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A review by eviebookish
Barking Mad: A Reginald Spiffington Mystery by Jamieson Ridenhour, Ali LaRock, The Firecracker Press
5.0
*** Originally posted to: Bookish
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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!