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If Pigs Could Fly
“West Kensington Paranormal Detective Agency. Doctor Ravinder Shah speaking. No case too weird, no problem too bizarre. Strangeness a speciality. How can I help you?”
London Social Worker Rav Shah moonlights as a paranormal detective, aided by one of his clients and a Border Collie he rents by the hour. It was supposed to be a bit of fun: a search for truths out there; a quest for a life more interesting than the one that fate, destiny, and personal apathy had granted him.
But then a case involving a Yorkshire farmer and a herd of flying pigs leads him into a world darker and more dangerous than he’d ever dreamed.
The truth is indeed out there.
And it’s got Rav square in its sights.
London Social Worker Rav Shah moonlights as a paranormal detective, aided by one of his clients and a Border Collie he rents by the hour. It was supposed to be a bit of fun: a search for truths out there; a quest for a life more interesting than the one that fate, destiny, and personal apathy had granted him.
But then a case involving a Yorkshire farmer and a herd of flying pigs leads him into a world darker and more dangerous than he’d ever dreamed.
The truth is indeed out there.
And it’s got Rav square in its sights.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
75 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Jonny Nexus
10 books31 followersI'm a Lancashire based IT guy who moonlights as a writer in my spare time. When not doing that, I spend time with my wife, daughter and dog; read; watch TV, films and the occasional work of theatre; and engage in intermittent bouts of extremely bad roleplaying.
I began my writing career by launching the cult gaming webzine Critical Miss (criticalmiss.com), before moving on to write regular columns for the roleplaying magazines Valkyrie and Signs & Portents, as well as penning the Slayers’ Guide to Games Masters for Mongoose Publishing.
My first novel Game Night, originally published in 2007, was shortlisted for an ENnie award in 2008. My second novel, the offbeat urban fantasy If Pigs Could Fly, will be released in autumn this year.
I began my writing career by launching the cult gaming webzine Critical Miss (criticalmiss.com), before moving on to write regular columns for the roleplaying magazines Valkyrie and Signs & Portents, as well as penning the Slayers’ Guide to Games Masters for Mongoose Publishing.
My first novel Game Night, originally published in 2007, was shortlisted for an ENnie award in 2008. My second novel, the offbeat urban fantasy If Pigs Could Fly, will be released in autumn this year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 5, 2015
I've been lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC copy of this, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
'If Pigs could Fly...' is not actually unputdownable. It is instead, more-ish, like a packet of high quality biscuits. You know you won't let yourself binge on the entire thing in one sitting, but somehow it still disappears a lot faster than you expected. I'll just read one more short chapter...
Dr Ravinder Shah is endearingly imperfect, without any significant advantages as a hero beyond a working brain, a reasonable amount of credulity for the weird things he has suddenly encountered, and some native stubbornness. The Professor and Jess are fit companions in adventure, although I'm hoping that the Professor's background and role as 'fount of information Rav needs' will be further examined in future books about the trio. With curiosity bringing the West Kensington Paranormal Detective Agency's Lead Investigation Team into conflict with vampires, conspiracies and the cumbersome and sometimes inflexible nature of bureaucratic rules governing most public sector UK jobs, a simple case of flying pigs turns out to be a symptom of something much, much worse.
The action moves along logically (allowing for the basic implausible nature of a paranormal investigation plot-line) and is sufficiently well paced to easily maintain the reader's interest. There is a certain level of graphic brutality, and certainly a degree of graphic language used throughout some of the higher tension scenes in the novel that would lead me away from recommending it to a young or young adult audience, however such scenes and language are never gratuitous and feel completely in keeping as Rav and co find themselves more and more desperate as they become more deeply enmeshed in the affairs of the conspiracy they have accidentally stumbled across.
Jonny Nexus has a genius for setting his weirdness firmly in Britain, with what feels like first-hand local detail and a marvellous deadpan delivery of Ravinder's mishaps, whether at the hands of supernatural entities and their minions, the local constabulary or his boss. With shades of the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovich, classic British humour of the absurd treated logically and consistently, whether regarding human or non-human behaviour, a sympathetic main character, a beautiful Chekov's Gun moment and liberally peppered with self-aware pop-culture references, this is a more assured novel than the début 'Game Night'. This time round, Nexus lets the plot carry the humour, rather than the humour warping the plot, and the experience is all the better for it.
There are enough dangling threads left to make further adventures plausible without any kind of cliffhanger nonsense, and I'm pleasantly looking forward to reading a second outing from Ravinder and crew.
'If Pigs could Fly...' is not actually unputdownable. It is instead, more-ish, like a packet of high quality biscuits. You know you won't let yourself binge on the entire thing in one sitting, but somehow it still disappears a lot faster than you expected. I'll just read one more short chapter...
Dr Ravinder Shah is endearingly imperfect, without any significant advantages as a hero beyond a working brain, a reasonable amount of credulity for the weird things he has suddenly encountered, and some native stubbornness. The Professor and Jess are fit companions in adventure, although I'm hoping that the Professor's background and role as 'fount of information Rav needs' will be further examined in future books about the trio. With curiosity bringing the West Kensington Paranormal Detective Agency's Lead Investigation Team into conflict with vampires, conspiracies and the cumbersome and sometimes inflexible nature of bureaucratic rules governing most public sector UK jobs, a simple case of flying pigs turns out to be a symptom of something much, much worse.
The action moves along logically (allowing for the basic implausible nature of a paranormal investigation plot-line) and is sufficiently well paced to easily maintain the reader's interest. There is a certain level of graphic brutality, and certainly a degree of graphic language used throughout some of the higher tension scenes in the novel that would lead me away from recommending it to a young or young adult audience, however such scenes and language are never gratuitous and feel completely in keeping as Rav and co find themselves more and more desperate as they become more deeply enmeshed in the affairs of the conspiracy they have accidentally stumbled across.
Jonny Nexus has a genius for setting his weirdness firmly in Britain, with what feels like first-hand local detail and a marvellous deadpan delivery of Ravinder's mishaps, whether at the hands of supernatural entities and their minions, the local constabulary or his boss. With shades of the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovich, classic British humour of the absurd treated logically and consistently, whether regarding human or non-human behaviour, a sympathetic main character, a beautiful Chekov's Gun moment and liberally peppered with self-aware pop-culture references, this is a more assured novel than the début 'Game Night'. This time round, Nexus lets the plot carry the humour, rather than the humour warping the plot, and the experience is all the better for it.
There are enough dangling threads left to make further adventures plausible without any kind of cliffhanger nonsense, and I'm pleasantly looking forward to reading a second outing from Ravinder and crew.
September 10, 2015
I really liked this book - I won it on Goodreads - but on the strength of this bought another of his books straight away. A social worker for a hero is almost a paranormal event on it's own, especially a male one!It's funny, pacy, and original. Lots of nice little in jokes, but also a good plot, and engaging characters. Hopefully there will be more in this series.
June 12, 2016
I have had this Goodreads win on my "must read next" pile for too long. Well I have just finished it and it is now being moved to the "must tell everyone to read it" pile. I absolutely loved it, Rav, the social worker, the adorably patient Professor and the amazing Jess are the West Kensington Paranormal Detective Agency and this book is a brilliant mix of very British humour with some genuinely laugh out loud moments. The villains are so unexpected and absolutely terrifying I cannot say too much more without spoiling it, just to say read this book, lets hope Jonny Nexus writes lots more adventures for these three brilliant heroes and maybe a television series could be made - I already have my ideas of who could play these fabulous characters.
October 4, 2015
So pleased to have a won this book in the recent Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
I really enjoyed reading this book, which soon had me turning the pages. Loved the humour which is a first for me, as I never really enjoy books that have humour. It made a change to read a book by a local author. I never write what a book is about, for fear of spoiling for others. I do highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book, which soon had me turning the pages. Loved the humour which is a first for me, as I never really enjoy books that have humour. It made a change to read a book by a local author. I never write what a book is about, for fear of spoiling for others. I do highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2019
I managed to get hold of an ARC of Jonny Nexus' most recent work, 'if pigs could fly '.
I couldn't put it down! A relaxed and enjoyable style, weaving the mundane, the supernatural and great humor. I was intreagued by the plot and had to find out what happened next whilst also finding myself giggling in self recognition at some of the characters social situations.
I hope we hear more from this series.
I couldn't put it down! A relaxed and enjoyable style, weaving the mundane, the supernatural and great humor. I was intreagued by the plot and had to find out what happened next whilst also finding myself giggling in self recognition at some of the characters social situations.
I hope we hear more from this series.
August 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Game Night, the first Jonny Nexus book, and so I've been eagerly awaiting If Pigs Could Fly. If Pigs Could Fly might deal with a different theme, but Jonny's trademark quick-witted style and Pratchettesque descriptions shine through, as we chase the eccentric professor, Rav, and Jess the Dog (the main West Kensington Paranormal Detective Agency) on their harebrained schemes around the UK.
October 20, 2015
This was brilliant.
Fantastically funny and very very British. Highly recommended. Looking forward to the next case!
Fantastically funny and very very British. Highly recommended. Looking forward to the next case!
January 6, 2020
Whew, what a title!
When a book opens with the line “The mist clung to the moorland like a blanket staple-gunned to a bed.” then you know you are in for an enjoyable read. And that is just what If Pigs Could Fly gives us.
It’s kind of difficult to accurately describe If Pigs Could Fly, but I think the best way would be to say it’s part X-Files part What We Do In The Shadows. In that, I mean that there are some parts of the book that a bit more serious while there are other passages that are just plain ridiculous. This doesn’t mean that those passages are bad – far from it in fact. They are just so silly and over the top that the comparison must be made.
The characters in If Pigs Could Fly are an eclectic bunch. I dare say that any reader would be hard pressed to find someone that they cannot relate to in some way. Also, not every character is likable. The only exception to this would be the Professor and the dog, Jess. Those two are incredibly lovable.
One reviewer on Goodreads compared the book to “a packet of high quality biscuits” – cookies for my American readers – and I must agree. Once you start reading and getting in to the story, it is very easy to binge and read the entire book in one sitting. But like with a delicious treat, one tries to control the urge and dole out small servings, the better to savor and enjoy it.
The ONLY drawback I can find is that this is the only book in the series. While If Pigs Could Fly is subtitled as the first book of the series, sadly there is no second book. This makes me very sad because when one comes across an author who at times channels the great Douglas Adams, one invariably wants to read more. And while I will be reading and reviewing more of Jonny Nexus’ novels in the future, I will have to bide my time and wait for another tale from the West Kensington Paranormal Detective Agency.
April 9, 2016
I was lucky enough to win a copy of If Pigs Could Fly in one of the Good Reads giveaways.
The first few chapters were a great introduction to the characters involved in the story but I did wonder what I had let myself in for when vampires and pigs featured prominently!
However, I was pleasantly surprised by a very engaging story....Rav is an extremely likeable protagonist. Together with his two sidekicks; the professor, who a man after my own heart, likes a bit of adventure but also nothing better than afternoon tea and cake and Jess the Border Collie who is a very intuitive and entertaining canine.
The humour Jonny Nexus uses throughout the book is great. I agree with other reviewers who liken his snippets to Pratchett - never a bad thing in my mind!!
I look forward to reading more of Jonny, having enjoyed this interesting taster of his work.
The first few chapters were a great introduction to the characters involved in the story but I did wonder what I had let myself in for when vampires and pigs featured prominently!
However, I was pleasantly surprised by a very engaging story....Rav is an extremely likeable protagonist. Together with his two sidekicks; the professor, who a man after my own heart, likes a bit of adventure but also nothing better than afternoon tea and cake and Jess the Border Collie who is a very intuitive and entertaining canine.
The humour Jonny Nexus uses throughout the book is great. I agree with other reviewers who liken his snippets to Pratchett - never a bad thing in my mind!!
I look forward to reading more of Jonny, having enjoyed this interesting taster of his work.
July 10, 2015
I read Jonny's new book last week and really rather enjoyed it. Our hero, a London social worker and his fearless crew, one of his elderly clients and a sheepdog he rents by the hour, become embroiled in a tale of flying pigs which soon become the least of his worries. This and other dangers that leads me to believe that the North should be avoided at all costs. Jonny has a nice eye for detail and the plot buzzes along bedecked with Pratchett-esque observations. If you liked the Dresden Files but longed for the occasional cup of tea and better manners, or Rivers of London but found the good guys just a bit too competent, then this should be right up your street.
July 21, 2015
Game Night was an amazing novel, and so I've really been looking forward to reading Nexus' second novel, If Pigs Could Fly. He's transferred from roleplaying games to urban fantasy, and whilst my heart will always be more in the realm of Game Night, this is also a very good novel. It's funny, it's compelling, the characters are interesting, it's better plotted than a lot of novels and it's just generally worth a look! I'd definitely recommend giving it a go.
August 1, 2015
Dry wit, an eye for the absurdities of how people see what they want to see and a mystery that drew me in far quicker than I thought it would. Having grown up in West London, and in particular the Hounslow area, there was a lot here that had me chuckling in recognition, but the story didn't suffer from being overwhelmed with in-jokes. Instead it builds on your expectations with a slick shuffle that then pulls the rug from underneath you.
An urban fantasy that manages to be urbane and humane, with more than a dash of exasperation.
An urban fantasy that manages to be urbane and humane, with more than a dash of exasperation.
October 11, 2015
Another wonderfully funny book
I loved Game Night when I first read it, and this is as good or even better. With a metric shitload (equal to 2.2 imperial shitloads) of jokes, but also suspense and some true excitement. I eagerly await the next installment of the adventures of Rav, Jess and the professor ( and of course Reese must be there too, and maybe even poor lovesick Alan) I just hope it isn't seven more years until Jonny Nexus' next book.
I loved Game Night when I first read it, and this is as good or even better. With a metric shitload (equal to 2.2 imperial shitloads) of jokes, but also suspense and some true excitement. I eagerly await the next installment of the adventures of Rav, Jess and the professor ( and of course Reese must be there too, and maybe even poor lovesick Alan) I just hope it isn't seven more years until Jonny Nexus' next book.
September 19, 2015
Loved it - and I hope there will be a series of these.
I don't normally read things with "paranormal" in the title. On this occasion, that element didn't get in the way of my enjoyment and fun of the story. In fact, looking back, I just accepted the characters as regular folk that happen to be just a bit different from regular humans.
I don't normally read things with "paranormal" in the title. On this occasion, that element didn't get in the way of my enjoyment and fun of the story. In fact, looking back, I just accepted the characters as regular folk that happen to be just a bit different from regular humans.
December 20, 2016
Just like with his previous book Game Night, Jonny Nexus once again does a great job with satire. In particular with the urban fantasy tropes. It moves at a brisk pace and has such great dialogue. I recommend it to fans of Dirk Gently or Game Night.
August 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, the pace was good and the characters were very interesting
August 14, 2015
Excellent humorous fantasy from the pen of Jonny Nexus.
September 19, 2017
After enjoying another book on my to read list I decided to try my luck again and found myself a copy of If pigs could fly. I found this book to be well written and enjoyed the comic undertone throughout. Having worked in social service I also greatly appreciated the social worker "stand off" that appeared later in the story.
I wasn't as keen on the ending and would liked to have found out a bit more about the mysterious Reece but overall this was a fun read and certainly helped my recent train journey fly by.
I wasn't as keen on the ending and would liked to have found out a bit more about the mysterious Reece but overall this was a fun read and certainly helped my recent train journey fly by.
April 2, 2019
I swear to all that is holy that I loved this book so much that right after reading it on KindleUnlimited, I immediately turned around and bought it. Seriously, I laughed out loud so many times and not just a chuckle, no, I'm talking laughing so hard my stomach hurt and I had tears in my eyes. And besides the laugh out loud moments the story itself is pretty entertaining too. I really, really hope the author hurries up and writes the next book in the series!
October 31, 2019
A wonderful addition to the urban fantasy genre, with a social-worker-turned-vampire-hunter teamed up with an elderly charge and an enthusiastic dog to tackle a sinister plot involving undead bloodsuckers and, yes, flying pigs.
The genre is well worn if not overworn, but Zero raises the bar with a gift for description and a slew of brilliantly-delivered punchlines, putting this well above the usual Jasper Fforde knockoffs.
A work of great promise. The Agency will not lack customers...
July 18, 2019
Fantastic book, and well worth a read.
This is a great book that sucked me in and kept me reading. As I read more about the titular pigs, I thought that it was going to turn out to be a silly book, and I wouldn't enjoy it. I was very happy to be wrong, and can't wait to read more about the WKPDA
This is a great book that sucked me in and kept me reading. As I read more about the titular pigs, I thought that it was going to turn out to be a silly book, and I wouldn't enjoy it. I was very happy to be wrong, and can't wait to read more about the WKPDA
October 23, 2019
Glorious fun
I loved this very witty tale, of a reluctant hero, his elderly sectioned companion and best of all Jess the wonder dog (confused ,but loyal) fighting vampires and a surprising Mr Big. All the cliches of fantasy stories are cleverly subverted, to great effect. I look forward to reading the next adventure of the trio.
I loved this very witty tale, of a reluctant hero, his elderly sectioned companion and best of all Jess the wonder dog (confused ,but loyal) fighting vampires and a surprising Mr Big. All the cliches of fantasy stories are cleverly subverted, to great effect. I look forward to reading the next adventure of the trio.
January 26, 2025
DNF at 59%
Not a bad premise, but the plot was just a bit too repetitive for my liking. I don't think this was a bad book, more it was not to my taste. The narrative was just a bit too twee and "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" for me, it's a style that irritates me and distracts me too much to enjoy the story.
Not a bad premise, but the plot was just a bit too repetitive for my liking. I don't think this was a bad book, more it was not to my taste. The narrative was just a bit too twee and "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" for me, it's a style that irritates me and distracts me too much to enjoy the story.
July 15, 2019
Laugh out loud hilarious escapism!
I enjoyed every minute this book. Advice to readers: you may wish to avoid reading this in public - I couldn't repress the chuckles and noticed some very funny looks from bystanders. Highly recommended for anyone with a sense of humour!
I enjoyed every minute this book. Advice to readers: you may wish to avoid reading this in public - I couldn't repress the chuckles and noticed some very funny looks from bystanders. Highly recommended for anyone with a sense of humour!
August 10, 2019
Very good story
An impressive addition to the vampiric genre. Rav is an everyman thrust into a world of which he knows noth.ing . His misadventures are hilarious as he confronts the villains and emerges triumphant.
An impressive addition to the vampiric genre. Rav is an everyman thrust into a world of which he knows noth.ing . His misadventures are hilarious as he confronts the villains and emerges triumphant.
November 28, 2022
Capturing the totally impossible in the everyday world, this is a unique spin on the battle with the supernatural.
Love the characters, especially the dog.
Nexus crafts a gripping story that is impossible to guess the direction of.
Love the characters, especially the dog.
Nexus crafts a gripping story that is impossible to guess the direction of.
December 28, 2022
An entertaining book with a fun plot.
The characters are good and the book has some good action sequences and ideas.
I might have missed it but, I am not sure the mysterious flying pig bit was ever completely explained.
It looks like the start of a great series.
The characters are good and the book has some good action sequences and ideas.
I might have missed it but, I am not sure the mysterious flying pig bit was ever completely explained.
It looks like the start of a great series.
April 17, 2018
A good fun read.
July 13, 2019
Weirdly good
This book started off weird and kept on in the same vein, but I couldn't stop reading. Funny and down to earth humour. Give it a go!
This book started off weird and kept on in the same vein, but I couldn't stop reading. Funny and down to earth humour. Give it a go!
August 25, 2019
This is a brilliant, well written and very entertaining book. I can't wait to read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews