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The Bank of Goodliness
When Shadeys Bank loses yet another C.E.O. to a major scandal, they are desperate to show they’ve reformed. Who better to present their redemption to the world than a country vicar with a reputation for being annoyingly good? Reverend Tom Goodman is ousted from his job as a country vicar for allowing a homeless family to stay in the church hall. Meanwhile, a major bank is trying to rescue its image after the latest in a long string of financial scandals. It seems like the perfect match and Goodman is hastily appointed as the bank’s new C.E.O. All they have to do now, is promote him as the new face of Shadeys Bank whilst at the same time, keeping him away from the day-to-day business of dubious banking. However, Tom Goodman has other ideas. He’s not going to be satisfied with being used as an empty puppet for a PR stunt. Unfortunately for Shadeys, Tom is planning on actually making a difference. And so begins an epic battle of wills. The might of a multi-billion pound bank versus a seemingly naïve country vicar. No contest. “Yes Minister meets The Vicar of Dibley.”
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 26, 2020
Absolutely adored this tale.
I felt the storytelling to be superb but whilst better than Schrodinger’s cottage, doesn’t have such an engaging storyline.
I’m splitting hairs, this really was wonderful. Keep up the great work Mr Luddington.
I felt the storytelling to be superb but whilst better than Schrodinger’s cottage, doesn’t have such an engaging storyline.
I’m splitting hairs, this really was wonderful. Keep up the great work Mr Luddington.
April 2, 2020
Great cozy read with fun characters. Just the book to help you through the day.
November 29, 2019
A recalcitrant vicar gets sacked for housing the homeless and then mysteriously gets a job offer to become the CEO of Britain’s most disreputable bank – what could possibly go wrong?
In ‘The Bank of Goodliness’ comic genius David Luddington delivers another sure-fire bestseller. As always, his research is immaculate, I can only imagine the fun he had fact finding banks, bibles and beer all at the same time. David has always had an impressive ability to turn complicated subjects into amusing narrative, but this time he has excelled himself with an analogy of the banking crisis in a plate of stinky cheese. It’s masterful stuff.
If you you’re looking for a fun read where the dark suits get what’s coming and the good guy gets the girl, give ‘The Bank of Goodliness’ a try. I highly recommend it.
In ‘The Bank of Goodliness’ comic genius David Luddington delivers another sure-fire bestseller. As always, his research is immaculate, I can only imagine the fun he had fact finding banks, bibles and beer all at the same time. David has always had an impressive ability to turn complicated subjects into amusing narrative, but this time he has excelled himself with an analogy of the banking crisis in a plate of stinky cheese. It’s masterful stuff.
If you you’re looking for a fun read where the dark suits get what’s coming and the good guy gets the girl, give ‘The Bank of Goodliness’ a try. I highly recommend it.
December 13, 2019
Excellent book
I liked this book a lot, Tom was the manager of a famous group then he became a vicar. He was then offered the job of CEO at Shadeys bank where he put together a small team of ex cons and others he met in his local pub. They scrutinised the bank and found shady deals that needed sorting. It's a really good read once you start reading you can't stop until you find out how they sort everything.
I liked this book a lot, Tom was the manager of a famous group then he became a vicar. He was then offered the job of CEO at Shadeys bank where he put together a small team of ex cons and others he met in his local pub. They scrutinised the bank and found shady deals that needed sorting. It's a really good read once you start reading you can't stop until you find out how they sort everything.
December 15, 2019
Having read David Luddington’s previous books, I looked forward to reading his latest offering and was not disappointed.
Taking on a slightly more serious subject, The Bank of Goodliness none-the-less proved to be a very entertaining read. I loved the diversity of characters in this story, which gave the author an abundance of opportunities to flaunt his wonderful sense of humour.
Highly recommended.
Taking on a slightly more serious subject, The Bank of Goodliness none-the-less proved to be a very entertaining read. I loved the diversity of characters in this story, which gave the author an abundance of opportunities to flaunt his wonderful sense of humour.
Highly recommended.
December 4, 2019
Oh if it was true
Wouldn't you love to get one over on all the men in suits that run big business thanks David another funny book
Wouldn't you love to get one over on all the men in suits that run big business thanks David another funny book
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June 7, 2022I don't remember exactly where I saw this book mentioned but I loved the premise. It pits a notoriously corrupt bank against a vicar who isn't quite as naive as they expect him to be.
Reverend Tom Goodman gets fired from his parish when too many people complain about him to the Archbishop. Turns out the fine Christians of his parish aren't ok with allowing homeless people to live in the church.
His firing gets some press attention which brings him to the notice of Shadey's Bank. He's the perfect front man for them to use to burnish their image. Soon he's a fish out of water who they hope will be so busy trying not to drown that he won't notice anything going on around him.
The characters in this book are great. Tom recruits his own forensic accountant and lawyer down at the pub. The plot hinges on him talking to a seemingly homeless man and his dog who are set up in front of the bank. It reminds me a bit of the movie Dave where a regular guy ends up as the President of the U.S. and brings in his friend to help.
This was a quick, fun listen about fighting the system for what is right instead of chasing profit at all cost.
February 18, 2020
I liked the sound of the premise of the book and wasn’t disappointed. I’m in the finance industry and the author was correct in many of the descriptions of some of the ’shady’ goings on. The book was entertaining from the start, intelligently written and good fun. It had me rooting for the underdog and was silly when it needed to be. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them all.
Not too deep and not too shallow, I thoroughly recommend :-)
Not too deep and not too shallow, I thoroughly recommend :-)
December 20, 2019
Need more stars
While it took a bit of reading to get into the story I'm glad I kept reading. My initial thoughts were that the author was too heavy handed with the characters personalities. This feeling was quickly proved incorrect. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
While it took a bit of reading to get into the story I'm glad I kept reading. My initial thoughts were that the author was too heavy handed with the characters personalities. This feeling was quickly proved incorrect. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
January 17, 2020
I loved this book even though the plot is daft, a vicar is given the job of CEO of a huge bank to become a patsy for them
There is action , adventure, intrigue and a bit of a love interest. Great pace and great character.
He takes up the job and finds out there is more to the bank that meets the eye, can he fix it before they get rid of him
There is action , adventure, intrigue and a bit of a love interest. Great pace and great character.
He takes up the job and finds out there is more to the bank that meets the eye, can he fix it before they get rid of him
February 8, 2023
David Luddigton is a great writer! This book was complicated and funny but a bit difficult for me to follow because it involves so much about finance and banking. Not to be a surprise, just not my strong suit. Still, it's a gripping read in spite of me not always know what's going on. I'll order another Luddington story.
August 15, 2023
The Definition of Satire
Very funny and very anger provoking, savagely effective satire. Does more to explain the mid-eighties financial crash and it's aftermath faced by most people than any (nonfiction) political or economic offering. Not forgetting the laugh out loud humour and feelgood storyline.
Very funny and very anger provoking, savagely effective satire. Does more to explain the mid-eighties financial crash and it's aftermath faced by most people than any (nonfiction) political or economic offering. Not forgetting the laugh out loud humour and feelgood storyline.
February 26, 2020
Loved it. Gentle humour, good characters and a light enjoyable read. Could have done with one or two more chapters to satisfy my desire for an account, in detail, of the (hopefully) full downfall of certain characters!
July 16, 2020
It might just be an amusing tale of high finance vs goodliness, but it is also very well researched. This is the first of David Luddington's books I have read, and he is up there with Aaronovitch and Fforde.
August 1, 2020
Wonderful read!
Laugh out loud yet subtle humour. Gently developing story with almost believable characters. Difficult to put down and certainly look forward to reading more by this author.
Laugh out loud yet subtle humour. Gently developing story with almost believable characters. Difficult to put down and certainly look forward to reading more by this author.
September 10, 2020
Don't read this if you are a banker
If you're in the world of financial finagling, then steer clear as the author has you sewn up. A really clever and funny book. I have found a new author to read...
If you're in the world of financial finagling, then steer clear as the author has you sewn up. A really clever and funny book. I have found a new author to read...
January 22, 2024
Hilarious… this is the funniest of all Mr Luddington’s books I have read this year.
With a retired vicar, shifty bank, dubious clergy, capable journalist, pub posse, criminal lawyer and a village stuck in the past comes high teas, greed, garden parties and naughtiness.
Thank you for your collection of words David Luddington and your eloquence Nigel Planer, very much appreciated gentlemen. :-)
With a retired vicar, shifty bank, dubious clergy, capable journalist, pub posse, criminal lawyer and a village stuck in the past comes high teas, greed, garden parties and naughtiness.
Thank you for your collection of words David Luddington and your eloquence Nigel Planer, very much appreciated gentlemen. :-)
February 22, 2020
Easy read very enjoyable.
This book captured my attention straight away as does all Luddington’s books. They are comfortable, familiar and funny. Read it!
This book captured my attention straight away as does all Luddington’s books. They are comfortable, familiar and funny. Read it!
May 13, 2020
Great read
A recommend book by an author who knows how to create humour and to write characters well. This won't be the last book by Luddington that I'll be reading.
A recommend book by an author who knows how to create humour and to write characters well. This won't be the last book by Luddington that I'll be reading.
November 16, 2020
Ģood fun.
Loved this book.
What a great story, should have been ridiculous but it was utterly compulsive. Very entertaining, more please.
Loved this book.
What a great story, should have been ridiculous but it was utterly compulsive. Very entertaining, more please.
February 6, 2021
Dragged on to long
This book took me 2 months to read...it said it had 264 pages. It had least double that. The story was ok but could of been made less drawn out.
This book took me 2 months to read...it said it had 264 pages. It had least double that. The story was ok but could of been made less drawn out.
October 10, 2021
British humor with a touch of morality. Finished it one session disturbing my sleep cycle but it was worth it. Interested to check out other books from the author now.
December 30, 2022
What a fun read
This is the second book by this author that I have enjoyed. Quintessential English humour throughout with just a hint of real goodness triumphed over greed.
This is the second book by this author that I have enjoyed. Quintessential English humour throughout with just a hint of real goodness triumphed over greed.
February 11, 2024
Loved it!! Charming and funny and so very British. A proper feel good story!
March 11, 2024
Excellent fun
Great jaunt.
Entirely plausible although take with a pinch of salt.
Superb entertainment, well written, looking who the follow up.
Great jaunt.
Entirely plausible although take with a pinch of salt.
Superb entertainment, well written, looking who the follow up.
June 21, 2024
Cute, silly light and fun read. I enjoyed it.
December 21, 2024
Excellent
Great book as usual from David, I loved it. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a nice easy read.
Great book as usual from David, I loved it. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a nice easy read.
December 18, 2019
OK confession time, I asked David for (as I'd read his previous books and he sent me) an advanced copy.
I didn't read it then as work got in the way of life, as it does.
After a couple of months I thought, well better take a look and so ordered it on line along with s couple of others ready for my long flight to New Zealand.
The review?
Well the book is superb, they say a picture paints a thousand words, David's words paint a vivid picture that really makes David's books stand out.
His other books are good but this latest is fantastic, the twists and turns aren't easy to see, but for me they're easy to follow. It's an easy read, a book that can be put down and picked up again without the need to try and remember who is who!
Looking forward to the next David.
I didn't read it then as work got in the way of life, as it does.
After a couple of months I thought, well better take a look and so ordered it on line along with s couple of others ready for my long flight to New Zealand.
The review?
Well the book is superb, they say a picture paints a thousand words, David's words paint a vivid picture that really makes David's books stand out.
His other books are good but this latest is fantastic, the twists and turns aren't easy to see, but for me they're easy to follow. It's an easy read, a book that can be put down and picked up again without the need to try and remember who is who!
Looking forward to the next David.
December 6, 2020
Goodliness meets the bad world of banking
I had to keep putting this book down to catch my breath, as I seriously couldn't stop laughing. The Rev. Tom Goodman is an innocent abroad in the cutthroat world of banking and this makes for many hilarious moments. At his interview one of the executives tells Tom,
"What we need is somebody who can show the world that Shadeys Bank is the epitome of fairness and honesty."
The bank appoints him as their CEO, talk about getting more that you bargained for! We have great fun following Tom's progress as he seeks to do the right thing, often with amusing and satisfying consequences,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, which I think is one of Luddington's best. Highly recommended.
I had to keep putting this book down to catch my breath, as I seriously couldn't stop laughing. The Rev. Tom Goodman is an innocent abroad in the cutthroat world of banking and this makes for many hilarious moments. At his interview one of the executives tells Tom,
"What we need is somebody who can show the world that Shadeys Bank is the epitome of fairness and honesty."
The bank appoints him as their CEO, talk about getting more that you bargained for! We have great fun following Tom's progress as he seeks to do the right thing, often with amusing and satisfying consequences,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, which I think is one of Luddington's best. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews