Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
I picked up Past Mortem without knowing much about Ben Elton’s crime fiction, though I was familiar with his comedy writing and TV work. The premise immediately grabbed me: a detective is forced to investigate murders connected to his own past when his old university friends start being killed off one by one. It’s a locked room mystery of sorts, but instead of a physical space, the locked room is a shared history. The book promises a blend of dark humour, nostalgia, and genuine thriller tension, all wrapped around the question of whether our past ever really lets us go.

✅ What I Liked:
The central concept is brilliantly executed. Detective Inspector Edward Newson finds himself investigating murders where he’s not just connected to the victims but is essentially a suspect himself. This creates an uncomfortable tension that runs through the entire novel. Elton doesn’t shy away from making Newson a flawed, sometimes unlikeable protagonist, which makes him feel real rather than heroic.

The 1980s flashback scenes are where Elton really shines. He captures the era with vivid detail, from the music and politics to the specific social dynamics of university life in that decade. These sections feel authentic and lived-in, and the contrast between the idealistic students they were and the compromised adults they’ve become adds real emotional weight to the story.

The plotting is tight and clever. Elton plants clues throughout without making them obvious, and the reveals feel earned rather than pulled out of nowhere. The mystery kept me guessing, and even when I thought I’d figured out the killer, there were still surprises waiting. The pacing is generally strong, with short chapters that make it very easy to keep reading.

I also appreciated the dark comedy threaded throughout. It never undermines the serious themes, but it prevents the book from becoming too bleak. Elton has a sharp eye for the absurdities of modern life, and his satirical edge adds flavour without overwhelming the thriller elements.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The structure, while ambitious, doesn’t always land perfectly. The constant shifts between past and present can occasionally feel jarring, and sometimes I found myself more invested in the 1980s storyline than the present-day investigation. This meant that when we returned to the modern timeline, it took me a moment to reconnect with the urgency of the murders.

Some of the supporting characters feel a bit thinly drawn. While the main players from the university days are well developed, several of the present-day police colleagues and witnesses come across as types rather than fully realised people. This isn’t a major issue, but it does mean that certain scenes lack the emotional punch they might have had.

There’s also a tendency towards over-explanation in places. Elton occasionally spells out themes or character motivations that were already clear from the context. I would have trusted the reader to pick up on these subtleties without the extra hand-holding.

The ending, while satisfying in terms of solving the mystery, wraps up a bit too neatly for my taste. After all the moral complexity and messiness that came before, the resolution feels slightly sanitised. I wanted something a bit more ambiguous, something that sat with the uncomfortable questions the book had been asking.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
This is perfect for readers who enjoy crime fiction with a strong psychological element and aren’t afraid of morally complex characters. If you like mysteries that explore how the past shapes the present, or if you’re drawn to stories about old friendships turning toxic, this will absolutely work for you. Fans of authors like Val McDermid or Mark Billingham will find a lot to enjoy here, especially if they appreciate a bit of satirical bite alongside their suspense.

It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something that captures a specific time period without being a traditional historical novel. The 1980s setting is integral to the story, and anyone who lived through that era will likely find the details nostalgic and recognisable.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Past Mortem is a solid, engaging thriller that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Ben Elton proves he can write serious crime fiction without losing his distinctive voice. While it has some structural wobbles and the ending could have been braver, the central mystery is compelling and the exploration of how university friendships can curdle over time is genuinely interesting. I read it quickly, staying up later than I should have to find out whodunit, which is always the mark of a successful thriller. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth your time if you’re in the mood for a smart, dark mystery with bite.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A clever, uncomfortable trip down memory lane with murder