chris stephens

Sadly this book is one of the worst reads I have ever had. I wouldn't normally post a bad review but I'm so disappointed after reading other reviews that I think it's necessary to redress the balance. Basically this book is devoid of a plot more complex than a Mr Men book, it's protagonist is a poor man's Captain Vimes but lacks any of the personality, charm and menace he holds. The characters are completely one dimension at best and I really mean that. They have no subtleties or depth, they play the same role from first meeting to last which means this tale has NO twists turns or surprises. Hang on, there is one... the ending makes no real sense. The This book relies on the 'Bobby Ewing' premise of it was all a dream. If you want an explanation for anything pertinent, it's just not there. I'm genuinely flabbergasted that noone in the editing/publishing process did not go back to the author and point out the basics issues with this book. I read a review which said this was a charming, funny tale mixing Terry Pratchett with a murder mystery. In reality this effort's only commonality with Pratchett is that it is printed on paper and when it comes to mystery, you might as well pick any character as the baddie as it'll make about as much sense as the actual baddie does. I would have put a plot spoiler warning on this review but I would have had to find one first. Avoid!