Things to do When You'd Rather be Dead - Michael Guillebeau

     Down and out, an ex-detective finds himself travelling around schools and fetes, peddling the wares of the local police district.

    His cross to bear, the death of his wife and daughter at the hands of the 'angel of mercy'. And the killing of a priest by his own hands.

     This book, whilst claiming to be a comedy fails at it. Don't get me wrong. It is a good read, but what comical moments there are, are overshadowed by the story itself.

    The plot-line and characters are strong, and it allows the story to flow seamlessly. 

    There are a handful of locations, that are returned to on numerous occasions, to allow the build up for the next part to come to life.

    The only downside, is that the title takes forever and a day to type.

Status: Completed

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Strange Labour - Robert Penner

 

     OK, so after a self-inflicted hiatus of reading in general. I thought I should think about making a return. So, here I am.

    Looking at #netgalley, for some inspiration, I stumbled across this in the Read Now Section. So here goes, sit back, kick off the socks and shoes and enjoy (hopefully).

    Although nothing is mentioned directly, something has happened the world and its residents. There are large swathes of the human race that have just upped and joined the diggers. They build trenches. Lots of trenches, all over the world. There are small pockets of people who haven't 'turned'. This seems to be where the individual in question. Has the urge to join the diggers, never to be seen again.

    We join Miranda, a drifter heading out west. She takes jobs where she can to support herself, care homes, outdoor work. She is joined by Dave, an ex maths teacher of considerable IQ, who has a taste for 'weed', stories and conspiracy.

    Whilst being almost constantly stoned (medically induced - epilepsy). He functions normally. He knows things, how to get fuel, what food is available, what drugs you can find where and whom to trade them with.

    There are neat pockets, where you are not on the road. Each bringing, its own trials and tribulations. Not all, is as it would seem.

    I read this in a couple of sittings, after pin the tail on the donkey selection. It held my interest, which is rare at the moment.

Status: Completed

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The Temple House Vanishing - Rachel Donohue

The plot-line may have come straight from what could have been a trashy YA novel. However, the story telling was absolutely second to none and made it more than it originally seemed it was going to be.

16 & 41, one persons tale of a life that once was, and has become. A journalist writing a piece on a disappearance and tale of lust. The majority of the story focuses on a teacher, a want to be muse and a new girl at a catholic boarding school.

 

The teacher, grooming, the muse besotted and drawn into it all... the new girl. Predictable, yes. Twisted, in ways you wouldn't have thought of. Enjoyable, definitely.

 

This is one spanking debut novel. I take my hat off to you.

 

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

 

Status: Completed