Book Review: Not What You Thought? and other surprises by P.A. Ruddock

Not What You Thought? and other surprises by P. A. Ruddock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is worth buying because it is raising money for the Forget-Me-Not charity, which helps homeless ex-soldiers. It’s also worth buying as it’s very good value for money with thirty four stories. Some of the stories are short or even flash fiction but all are expertly crafted.
As well as Paul Ruddock’s excellent work there are contributions from five other writers: John M.W.Smith, Tom Benson, Matthew Williams, Lesley Hayes and Peter Nena. This adds a variety of style.
One of my favourite stories was ‘Cold Callers’. It was about a writer who wanted to get on with his work but people kept interrupting. Great storytelling. ‘The Spectre’ is a beautiful account I read some time ago on the author’s blog. It is a sensitive description of a natural phenomenon and I remembered it long after I read it. The variety in the book will keep you turning the page.
I won’t go through all the stories but they’re all worth reading. ‘The Car Clampers’ stood out for me as we’ve all met some of these unreasonable people and I didn’t expect the ending that was written for ‘Put to Death’. Photographic Memory I’ve read before but it was just as exciting this time round.
If you buy this book you’ll be helping a worthy cause and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the stories.

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Book Review: Blood Brothers – Escape to Creeporia by Dean C Moore

Blood Brothers: Escape to Creeporia by Dean C. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of Jared and Clay. Both are killing machines, trained since they were young boys They don’t know they are brothers until they are given the task to kill each other. Rydell, their father has decided they must die because their powers have become too advanced.
Gradually they realize they must join forces to fight their powerful father. They are joined by their wives and Clay’s children. All have their own magical powers and there are animals with special powers too.
I won’t give any more of the plot away, except to say that this book was written with gusto. There is so much action, including dragons fighting on both sides, you won’t be disappointed.
What I particularly liked about the book was that it was written with a dry sense of humour. It is so difficult to write a story that makes the reader laugh. This is not a funny story but the dialogue of Rydell and the brothers creased me up at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it.

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Book Review: Wacky Stories by John M W Smith

Wacky Stories with Twist Endings Vol 3 by John M.W. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the whole of this book in an evening and a very enjoyable evening it was too.
Each story leads you up the garden path, so you don’t see the end coming.
My favourite ones were, ‘Having a baby’ and ‘Give it a Whirl’. The first one because I really didn’t see the twist and the second one because we’ve all met that man.
The author has a strong voice so the stories are easy to read. There are some quirky style points, such as the mention of a filler cap being left off in ‘Shona’s Shyness’ and in the next one, ‘Give it a Whirl’. Indeed certain names cropped up in more than one story.
This is the third book in the series and I’ll certainly be reading more of them.

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Book Review: Gagged and Bound by Nick Jones

Gagged and Bound: A book of puns, one-liners and dad jokes by Nick Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I dipped into this book and read ten to twenty jokes at a time. I was quite dubious about reading a joke book to start with as I thought I’d read the same old jokes – not so. There are a lot of original jokes and anecdotes within the book. The quality of the illustrations is good and suits the book.
I enjoy having this book on my kindle and have even shared one or two of the jokes with my friends. Very enjoyable!

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Book Review: How Bridge McCoy Learned to Say I Love You by Robert K Swisher Jr

How Bridge McCoy Learned To Say I Love You by Robert K. Swisher Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like straight, politically correct writing, then this is not the book for you.
The author uses his vivid imagination to portray a writer with an off-beat imagination. Bridge moves to Lost City after his wife leaves him. There he lives his life amongst artists and people who are a little different. Bridge McCoy and the other quirky characters grow to understand themselves better and find self acceptance.
This is a humorous book that will keep you engaged. It addresses many topics in an irreverent way, but with a gentleness that is enjoyable.
A strength of the book is the original style used by the author and his sharp witty dialogue. So if you’re looking for something a bit different, that will make you laugh, then try this book.

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