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Mobile Library Mystery #2
Che Cosa è Successo a Mr Dixon?
È la vigilia di Pasqua. Oggi è il grande giorno: il primo giorno della mostra itinerante sulla storia del più importante emporio della città, il leggendario Dixon & Pickering’s, che compie ben cento anni. E Israel Armstrong, bibliotecario itinerante di Tundrum e curatore dell’esposizione, è di ottimo umore. Anche se piove – a Tundrum piove sempre ¬–, lui non ha bevuto il suo caffè – ormai è un lontano ricordo – e la gente del luogo sembra fare di tutto per rendergli la vita impossibile. Insomma, ogni cosa va per il verso giusto. Almeno fino a quando si scopre che il proprietario dell’emporio è sparito. Dov’è finito Mr. Dixon? E cosa ne è stato delle centomila sterline che custodiva nella sua cassaforte? Inutile dire che il sospettato numero uno è proprio Israel, che nel giro di poche ore si ritrova ammanettato, accusato di rapimento e furto e per giunta senza lavoro – la biblioteca di Tundrum e Distretto non intende affatto infangare il suo buon nome annoverando tra le sue fila un pregiudicato. Riuscirà Israel a trovare la chiave di quella sparizione, salvare il posto e non trascorrere i prossimi anni in una cella dell’Irlanda del Nord? Perché Gloria non risponde mai alle sue telefonate? E si può sapere perché a Tundrum sembrano avercela tutti con lui? Ma, soprattutto, c’è nessuno qui che ha sentito parlare di Franz Kafka?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
September 1, 2009
The second of Ian Sansom's "Mobile Library" mysteries about the half-Jewish, half-Irish Israel Armstrong, the mobile librarian and fish completely out of water in the small Northern Irish town of Tumdrum. Like The Case of the Missing Books, this was a quick entertaining read, and I particularly enjoyed both Sansom's horrifying description of a bibliophile who feels that he may have erred in his lifelong devotion to books as quoted below.
"He had always believed that reading was good for you, that the more books you read somehow the better you were, the closer to some ideal of human perfection you came, yet if anything his own experience at the library suggested the exact opposite: that reading didn't make you a better person, that it just made you short-sighted, and even less likely than your fellow man or woman to be able to hold a conversation about anything that did not centre around you and your ailments and the state of the weather.
"He shivered.
"Could all that really be true? Did it matter? That the striving after knowledge, the attempt to understand human minds and human nature, and stories, and narrative shapes and patterns, made you no better a person? That the whole thing was an illusion? That books were not a mirror of nature or a mark of civilisation, but a chimera? that the reading of books was in fact nothing more than a kind of mental knitting, or like the monotonous eating of biscuits, a pleasant way of passing time before you died? All those words about words, and texts about texts, and all nothing more than tiny splashes of ink ...
"Nothing to read: nothing to be read."
"He had always believed that reading was good for you, that the more books you read somehow the better you were, the closer to some ideal of human perfection you came, yet if anything his own experience at the library suggested the exact opposite: that reading didn't make you a better person, that it just made you short-sighted, and even less likely than your fellow man or woman to be able to hold a conversation about anything that did not centre around you and your ailments and the state of the weather.
"He shivered.
"Could all that really be true? Did it matter? That the striving after knowledge, the attempt to understand human minds and human nature, and stories, and narrative shapes and patterns, made you no better a person? That the whole thing was an illusion? That books were not a mirror of nature or a mark of civilisation, but a chimera? that the reading of books was in fact nothing more than a kind of mental knitting, or like the monotonous eating of biscuits, a pleasant way of passing time before you died? All those words about words, and texts about texts, and all nothing more than tiny splashes of ink ...
"Nothing to read: nothing to be read."
February 10, 2009
I was hoping for more from book 2 of the Mobile Library Mystery series.
Israel is back, as incompetent as ever, and still living in a chicken coop on George's farm. This time he is being framed in the disappearance of local mogul, Mr. Dixon.
I think this book relied too heavily on the funky characters and Irish setting. There's not much interesting about the mystery. Is Israel being set up by the cops? Why? The evidence is so shaky, it's unbelievable, even for a spoof. The solution at the end that supposedly makes everything right again, is feeble.
Very blah ... We are going to need some reason to want to keep up with Israel. He, himself, is such an unsympathetic character that I fail to feel sorry for him. He is self-pitying, irritable to his customers, and slow to learn. The only thing I like about him is that he likes books too.
Israel is back, as incompetent as ever, and still living in a chicken coop on George's farm. This time he is being framed in the disappearance of local mogul, Mr. Dixon.
I think this book relied too heavily on the funky characters and Irish setting. There's not much interesting about the mystery. Is Israel being set up by the cops? Why? The evidence is so shaky, it's unbelievable, even for a spoof. The solution at the end that supposedly makes everything right again, is feeble.
Very blah ... We are going to need some reason to want to keep up with Israel. He, himself, is such an unsympathetic character that I fail to feel sorry for him. He is self-pitying, irritable to his customers, and slow to learn. The only thing I like about him is that he likes books too.
July 4, 2010
Well, it's really more of the same from Ian Sansom with this second book in the Mobile Library series. And for that, I love him! This book goes a bit deeper than the last, brings a few more of Israel's (and the rest of Tumdrum's) complications, flaws, and redeeming qualities to light. And despite the fact that Israel is still decidedly not Irish yet, you see the flavor of Tumdrum seeping into him a bit more each day, as though by osmosis. But Samson holds true to what worked so well in the first book: a mystery, a bumbling librarian, and some likable, eccentric villagers who seem to love and hate Israel at the same time. Pitch perfect!
September 2, 2015
The Mobile Library series is a very cute "detective" series. However, if you're looking for bloodshed, you won't find it here. It is a very British series. I don't know if you get this in many American books. The "fish out of water". Our detective is a librarian, who runs the Mobile Library in a small town in Northern Ireland.
His name is Israel and he's a vegetarian, a Jew (not observant), and from London! And here's he thrown in an exceptionally non-diverse Irish town (village) to run the Mobile Library. Warnings: hilarity will ensue!
In this book, he gets mixed up in the disappearance of a local businessman/amateur magician and the police decide he's the culprit - even if they're not really sure what the crime is!
His name is Israel and he's a vegetarian, a Jew (not observant), and from London! And here's he thrown in an exceptionally non-diverse Irish town (village) to run the Mobile Library. Warnings: hilarity will ensue!
In this book, he gets mixed up in the disappearance of a local businessman/amateur magician and the police decide he's the culprit - even if they're not really sure what the crime is!
July 6, 2011
This is the second in the Mobile Library Series and I'm official in love. Israel Armstrong is a 29 year old, bumbling, overweight, vegetarian, Jewish librarian who moved from London to a small town in Northern Ireland only to find out that the library has been closed and his job is to drive the bookmobile. While setting up a five panel exhibit in the Dixon and Pickering department store on the history of the store, the security guard comes to tell Israel that the store has been robbed and Mr. Dixon is missing. Ever helpful, Israel puts his fingerprints all over the empty safes trying to understand what has happened which leads to his arrest for robbery and kidnapping. If you want a book that is plot strong, this is not the book. Instead, it is focused on characters--and these are quite the characters--that populate the small town of Tumdrum and situations in which they interact. After Israel is released from jail on bail, he and Ted Carson, the owner of the local taxi service, try to find out what really happened. My favorite parts of the book were Israel's rant about the excuses that people give for bringing back their library books late or not at all (I've actually used some of those same excuses) and his constant comment on why he couldn't be involved in the crime, "But I'm the librarian". Perfect.
February 9, 2013
I love reading the well crafted sentences of Ian Sansom. You may not become enamored with Israel Armstrong but you develop a healthy empathy for the big boob. Israel is in another pickle of a situation this time being a prime suspect for robbery, kidnapping and possible murder. Just when he was beginning to fit in somewhat now he thinks with nostalgia of Tumdrum ( its cold soaking rains are now seen as "refreshing", his shabby/barely habitable "home" in a former chicken coop suddenly signifies all of the warmth of hearth and home, he even begins to mourn the fact that the book mobile will have shorten runs without him) as he faces the bleak prospect of a jail cell in the northernmost tip of Northern Ireland.
Given a week to prove his innocence he scrambles (literally) around without a car, without a rusty-brakeless bike (it's pinched) or even good shoes as his leather loafers disintegrate with rot from the constant rain. Hobbled he forges on, blindly missing clues while stumbling onto others. Israel's quest to clear his name is successful but not due to any contribution of his own.
Hapless, Hopeless, wonderfully incompetent Israel Armstrong. I can't wait for Ian Sansom's next installment.
Given a week to prove his innocence he scrambles (literally) around without a car, without a rusty-brakeless bike (it's pinched) or even good shoes as his leather loafers disintegrate with rot from the constant rain. Hobbled he forges on, blindly missing clues while stumbling onto others. Israel's quest to clear his name is successful but not due to any contribution of his own.
Hapless, Hopeless, wonderfully incompetent Israel Armstrong. I can't wait for Ian Sansom's next installment.
February 27, 2017
Second book in a (nominally) "mystery" series that is really more about a fish-out-of-water (re)building a life in a foreign place: vegetarian Irish/Jewish librarian from England conned into driving a bookmobile in northern Ireland. This second volume has a great cold open about library fines. It also gives some space for the local residents to develop as complex characters. I also appreciate the friendship developing between our librarian and Ted. (Plus a few interesting darker turns to close out the book, which most likely carry us into book 3 of 4.)
Why this/why now: As mentioned, a friend recommended these books around 2008. I've had the first two volumes on the bookshelves for at least a year. Time to clear a few books off the shelf because I just picked up a few more to eventually get through (Lawrence Block's Keller series...probably not as heart-warming as the mobile library series).
Why this/why now: As mentioned, a friend recommended these books around 2008. I've had the first two volumes on the bookshelves for at least a year. Time to clear a few books off the shelf because I just picked up a few more to eventually get through (Lawrence Block's Keller series...probably not as heart-warming as the mobile library series).
July 9, 2010
Odd, odd, odd. I thought this series sounded nice. A librarian who finds himself in precarious situations in Northern Ireland. However, the narrator is such an odd duck. Maybe I needed to start with the initial book to get the lay of the land and I may give it a shot because the plot is still appealing. I do really like the voices of the supporting characters and their tales which provide a juxtaposition to the main characters dullness. I just think the main character's voice is rather annoying. It seems to be saying life just happens to me, I don't control it. In addition, the main character seems ho-hum and rather apathetic. I would NOT have him over if I was having a dinner party to say the least. I should give this a little higher ranking...maybe 2.6, and will try another one in the series. We'll see.
January 25, 2016
Is there just one detective who can not beat up multiple thugs, who does not go it alone while leaving a trail of broken hearts? Yes, there is Israel Armstrong, a reluctant participant in almost anything, an affable guy, a nice person, not deliberately offensive...a librarian.
In this second of a series we find Israel treated abominably, accused of crimes and often not even offered tea. Yet our hero struggles on, living life and solving mysteries in his way, a gentle, honest and bumbling way. I like Israel, and would rather find myself in his company that in that of Bond, James.
In this second of a series we find Israel treated abominably, accused of crimes and often not even offered tea. Yet our hero struggles on, living life and solving mysteries in his way, a gentle, honest and bumbling way. I like Israel, and would rather find myself in his company that in that of Bond, James.
September 8, 2017
ES EVEN BETTA
July 14, 2025
Nowhere near as good as the first and third books in the series. Yeah, I know that this is a parody, but there was absolutely no attempt at a mystery here.
The whole bit about Brownie's aquarium is depressing for anyone who has actually kept fish ... and cared about them. Also repugnant was Ted breeding Jack Russell terriers.
Skip this book and go right to Book Three.
The whole bit about Brownie's aquarium is depressing for anyone who has actually kept fish ... and cared about them. Also repugnant was Ted breeding Jack Russell terriers.
Skip this book and go right to Book Three.
October 29, 2024
Sempre simpatico il nostro bibliotecario itinerante e un po’ pasticcione. Questa volta rischia grosso, ma ha sempre al suo fianco Ted che lo aiuta, lo sostiene e a volte lo intralcia. Lettura rilassante!
May 16, 2013
This series of novels by Ian Sansone tell of Israel Armstrong, an agonizingly self-questioning, almost-30-year-old London man who moves to a remote village in Northern Ireland. Israel lives in a not-yet-converted chicken coop on a farm (a home he doesn't really like) and drives the book mobile (a job he doesn't really like) and spends most of his time feeling out of place and introspective (ie, self-centered) and vaguely depressed, like everyone his age apparently feels these days.
Comments:
These books are billed as mysteries but shouldn't be read as such -- meaning, you'll be frustrated if you are looking for a great mystery. The solutions are simple, the process is non-existent (no one goes about solving it rationally; many important questions go unanswered), and the main character spends most of his time navel-gazing and haplessly getting into binds. The mystery, like the book mobile, is merely a vehicle for telling a story about Israel Armstrong.
These books can be very funny. The author works in some hilarious dialog and reflections of a Jewish, vegetarian Londoner on the culture/dialect of Northern Ireland. However, I often found myself reading along, thinking "this is so funny" or "I will highly recommend this book" -- and then the author took it too far or carried on for too long until it was no longer funny, like a little kid that gets a laugh from her parents so she says her funny line again. And again. And again. All the same, I did get some good laughs from this book.
Be forewarned that the author is also a literary critic. Sometimes this can be funny and insightful, but other times it borders on offensive and seems almost like taking advantage of the reader to air his opinions.
I also was confused by the author's impressions of the religious culture in North Ireland. Sometimes, he has the local minister give the straight-up gospel (and I'm not sure why he includes long quotations from the sermons; are they meant to be satirical? or simply recording what one might hear?), other times the minister lapses into the very humanist "I-don't-really-believe-this-stuff-but-I-say-it-because-it's-nice-and-makes-everyone-feel-good." Ugh. Sorry, but that's a pet peeve of mine.
Recommendation: I recommend these but not as mysteries. And don't read too many in a row.
Comments:
These books are billed as mysteries but shouldn't be read as such -- meaning, you'll be frustrated if you are looking for a great mystery. The solutions are simple, the process is non-existent (no one goes about solving it rationally; many important questions go unanswered), and the main character spends most of his time navel-gazing and haplessly getting into binds. The mystery, like the book mobile, is merely a vehicle for telling a story about Israel Armstrong.
These books can be very funny. The author works in some hilarious dialog and reflections of a Jewish, vegetarian Londoner on the culture/dialect of Northern Ireland. However, I often found myself reading along, thinking "this is so funny" or "I will highly recommend this book" -- and then the author took it too far or carried on for too long until it was no longer funny, like a little kid that gets a laugh from her parents so she says her funny line again. And again. And again. All the same, I did get some good laughs from this book.
Be forewarned that the author is also a literary critic. Sometimes this can be funny and insightful, but other times it borders on offensive and seems almost like taking advantage of the reader to air his opinions.
I also was confused by the author's impressions of the religious culture in North Ireland. Sometimes, he has the local minister give the straight-up gospel (and I'm not sure why he includes long quotations from the sermons; are they meant to be satirical? or simply recording what one might hear?), other times the minister lapses into the very humanist "I-don't-really-believe-this-stuff-but-I-say-it-because-it's-nice-and-makes-everyone-feel-good." Ugh. Sorry, but that's a pet peeve of mine.
Recommendation: I recommend these but not as mysteries. And don't read too many in a row.
March 27, 2023
I enjoyed the first of this series way more than the reviews would suggest, and felt the same about this one, albeit slightly less so. I'll get my two gripes out of the way first. The main plot contrivance of "Innocent lead accused of crime, must prove self innocent" is a common thing in mystery novels but here it's extra hard to buy into, as there's literally no evidence to point to the main character and it's unbelievable that any police force would immediately make him their main suspect. It comes across as forced drama, which always irks me. Also, it's yet another book that pushes the reset button on the development of the previous book - In book 1, Israel struggles through a difficult adaptation process to the people and the rural lifestyle of his new job as the mobile librarian. Book 1 takes him to a general degree of acceptance and peace by the end, but then this book comes along and resets his attitude and relations back to mutual annoyance. That was kind of a bummer.
So those are my complaints. In praise, it's still a whole lot of fun. Reviewers fussed about the lack of a proper mystery in the first book, but here they get a proper kidnapping/vanishment and robbery. When the family ruler of a local mega-store dynasty vanishes, Israel is implicated in his disappearance and must clear his name by trying to solve the case himself. This involves his usual bungling, things go wildly wrong, and there's a lot of humor along the way. While I mentioned that it suffers from the 'reset' problem, it does give some welcome development of his relationships with a few locals, and he has some friendly help in this one which was warming to see. All in all, it remains a fun series and I look forward to more!
So those are my complaints. In praise, it's still a whole lot of fun. Reviewers fussed about the lack of a proper mystery in the first book, but here they get a proper kidnapping/vanishment and robbery. When the family ruler of a local mega-store dynasty vanishes, Israel is implicated in his disappearance and must clear his name by trying to solve the case himself. This involves his usual bungling, things go wildly wrong, and there's a lot of humor along the way. While I mentioned that it suffers from the 'reset' problem, it does give some welcome development of his relationships with a few locals, and he has some friendly help in this one which was warming to see. All in all, it remains a fun series and I look forward to more!
November 6, 2019
Two and a half stars.
Unfortunately I must agree that this book is a light-weight as far as mystery goes. The book is mainly about the travails of poor Israel Armstrong, bookmobile librarian. As a public librarian myself at one time, I had to smile at the inside librarian humor (customers asking for “the book with the blue cover”, etc.), but that gets old, fast. The Irish expressions also made me smile, though, as they remind me of friends from Northern Ireland.
There is a fair bit of Jewish humor as well (Israel’s mother, contrary to stereotype, couldn’t cook if she
tried; the police superintendent thinks Israel is Israeli because he definitely isn’t from Northern Ireland—he doesn’t even know the names of the nine glens!, etc.) Other than that, the book is fairly forgettable.
One reviewer thought Samson made the good people of Northern Ireland look like idiots and didn’t appreciate it. I wouldn’t go that far; I mean he does live there, and should know the people fairly well. It usually does take an outsider to notice the oddities/quirks and inconsistencies of a society or culture—anywhere. In the end, Sansom is an author, so he’s going to take creative license in creating his characters. I agree that he makes the Tumdrum police Sergeant seem like a cross between Barney Fife and U.S. Homeland Security, but who has never met a policeman who is a stickler for the rules? Besides, Israel is the same way-which is part of the reason for his being singled out. On the other hand, it is a sad truth that local police everywhere will look first at anyone who is ‘different’, anyone who doesn’t look or sound local.
Unfortunately I must agree that this book is a light-weight as far as mystery goes. The book is mainly about the travails of poor Israel Armstrong, bookmobile librarian. As a public librarian myself at one time, I had to smile at the inside librarian humor (customers asking for “the book with the blue cover”, etc.), but that gets old, fast. The Irish expressions also made me smile, though, as they remind me of friends from Northern Ireland.
There is a fair bit of Jewish humor as well (Israel’s mother, contrary to stereotype, couldn’t cook if she
tried; the police superintendent thinks Israel is Israeli because he definitely isn’t from Northern Ireland—he doesn’t even know the names of the nine glens!, etc.) Other than that, the book is fairly forgettable.
One reviewer thought Samson made the good people of Northern Ireland look like idiots and didn’t appreciate it. I wouldn’t go that far; I mean he does live there, and should know the people fairly well. It usually does take an outsider to notice the oddities/quirks and inconsistencies of a society or culture—anywhere. In the end, Sansom is an author, so he’s going to take creative license in creating his characters. I agree that he makes the Tumdrum police Sergeant seem like a cross between Barney Fife and U.S. Homeland Security, but who has never met a policeman who is a stickler for the rules? Besides, Israel is the same way-which is part of the reason for his being singled out. On the other hand, it is a sad truth that local police everywhere will look first at anyone who is ‘different’, anyone who doesn’t look or sound local.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
The character sketches in this series are unparalleled. Half the book is simply banal back-and-forth dialogue repartée…but this seems to be how the author constructs his situational comedies…and the dialogue is supposed to be funny in a sort of self-centric cultural mocking of Northern Irish observations. The personalities of the cast of characters are almost too real, but hilarious in their realistic reactions in the vein of the best of classic British comedies. This makes me feel a bit awkward when I find myself laughing out loud—like, am I being culturally insensitive? But no—the author is TRYING to get a rise out of me, even if it *is* at the expense of the Irish.
This book almost went too far with the situational comedy at the beginning of the book. While the main protagonist—Israel—is intended to be a luckless buffoon, the ill fortune heaped upon him in this second novel pushed the envelope of credibility and humor.
The other thing that becomes evident about this series (and the author’s writing style) is that everything gets conveniently tied-up and resolved in a very short, tight ending in both of the first two books… This doesn’t seem requisite…there seems to be plenty of fodder that could keep the story going and make for a much longer book. But the author seems to peeter-out all of a sudden and formulaically wrap-things-up in a fell swoop. Is this an intentional formula to keep the print books short and trite—like Hallmark romances—meant for easy, quickly-satisfying entertainment? Well…entertaining they are indeed. Like a guilty pleasure, I’m hooked.
This book almost went too far with the situational comedy at the beginning of the book. While the main protagonist—Israel—is intended to be a luckless buffoon, the ill fortune heaped upon him in this second novel pushed the envelope of credibility and humor.
The other thing that becomes evident about this series (and the author’s writing style) is that everything gets conveniently tied-up and resolved in a very short, tight ending in both of the first two books… This doesn’t seem requisite…there seems to be plenty of fodder that could keep the story going and make for a much longer book. But the author seems to peeter-out all of a sudden and formulaically wrap-things-up in a fell swoop. Is this an intentional formula to keep the print books short and trite—like Hallmark romances—meant for easy, quickly-satisfying entertainment? Well…entertaining they are indeed. Like a guilty pleasure, I’m hooked.
December 25, 2019
When I was first introduced to Israel Armstrong, he amused and intrigued me. He is an Englishman living in a small northern village in Northern Ireland. Further, he is Jewish and vegetarian. You cannot get more a fish out of water than that! The Case of the Missing Books was amusing and charming. Mr. Dixon Disappears was rather dry, sad and disappointing.
Israel comes off as snobbish, self-absorbing and his feeling sorry for himself comes before being accused of murder. As I went through the book, I found his friend Ted far more interesting, appealing and intelligent than Israel. And Israel was the college educated one.
This was more of a character exploration of the inhabitants than a story of who and why Mr. Dixon and monies disappeared.
Israel comes off as snobbish, self-absorbing and his feeling sorry for himself comes before being accused of murder. As I went through the book, I found his friend Ted far more interesting, appealing and intelligent than Israel. And Israel was the college educated one.
This was more of a character exploration of the inhabitants than a story of who and why Mr. Dixon and monies disappeared.
August 31, 2025
This was a mostly fun, little read. Lots of quirky characters in a small Northern Ireland town. I didn’t read the first book. I was confused about what brought Israel here from London to drive a book mobile. I also couldn’t figure out why he is so disliked. Okay, I disliked him, but that’s different. I found his character a little sad, living in a chicken coop, apparently too broke or disinterested to eat well, dress better, find a better place to live, get transportation, even a bike. I don’t know what circumstances brought him here, and I’m not sure how long he’s lived here, but, c’mon man, buck up. He’s 29 yesrs old. No friends. Actively disliked by many. Why? Why does George his landlord dislike him? Or his boss Lindaa? And what did Rosie get so mad about? He gave her a job. (Please do not let him get together with her in the fure.) If he is so disliked, why am I supposed to like him?
The whole premise of Israel being the only suspect in the burglary and potential kidnapping seemed farfetched. Then I thought about the current anti-immigrant climate in the U.S. right now and thought okay, maybe. But why would the author of a light hearted mystery go there?
I will admit that I was frustrated by Israel’s very verbal outrage with getting arrested. Shhh, Israel, don’t antagonize them. The I was forced to admit to myself (and now the workd) that I’ve been known to sass an officer-of-the law or two, when confronted by their (in my opinion) ineptitude.
I did like most of the quirky characters. But, again, am I supposed to like these characters? Angry Rosie and her overflowing ashtray? And Tommy. A groovy surfer who played in a band with Van Morrson. That’s cool. Why have this nice guy live in filth and squalor? Even the local pub. Why can’t that be a quaint pub with a fireplace and a dartboard? Instead it has a plywood bar and piles of urinal cakes.
After all that harping on what I didn’t like, I still did enjoy the story and had a few laughs out loud moments. Please let’s have Israel evolve in future books, though.
The whole premise of Israel being the only suspect in the burglary and potential kidnapping seemed farfetched. Then I thought about the current anti-immigrant climate in the U.S. right now and thought okay, maybe. But why would the author of a light hearted mystery go there?
I will admit that I was frustrated by Israel’s very verbal outrage with getting arrested. Shhh, Israel, don’t antagonize them. The I was forced to admit to myself (and now the workd) that I’ve been known to sass an officer-of-the law or two, when confronted by their (in my opinion) ineptitude.
I did like most of the quirky characters. But, again, am I supposed to like these characters? Angry Rosie and her overflowing ashtray? And Tommy. A groovy surfer who played in a band with Van Morrson. That’s cool. Why have this nice guy live in filth and squalor? Even the local pub. Why can’t that be a quaint pub with a fireplace and a dartboard? Instead it has a plywood bar and piles of urinal cakes.
After all that harping on what I didn’t like, I still did enjoy the story and had a few laughs out loud moments. Please let’s have Israel evolve in future books, though.
December 30, 2017
Freddo di chiamata
E' un modo di dire che non so quanti di voi conoscono. Sta ad indicare qualcuno che, nonostante venga sollecitato, non risponde al richiamo, non mostra reazioni. Il libro si legge scorrevolmente, la scrittura è tipicamente "british" con qualche ripetizione tipo "tic nervoso" un pò sfiancante. Non è terribile, ma non lascia il segno. A parte alcune interessanti riflessioni del protagonista, la situazione paradossale che si crea nella storia ha dei rimandi kafkiani, ma molto meno complessi. Il finale non al livello della suspense creata non è un difetto. Come dire, il viaggio sta nel mentre e non è soltanto il raggiungimento della mèta a determinare la bellezza di un'avventura. Tutto sommato, senza infamia nè lode. Non mi convince proseguire le orme dell'autore.
E' un modo di dire che non so quanti di voi conoscono. Sta ad indicare qualcuno che, nonostante venga sollecitato, non risponde al richiamo, non mostra reazioni. Il libro si legge scorrevolmente, la scrittura è tipicamente "british" con qualche ripetizione tipo "tic nervoso" un pò sfiancante. Non è terribile, ma non lascia il segno. A parte alcune interessanti riflessioni del protagonista, la situazione paradossale che si crea nella storia ha dei rimandi kafkiani, ma molto meno complessi. Il finale non al livello della suspense creata non è un difetto. Come dire, il viaggio sta nel mentre e non è soltanto il raggiungimento della mèta a determinare la bellezza di un'avventura. Tutto sommato, senza infamia nè lode. Non mi convince proseguire le orme dell'autore.
October 9, 2018
Povero Israel, dire che sia sfortunato, è un eufemismo!! Gliene capitano di ogni seriamente! Ma l'accusa di rapimento mancava XD
Da Londra si ritorna nella piovosa e nebbiosa Tundrum, teatro del misfatto, dove tutti ce l'hanno con il nostro protagonista.
In primis per quanto accaduto a Mister Dixon, proprietario dell'emporio e suo collaboratore per la mostra itinerante e che misteriosamente sparisce, con tanto di centomila sterline che custodiva nella cassaforte...
Dove si sarà mai cacciato?
Da Londra si ritorna nella piovosa e nebbiosa Tundrum, teatro del misfatto, dove tutti ce l'hanno con il nostro protagonista.
In primis per quanto accaduto a Mister Dixon, proprietario dell'emporio e suo collaboratore per la mostra itinerante e che misteriosamente sparisce, con tanto di centomila sterline che custodiva nella cassaforte...
Dove si sarà mai cacciato?
October 27, 2023
The second book in the Mobile Library series was okay, but nothing special. The main character is whiny, unsympathetic, and unlikeable. The mystery was bumbling, and nothing new within the series. Some of the side characters were interesting, and I love the Irish setting. I will continue the series, but it is not a top priority.
March 6, 2018
Anche questo secondo episodio è divertente, ma sicuramente non come il primo, e anche la trama è a tratti un po' prevedibile. Rimane comunque un libro godibile per chi ha voglia di leggere una storia che faccia anche sorridere.
January 31, 2019
I couldn't finish it. Israel's arrest was ridiculous, he police were ridiculous and i started skipping over huge chunks of useless rambling pages. I might try the 3rd book sometime in the future but for now I've had more than my fill of both obnoxious and sack characters and rambling stories.
March 20, 2024
I snag this at a library book fair. I didn’t realize it was part of a series, but it explains why things didn’t progress faster. I enjoyed it & if I came across the other books, I would likely pick them up.
May 9, 2025
The clueless librarian is back in another adventure. He's still flopping around like a well meaning fish out of water but this time he's accused of kidnap and robbery and must solve the crime to exonerate himself.
January 26, 2018
Listened as audio book. Far too much filler, not enough story, too many similes. Was glad when it was finished.
March 30, 2019
Merkelig bok om en engelsk bokbussbibliotekar i nord-Irland.
May 8, 2019
Im so in love with this mobile library series. I have read the first one this is book 2. Terrific stories, characters, just cant put it down.
July 8, 2019
I have to admit to putting this aside after an hour or so. The plot just dragged.
July 17, 2019
I'm trying hard to get into this series but it's not working for me. I'll give it one more try with book #3 but I don't have high hopes.
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