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Potholes and Magic Carpets
Alternate cover edition for 9781519253002
Potholes and Magic Carpets
The main action in this contemporary novel takes place in rural Kent and London. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges and temptations in the past and present lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions that are all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some of the characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.
Potholes and Magic Carpets
The main action in this contemporary novel takes place in rural Kent and London. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges and temptations in the past and present lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions that are all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some of the characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.
276 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2015
6 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Joy Mutter
32 books145 followersAuthor of Random Bullets, 4 books in The Hostile series, Her Demonic Angel, Living with Postcards, Potholes and Magic Carpets, The Mug Trilogy, The Trouble with Liam, The Trouble with Trouble, Trouble in Cornwall, Troubled, Nuru and his Crows, The Storms of Padstow, Punishing the Innocent, The Brothers Grimshaw, A Sunny Day in Oldham, Friends in Need, Chasing her Shadow, and Caravan of Nightmares.
Joy Mutter started writing books in 2007 but waited until 2015 to publish six of them on Amazon. More books soon followed. All her books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Nine books also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Joy was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands and lived there for 18 years. After gaining a Graphic Design Degree at Coventry University, she lived and worked in Kent as a professional graphic designer for 20 years. She moved from Kent to Oldham in 2012 and has been writing, designing, and publishing her books full-time ever since.
Her first 3 books are third-person autobiographies and form The Mug Trilogy. Books in this series are A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-led novel.
Living with Postcards is her first non-fiction book.
Random Bullets is a psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.
Her Demonic Angel was published in early 2016 in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook. It contains fourteen of Joy Mutter's short stories written in various genres.
In 2016-2017, Joy published The Hostile Series of unusual paranormal crime thrillers. Books in the series are The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and The Hostile Series Box Set. Each book in The Hostile series is available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook editions.
The Trouble with Liam, a psychological thriller was published in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, she published 3 erotic thrillers; The Trouble With Trouble, Trouble In Cornwall, and Troubled.
In 2021, Joy published Nuru And His Crows, a dark erotic thriller. Her first novella, The Brothers Grimshaw, was published in 2022 along with A Sunny Day in Oldham. In March 2023, she published her 20th book, The Storms of Padstow, book 2 of the Nuru and his Crows series. Punishing the Innocent, book 3 of the series soon followed.
She then wrote a third-person memoir called The Brothers Grimshaw, and a novel called Friends in Need.
In 2025, she published a thriller called Chasing her Shadow and her second collection of short stories called Caravan of Nightmares.
Joy is currently writing her third collection of short stories.
Joy Mutter started writing books in 2007 but waited until 2015 to publish six of them on Amazon. More books soon followed. All her books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Nine books also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Joy was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands and lived there for 18 years. After gaining a Graphic Design Degree at Coventry University, she lived and worked in Kent as a professional graphic designer for 20 years. She moved from Kent to Oldham in 2012 and has been writing, designing, and publishing her books full-time ever since.
Her first 3 books are third-person autobiographies and form The Mug Trilogy. Books in this series are A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-led novel.
Living with Postcards is her first non-fiction book.
Random Bullets is a psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.
Her Demonic Angel was published in early 2016 in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook. It contains fourteen of Joy Mutter's short stories written in various genres.
In 2016-2017, Joy published The Hostile Series of unusual paranormal crime thrillers. Books in the series are The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and The Hostile Series Box Set. Each book in The Hostile series is available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook editions.
The Trouble with Liam, a psychological thriller was published in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, she published 3 erotic thrillers; The Trouble With Trouble, Trouble In Cornwall, and Troubled.
In 2021, Joy published Nuru And His Crows, a dark erotic thriller. Her first novella, The Brothers Grimshaw, was published in 2022 along with A Sunny Day in Oldham. In March 2023, she published her 20th book, The Storms of Padstow, book 2 of the Nuru and his Crows series. Punishing the Innocent, book 3 of the series soon followed.
She then wrote a third-person memoir called The Brothers Grimshaw, and a novel called Friends in Need.
In 2025, she published a thriller called Chasing her Shadow and her second collection of short stories called Caravan of Nightmares.
Joy is currently writing her third collection of short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 25, 2020
Following the lives of four couples in Kent and London, Potholes and Magic Carpets appears to be a collection of short stories, but in fact interweaves and links each one as the author explores the actions and consequences of a group of very different people.
From the detestable to the naïve, we see how the characters in each tale link into the next, revealing their fears, longings and (of course) ulterior motives. As always with Joy Mutter’s work, there’s an underlying hint of menace that reveals itself as the book progresses. Having read quite a few of Joy’s books, I’m used to her distinctive voice, so this time around, I opted to experience it as an audiobook. The narrator—Tracey Norman—brings an interesting and thoughtful interpretation to the story, and to the writing, that brought it to life beautifully, much like reading a stage play before seeing the production.
Though nowhere near as dark and gory as some of Ms Mutter’s work, this is a curiously appealing and thought-provoking book.
From the detestable to the naïve, we see how the characters in each tale link into the next, revealing their fears, longings and (of course) ulterior motives. As always with Joy Mutter’s work, there’s an underlying hint of menace that reveals itself as the book progresses. Having read quite a few of Joy’s books, I’m used to her distinctive voice, so this time around, I opted to experience it as an audiobook. The narrator—Tracey Norman—brings an interesting and thoughtful interpretation to the story, and to the writing, that brought it to life beautifully, much like reading a stage play before seeing the production.
Though nowhere near as dark and gory as some of Ms Mutter’s work, this is a curiously appealing and thought-provoking book.
March 20, 2018
This a great look into the minds of abusive people and their long-suffering partners, and people who are the complete opposite, caring and loving. The author has created a cleverly interwoven story of four different families who we meet separately at first, then gradually come together as the story progresses.
Just three chapters in, I already hated Nick, the first abusive protagonist, and longed to punch him! The characters have depth to them, evoking feelings of hate, pity, or love, and there are moments that make you want to laugh or cry as events unfold.
This book is like being a fly on the wall in numerous households all around the country, experiencing others' lives through the pages of the story. A great read that is harrowing at times but realistic, with a HEA that will put a smile on your face.
Just three chapters in, I already hated Nick, the first abusive protagonist, and longed to punch him! The characters have depth to them, evoking feelings of hate, pity, or love, and there are moments that make you want to laugh or cry as events unfold.
This book is like being a fly on the wall in numerous households all around the country, experiencing others' lives through the pages of the story. A great read that is harrowing at times but realistic, with a HEA that will put a smile on your face.
September 25, 2018
4.5 stars.
First off, I listened the audiobook version of this book. I really enjoyed the narration by Tracey Norman. She does and excellent job and her voice seemed perfect for this book.
As to the story itself, I found it compelling and it was hard to stop listening. There are quite a few characters to keep track of. Their lives start in different areas and are interwoven dramatically throughout the book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
First off, I listened the audiobook version of this book. I really enjoyed the narration by Tracey Norman. She does and excellent job and her voice seemed perfect for this book.
As to the story itself, I found it compelling and it was hard to stop listening. There are quite a few characters to keep track of. Their lives start in different areas and are interwoven dramatically throughout the book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 18, 2022
I really love this author. This is the 4th or 5th book I’ve listened to by her. The Hostile series is hard to explain and make it sound good but it was amazing. This one is great too. Although, Joy I am beginning to question the men from your life…. So many evil ones in your stories and also almost all are cheaters….
Anyway these characters are painted in a way that makes them beautiful. Even the flawed ones. All things that could be true and part of peoples real daily lives. I loved Tom most of all.
Narration by Tracey Norman was excellent
Anyway these characters are painted in a way that makes them beautiful. Even the flawed ones. All things that could be true and part of peoples real daily lives. I loved Tom most of all.
Narration by Tracey Norman was excellent
March 20, 2017
i won a copy of this book in the goodreads giveaway
i loved this book, i could not put it down, it has a great mix of characters, each linked to each other in someway, its a story mostly about how your past effects your life, and how insecurities, can effect your relationships and life in general,
i sometimes fine that when books have too many characters i dont always care about them, this didnt happen with the book, i really wanted to know more about everyone of them,
i loved this book, i could not put it down, it has a great mix of characters, each linked to each other in someway, its a story mostly about how your past effects your life, and how insecurities, can effect your relationships and life in general,
i sometimes fine that when books have too many characters i dont always care about them, this didnt happen with the book, i really wanted to know more about everyone of them,
March 19, 2018
I loved how the author weaved the interconnected lives of the different characters and their own individual stories into one coherent thread. With wonderful descriptions the author brings to life the Kent home of these characters and is not afraid to tackle deep issues in this story. With a wonderful mixture of warm and relatable characters to those who have you wanting to scream, it was a very enjoyable read.
September 30, 2017
This book, set in England is a quirky look into the lives of four couples as they face challenges. I found this author has a great writing style and great characters. The story adds some humor with a bit of darkness and treachery as the couples deal with what life hands them.
May 30, 2022
This was an enjoyable romp through the lives of many people intertwined.We see joy and tears,life and death,plus the mayhem it brings. Tracey Norman was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 15, 2023
Another great read from Joy Mutter, set in rural Kent and London, following the interconnected lives of four couples and their families through the good times and the bad times, exploring the human psyche both light and dark.
December 17, 2015
I was given this book free in exchange for a fair review.
Joy Mutter is a new-to-me author. Like with any new author it takes you a chapter or two to get used to the particular style of a new author. The writing is easy to follow and uncomplicated. The book itself is a fairly quick read.
The book follows the lives that intertwine with others and the events within those peoples lives. One persons actions lead to a particular consequence which impacts (or doesn't) on another. it's an interesting set up. Fans of the dramatic will enjoy the events as they unfold, the humanists will enjoy seeing the lives woven with other lives - which are sometimes strangers.
I will be interested to read other Joy Mutter books and see where her style of writing leads to and what I make of it in the future.
Joy Mutter is a new-to-me author. Like with any new author it takes you a chapter or two to get used to the particular style of a new author. The writing is easy to follow and uncomplicated. The book itself is a fairly quick read.
The book follows the lives that intertwine with others and the events within those peoples lives. One persons actions lead to a particular consequence which impacts (or doesn't) on another. it's an interesting set up. Fans of the dramatic will enjoy the events as they unfold, the humanists will enjoy seeing the lives woven with other lives - which are sometimes strangers.
I will be interested to read other Joy Mutter books and see where her style of writing leads to and what I make of it in the future.
September 23, 2016
First thing forget the blurb, the stories take place over years not just 2015. The book tells the stories of couples linked to a small Kent village. In most cases there is one overbearing, if not downright abusive, partner who gets their comeuppance.
It is written in such a way it is hard to put down because you WILL want to know what will happen next and you end up caring about the characters and will want them to be happy.
I got this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway and I'm glad I did as I would not have though about buying it
It is written in such a way it is hard to put down because you WILL want to know what will happen next and you end up caring about the characters and will want them to be happy.
I got this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway and I'm glad I did as I would not have though about buying it
January 13, 2017
This is a well-written contemporary British novel that follows the romantic entanglements of several people in a small Kent village. There are some great descriptions that really give a great feel for small English countryside villages (to American readers like me, at least!) I liked how the chapters followed different characters sort of like an ongoing TV drama series. The characters were nicely drawn, although some of them were a bit on the two-dimensional side. These could have been made a bit more complex to make them more three-dimensional. Overall, an enjoyable book
December 21, 2016
This author has become one of my favorites. One of the things I like most about her work, is the artful way in which she weaves her character's faults in with their virtues. It leaves you wondering what the character will do next, and I've never been disappointed.
If you like complex characters and strong story, you'll like this book.
If you like complex characters and strong story, you'll like this book.
July 19, 2017
At times the dialogue seemed a little unrealistic and forced but a gripping plot meant that it didn't really matter.
Each chapter followed different characters in an easy to read but entertaining style of writing, with a clear link between all characters mentioned even if it isn't so clear at first.
Would definitely recommend!
Each chapter followed different characters in an easy to read but entertaining style of writing, with a clear link between all characters mentioned even if it isn't so clear at first.
Would definitely recommend!
September 8, 2016
I found this a very enjoyable book the story follows the lives of several people that all interlink throughout the book it flits from group to group telling their stories keeps you interested till the end not as crazy as some joy mutter books but still a good read
November 23, 2016
Well an intriguing title, and a different sort of tale. A good quick read once you have got into the story.
November 29, 2016
This book is a collection of short stories, but they all link together through different characters. Each story contains characters that have previously been mentioned or featured briefly in the story before. It was a really interesting read that I managed to read with in a short amount of time. I suggest this to people who want a quick read, perhaps on holiday or for a train ride.
December 1, 2015
Great read
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews