure, but still) is frequently funny for the jaded reader of the 21st century. I haven’t seen many ethical trolls in the genre, which makes this story highly original.
All the above-mentioned qualities, along with Mr. Tuttle’s dry sense of humor and his amazingly good language, clean and expressive, catapults this story to the top of the genre, at least for me. I’m going to buy the rest of Markhat’s adventures. There are already seven installments, I believe: something to look forward. I already smile in anticipation.
A very pleasurable little book.
October 13, 2016
As always, if you liked this review, please give my Amazon review a helpful vote - https://www.amazon.com/review/R2EJ9EM...
Markhat is a Private Investigator ...well, "finder" - in a tough city where all that a man has is his reputation for keeping his word. He's trying to enjoy his beer in the local pub when a troll walks in offers him fistfuls of gold if he will retrieve a "trophy" for them. The trophy is in the possession of a family of "half-dead" vampires.
And it is off to the races with quips and tough guy acts and vampire versus troll action.
This book is in an "urban fantasy" with a twist. The typical urban fantasy imports fantastic elements into the modern urban setting. The reverse urban fantasy imports modern sensibilities and attitudes into a fantasy world setting. An example of the "reverse urban fantasy," which this story wonderfully channels is Glen Cook's "Garrett PI" stories.
I confess I love these kinds of stories for their loopy, quirky quality.
That's not to say that this is not a great story. It is. It is an engaging short story of about 20 to 30 pages that makes for great bedtime reading. The price is commensurate with the length, so that is not a drawback.
Markhat is a Private Investigator ...well, "finder" - in a tough city where all that a man has is his reputation for keeping his word. He's trying to enjoy his beer in the local pub when a troll walks in offers him fistfuls of gold if he will retrieve a "trophy" for them. The trophy is in the possession of a family of "half-dead" vampires.
And it is off to the races with quips and tough guy acts and vampire versus troll action.
This book is in an "urban fantasy" with a twist. The typical urban fantasy imports fantastic elements into the modern urban setting. The reverse urban fantasy imports modern sensibilities and attitudes into a fantasy world setting. An example of the "reverse urban fantasy," which this story wonderfully channels is Glen Cook's "Garrett PI" stories.
I confess I love these kinds of stories for their loopy, quirky quality.
That's not to say that this is not a great story. It is. It is an engaging short story of about 20 to 30 pages that makes for great bedtime reading. The price is commensurate with the length, so that is not a drawback.
March 6, 2012
I really liked this story.
I loved that not only did things happened that I didn't expect but that things ended up better than I imagined.
Markhat is a good character full of conflicts like the rest of us, but much more interesting! The only issue I really had with it (other than it being too short for my liking!) was the fact that as a 'Finder' I didn't see him doing much finding. Sure, what he was asked to do was something within his power, but us readers didn't get much intel on what a 'Finder' is and what they are capable of, or even what they have done in the past.
I loved that the other characters really surprised him but through it all he kept his cool. Or at least looked like he did!
I'll definitely be reading more of Markhat.
I loved that not only did things happened that I didn't expect but that things ended up better than I imagined.
Markhat is a good character full of conflicts like the rest of us, but much more interesting! The only issue I really had with it (other than it being too short for my liking!) was the fact that as a 'Finder' I didn't see him doing much finding. Sure, what he was asked to do was something within his power, but us readers didn't get much intel on what a 'Finder' is and what they are capable of, or even what they have done in the past.
I loved that the other characters really surprised him but through it all he kept his cool. Or at least looked like he did!
I'll definitely be reading more of Markhat.
October 5, 2015
Reading the first book of the Markhat Files is like having a happy hour with a sarcastic fantasy football buddy after he's had a few beers and has gotten his imagination going. Assuming the fantasy is actually urban fantasy, and the teams are made of trolls and vampires, of course. The voice of the main character is hilarious and snarky, and there's plenty of action, but there are beautiful descriptions, tender(ish) moments, and great world-building as well. Just one warning - this is a novella, so it's over way before you're ready for it to be (but no cliffhanger - phew!). Bring on the rest of the series!
July 31, 2014
The Mister Trophy was a well executed novella. It was a great fantasy short. You were given a full story, just enough to spark interest in reading more from the series. It had trolls, vampires, magic, and a witty, sarcastic, brave and honorable main character that you couldn't help but want to see more of. I enjoyed this tale and will definitely be checking out the other books in the series.
March 25, 2012
A highly entertaining little read. Markhat is so much fun to read. (Markhat is the character.) If you like Dresden files or any UF, give these a try.
April 28, 2014
Fun! Maybe a 3.5 rather than just a 3. Adequate world building for the length, funny.
November 8, 2015
this is not urban fantasy
February 24, 2020
une petite novella mettant en scène Markhat, des trolls et l'ineffable Mama Hogg Je me suis régalé J'aime le côté sombre de ce monde et l'humour salvateur de Markhat the Finder
J'aime également les indices sans lourdeur sur sa vie passée de soldat et ceux qui laissent entrevoir toute l'histoire de ce monde intriguant avec les types propres au fantastique mais à la sauce Tuttle (rien à voir avec les habituels vampires par ex)
Je lirai les suites avec grand plaisir
we go forth as one, boomed Mister Smith
our cause is juste, said Mister Chin
Our hearts are brave, said Mister Jones.
My ass is wet, I said .
J'aime également les indices sans lourdeur sur sa vie passée de soldat et ceux qui laissent entrevoir toute l'histoire de ce monde intriguant avec les types propres au fantastique mais à la sauce Tuttle (rien à voir avec les habituels vampires par ex)
Je lirai les suites avec grand plaisir
January 30, 2024
I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book. It had been on my TBR List for years before I finally got to it.
I wish I’d got to it sooner!
A playful, yet adult romp through trolls, vampires, sewers and deftly dodging the authorities, this story had just the right amount of sass and guts.
I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and pleasantly pleased about the characters and plot. A healthy dose of humour and some deliciously well written verse finished off this story nicely.
Why not 5 then? I honestly just wanted more! I’ll definitely be picking up more from Frank and much sooner this time!
I wish I’d got to it sooner!
A playful, yet adult romp through trolls, vampires, sewers and deftly dodging the authorities, this story had just the right amount of sass and guts.
I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and pleasantly pleased about the characters and plot. A healthy dose of humour and some deliciously well written verse finished off this story nicely.
Why not 5 then? I honestly just wanted more! I’ll definitely be picking up more from Frank and much sooner this time!
March 6, 2018
My only complaint is that this book is too short. However it is a good introduction to the world of Markhat, a licensed finder (read: P.I.) in the city of Rannit. There are orges, trolls, vampires, and pretty much everything else you'd want if you were a completely normal, human, bereft of magical powers, guy who is tasked with recovering something from the undead. With a healthy dose of humor and a couple of healthy doses of blood and gore I am very eager to read the next story in this series.
June 18, 2025
Stars: 5 out of 5
This was a delightful short story set in an interesting and pretty gritty world. Markhat gives me the early Garrett vibes, and I loved those first books. Heck, he even has his own version of the Dead Man in Mama Hog.
The trolls were particularly spectacular in this story, and I enjoyed the author breaking the stereotype on those. The Misters were a hoot to read about.
This was a delightful short story set in an interesting and pretty gritty world. Markhat gives me the early Garrett vibes, and I loved those first books. Heck, he even has his own version of the Dead Man in Mama Hog.
The trolls were particularly spectacular in this story, and I enjoyed the author breaking the stereotype on those. The Misters were a hoot to read about.
November 4, 2018
I think I'm going to really enjoy this series!
May 28, 2019
This is more a short story than a book, but it's very good. Reminds me of Terry Pratchett crossed with an old detective novel. Apparently the rest of the series is worth checking out as well.
February 9, 2021
A cute little short story.
September 18, 2022
I don't think I've read any books from this author before. This was a good story so the beginning of a series. He changed up the paranormal races enough to make them interesting. 4 stars
April 15, 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
“The spirits tell me all will be well,” replied Mister Smith. “They say our goals will all be met.”
“Spirits ever wrong?” I asked.
Mister Smith chuckled. “All the time,” he said. “But they mean well.”
Fairly entertaining, humorous at times, and entirely too short; ‘The Mister Trophy’ was a nice little find, a good start to what appears to be a nine part series of novellas. Hey Mr. Tuttle, can we get some omnibuses set up here? The only one I see has books 1, 2, and 4 in it. Let’s get five tied together and go with this.
Anyway. A finder named Markhat is tracked down by three trolls to find something that means a lot to them. How a finder finds things isn’t really explained. Why he was needed when the trolls basically knew where the item in question was, also never explained. The more I think about it, the less the setup of this book makes sense. Hmm. Does it count if you don’t notice it until writing a review?
What the book does well is set up an interesting little world that has left me wanting to know a little more. A truce between the humans and trolls was only made possible because the vampires sided with the humans, bringing magic the trolls refused to use with them. The Misters (all three trolls go by a Mister moniker) still scare the humans of the town, but seem to be respecting the truce. Now that the war is over they are also willing to use magic, but claim to have no desire to restart the war. Why? Don’t know, it’s the kind of thing that makes me want to read more.
Not much in the way of character development, Markhat is a glib smart ass who seems to have a talent of staying alive and holds just a touch of honor. Mama Hog gives prophesy and provides helpful stuff. The trolls are distinguished only by name. The villain is insane, but isn’t visible for long enough to have more personality than that.
Not a book that will leave you in stitches, but it had me chuckling a bit. Minor logic problems aside the plot was simple and held few twists but did catch me by surprise once or twice. And obviously if you enjoy smart ass protagonists it will be right up your alley.
3 stars, but with the understanding that as part of a larger story this could be much more. If the author ever gets some omnibuses going I am all in.
“The spirits tell me all will be well,” replied Mister Smith. “They say our goals will all be met.”
“Spirits ever wrong?” I asked.
Mister Smith chuckled. “All the time,” he said. “But they mean well.”
Fairly entertaining, humorous at times, and entirely too short; ‘The Mister Trophy’ was a nice little find, a good start to what appears to be a nine part series of novellas. Hey Mr. Tuttle, can we get some omnibuses set up here? The only one I see has books 1, 2, and 4 in it. Let’s get five tied together and go with this.
Anyway. A finder named Markhat is tracked down by three trolls to find something that means a lot to them. How a finder finds things isn’t really explained. Why he was needed when the trolls basically knew where the item in question was, also never explained. The more I think about it, the less the setup of this book makes sense. Hmm. Does it count if you don’t notice it until writing a review?
What the book does well is set up an interesting little world that has left me wanting to know a little more. A truce between the humans and trolls was only made possible because the vampires sided with the humans, bringing magic the trolls refused to use with them. The Misters (all three trolls go by a Mister moniker) still scare the humans of the town, but seem to be respecting the truce. Now that the war is over they are also willing to use magic, but claim to have no desire to restart the war. Why? Don’t know, it’s the kind of thing that makes me want to read more.
Not much in the way of character development, Markhat is a glib smart ass who seems to have a talent of staying alive and holds just a touch of honor. Mama Hog gives prophesy and provides helpful stuff. The trolls are distinguished only by name. The villain is insane, but isn’t visible for long enough to have more personality than that.
Not a book that will leave you in stitches, but it had me chuckling a bit. Minor logic problems aside the plot was simple and held few twists but did catch me by surprise once or twice. And obviously if you enjoy smart ass protagonists it will be right up your alley.
3 stars, but with the understanding that as part of a larger story this could be much more. If the author ever gets some omnibuses going I am all in.
December 19, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up.
I liked this a lot more than I expected! I always love it when I stumble upon a gem like this one.
The MC was typical of most urban fantasy stories which feature male protagonists and their snarky, wise-cracking attitudes. Yet Markhat felt unique, not a mere carbon copy of other UF protags, because of Tuttle's writing skills. Unlike other UF protags, Markhat isn't some genius magician or super-powered hero. Markhat's... kind of weak. (Though I think that changes slowly in the next stories.) But I was fine with that, since it made Markhat a unique UF protag.
Also, the humor in this story was pretty good. Some of Markhat's quips made me laugh.
Here's one, because I feel like I'd be a shame if I didn't mention it in my review:
What really stood out in this story were the secondary characters. I loved the trolls, especially how strange they were and how Markhat interacted with them. Tuttle explains the standing the troll race has in this universe, while also revealing to the reader about past events, such as a war that involved vampires (or half-dead, they are called) and trolls.
Another character, Mama Hog, is eccentric and mysterious, and I really did wonder if she was just a quack like Markhat thought or a powerful ally. I do wish Tuttle had gone into more detail into Markhat and Mama Hog's relationship, but I understand that this was a short story. Perhaps more details will be revealed in the next installments.
An underrated UF story (maybe because of its length) that has me interested in the series. Can't wait to read about Markhat's next clients!
I liked this a lot more than I expected! I always love it when I stumble upon a gem like this one.
The MC was typical of most urban fantasy stories which feature male protagonists and their snarky, wise-cracking attitudes. Yet Markhat felt unique, not a mere carbon copy of other UF protags, because of Tuttle's writing skills. Unlike other UF protags, Markhat isn't some genius magician or super-powered hero. Markhat's... kind of weak. (Though I think that changes slowly in the next stories.) But I was fine with that, since it made Markhat a unique UF protag.
Also, the humor in this story was pretty good. Some of Markhat's quips made me laugh.
Here's one, because I feel like I'd be a shame if I didn't mention it in my review:
“We go forth as one,” boomed Mister Smith.
“Our cause is just,” said Mister Chin.
“Our hearts are brave,” said Mister Jones.
“My ass is wet,” I said.
What really stood out in this story were the secondary characters. I loved the trolls, especially how strange they were and how Markhat interacted with them. Tuttle explains the standing the troll race has in this universe, while also revealing to the reader about past events, such as a war that involved vampires (or half-dead, they are called) and trolls.
Another character, Mama Hog, is eccentric and mysterious, and I really did wonder if she was just a quack like Markhat thought or a powerful ally. I do wish Tuttle had gone into more detail into Markhat and Mama Hog's relationship, but I understand that this was a short story. Perhaps more details will be revealed in the next installments.
An underrated UF story (maybe because of its length) that has me interested in the series. Can't wait to read about Markhat's next clients!
January 13, 2012
One of my favorite M/M authors like this series better than Harry Dresden, so I decide to give it a try.
It's a short story, and by the number (#1), I figure that it is supposed to be like an introduction, right? Unfortunately, I'm not blown away. There isn't enough world-building for me to get understand what is going on. Some references are given but not enough explanations.
I wonder what Markhat's occupation actually is (is he like The Finder in Bones series?) -- and he doesn't really come to me as competent, considering that all he does is . Plus, it's not like he has a real power, right? Sure there are some funny quips, but for me snark TRUMPS funny anytime. So no, Harry Dresden still wins my heart.
I do love the three Trolls (Mister Smith, Mister Jones, and Mister Chin) :). They're delightful and I totally enjoy every scenes they are in. In fact, they're pretty much what save this short story for me, instead of the main hero (Markhat) himself (and probably the reason why I can still give it 3-stars). Check out this scene for example
....
“What about ‘we fight, we die?’” I asked. “What happened to bravery and heroism?”
Mister Smith rolled his eyes. “Load of crap,” he said. “Time to fight, we fight. Time to run, we run. Now is time to run. With haste.”
...
I don't know if I will continue with the series ... but I see that the next one is also short. So maybe, but not now ...
It's a short story, and by the number (#1), I figure that it is supposed to be like an introduction, right? Unfortunately, I'm not blown away. There isn't enough world-building for me to get understand what is going on. Some references are given but not enough explanations.
I wonder what Markhat's occupation actually is (is he like The Finder in Bones series?) -- and he doesn't really come to me as competent, considering that all he does is . Plus, it's not like he has a real power, right? Sure there are some funny quips, but for me snark TRUMPS funny anytime. So no, Harry Dresden still wins my heart.
I do love the three Trolls (Mister Smith, Mister Jones, and Mister Chin) :). They're delightful and I totally enjoy every scenes they are in. In fact, they're pretty much what save this short story for me, instead of the main hero (Markhat) himself (and probably the reason why I can still give it 3-stars). Check out this scene for example
....
“What about ‘we fight, we die?’” I asked. “What happened to bravery and heroism?”
Mister Smith rolled his eyes. “Load of crap,” he said. “Time to fight, we fight. Time to run, we run. Now is time to run. With haste.”
...
I don't know if I will continue with the series ... but I see that the next one is also short. So maybe, but not now ...
April 14, 2010
I would consider this a short story rather than a novella. I enjoyed it slightly more than the previous novella, but still was not blown away, and I still felt like the world building wasn't enough to really bring me into the story and make me feel like I knew what was going on.
I really enjoyed the Misters (Mister Smith, Mister Jones, and Mister Chin), three trolls who hire Markhat to get back their cousin's head from a vampire. I'm still not 100% sure what a finder is, but it seems like maybe a private eye/finder of lost things? Except that in the first story, he isn't finding anything, he's trying to protect an old lady and understand why her dead husband is back from the grave, and in this story, the Misters know that this vampire has their cousin's head, they just want Markhat to go and fetch it for them...not exactly detective work.
There are further references to the War in this story and you get hints that the curfew that is in play is because of the War, but not really who the war was between trolls and vampires? How do humans fit in? What really is the purpose of the curfew and who enforces it? Why?
Anyway, a decent read, some of the same issues as in Dead Man's Rain, but I'm interested enough to continue reading more about Markhat
I really enjoyed the Misters (Mister Smith, Mister Jones, and Mister Chin), three trolls who hire Markhat to get back their cousin's head from a vampire. I'm still not 100% sure what a finder is, but it seems like maybe a private eye/finder of lost things? Except that in the first story, he isn't finding anything, he's trying to protect an old lady and understand why her dead husband is back from the grave, and in this story, the Misters know that this vampire has their cousin's head, they just want Markhat to go and fetch it for them...not exactly detective work.
There are further references to the War in this story and you get hints that the curfew that is in play is because of the War, but not really who the war was between trolls and vampires? How do humans fit in? What really is the purpose of the curfew and who enforces it? Why?
Anyway, a decent read, some of the same issues as in Dead Man's Rain, but I'm interested enough to continue reading more about Markhat
October 3, 2012
OK, once again I had begun a series... not at the start. I've made this mistake so many times, more than I care to admit. My review of Dead Man's Rain was limited by the fact I had missed out on a bit of this worlds build from book 1.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! The character Markhat is funny, sarcastic and full of false macho bravado. Mama Hog, she's a hoot, but, I wouldn't want to tick her off nor hurt anyone she's fond of!
There are trolls, big, ugly, fabulous trolls! There are the half-dead aka vampires that roam the streets of Rannit by night and the existing tensions between the two factions since the last Troll war. And Mama Hog helps to place Markhat right into the midst of them to settle an old score.
My only complaint really - it's too short! But I am relieved to see that book 3 is around 200 pages for the paperback version. Yeaaaaaa!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! The character Markhat is funny, sarcastic and full of false macho bravado. Mama Hog, she's a hoot, but, I wouldn't want to tick her off nor hurt anyone she's fond of!
There are trolls, big, ugly, fabulous trolls! There are the half-dead aka vampires that roam the streets of Rannit by night and the existing tensions between the two factions since the last Troll war. And Mama Hog helps to place Markhat right into the midst of them to settle an old score.
My only complaint really - it's too short! But I am relieved to see that book 3 is around 200 pages for the paperback version. Yeaaaaaa!
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