Capsule book reviews in 255 characters or fewer. Ish. A reading diary (1st Jan 2019 onwards) by Eamonn Griffin.
The stand-up comic’s autobiography, focusing on his relationship with – and the death of – his mother. A million miles from the “dead dad” comedy trope of a few years back, this is a scabrous, honest, and funny account of Stanhope’s life, loves and borderline criminal experiences to date, and of the influence of his mum on his worldview. Recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England
A pub backroom hosts a weekly record listening session; rival groups soon emerge. Another of Mills’s deadpan absurdist satires/studies of entropy, this takes a sitcom setup (blokes in a pub) and weaves it into a parable about extremism, political infighting, the limits of faith and ideological purity. Highly recommended while also being for Mills fans only.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England
A career thief gets in over his head with a security truck heist. Collecting issues 1-5 of Criminal, this first collection tells a sharp downbeat noir tale with a touch of heart and depth to its characters. Plenty to relish here for genre fans, and for readers of the likes of Westlake/Stark’s Parker novels. Recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England
A writer revisits her younger life and self. Excellent autobiographical exploration of how class, gender, substance abuse, poor mental health, homelessness, poverty and related issues may intersect and inform each other. Neither sentimental nor sensationalist, but clear and compassionate throughout. Plus, a Proustian moment (involving banana-flavoured vitamin drops) for me. Recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
An exploration of processed foods, in product formulation and marketing terms, and the health implications of reliance on prepackaged convenience eating. This US-centric discussion is detailed and clear on the ways major companies structure desire (the “bliss points” of food) through chemistry and psychological manipulation. Recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
An ice-cream seller becomes involved in a combined family feud and turf war. A gentle deadpan scoop of North West whimsy, with just enough melancholy in it to stop it getting cloying. Some neat observations and a couple of decent gags; pleasing all round.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A socially-awkward cartoonist reflects on embarrassing incidents in their life. Lovely, touching and beautifully-presented kinda-memoir, that’ll ring true to anyone who’s tried to be creative and/or who’s struggled with being in public. Lots to appreciate, and wholly relatable even (or especially) if comix aren’t usually your thing.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A former Wild West thief, now an elderly writer for the pulps, considers one last heist. Excellent, elegiac genre piece which touches on a wide range of themes: mortality, regret, ageing, being left behind by a changing world. Recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
After this father’s death, a man finds new purpose but struggles with demons. A love letter to Leeds and to music, battery life, and to persistence in the face of adversity. Maybe not for all, but there’s a distinctive voice at work here that’s worth your time.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A young man is taken to a remote Irish peat bog for execution. Excellent noir-ish one-shot that goes into interesting, if slightly anticipated, places. Lots to relish all around though, not least in the vivid dialogue and sharp characterisations of the major players.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
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