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Frank Friendship #1
Screw Friendship
Career-obsessed Rosy Friendship has planned out her future, down to the biotech company she’ll work for once she graduates. Frank is Rosy’s biological dad, a man Rosy’s been shielded from her entire life, a man so monstrous, his own mother has snipped his face from all the family photos.
This summer, the summer Rosy thinks will be the start of her high-flying genetics career, she will set eyes on Frank, and genetics might well be her undoing. Because nothing has prepared her for the encounter, for the unfathomable urge to help Frank, or for the ungodly contents of her grandmother’s biscuit tin.
Rosy’s determined digging is about to reveal that everybody in her circle of friends and family hides beastly secrets. Even Snuggy, the sausage dog.
This self-contained, darkly fun novel tells a complete story with no cliffhanger ending, but it's also the start of an epic mystery, the story of a murder many years ago and of Frank Friendship, the murderer’s son.
This summer, the summer Rosy thinks will be the start of her high-flying genetics career, she will set eyes on Frank, and genetics might well be her undoing. Because nothing has prepared her for the encounter, for the unfathomable urge to help Frank, or for the ungodly contents of her grandmother’s biscuit tin.
Rosy’s determined digging is about to reveal that everybody in her circle of friends and family hides beastly secrets. Even Snuggy, the sausage dog.
This self-contained, darkly fun novel tells a complete story with no cliffhanger ending, but it's also the start of an epic mystery, the story of a murder many years ago and of Frank Friendship, the murderer’s son.
332 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
About the author
R.G. Manse
4 books16 followersI caught up with local writer R.G. Manse in an odd little cafe near Stockbridge in Edinburgh. Manse writes outrageous stories, closest to contemporary mystery, but not your auntie’s murder mystery. With a genre as popular as mystery, why not stick to the script?
“Too many elves,” Manse says and swills the dregs of a tea gone cold.
I blink at the non sequitur but Manse goes on to clarify.
“I used to read tons of fantasy until one day I just couldn’t face another elf. I was reading the same story time and again. As a reader, that’s what drove me back to sci-fi, but I wasn’t happy back there. I wasn’t discovering new worlds; my mind didn’t want to take the journey anymore. I became an omnivore again, as likely to pick up a John Sandford or Tom Clancy as a Stephen King. But that long exposure to the fantasy genre changed me. Sensitised me. To repetition. Predictable set-ups. They turn me right off.”
Our server interrupts the conversation. He’s not a man to ignore. He looks like he could take down half the Scottish rugby squad. “What else are you having?” he says, and folds his arms. ‘Nothing’ is clearly not an acceptable answer.
“Same again,” Manse says, a tad nervous, I feel.
A meaty hand lifts my lipstick-stained teacup onto a tray. “You need to eat more. You’re like itty-bitty matchstick people. Two scones?”
Manse and I exchange glances, then the writer nods. “Go on. You’ve twisted my arm.”
The man grins. “Nah,” he says, “or I’d snap it right off.”
“Formulas?” I say, but find my eyes following our server. He pats a customer’s head on his way back to the counter.
“I like stories about people, not people squished into roles. The murder mystery format works, but for every book? I thought I didn’t want to write a mystery series. Actually, I just didn’t want to write a series of murder mysteries.”
I check my recorder is still happy. “Hence the Frank Friendship series, your so-called epic mystery? Your books are rather… crude, and the subjects you’ve chosen are controversial. By your own admission, you’re not sticking to the murder mystery formula. Who would want to read your books?”
Manse shrugs. “Readers who like a story to surprise them—shock them, even. Who like the odd laugh. Readers who enjoy a realistic story with larger than life characters.”
Our hulking server deposits a tray with two cups and two scones.
“Thanks, Frank,” Manse says.
“Frank?” My eyes widen. “Not… Frank Friendship?”
The server’s not quite straight eyes meet mine, and there’s a sparkle in there. “Yeah, lady,” he says. “What? You think Mansey’s brain just magicked me up?” He laughs. “Now, that’d be pure fantasy.”
“Too many elves,” Manse says and swills the dregs of a tea gone cold.
I blink at the non sequitur but Manse goes on to clarify.
“I used to read tons of fantasy until one day I just couldn’t face another elf. I was reading the same story time and again. As a reader, that’s what drove me back to sci-fi, but I wasn’t happy back there. I wasn’t discovering new worlds; my mind didn’t want to take the journey anymore. I became an omnivore again, as likely to pick up a John Sandford or Tom Clancy as a Stephen King. But that long exposure to the fantasy genre changed me. Sensitised me. To repetition. Predictable set-ups. They turn me right off.”
Our server interrupts the conversation. He’s not a man to ignore. He looks like he could take down half the Scottish rugby squad. “What else are you having?” he says, and folds his arms. ‘Nothing’ is clearly not an acceptable answer.
“Same again,” Manse says, a tad nervous, I feel.
A meaty hand lifts my lipstick-stained teacup onto a tray. “You need to eat more. You’re like itty-bitty matchstick people. Two scones?”
Manse and I exchange glances, then the writer nods. “Go on. You’ve twisted my arm.”
The man grins. “Nah,” he says, “or I’d snap it right off.”
“Formulas?” I say, but find my eyes following our server. He pats a customer’s head on his way back to the counter.
“I like stories about people, not people squished into roles. The murder mystery format works, but for every book? I thought I didn’t want to write a mystery series. Actually, I just didn’t want to write a series of murder mysteries.”
I check my recorder is still happy. “Hence the Frank Friendship series, your so-called epic mystery? Your books are rather… crude, and the subjects you’ve chosen are controversial. By your own admission, you’re not sticking to the murder mystery formula. Who would want to read your books?”
Manse shrugs. “Readers who like a story to surprise them—shock them, even. Who like the odd laugh. Readers who enjoy a realistic story with larger than life characters.”
Our hulking server deposits a tray with two cups and two scones.
“Thanks, Frank,” Manse says.
“Frank?” My eyes widen. “Not… Frank Friendship?”
The server’s not quite straight eyes meet mine, and there’s a sparkle in there. “Yeah, lady,” he says. “What? You think Mansey’s brain just magicked me up?” He laughs. “Now, that’d be pure fantasy.”
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 30, 2024
Some writers often try to identify the market tendency and what readers want most and then proceed to write a book about it and to hell with originality and creativity. This chain production approach to the writing process results in predictable boring books that adhere to a certain pattern in order to resonate with the largest number of readers possible and keep the cash register tilting.
Not R G Manse! The book was a pleasant surprise.
To me, it all started with the misleading title:
The word "friendship", in grammar, is a noun that refers to having some affinity with someone else; a relation or an intimate association as "friends".
What I missed at first is that the author wrote this noun, for the book's title with a major "F, " meant to be read as a family name, like "Smith".
To understand why this character Friendship should be "screwed" is best to read the book or I would have to go on to spoilers, which I won't. Don't be a Scrooge and buy the book ($1,10 Kindle edition on Amazon). And no, I don't know Mr Manse and I don't have any commission for advertising his book. I just think that he is an original writer, something scarcer nowadays, and deserves the recommendation.
But if it starts with a misleading title, the writing style is astoundingly misleading and a constant surprise. It is fascinating how the author depicted several characters, weaving them in a tapestry of a deceitful sequence of events. You are always waiting for something terrible to happen with the build of the tension, and then the author deflates it as if piercing a hot air balloon, with a perfectly prosaic explanation, that screams to the reader: "I told you so! What were you thinking? Are you normal?".
And that is because Mr Manse manages to lead us through our worst expectations of human behaviour, as if peeling the layers of an onion, to teach us not to presume anything without having hard evidence. I found it amazing, reading this book, how easily we draw fast conclusions from assumptions rumours and half hints, and when facts emerge, expectations turn into deceptions.
Advancing in the story it's like watching a trick of a magician that makes you look at the left side of the stage while the action is happening on the right
All characters are liars, cheaters, dishonest, inaccurate and fraudulent. Some on purpose, but most because deceit is ingrained in human nature. Everyone has something to hide. But Frank Friendship is one of the most interesting and complex in its simplicity, a character that I have found lately in contemporaneous literature, and a most tragic one. He shows us that absolute honesty and innocence can be the most deceiving, but devastating, mechanism of human behaviour.
Another character, that we can see as the main one, Rosy, shows us that to be young and inexperient means to be deeply vulnerable to our own emotions when you feel you are alone in the crowd that surrounds you, and being a female in a misogynist world, makes it much harder to pass through the fire of life unscathed.
I read this story as a kind of parable of today's modern dysfunctional families and individuals. It tackles most diseases of our modern age; Disconnection from lack of empathy, toxic relationships, gratuitous harassment, sick voyeurism, parasitic behaviour, sexual deviations and the unlimited power of unpunished calumny, detraction and vilification but also unconditional love, the pursuit of dreams and human enlightenment.
This is a book with an interesting plot with plenty of shocking twists, solid characters and a sound message: Always consider all sides of a story, even those hidden ones that not know yet, and never, never jump to hasty conclusions.
Not R G Manse! The book was a pleasant surprise.
To me, it all started with the misleading title:
The word "friendship", in grammar, is a noun that refers to having some affinity with someone else; a relation or an intimate association as "friends".
What I missed at first is that the author wrote this noun, for the book's title with a major "F, " meant to be read as a family name, like "Smith".
To understand why this character Friendship should be "screwed" is best to read the book or I would have to go on to spoilers, which I won't. Don't be a Scrooge and buy the book ($1,10 Kindle edition on Amazon). And no, I don't know Mr Manse and I don't have any commission for advertising his book. I just think that he is an original writer, something scarcer nowadays, and deserves the recommendation.
But if it starts with a misleading title, the writing style is astoundingly misleading and a constant surprise. It is fascinating how the author depicted several characters, weaving them in a tapestry of a deceitful sequence of events. You are always waiting for something terrible to happen with the build of the tension, and then the author deflates it as if piercing a hot air balloon, with a perfectly prosaic explanation, that screams to the reader: "I told you so! What were you thinking? Are you normal?".
And that is because Mr Manse manages to lead us through our worst expectations of human behaviour, as if peeling the layers of an onion, to teach us not to presume anything without having hard evidence. I found it amazing, reading this book, how easily we draw fast conclusions from assumptions rumours and half hints, and when facts emerge, expectations turn into deceptions.
Advancing in the story it's like watching a trick of a magician that makes you look at the left side of the stage while the action is happening on the right
All characters are liars, cheaters, dishonest, inaccurate and fraudulent. Some on purpose, but most because deceit is ingrained in human nature. Everyone has something to hide. But Frank Friendship is one of the most interesting and complex in its simplicity, a character that I have found lately in contemporaneous literature, and a most tragic one. He shows us that absolute honesty and innocence can be the most deceiving, but devastating, mechanism of human behaviour.
Another character, that we can see as the main one, Rosy, shows us that to be young and inexperient means to be deeply vulnerable to our own emotions when you feel you are alone in the crowd that surrounds you, and being a female in a misogynist world, makes it much harder to pass through the fire of life unscathed.
I read this story as a kind of parable of today's modern dysfunctional families and individuals. It tackles most diseases of our modern age; Disconnection from lack of empathy, toxic relationships, gratuitous harassment, sick voyeurism, parasitic behaviour, sexual deviations and the unlimited power of unpunished calumny, detraction and vilification but also unconditional love, the pursuit of dreams and human enlightenment.
This is a book with an interesting plot with plenty of shocking twists, solid characters and a sound message: Always consider all sides of a story, even those hidden ones that not know yet, and never, never jump to hasty conclusions.
October 4, 2019
RG Manse is genius!
If Monty Python and Dave Barry had a love child with a mouth like Andrew Dice Clay, he would be the main character Frank Friendship!
Frank is crude and blunt, but totally honest with his view of people and the world.
Don't try to put these works in a box for 2 reasons:
1) These books cannot simply be labeled, mystery, comedy, action, etc., because all of the best elements are there.
2) You'll want to read this series again. There's no way to fully appreciate these books by simply reading them once.
To the haters I say, "Bollocks"! If you dislike Frank, that's okay. I loved him and want more!
Thank you RG Manse for such a fun journey, and much needed laughter! Please continue the "Friendship"!
If Monty Python and Dave Barry had a love child with a mouth like Andrew Dice Clay, he would be the main character Frank Friendship!
Frank is crude and blunt, but totally honest with his view of people and the world.
Don't try to put these works in a box for 2 reasons:
1) These books cannot simply be labeled, mystery, comedy, action, etc., because all of the best elements are there.
2) You'll want to read this series again. There's no way to fully appreciate these books by simply reading them once.
To the haters I say, "Bollocks"! If you dislike Frank, that's okay. I loved him and want more!
Thank you RG Manse for such a fun journey, and much needed laughter! Please continue the "Friendship"!
September 1, 2015
If you think this is awkward, you haven't read Screw Friendship yet.
I honestly didn't quite know what to expect when I started reading this. I saw Liis raving about it for awhile now and thought if she likes it so much, it must be a great read! I was NOT disappointed.
Only a few pages in and I was already thinking it to be greatly refreshing after all the Fantasy I've been reading this past year again. Even though it's really nothing like it, it reminded me a little of 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps', which I always loved to watch.
The synopsis here on Goodreads gives us a nice general idea about the story, but there's SO much more to it. This is one of those books where almost everything you say about it can really lessen the full reading experience, so instead of going into too much detail, this was MY experience in a nutshell:
The story was so unique, you can't really mark it down to a single genre. Which is a bit of a risk to take as an author, I suppose, but I can assure you, it turned out great in this book. It keeps you guessing throughout the entire story and gave me some serious brain freeze moments when my own imagination was encouraging some pretty disgusting things to fully blossom.
How amazingly talented R.G. Manse is when it comes to screwing up your entire personal code of morals and values by psychologically tricking you (or well, me at least!).
Apart from all the gasping bits, it's also such a fun and entertaining read. The characters are all amazing and very well depicted, Frank himself stealing the show by continually surprising me with his actions. In fact, I'm now thinking these are probably the most interesting and memorable characters I've read about in a long time. They are certainly unique and, well, kinda gross!
If you're a sensitive person who's easily offended/disgusted and/or doesn't like to see any swearing in a book, stay away from this one.
For all the other people: read this fucking book, it will fucking blow your mind!
You can even get it for free if you become a registered reader at RG's website, OR, get it for one dollar (!) at Amazon.com.
I'm giving it 4.5 stars because I consider it to be close to perfection!
Edit: After my husband just told me he still doesn't know what the story is about after reading this review...I can't emphasize enough on how THAT'S THE POINT. All you need to know is the synopsis, the fact that it reads like watching a good British comedy series, and that it's fucking awesome *drops mic*.
July 16, 2015
EDIT!- If you are starting with this book, then there might come a stage where you think it will be too much for your innocent mind to take. But I really hope that you will give it a chance because nothing is ever as it seems! Specially in this series- you just won't see the twists coming! It's simply that clever! :)
At one stage I really thought- oh ffs, everyone in this book is just crazy. I mean, crazy with papers. And maybe they are, or should be. But that's just life isn't it?!
This book is great... just great... it has its dark bits and its definitely funny bits and the bits that you think are going to be (or are) disgusting... and dangly bits!!! But are they? So many twists and great logical yet unexpected turn-abouts and turn-abouts that you are relieved over, even, and characters... Holy.crap.batman! I so enjoyed it! Will go and start reading the second book straight away!
After reading the book a second time I think I enjoyed it even more. It gave me a chance to take more notice of characters and I came to the conclusion that Findlay is a total useless freak and Rosy, even though I could understand why she was the way she was, lost the plot for a while. This book is full of genius and most importantly- it is blunt. Things most of us wouldn't dare an utter a word about are out in the open.
At one stage I really thought- oh ffs, everyone in this book is just crazy. I mean, crazy with papers. And maybe they are, or should be. But that's just life isn't it?!
This book is great... just great... it has its dark bits and its definitely funny bits and the bits that you think are going to be (or are) disgusting... and dangly bits!!! But are they? So many twists and great logical yet unexpected turn-abouts and turn-abouts that you are relieved over, even, and characters... Holy.crap.batman! I so enjoyed it! Will go and start reading the second book straight away!
After reading the book a second time I think I enjoyed it even more. It gave me a chance to take more notice of characters and I came to the conclusion that Findlay is a total useless freak and Rosy, even though I could understand why she was the way she was, lost the plot for a while. This book is full of genius and most importantly- it is blunt. Things most of us wouldn't dare an utter a word about are out in the open.
May 6, 2015
Outrageous and thoroughly enjoyable – but not for the faint of heart.
If you enjoy the unusual, this one is for you. It is a quirky tale somewhere between mystery and contemporary fiction with elements of suspense and hysterical wit that kept me riveted. I didn't want to put it down. This is the first book in a series, but it is also a stand alone book.
Rosy is a college student who has grown up with her mother and stepfather . She has never met her biological father, and never EVER heard anything good about him. In the course of this story Rosy has to uncover her past, deal with her present and figure out her future.
Manse builds brazen characters whose actions speak for themselves. As readers, we are not told about who they are – we are shown. The characters range from despicable to admirable. They are well developed and constantly amusing.
The plot is complex and fast moving. If you like a book that zigs when you think it’s going to zag, prepare to be utterly entertained. I enjoyed the constant action and shifting perspectives. There are parts of this story that are crude, and characters who are unlikable – but it adds to the overall experience. People are who they are, and Manse doesn’t pretty things up for us.
The title, Screw Friendship almost put me off. I thought it was probably a sign that what was to follow would not be to my taste. I was completely wrong. Within a few chapters the title clicked and made perfect sense.
This is an awesome read and I will eagerly be tackling the rest of the series as soon as I can get my hands on them. I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
If you enjoy the unusual, this one is for you. It is a quirky tale somewhere between mystery and contemporary fiction with elements of suspense and hysterical wit that kept me riveted. I didn't want to put it down. This is the first book in a series, but it is also a stand alone book.
Rosy is a college student who has grown up with her mother and stepfather . She has never met her biological father, and never EVER heard anything good about him. In the course of this story Rosy has to uncover her past, deal with her present and figure out her future.
Manse builds brazen characters whose actions speak for themselves. As readers, we are not told about who they are – we are shown. The characters range from despicable to admirable. They are well developed and constantly amusing.
The plot is complex and fast moving. If you like a book that zigs when you think it’s going to zag, prepare to be utterly entertained. I enjoyed the constant action and shifting perspectives. There are parts of this story that are crude, and characters who are unlikable – but it adds to the overall experience. People are who they are, and Manse doesn’t pretty things up for us.
The title, Screw Friendship almost put me off. I thought it was probably a sign that what was to follow would not be to my taste. I was completely wrong. Within a few chapters the title clicked and made perfect sense.
This is an awesome read and I will eagerly be tackling the rest of the series as soon as I can get my hands on them. I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
March 14, 2015
All you people who have marked this "To Read": Do yourselves a favour and just read it already!
I probably wouldn't have bought this book if it wasn't for the low price for Book 1 as the reviews gave me no idea what to expect...and that's a good thing by the way. Well done to the other reviewers for not giving the whole book away; that's a rare occurrence in itself these days. The book does defy categorisation; I have no idea which folder to file it in now that I'm finished it...an interesting problem to have!
This is definitely a stand-alone book but it left me keen to find out what happens next in Frank's life! He's the most engaging, outlandish, bizarre character but he draws you into his world. The author did give us a little teaser to lead in to the continuing story but this book totally has a proper ending and I didn't feel at all cheated.
I would say DON'T buy this book if you're sensitive or easily offended in your reading material. It's not violent or graphic so it's not disturbing or offensive to me but I've been wracking my brain to think of a word to describe the bits that some people might take issue with and the best I could come up with was "earthy". Anyway there are some parts and language that extremely sensitive readers might not like so please don't come on here complaining - you can consider yourselves forewarned.
I would totally recommend taking a chance on this book and I'm definitely planning to continue following the saga of Frank and Rosy.
I probably wouldn't have bought this book if it wasn't for the low price for Book 1 as the reviews gave me no idea what to expect...and that's a good thing by the way. Well done to the other reviewers for not giving the whole book away; that's a rare occurrence in itself these days. The book does defy categorisation; I have no idea which folder to file it in now that I'm finished it...an interesting problem to have!
This is definitely a stand-alone book but it left me keen to find out what happens next in Frank's life! He's the most engaging, outlandish, bizarre character but he draws you into his world. The author did give us a little teaser to lead in to the continuing story but this book totally has a proper ending and I didn't feel at all cheated.
I would say DON'T buy this book if you're sensitive or easily offended in your reading material. It's not violent or graphic so it's not disturbing or offensive to me but I've been wracking my brain to think of a word to describe the bits that some people might take issue with and the best I could come up with was "earthy". Anyway there are some parts and language that extremely sensitive readers might not like so please don't come on here complaining - you can consider yourselves forewarned.
I would totally recommend taking a chance on this book and I'm definitely planning to continue following the saga of Frank and Rosy.
August 7, 2015
N.B.: This is my first review on Goodreads and I am glad I started with this book.
I don't recollect how I stumbled across this book, but I am glad that I did. Screw Friendship is the first book in the Frank Friendship series by R.G. Manse. This book has been described as a "darkly fun mystery" - a very apt description.
This is not your average whodunit mystery, in fact, the mystery in this book does not involve a murder at all. However, there are enough twists and turns to keep one engaged in the story. Further, I found that I could empathize with all the characters and their motives, a rare feat achieved by the author, considering that many books sacrifice character development in favour of a fast plot.
I would like to warn the readers, though, that Mr. Manse does not shy away from some character quirks, which could be termed as "shocking and unconventional". This might put off some readers, but again, they are in no way crude, and they do drive the plot forward.
However, I am surprised to see that more people have not come across this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. It has been a long time since I have read such a refreshingly original book with detailed characterization, and an ending that will make you to pounce on to its sequel! Highly recommended
I don't recollect how I stumbled across this book, but I am glad that I did. Screw Friendship is the first book in the Frank Friendship series by R.G. Manse. This book has been described as a "darkly fun mystery" - a very apt description.
This is not your average whodunit mystery, in fact, the mystery in this book does not involve a murder at all. However, there are enough twists and turns to keep one engaged in the story. Further, I found that I could empathize with all the characters and their motives, a rare feat achieved by the author, considering that many books sacrifice character development in favour of a fast plot.
I would like to warn the readers, though, that Mr. Manse does not shy away from some character quirks, which could be termed as "shocking and unconventional". This might put off some readers, but again, they are in no way crude, and they do drive the plot forward.
However, I am surprised to see that more people have not come across this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. It has been a long time since I have read such a refreshingly original book with detailed characterization, and an ending that will make you to pounce on to its sequel! Highly recommended
June 17, 2015
Screw Friendship by RG Manse is the best novel I have ever read. A mystery that is fun, exciting, and suspenseful. It is also highly unique in that the story contains no sleuths, no dead bodies, and no detectives. When I first found this out, I wonder how could that be and work so well? Then because my curiosity gave out, I began reading and I found myself not wanting to put the book down until I finished reading it all.
Screw Friendship is a story about a young woman whose boyfriend turns out to be her stalker and she runs to the one man who is her father. No one in her family wanted Rose Friendship to know about her father Frank Friendship. Except as she begins to dig into the mystery of why, she finds herself trying to help him rescue his cafe only to need rescuing herself. I loved reading this stunning novel by RG Manse. The well written plot will leave readers wanting to read the next two book in this intoxicating new series. Beware, that once you read this you will forever be pulled into the new thrilling series by RG Manse. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to everyone and rate it a five out of five stars.
Screw Friendship is a story about a young woman whose boyfriend turns out to be her stalker and she runs to the one man who is her father. No one in her family wanted Rose Friendship to know about her father Frank Friendship. Except as she begins to dig into the mystery of why, she finds herself trying to help him rescue his cafe only to need rescuing herself. I loved reading this stunning novel by RG Manse. The well written plot will leave readers wanting to read the next two book in this intoxicating new series. Beware, that once you read this you will forever be pulled into the new thrilling series by RG Manse. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to everyone and rate it a five out of five stars.
January 14, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for review. This book has some minor spelling and grammatical errors. However, it was a very interesting read. The main character was a lovely lady with some serious personal problems. There are three characters that are just absolutely despicable, you couldn't like them if you tried. The other characters had me flip flopping, I liked them one minute and not so much the next. I have to tell you this story had my head swirling. I thought I saw where the story was going and then, boom, the author would throw a curveball at you. I was constantly re-evaluating my thoughts on what was happening. I think that's what makes a good book, one that's interesting and can keep you on your toes. I would like to apologize to the author for how long it took me to finish this book, like got wild for a bit and I was unable to read.
December 6, 2015
Darkly fun mystery.
Oh, it's dark alright! Halfway through the book, I had to force myself to read the next page. It's weird, creepy, sexually explicit, and not all that fun to read. But the mystery kept me going and I'm glad I finished it. At first, it looked like one of those books that have too much of disturbing content just so they could claim it as a dark mystery, but in the end, it's the creepiness that sets this book apart. Very different from what you get to read usually and worth a try.
P.S. Don't give up on it. You need to finish it for closure. Otherwise, it'll haunt you.
Oh, it's dark alright! Halfway through the book, I had to force myself to read the next page. It's weird, creepy, sexually explicit, and not all that fun to read. But the mystery kept me going and I'm glad I finished it. At first, it looked like one of those books that have too much of disturbing content just so they could claim it as a dark mystery, but in the end, it's the creepiness that sets this book apart. Very different from what you get to read usually and worth a try.
P.S. Don't give up on it. You need to finish it for closure. Otherwise, it'll haunt you.
May 8, 2019
An Asexual rapist father who she is sexually attracted to, a step-father who wants to get into her knickers, a naked magician, a guy with a chubby belly....what's not to love about the story of Frank Friendship. I downloaded this as an Amazon freebie, swiftly followed by the other books in the series. Loved it from start to finish. My favourite book of the year by far!
July 28, 2019
What an amazing, twist-turny, appallingly enthralling book. Kept myself awake for hours because I couldn't bear to put it down.
February 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It is hard to put this book into one specific category. The plot is definitely original and written ina way to keep you reading from beginning to end. The characters are well developed and original themselves. We follow Rosy as she finds her biological father and learns about his life. I don't want to give away any of the plot but there are many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. A fast paced book I would recommend to others.
January 7, 2015
Loved this book. Rosy the main character is wonderful. Follow her emotional journey to learn more about for biological father. There are a lot of twists and turns.
I will be reading the other two books in this series
I will be reading the other two books in this series
March 8, 2015
This was a twisted story ! Very very unique !! And it was super entertaining ! Can't wait to read the next in the series !
July 30, 2015
Highly entertaining, with unexpected twists and turns that you don't see coming. Nothing is ever as it seems! Well worth the reading.
June 27, 2016
A gripping read full of uncomfortable details about the very real characters: you might want to slap a few of them. I can't wait for the second in the series: starting it today!
January 2, 2016
It was just not my kind of book. Well written but not for everybody.
December 27, 2017
Not my kind of book
February 8, 2019
3.75 Stars - Disturbing and very awkward, but still an enjoyable story. Frank is by far my favorite character in this book. I am looking forward to seeing what he’s up to in the next one.
January 10, 2017
Great book, fuller review to follow.
April 20, 2019
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but I decided to give it a go.
First of all, I liked how realistic and believable the characters were. They felt as if they could be your actual neighbours living down the road.
The setting was also very realistic, but I felt the description was lacking since I often had troubling imagining how the scenery was arranged (e.g. in the café).
The mystery surrounding Frank's past was slow-building and infuriating since little pieces of information kept being withheld from us, but this frustration is what kept me reading to find out what happened.
Unfortunately, about halfway through the book, I began to despise the main character Rosy, although I feel like this was probably the intention.
This feeling of hatred only grew more as I read on. The whole 'genetic sexual attraction' thing was very off-putting to me and very uncomfortable to read. It ruined the book for me personally, but I understand why it was there, it did allow for some parallels to be drawn between certain characters, showing they are all just as terrible as each other.
As I reached the end of the book, I liked how the threads of the mystery surrounding what really happened to Frank came together. It was very satisfying to finally find out the truth, and it made Frank a very sympathetic character to me. He is by far the best character in this book (although that is not much of a challenge).
'Screw Friendship' was sold to me as a 'darkly fun mystery'. I think that this book is a dark mystery for sure, but I didn't find it very fun to read. The only satisfaction I felt was when the dots finally connected at the end. It's not a bad book exactly, just not my cup of tea.
First of all, I liked how realistic and believable the characters were. They felt as if they could be your actual neighbours living down the road.
The setting was also very realistic, but I felt the description was lacking since I often had troubling imagining how the scenery was arranged (e.g. in the café).
The mystery surrounding Frank's past was slow-building and infuriating since little pieces of information kept being withheld from us, but this frustration is what kept me reading to find out what happened.
Unfortunately, about halfway through the book, I began to despise the main character Rosy, although I feel like this was probably the intention.
This feeling of hatred only grew more as I read on. The whole 'genetic sexual attraction' thing was very off-putting to me and very uncomfortable to read. It ruined the book for me personally, but I understand why it was there, it did allow for some parallels to be drawn between certain characters, showing they are all just as terrible as each other.
As I reached the end of the book, I liked how the threads of the mystery surrounding what really happened to Frank came together. It was very satisfying to finally find out the truth, and it made Frank a very sympathetic character to me. He is by far the best character in this book (although that is not much of a challenge).
'Screw Friendship' was sold to me as a 'darkly fun mystery'. I think that this book is a dark mystery for sure, but I didn't find it very fun to read. The only satisfaction I felt was when the dots finally connected at the end. It's not a bad book exactly, just not my cup of tea.
September 28, 2016
Read this as was free in Amazon kindle ,well ,not quite sure wat to say ,it's amusing but rather dark ,and well,there was a time when I wasn't sure where we where going ,....hints regards plot now .......
there's a lot of fancying ones relations ,be it step dads to daughter and daughter to biological dad ,so prepare an I did grimace at times specially with step dad ,and the weird thing is ,well there's an jnderstanding there an forgiveness and understanding regards these feelings
I giggled st times,grimaced and wasn't sure wether I would read on,it's bit violent but is sorta complex in looks at relationships
Common theme of men being voyours ,sneaky ,you will want to check your rooms for hidden cameras an that all your underwear is In its drawer ,I write this not as spoilers but to prepare u gently ,for a odd ,uncomfy a lot of the time and yet funny read
there's a lot of fancying ones relations ,be it step dads to daughter and daughter to biological dad ,so prepare an I did grimace at times specially with step dad ,and the weird thing is ,well there's an jnderstanding there an forgiveness and understanding regards these feelings
I giggled st times,grimaced and wasn't sure wether I would read on,it's bit violent but is sorta complex in looks at relationships
Common theme of men being voyours ,sneaky ,you will want to check your rooms for hidden cameras an that all your underwear is In its drawer ,I write this not as spoilers but to prepare u gently ,for a odd ,uncomfy a lot of the time and yet funny read
February 18, 2016
It was difficult reading this book as it's set in Scotland and I couldn't follow some of the dialogue. The story was creepy with incest innuendo but it all came together in the end. Not sure yet if I want to continue reading the series though.
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