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sarahmacp's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, possibly the best sex 'scene' I have ever read!
nosey667's review against another edition
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
yowlyy's review against another edition
4.0
What a fabulous fun it has been! I am obviously a fan, but there is little to criticize if at all, as the story is extremely well written, with tons of Glaswegian speech that just makes me think of Frankie Boyle and laugh :)
It's the first book where Angelique, wee but lethal police officer, gets to meet Simon Darcourt (both I met for the first time in the sequel to this book, so if you want to start in order, read this, and then the other two...). Her sidekick this time is a gaming expert, now teacher and brand new father, Ray, who proves out to be a great team player.
Loved the book. I am very tempted to dive into the third in series, but I will wait a while, finish some of the other books already started, and then work on "A Snowball In Hell".
It's the first book where Angelique, wee but lethal police officer, gets to meet Simon Darcourt (both I met for the first time in the sequel to this book, so if you want to start in order, read this, and then the other two...). Her sidekick this time is a gaming expert, now teacher and brand new father, Ray, who proves out to be a great team player.
Loved the book. I am very tempted to dive into the third in series, but I will wait a while, finish some of the other books already started, and then work on "A Snowball In Hell".
apocalypticpeacock's review against another edition
2.0
I shouldn't have gotten so lost. Awesome premise, often slightly cringy execution, but that's not what made me stop reading. I just don't know why I should keep going. I've been listening to the audiobook for 6.5 hours and there's so little plot. It jumps around so much that I feel like we've been barely introduced to about 4 or 5 different plotlines that do interlink but don't seem to stand as interesting. Being half way through the book now, I can't bring myself to carry on. I might try again one day - maybe I'll try the paperback rather than the audiobook - but now is not my time.
akahn26's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
I added this book to my TBR pile after stumbling onto the 3rd book, "A Snowball in Hell," in this series and wanting to start it from the beginning. After finishing the first one and having such lackluster feelings towards it, I've put this series on the back burner for the time being.
The story revolves around the ups and downs of the relationship between college besties Raymond Ash and Simon Darcourt, both reveling in their pasts as indie rock stars and the opposite directions each has gone since then. Raymond chooses the simple life of a school teacher/video gamer and the joys of the early yet tiring years of fatherhood with his wife. On the other hand, Simon takes up the hobby of terrorism, going to lengths such as faking his own death to continue his murderous ways under the pen name of The Black Spirit.
The story kicks off many years following Simon's "death" and in which the two spot eachother at a distance at the airport. Raymond obviously thinks he's seen a ghost and tries to brush it off. But Simon, in all of his brashness, decides to entangle Raymond as a pawn in his latest scheme. As Raymond becomes entrapped in all of the chaos, the local police bring on board the 3 major character, Angelique De Xavier. She uses Raymond as her resource to help track down the Black Spirit and shennanery ensues.
The story itself has an intriguing hook to it, as Raymond reenacts his life as if it were a video game. But it pretty much stops there as the local scottish dialect leads to many instances where I had to sound out the terms. The characters themselves aren't very likeable and left me just spectating from the sidelines and not really caring what happens to everyone. The ending felt rather rushed over the last 15 pages and didn't allow me to suspend my disbelief with the conclusion of the story. All in all, it felt as though I had to trudge through most of this book with not much enjoyment upon the wrap up.
I added this book to my TBR pile after stumbling onto the 3rd book, "A Snowball in Hell," in this series and wanting to start it from the beginning. After finishing the first one and having such lackluster feelings towards it, I've put this series on the back burner for the time being.
The story revolves around the ups and downs of the relationship between college besties Raymond Ash and Simon Darcourt, both reveling in their pasts as indie rock stars and the opposite directions each has gone since then. Raymond chooses the simple life of a school teacher/video gamer and the joys of the early yet tiring years of fatherhood with his wife. On the other hand, Simon takes up the hobby of terrorism, going to lengths such as faking his own death to continue his murderous ways under the pen name of The Black Spirit.
The story kicks off many years following Simon's "death" and in which the two spot eachother at a distance at the airport. Raymond obviously thinks he's seen a ghost and tries to brush it off. But Simon, in all of his brashness, decides to entangle Raymond as a pawn in his latest scheme. As Raymond becomes entrapped in all of the chaos, the local police bring on board the 3 major character, Angelique De Xavier. She uses Raymond as her resource to help track down the Black Spirit and shennanery ensues.
The story itself has an intriguing hook to it, as Raymond reenacts his life as if it were a video game. But it pretty much stops there as the local scottish dialect leads to many instances where I had to sound out the terms. The characters themselves aren't very likeable and left me just spectating from the sidelines and not really caring what happens to everyone. The ending felt rather rushed over the last 15 pages and didn't allow me to suspend my disbelief with the conclusion of the story. All in all, it felt as though I had to trudge through most of this book with not much enjoyment upon the wrap up.
slayra's review against another edition
3.0
I understand why so many people liked this book, but it takes forever to actually begin. Not to mention that said beginning is very confusing, jumping from place to place and introducing new characters that play no role in the story. If it weren't recommended by a very good friend, I would have given it up.
The story revolves around a famous terrorist known as the Black Spirit, an English teacher (and avid gamer) and a cop named Angelique de Xavier that wants to stop the group of terrorists before another attack takes place. I understand that the author wanted to give us a good background of the characters, but most of it was irrelevant and made me lose track of the "present". I could see myself rolling my eyes every time the action went back to the past. If you can get past the middle, it's a very enjoyable book and it will also make you giggle with a handful of witty remarks.
The story revolves around a famous terrorist known as the Black Spirit, an English teacher (and avid gamer) and a cop named Angelique de Xavier that wants to stop the group of terrorists before another attack takes place. I understand that the author wanted to give us a good background of the characters, but most of it was irrelevant and made me lose track of the "present". I could see myself rolling my eyes every time the action went back to the past. If you can get past the middle, it's a very enjoyable book and it will also make you giggle with a handful of witty remarks.
toblerowl's review against another edition
3.0
Hm, I first read this when it came out (nearly 20 years ago) and really like Christopher Brookmyre's books - they're funny and entertaining, set in a part of the world I know well and usually focused on characters my own age with similar (musical and other) memories which often adds to my enjoyment.
However, listening to this on audiobook, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had originally. I don't know if the audiobook format makes some of the dialogue and writing feel less natural and more jarring. Or maybe my tastes have changed over the years. It's a generous 3 stars for the memories. Though I'd quite like to read a more recent Brookmyre book now to see if he's changed at all or if it's me...
However, listening to this on audiobook, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had originally. I don't know if the audiobook format makes some of the dialogue and writing feel less natural and more jarring. Or maybe my tastes have changed over the years. It's a generous 3 stars for the memories. Though I'd quite like to read a more recent Brookmyre book now to see if he's changed at all or if it's me...
kevinwkelsey's review against another edition
2.0
I almost always love Christopher Brookmyre novels—they're great stories, usually touching, at times hilarious and disturbing, and full of great characters. One Fine Day Day in the Middle of the Night, Quite Ugly One Morning, and Not the End of the World are all great reads.
Unfortunately, this one did not do it for me. It was so, so boring. Constant flashbacks, and nothing happening for hundreds of pages. This should not have been a 500 page novel. It's actually a great story, it's just that there's not enough story to support 500 pages. 250-300 pages? Absolutely. I would've been really into that novel.
A Big Boy Did it and Ran Away is the first in a series, and I love the author enough to check out the others for sure.
I guess what I'm trying to say is: if you haven't read any Christopher Brookmyre, don't let this review scare you off his work. He's incredible, but this is not his best.
Unfortunately, this one did not do it for me. It was so, so boring. Constant flashbacks, and nothing happening for hundreds of pages. This should not have been a 500 page novel. It's actually a great story, it's just that there's not enough story to support 500 pages. 250-300 pages? Absolutely. I would've been really into that novel.
A Big Boy Did it and Ran Away is the first in a series, and I love the author enough to check out the others for sure.
I guess what I'm trying to say is: if you haven't read any Christopher Brookmyre, don't let this review scare you off his work. He's incredible, but this is not his best.