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Stranger Times #3
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Love can be a truly terrible thing.
Marriages are tricky at the best of times, especially when one of you is dead.
Vincent Banecroft, the irascible editor of The Stranger Times, has never believed his wife died despite emphatic evidence to the contrary. Now, against all odds, it seems he may actually be proved right; but what lengths will he go to in an attempt to rescue her?
With Banecroft distracted, the shock resignation of assistant editor, Hannah Willis, couldn't have come at a worse time. It speaks volumes that her decision to reconcile with her philandering ex-husband is only marginally less surprising than Banecroft and his wife getting back together. In this time of crisis, is her decision to swan off to a fancy new-age retreat run by a celebrity cult really the best thing for anyone?
As if that wasn't enough, one of the paper's ex-columnists has disappeared, a particularly impressive trick seeing as he never existed in the first place.
Floating statues, hijacked ghosts, homicidal cherubs, irate starlings, Reliant Robins and quite possibly several deeply sinister conspiracies; all-in-all, a typical week for the staff of The Stranger Times.
Marriages are tricky at the best of times, especially when one of you is dead.
Vincent Banecroft, the irascible editor of The Stranger Times, has never believed his wife died despite emphatic evidence to the contrary. Now, against all odds, it seems he may actually be proved right; but what lengths will he go to in an attempt to rescue her?
With Banecroft distracted, the shock resignation of assistant editor, Hannah Willis, couldn't have come at a worse time. It speaks volumes that her decision to reconcile with her philandering ex-husband is only marginally less surprising than Banecroft and his wife getting back together. In this time of crisis, is her decision to swan off to a fancy new-age retreat run by a celebrity cult really the best thing for anyone?
As if that wasn't enough, one of the paper's ex-columnists has disappeared, a particularly impressive trick seeing as he never existed in the first place.
Floating statues, hijacked ghosts, homicidal cherubs, irate starlings, Reliant Robins and quite possibly several deeply sinister conspiracies; all-in-all, a typical week for the staff of The Stranger Times.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2023
472 people are currently reading
2431 people want to read
About the author
C.K. McDonnell
13 books630 followersA pseudonym for Caimh McDonnell.
Irishman Caimh McDonnell is a former professional stand-up comedian and TV writer who now concentrates all of his energies on writing books. Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, he has taken the hop across the water and calls Manchester his home.
His TV writing work has seen him work on some of the biggest topical comedy shows on British TV, such as the The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. His work as a children’s TV writer earned him a BAFTA nomination for the CBBC animated series ‘Pet Squad’ which he created.
Irishman Caimh McDonnell is a former professional stand-up comedian and TV writer who now concentrates all of his energies on writing books. Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, he has taken the hop across the water and calls Manchester his home.
His TV writing work has seen him work on some of the biggest topical comedy shows on British TV, such as the The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. His work as a children’s TV writer earned him a BAFTA nomination for the CBBC animated series ‘Pet Squad’ which he created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews
February 16, 2023
Oh Mr McDonnell. You made me snort with laughter, you made me shout at the staff of The Stranger Times to run faster before something bad happened, you made me cry. I LOVED this third instalment. I don't know where we're going next but I'm definitely along for the ride.
We rejoin The Stranger Times at a point of turmoil. Hannah has gone back to her husband, Betty the new assistant editor is stranger than your average journo, Grace is up to her ears in an audit, Stella is struggling with her new powers/career/past and Banecroft is ... well Vincent is behaving very oddly (yes, more oddly than usual).
We are then treated (and this book is a pure treat) to an almost breathless race to help them all regain their lives. It's not easy with the Founders on their tail.
We have more interaction with Cogs and Zeke, Simon Brush and DI Sturgess but the undoubted new star of the show is Betty the new assistant editor. I don't know how he does it but Caiomh McDonnell writes the best women's roles. I loved Betty.
Yeah, I'm a huge fan of this series so carry on please, just make the next episode sooner rather than later (Bunny McGarry won't mind).
Highly recommended for all CK (or Caoimh) McDonnell fans. I'm not sure if you'd be able to read this as a stand alone but I would seriously recommend reading The Stranger Times and This Charming Man anyway. Funny, crazy and intelligent writing.
We rejoin The Stranger Times at a point of turmoil. Hannah has gone back to her husband, Betty the new assistant editor is stranger than your average journo, Grace is up to her ears in an audit, Stella is struggling with her new powers/career/past and Banecroft is ... well Vincent is behaving very oddly (yes, more oddly than usual).
We are then treated (and this book is a pure treat) to an almost breathless race to help them all regain their lives. It's not easy with the Founders on their tail.
We have more interaction with Cogs and Zeke, Simon Brush and DI Sturgess but the undoubted new star of the show is Betty the new assistant editor. I don't know how he does it but Caiomh McDonnell writes the best women's roles. I loved Betty.
Yeah, I'm a huge fan of this series so carry on please, just make the next episode sooner rather than later (Bunny McGarry won't mind).
Highly recommended for all CK (or Caoimh) McDonnell fans. I'm not sure if you'd be able to read this as a stand alone but I would seriously recommend reading The Stranger Times and This Charming Man anyway. Funny, crazy and intelligent writing.
January 16, 2023
Briefly - Great 3rd book in this series. 4.5/5
In full
OK - third book in this Stranger Times series and stuff has happened in and around the team at Stranger Times. Hannah has gone with no explanation and seems to want to get back with her husband (why oh why!!). Banecroft has gone downhill - how is that possible! There is a new assistant editor to replace Hannah who to Banecroft's disgust has been given the job by the owner over his head. She is called Betty and seems somewhat unusual. Hannah has actually gone "on retreat" and again that seems unusual. So it is just possible that everything is actually normal by Stranger Times standards.
Actually… Banecroft is finding the issues with his dead wife speaking to him through Simon's ghost (!!) increasingly hard to deal with. Equally Hannah's visit to the "retreat resort" may not be exactly what it seems. The scene is set for another rollercoaster ride through more strangeness with the Founders and the Folk. The usual suspects from the previous books are around and I'm delighted that that includes Cogs & Zeke - great characters.
This book is probably more multithreaded than the previous two. I didn't object to that but I guess it made it feel a little more disjointed. Overall the content was very good indeed. I would stress this is not the place to start this series - read book one first please. This one continues the character development well and we do learn more about various aspects of this world. Edgy at times there is plenty of humour and action here. The stories build up well as the book progresses and lead to some remarkable endings.
Once again there are "genius" bits of writing too. I think I might pick out Gordon's monologue on the characteristics of various bird species… - great writing. There does seem to be space for another book in this series and I will definitely be reading it. Humourous fantasy is not an easy area but for me C.K.McDonnell does this very well indeed. It is hard to "compare" such books - maybe the closest for me would be the work of Jasper Fforde at times. Fans of his might well like this series. Fans of earlier books in this series will enjoy this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
OK - third book in this Stranger Times series and stuff has happened in and around the team at Stranger Times. Hannah has gone with no explanation and seems to want to get back with her husband (why oh why!!). Banecroft has gone downhill - how is that possible! There is a new assistant editor to replace Hannah who to Banecroft's disgust has been given the job by the owner over his head. She is called Betty and seems somewhat unusual. Hannah has actually gone "on retreat" and again that seems unusual. So it is just possible that everything is actually normal by Stranger Times standards.
Actually… Banecroft is finding the issues with his dead wife speaking to him through Simon's ghost (!!) increasingly hard to deal with. Equally Hannah's visit to the "retreat resort" may not be exactly what it seems. The scene is set for another rollercoaster ride through more strangeness with the Founders and the Folk. The usual suspects from the previous books are around and I'm delighted that that includes Cogs & Zeke - great characters.
This book is probably more multithreaded than the previous two. I didn't object to that but I guess it made it feel a little more disjointed. Overall the content was very good indeed. I would stress this is not the place to start this series - read book one first please. This one continues the character development well and we do learn more about various aspects of this world. Edgy at times there is plenty of humour and action here. The stories build up well as the book progresses and lead to some remarkable endings.
Once again there are "genius" bits of writing too. I think I might pick out Gordon's monologue on the characteristics of various bird species… - great writing. There does seem to be space for another book in this series and I will definitely be reading it. Humourous fantasy is not an easy area but for me C.K.McDonnell does this very well indeed. It is hard to "compare" such books - maybe the closest for me would be the work of Jasper Fforde at times. Fans of his might well like this series. Fans of earlier books in this series will enjoy this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
Read
February 20, 2023I enjoy this series set around a Fortean Times style paper where weird stuff is going down. There's a lot of characters and a lot of stuff was revealed in book 2, and it does wear the backstory a bit heavily (a common problem with these series: I had to give up on Rivers of London when the alternative seemed to be rereading the whole thing and possibly taking notes). This did make it pretty hard to get into for me but once over the initial hump the story picked up and it's good fun. Just do not in the name of sanity start here.
February 13, 2023
It was over too soon!!
This is one of my favorite series ever. It was recommended to me by my dear friend Ev at the most perfect time in my life that I needed to laugh...A LOT. Besides the humor, there are some of the most heartwarming moments in this series that will leave their marks on you. There's one in this one that had me crying, tears of bittersweet happiness.
The amazing duo that is author C.K. McDonnell and audio narrator Brendan McDonald once again delivered an amazing story with this continuation of The Stranger Times series. I can't elaborate because to talk about the events our characters have to deal with would absolutely spoil the previous two books.
Best advice I can give - READ THIS SERIES!
This is one of my favorite series ever. It was recommended to me by my dear friend Ev at the most perfect time in my life that I needed to laugh...A LOT. Besides the humor, there are some of the most heartwarming moments in this series that will leave their marks on you. There's one in this one that had me crying, tears of bittersweet happiness.
The amazing duo that is author C.K. McDonnell and audio narrator Brendan McDonald once again delivered an amazing story with this continuation of The Stranger Times series. I can't elaborate because to talk about the events our characters have to deal with would absolutely spoil the previous two books.
Best advice I can give - READ THIS SERIES!
December 16, 2025
Читання цього роману було незабутнім досвідом, який нагадав мені, як одного разу я хибно вийшов з поїзда не на тій станції, що треба, і довелося йти через поле до міста призначення. Діло було восени: я брів розмоклою від дощів ґрунтовою дорогою, де з кожним кроком до моїх черевиків прилипала нова і нова партія чорнозему, а тому здавалося, що я тягну за собою не лише наплічник, а все більшу і більшу частину поля. Втім, після пів години запеклої боротьби фізики з сільським господарством, я вийшов на асфальтовану дорогу - і пришвидшився. Поки не виявив, що наступна дорога - це доволі крутий схил, яким спускатися в суху погоду - суцільне задоволення. Але після листопадових дощів все відбулося ще швидше - і принизливіше: я просто злетів вниз на десяток метрів, гальмуючи всіма частинами тіла, яка до цього надавалися.
Так от, читання третього роману серії про "Химерний світ" розгорталося за тим же принципом. Перші 40% книги я долав повільно і через силу: нагромадження нових персонажів, відсутність давніх знайомців, а також - і це було найгірше! - відсутність притомних мотивацій у більшості героїв. Всі наче подуріли - і металися сюжетом без пояснень, чому вони роблять те, що роблять. А відбувалося там багато дивного і нелогічного, що ніяк не стикувалося з попереднім томом.
Я вже майже був готовий здатися, але... Але нарешті дійшов до тих 40-60 сторінок книги, які мене дійсно захопили. Нарешті автор пояснив мотивацію кількох головних героїв, пояснив, чому з'явилися нові персонажі - і все почало сплітатися в одну цілісну оповідь! "Нарешті! - радісно вигукнув я. - Треба було просто довіритися авторові - і слідувати тексту!"
Моя радість була передчасною. Після легкого покращення історії все одразу і стрімко пішло під укіс. Формально автор наче й сплів докупи всі ті кілька ниток сюжету, які спершу здавалися різними історіями. Але як він це зробив... Кидаючи в текст - з розбігу і з плеча - героїв минулих книг, наче вони були кулями в боулінгу, а сюжет - кеглями. Від цього все почалося розлітатися навсібіч - і сюжет, і правдоподібність персонажів, і структура вигаданого світу. Шпаки, які хапаються лапками за одну з героїнь, щоб зі швидкістю літака перенести її через пів Манчестера?! Це вже почався мультфільм Діснея, чи в мене знову грипозна гарячка?! І таких "радостей" в тексті багато.
Фінал історії вийшов пафосним і мотиваційним, наче автор просто "забив" на текст - і писав кілька сторінок з якогось selh-help'у. Я не міг повірити, що такі пафосні діалоги можливі між героями, які попередні дві книги обмінювалися гострими шпильками (які більше нагадували дванадцяти сантиметрові цвяхи).
Але автор не спинився, а додав два епілоги. Перший - технічний, бо він виконує роль "гачка" на наступні томи. І, якщо чесно, я сприйняв це з відразою: зрозуміло ж, що наступний том автор почне з чогось іншого! Другий епілог мав бути смішним, але він був огидним. В прямому сенсі. Не хочу навіть його переказувати, але це той сорт гумору, коли не знаєш, яка реакція переважає - лють чи нудота (в прямому фізіологічному сенсі).
А далі я зробив помилку - я прочитав оповідання, яке йшло бонусом в цьому томі. І в ньому нема сюжету. Це безглузда замальовка, в якій 1/3 - пафосні міркування про дощ... Наслідування нуару, яке мало б сенс, якби в ньому було або більше психологізму, або більше стьобу. Воно ж виявилося ні одним, ні іншим.
Тому я радий, що завершив третій том. Але це радість не від цікавої історії, а від того, що нарешті не треба задавати собі питання: "То дочитувати цю книгу, чи таки кинути на пів дорозі?"
Так от, читання третього роману серії про "Химерний світ" розгорталося за тим же принципом. Перші 40% книги я долав повільно і через силу: нагромадження нових персонажів, відсутність давніх знайомців, а також - і це було найгірше! - відсутність притомних мотивацій у більшості героїв. Всі наче подуріли - і металися сюжетом без пояснень, чому вони роблять те, що роблять. А відбувалося там багато дивного і нелогічного, що ніяк не стикувалося з попереднім томом.
Я вже майже був готовий здатися, але... Але нарешті дійшов до тих 40-60 сторінок книги, які мене дійсно захопили. Нарешті автор пояснив мотивацію кількох головних героїв, пояснив, чому з'явилися нові персонажі - і все почало сплітатися в одну цілісну оповідь! "Нарешті! - радісно вигукнув я. - Треба було просто довіритися авторові - і слідувати тексту!"
Моя радість була передчасною. Після легкого покращення історії все одразу і стрімко пішло під укіс. Формально автор наче й сплів докупи всі ті кілька ниток сюжету, які спершу здавалися різними історіями. Але як він це зробив... Кидаючи в текст - з розбігу і з плеча - героїв минулих книг, наче вони були кулями в боулінгу, а сюжет - кеглями. Від цього все почалося розлітатися навсібіч - і сюжет, і правдоподібність персонажів, і структура вигаданого світу. Шпаки, які хапаються лапками за одну з героїнь, щоб зі швидкістю літака перенести її через пів Манчестера?! Це вже почався мультфільм Діснея, чи в мене знову грипозна гарячка?! І таких "радостей" в тексті багато.
Фінал історії вийшов пафосним і мотиваційним, наче автор просто "забив" на текст - і писав кілька сторінок з якогось selh-help'у. Я не міг повірити, що такі пафосні діалоги можливі між героями, які попередні дві книги обмінювалися гострими шпильками (які більше нагадували дванадцяти сантиметрові цвяхи).
Але автор не спинився, а додав два епілоги. Перший - технічний, бо він виконує роль "гачка" на наступні томи. І, якщо чесно, я сприйняв це з відразою: зрозуміло ж, що наступний том автор почне з чогось іншого! Другий епілог мав бути смішним, але він був огидним. В прямому сенсі. Не хочу навіть його переказувати, але це той сорт гумору, коли не знаєш, яка реакція переважає - лють чи нудота (в прямому фізіологічному сенсі).
А далі я зробив помилку - я прочитав оповідання, яке йшло бонусом в цьому томі. І в ньому нема сюжету. Це безглузда замальовка, в якій 1/3 - пафосні міркування про дощ... Наслідування нуару, яке мало б сенс, якби в ньому було або більше психологізму, або більше стьобу. Воно ж виявилося ні одним, ні іншим.
Тому я радий, що завершив третій том. Але це радість не від цікавої історії, а від того, що нарешті не треба задавати собі питання: "То дочитувати цю книгу, чи таки кинути на пів дорозі?"
January 4, 2023
This is the third book in the Stranger Times series, following on from, ‘The Stranger Times,’ and ‘This Charming Man.’ There have been some changes at the paranormal paper since the last book. Most notably, Hannah has bizarrely left her job and gone back to her husband, resulting in the jolly Elizabeth Cavendish the Third (or Betty) becoming the new assistant editor. In addition, Vincent Banecroft is, if possibly, behaving even more oddly than usual.
I would not suggest you read this without having read the previous books, as the stories, and characters, follow on from previous novels. Trying to understand who the Founders are, why D.I. tom Sturgess has an eyeball living in his head, or why there’s a talking dog on a barge, might slow down the plot. However, for those who have read, and enjoyed, previous stories, we have all our old characters back. Grace, Stella, Ox, Reggie and Manny, along with ‘Loon Day,’ and the return of Tamsin Baladin.
Hannah has gone to investigate a retreat, known as the Pinter Institute, Stella and Betty try to find out what is going on with Banecroft and Sturgess involves Ox and Reggie in trying to find out who took a conspiracy theorist from his house and threw him in a van. Normal times for those at ‘The Stranger Times’, and great fun. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
I would not suggest you read this without having read the previous books, as the stories, and characters, follow on from previous novels. Trying to understand who the Founders are, why D.I. tom Sturgess has an eyeball living in his head, or why there’s a talking dog on a barge, might slow down the plot. However, for those who have read, and enjoyed, previous stories, we have all our old characters back. Grace, Stella, Ox, Reggie and Manny, along with ‘Loon Day,’ and the return of Tamsin Baladin.
Hannah has gone to investigate a retreat, known as the Pinter Institute, Stella and Betty try to find out what is going on with Banecroft and Sturgess involves Ox and Reggie in trying to find out who took a conspiracy theorist from his house and threw him in a van. Normal times for those at ‘The Stranger Times’, and great fun. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
July 21, 2024
Die größte Liebe
Der Chefredakteur der Stranger Times Vincent Banecroft glaubt nach wie vor nicht an den Tod seiner geliebten Frau. Ihr Geist scheint durch einen ehemaligen Mitarbeiter der Zeitung zu sprechen, der ebenfalls bereits das Zeitliche gesegnet hat. Die unerwartete Kündigung der stellvertretenden Chefredakteurin Hannah Willis erleichtert die Arbeiten an der Zeitung nicht. Ebensowenig wie das Auftauchen der Ersatz-Vizi-Redakteurin Betty, die alles durcheinander bringt und dann auch noch eine Buchprüfung ankündigt. Wie sollen Stella, Reggie, Ox und Grace den Laden nur zusammenhalten solange Vincent völlig von der Rolle ist. Und einen ehemaligen Kolumnisten müssen sie auch noch finden.
Zum dritten Mal versuchen die Mitarbeiter der Strenger Times Artikel über die seltsamen Phänomene in Manchester zusammen zu bringen. Und diesmal scheinen die Zeichen besonders schlecht zu stehen. Vincent ist noch übellauniger als sonst. Hannah hat sie schnöde im Stich gelassen. Und die Anwesenheit der Neuen verbessert die Lage nicht. Da hilft es auch nicht, dass sie von der Herausgeberin der Zeitung geschickt wurde. Das Chaos in der Redaktion wird immer größer. Die Leser beschweren sich über die Kreuzworträtsel, die sich einer vernünftigen Lösung entziehen. Und dann kommt noch der Tag, an dem die Menschen zur Zeitung kommen dürfen, um ihre Geschichten zu erzählen.
Hier spielt die Phantasie am Rande der Wirklichkeit. Vieles scheint ganz normal, es gibt Menschen, Autos, Paare, Arbeitgeber. Und wenn man eigentlich von der Harmlosigkeit überzeugt ist, dann schleicht ein Gest um die Ecke und man weiß, dass hier doch einiges ganz anders ist. Zwar scheint zu Beginn dieses dritten Bandes etwas in eine unerwartete Richtung zu gehen, was die Lektüre etwas erschwert. Doch irgendwann lichtet sich zumindest einer der Vorhänge, und mit dem vertrauteren Fahrwasser kommt Drive in die Geschichte. Und wenn auch etliche Rätsel gelöst werden, bleiben doch genügend Fragen offen. Diese humorvolle Urban-Fantasy mit ihren schrägen liebenswerten Typen macht immer noch Lust auf mehr. Ein vierter Band ist bereits erschienen.
Der Chefredakteur der Stranger Times Vincent Banecroft glaubt nach wie vor nicht an den Tod seiner geliebten Frau. Ihr Geist scheint durch einen ehemaligen Mitarbeiter der Zeitung zu sprechen, der ebenfalls bereits das Zeitliche gesegnet hat. Die unerwartete Kündigung der stellvertretenden Chefredakteurin Hannah Willis erleichtert die Arbeiten an der Zeitung nicht. Ebensowenig wie das Auftauchen der Ersatz-Vizi-Redakteurin Betty, die alles durcheinander bringt und dann auch noch eine Buchprüfung ankündigt. Wie sollen Stella, Reggie, Ox und Grace den Laden nur zusammenhalten solange Vincent völlig von der Rolle ist. Und einen ehemaligen Kolumnisten müssen sie auch noch finden.
Zum dritten Mal versuchen die Mitarbeiter der Strenger Times Artikel über die seltsamen Phänomene in Manchester zusammen zu bringen. Und diesmal scheinen die Zeichen besonders schlecht zu stehen. Vincent ist noch übellauniger als sonst. Hannah hat sie schnöde im Stich gelassen. Und die Anwesenheit der Neuen verbessert die Lage nicht. Da hilft es auch nicht, dass sie von der Herausgeberin der Zeitung geschickt wurde. Das Chaos in der Redaktion wird immer größer. Die Leser beschweren sich über die Kreuzworträtsel, die sich einer vernünftigen Lösung entziehen. Und dann kommt noch der Tag, an dem die Menschen zur Zeitung kommen dürfen, um ihre Geschichten zu erzählen.
Hier spielt die Phantasie am Rande der Wirklichkeit. Vieles scheint ganz normal, es gibt Menschen, Autos, Paare, Arbeitgeber. Und wenn man eigentlich von der Harmlosigkeit überzeugt ist, dann schleicht ein Gest um die Ecke und man weiß, dass hier doch einiges ganz anders ist. Zwar scheint zu Beginn dieses dritten Bandes etwas in eine unerwartete Richtung zu gehen, was die Lektüre etwas erschwert. Doch irgendwann lichtet sich zumindest einer der Vorhänge, und mit dem vertrauteren Fahrwasser kommt Drive in die Geschichte. Und wenn auch etliche Rätsel gelöst werden, bleiben doch genügend Fragen offen. Diese humorvolle Urban-Fantasy mit ihren schrägen liebenswerten Typen macht immer noch Lust auf mehr. Ein vierter Band ist bereits erschienen.
February 8, 2025
A series recommended for the audiobook format when you want to giggle at British humour.
Thankfully, much better than book two. I didn’t know if I was going to continue when my loan did finally come in but I settled back into this crazy world, funny scenarios, snarky deadpan tone, and whacky characters with a smile on my face.
This had a more concrete plot, characters were more personally motivated, and there was a satisfying wrap up for this instalment.
Sometimes the humour was too off-beat for me and some comments were more offensive than jokey (skin colour, mental health, drugs).
I think this is a series that can only be enjoyed properly via the superb audiobook.
Bookstagram
Thankfully, much better than book two. I didn’t know if I was going to continue when my loan did finally come in but I settled back into this crazy world, funny scenarios, snarky deadpan tone, and whacky characters with a smile on my face.
This had a more concrete plot, characters were more personally motivated, and there was a satisfying wrap up for this instalment.
Sometimes the humour was too off-beat for me and some comments were more offensive than jokey (skin colour, mental health, drugs).
I think this is a series that can only be enjoyed properly via the superb audiobook.
Bookstagram
September 23, 2025
4,5*
Бракувало Бейнкрофта і загалом деталей...
Бракувало Бейнкрофта і загалом деталей...
July 19, 2025
Einfach wieder ein großer Spaß!
December 30, 2022
Love Will Tear Us Apart is the third instalment of the Stranger Times series, about a Manchester-based newspaper whose staff investigate supernatural events and other oddities. While each is a complete story, you do need to read these in order, as there is little recap, much referencing of previous events and arcs that started in the previous books continue to be developed. I’ve read all three within three weeks, and think I would’ve struggled to recall who everyone was if they were much further apart. These are fun satirical urban fantasy novels that don’t take themselves too seriously and offer a refreshing take on the genre.
A few months after the events of This Charming Man, the staff are reeling from the sudden departure of amiable Assistant Editor Hannah - who has apparently decided to forgive her cheating husband, and unconvinced by her replacement, bossy Jelly Baby-proffering jolly-hockeysticks Betty. Meanwhile Vincent is behaving oddly - even for him, as his obsession with finding his deceased wife consumes him, and Stella just wants to get on with the job - which means tackling her first Loon Day!
It’s actually quite hard to explain what these books about without spoilers, as there’s a lot going on and the world McDonnell has created is being slowly revealed one layer at a time. Nothing is as it seems and we’re never quite sure who to trust - previously likeable characters are behaving suspiciously, and some who disgusted us at first are becoming strangely sympathetic. There are lots of zingy insults and snort-worthy oneliners. There’s clearly a lot more to come for our intrepid team, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Love Will Tear Us Apart is published on February 9th 2023.
A few months after the events of This Charming Man, the staff are reeling from the sudden departure of amiable Assistant Editor Hannah - who has apparently decided to forgive her cheating husband, and unconvinced by her replacement, bossy Jelly Baby-proffering jolly-hockeysticks Betty. Meanwhile Vincent is behaving oddly - even for him, as his obsession with finding his deceased wife consumes him, and Stella just wants to get on with the job - which means tackling her first Loon Day!
It’s actually quite hard to explain what these books about without spoilers, as there’s a lot going on and the world McDonnell has created is being slowly revealed one layer at a time. Nothing is as it seems and we’re never quite sure who to trust - previously likeable characters are behaving suspiciously, and some who disgusted us at first are becoming strangely sympathetic. There are lots of zingy insults and snort-worthy oneliners. There’s clearly a lot more to come for our intrepid team, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Love Will Tear Us Apart is published on February 9th 2023.
October 14, 2024
So langsam treten Ermüdungserscheinungen auf - das ist bei Buchreihen ja leider oft so. Scheinbar laufen da immer dieselben Mechanismen ab. Ein Buch ist erfolgreich, es wird zu einer Serie, der Verlag hat bestimmte Ansprüche (z.B. an die Länge der Bücher), die der Autor versucht zu erfüllen. Und meistens klappt das nicht so gut.
Will sagen: Dieses Buch ist zu lang. Was die Reihe abhebt, ist der unglaublich gute britische Humor, die tollen Charaktere und die Details. In "Love Will Tear Us Apart" sind allerdings viele Szenen überflüssig, da nur für den humorigen Unterton geschrieben. Szenen gehen endlos weiter, ohnen den - recht dünnen - Plot voranzutreiben. Es gibt zu viele Charaktere. Hier hätte einfach viel zusammengestrichen gehört.
Bitte beim nächsten Mal wieder knackiger und mit einem tatsächlich Plot, dann sind wir auch wieder Freunde!
Will sagen: Dieses Buch ist zu lang. Was die Reihe abhebt, ist der unglaublich gute britische Humor, die tollen Charaktere und die Details. In "Love Will Tear Us Apart" sind allerdings viele Szenen überflüssig, da nur für den humorigen Unterton geschrieben. Szenen gehen endlos weiter, ohnen den - recht dünnen - Plot voranzutreiben. Es gibt zu viele Charaktere. Hier hätte einfach viel zusammengestrichen gehört.
Bitte beim nächsten Mal wieder knackiger und mit einem tatsächlich Plot, dann sind wir auch wieder Freunde!
July 18, 2024
http://www.hyperebaaktiivne.ee/2024/0...
C.K. McDonnell "Armastus kisub meid lõhki" jätkab ajalehe "Kummalised sõnumid" kireva toimetuse seiklustega, keskendudes seekord vaimudele, teispoolsusele ja muidugi armastusele. See on huumorist pakatava ulmet ja tänapäeva kombineeriva sarja kolmas raamat. Esimeses osas "Kummalised sõnumid" tegutseb isevärki libahunt ning teises romaanis "See võluv mees" tuleb välja, kas vampiirid on olemas.
Manchester. "Kummaliste sõnumite" toimetuses valitseb tavapärasest tohuvabohust veelgi suurem kaos. Hannah on ootamatult tööle selja pööranud ning läinud tagasi endise abikaasa juurde, kuna mees on üleöö normaalseks muutunud. Õieti suundubki naine asutusse, kus säärane ime sündis, et seda protsessi omal nahal kogeda. Tema asemele saabub tarmukas Betty, kes ajab vaese Grace'i ahastuse äärele, kuna mainib ajalehe rahaasjade auditeerimist. Peatoimetajast pole ajalehe juhtimisel mingit tolku, kuna Banecroft on veendunud, et tema naine saadab talle teispoolsusest sõnumeid, mistõttu ei jagu tal ühegi muu teema jaoks tähelepanu. Reggie ja Ox võtavad endi õlule uurimise, kuhu kadus kolumnist, kes ajalehte vandenõuteooriatega vürtsitas. Kas mõnel pöörasemast pöörasemal lool oli tõepõhi all?
"Armastus kisub meid lõhki" kätkeb kõike, mis mind selles sarjas vaimustab - maru äge tegelaste kamp, salajane maailm, lahendust vajavad müsteeriumid, absurdsed uudised ja muud juhtumised. Nautisin väga tuttavasse maailma sukeldumist ning pöörast sündmustikku, mis laginal naerma ajas. Eelmistest raamatutest juba tuttavatele kujudele lisandus jälle paar uut, suurem pilt muutus taas veidi selgemaks. Kõige rohkem meeldis mulle, kuidas McDonnell toob mängu ühe klassikalise õudusromaani, aga ma rohkem sel teemal ei ütle, et mitte midagi reeta.
Kui eelmised kaks raamatut kulgesid enamvähem sirgjooneliselt, siis selles tegelased hargnevad ja lugu valgub heas mõttes laiali. Igaühel on oma rada käia, kuni need lõpuks rahuldustpakkuvalt kokku jooksevad ja isegi ajaleht saab välja antud. Kõige põnevam oli jälgida Hannah't, kuna utoopilistes asutustes (loe: sektides) on midagi äärmiselt paeluvat. Lisaks tegi romaani eriti nauditavaks, et Banecroft, keda ma siiani ei salli, oli siin teistsugune, leebem. Ootan neljandast raamatust eriti suure huviga, kas ja kuidas selle loo kogemused teda mõjutasid.
Aitäh, Varrak, raamatu eest!
C.K. McDonnell "Armastus kisub meid lõhki" jätkab ajalehe "Kummalised sõnumid" kireva toimetuse seiklustega, keskendudes seekord vaimudele, teispoolsusele ja muidugi armastusele. See on huumorist pakatava ulmet ja tänapäeva kombineeriva sarja kolmas raamat. Esimeses osas "Kummalised sõnumid" tegutseb isevärki libahunt ning teises romaanis "See võluv mees" tuleb välja, kas vampiirid on olemas.
Manchester. "Kummaliste sõnumite" toimetuses valitseb tavapärasest tohuvabohust veelgi suurem kaos. Hannah on ootamatult tööle selja pööranud ning läinud tagasi endise abikaasa juurde, kuna mees on üleöö normaalseks muutunud. Õieti suundubki naine asutusse, kus säärane ime sündis, et seda protsessi omal nahal kogeda. Tema asemele saabub tarmukas Betty, kes ajab vaese Grace'i ahastuse äärele, kuna mainib ajalehe rahaasjade auditeerimist. Peatoimetajast pole ajalehe juhtimisel mingit tolku, kuna Banecroft on veendunud, et tema naine saadab talle teispoolsusest sõnumeid, mistõttu ei jagu tal ühegi muu teema jaoks tähelepanu. Reggie ja Ox võtavad endi õlule uurimise, kuhu kadus kolumnist, kes ajalehte vandenõuteooriatega vürtsitas. Kas mõnel pöörasemast pöörasemal lool oli tõepõhi all?
"Armastus kisub meid lõhki" kätkeb kõike, mis mind selles sarjas vaimustab - maru äge tegelaste kamp, salajane maailm, lahendust vajavad müsteeriumid, absurdsed uudised ja muud juhtumised. Nautisin väga tuttavasse maailma sukeldumist ning pöörast sündmustikku, mis laginal naerma ajas. Eelmistest raamatutest juba tuttavatele kujudele lisandus jälle paar uut, suurem pilt muutus taas veidi selgemaks. Kõige rohkem meeldis mulle, kuidas McDonnell toob mängu ühe klassikalise õudusromaani, aga ma rohkem sel teemal ei ütle, et mitte midagi reeta.
Kui eelmised kaks raamatut kulgesid enamvähem sirgjooneliselt, siis selles tegelased hargnevad ja lugu valgub heas mõttes laiali. Igaühel on oma rada käia, kuni need lõpuks rahuldustpakkuvalt kokku jooksevad ja isegi ajaleht saab välja antud. Kõige põnevam oli jälgida Hannah't, kuna utoopilistes asutustes (loe: sektides) on midagi äärmiselt paeluvat. Lisaks tegi romaani eriti nauditavaks, et Banecroft, keda ma siiani ei salli, oli siin teistsugune, leebem. Ootan neljandast raamatust eriti suure huviga, kas ja kuidas selle loo kogemused teda mõjutasid.
Aitäh, Varrak, raamatu eest!
March 14, 2023
3.5 stars
I thought this book was somewhat of a mixed bag. It had moments of real brilliance and "laugh out loud" witticisms that I simply adored and yet .... somehow ... Not as solid an experience as the previous two.
The tempo sometimes lulled a bit too much for me and I felt like I wanted the whole thing to move along a bit quicker. Then something hilarious happened or was said (I feel like I might have to borrow the expressions of tickling one's tonsils from the inside!) and I, and the book, was back on track for a while. And so on.
I think, my response to the book could have a lot to do with me wanting to get the whole thing with Banecroft's dead (or not dead?) wife finally over and done with.
And the fact that I missed him and Hannah interacting. The Stranger Times gang interacting and their banter are what I've grown to really like with this series.
The whole (quite intricate) machinations of the Illuminati ... No, sorry! What are they actually called, the secret people doing secret stuff? I keep forgetting! Because I find them a bit too over the top and frankly quite tedious, except for that one grand lady, giving me huge Maggie Smith vibes.
But, never mind.
It's a funny book and I will absolutely check back in if there is a 4th coming.
I thought this book was somewhat of a mixed bag. It had moments of real brilliance and "laugh out loud" witticisms that I simply adored and yet .... somehow ... Not as solid an experience as the previous two.
The tempo sometimes lulled a bit too much for me and I felt like I wanted the whole thing to move along a bit quicker. Then something hilarious happened or was said (I feel like I might have to borrow the expressions of tickling one's tonsils from the inside!) and I, and the book, was back on track for a while. And so on.
I think, my response to the book could have a lot to do with me wanting to get the whole thing with Banecroft's dead (or not dead?) wife finally over and done with.
And the fact that I missed him and Hannah interacting. The Stranger Times gang interacting and their banter are what I've grown to really like with this series.
The whole (quite intricate) machinations of the Illuminati ... No, sorry! What are they actually called, the secret people doing secret stuff? I keep forgetting! Because I find them a bit too over the top and frankly quite tedious, except for that one grand lady, giving me huge Maggie Smith vibes.
But, never mind.
It's a funny book and I will absolutely check back in if there is a 4th coming.
February 10, 2023
This series has become a recent favourite of mine. Each book has made me giggle, they are such fun, witty fantasy books.
This latest book is full of the usual random crazy events for the staff of the weird and wacky Stranger Times Newspaper. They investigate some more paranormal occurrences, this time with ghosts appearing, with the help of some other recurring and new characters. I definitely recommend reading this series from the beginning to understand the characters backgrounds.
There are the usual snorting laugh kind of one liners and insults alongside the tense, dramatic scenes that you read about. It’s such a great blend of comedy and mystery.
Love Will Tear Us Apart is another hilarious satirical, urban fantasy story that will keep you highly entertained and amused.
This latest book is full of the usual random crazy events for the staff of the weird and wacky Stranger Times Newspaper. They investigate some more paranormal occurrences, this time with ghosts appearing, with the help of some other recurring and new characters. I definitely recommend reading this series from the beginning to understand the characters backgrounds.
There are the usual snorting laugh kind of one liners and insults alongside the tense, dramatic scenes that you read about. It’s such a great blend of comedy and mystery.
Love Will Tear Us Apart is another hilarious satirical, urban fantasy story that will keep you highly entertained and amused.
February 18, 2023
Amazing, as always. Reading McDonnell is like reading Pratchett for the first time, all over again.
Can’t wait for books 4-40 to land!
Can’t wait for books 4-40 to land!
March 30, 2025
I honestly live for these characters 💜
March 23, 2023
Perfection again. I had tears in my eyes multiple times from laughing. It also had a lot of quite suspenseful chapters and brought the character development to a new level There where more storylines in this one and I missed the group dynamic of the Stranger Times, but the ensuing chaos made up for that.
In addition I really enjoy how the different volumes of this series tie into each other, picking up old characters, develop the main characters and introduce new ones, while also being good stories on their own. I don't think I can recommend reading this as a standalone but you can definitely read it while not perfectly remembering what happend in the previous one.
One major problem remains: I should really refrain from reading book series that aren't finished. What was I thinking.
In addition I really enjoy how the different volumes of this series tie into each other, picking up old characters, develop the main characters and introduce new ones, while also being good stories on their own. I don't think I can recommend reading this as a standalone but you can definitely read it while not perfectly remembering what happend in the previous one.
One major problem remains: I should really refrain from reading book series that aren't finished. What was I thinking.
Want to read
April 30, 2024I'd buy and read much sooner if kindle wasn't trying to get away with a 10.99 price.
Yeah, no.
Yeah, no.
April 3, 2024
‘*‘ Meine Meinung ‘*‘
Zuerst fragte ich mich, wohin die Handlung wohl f��hrt, doch ab der Hälfte ahnte ich, dass ein Thema, welches schon seit dem ersten Band über allem schwebt, seine Aufklärung findet.
Bei all den Aufgaben, die die altbekannten Charaktere zu bewältigen hatten, verlor McDonnell nie den Überblick und führt die Fäden letztendlich geschickt zusammen. Dabei entdeckte ich neue Facetten bei den Figuren und sie wiesen Entwicklungen auf, die ich bisher gar nicht wahrgenommen hatte. So war auch gut sichtbar, dass sie Entwicklungen aufwiesen.
Die Spannung steigerte sich sukzessive und häufig subtil. Dies merkte ich meist erst, wenn ich das Hörbuch pausieren musste.
Sascha Icks gehört zu der Reihe, wie Banecroft zur Stranger Times. Sie haucht allem Leben ein, ließ mich Emotionen hören und zog mich in die Handlung. So war ich nicht nur am Rande dabei, sondern mittendrin.
Der Schreibstil McDonnell ist locker-flockig und es gibt eine gehörige Portion schwarzen Humors, die mich häufig grinsen ließ.
Die übergeordnete Story wird hier rund beendet und ich hoffe, dass es eine neue Trilogie mit den altbekannten „Verdächtigen“ gibt. Doch erst einmal vergebe ich 5 Liebes-Sterne.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Ehen sind schon in den besten Zeiten schwierig, vor allem, wenn einer der beiden tot ist.
Vincent Banecroft, der jähzornige Chef der STRANGER TIMES, hat den Tod seiner Frau nie akzeptiert ... trotz recht eindeutiger Beweise für das Gegenteil. Nun scheint es, als ob er doch Recht behalten könnte: Wie weit wird er gehen, um sie zu retten?
Banecroft ist abgelenkt und damit kommt der Rücktritt von Hannah Willis als stellvertretende Chefredakteurin äußerst ungelegen. Ist es eine gute Idee, sich ausgerechnet jetzt in das schicke New-Age-Zentrum einer Promi-Sekte zu flüchten?
Und dann verschwindet auch noch ein ehemaliger Kolumnist der Zeitung - besonders beeindruckend, da er nie existiert hat.
Zuerst fragte ich mich, wohin die Handlung wohl f��hrt, doch ab der Hälfte ahnte ich, dass ein Thema, welches schon seit dem ersten Band über allem schwebt, seine Aufklärung findet.
Bei all den Aufgaben, die die altbekannten Charaktere zu bewältigen hatten, verlor McDonnell nie den Überblick und führt die Fäden letztendlich geschickt zusammen. Dabei entdeckte ich neue Facetten bei den Figuren und sie wiesen Entwicklungen auf, die ich bisher gar nicht wahrgenommen hatte. So war auch gut sichtbar, dass sie Entwicklungen aufwiesen.
Die Spannung steigerte sich sukzessive und häufig subtil. Dies merkte ich meist erst, wenn ich das Hörbuch pausieren musste.
Sascha Icks gehört zu der Reihe, wie Banecroft zur Stranger Times. Sie haucht allem Leben ein, ließ mich Emotionen hören und zog mich in die Handlung. So war ich nicht nur am Rande dabei, sondern mittendrin.
Der Schreibstil McDonnell ist locker-flockig und es gibt eine gehörige Portion schwarzen Humors, die mich häufig grinsen ließ.
Die übergeordnete Story wird hier rund beendet und ich hoffe, dass es eine neue Trilogie mit den altbekannten „Verdächtigen“ gibt. Doch erst einmal vergebe ich 5 Liebes-Sterne.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Ehen sind schon in den besten Zeiten schwierig, vor allem, wenn einer der beiden tot ist.
Vincent Banecroft, der jähzornige Chef der STRANGER TIMES, hat den Tod seiner Frau nie akzeptiert ... trotz recht eindeutiger Beweise für das Gegenteil. Nun scheint es, als ob er doch Recht behalten könnte: Wie weit wird er gehen, um sie zu retten?
Banecroft ist abgelenkt und damit kommt der Rücktritt von Hannah Willis als stellvertretende Chefredakteurin äußerst ungelegen. Ist es eine gute Idee, sich ausgerechnet jetzt in das schicke New-Age-Zentrum einer Promi-Sekte zu flüchten?
Und dann verschwindet auch noch ein ehemaliger Kolumnist der Zeitung - besonders beeindruckend, da er nie existiert hat.
August 25, 2024
4.5
The third installment of The Stranger Times series felt much sadder than the previous ones, and I think C. K. McDonnell did a great job illustrating Banecroft's unprocessed grief. Behind all the snark and shouting and deadpan humour, the editor of the "loony paper" is a very very broken man.
I enjoyed the book, although I was very confused for the most part of it - it seemed like every character was dealing with completely random things for, like, 70% of it. And I know that approaching the investigation from different angles - 3 absolutely separate stories, actually connected? it's more probable than you think! - is the whole thing of The Stranger Times, and I usually love it, but for some reason here it was hard for me to stay on track.
The third installment of The Stranger Times series felt much sadder than the previous ones, and I think C. K. McDonnell did a great job illustrating Banecroft's unprocessed grief. Behind all the snark and shouting and deadpan humour, the editor of the "loony paper" is a very very broken man.
I enjoyed the book, although I was very confused for the most part of it - it seemed like every character was dealing with completely random things for, like, 70% of it. And I know that approaching the investigation from different angles - 3 absolutely separate stories, actually connected? it's more probable than you think! - is the whole thing of The Stranger Times, and I usually love it, but for some reason here it was hard for me to stay on track.
May 5, 2025
Well this is turning into a bona fide series. Interesting, though, the author provides closure for each edition.
Once again our zany cast of newspaper characters battle the "strange" goings on between the Founders and Folk. Quite the imagination C. K. McDonnell has. Starlings become feathered allies even. This book three resolves a serious issue our curmudgeon editor has/had and could simply end the series.
However, there are more one liners to come as I start book four. Book five is expected in October of this year. I will investigate this author's earlier works. His writing is just plain fun.
Once again our zany cast of newspaper characters battle the "strange" goings on between the Founders and Folk. Quite the imagination C. K. McDonnell has. Starlings become feathered allies even. This book three resolves a serious issue our curmudgeon editor has/had and could simply end the series.
However, there are more one liners to come as I start book four. Book five is expected in October of this year. I will investigate this author's earlier works. His writing is just plain fun.
August 12, 2024
These just keep getting better and better, the drama, the world building, the characters…just *chefs kiss*.
These are so funny and lighthearted but also so crazy and wild on the plot points and lore! I loved this one so much it was so weird and I had a lot of fun reading it. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
These are so funny and lighthearted but also so crazy and wild on the plot points and lore! I loved this one so much it was so weird and I had a lot of fun reading it. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
June 21, 2025
So far this is the best book in the series. So much was going on and we had 3 different subplots happening at the same time. It got pretty crazy and absurd by the end of the book and I enjoyed every single moment. 😅
July 24, 2024
Teil 3 über die Stranger Times und ihre skurrilen Angestellten hat direkt mit ein paar Fragezeichen gestartet, denn es beginnt nicht so wie man es nach dem Ende von Teil 2 erwarten würde.
Hannah hat gekündigt und zieht in ein Wellness-Zentrum ein, dass von einer berühmten Schauspielerin geleitet wird, während Banecrofts Suche nach seiner verstorbenen Frau gefährliche Züge annimmt.
Ich finde die Bücher von einem Band zum nächsten immer besser. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf den vierten, vergebe aber erst einmal an den dritten 5 ⭐.
Hannah hat gekündigt und zieht in ein Wellness-Zentrum ein, dass von einer berühmten Schauspielerin geleitet wird, während Banecrofts Suche nach seiner verstorbenen Frau gefährliche Züge annimmt.
Ich finde die Bücher von einem Band zum nächsten immer besser. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf den vierten, vergebe aber erst einmal an den dritten 5 ⭐.
January 20, 2023
Welcome back to Manchester and the weird and wonderful environment of the offices of The Stranger Times.
Love Will Tear Us Apart is book three in the series. Before you ask, yes, you can read it if you haven't read the others. Do I think you should? Not really. There are plenty of call backs to the previous books here but also, and this is very important, the other books are bloody brilliant so why would you start anywhere other than book 1!!!
In this book we pick up a short time after the events of Book 2 - and things have taken a bit of a turn at the paper. Hannah has apparently gone back to her horrible husband with little or no goodbyes to her former colleagues leaving the editor, Banecroft, looking for a replacement assistant editor. The opening chapters show us a Banecroft in even worse shape than before, and his odd behaviour has only gotten worse. His obsession with finding out more about his wife is taking over and visits from his friend in the night (trying to avoid spoilers here) are only exacerbating the situation. Banecroft wants answers - and it appears this is his time to get them.
The usual cast from the paper are back but they are soon joined by the star of the show, Betty, our new assistant editor. She makes her first appearance in excellent fashion. A La Mary Poppins, Betty arrives on the scene with more than a few tricks up her sleeves. She is an excellent character and possibly the stand out in this novel. The rest of the staff aren't quite sure what to make of what is happening but they are soon put to work solving the latest mystery.
While all is a go at the paper we are also tracking what is happening with Hannah who has agreed to go to a "celebrity clinic" type facility at the behest of her ex husband. It has worked for him, so maybe it will work for her? All may not be as it seems here, but people do seem to leave with a smile on their faces.
Love Will Tear Us Apart is an excellent addition to this already brilliant series. It ticked all the boxes for me with the usual mix of fantasy elements, humour, and thrills. The mysteries that tie the whole story together are perfectly formed and executed and the author appears to be building a whole world that could continue on and on. I can't wait to see where Caimh goes with it from here. I highly recommend you check it out - especially if you are a fan of Terry Pratchett or Ben Aaronovitch.
Love Will Tear Us Apart is book three in the series. Before you ask, yes, you can read it if you haven't read the others. Do I think you should? Not really. There are plenty of call backs to the previous books here but also, and this is very important, the other books are bloody brilliant so why would you start anywhere other than book 1!!!
In this book we pick up a short time after the events of Book 2 - and things have taken a bit of a turn at the paper. Hannah has apparently gone back to her horrible husband with little or no goodbyes to her former colleagues leaving the editor, Banecroft, looking for a replacement assistant editor. The opening chapters show us a Banecroft in even worse shape than before, and his odd behaviour has only gotten worse. His obsession with finding out more about his wife is taking over and visits from his friend in the night (trying to avoid spoilers here) are only exacerbating the situation. Banecroft wants answers - and it appears this is his time to get them.
The usual cast from the paper are back but they are soon joined by the star of the show, Betty, our new assistant editor. She makes her first appearance in excellent fashion. A La Mary Poppins, Betty arrives on the scene with more than a few tricks up her sleeves. She is an excellent character and possibly the stand out in this novel. The rest of the staff aren't quite sure what to make of what is happening but they are soon put to work solving the latest mystery.
While all is a go at the paper we are also tracking what is happening with Hannah who has agreed to go to a "celebrity clinic" type facility at the behest of her ex husband. It has worked for him, so maybe it will work for her? All may not be as it seems here, but people do seem to leave with a smile on their faces.
Love Will Tear Us Apart is an excellent addition to this already brilliant series. It ticked all the boxes for me with the usual mix of fantasy elements, humour, and thrills. The mysteries that tie the whole story together are perfectly formed and executed and the author appears to be building a whole world that could continue on and on. I can't wait to see where Caimh goes with it from here. I highly recommend you check it out - especially if you are a fan of Terry Pratchett or Ben Aaronovitch.
November 4, 2023
Hörbuch 🎧 ich liebe einfach diese Bücher. Ich hatte mir den dritten Teil vorbestellt und sofort angefangen zu hören, als er endlich raus war. Wie gewohnt war es sehr humorvoll, abenteuerlich und skurril. Der Autor schreibt einfach immer locker flockig und mit viel Leichtigkeit. Doch dieser Teil hatte auch seine Ernsthaftigkeit. Was ich zur Abwechslung auch sehr mochte. Denn hier ging es viel um Charakterentwicklung. Ich kann mir kaum etwas schlimmeres vorstellen, als einen seiner Liebsten zu verlieren. Ich konnte wirklich sehr mit Vincent Banecroft mitfühlen. Aber das Buch und seine Geschichte haben einen tollen Abschluss gefunden & ich habe mich sehr gefreut, dass alle wieder zueinander gefunden haben.
Die Bücher sind einfach immer absolut kurzweilig und durchgekramt, aber so charmant und liebevoll, dass man sie einfach lieben muss!
Die Sprecherin hat ihren Job auch einfach wieder großartig gemacht!! Sie verleiht den Charakteren so viel Leben und ihre Stimme bleibt dabei sehr angenehm.
Die Bücher sind einfach immer absolut kurzweilig und durchgekramt, aber so charmant und liebevoll, dass man sie einfach lieben muss!
Die Sprecherin hat ihren Job auch einfach wieder großartig gemacht!! Sie verleiht den Charakteren so viel Leben und ihre Stimme bleibt dabei sehr angenehm.
May 9, 2025
This series keeps getting better and better with each book! It is now a favourite and one that I'd recommend everyone to read!
Thank you Maria for picking up The Stranger Times in the first place and suggesting it to us not so long ago. I will forever be grateful for this!
Thank you Maria for picking up The Stranger Times in the first place and suggesting it to us not so long ago. I will forever be grateful for this!
November 12, 2024
Ein sehr unterhaltsamer, witziger weiterer Band der Reihe, der die vielen Fäden aufnimmt und die komplexe Handlung gekonnt weiterspinnt! Der dritte hat mir wieder etwas besser gefallen als der zweite und reicht vom Humor und der Spannung wieder an den ersten heran. Es hat mir jedenfalls viel Spaß gemacht, aber ich musste schon gut aufpassen, um allen Verwicklungen gut folgen zu können :D
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