Guy Portman's Blog, page 11

The Books I Read In 2019

As is my custom at year’s end, this post is devoted to the books that I read in 2019 – the good, the bad and the ugly. Click on the book titles to read my reviews. The following 20 books are presented in the order in which I read them.

Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk (1999) – The last survivor of a cult has hijacked an aeroplane, which is now flying on autopilot. This innovative and erudite social commentary is brimming with satirical observations.

Spencer’s Risk by Andy Greenhalgh (2018) – This...

6 Darkly Humorous Reading Recommendations

This week’s post is devoted to six dark humour books. Click on the links to discover more.

Checking Out by Nick Spalding

[image error]

Checking Out is a black comedy sprinkled with hope. Many will be drawn to its protagonist due to his wry wit and likeable personality.

My Review: Nathan is a young, well-off musician with a gorgeous girlfriend, a sportscar and some exceedingly expensive bi-fold doors. He is also successful, thanks to his …(more)

Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock

[image error]

Knockemstiff is a...

Black Comedies, Book Reviews & More Besides

It’s been nearly a week and a half sinceGolgotha, the final instalment inThe Necropolis Trilogy, was unleashed on the world. The reviews have been impressive. Sales have not. But, on a positive note the release appears to have generated some interest in the first instalment in the darkly humorous trilogy –Necropolis. Early next year, I am planning to bring out a box set. There are already 10 glowing testimonials forGolgothaon Goodreads. Click here to read them.

[image error]

On another subject, how’s your...

Launch of Golgotha

Golgotha had its launch earlier this week. The reviews for my darkly humorous crime novel have been glowing so far. There are already eight on Goodreads, and they are starting to filter through to Amazon too. If you like dark humour, you’ll love Golgotha.

Here are some of the retailer links (eBook & paperback): Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Ca, Kobo UK, & Goodreads

And here is a reminder about the book.

You can’t keep a good sociopath down.

[image error]

Dyson Devereux is languishing in prison awaiting...

Golgotha: Only 4 Days To Go

There are only four days to go until the release of my darkly humorous crime novel, Golgotha. The big day is next Tuesday (Dec. 03). Here is a short (467 word) extract, which I feel encapsulates the book’s dark tone. Click here to read it. The first reviews have now appeared on Goodreads, and they’re good. Click here to see the reviews.

You can’t keep a good sociopath down.

[image error]

Dyson Devereux is languishing in prison awaiting trial for murder. Languishing wouldn’t be so bad were it not for the...

Necropolis Is On Sale – 99p/99c

In the build up to the release of Golgotha (Dec. 03) and for a limited time (Today & Tomorrow), Necropolis is only 99p/99c (usual price: 2.99/$3.39). Available at all major retailers – Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo & all the others. As is the case with the further instalments in my black comedy trilogy (#2 Sepultura & #3 Golgotha) #1 Necropolis can be read as a standalone novel.

What is a sociopath to do?

[image error]

Dyson Devereux’s life appears to be on track. He has a way with the...

Another Week Bites The Dust

Well, it’s Friday again. The week has had its up and downs like all weeks. The down has been a lingering cold; the ups have been several delicious meals, reading some good books and acceptance for a ‘BookBub New Release’ promotion for my forthcoming darkly humorous crime novel – Golgotha (release date: Dec. 03). Unlike with some of their other promotions, this type is for full price titles, and only runs in North America. If you haven’t read Golgotha’s excerpt yet, here is the link (467 words,

[image error]...

A Peek Inside Golgotha

There is only 24 days to go until the release of my darkly humorous crime novel, Golgotha (release date: Dec. 3). My maths is correct, right?

Today, I am pleased to unveil a short (467 word) extract, which I feel encapsulates the book’s dark tone. Click here to read it.

For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, here is the blurb:

You can’t keep a good sociopath down.

[image error]

Dyson Devereux is languishing in prison awaiting trial for murder. Languishing wouldn’t be so bad were it not for the irksome inmates, crowded condition...

novel,

A Peak Inside Golgotha

There is only 24 days to go until the release of my darkly humorous crime novel, Golgotha (release date: Dec. 3). My maths is correct, right?

Today, I am pleased to unveil a short (467 word) extract, which I feel encapsulates the book’s dark tone. Click here to read it.

For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, here is the blurb:

You can’t keep a good sociopath down.

[image error]

Dyson Devereux is languishing in prison awaiting trial for murder. Languishing wouldn’t be so bad were it not for the irksome inmates, crowded condition...

novel,

6 Darkly Humorous Reading Recommendations

This week’s post is dedicated to six darkly humorous reading recommendations. Click on the links to read my reviews.

Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

[image error]

The book’s premise, the superficial vanity of the beauty industry, is used both to explore the unattractive side of human nature.

My Review: Shannon McFarland is a catwalk model, who is the centre of attention wherever she goes. That is until she ‘accidentally’ blasts her jaw shot off with a gun whilst driving down the highway. Shannon is left …(more)

Catch-22  by Joseph Heller

[image error]

This best-selling and c...

Catch-22 by