Mortedant's Peril is the first book in the dark fantasy duology The Trials of Irody Hasp, written by R.J. Barker, published by Tor Books. A murder mystery proposal set in one of my favourite kinds of setting, a really weird city that we will explore as our main character is on a race against time to discover the truth behind the murder and save himself from execution, all in a well-paced story that is not afraid to become really dark at moments while also takes the opportunity to examine themes that are relevant nowadays.

Irody Hasp is a Mortedant, a cleric that can see and read the last thoughts and moments of the recently deceased; a rarely appreciated and badly paid job, with Hasp not being appreciated even by his peers. When his own apprentice is murdered, and Hasp as the main suspect, he will have to investigate and find the real killer before he's brought to the gallows: an investigation that not only will take him to discover many of the secrets that were kept across this city, but will also put him at the center of a plot that threatens to irremediably change the city he's part of.

Great part of what makes this such an excellent novel is contained in the own Hasp's character and his growth across the investigation: he's not really cruel and we can even see how he's protective of his apprentice, but we can also see how he looks down on those from other races and from lower origins than him; he's kinda looked down by his peers, taking those jobs that many wouldn't. However, it is parallel with his investigation across the city that Barker subtly introduces a slow growth, which could also be correlated with how he enters into contact with people and creatures from different origins, effectively expanding the limited view of the world he had (you might already see where I'm going with this). We even see a Hasp that will self-sacrifice to preserve the life of the little street urchin, Mirial that has substituted his previous apprentice, and we actually see him developing something akin a friendship even with Whisper, despite the second being an oster.
Whisper and Mirial are excellent side characters to complement Hasp in his adventure: a non-human warrior that, despite not being accepted among others, is still able to see the goodness of people, while Mirial has a bit of the picaresque and street intelligence that we could say Hasp is missing.

The own city of Elbay is an intriguing and fascinating setting: divided into rings and tiers akin a class division that reveals a deeply troubled society; a place that Barker has spent the time to give its own life and customs, including religions that will play an important role in the story. Barker's approach is the best example of how to make you feel as you are just contemplating a slice of the vast history that is part of Elbay, instead of just being on a scenario that has a play for you. (Also, praise the goat).
The pacing of the story is simply excellent, keeping your interest at all times, especially if you are into this kind of setting.

Mortedant's Peril is a superb example of a finely crafted weird dark fantasy proposal, blending many different elements to deliver a memorable story that is only the first part of a duology. Really hyped to see what Barker has for us in the second part of The Trials of Irody Hasp.