An adrenalin rush. A sugar high. How could you not like Falkirk's own superhero? This book has pathos, humour, an amazing zest for language and a central character who wins your heart. Absolutely brilliant.
View The Incredible Adam Spark
Told always with humour, be it slapstick, blackly surreal, wry or gentle - this is truly the extraordinary story of a fakir (pronounced faker) who finds love, generousity and friendship but also violence, bigotry and the difference between being born on the north coast or the south coast of the Mediterranean. Please don't be put off by the clunky title and just go with the flow.
View The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe
Enter the completely insane world of Fat Charlie Nancy and his family, friends and enemies. Suspend your disbelief, marvel at murderous theatrical agents, ghosts, a godlike father, a sort of imaginary brother, and remember that the spiders have all the stories.
View Anansi Boys
Is someone murdering transvestites in Istanbul? And does anyone care? Darkly funny, dangerous, exciting and different, the book was so good I could even cope with the computer speak - yes the hero is a techie as well as a transvestite and business woman. Brilliant.
View The Prophet Murders
This book is nuts. You have to suspend disbelief on the scale of the Golden Gate Bridge. And never invite a troop of macaques to your wedding - it is asking for trouble - let alone inviting a Komodo Dragon. Oh, and if you have to take on an evil tycoon because his company is turning your best friend into a monkey, teaming up with a bunch of raving lunatics may not be a good idea.
View Marvellous Hairy
This tongue-in-cheek view of the world of music is the tale of unconventional pop duo 'Down by law' and their search for notoriety. The surreal experiences and characters made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. With Mickie James disabled by a hunchback, this rising pop sensation defies the stereotypical boy band mould. It’s their passion for their music, and for each other, which makes this such a heart-warming read.
View Me and Mickie James
We're in 1980's Belfast the but the only terrorist in this story has literary revenge in mind. A really funny tale about growing up after University, outwitting the hands that feed you (aka Arts Council minions), the city's 'arts' scene, a poetical scam and a giant rabbit. Poetry lovers may be shocked but if you're a biscuit connoisseur this book is for you. A warning though, you may never want to drink milk again.
View Jammy Dodger
Feeling down? Then lift your mood with some Spanish fun. 5 lovely ladies each with their own issues try to stop the closure of their literary magazine in a unique way, abducting the young English boss sent to Madrid to do the deed. A detective (surely from the Clouseau academy) sent to find him gets caught up in the melee, and crime confusion and comedy combine. Surprises await, but can cultural differences melt and love conquer all?
An unusual story set in the enclosed world of the Tower of London populated by eccentric, but believable characters who are all lonely in their own way. Add to this mix an assortment of exotic and neurotic animals and the fun really begins. The sub-plots of the clergyman who writes erotic fiction and the search for love in the London Underground lost property office are amusing and touching. An optimistic, enjoyable and very funny read.
View Balthazar Jones and the Tower of London Zoo
Absolutely brilliant first novel. But don't read it when eating Lancashire hotpot. You will laugh, choke and then burn your throat - which rather detracts from the pleasure of the book.
View ElevenYou won’t find the biggest bestsellers on Whichbook as everyone knows about them already. But you can use your enjoyment of a current bestseller to see titles with a similar mood that you might try next.
