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Community Klepto
A Novel
Kelly I. Hitchcock
2023 Finalist
240 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
If you're in the mood for laughs, grab a copy of Community Klepto, a dark comedy novel by Kelly I. Hitchcock. Twenty-five-year-old Ann Josephson hates having to do anything involving people. A compulsive kleptomaniac, she often visits the local community center to work out and manage her social anxiety by stealing other people's stuff she doesn't necessarily need. However, she inevitably crosses the line by stealing one item too many, leading the center to hire a new security guard. Additionally, a guy called Joe asks her out, and soon, Ann finds herself joining a dodgeball team, a yoga class, and a kickboxing class in rapid succession. But it is when Ann finds out that Joe is a police officer that her world begins to crumble beneath her feet. What if Joe figures out her secret hoarding lair?
Community Klepto is a story about a young woman's attempts to navigate her sociopathic ways by acquiring material possessions that don't belong to her. Kelly I. Hitchcock tells a hilarious tale of a kleptomaniac who digs herself into a deeper hole by refusing to adhere to social norms despite getting chance after chance to redeem herself. Ann is a riveting character. I found some of her inner monologues incredibly funny, as they give you a glimpse into her dysfunctional mind and how she processes her surroundings and sees others. I also liked her dynamic with Joe and felt the two played off each other brilliantly. Anyone who loves dark comedy stories with flawed antagonists will enjoy this one.
If you're in the mood for laughs, grab a copy of Community Klepto, a dark comedy novel by Kelly I. Hitchcock. Twenty-five-year-old Ann Josephson hates having to do anything involving people. A compulsive kleptomaniac, she often visits the local community center to work out and manage her social anxiety by stealing other people's stuff she doesn't necessarily need. However, she inevitably crosses the line by stealing one item too many, leading the center to hire a new security guard. Additionally, a guy called Joe asks her out, and soon, Ann finds herself joining a dodgeball team, a yoga class, and a kickboxing class in rapid succession. But it is when Ann finds out that Joe is a police officer that her world begins to crumble beneath her feet. What if Joe figures out her secret hoarding lair?
Community Klepto is a story about a young woman's attempts to navigate her sociopathic ways by acquiring material possessions that don't belong to her. Kelly I. Hitchcock tells a hilarious tale of a kleptomaniac who digs herself into a deeper hole by refusing to adhere to social norms despite getting chance after chance to redeem herself. Ann is a riveting character. I found some of her inner monologues incredibly funny, as they give you a glimpse into her dysfunctional mind and how she processes her surroundings and sees others. I also liked her dynamic with Joe and felt the two played off each other brilliantly. Anyone who loves dark comedy stories with flawed antagonists will enjoy this one.
Recommend this book:
How I Saved a Planet!
Stephen Quatro
2023 Honorable Mention
243 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
How I Saved A Planet! is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and comedic sub-genres, and was penned by author Stephen Quatro. Taking a highly tongue in cheek approach to the genre, the work is best suited for adult reading audiences due to the presence of nudity and sexual references, as well as explicit language and allusion to the use of alcohol and narcotics. In a simplistic tale delivered with comedic narrative charm, we go along for a wild ride as our young college-going protagonist encounters a new alien friend who demands that he help him save his planet from two dastardly great leaders. What results is a truly fun romp through space, sarcasm, and surrealism.
Author Stephen Quatro has crafted a smashing light read that will be sure to entertain the college-going reading age, as well as those who wish to remain young and goofy at heart. The narrative style gives off a lot of charm and humor, putting us right into the protagonist’s head and letting us see the bizarre hijinks with a fresh and somewhat naïve perspective. This is a recipe for delightful trouble, and it leads to playful nods to international relations in real life, and common college issues of making friends and facing responsibilities head-on. All in all, this makes for a fast-paced page-turner which is told as though a friend is recounting the tale for you. I’d recommend How I Saved A Planet! to mature teen readers and upwards for some light-hearted spacey fun.
How I Saved A Planet! is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and comedic sub-genres, and was penned by author Stephen Quatro. Taking a highly tongue in cheek approach to the genre, the work is best suited for adult reading audiences due to the presence of nudity and sexual references, as well as explicit language and allusion to the use of alcohol and narcotics. In a simplistic tale delivered with comedic narrative charm, we go along for a wild ride as our young college-going protagonist encounters a new alien friend who demands that he help him save his planet from two dastardly great leaders. What results is a truly fun romp through space, sarcasm, and surrealism.
Author Stephen Quatro has crafted a smashing light read that will be sure to entertain the college-going reading age, as well as those who wish to remain young and goofy at heart. The narrative style gives off a lot of charm and humor, putting us right into the protagonist’s head and letting us see the bizarre hijinks with a fresh and somewhat naïve perspective. This is a recipe for delightful trouble, and it leads to playful nods to international relations in real life, and common college issues of making friends and facing responsibilities head-on. All in all, this makes for a fast-paced page-turner which is told as though a friend is recounting the tale for you. I’d recommend How I Saved A Planet! to mature teen readers and upwards for some light-hearted spacey fun.
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Doctor Refurb
Marty Essen
2023 Honorable Mention
244 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
In Doctor Refurb by Marty Essen, after going through a divorce and finally learning how to get on with his life, Dr. Stefan Westin begins dating Tara, the woman who walked his dog. After a long day working at the hospital, Dr. Westin hears a voice in his head that belongs to an alien named Rodney. Rodney offers Stefan and Tara the chance to rid the world of the worst human beings. Anyone the couple chooses is removed from Earth and taken to a planetary depository. Selecting people comes at a painful price for Stefan and Tara. Rodney offers suggestions of people to remove, then decides that focusing on the United States and traveling through time would be a better idea. Are Stefan and Tara doing something good or are they only making matters worse? Is this venture of removing people for the greater good really worth their pain or is it all for the amusement of an alien from some distant planet?
This comical story takes an entertaining and twisted approach to some of the most prominent social issues concerning the sustainability of our planet. The unique personalities of the doctor, his girlfriend, and Rodney the alien, and their fun-filled interactions take the concept of refurbishing to a whole new level of hilarious. I love how the characters in this story base their choices on what will benefit the world in the long run in an effort to keep the aliens from recycling Earth now. I recommend this story to adults who have a sense of humor and enjoy looking at the world’s history from a new perspective. I hope that Marty Essen has more stories like Doctor Refurb that are as fun and entertaining.
In Doctor Refurb by Marty Essen, after going through a divorce and finally learning how to get on with his life, Dr. Stefan Westin begins dating Tara, the woman who walked his dog. After a long day working at the hospital, Dr. Westin hears a voice in his head that belongs to an alien named Rodney. Rodney offers Stefan and Tara the chance to rid the world of the worst human beings. Anyone the couple chooses is removed from Earth and taken to a planetary depository. Selecting people comes at a painful price for Stefan and Tara. Rodney offers suggestions of people to remove, then decides that focusing on the United States and traveling through time would be a better idea. Are Stefan and Tara doing something good or are they only making matters worse? Is this venture of removing people for the greater good really worth their pain or is it all for the amusement of an alien from some distant planet?
This comical story takes an entertaining and twisted approach to some of the most prominent social issues concerning the sustainability of our planet. The unique personalities of the doctor, his girlfriend, and Rodney the alien, and their fun-filled interactions take the concept of refurbishing to a whole new level of hilarious. I love how the characters in this story base their choices on what will benefit the world in the long run in an effort to keep the aliens from recycling Earth now. I recommend this story to adults who have a sense of humor and enjoy looking at the world’s history from a new perspective. I hope that Marty Essen has more stories like Doctor Refurb that are as fun and entertaining.
Recommend this book:
The Chancer
Fiona Graham
2023 Bronze Medal
312 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Chancer is a comedy by Fiona Graham. Donnie, who was raised on a farm near a tiny Irish village, had dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star. Donnie’s younger sister was the only member of the family who thought that he could succeed as an actor. When Donnie’s uncle died, he inherited a sum of money, and he flew to LA to make his dream come true. Donnie fell in love with LA and the people and dived headfirst into any auditions that he could find. Donnie was determined to make it and become a famous actor. Donnie met Abe Nelson, a movie star, and Donnie’s spontaneity gradually won him over. Donnie and Abe seem to complement each other as they strive to become better versions of themselves.
The Chancer by Fiona Graham is an exciting read full of Irish expressions and idioms. The plot was intriguing, and I was hooked from the start. Family relationships, friendships, dreams, and loyalty were woven into the story, which alternated between Hollywood and a small Irish village. The chapters flowed into each other and were easy to read. The characters were well-developed and authentic. My favorite character is Donnie. He loved his family and had a big heart. He felt terrible about lying to them. Donnie believed in himself and was brave enough to follow his heart. The story is excellently written and is both funny and touching. The message is about the importance of pursuing your dream and this is a must-read for anyone looking for an amusing tale.
The Chancer is a comedy by Fiona Graham. Donnie, who was raised on a farm near a tiny Irish village, had dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star. Donnie’s younger sister was the only member of the family who thought that he could succeed as an actor. When Donnie’s uncle died, he inherited a sum of money, and he flew to LA to make his dream come true. Donnie fell in love with LA and the people and dived headfirst into any auditions that he could find. Donnie was determined to make it and become a famous actor. Donnie met Abe Nelson, a movie star, and Donnie’s spontaneity gradually won him over. Donnie and Abe seem to complement each other as they strive to become better versions of themselves.
The Chancer by Fiona Graham is an exciting read full of Irish expressions and idioms. The plot was intriguing, and I was hooked from the start. Family relationships, friendships, dreams, and loyalty were woven into the story, which alternated between Hollywood and a small Irish village. The chapters flowed into each other and were easy to read. The characters were well-developed and authentic. My favorite character is Donnie. He loved his family and had a big heart. He felt terrible about lying to them. Donnie believed in himself and was brave enough to follow his heart. The story is excellently written and is both funny and touching. The message is about the importance of pursuing your dream and this is a must-read for anyone looking for an amusing tale.
Recommend this book:
Funeral Daze
Dorian Box
2023 Silver Medal
364 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Funeral Daze is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, suspense, satire, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its occasional use of explicit language and theming around death and dying. Penned by author Dorian Box as the sequel to the hilarious and darkly dramatic Psycho-Tropics, we find ourselves back with protagonist Danny Teakwell five years after the events of the previous novel. But when the now-twelve-year-old Jessica Jewel turns up homeless and missing her parents, the reluctant and grief-stricken Danny feels compelled to help her. So begins an investigation and an adventure that might just bring Danny back to life as a result.
Author Dorian Box has crafted a uniquely entertaining novel that gives a fresh coat of paint to the 'unlikely duo' trope as Danny and Jessica set off to solve their mystery together. I always enjoy tales with precocious children in them, and Box’s knack for dialogue really sparks with Jessica, offering real laugh-out-loud moments despite the dark and deadly lacing of mortuary humor that runs throughout the novel as a whole. Danny’s emotional journey is also a great triumph in terms of its pacing and intimate portrayal, as we see him handle real, powerful, and palpable grief in one moment, which is then juxtaposed against some really amusing absurdist plot interjections. This clash works beautifully to showcase all the weird and wonderful facets of life and provide color and life to smash through Danny’s gloomy outlook. Overall, Funeral Daze is a novel that takes both light and dark elements to present a fantastically engaging, emotionally resonant story in a deeply humorous and satirical fashion. Unmissable reading.
Funeral Daze is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, suspense, satire, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its occasional use of explicit language and theming around death and dying. Penned by author Dorian Box as the sequel to the hilarious and darkly dramatic Psycho-Tropics, we find ourselves back with protagonist Danny Teakwell five years after the events of the previous novel. But when the now-twelve-year-old Jessica Jewel turns up homeless and missing her parents, the reluctant and grief-stricken Danny feels compelled to help her. So begins an investigation and an adventure that might just bring Danny back to life as a result.
Author Dorian Box has crafted a uniquely entertaining novel that gives a fresh coat of paint to the 'unlikely duo' trope as Danny and Jessica set off to solve their mystery together. I always enjoy tales with precocious children in them, and Box’s knack for dialogue really sparks with Jessica, offering real laugh-out-loud moments despite the dark and deadly lacing of mortuary humor that runs throughout the novel as a whole. Danny’s emotional journey is also a great triumph in terms of its pacing and intimate portrayal, as we see him handle real, powerful, and palpable grief in one moment, which is then juxtaposed against some really amusing absurdist plot interjections. This clash works beautifully to showcase all the weird and wonderful facets of life and provide color and life to smash through Danny’s gloomy outlook. Overall, Funeral Daze is a novel that takes both light and dark elements to present a fantastically engaging, emotionally resonant story in a deeply humorous and satirical fashion. Unmissable reading.
Recommend this book:
Love in the Cupboard
A quirky, uplifting, contemporary romantic comedy
Mari Jane Law
2023 Silver Medal
388 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Love in the Cupboard by Mari Jane Law follows the strangely endearing story of Faith as she struggles with love. Faith finds the man of her dreams in a dark cupboard, but she has no idea who he is. Faith hopes to find him again but instead, she meets Tom, a man she can hardly stand. However, it seems like Faith is the only one who despises Tom because everyone else in her life loves him. Little does she know; Tom is the man she met in that dark cupboard and fell in love with. But she doesn’t know it, and she certainly doesn’t know that he is also a Catholic priest. What will Faith do when she does find out? Will she give love and Tom a chance?
I loved every second of Love in the Cupboard! I finished the story and wanted to immediately start reading it again. Faith is hilarious, and the way things turn out for her is perfect. Mari Jane Law is correct in calling it a quirky romance because it is exactly that. Tom and Faith are two very different people with different values. Tom wants a wife, and Faith wants a partner who will love her and not lie to her. They complement each other, and there are sparks that neither of them can deny. Even when Faith hates Tom, she feels a connection with him. I loved the other characters as well. Hope is hilarious, while Gavin and Luke are the voices of reason but sassy. In short, it was perfection. I highly recommend this to all romance fans.
Love in the Cupboard by Mari Jane Law follows the strangely endearing story of Faith as she struggles with love. Faith finds the man of her dreams in a dark cupboard, but she has no idea who he is. Faith hopes to find him again but instead, she meets Tom, a man she can hardly stand. However, it seems like Faith is the only one who despises Tom because everyone else in her life loves him. Little does she know; Tom is the man she met in that dark cupboard and fell in love with. But she doesn’t know it, and she certainly doesn’t know that he is also a Catholic priest. What will Faith do when she does find out? Will she give love and Tom a chance?
I loved every second of Love in the Cupboard! I finished the story and wanted to immediately start reading it again. Faith is hilarious, and the way things turn out for her is perfect. Mari Jane Law is correct in calling it a quirky romance because it is exactly that. Tom and Faith are two very different people with different values. Tom wants a wife, and Faith wants a partner who will love her and not lie to her. They complement each other, and there are sparks that neither of them can deny. Even when Faith hates Tom, she feels a connection with him. I loved the other characters as well. Hope is hilarious, while Gavin and Luke are the voices of reason but sassy. In short, it was perfection. I highly recommend this to all romance fans.
Recommend this book:
Barking for Business
A Raunchy Small Town Mystery
E. N. Crane
2023 Gold Medal
329 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Specialist Cynthia Sharp and her loyal partner Sgt. Winnifred Pupperson, K-9 had a horrible time serving in the US Army. Cyn is clumsy, and Winnie is too interested in finding snacks to be a service dog. Cyn and Winnie were investigating an alleged cookie theft when they destroyed a military Jeep. Unfortunately, it wasn't their first oversight while on service, and they both are dismissed from a Florida military base. Then, Cyn and Winnie arrive in Sweet Pea, Ohio, Cyn's hometown, to investigate Bingo money stolen from a local church. Something strange happens in this small town when Cyn runs into the mysterious Captain Jacks with a fake mustache. Also, what is handsome Sergeant Ian Cruz, with whom Cyn almost shared a kiss in Afghanistan, doing in Sweet Pea? Barking for Business by E. N. Crane, the first book of a series, is an excellent read for fans of humor, crime, drama, thrillers, and detective novels.
Barking for Business is funny and entertaining. E. N. Crane offers us spectacular intrigue with many plot twists and turns. I liked the characters' development. We follow the unfolding events from Cyn's point of view, and she gives us many humorous and keen observations regarding her hometown and its inhabitants. Cyn is smart and dedicated to her missions, justifying her school nickname, Cyn the Determined, which she hates. A good friend, Cyn, rushes to help her friend Mo when she gets in trouble, and her love for Winnie is unconditional. Crane creates an interesting dynamic between the characters, like Cyn and Mo's interactions. The author describes a compelling love triangle between Cyn, Cruz, and Cyn's school friend and now colleague, Larry Kirby. Crane lovingly creates the unique ambiance of a cozy small town with a well-researched background concerning Cyn's military past. The ending is full of action and perfectly completes the plot, making this first installment a good premise for a captivating book series.
Specialist Cynthia Sharp and her loyal partner Sgt. Winnifred Pupperson, K-9 had a horrible time serving in the US Army. Cyn is clumsy, and Winnie is too interested in finding snacks to be a service dog. Cyn and Winnie were investigating an alleged cookie theft when they destroyed a military Jeep. Unfortunately, it wasn't their first oversight while on service, and they both are dismissed from a Florida military base. Then, Cyn and Winnie arrive in Sweet Pea, Ohio, Cyn's hometown, to investigate Bingo money stolen from a local church. Something strange happens in this small town when Cyn runs into the mysterious Captain Jacks with a fake mustache. Also, what is handsome Sergeant Ian Cruz, with whom Cyn almost shared a kiss in Afghanistan, doing in Sweet Pea? Barking for Business by E. N. Crane, the first book of a series, is an excellent read for fans of humor, crime, drama, thrillers, and detective novels.
Barking for Business is funny and entertaining. E. N. Crane offers us spectacular intrigue with many plot twists and turns. I liked the characters' development. We follow the unfolding events from Cyn's point of view, and she gives us many humorous and keen observations regarding her hometown and its inhabitants. Cyn is smart and dedicated to her missions, justifying her school nickname, Cyn the Determined, which she hates. A good friend, Cyn, rushes to help her friend Mo when she gets in trouble, and her love for Winnie is unconditional. Crane creates an interesting dynamic between the characters, like Cyn and Mo's interactions. The author describes a compelling love triangle between Cyn, Cruz, and Cyn's school friend and now colleague, Larry Kirby. Crane lovingly creates the unique ambiance of a cozy small town with a well-researched background concerning Cyn's military past. The ending is full of action and perfectly completes the plot, making this first installment a good premise for a captivating book series.
Recommend this book:
Goldhammer
A James Flynn Escapade Book 3
Haris Orkin
2023 Gold Medal
251 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Goldhammer: A James Flynn Escapade Book 3 by Haris Orkin is the third installment in this amusing series about the adventures of James Flynn. Convinced that he is a secret agent for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, our hero meets Chloe, a beautiful young aspiring actress at the City of Roses Psychiatric Hospital. She had been sedated and involuntarily committed to the facility, claiming that a powerful Hollywood producer wanted her dead. Flynn needed a mission. He could not remember the last time he was operational so he made it his mission to save Chloe. What followed is a series of hilarious events that led to a dangerous confrontation between Flynn and Goldhammer with his private army. Can Flynn save Chloe and humankind from this sociopath determined to dominate the world by controlling people’s minds?
Haris Orkin’s Goldhammer is an entertaining action-packed novel that details the adventures of James Flynn. It is a satirical parody of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. James Flynn is a likable character and his determination is admirable. Things get even more fascinating when he partners with Alessandra. The circumstances of her involvement are decidedly comical but are nevertheless plausible. After all, it’s not every day that one finds a man washed up on the beach. Fast-paced, there is never a boring moment in the twists and turns of the story. Orkin’s writing style is descriptive and it’s not difficult to imagine the scenes in his narrative. This is a laugh-out-loud novel and I highly recommend it to readers looking for a good chuckle.
Goldhammer: A James Flynn Escapade Book 3 by Haris Orkin is the third installment in this amusing series about the adventures of James Flynn. Convinced that he is a secret agent for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, our hero meets Chloe, a beautiful young aspiring actress at the City of Roses Psychiatric Hospital. She had been sedated and involuntarily committed to the facility, claiming that a powerful Hollywood producer wanted her dead. Flynn needed a mission. He could not remember the last time he was operational so he made it his mission to save Chloe. What followed is a series of hilarious events that led to a dangerous confrontation between Flynn and Goldhammer with his private army. Can Flynn save Chloe and humankind from this sociopath determined to dominate the world by controlling people’s minds?
Haris Orkin’s Goldhammer is an entertaining action-packed novel that details the adventures of James Flynn. It is a satirical parody of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. James Flynn is a likable character and his determination is admirable. Things get even more fascinating when he partners with Alessandra. The circumstances of her involvement are decidedly comical but are nevertheless plausible. After all, it’s not every day that one finds a man washed up on the beach. Fast-paced, there is never a boring moment in the twists and turns of the story. Orkin’s writing style is descriptive and it’s not difficult to imagine the scenes in his narrative. This is a laugh-out-loud novel and I highly recommend it to readers looking for a good chuckle.
Recommend this book:
And Then There's Margaret
Carolyn Clarke
2022 Finalist
259 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is an entertaining story of midlife and mothers-in-law. Alison Montgomery has received the news that her father-in-law has passed away and now her mother-in-law is moving in - temporarily, she says. Alison should be glad to give her grieving mother-in-law, Margaret, a home but the truth is, she doesn’t like her. Margaret is manipulative and controlling and, while Alison tries her best, things come to a head when Margaret takes over her kitchen and her life, even giving Alison's daughter money to get away and throwing tantrums in public. Alison can only get through this with the help of her best friend and a bottle or two of Chardonnay. She has to juggle it all - her marriage, her adult children, midlife, and a meddling mother-in-law - it's enough to drive anyone to drink! Can Alison keep her temper? Will she and Margaret ever get on? Or should Alison just give up and walk away?
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a hilarious tale that I'm sure many people can relate to. We've all heard the jokes and stories about mothers-in-law and, while some of them are perfectly nice, some are Margaret. This is an entertaining story that will have you in fits of laughter, although there is the bittersweet side of a woman coming to terms with the loss of her husband too. It's a well-written story with crisp, clear dialog that engages you from the start and characters that you can't help but relate to. It deals with real-life issues in a way so that you can understand and empathize with each character but I guarantee you one thing - you will pick sides in this story! With plenty of action and no small amount of humor, this is a great story to while away a few hours on a rainy day or on the beach.
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is an entertaining story of midlife and mothers-in-law. Alison Montgomery has received the news that her father-in-law has passed away and now her mother-in-law is moving in - temporarily, she says. Alison should be glad to give her grieving mother-in-law, Margaret, a home but the truth is, she doesn’t like her. Margaret is manipulative and controlling and, while Alison tries her best, things come to a head when Margaret takes over her kitchen and her life, even giving Alison's daughter money to get away and throwing tantrums in public. Alison can only get through this with the help of her best friend and a bottle or two of Chardonnay. She has to juggle it all - her marriage, her adult children, midlife, and a meddling mother-in-law - it's enough to drive anyone to drink! Can Alison keep her temper? Will she and Margaret ever get on? Or should Alison just give up and walk away?
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a hilarious tale that I'm sure many people can relate to. We've all heard the jokes and stories about mothers-in-law and, while some of them are perfectly nice, some are Margaret. This is an entertaining story that will have you in fits of laughter, although there is the bittersweet side of a woman coming to terms with the loss of her husband too. It's a well-written story with crisp, clear dialog that engages you from the start and characters that you can't help but relate to. It deals with real-life issues in a way so that you can understand and empathize with each character but I guarantee you one thing - you will pick sides in this story! With plenty of action and no small amount of humor, this is a great story to while away a few hours on a rainy day or on the beach.
Recommend this book:
Once Is Never Enough
A James Flynn Escapade
Haris Orkin
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Once Is Never Enough: A James Flynn Escapade by Haris Orkin pokes fun once again at the spy action genre in this second installment. The last time we saw James Flynn, he was under the illusion that he was a British secret service agent with a call sign of Double-O. This time, Flynn is in a mental asylum and is still convinced that he is a secret agent. Goolardo, his nemesis from the first book, has escaped from prison along with his henchman, Mendoza. They attempt to liquidate Flynn, and this triggers Flynn to snap into his British spy mode and be recruited by billionaire Sergei Belenki. Flynn’s mission is to prevent harmful information leaks that are perpetrated by Russia. Unbeknownst to Flynn, Belenki is hiding his own agenda, and it has something to do with a superior intelligence so far beyond our own that we cannot even begin to comprehend it. The world’s fate hangs in the balance, and its salvation is in the hands of a nut job.
Once is Never Enough is relentless both in action and humor. I think of it as Johnny English minus the vacuity. James Flynn appears to be deadpan serious so that he emerges as comedic in a world full of danger and intrigue. Haris Orkin has written a spy novel that makes an elaborate joke of the genre, and perhaps this is what we need right now considering the string of James Bond movies with all the serious bravado that famous British actors have projected into the character. James Flynn becomes a welcome alternative. As the action gets more furious, so does the humor. The story reveals Orkin as a humorous fiction writer as he indulges readers with a heavy-handed satire and such engaging inversions. It’s comedic action at its best, and I look forward to another James Flynn adventure.
Once Is Never Enough: A James Flynn Escapade by Haris Orkin pokes fun once again at the spy action genre in this second installment. The last time we saw James Flynn, he was under the illusion that he was a British secret service agent with a call sign of Double-O. This time, Flynn is in a mental asylum and is still convinced that he is a secret agent. Goolardo, his nemesis from the first book, has escaped from prison along with his henchman, Mendoza. They attempt to liquidate Flynn, and this triggers Flynn to snap into his British spy mode and be recruited by billionaire Sergei Belenki. Flynn’s mission is to prevent harmful information leaks that are perpetrated by Russia. Unbeknownst to Flynn, Belenki is hiding his own agenda, and it has something to do with a superior intelligence so far beyond our own that we cannot even begin to comprehend it. The world’s fate hangs in the balance, and its salvation is in the hands of a nut job.
Once is Never Enough is relentless both in action and humor. I think of it as Johnny English minus the vacuity. James Flynn appears to be deadpan serious so that he emerges as comedic in a world full of danger and intrigue. Haris Orkin has written a spy novel that makes an elaborate joke of the genre, and perhaps this is what we need right now considering the string of James Bond movies with all the serious bravado that famous British actors have projected into the character. James Flynn becomes a welcome alternative. As the action gets more furious, so does the humor. The story reveals Orkin as a humorous fiction writer as he indulges readers with a heavy-handed satire and such engaging inversions. It’s comedic action at its best, and I look forward to another James Flynn adventure.
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