Matter of Death and Life, A

This is the second time we meet Gideon Sable and his team of extraordinary friends. They set out again to make the impossible heist using their extraordinary abilities and unique items. This is great fun.

This time, the crew that Gideon has assembled does not include Ghost, which we met in the previous book. Instead, a new character appears – Gideon’s old friend Sally, who can cause a lot of mess whether she wants to or not. And whose distinctive feature is that she cannot be trusted ... This is another fascinating character who fits well with our well-known crew.

The plot is great. Not only do we get to know better the world in which Gideon and his friends move, but we also get to know them better. Especially Lex and Johnny Wild Card. They have always been fascinating characters, and a deeper insight into their personalities makes them even more extraordinary and at the same time more human. Their problems and dreams are, in fact, very human, despite their supernatural abilities.

This story is a roller coaster. There is always something going on. We never know what will happen or what idea will come to Gideon. And in this book, he really needs to think fast to avoid the troubles that are always around the corner. Watching them is really great fun.

The ending of this story makes me wonder. Could this be the last book in this series? Hope not, because I would love to meet this group of characters again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the upcoming second book by Simon R. Green to feature "Gideon Sable" and his crew. Having read the previous book, and thoroughly enjoyed it (as I do all of Mr. Green's books and series), I was eager to jump right in and reconnect with Gideon and his crew.

Hail, hail, the gang's all (well, mostly) here: Gideon Sable, Annie Anybody, Lex Talon (The Damned) and Johnny Wilde (The Wild Card) - as rag tag a group of supernaturals as you'll ever want to avoid (especially if you get on their bad side).

Once again, Judi Rifkin has a task for the crew, in order to make up for their (sort of) previous failure; and to once again wreak vengeance on her ex-husband and fellow misanthrope (with a capital M). This time, she wants them to steal and deliver The Masque of Ra - an ancient artifact that (with the proper ritual) will render the owner young and immortal. But to do that, they must best one of the most ruthless men on the planet, Saul Tressor, and his family as well as a well-fortified and supernaturally protected casino in beautiful, treacherous Las Vegas.

To assist - in the absence of The Ghost, who is elsewhere engaged - Gideon drafts in old friend (and possibly paramour) Sally, who has the knack of switching items - real for fake - without anyone being wise to it.

Together, the crew take on Montressor and his family and guards with sometimes hilarious and sometimes sad results.

I am a huge fan of Mr. Green's work, having read many, many of his other series and this one did not disappoint, although the ending left me wondering if it was the end for this crew.

Highly recommended.

Gideon Sable is back....a great second book, an improbable supernatural heist is about to take place involving some very unusual characters, some of whom we have met before and introducing some new ones. A cracking read just what you would expect from someone of Simon R Green's calibre. More of the same please.

A Rollercoaster Ride Of Rampant Imagination….
The second of the Gideon Sable series and a rollercoaster ride of rampant imagination once again as the reader is treated to the prospect of a supernatural heist of huge proportions - the vault of a Las Vegas casino. With a unique, engaging and well drawn cast of eccentric characters and a fast moving plot this both fun and compelling and always entertaining.

Goodbye John Taylor, Hello Gideon Sable.........

I was sorry when Simon Green wrapped up his "Nightside" series, and as much as I now enjoy Ishmael Jones it wasn't the same; there was just something missing. Until now. This is the second Gideon Sable book, and it strikes me that while this series is a bit bumpy in places it is a reasonably worthy successor to the Nightside tales. That said, because Gideon Sable is a sort of master criminal on the prowl these books are more stand alone. While there are hints and suggestions of some hidden background story it's not clear if we're ever going to see that or if it's ever going to come to the fore. And we don't have a consistent, fully realized alternate world, though there are loads of vague references to a supernatural underworld.

But what we do have is a smart aleck hero and both a colorful repeating crew of companions and a wildly varied selection of villains and cameo characters. As with John Taylor, most problems are solved by just-in-the-nick of time secret powers and magical objects. That can be annoying, because it seems sort of lazy, but it happens so often it's almost like a signature move. It helps that the tricks and trinkets are usually clever, and it also means that there's more room for plot, snappy patter, and action because we aren't bogged down trying to come up with plausible explanations for what's happening.

As with its predecessor, this book is built around a caper. Again, though, the caper is pretty flimsy and doesn't even get into gear until the last quarter of the book. Everything up to then is prologue, (although the caper does have a few fun twists), and the real pleasure is in the interactions of the various members of Sable's crew.

Bottom line -- this is fun Simon Green, with an appealing hero, lots of sly deadpan humor, an engaging and interesting gang of accomplices, a throwaway plot, and lots of snappy patter. A fun entertainment.

(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

I really enjoyed this book, it was gripping right from the start and engaged me all the way through. Good writing, good storyline and good characters.

Review Simon R Green
A matter of death and life

In A Matter of Death and Life, Simon R Green brings us another excellent, exciting and humorous read. We are introduced to master thief extraordinaire, Gideon Sable. Gideon always has a plan and a crew to help him set the world right, at the same time stealing, begging and borrowing (maybe to be returned) fantastical items. The story is set in an alternative world set in the deep dark cracks of London and below and behind the fabric of the Universe; a place so engaging and entertaining that you want to be there but are glad you are not, full of characters that you definitely want to be on the right side of. The story moves from London to Vegas as Gideon races to steal a fabled mask that reportedly brings eternal life, right wrongs from his past, look after his friends and settle scores. I haven’t yet read the previous book in this series, but this didn’t matter. I’m off to find it right now and can’t wait to spend more time in the world of Gideon Sable!

Gideon Sable returns and he’s getting the team back together for a new heist. This time they are off to Las Vegas to steal the Masque of Ra for Judi Rifkin. In the process he hopes to settle some old scores and deal with the team's outstanding debt to Judi.

Humour, action, personal peril, some fantastic supernatural beings and of course ducking and diving. If you loved The Best Thing You Can Steal you will adore A Matter of Death and Life.

My thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy Simon R Green books, so I fully expected this to be a 5 star from me but it just wasn't. The characters and fantastic lists that he usually manages to just toss out there so casually seemed like real work in this book. The Vegas scenario held a lot of promise that just kind of didn't go anywhere and the best thing about this title is the premise we're left with at the end describing the future for Gideon (and company).

Second book in this series, although it does stand alone, the first gives you history of many of the characters. An appreciation of how jealous Judy is of her ex-husband and the hate is fully given in the first. An enjoyable heist is planned by Gideon with his crew from the first book with a new character along for the ride. Snarky dialog and action makes the book a fast enjoyable read, just one more chapter. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC for an entertaining time and the return to Mr. Green's world for an honest opinion. Hope to see another in the future.

The second of a series, but reads fine as a stand-alone. I did not realise that it was a fantasy book until I started reading, because of this , it took me a little while to get into the book . I did come to enjoy it, obviously it suspends belief most of the way through . At times quite funny, the characters grew on me as the book progressed.
A short book, it was entertaining and everyone gets their just rewards
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

"Master thief, rogue and chancer Gideon Sable is back for another fast-paced supernatural heist - and this time he has the vault of a Las Vegas casino in his sights

Judi Rifkin is one of the world's most successful collectors of the weird and unnatural. In a London underworld filled with criminals with very special talents, Judi is a force to be reckoned with.

And Gideon Sable - thief, rogue and chancer - owes her a very large favour.

Judi makes him an offer he can't refuse: steal her the legendary Masque of Ra, tucked up safe in a Las Vegas casino, and she'll wipe the slate clean. This isn't Gideon's first heist by a long shot. But with old grudges threatening to cloud his judgment, an unpredictable crew who don't entirely trust each other and a formidable supernatural security team guarding his target, this job might be a gamble too far...

A Matter of Death and Life is the sequel to The Best Thing You Can Steal, and is the second supernatural heist thriller featuring master conman Gideon Sable from British SFF veteran and New York Times bestselling author Simon R. Green."

I like how this Tuesday Tomorrow is so well rounded, start with a heist, end with a heist.

I’ve been reading this author for a long time, and one thing I can say about him is that I know exactly what I’ll get when I read a book by him based on the series. This is the second book in this new series, and it may actually be the last; I can’t really tell but it ended like it might be. Gideon and Annie continue to be a great couple, and I like the other side characters. I think one of the reasons I really like this series is that it reminds me of my favorite series by him, Nightside. This book was exactly what I would expect, and while it is well-written, I ended a little too abruptly. Still, it was a good time while it lasted. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I have been a long time fan of Simon R Green and I'm loving this new series. Above all else he has the greatest characters, even if we only meet some of them briefly their stories are wonderful.
This time the crew are off to Vegas and oh boy, they sure do upset the applecart. These are light entertainment at it's fantastical best, as always equipped with some cool gadgets and some cracking quips, you want these guys on your side.
After reading this I have many questions about Gideon Sable and I'd really like to know if he's ever answered to the name John Taylor.

"A Matter of Death and Life," the new novel by Simon R. Green, is a rockling transatlantic adventure with my new favorite master thief, Gideon Sable, and crew. Hired to seal the Masque of Ra from a Las Vegas boss, the team takes off on their latest caper. Filled with twists, turns, and a few in the story, too, Green takes the reader on an unforgettable ride! My only complaint is that the book is too short! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC copy of the book in exchange for this review.

I greatly enjoyed this second trip to the unusual and action-packed lives of "Gideon Sable," Annie Anybody, and their gang. Having met these characters before, I was ready for more dangerous, quirky, and magical adventures. This one does not disappoint, as they are constantly thrown in a new pickle right after getting out of the last one.

Most of the old gang is back, including Gideon, who may not be the actual GIdeon Sable, Annie Anybody, who changes her identity at will, Lex (The Damned), who wears the halos of angels on his wrists, and Johnny Wilde, the Wild Card who has no limits. They are joined by Gideon's ex, Switch it Sally, a master thief. As a group, they are a powerful force. Hired by Judi Rifkin to steal the Mask of Ra, they head to Vegas, with many adventures along the way.

I enjoyed the quirky first book, and this second installment is just as satisfying. The characters are fascinating and the schemes they come up with are clever and enjoyable. There were a couple of times when it seemed to go too far over the top, even for a book that is written to be over the top. The fight on the train comes to mind. But overall, this is a criminal heist adventure steeped in magical realism that will captivate the reader.

I received a free copy of this book from Severn House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

This was fun and quirky! It's a great blend of fantasy+heist. I really wish I'd read the books in sequence, though. I'm going to go back and get the first in the series.

Gideon Sable brings back his crew of truly peculiar characters to pull off another heist! They re-sign with Judi Rifkin for another revenge act against her former husband and agree to steal “The Masque of Ra”… absolutely, positively guaranteed to secure eternal life.

Bad guys are vanquished, good guys thrive, but what will come next? I’ll be really sorry if “The Damned” and Johnny are finished, as Green seems to hint at the end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My thanks to Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘A Matter of Death and Life’ by Simon R. Green in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in Green’s series featuring thief and conman, Gideon Sable.

While I prefer to read series in order when possible, Green does provide background for the first book, ‘The Best Thing You Can Steal’, for new readers.

Judi Rifkin, one of the world's most successful collectors of the weird and unnatural, makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse: steal the legendary Masque of Ra for her and she'll wipe the slate clean.

The artefact is located in a Las Vegas casino and guarded by a formidable supernatural security team. So Gideon must assemble his own crew of supernaturally gifted individuals if he is to have any chance of success. No further details to avoid spoilers.

In this fast-paced supernatural thriller there is action, witty humour, and of course plenty of horror.

Simon R. Green is a master of the urban fantasy sub-genre and I adore his weird and wonderful tales. Hopefully there will be many more adventures for Gideon Sable and friends to come.

A Matter of Death and Life is a return to the escapades of Gideon Sable last seen at the end of The Best Thing You Can Steal. Now it’s time for another job. Judi Rifkin requires his services again and he does owe her, like it or not. He needs to gather his crew again and prepare for a new target that will take every bit of magical skills and power they have.

In addition to using his own well developed master thief skills, aided by magic and fast talking, he calls on: Annie Anybody who can become anyone; Lex Talon also known as The Damned, with capabilities that justify the title but who is trying to only punish those who deserve it rather than kill more indiscriminately, as he as done in the past; Johnny Wilde, the Wild Card, who has many skills but isn’t the same since he returned from the dead in the last book; and a new person, Switch-it-Sally, who can steal anything that can be switched. Many personalities to be corralled for one job, in Las Vegas of all places!

The story moves at speed as did the first book. If you enjoy magic/fantasy in the modern world and a plot that is fun to follow, dialogue that is flip and sharp, and a storyline that follows through consistently, then I recommend this series to you. A Matter of Life and Death can stand alone but is better when read in combination with its predecessor. Recommended.


A copy of this book was provided by Severn House through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I have been a huge Simon R. Green fan ever since I first started reading the Nightside series years ago. I was so sad when that series ended....but, I perked up when he started writing the Ishmael Jones books. And, now the Gideon Sable series. Both have a bit of that Nightside creepy-cool feel to them. Love it, love it, love it!

A Matter of Life and Death is the 2nd book in the new Gideon Sable series. Gideon is a thief....a con man....a scoundrel. But he doesn't steal the normal things like money, jewels, bonds. He's out to find supernatural, powerful, bizarre things. Items with power....dangerous things. Unusual things. Gideon has a code though -- he only steals from those who truly deserve it. This time, Gideon has to repay a favor and steal a heavily guarded item from a casino. The Masque of Ra. With immortality on the line, this job might just be the hardest one Gideon and his crew of misfits have ever tried to pull off!

Another great story in this new series. I love Simon R. Green's style. I read everything he writes. If he wrote a stereo installation manual, I would read it. :) Definitely waiting in line for the next story in this series! I wonder what Gideon is going to steal next???

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Severn House. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Having been a fan of Nightside series by the author, I dived into this with gusto. The overall writing style has so many similarities being quirky and fun (e.g. the lock and key segments at the beginning). there are aspects to this that felt a bit familiar though the writing is good. Gideon and Annie are wonderful characters to follow.

This was a fun, well written supernatural tale. Gideon Sable is a thief and chancer, but a thief with access to many unusual gifts to help him. He is engaged by Judi Rifkin to steal the Masque of Ra from a casino in Las Vegas, so he calls together most of his old team to help him. His reward will be the expunging of previous crimes against the powerful Judi.

The result is an exciting romp as the team, who all have most unusual abilities and skills, travel on the Moonlight Express to Las Vegas, where they find the Masque is being guarded by a supernatural security team. His colleagues have amazing skills to help Gideon reach his objective, but if he even succeeds, will Judi honour her part of the bargain?

I enjoyed it very much and will be looking out for more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gideon Sable is back and better than ever !
I just love this magical world. This book is magical realism at its best such a cosy fun read I can't wait for the next one in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Severn House and Simon R Green for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!!! I cannot wait until the next installment and I’ll race through it like I’ve done with this one and the previous one too 🙈 bloody fantastic and I don’t do this type of books but for some reason I cannot get enough of them!!! More please, quickly!!!!!

A Matter of Death and Life is the sequel to The Best Thing You Can Steal, and is the second supernatural heist thriller featuring master conman Gideon Sable. Recommend you read this book!

Master thief, rogue, and con artist extraordinaire Gideon Sable is back for another supernatural heist, this time stealing an artifact rumored to grant immortality from a Las Vegas casino. In the process, he’ll pay off a very big favor and piss off his enemies. To do this, he pulls together his old crew, including his now-girlfriend, Annie Anybody, the woman who changes her persona as easily as her clothes and who can make electronics fall in love with her; The Damned, who wears invincible armor made of the halos of angels; and Johnny the Wild Card, who has walked the edge of madness so closely he’s on nodding terms with reality at the best of times. Joining them is predictably unreliable Switch It Sally, whose special talent is exchanging objects from a distance, instantaneously and invisibly. But the casino’s owners are definitely Bad Guys, it’s guarded by supernatural goons, and in this universe, nothing is ever as it seems.

I first encountered Gideon and his crew in The Best Thing You Can Steal, and this book is a worthy sequel. Green handles character, tension, and gorgeous if dark imagery so beautifully, his work is a joy to read. Here’s a taste:

“I finally came to a quiet cul-de-sac where the street lamps were remainders of a bygone age. All black iron and ornate stylings their light was so hazy that shadows formed dark pools between the lamps, like sinkholes in the world. The buildings were just dark shapes, with no lights at any of the windows, slumped together like drowsing animals, waiting for their prey to come within reach. Ample warning that this was not an area to be entered lightly, because the phrase ‘urban jungle’ isn’t always a metaphor.

“One photo showed a city where every building had been carved from a single piece of bone, and insects the size of people, or perhaps people who moved like insects, crawled up the outsides of the buildings. Another photo showed a flock of white whales, flying over an endless desert like living dirigibles. In a New York where all the skyscrapers were wrapped in ivy, lizards in smart city suits walked briskly through the financial district. Pterodactyls flapped around a broken Eiffel Tower…”

I read this immediately after finishing The Best Thing You Can Steal and highly recommend this approach as, while both stories stand alone perfectly well in terms of plot, the characters and action in this one pick up where the previous book left off.

Having failed triumphantly in their last job for her, Judi Rifkin has Gideon and the gang over a barrel and intends to make sure they deliver this time. Nothing major… just a relic that grants immortality, held in a high-security Vegas casino. What could go wrong?

I love these characters so much (Gideon, Annie Anybody, The Damned, The Wild Card, and now Switch-It Sally) and the heist plots are cool – think Now You See Me but with real magic instead of illusions. The worldbuilding is good too, with its magic cameras, creepy pawn shops and general atmosphere of a seedy city underworld populated by anything from angels and demons, to fortune tellers and petty thieves.

I could quite happily read millions of these novellas – they are quick, fun, easy reads, packed with action and intrigue and memorable, interesting characters.

More please!

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog