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Une glace ou la mort?
La ville de Larkin Mills détient deux records : les meilleures glaces du pays, et le plus grand nombre de morts improbables.
Un recueil de treize nouvelles aussi glaçantes qu'amusantes.
Un recueil de treize nouvelles aussi glaçantes qu'amusantes.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2016
33 people are currently reading
2140 people want to read
About the author
Gareth P. Jones
78 books153 followersGareth first started writing when he was very young but it wasn’t until he was in his early twenties that he completed his first novel. Having had it universally rejected he wrote a novel for children called Who Killed Charlie Twig, which received an equally unimpressed reception and remains rightly unpublished to this day.
Some years passed during which Gareth met his future wife, Lisa and began a career in TV, working on shows such as The Big Breakfast and Richard & Judy. Then one day he found himself having lunch at the offices of Bloomsbury. He mentioned the unpublished book to a nice lady called Sarah, who politely suggested that he should send in the first three chapters for her to look at (and most likely dismiss, she thought to herself). Gareth returned home and excitedly told his wife this news, who gently explained that the book he had written actually wasn’t very good, but reminded him that he had recently begun work on a much better idea. This turned out to be good advice. In 2007 Bloomsbury published the first of four books in the series The Dragon Detective Agency and have since published The Thornthwaite Inheritance, Space Crime Conspiracy and The Considine Curse. He has also written a shorter story, Perry’s 5, published by Barrington Stoke and a series of books called Ninja Meerkats, published by Stripes.
Gareth now divides his time between writing books, producing TV programmes, spending time with his wife and son, Herbie and playing the slightly ludicrous number of stringed instruments in his front room.
NOMINATIONS & AWARDS
The Dragon Detective Agency: The Case of the Missing Cats was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Prize.
The Thornthwaite Inheritance was shortlisted for eleven local book awards and won seven of them.
The Considine Curse was voted Blue Peter Book of the Year 2012.
Some years passed during which Gareth met his future wife, Lisa and began a career in TV, working on shows such as The Big Breakfast and Richard & Judy. Then one day he found himself having lunch at the offices of Bloomsbury. He mentioned the unpublished book to a nice lady called Sarah, who politely suggested that he should send in the first three chapters for her to look at (and most likely dismiss, she thought to herself). Gareth returned home and excitedly told his wife this news, who gently explained that the book he had written actually wasn’t very good, but reminded him that he had recently begun work on a much better idea. This turned out to be good advice. In 2007 Bloomsbury published the first of four books in the series The Dragon Detective Agency and have since published The Thornthwaite Inheritance, Space Crime Conspiracy and The Considine Curse. He has also written a shorter story, Perry’s 5, published by Barrington Stoke and a series of books called Ninja Meerkats, published by Stripes.
Gareth now divides his time between writing books, producing TV programmes, spending time with his wife and son, Herbie and playing the slightly ludicrous number of stringed instruments in his front room.
NOMINATIONS & AWARDS
The Dragon Detective Agency: The Case of the Missing Cats was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Prize.
The Thornthwaite Inheritance was shortlisted for eleven local book awards and won seven of them.
The Considine Curse was voted Blue Peter Book of the Year 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 17, 2017
In these interconnected short stories we get to explore the secrets of a fictional British small town called Larkin Mills. And it turns out there are quite a lot of them. There's also quite a lot of death in Larkin Mills.
Many of the protagonists are children, investigating strange occurrences like weird government experiments, houses full of sharks or a removal firm that It's full of dark humor and weird ideas, and a lot of "deals" are made that makes you think of making a deal with the devil. There are also a lot of basket weaving on TV, game shows were people have to burn their heirlooms if they lose, and salesmen that only sell anecdotes or questions. All the stories were good, although the very first one is my favorite. The first stories in the collection where more fun and quirky than scary, but there were a couple at the end that where genuinely unsettling.
The protagonists vary, but a lot of the characters are recurring. This gives the collection a nice continuity, and more often than not, happenings or conversations in one story tells you a bit more about what was going on in an earlier story. In the end, all of them are very well connected and end up telling a larger narrative. A much larger narrative, in fact.
Recommended as a Halloween read.
Many of the protagonists are children, investigating strange occurrences like weird government experiments, houses full of sharks or a removal firm that It's full of dark humor and weird ideas, and a lot of "deals" are made that makes you think of making a deal with the devil. There are also a lot of basket weaving on TV, game shows were people have to burn their heirlooms if they lose, and salesmen that only sell anecdotes or questions. All the stories were good, although the very first one is my favorite. The first stories in the collection where more fun and quirky than scary, but there were a couple at the end that where genuinely unsettling.
The protagonists vary, but a lot of the characters are recurring. This gives the collection a nice continuity, and more often than not, happenings or conversations in one story tells you a bit more about what was going on in an earlier story. In the end, all of them are very well connected and end up telling a larger narrative. A much larger narrative, in fact.
Recommended as a Halloween read.
Read
February 26, 2017DNF at Page 75.
This was the local YA Book Club pick for December! This is a MG read as well as YA set in a town called Larkin Mills where mysterious things occur and an ice-cream parlour serving a variety of flavours. The novel is divided into short stories that tie in with the town and some of the characters. Sadly, I found the constant changes in characters to be incredibly distracting as well as confusing. It was a weird read but for me, it was too weird. Expecting from the blurb of the published book to be a story following just one character, choosing to DNF since it just wasn't for me. Overall: Confusing and needed some clearer structure.
Follow me on Twitter @marriedtobooks3!
This was the local YA Book Club pick for December! This is a MG read as well as YA set in a town called Larkin Mills where mysterious things occur and an ice-cream parlour serving a variety of flavours. The novel is divided into short stories that tie in with the town and some of the characters. Sadly, I found the constant changes in characters to be incredibly distracting as well as confusing. It was a weird read but for me, it was too weird. Expecting from the blurb of the published book to be a story following just one character, choosing to DNF since it just wasn't for me. Overall: Confusing and needed some clearer structure.
Follow me on Twitter @marriedtobooks3!
January 18, 2016
A collection of 13 short stories all about the mysterious town of Larkin Mills. Strange things always happen in this town and even though at first it seems the stories are unconnected, slowly they paint a complete picture. Every story is quirky, weird, funny and dark. I enjoyed all of them and I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold.
Some strange stuff has happened, and keeps on happening in Larkin Mills. Some things that don't seem possible, or some things that just seem a little unlikely. The people that populate Larkin Mills? All a bit strange, but very willing to tell you a story!
The worst part of this book? I don't know what age group to recommend this for. I think this book is very well written and well edited, but the reading level/age of the stories seemed to differ. At work I'm definitely keeping this in the teen/YA section, because well... people definitely die and not always in the nicest way. That is part of the fun though, and if you know kids, you'll know that some 10 year olds are completely up for this stuff.
So as I was saying, the stories weren't all of the same level, but enjoyment wise? I think I liked all of them. Some have more mystery, some are deep and philosophical and some are just very fun!
If you like dark humour, you should definitely read this, regardless of your age!
Some strange stuff has happened, and keeps on happening in Larkin Mills. Some things that don't seem possible, or some things that just seem a little unlikely. The people that populate Larkin Mills? All a bit strange, but very willing to tell you a story!
The worst part of this book? I don't know what age group to recommend this for. I think this book is very well written and well edited, but the reading level/age of the stories seemed to differ. At work I'm definitely keeping this in the teen/YA section, because well... people definitely die and not always in the nicest way. That is part of the fun though, and if you know kids, you'll know that some 10 year olds are completely up for this stuff.
So as I was saying, the stories weren't all of the same level, but enjoyment wise? I think I liked all of them. Some have more mystery, some are deep and philosophical and some are just very fun!
If you like dark humour, you should definitely read this, regardless of your age!
February 12, 2018
This was so weird...
And I loved it! 👌🏼
And I loved it! 👌🏼
May 23, 2025
رمان مرگ یا بستنی؟ ترکیبی عجیب از طنز سیاه، واقعیتهای تلخ بزرگسالی، و فانتزیِ سوررئال نوجوانانه است. داستان در شهری بهظاهر معمولی (یا شاید نهچندان) جریان دارد، جایی که شخصیتها با مفاهیمی مثل مرگ، هویت، انتخاب، و البته... بستنی! مواجه میشوند.
نثر کتاب سرگرمکننده است و نویسنده با خلاقیت زیادی فضای عجیبی ساخته که گاهی یادآور آثار نیل گیمن یا داگلاس آدامز میافتد. اما همین «عجیب بودن» ممکن است برای همه خوشایند نباشد. روایت گاهی بیش از حد پراکنده و نمادگرایانه میشود، طوری که انسجام داستانی از دست میرود یا برخی لحظات احساسی، آنطور که باید، تاثیر نمیگذارند.
کتاب ایدههای خوبی دارد، ولی به نظر میرسد بیشتر از اینکه عمیق شود، سعی دارد متفاوت باشد—و این همیشه به نفعش نیست.
در مجموع، اگر از آثار عجیبوغریب با لحن تلخ–شیرین خوشت میآید، این کتاب تجربهی جالبیست. ولی اگر دنبال داستانی پرکشش و عاطفی هستی، شاید انتخابی ایدهآل نباشد.
نثر کتاب سرگرمکننده است و نویسنده با خلاقیت زیادی فضای عجیبی ساخته که گاهی یادآور آثار نیل گیمن یا داگلاس آدامز میافتد. اما همین «عجیب بودن» ممکن است برای همه خوشایند نباشد. روایت گاهی بیش از حد پراکنده و نمادگرایانه میشود، طوری که انسجام داستانی از دست میرود یا برخی لحظات احساسی، آنطور که باید، تاثیر نمیگذارند.
کتاب ایدههای خوبی دارد، ولی به نظر میرسد بیشتر از اینکه عمیق شود، سعی دارد متفاوت باشد—و این همیشه به نفعش نیست.
در مجموع، اگر از آثار عجیبوغریب با لحن تلخ–شیرین خوشت میآید، این کتاب تجربهی جالبیست. ولی اگر دنبال داستانی پرکشش و عاطفی هستی، شاید انتخابی ایدهآل نباشد.
November 2, 2019
Picking books out of the library because they have food in their title, and I was hungry, was probably not the best tactic, but this was wonderfully surprising. Totally bonkers at times, this is almost a collection of short stories, rather than one larger tale. Everything does somewhat interlink, and characters do pop up in each others chapters.
There were some really brilliant stand out moments, and at times it got really quite creepy. I loved how totally original it was, as well as being filled with humour and wit. This turned out to be a great Halloween read. I was a little disappointed with the ending, it all got a bit much, but other than that, I thought it was a great little read.
There were some really brilliant stand out moments, and at times it got really quite creepy. I loved how totally original it was, as well as being filled with humour and wit. This turned out to be a great Halloween read. I was a little disappointed with the ending, it all got a bit much, but other than that, I thought it was a great little read.
August 8, 2020
"They're late guests," he whispered. "They're late guests!" "What?" "They're dead. All of them. [...] All these dead people have woken up... and they want breakfast."
I
AM
IN
LOVE
!
You know when you come across a book and you're like "Gosh finally, this author sure gets me!". The true protagonist of this story is the town of Larkin Mills which is why I got serious Welcome to Night Vale vibes from it. I feel like I cannot really mention any of the weird and creepy things that happen in the city or any of its citizens since everything feels like a spoiler so I'll just say that beside the fact that I found this book somewhat confusing (since after a while you understand that every chapter is a stand-alone and that you don't necessarily need to remember all the starring characters) I loved the concept of Death or Ice Cream and I adored its execution! I'll surely re-read it (I hope there's a good audiobook of it) and I would recommend it as a Halloween read. Plus, that cover.. I wanna marry her..
📚 POPSUGAR | Reading Challenge 2019: A book you think should be turned into a movie(somebody call Tim Burton aSAP PLS!!)
I
AM
IN
LOVE
!
You know when you come across a book and you're like "Gosh finally, this author sure gets me!". The true protagonist of this story is the town of Larkin Mills which is why I got serious Welcome to Night Vale vibes from it. I feel like I cannot really mention any of the weird and creepy things that happen in the city or any of its citizens since everything feels like a spoiler so I'll just say that beside the fact that I found this book somewhat confusing (since after a while you understand that every chapter is a stand-alone and that you don't necessarily need to remember all the starring characters) I loved the concept of Death or Ice Cream and I adored its execution! I'll surely re-read it (I hope there's a good audiobook of it) and I would recommend it as a Halloween read. Plus, that cover.. I wanna marry her..
📚 POPSUGAR | Reading Challenge 2019: A book you think should be turned into a movie
April 4, 2016
The publisher kindly provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Death or Ice Cream was a really fun middle grade read - it can get pretty dark at times, but it is a gripping and suspenseful story at all times, combined with a lovely writing style that Gareth P. Jones possesses. I would definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you might enjoy at all :)
Death or Ice Cream was a really fun middle grade read - it can get pretty dark at times, but it is a gripping and suspenseful story at all times, combined with a lovely writing style that Gareth P. Jones possesses. I would definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you might enjoy at all :)
March 8, 2017
I loved the universe the author introduced us which reminded of Tim Burton's somehow. Those shorts stories are all at the same time funny but with a gloomy plot twist that leaves you sometimes speechless. It was also a nice idea to link all those stories together and to bump into the same characters on several occasions.
July 21, 2018
Yay for funny, creepy, intertwined short stories with awesome themes and magical realism and religion-stuff
May 22, 2025
خب من اصلا با این کتاب آشنایی نداشتم یکی از همکاران داخل نشر نیلوفر بعد از توضیحی که برای کتاب چقدر در تاریکی بهش دادیم
این کتاب رو از نشر ایرانیان پیشنهاد کرد
مختصر و مفید بخوام بگم من خوشم نیومد
چون انسجام قوی نداشت داستان ها و سبک خیلی کودکانه هم بود
نسبت به طرح جلد که فکر کنی الان یه داستان های تیره تاریک و دارک طرف هستیم نه
این کتاب رو از نشر ایرانیان پیشنهاد کرد
مختصر و مفید بخوام بگم من خوشم نیومد
چون انسجام قوی نداشت داستان ها و سبک خیلی کودکانه هم بود
نسبت به طرح جلد که فکر کنی الان یه داستان های تیره تاریک و دارک طرف هستیم نه
September 7, 2020
Denne samlingen med fortellinger fra samme lille by er rett og slett fortryllende.
Jeg slukte den. Den gir meg Goosebumps og Are you afraid of the dark? vibber, selv om den ikke er direkte nifs. Det er som twin peaks for yngre mennesker,kanskje?
Veldig gøy,ihvertfall.
Jeg slukte den. Den gir meg Goosebumps og Are you afraid of the dark? vibber, selv om den ikke er direkte nifs. Det er som twin peaks for yngre mennesker,kanskje?
Veldig gøy,ihvertfall.
July 19, 2017
For a long time I thought Neil Gaiman was the only one that could highlight the magic in the wicked and dark fantasies. Gareth P. Jones makes me see that was a foolish thought. This anthology is as tasty for my brain as a delicious dark ice cream chocolate with cherries on top. Although some stories might resemble creme brulee ice cream or mint and pistache gelato more.
Death or Ice Cream can be described as a horror story, although it's one that has a sense of wonder and magic often only found in fairy tales. Where most gruesome stories make you think of gray and muddy tones, this reminds me of highly saturated colors. I can't put my finger on it, but something about the story makes me think of my all time favorite TV-series Pushing Daisies. Perhaps it's the dark humor that's wrapped in a world of bright colors. If this ever gets made into a television series it might have to compete with said Pushing Daisies (although I bet it wouldn't have Lee Pace).
At first glance the stories might not seem very serious. There's sharks being neighbours, a hotel that doesn't just provide rooms for living guests, a wax museum and other silliness. Despite the words giving me visions of bright visuals there are many other layers behind the colorful world. Some tales go so deep that they even tackle a life long question about our excistence and creation. Ice cream doesn't only feature as the new apple (aka forbidden fruit), but is a metaphor for many things. Behind the silly and weird elements there's meaning of philosophy. The further this book got me hooked, the more I realized all stories intertwine. Spotting all the cameos gives the anthology an extra dimension.
What started out as asking this book for my birthday because I loved the cover, turned into one of the best reading experiences I had this year. This book stilled my hunger for a truly thrilling tale, but one with wonder, (dark) humor and colorful elements. Just the way I like my scary stories.
Death or Ice Cream can be described as a horror story, although it's one that has a sense of wonder and magic often only found in fairy tales. Where most gruesome stories make you think of gray and muddy tones, this reminds me of highly saturated colors. I can't put my finger on it, but something about the story makes me think of my all time favorite TV-series Pushing Daisies. Perhaps it's the dark humor that's wrapped in a world of bright colors. If this ever gets made into a television series it might have to compete with said Pushing Daisies (although I bet it wouldn't have Lee Pace).
At first glance the stories might not seem very serious. There's sharks being neighbours, a hotel that doesn't just provide rooms for living guests, a wax museum and other silliness. Despite the words giving me visions of bright visuals there are many other layers behind the colorful world. Some tales go so deep that they even tackle a life long question about our excistence and creation. Ice cream doesn't only feature as the new apple (aka forbidden fruit), but is a metaphor for many things. Behind the silly and weird elements there's meaning of philosophy. The further this book got me hooked, the more I realized all stories intertwine. Spotting all the cameos gives the anthology an extra dimension.
What started out as asking this book for my birthday because I loved the cover, turned into one of the best reading experiences I had this year. This book stilled my hunger for a truly thrilling tale, but one with wonder, (dark) humor and colorful elements. Just the way I like my scary stories.
October 15, 2017
Death or Ice Cream is a collection of interlinked short stories. All of the stories take place in the same small town, Larkin Mills, and feature a variety of characters. Some characters appear throughout, some only once, and some appear throughout in a variety of different forms. The stories themselves have magical elements and are spooky in nature.
This was a really fun collection. It should be read in order - due to the nature of the connections between each story. The reader spends the course of this collection observing the progression and conclusion of various story lines, in addition to exploring the mystery of what is truly behind the strange occurrences in this town.
I was pretty surprised to see people classifying this as middle grade - I've read YA books that felt younger. I think that this book works well for either age group - middle grade or teens (or adults, like your's truly). A word to the wise: you do have to think and analyze each story a little bit, since it jumps between characters and time periods. Still, I do think this is a good collection for people who aren't big short story collection fans - due to the connections between the stories. I found this to be a really fun collection and a great Halloween read.
This was a really fun collection. It should be read in order - due to the nature of the connections between each story. The reader spends the course of this collection observing the progression and conclusion of various story lines, in addition to exploring the mystery of what is truly behind the strange occurrences in this town.
I was pretty surprised to see people classifying this as middle grade - I've read YA books that felt younger. I think that this book works well for either age group - middle grade or teens (or adults, like your's truly). A word to the wise: you do have to think and analyze each story a little bit, since it jumps between characters and time periods. Still, I do think this is a good collection for people who aren't big short story collection fans - due to the connections between the stories. I found this to be a really fun collection and a great Halloween read.
February 11, 2016
Welcome to Larkin Mills, a town with only one hotel – a very interesting one at that, a waxwork museum that only has famous waxworks of local residents on display and Mr Morricone ice cream parlour.
A town I wish I could visit.
Larkin Mills is peculiar, mysterious and you don’t want to look too closely because since it was founded this town has had an interesting battle, one of death or ice cream.
I always love how Gareth P Jones creates such brilliant characters and in this book there are plenty. Death or Ice Cream is a short story collection of sorts, yet they link together and you’ll find recurring characters such as Mr Morricone. Given the number of character and stories you’d think there would be confusion but no, I thought it was well balanced so the reader could follow exactly what was happening.
I loved Death or Ice Cream from the moment I began reading.
A town I wish I could visit.
Larkin Mills is peculiar, mysterious and you don’t want to look too closely because since it was founded this town has had an interesting battle, one of death or ice cream.
I always love how Gareth P Jones creates such brilliant characters and in this book there are plenty. Death or Ice Cream is a short story collection of sorts, yet they link together and you’ll find recurring characters such as Mr Morricone. Given the number of character and stories you’d think there would be confusion but no, I thought it was well balanced so the reader could follow exactly what was happening.
I loved Death or Ice Cream from the moment I began reading.
September 29, 2021
Die Geschichten um die Stadt Larkin Mills und ihre Einwohner sind alle wunderbar skurril, morbide und einfallsreich.
Vom Aufbau her haben mich einige Geschichten sehr an Stephen King erinnert, aber vielleicht auch nur weil die Protagonisten meistens Kinder sind die sich gegen die Grausamkeiten der erwachsenen Welt zur Wehr setzen. Besonders schön fand ich dass sich die Geschichten gegen Ende hin alle verbinden, ich dachte anfangs man bekommt einfach eine lose Reihe an Kurzgeschichten geliefert. Aber das ist hier nicht der Fall.
Genau die Art von Humor und Skurrilität die ich liebe. Wie gerne würde ich selbst mal einen Ausflug nach Larkin Mills machen.
Vom Aufbau her haben mich einige Geschichten sehr an Stephen King erinnert, aber vielleicht auch nur weil die Protagonisten meistens Kinder sind die sich gegen die Grausamkeiten der erwachsenen Welt zur Wehr setzen. Besonders schön fand ich dass sich die Geschichten gegen Ende hin alle verbinden, ich dachte anfangs man bekommt einfach eine lose Reihe an Kurzgeschichten geliefert. Aber das ist hier nicht der Fall.
Genau die Art von Humor und Skurrilität die ich liebe. Wie gerne würde ich selbst mal einen Ausflug nach Larkin Mills machen.
November 8, 2016
A weird, funny book with some absolutely stand-out moments of clever writing, humour and great story crossovers. Some of the book felt a little confusing and disjointed and I was a little bit let down by the ending, but overall a pretty fun read.
December 18, 2017
Wonderfully weird collection of dark tales that gradually interweave. Full of dark humour and creepy characters. Highly imaginative and, even though the subject of death permeates every page, it's great fun too!
February 2, 2016
I loved this. It was weird, wacky and wonderful. My real rating is probably more of a 3.5. I loved the short story feel to it, but that they connected in some ways. Full review to come.
March 15, 2019
Très bon recueil de nouvelles !
March 26, 2020
If you are looking for a fictional palette cleanser, look no further!
I thought this was a good book, but I think I read it over such a long stretch of time that I kept forgetting or getting confused about the characters and how their stories intertwined. I think I will pick this book up again at another point because I really did find it a fascinating read both in the writing and the structure (many little stories, but the characters lives all intertwine in some way...).
It reminded me of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. I reckon this is quite a cinematic story, I could definitely see someone like Tim Burton picking this book up and adapting it to screen.
The reason why it's not a 5 star book is because I was never completely grabbed, but I think given the time I was reading it (during a pandemic) I had a lot of things on my mind! The highlight for me was the last ten pages or so - what an ending! Looking forward to picking this snack-sized book up again and possibly exploring the other books Gareth P. Jones.
I thought this was a good book, but I think I read it over such a long stretch of time that I kept forgetting or getting confused about the characters and how their stories intertwined. I think I will pick this book up again at another point because I really did find it a fascinating read both in the writing and the structure (many little stories, but the characters lives all intertwine in some way...).
It reminded me of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. I reckon this is quite a cinematic story, I could definitely see someone like Tim Burton picking this book up and adapting it to screen.
The reason why it's not a 5 star book is because I was never completely grabbed, but I think given the time I was reading it (during a pandemic) I had a lot of things on my mind! The highlight for me was the last ten pages or so - what an ending! Looking forward to picking this snack-sized book up again and possibly exploring the other books Gareth P. Jones.
January 23, 2016
One of my anticipated Winter releases and I was so looking forward to reading it that I picked it up as soon as it arrived. This book was just what I expected; dark and funny, and just a little bit twisted. The story isn't told in a linear way, so it takes a while to get the flow of the book and the different plot lines that constitute the whole story, but I loved it's originality. Want to read something that's different? Here you go!
October 30, 2020
2018: i dont fuck with that clip clop
2020 update: 4.5 // i just finished rereading this and although i dont usually like anthologies i still thought this was really good. probably because the stories are all set in the same town and are connected in some way.
2020 update: 4.5 // i just finished rereading this and although i dont usually like anthologies i still thought this was really good. probably because the stories are all set in the same town and are connected in some way.
January 3, 2018
A middle-grade masterpiece.
The wit, the weirdness and the dark humor reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events, 100% recommend!
Great as a Halloween read as well.
The wit, the weirdness and the dark humor reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events, 100% recommend!
Great as a Halloween read as well.
July 18, 2017
The librarian suggested this for my 10 year old daughter (it would suit both genders) at her book club. I'm pleased I read it with her as it was a bit too dark in spots, I think it may have been a better read in a year or so. We both enjoyed it though, but I did have to explain a lot to her to make the connections between the stories, or even within the stories - and she's pretty good at being able to make connections. I found myself lost at times too. As an adult, you do pick holes in the parts that don't add up, but to a child, they'd not care. I was left a little underwhelmed as to how it was all brought together, it was just a bit too vague for a kid. However it invited discussion and she learnt some new words and it was nice to see her trying to join the dots together and hear her hypothesis on what she thought was going on. At the end, we didn't quite understand who was who still. But we enjoyed the time together reading and discussing. She wouldn't have enjoyed it without my guidance though. It was fun to read something written in a new and quirky way for kids though, quite different from anything we've read yet.
August 3, 2017
Loved the cover and the illustrations and I'm glad to say I also loved the story. Or stories...? No. Story.
This book starts off with a number of short stories, told from the perspective of different characters within the same town, slowly weaving it all together. In the end creating a cohesive narrative. Because of this I didn't really prefer one character over another in the end. The overarcing story made them all feel like a part of the grand design and this supported the overal theme in the end, which I liked.
It is pretty dark, but it does do dark very well. Definately one to remember and maybe reread in a couple of years or just keep an eye on the author.
Speaking of the author. I thought the 'about' section at the end of the book was pretty funny considering he's active on Goodreads. Definately fits in with the theme of the book. Don't let go of that egg any time soon ;)
This book starts off with a number of short stories, told from the perspective of different characters within the same town, slowly weaving it all together. In the end creating a cohesive narrative. Because of this I didn't really prefer one character over another in the end. The overarcing story made them all feel like a part of the grand design and this supported the overal theme in the end, which I liked.
It is pretty dark, but it does do dark very well. Definately one to remember and maybe reread in a couple of years or just keep an eye on the author.
Speaking of the author. I thought the 'about' section at the end of the book was pretty funny considering he's active on Goodreads. Definately fits in with the theme of the book. Don't let go of that egg any time soon ;)
August 6, 2022
پایان: ۱۴۰۱/۵/۱۵
وقتی به اسم کتاب برمیخورید میگید: وا، یعنی چی؟ موضوع چیه؟؟
ولی واقعا موضوع کتاب مرگ و بستنی هست. خیلی وقت بود میخواستم بخونمش و بلاخره خوندمش.
داستان خیلی خوبی داشت. ماجراجویی بود و ماجراهای ترسناک هم گذاشته بود.(ولب ترسناک نبود)
نوع نگراش داستان واسه من جالب و جدید بود.
داستانهایی کوتاه از افراد شهر که همهی نکانی که گفته میشود بعدا داستانی جدا داره.
نکتهی جالب داستان اینکه به تمامی سوالاتی که ایجاد میشه جواب داده میشود ولی باید صبور باشید. و حتی نوع نگارش پاسخ سوالات هم خیلی جالب بود.
از قلم نویسنده خیلی خوشم اومد.
در کتاب مخصوصا آخراب کتاب به مفهوم مرگ توجه شد و تعریف هایی گفته میشد که واقعا زیباد بود!
در اوایل و وسطها بیشتر روی مفهوم خیر و شر توجه داشت و در آخراش به مفهوم مرگ و بستنی که برام جالب بود.
خوندنش تجربهی جالی بود♡
تنها نکتهی منفی که میخوام درمورد ترجمه بگم(شاید هم واسه ویراستار باشه من زیاد سررشتهای در مورد این موضوع ندارم)
برای هیچکدوم از اسمها پینوشتی وجود نداره.
مثلا برای اسم راس یا دوروتی هیچ تیکهای وجود نداشت که اسم رو به انگیلیسی بنویسیم و سر بعضی از اسم ها خیلی سخت بود. چون تلفظ درست رو نمیدونستم کدومه؟
ولی بقیه ترجمه خیلی خوب بود و حتی بنظرم خیلی دلنشین ترجمه شده بود.
وقتی به اسم کتاب برمیخورید میگید: وا، یعنی چی؟ موضوع چیه؟؟
ولی واقعا موضوع کتاب مرگ و بستنی هست. خیلی وقت بود میخواستم بخونمش و بلاخره خوندمش.
داستان خیلی خوبی داشت. ماجراجویی بود و ماجراهای ترسناک هم گذاشته بود.(ولب ترسناک نبود)
نوع نگراش داستان واسه من جالب و جدید بود.
داستانهایی کوتاه از افراد شهر که همهی نکانی که گفته میشود بعدا داستانی جدا داره.
نکتهی جالب داستان اینکه به تمامی سوالاتی که ایجاد میشه جواب داده میشود ولی باید صبور باشید. و حتی نوع نگارش پاسخ سوالات هم خیلی جالب بود.
از قلم نویسنده خیلی خوشم اومد.
در کتاب مخصوصا آخراب کتاب به مفهوم مرگ توجه شد و تعریف هایی گفته میشد که واقعا زیباد بود!
در اوایل و وسطها بیشتر روی مفهوم خیر و شر توجه داشت و در آخراش به مفهوم مرگ و بستنی که برام جالب بود.
خوندنش تجربهی جالی بود♡
تنها نکتهی منفی که میخوام درمورد ترجمه بگم(شاید هم واسه ویراستار باشه من زیاد سررشتهای در مورد این موضوع ندارم)
برای هیچکدوم از اسمها پینوشتی وجود نداره.
مثلا برای اسم راس یا دوروتی هیچ تیکهای وجود نداشت که اسم رو به انگیلیسی بنویسیم و سر بعضی از اسم ها خیلی سخت بود. چون تلفظ درست رو نمیدونستم کدومه؟
ولی بقیه ترجمه خیلی خوب بود و حتی بنظرم خیلی دلنشین ترجمه شده بود.
August 18, 2020
I grabbed this because I needed a book with ice cream on the cover for a challenge and had both really enjoyed this author's Thornthwaite books and also really didn't want to read a cozy mystery or romance book which seems to be what most books with ice cream on the cover turn out to be. Despite picking it up for a kind of silly reason I really ended up enjoying it and even toyed with giving it five stars, although ultimately I settled on four. I really liked how each story had details from the stories before it and how they all came together at the end. This author is very good at balancing what are actually really messed up ideas with a lot of whimsy and humor to make them fun for adults and children alike. Definitely glad I picked this up!
August 24, 2020
I love reading short-stories. They are kind of surreal because you get this vivid imagery in your head and yet you are left to ponder over the ending and world-building.
What's more interesting than a short-story? A short story with a hint of fantasy elements in it.
Death or Ice Cream is a short-story cycle that is, all the stories in this collection are interconnected to each other. The premise of each story is unique and dreamy. You have demons, devil, curses and myths. The plot and quirky characters are truly chef's kiss.
I docked stars because of two reasons:
1. The setting: The town of Larkin Mills wasn't spooky enough. I wanted the setting to be much more vivid and eerie.
2.I didn't want to get back to the book. But when I did get back to it, I enjoyed it greatly.
If you are looking for a fun spooky middle-grade which scratches the surface on topics like good & evil, this is it.
What's more interesting than a short-story? A short story with a hint of fantasy elements in it.
Death or Ice Cream is a short-story cycle that is, all the stories in this collection are interconnected to each other. The premise of each story is unique and dreamy. You have demons, devil, curses and myths. The plot and quirky characters are truly chef's kiss.
I docked stars because of two reasons:
1. The setting: The town of Larkin Mills wasn't spooky enough. I wanted the setting to be much more vivid and eerie.
2.I didn't want to get back to the book. But when I did get back to it, I enjoyed it greatly.
If you are looking for a fun spooky middle-grade which scratches the surface on topics like good & evil, this is it.
October 16, 2018
Okay, this is the second time I've read this book and it was just as amazing! 😆
I really recommend you pick it up for Halloween🎃 as it is perfect! I personally love how characters from one story seamlessly glide in to the next! The characters were great and I really like the salesman for some strange reason I just think he's a interesting character that I would like to learn more about. The dogem runners is definitely the SCARIEST story however they are all CREEPY ( just want to make sure the difference between those words are clear). However every good book has its downfalls and so the only reasons I gave it 4 stars not 5 are really:
1) I feel that some stories were not really needed such as, the art of scaring, I mean Oscar was a cute character however I feel it was not really needed
And
2) I have to be honest I was disappointed with the ending, it's metaphorical in the sense of good and evil constantly at war I just didn't really like it but none the less, a solid read for this time of year!
I really recommend you pick it up for Halloween🎃 as it is perfect! I personally love how characters from one story seamlessly glide in to the next! The characters were great and I really like the salesman for some strange reason I just think he's a interesting character that I would like to learn more about. The dogem runners is definitely the SCARIEST story however they are all CREEPY ( just want to make sure the difference between those words are clear). However every good book has its downfalls and so the only reasons I gave it 4 stars not 5 are really:
1) I feel that some stories were not really needed such as, the art of scaring, I mean Oscar was a cute character however I feel it was not really needed
And
2) I have to be honest I was disappointed with the ending, it's metaphorical in the sense of good and evil constantly at war I just didn't really like it but none the less, a solid read for this time of year!
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