Review: Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green

I first became aware of Simon R. Green from his short story, The Difference a Day Makes, one of four short stories in the collection Mean Streets. I am fascinated by his idea of an alternate London, a place where people can seek out their wildest fantasies. The Nightside is both intoxicating and deadly.

The story is told from the point of view of John Taylor, a former regular in the Nightside. We join him at a time when he has been away from the Nightside for five years. He has been working as a private investigator and is barely making a living. Joanna Barrett hires him to find her missing daughter. To do so John has to take Joanna into the Nightside.

Once in the Nightside, John has to show Joanna the ropes and try to keep her from getting killed. We learn that John is somewhat famous there, but the details are vague. They follow the trail of her daughter and go on a crazy trip to find her. I won't spoil it, but the ending is one Jeffery Deaver would be proud of.

This was a pleasant, quick read for me. Mr. Green's style is easy to read and equally as easy to entice your imagination. After reading this first book in the Nightside series, I feel that I have only barely touched the Nightside. I look forward to following John Taylor on numerous more adventures there.