The debonair psychic investigator Richard Jeperson is the Most Valued Member of the Diogenes Club, the least-known and most essential branch of British Intelligence. While foiling the plot of many a maniacal mastermind, he is chased by sentient snowmen and Nazi zombies, investigates an unearthly murderer stalking the sex shops of 1970s Soho, and battles a poltergeist to prevent it triggering nuclear Armageddon. But as a new century dawns, can he save the ailing Diogenes Club itself from a force more diabolical still?
Newman's ten mischievous tales, with cameos from the much-loved characters of the Anno Dracula universe, will entertain fans and newcomers alike.
The Mention: This 2017 volume collates the series of short stories that Kim Newman has written, over the years, about Richard Jeperson – the Most Valued Member of the Diogenes Club, or master spy of the esoteric realms to you and I. Being a collection of stories there isn’t an overarching story (bar Jeperson himself, and the club) though some characters do reoccur. Now, I must admit that I have a soft spot for Newman’s work and this, whilst starting in the 60s, is reminiscent of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in concept if not content. Jeperson is a sensitive, rather than super-powered (though there is a touch of the Austin Powers to him – something mentioned in a story set chronologically leter) and there isn’t the host of monsters that LXG can throw in. It does, however, contain one specific “monster” that interests us.
This book is not set in the Anno Dracula universe but it does feature Geneviève Dieudonné and whilst she does little that would reveal her as a vampire and the narrative doesn’t state it, she clearly is one; we do get little moments such as immunity to cold, immunity to mind reading, rapid healing and nearly being staked by an icicle. She only appears in the one story but Newman does suggest a multiverse of possible worlds and thus there will be another England where Anno Dracula occurs (indeed it is referenced at one point). In this book, however, we just have Geneviève offering a fleeting, though important, visitation. Thanks to Ian for buying me the volume.
In Paperback @ Amazon US
In Paperback @ Amazon UK
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