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My Kind of Guy
Appointed by Lizzie Leah to locate her lost lover, whom she knows by the name of Leo McGuire, PI (and ex-spy) Mervyn Vincent discovers that the object of his quest is not only a gigolo with a harem of “Mrs McGuires” across the continents, but also a valuable player (real name Leon Devine) in an international right-wing cartel. Realizing that there’s more to Leon than meets the eye, Mervyn joins forces with his sister Taya, and Lizzie to reform the young man and channel his abilities into worthier causes, thereby impacting, albeit modestly, the global power machinery.
https://www.amazon.com/My-Kind-Guy-Pa...
https://www.amazon.com/My-Kind-Guy-Pa...
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 10, 2020
"The problem with political jokes is that they get elected."...
George Bernard Shaw once said, "The problem with political jokes is that they get elected." People enjoy political humor because it’s something that everyone can relate to. The public generally blames the government for everything, so everyone basically appreciates humor in politics. In truth, this particular source of hilarity is almost always delivered in a satire-like manner. It’s generally amusing, and it doesn’t detract from the real issue. In fact, it addresses whatever political issue is at hand. Well, at least there’s a lot of material for political humor. Bostock's book is a satire, and a good one. It's an entertaining, page-turning story that will keep the reader involved. It's playful, funny, and even a little naughty here and there.
MY KIND OF GUY by Paddy Bostock is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted political fiction with a generous sprinkling of sarcasm and British wit. Intriguing twists and turns also ensures that this book will captivate the reader from the first page to the last. I’ve read this author before and it’s safe to say that his storylines leaves the reader spellbound. Paddy Bostock leaves the reader again mesmerized with his latest novel. From beginning to end, the author holds the reader’s interest.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Appointed by Lizzie Leah to locate her lost lover, whom she knows by the name of Leo McGuire, PI (and ex-spy) Mervyn Vincent discovers that the object of his quest is not only a gigolo with a harem of “Mrs. McGuire’s” across the continents, but also a valuable player (real name Leon Devine) in an international right-wing cartel. Realizing that there’s more to Leon than meets the eye, Mervyn joins forces with his sister Taya, and Lizzie to reform the young man and channel his abilities into worthier causes, thereby impacting, albeit modestly, the global power machinery.’
Now, if that’s not enough to grab your attention, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. I’ve read this author several times before and he delivers every time.
The story had every element an excellent story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class political satire with perfect pacing.
The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Bostock pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or merging meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a satirical atmosphere that will leave you laughing out loud.
There’s no doubt that MY KIND OF GUY is an exceptionally well-written book. However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. A word of caution, therefore, for the ‘linguistically sensitive’ among us. Nevertheless, the themes and outcome are just as affecting in the arresting contemporary political landscape.
Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
George Bernard Shaw once said, "The problem with political jokes is that they get elected." People enjoy political humor because it’s something that everyone can relate to. The public generally blames the government for everything, so everyone basically appreciates humor in politics. In truth, this particular source of hilarity is almost always delivered in a satire-like manner. It’s generally amusing, and it doesn’t detract from the real issue. In fact, it addresses whatever political issue is at hand. Well, at least there’s a lot of material for political humor. Bostock's book is a satire, and a good one. It's an entertaining, page-turning story that will keep the reader involved. It's playful, funny, and even a little naughty here and there.
MY KIND OF GUY by Paddy Bostock is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted political fiction with a generous sprinkling of sarcasm and British wit. Intriguing twists and turns also ensures that this book will captivate the reader from the first page to the last. I’ve read this author before and it’s safe to say that his storylines leaves the reader spellbound. Paddy Bostock leaves the reader again mesmerized with his latest novel. From beginning to end, the author holds the reader’s interest.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Appointed by Lizzie Leah to locate her lost lover, whom she knows by the name of Leo McGuire, PI (and ex-spy) Mervyn Vincent discovers that the object of his quest is not only a gigolo with a harem of “Mrs. McGuire’s” across the continents, but also a valuable player (real name Leon Devine) in an international right-wing cartel. Realizing that there’s more to Leon than meets the eye, Mervyn joins forces with his sister Taya, and Lizzie to reform the young man and channel his abilities into worthier causes, thereby impacting, albeit modestly, the global power machinery.’
Now, if that’s not enough to grab your attention, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. I’ve read this author several times before and he delivers every time.
The story had every element an excellent story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class political satire with perfect pacing.
The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Bostock pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or merging meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a satirical atmosphere that will leave you laughing out loud.
There’s no doubt that MY KIND OF GUY is an exceptionally well-written book. However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. A word of caution, therefore, for the ‘linguistically sensitive’ among us. Nevertheless, the themes and outcome are just as affecting in the arresting contemporary political landscape.
Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
May 5, 2020
Political satire is not something I usually read but picking up this book was the best decision I have made so far in this COVID-19 lockdown. It is a contemporary political satire with a fantasy twist and amazingly written. I loved the characters and how they were portrayed, and you could feel the character development throughout this book which was refreshing. As the millennials put it, I found this book “woke.” For example, the following highlighted colonialism and fascism and honestly, it’s refreshing to see somebody highlighting the issue and at the same time mixing it up with satire, so you get hooked on it. Here is the excerpt that I enjoyed and kind of chuckled at because honestly, I would have had the same reaction and the entire conversation was too real.
As regards Mervyn Vincent, Taya Devine, Lizzie Leah, Jürgen, and Suzie, it was just as well Margery Middleton—under the alias of fervent pro-Brexiteer Sir Maurice Gubbins—had reserved seats for them ahead of the event or they might never have got in. From Lizzie’s perspective at least when it came to understanding proceedings it was also an advantage that Büchner and Figov, under pressure from both the White House and the new incumbent at 10 Downing Street, had reluctantly agreed the lingua franca for all orators should be English. Other languages, except German obviously, were to be permitted only as long as simultaneous on-screen translation could be provided.
Mervyn however was furious. “You have no idea how ashamed this makes me to be English,” he told Taya and Lizzie as they took their seats in one of the special guests seats with the best view of the rock concert-type stage erected over the pitch’s centre circle. “First the misery of Brexit, now the very foreigners we scorned being made to speak our language whether in British or American versions. A whole new and despicable version of the old colonialism.”
Taya nodded agreement. “That’s history for you.”
“And a very nasty history it is,” Mervyn was saying as Georg Büchner emerged from the wings onto the stage with a microphone and, to a stadium full of noise, national flags and fire crackers, welcomed the glorious coming together of so many brothers and sisters before announcing the order of events over the following two hours, each speaker being allocated fifteen minutes to state his case.
“Christ, we can’t sit around listening to this fascist shit for an hour and three quarters until it’s Leon’s turn,” said Taya when they learned Norman Farrago from the UK had been honoured with the valedictory speech.
Lizzie agreed. “Dead right. By the time we get to him the noise’ll be worse than the Anfield Kop when Liverpool are already thrashing some poor buggers eight nothing. Mind you, at least you get some laughs out of that. None of this sounds funny.”
“Judging by this it won’t be,” said Mervyn.
Paddy Bostock has once again done a brilliant job, I honestly wish I were half as productive or half as good as this man right here. This is one of the books that I just could not put down. The characters were so well written, and I love the character development and the overall plot. Those unexpected turns and plot twists made this book a total page-turner. The author did a really great job. Not everybody has the skill to combine seriousness with humor. I have read a few books by this author and they have been pretty amazing too, I would certainly lookout for more of his writings. I just adore his writing style and his ability to keep the reader engaged and hooked; not everybody can do that and that is what makes his books so fascinating.
This book is captivating from the beginning to the end. It is so captivating and well written and has a storyline that would for sure keep you hooked till the very end. There was everything I see in a perfect book; humor, drama, sarcasm, amazing plot, strong characters, a little touch of fantasy, and oh don't forget the plot twist that made me want to finish it in one sitting. This is a book without which your bookshelf and your life are incomplete, as cliché as it may sound but I really could not stress on it enough.
The author mixed sarcasm, and wit with an extremely well-crafted political fiction and honestly, that is just the best combination. I would totally recommend this book to everybody if you can well, take humor, and handle a bit of sarcasm.
It is extremely hard to find a book that is worth your money anymore, this would totally make every single penny worth it. The Hanging is the book you can put on your shelf and cherish it forever. I would not think twice about rereading it. I rarely reread a book but this, I would, without a second thought.
My kind of guy is a book that everybody should read. If you are somebody who wants a change out of your usual genre or if you are somebody who is looking for something brilliant, this book is highly recommended. This global lockdown is an opportunity for you to grab a copy of this book and read it right away and I promise you will not regret it even slightly.
As regards Mervyn Vincent, Taya Devine, Lizzie Leah, Jürgen, and Suzie, it was just as well Margery Middleton—under the alias of fervent pro-Brexiteer Sir Maurice Gubbins—had reserved seats for them ahead of the event or they might never have got in. From Lizzie’s perspective at least when it came to understanding proceedings it was also an advantage that Büchner and Figov, under pressure from both the White House and the new incumbent at 10 Downing Street, had reluctantly agreed the lingua franca for all orators should be English. Other languages, except German obviously, were to be permitted only as long as simultaneous on-screen translation could be provided.
Mervyn however was furious. “You have no idea how ashamed this makes me to be English,” he told Taya and Lizzie as they took their seats in one of the special guests seats with the best view of the rock concert-type stage erected over the pitch’s centre circle. “First the misery of Brexit, now the very foreigners we scorned being made to speak our language whether in British or American versions. A whole new and despicable version of the old colonialism.”
Taya nodded agreement. “That’s history for you.”
“And a very nasty history it is,” Mervyn was saying as Georg Büchner emerged from the wings onto the stage with a microphone and, to a stadium full of noise, national flags and fire crackers, welcomed the glorious coming together of so many brothers and sisters before announcing the order of events over the following two hours, each speaker being allocated fifteen minutes to state his case.
“Christ, we can’t sit around listening to this fascist shit for an hour and three quarters until it’s Leon’s turn,” said Taya when they learned Norman Farrago from the UK had been honoured with the valedictory speech.
Lizzie agreed. “Dead right. By the time we get to him the noise’ll be worse than the Anfield Kop when Liverpool are already thrashing some poor buggers eight nothing. Mind you, at least you get some laughs out of that. None of this sounds funny.”
“Judging by this it won’t be,” said Mervyn.
Paddy Bostock has once again done a brilliant job, I honestly wish I were half as productive or half as good as this man right here. This is one of the books that I just could not put down. The characters were so well written, and I love the character development and the overall plot. Those unexpected turns and plot twists made this book a total page-turner. The author did a really great job. Not everybody has the skill to combine seriousness with humor. I have read a few books by this author and they have been pretty amazing too, I would certainly lookout for more of his writings. I just adore his writing style and his ability to keep the reader engaged and hooked; not everybody can do that and that is what makes his books so fascinating.
This book is captivating from the beginning to the end. It is so captivating and well written and has a storyline that would for sure keep you hooked till the very end. There was everything I see in a perfect book; humor, drama, sarcasm, amazing plot, strong characters, a little touch of fantasy, and oh don't forget the plot twist that made me want to finish it in one sitting. This is a book without which your bookshelf and your life are incomplete, as cliché as it may sound but I really could not stress on it enough.
The author mixed sarcasm, and wit with an extremely well-crafted political fiction and honestly, that is just the best combination. I would totally recommend this book to everybody if you can well, take humor, and handle a bit of sarcasm.
It is extremely hard to find a book that is worth your money anymore, this would totally make every single penny worth it. The Hanging is the book you can put on your shelf and cherish it forever. I would not think twice about rereading it. I rarely reread a book but this, I would, without a second thought.
My kind of guy is a book that everybody should read. If you are somebody who wants a change out of your usual genre or if you are somebody who is looking for something brilliant, this book is highly recommended. This global lockdown is an opportunity for you to grab a copy of this book and read it right away and I promise you will not regret it even slightly.
May 29, 2020
An entertaining, witty political story, you just won’t want to put down!
I love Paddy Bostock’s witty writing style and this new book is a classic example of a clever political novel with a great plot, excellent characters, and plenty of twists and turns. The author’s brilliantly descriptive writing enables him to treat his readers to wonderful scenes, and stage incredibly funny incidents, making this another unforgettable winning story.
Retired MI6 agent Mervyn Iain Vincent, has a lot on his mind, so much indeed that mundane household maintenance just doesn’t get done, after all as a fervent greenie his days are preoccupied with global politics, the extinction of the human race and the deceitful and misleading buffoons in critical power positions throughout the world.
However, in amongst the scamming and threatening telephone calls he receives, despite being ex-directory, an intriguing call from a Lizzie Leah. Not only does she call him by his (alias) name Doctor Vincent, a name he uses at the moment because of an old Oxford doctorate in forensic anthropology, but she has lost her ‘husband’ Leo Mc Guire, and wants him to use his ‘private eye’ skills in locating him.
Well, as it turns out, Mervyn actually remembers Leo or Leon Devin as he was known to MI6, as a rookie agent drummed out of the service for bad behaviour and endangering national security. Now he begins to understand how Leo could have really ‘poof’ disappeared from sight. Indeed the son of Svetlana, an ex-secretary in Gorbachev’s Kremlin, and Sir Montmorency Devine who fled to the UK and now lives a life of privilege is actually in America, on Fifth Avenue enjoying the hospitality of Hal Schornstein, a key player in the loony incumbent’s 2020 presidential re-election campaign and a linchpin for the continuance and growth of populist unrest throughout Europe. There Leon’s heavy involvement in these right-wing activities affords this gigolo with a dangerous and busy, if complicated life.
However, when his young sister Taya requests a meeting it soon becomes evident that this misguided young man needs to be reformed, but how will they do that? Well, you will have to read the book to discover the answer to that question.
Paddy Bostock who was born in Liverpool and now lives in London. He holds a BA in Modern Languages and History, a PGDip TESL, and a PhD in English Literature. His books embrace his own unique and totally irreverent take on life and the modern political scene. This entertaining work of political fiction is an excellent example of the wonderful penmanship of this talented author.
I love Paddy Bostock’s witty writing style and this new book is a classic example of a clever political novel with a great plot, excellent characters, and plenty of twists and turns. The author’s brilliantly descriptive writing enables him to treat his readers to wonderful scenes, and stage incredibly funny incidents, making this another unforgettable winning story.
Retired MI6 agent Mervyn Iain Vincent, has a lot on his mind, so much indeed that mundane household maintenance just doesn’t get done, after all as a fervent greenie his days are preoccupied with global politics, the extinction of the human race and the deceitful and misleading buffoons in critical power positions throughout the world.
However, in amongst the scamming and threatening telephone calls he receives, despite being ex-directory, an intriguing call from a Lizzie Leah. Not only does she call him by his (alias) name Doctor Vincent, a name he uses at the moment because of an old Oxford doctorate in forensic anthropology, but she has lost her ‘husband’ Leo Mc Guire, and wants him to use his ‘private eye’ skills in locating him.
Well, as it turns out, Mervyn actually remembers Leo or Leon Devin as he was known to MI6, as a rookie agent drummed out of the service for bad behaviour and endangering national security. Now he begins to understand how Leo could have really ‘poof’ disappeared from sight. Indeed the son of Svetlana, an ex-secretary in Gorbachev’s Kremlin, and Sir Montmorency Devine who fled to the UK and now lives a life of privilege is actually in America, on Fifth Avenue enjoying the hospitality of Hal Schornstein, a key player in the loony incumbent’s 2020 presidential re-election campaign and a linchpin for the continuance and growth of populist unrest throughout Europe. There Leon’s heavy involvement in these right-wing activities affords this gigolo with a dangerous and busy, if complicated life.
However, when his young sister Taya requests a meeting it soon becomes evident that this misguided young man needs to be reformed, but how will they do that? Well, you will have to read the book to discover the answer to that question.
Paddy Bostock who was born in Liverpool and now lives in London. He holds a BA in Modern Languages and History, a PGDip TESL, and a PhD in English Literature. His books embrace his own unique and totally irreverent take on life and the modern political scene. This entertaining work of political fiction is an excellent example of the wonderful penmanship of this talented author.
May 7, 2020
Picked up the book My Kind of Guy after reading the intriguing snippet of the book.
I absolutely loved the story of Lizzie and Leon and the transformation of a character - got to love second chances! Having that said, this was not all roses and sunshine, rather a book filled with surprising twists, turns, heartache, hope, love, sarcasm, and of course, a whole lot of politics and undercover action.
If you want to take a diversion from mindless reads, into a well-written political satire and thriller Paddy does it best. Want to know if Lizzie and Leo make it, or if he continues his merry way and leaves a lot of hearts broken, you should absolutely read it. This is an all-round book that keeps you hooked in and intrigued right through to the end, and that combined with dry British humor you are in for a treat.
I absolutely loved the story of Lizzie and Leon and the transformation of a character - got to love second chances! Having that said, this was not all roses and sunshine, rather a book filled with surprising twists, turns, heartache, hope, love, sarcasm, and of course, a whole lot of politics and undercover action.
If you want to take a diversion from mindless reads, into a well-written political satire and thriller Paddy does it best. Want to know if Lizzie and Leo make it, or if he continues his merry way and leaves a lot of hearts broken, you should absolutely read it. This is an all-round book that keeps you hooked in and intrigued right through to the end, and that combined with dry British humor you are in for a treat.
May 15, 2020
This is a wonderful contemporary comedy with a twist of romance and fantasy. I love the story on so many levels. It is also poignant in places as it sadly describes the political realm of the United States and its disastrous leadership now.
Not too many people are happy with the way the US is being led and how democratic systems that were prized and cherished are now under attack. It can be hard to listen to a leader who has so much that is opposed to some of the leading historical principles that have been the foundational blocks of democracy.
One of the most wonderful aspects of this story is that Paddy Bostock provides a humorous rendition of this story line about contemporary political strife. I’m sure many readers will appreciate this.
This story is about Lizzie Leah who wants to locate her lost lover, Leo McGuire. So, she enlists Mervyn Vincent, an ex-spy to look for him. However, in the process, Mervyn discovers that Leo is in an international right-wing cartel. As he is unravelling the identity of this man, including the fact that Leon Devine is his real name, he discovers that there is a lot more to this man than initially expected. He decides to get his sister Taya on board so that they can reform this man and channel his abilities in more commendable ways.
This is a story that will make the reader reflect on the US political system from an international standpoint. It is a book that lightens up the terrible plight in the United States. And given how US politics is going right now, this is a very timely story.
Thank you, Paddy for another great book. I can’t wait to read your next book.
Not too many people are happy with the way the US is being led and how democratic systems that were prized and cherished are now under attack. It can be hard to listen to a leader who has so much that is opposed to some of the leading historical principles that have been the foundational blocks of democracy.
One of the most wonderful aspects of this story is that Paddy Bostock provides a humorous rendition of this story line about contemporary political strife. I’m sure many readers will appreciate this.
This story is about Lizzie Leah who wants to locate her lost lover, Leo McGuire. So, she enlists Mervyn Vincent, an ex-spy to look for him. However, in the process, Mervyn discovers that Leo is in an international right-wing cartel. As he is unravelling the identity of this man, including the fact that Leon Devine is his real name, he discovers that there is a lot more to this man than initially expected. He decides to get his sister Taya on board so that they can reform this man and channel his abilities in more commendable ways.
This is a story that will make the reader reflect on the US political system from an international standpoint. It is a book that lightens up the terrible plight in the United States. And given how US politics is going right now, this is a very timely story.
Thank you, Paddy for another great book. I can’t wait to read your next book.
June 1, 2020
The publisher recommended this book to me, for an unbiased review. A story I thoroughly enjoyed.
The spy-ish fantasy plotline transported me to the political landscape which stretched across the board. In the typical tongue-in-the-cheek humour or sarcasm this author is well-known for. Through the quirky lines, you got to know Doctor Mervyn, his trusted Suzi, and Lizzie and her trusted Jurgen to be the spilling point of the spy-rescue-Leo story which took me from London to Munich with quick dashes into the White House and Downing street extravaganza. As I received in-depth descriptions of their way of thinking.
It all spelt political nightmare, if not for the intervention of Jurgen, a fierce protector of Lizzie, and MI6 interceptive cunningness to protect information from the most notorious sort. Since Leo – the person who started the mess had some explaining to do while he had to face his own mistakes – which extend across the globe. Leaving many women in anger and disgust towards his type.
The ending was not what I expected but then I have learned to expect the unexpected from this author’s pen. His ability to joke with Britain and America, as always fun to read.
At times I found the throat-clearing a bit too much but mostly it gave extra flavour to the turmoil the rescuers found themselves in. It always added more spices to the normal salt-and-vinegar plot. As Mervyn, Suzi, Lizzie, Jurgen and Taya tried to save the day.
A book many readers of political suspense will enjoy, no doubt.
The spy-ish fantasy plotline transported me to the political landscape which stretched across the board. In the typical tongue-in-the-cheek humour or sarcasm this author is well-known for. Through the quirky lines, you got to know Doctor Mervyn, his trusted Suzi, and Lizzie and her trusted Jurgen to be the spilling point of the spy-rescue-Leo story which took me from London to Munich with quick dashes into the White House and Downing street extravaganza. As I received in-depth descriptions of their way of thinking.
It all spelt political nightmare, if not for the intervention of Jurgen, a fierce protector of Lizzie, and MI6 interceptive cunningness to protect information from the most notorious sort. Since Leo – the person who started the mess had some explaining to do while he had to face his own mistakes – which extend across the globe. Leaving many women in anger and disgust towards his type.
The ending was not what I expected but then I have learned to expect the unexpected from this author’s pen. His ability to joke with Britain and America, as always fun to read.
At times I found the throat-clearing a bit too much but mostly it gave extra flavour to the turmoil the rescuers found themselves in. It always added more spices to the normal salt-and-vinegar plot. As Mervyn, Suzi, Lizzie, Jurgen and Taya tried to save the day.
A book many readers of political suspense will enjoy, no doubt.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews