A review by wynnz
The Stranger Times by C.K. McDonnell

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 

Ha! What a very entertaining and enjoyable read. I don't normally delve into stuff like this, but having read other books by this author, I thought I might give it a go, and I'm glad I did. The basic plot revolves around the time-honoured battle between good and evil, light and dark, empire and rebellion. It's a sort of Harry Potter for grown-ups, blending mystery and magic, and offering a tale filled with fairies, the supernatural, and just generally weird things. For a fee of five-thousand pounds, I can even relay my sexual encounter with an Oompa-Loompa, stories of UFOs, possessed toilets, and a psychic convention that had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, where werewolves turn out to be just someone's dogs-body.

The book features a diverse cast of characters, well-rounded in all aspects. Banecroft is a wonderful manifestation of your stereotypical angry, troubled newspaper editor, who takes his frustrations out on his staff. But, in turn, his staff don't take his verbal onslaught lying down; they give as good as they get, bonding them to a point of becoming kith. There are so many words to describe him, I don't know where to start.

The amusing and funny banter and dialogue between the newspaper employees are a joy to read. The book maintains a medium to fast-paced rhythm, flowing effortlessly throughout, with very little to no lag in the narrative.

Overall, an extremely entertaining and lighthearted delve into the dark forces bubbling just under the surface of mainstream society.