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Reviews
Barking Mad: A Reginald Spiffington Mystery by Jamieson Ridenhour, Ali LaRock, The Firecracker Press
christajls's review
4.0
Originally reviewed at Hooked on Books
When I signed up for the blog tour for this book I wasn't 100% what I was getting myself in to. I knew that it was a paranormal novel (the main character is a werewolf after all) and I knew there was a murder mystery. I did not know that this novel was the combination of two of my favourite genres – the paranormal novel and the cozy mystery. I would have never thought to put these two together but Jamieson Ridenhour makes it work.
The mystery in this novella was well crafted. One of the main ways I judge the quality of a mystery novel is by how predictable it is. While reading Barking Mad I was continuously trying to guess who the murder was. It seemed like I had a new guess every other pages. It wasn't until right near the end that I had a clear idea of what had happened. That's what I call a good mystery!
In addition to the mystery Ridenhour has created an amazing cast of character. They're all so detailed and unique. They all have such strong personalities that you can't help but get to know them incredibly well. I especially loved Reggie and Pelham. Their chemistry is perfect! More than once the dialogue between them made me laugh out loud.
Jamieson Ridenhour has written a story that is intelligent and witty. He's written prose in a distinct style, that reminds me of Alan Bradley and thrown in some werewolves for good measure. It was a short book but everything you could want is there – humour, mystery, interesting twists, great dialogue. I wouldn't have added or changed a thing.
When I signed up for the blog tour for this book I wasn't 100% what I was getting myself in to. I knew that it was a paranormal novel (the main character is a werewolf after all) and I knew there was a murder mystery. I did not know that this novel was the combination of two of my favourite genres – the paranormal novel and the cozy mystery. I would have never thought to put these two together but Jamieson Ridenhour makes it work.
The mystery in this novella was well crafted. One of the main ways I judge the quality of a mystery novel is by how predictable it is. While reading Barking Mad I was continuously trying to guess who the murder was. It seemed like I had a new guess every other pages. It wasn't until right near the end that I had a clear idea of what had happened. That's what I call a good mystery!
In addition to the mystery Ridenhour has created an amazing cast of character. They're all so detailed and unique. They all have such strong personalities that you can't help but get to know them incredibly well. I especially loved Reggie and Pelham. Their chemistry is perfect! More than once the dialogue between them made me laugh out loud.
Jamieson Ridenhour has written a story that is intelligent and witty. He's written prose in a distinct style, that reminds me of Alan Bradley and thrown in some werewolves for good measure. It was a short book but everything you could want is there – humour, mystery, interesting twists, great dialogue. I wouldn't have added or changed a thing.
eviebookish's review
5.0
*** Originally posted to: Bookish
ENTER TO WIN THE FABULOUS PRIZE!:
Barking Mad is one insanely funny book! I had a BLAST reading it and will definitely recommend it to everyone I know. It's a deliciously savvy blend of historical fiction, comedy, and fantasy/supernatural (werewolves!). Ridenhour's deft and witty writing style makes for a delightful and totally exhilarating read. I can't remember last time I laughed so hard when reading a book! OMG, can I please have more of that?!
Set in 1930s England, Barking Mad tells a story of Reggie Spiffington, who, in order to help his "readily upset and easily depressed" friend, Moony, win the heart of the beautiful Arabella Biscuit, agrees to join him at Huffsworthy Hall for the long weekend. What promised to be a moderately delectable few days filled with culinary delights (the Huffsworthy chef is supposedly a culinary expert like no other!) and playing matchmaker for his close bud, turns out to be so much more than anyone (especially poor Reggie) ever expected. Not only is our character constantly verbally attacked by Fitchley Skorjenhensen (a Swedish brute), but he also gets bitten by a werewolf, and, when one of the other guests turns up dead, Reggie takes it upon himself to solve the mysterious murder case! Talk about an eventful weekend! Thank God for Pehlam! Without his invaluable sidekick/valet, our silly playboy would be in real trouble!
From the moment I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's intelligent, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and highly entertaining. Unique and flavorful. Jamieson Ridenhour's ability to both enthrall the reader with his posh 1930's language, and at the same time make him/her laugh long and hard, is truly extraordinary. There aren't enough writers like him. He is no doubt a glittering wordsmith, destined to be a bestselling author. Plus, being only 172 pages long, Barking Mad is a fairly quick read that you'll find hard to turn away from. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy it.
Considering the length of this book, the characters were remarkably well-drawn and dynamic. Each of them brings something unique to the story and I had a lot of fun watching them interact with each other - whether it was tips on dating, flirting, quarreling or just a friendly conversation. I especially enjoyed the hilarious back-and-forth between Reginald and Fitchley, and Reginald and Sir Lionel - best verbal slaps you could possibly imagine! I loved the sarcasm. The dialogues were sharp, intelligent and oh-so-funny! It was such a pleasure to read this book, I ended up wishing it was longer. I didn't want the story to end. I really wanted to read more about Reggie and Pelham. I hope it's a beginning to a great new series, rather than a stand-alone novel, cause I definitely want more of this pure awesomeness!
Fabulous characters, wicked plot, katana-sharp humor and a beautiful historical setting - what could I possibly want more? It's a fabulous book. And just so fun to read!
ENTER TO WIN THE FABULOUS PRIZE!:
Barking Mad is one insanely funny book! I had a BLAST reading it and will definitely recommend it to everyone I know. It's a deliciously savvy blend of historical fiction, comedy, and fantasy/supernatural (werewolves!). Ridenhour's deft and witty writing style makes for a delightful and totally exhilarating read. I can't remember last time I laughed so hard when reading a book! OMG, can I please have more of that?!
Set in 1930s England, Barking Mad tells a story of Reggie Spiffington, who, in order to help his "readily upset and easily depressed" friend, Moony, win the heart of the beautiful Arabella Biscuit, agrees to join him at Huffsworthy Hall for the long weekend. What promised to be a moderately delectable few days filled with culinary delights (the Huffsworthy chef is supposedly a culinary expert like no other!) and playing matchmaker for his close bud, turns out to be so much more than anyone (especially poor Reggie) ever expected. Not only is our character constantly verbally attacked by Fitchley Skorjenhensen (a Swedish brute), but he also gets bitten by a werewolf, and, when one of the other guests turns up dead, Reggie takes it upon himself to solve the mysterious murder case! Talk about an eventful weekend! Thank God for Pehlam! Without his invaluable sidekick/valet, our silly playboy would be in real trouble!
From the moment I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It's intelligent, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and highly entertaining. Unique and flavorful. Jamieson Ridenhour's ability to both enthrall the reader with his posh 1930's language, and at the same time make him/her laugh long and hard, is truly extraordinary. There aren't enough writers like him. He is no doubt a glittering wordsmith, destined to be a bestselling author. Plus, being only 172 pages long, Barking Mad is a fairly quick read that you'll find hard to turn away from. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy it.
Considering the length of this book, the characters were remarkably well-drawn and dynamic. Each of them brings something unique to the story and I had a lot of fun watching them interact with each other - whether it was tips on dating, flirting, quarreling or just a friendly conversation. I especially enjoyed the hilarious back-and-forth between Reginald and Fitchley, and Reginald and Sir Lionel - best verbal slaps you could possibly imagine! I loved the sarcasm. The dialogues were sharp, intelligent and oh-so-funny! It was such a pleasure to read this book, I ended up wishing it was longer. I didn't want the story to end. I really wanted to read more about Reggie and Pelham. I hope it's a beginning to a great new series, rather than a stand-alone novel, cause I definitely want more of this pure awesomeness!
Fabulous characters, wicked plot, katana-sharp humor and a beautiful historical setting - what could I possibly want more? It's a fabulous book. And just so fun to read!
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