Blog Archives
Elliefant’s Graveyard – The Curious Case of the Throatslit Man
In Elliefant’s Graveyard: The Curious Case of the Throatslit Man, E.M. Thompson masterfully crafts a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a drought-stricken mill town rife with corruption. Heather Prendergast, a determined rookie police officer, suspects that a couple’s tragic deaths are not mere accidents but murders. Her quest for the truth leads her to Huddshire Moor, a town shrouded in secrets. Simultaneously, Ellie Fantoni is grieving the devastating loss of her close family members. In a poignant final tribute, she travels to Huddshire, her parents’ hometown, to lay their ashes to rest. Unbeknownst to Ellie, her journey to honor her family will intertwine with a deeper mystery surrounding their deaths.
Thompson’s novel is a standout in the murder mystery genre, enriched by clever wordplay, puns, and alliteration that inject humor and vividly depict the unfolding events and characters. The dialogue skillfully balances intensity with moments of levity, bringing depth to the well-rounded characters. While Prendergast’s investigative skills sometimes leave her oblivious to obvious clues, her tenacity keeps readers engaged. Ellie’s character, with her heartfelt grief and determination, resonates deeply, evoking empathy for her plight. The plot twist is a remarkable surprise, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal crimes driven by greed. This twist not only shocks but also illuminates the darker motivations that fuel the story’s intrigue.
Elliefant’s Graveyard is a compelling read, offering a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected humor. E.M. Thompson’s deft storytelling makes it a must-read for fans of the murder mystery genre, delivering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0D5BND48M
James Bong – Agent Of Anarchy
Todd Borho’s James Bong: Agent of Anarchy is a wild and hilarious ride that gleefully parodies the iconic James Bond series. Set in 2028, the novel follows James Bong, a former MI6 operative turned anarchist, as he navigates a world of absurdity, technology, and subversion. Joined by the quirky hacker K and the audacious blogger Miss Moneybit, Bong embarks on escapades that involve high-speed chases, liberating a controversial figure, and thwarting oppressive institutions, all while making snarky remarks and taking jabs at the state.
The story kicks off with a bang as Bong speeds down a desert highway in a futuristic, 3D-printed car, evading a cop and setting the tone for a story packed with action and satire. Borho blends elements of spy fiction with anarchist philosophy, creating a protagonist who is as much about sticking it to the man as he is about outmaneuvering his enemies. The plot is a series of episodic adventures, each more outrageous than the last, from freeing Ross Mulbricht from a high-security prison to fending off IRS agents from seizing an old couple’s farm. The pacing is brisk, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, though, at times, it feels almost too frenetic, with scenes transitioning quickly without allowing much depth.
Borho’s characters are vibrant and distinctive, often exaggerated for comedic effect. James Bong, with his steely eyes and sarcastic demeanor, is a delightfully subversive hero who challenges traditional notions of the suave spy. K, the nerdy anarchist hacker, provides comic relief with his over-the-top tech solutions and banter. Miss Moneybit adds a layer of feistiness and journalistic tenacity, though her motivations sometimes feel less developed compared to Bong’s clear disdain for authority. General Small and Sir Hugo Trax, the bumbling antagonists, are portrayed with a satirical brush, highlighting the incompetence of those in power. The interplay between these characters is a highlight of the book, delivering laugh-out-loud moments and sharp social commentary.
Borho’s writing is sharp, witty, and filled with clever references to the Bond franchise and contemporary issues. The dialogue crackles with humor, especially in Bong’s exchanges with K and the villains. Scenes like Bong evading a cop while trading quips with K or the anarchic raid on the Kushy Budz dispensary showcase Borho’s talent for blending action with humor. The satire is biting, targeting everything from government overreach to corporate hypocrisy.
James Bong: Agent of Anarchy is a must-read for fans of satire, action-comedy, and anyone who enjoys a good parody. Borho’s irreverent take on the spy genre and his critique of societal norms make for a refreshing and entertaining read. This book is particularly well-suited for readers who appreciate a mix of humor and action and those who enjoy stories that challenge conventional heroes with a dose of anarchist philosophy.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0D1NKJVCC
Circumstances and Opportunity
In Paths Not Yet Taken, a middle-aged warehouse worker hiding a secret life of his own discovers someone unexpected in his garage. What inspired the setup of your story?
Paths Not Yet Taken was a slow burner. Covid caused many things including – way down the list – yours truly deciding to write a novel. The question was, what to write?
It was during the first lockdown and my fourth weekly tidy-up of the garage (anything to get out of the house). I opened the side door and stepped into the already immaculate space and thought: What if I’d opened the door and somebody was already in here? A few moments into sweeping the already pristine floor: What if it was the prime minister? Then, seconds later: What if it was the prime minister having a nervous breakdown? I grabbed my laptop and started writing.
A couple of years, two or three vaccinations, and just eighteen thousand words later, I gave up.
There was no point. The poor decision-making, the corruption, the sheer stupidity, and the arrogance of those in power superseded any crazy satirical notion I had planned for the novel. The UK government was beating me at my own game, without even realising it.
I wanted to write a book that exposed the weakness at the heart of power, but there had to be something positive at the end at least and I couldn’t find anything to be positive about. Instead, I played golf, read books, and walked the dogs. I gave myself time, and that gave me hope.
Generally speaking and despite their tiresome frequent examples of stupidity, arrogance, and greed, politicians don’t set off with a dream of destroying the economy, tearing apart the fabric of the nation, or jeopardising lives and futures.
At all levels of society, life gets in the way of what we hope to do and where we plan to be. Circumstances and opportunity can be way beyond our control. Seemingly innocuous decisions we make can result in significant unforeseen consequences (good and bad).
Some may well be content with the hand dealt to them. Others less so. Whatever the case, we each have a choice – to accept our norm or to change it; to stay on the current path, or to choose another.
That became the focus of the novel. I fired up the laptop once more. The plot changed dramatically; the characters not so much – although more were introduced. The result, I hope, is something dramatic, humorous in places, and ultimately uplifting.
My book is meant to entertain, amuse, and to give people something to think about. Hopefully, their own reflections will give them a better sense of the meaning and purpose in their own lives. Whether they choose a different path; decide to change nothing, but are more content with their lot in life; or simply finish the novel with a smile on their face – then the book’s job is done.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Paths Not Yet Taken is a breezy satire about life and the individual’s place within it.
We live in an age where it is very easy to become enraged, to overreact, to abdicate responsibility, and to be apathetic. Much of that is down to the media and our exposure to the internet. While the latter has a great deal of value, it makes it easy to have a lazy opinion about something on the basis of very little evidence or fact. It also dilutes our responses to events by turning raging anger and a desire to take action into the sharing of a meme or pressing a Like button.
We need to make time to take a step back, to communicate better with each other, and to consider each others’ perspectives rather than rushing to superficial, ill-informed judgments.
Sounds great, but if we are to change the status quo, we need to look at ourselves first. I wanted to explore our ability to do that through the action of one man who, the reader may think, would be the last person on earth to require such a change in direction – and the implications of that action on individuals and on society as a whole.
I also wanted to touch on the perception of power and to show how fragile that concept is, how dependent we all are on events and decisions outside the control of ourselves or those we rely on to make huge decisions on our behalf.
At all levels of society, life gets in the way of what we hope to do and where we plan to be. Circumstances can be way beyond our control. Seemingly innocuous decisions we make can result in big unforeseen consequences further down the line – good and bad.
Some may well be content with the hand dealt to them. Others less so. Whatever the case, we each have a choice – to accept our norm or to change it; to stay on the current path, or to choose another.
I found this novel to be a cutting piece of satire. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your novel?
It certainly has some points to make! By the end of the story, I’d like readers to recognise there can be two or more sides to every story and to realise that your life is not set in stone. You have the power to change or not to change it and to influence the lives of those around you and even further afield by doing so. Maybe the change needed is simply to better appreciate what you already have. Whatever it is, it starts with you.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’m currently writing a second novel, which is a sequel to this one and involves some of the same characters on a short trip to a small town in Ireland. I’m having fun with the plot as I go along and have no idea how it will end – much the same as when writing Paths Not Yet Taken! This should be published by the first quarter of 2025.
I’m also working on outlines and ideas for a third and a possible fourth book, where other characters from Paths Not Yet Taken will reappear and play prominent roles.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A breezy satire that offers hope to us all… eventually.
In a Midlands food warehouse, a Government visit goes badly wrong. The prime minister vanishes without trace before he’s had the chance to wave his German sausage at the gathered media. The consequent nationwide search creates massive issues for government, the security services, a local police force, and for a keyboard terrorist who finds the missing man.
Chaos ensues involving drink, dogs, guns and golf. And that’s just at one small end-of-terrace house. Elsewhere, a van explodes, a prospective leader loses it before he’s even started leading, and an assassination attempt goes badly wrong. Twice.
Ultimately, one man’s spur-of-the-moment decision is the catalyst for others to reflect on their own lives and to consider decisive actions of their own.
Just try not to think about the sausage.
Paths Not Yet Taken
Paths Not Yet Taken, by Philip Rennett, is an exhilarating and witty novel that captivates readers from the first page to the last. Set over five tumultuous days in late summer, the story masterfully intertwines crises, action, and emotional drama with a dry, observational wit that makes for an incredibly enjoyable read.
The narrative centers on Simon Pope, a middle-aged Midlands warehouse worker who discovers someone very unexpected in his garage. During a press visit to the warehouse where Pope works, the Prime Minister suddenly vanishes, throwing the entire UK into chaos. As the security services and police launch a frantic search for the missing PM, the government scrambles to maintain its composure and manage the situation. Simon Pope harbors a secret life, spending his evenings on the dark web platform @TheTrth, where he voices his disdain for the political establishment, particularly the now-missing Prime Minister.
Paths Not Yet Taken is a thoroughly entertaining read. Rennett skillfully makes both the Prime Minister, who confides in Pope his desire to return to a normal life, and Pope, who has a surprisingly dark past, immensely likable characters. The author reserves his critique for the bureaucrats running the government, extracting comedy gold from their antics. This is especially evident when these bureaucrats attempt to scapegoat Pope, adding a realistic and humorous twist to the story.
The novel is a true page-turner with tight pacing, witty writing, and a perfect balance of action and drama. It is genuinely funny without being mean-spirited, offering a refreshing change of pace in today’s often cynical political landscape. Paths Not Yet Taken has real heart and comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a smart, engaging, and humorous read.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0D1GMJZ4M
An Examination of Identity
Deadpan follows an antisemitic Buick salesman from West Virginia who wakes up one day as a famous Jewish comedian. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
If I were still a professor at a university, I would say Deadpan is an homage to Kafka. Because I retired from the faculty several years ago, however, I will say that I stole it from Kafka. In his story The Metamorphosis, a man wakes up one morning to discover that he has been transformed into an insect. I wondered, in what other identity could one awaken? I decided upon the world’s most popular standup comedian.
Dwight is thrown into a world where he has to face his prejudices head-on and evaluate how beliefs. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
To me, at its most basic level, all worthy fiction is an examination of identity. How do we know we really are the person we think we are? In Deadpan, a man has thrust upon him an alternative identity. As the narrative evolves, he comes to welcome this revised image of himself and, instead of rejecting, decides to embrace it, which becomes increasingly difficult–and ultimately impossible–for him to do.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Deadpan is an exploration of hate speech and bigotry in general, and antisemitism in particular. Rape, murder, and arson are dreadful, obvious aspects of racism. But there is a less spectacular though equally destructive, subtler form, which is the benign way that everyday folks, including the author of Deadpan, benignly tolerate wrongdoing and evil.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next novel is Skinn (that’s not a typo). It’s the story of a celebrity Beverly Hills dermatologist who, however unwittingly, becomes entrapped in the world of internet porn.
Author Links: Facebook | X | Website
The story is set during the world-wide oil crises of the 1970s, alternating among locations in West Virginia, Las Vegas, Washington, Tehran, and Sinai, and featuring characters as diverse as Sarah Palin, Mel Brooks, and the Shah of Iran. This phantasmagorical tour-de-force not only constitutes a satirical takedown of antisemitism (and bigotry in general), it is also a dazzling display of human dignity, resilience, and humor.
None Of Us Are Alone
Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness follows an alien disguised as a 14-year-old boy tasked with the mission of decoding the human brain. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, this began as a desire for me to express a more satirical side of myself than my previous writing that can, in some ways, be seen as the original way I wrote when I was in middle school and high school. I’ve always had what might be considered a rather absurd bent to my humor, probably from surviving the absurdities of life as a person my age in the era we live in currently, and the original Daft Mejora featured an alpaca instead of the wise owl plus the Daft One and his trusty steed arriving on an ice flow with a mission related to the US nuclear codes; mind you, this original draft was written after a late night out in Brussels, Belgium in 2019, long before talk of things like “nuclear secrets” and “boxes of documents.” However, when COVID hit, Mejora morphed into a press secretary in a shorter form related to, I believe, my own survival and processing of the absolutely otherwordly COVID-19 briefings I was watching whilst living abroad in Madrid. The final version of the story, written in Madrid in 2021, basically amalgamated these previous versions with the idea of a “stranger coming to town” because I myself, at that time, felt like that stranger, having lived in a different society for a decent length of time and witnessing the cacophony of the internet discourse and going, “seriously?” Personally, I survived a traumatic brain injury when I was 10 months old thanks to Dr. Luis Schut, truly one of the greatest physicians to ever walk the planet, in my totally unbiased opinion, and the major surgery required at that time, so the fact multiple readers have remarked on Mejora as being an exploration of the brain in some form, including through a potentially psychedelic lens, is honestly a happy accident that intrigues me to no end, as well. The Daft One’s mission was, and is, to examine and elucidate the absurdity of our time, and I suppose we’re all absurd, in some way!
Daft One’s experience on Earth is entertaining in every way. What was your favorite scene in this story?
Oh, dear sweet donger pongus … the “Washington sequence” involving the Washington monument, the reflecting pool, and the speech by Senator Baetz in the book’s second section was literally, directly inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, which hangs in the Prado in Madrid. If you haven’t seen that painting and want to view truly great art, that would be my suggestion; I have both a laminated souvenir shop version of it and a notebook with it as the cover, but the original is without comparison. Basically, I took the general chaos and the statement on the human condition I witnessed in that painting and refracted it through our modern lens, so the fact that it’s a complete, nearly cartoonish clusterf**k of desire and rage and passion and status sounds pretty classic, at least to me. Every time I read it, it still feels fresh. I won’t spoil the ending, either, but the way in which the final courthouse sequence might be prone to leaving some, ahem, blue in the face with laughter, as well.
What is one thing you hope readers bring away from your satirical take on American society?
That none of us are alone in this daily madness, and sometimes, art is the only way to process reality in an inherently personal way. I truly think this book started as my way of processing the hardships of the past few years and trying to examine them in as close to an “objective” way as possible, with the limitations and connotations of that word being what they are (is pure objectivity really a thing?). Listen, even as a satirist, at this point, I empathize heavily with those who employ humor in their art, since reality as of late has a way of being more violent and absurd than anyone could ever dream, but if there’s a point to be taken away from it, it’s people like Hunter S. Thompson, Kurt Vonnegut, R. Crumb, and comedians across different backgrounds in different mediums, as well, who do that most essential work of examining the deep sadness to be found inside that which can evoke laughter. That’s the wisdom and the truth inside all great comedy.
Can fans look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Heh. Alright. So, at the end of the first Infinite Madness, the last line is that there’s a second one of these coming in 2022 … well, it indeed arrived and was written in 2022, as intended, and is currently preparing for its impending release upon both my publisher’s eyes and the eyes of the public. NOTE: it is not COVID-19 related; it is, in the words of a person who has spent way more time in Madrid than I have and whom I greatly respect, “donger pony metaverse.” In addition to that exploration of our encroaching reliance on the technological realm in our daily life past even the exploration of the first Mejora, I also have a psychological thriller on the way, with that being a nice break from the all-encompassing donger pongality of Mejora, but given Mejora’s tremendous reception, there may be a chance we see the Daft One again first depending on editorial review and release timelines. Overall, I’m tremendously excited for 2024 and 2025, since Mejora’s made a magic uniquely its own beyond me and is easily the favorite thing I’ve ever written; let’s see what happens!
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The only knowledge the Daft One has of earth comes from the Internet, where daily life and technology mix in startling, violent ways. However, rather than finding existence “on the ground” to be more serene and logical, the Daft One befriends the son of a Q-Anon supporting State Representative and finds himself in a country torn along political lines amidst conflicting realities.
When the Daft One saves the State Representative from a shooter, his launch to American stardom through his quick trigger finger and acerbic tongue catapults him and his friends through a world where the Internet and daily life merge, resulting in a terrifyingly real odyssey based in satire, celebrity, and connection, with consequences both shockingly absurd and stunningly human.
Professor Hex Vs. Texas Men: Where Women’s Rights and Revenge Fantasy Meet
Professor Hex Vs. Texas Men, by Melanie S. Wolfe, offers a biting dark comedy that holds a mirror up to the stark realities facing women in states with stringent abortion laws. Through the lens of fantasy, Wolfe constructs a narrative that, while fictional, resonates deeply with the ongoing debates over women’s bodily autonomy in America. The novel creatively explores what happens when these roles are reversed, with men experiencing pregnancy and the associated challenges.
The story centers around Professor Hex, a character who, despite not being entirely human, navigates human society with poignant observations and interactions. Alongside Professor Hex, we follow Holly, a news anchor on trial for what is perceived as a botched abortion following a miscarriage, and her husband, Juan, a police officer who finds himself pregnant. The trio’s journey touches on sensitive issues such as women’s rights and male pregnancy, asking readers to maintain an open mind and remember the fictional nature of the work, even as the themes it discusses press closely to reality. Wolfe’s writing is clear and engaging, making it easy to empathize with the characters and their predicaments. The reversal of traditional roles not only highlights the importance of bodily autonomy but also offers a unique perspective that may help readers to better understand the stakes involved. Wolfe challenges us to consider the lasting implications of reproductive rights restrictions through a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Keeping an open mind will allow the reader to fully engage with this intriguing blend of fantasy and reality.
Melanie S. Wolfe’s Professor Hex Vs. Texas Men is a compelling exploration of serious issues through a fantastical lens, effectively challenging readers to think critically about gender, autonomy, and the consequences of legislative control over personal freedoms. By infusing her narrative with dark humor and role reversals, Wolfe not only makes the subject matter more approachable but also underscores the universal importance of empathy and understanding in discussions about rights and identity. This book is a noteworthy addition to conversations about societal issues, offering a unique and engaging perspective that encourages deep reflection and dialogue.
Pages: 283 | ASIN : B0CNG4C2FB
What if He’s a Space Alien
Insecticide: A Republican Romance follows the Bush family in an alternative timeline where history and the supernatural coexist, and conspiracy theories become real. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It’s hard to pinpoint a single inspiration! Frustration with both Bush presidencies, back in the day, was obviously the original inspiration. And, more broadly in the decades since, fear of pro- and proto-fascist tendencies in America (and the world) at large. It’s simply amazing to me that so many people want jackboots—in the name of freedom!
The inspiration for the weird supernatural sci-fi/fantasy stuff came from my reading on W. Averell Harriman: who was this guy, and where did he come from, and how did he amass so much wealth and political power so fast? All I had to do was think “what if he’s a space alien,” and then “what if he’s a 10,000-year-old space bug from ancient Atlantis,” and all the rest of it started propagating: Lincoln as an ancient Lemurian beetle living at the bottom of a lake in Texas with his devil-water-cow Bessie, the fascists supported by beetles and the progressives supported by fish, the John Wilkes Booths, the woolly mammoths, etc.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The divergent political conceptions of freedom: freedom for everybody, or freedom for just us. The clash between power&wealth and values. The ways in which the “little guy” gets chewed up in the quest for power and wealth—even when the “little guy” is a prominent player like George Bush (father or son).
In fact the biggest surprise for me, writing the book with the Georges Bush father and son narrating it, was my growing sympathy for them. I wrote the book to satirize them, and didn’t expect to identify with them—with their general cluelessness and haplessness, their sense that they are being manipulated and chewed up by insidious forces beyond their ken.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
Texas has complex symbolic resonances for me. My mother’s father came from Texas, and my mother spent the most wonderful summers of her childhood there. And yet Texas is also one of the most draconian havens for fascist politics: radical abortion and travel bans, scary gun-carry laws—oh, and of course Ted Cruz. And since there was once a Republic of Texas, and right-wing Texans love to talk about seceding, it made sense to have them secede and create a new Republic of Texas as an unabashed police state. And of course, as you mention, it was loads of fun to turn existing conspiracy theories into historical “fact,” and invent lots of new ones. How did it change? Well, obviously there had to be progressive pushback against the police state; but introducing the supernatural elements and linking Lincoln and the fish with the progressive resistance made the whole thing a lot more fun.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’m writing a flash-fiction novel titled Lord Trump the Undead. In it Donald Trump loses the 2024 election, stages another coup, and is accidentally killed by friendly fire. A pair of sci-fi Resuscitation Drones (thanks to The Expanse by James S.A. Corey for this!) collects the pieces and brings him back to “life”—but he is now undead. He becomes the undead deity of the Church of Trump, with tens of millions of true believers who have a hologram image of him talking and dancing in their living rooms. The events of the novel take place in 2074, with clashes between the Church of Trump and the nefarious Trump Haters, and lots of sci-fi/fantasy weirdness.
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After all, the novel suggests that W. Averell “Dogsbody” Harriman convinced Prescott Bush to set up a new Republic of Texas in 1931. That obviously didn’t happen. None of it did.
So, a boilerplate work-of-fiction disclaimer for us would include at least the following: Prescott Bush wasn’t a closet Nazi, George Bush the Elder wasn’t a CIA tool, George Bush the Younger wasn’t an early cloning experiment gone bad, and Dogsbody Harriman wasn’t a giant 10,000-year-old bug from under the sea. Abraham Lincoln isn’t still alive, chilling at the bottom of a lake in Texas with his devil-water-cow Bessie. Lincoln was never a giant beetle from ancient Lemuria. And, of course, a spray can of insecticide decidedly did not wipe out all reality at the stroke of midnight, 1999. Y2K bug our asses!
In short, don’t believe a word you read in this book.
—
Douglas Robinson is neither a former Professor of Ichthyorhetoric at Liberal State University in Kansas (a land-locked state!) nor sadly deceased. Nor is he the author of The Seventeen Most Explosive Ichthyotopoi or the best-selling comic book Fish Rhetoric for Dummies. He is certainly not the celebrated host of the podcast Why Fish Argue (And Why You Should Care). His previous original novel with Atmosphere Press was a pseudotranslation of J. I. Vatanen’s The Last Days of Maiju Lassila.
LITERARY TITAN 