What do you think?
Rate this book
Manchester Vice
After a dramatic change in character, a rather usual middle-aged man begins carrying out a series of rather unusual murders. Meanwhile Brad Shape, a crime beat reporter for the Manchester Daily News, is looking for the big scoop to revive his flagging career - and his crumbling marriage. But when he finds one of England's most notorious serial killers, it will be Brad's biggest break... in more ways than one. this taut, edge-of-your-seat thriller is not for the faint of heart. You've been warned. This is the large print edition of Manchester Vice, with a larger font / typeface for easier reading.
- GenresNoir
344 pages, Hardcover
Published June 7, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 15, 2018
“Manchester Vice” by author Jack Strange is an interesting plunge down the rabbit hole detailing how choices can lead a person to places you might never expect. Mr. Strange does not mince language, and offers readers a bit of what is to come with his very first line: “I have become a stone-cold killer, or something very much like one.”
The author chose to write this story in first person, which definitely puts the tale on a more personal note. Bradley Sharpe is a journalist for a large newspaper, a fact that later becomes a catalyst that launches him deeper into the new world he has created for himself. The book engages the reader, and it is easy to fall into the story and accept (or at least, understand) the reasons for Brad’s actions throughout the book.
Even though I guessed a majority of the ending, that did not detract from the story. Mr. Strange keeps us interested throughout, logically taking us through the turn of events and explaining Brad’s reasoning throughout. This was a fast read, and is a book I heartily recommend. Four stars.
The author chose to write this story in first person, which definitely puts the tale on a more personal note. Bradley Sharpe is a journalist for a large newspaper, a fact that later becomes a catalyst that launches him deeper into the new world he has created for himself. The book engages the reader, and it is easy to fall into the story and accept (or at least, understand) the reasons for Brad’s actions throughout the book.
Even though I guessed a majority of the ending, that did not detract from the story. Mr. Strange keeps us interested throughout, logically taking us through the turn of events and explaining Brad’s reasoning throughout. This was a fast read, and is a book I heartily recommend. Four stars.
December 26, 2017
*Arc given by the author, Jack Strange, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
Warning: Spoilers below.
Jack Strange's books are of an interesting variety - when reading the synopsis I always get this very melancholy or "yeah, yeah" feeling, but when I pick up the book I'm blown away by the sheer excellence of his writing skills. Truly, the synopsis of anyone of his books don't do the novels justice.
If I had to describe this book in one sentence, it would be "what the eff". Now, that might sound rude, but I mean it in the nicest way possible. This book is all kinds of messed up, and truly memorizing. It gives me Dexter-like vibes in every way, in every good way. If you're into severely messed up crime, this book is for you. It'll blow your mind with how crazy, surreal and descriptive a novel like this can be.
I'm honestly surprised that Jack isn't a more popular author than he is. I could see people lining up for these books in my local book shops, but they aren't. It really boggles my mind how some really talented people aren't getting the recognition they deserve.
Pros:
1. Excellent story telling - Jack Strange has true talent with how he weaves his narrative together. You don't know what's real or not until the very end - and that's just how I love a good quality crime novel!
2. Unique descriptions - This man has a way with words, as I already said. But not only is his story telling fascinating, but his word choice enhances this novel to another level.
3. I find it interesting that most crime novels that feature a murderer don't delve into the actual feelings they have (why they murder, what they feel after, etc) but Jack finally did. It's a nice change, because I always wondered if the murderers felt anything at all or if they were just emotionless monsters.
4. The arc of the storyline was intriguing and followed every note I hoped it would hit. Some of it is easily guessed, but I'm glad Jack took the route he did (trying to explain this without any major spoilers is tougher than I thought it would be...). In a world like today where Big Brother is always watching us and social media is king of all, it was nice to see this book accept this fact and play along with it.
5. The King Lear references about tragedy being brought on by the character's themselves is a very nice addition.
Cons:
1. Drugging a cat annoyed me as a cat lover, I won't lie. That's a major con for me.
2. My personal con/questions: I would have liked to know what swung Brian into being the bad guy that he is. Was he always this bad? Was it just a situation that led him to this? I have lots of questions as to how someone could be so easily swayed into the life/choices they made. But that's just me and my over active imagination/thoughts. It's not necessarily a con against the book, it's my personal thoughts/loose ends that didn't get tied up for me.
3. I found that at some points of this book it got a little boring/slow. I get bored very quickly with books that don't interest me 99% of the time, so that's a "me" con.
4. The ending is ridiculously obvious if you paid attention while reading the book. Just saying.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's a great read that can be easily devoured in one sitting.
Four out of five stars.
Warning: Spoilers below.
Jack Strange's books are of an interesting variety - when reading the synopsis I always get this very melancholy or "yeah, yeah" feeling, but when I pick up the book I'm blown away by the sheer excellence of his writing skills. Truly, the synopsis of anyone of his books don't do the novels justice.
If I had to describe this book in one sentence, it would be "what the eff". Now, that might sound rude, but I mean it in the nicest way possible. This book is all kinds of messed up, and truly memorizing. It gives me Dexter-like vibes in every way, in every good way. If you're into severely messed up crime, this book is for you. It'll blow your mind with how crazy, surreal and descriptive a novel like this can be.
I'm honestly surprised that Jack isn't a more popular author than he is. I could see people lining up for these books in my local book shops, but they aren't. It really boggles my mind how some really talented people aren't getting the recognition they deserve.
Pros:
1. Excellent story telling - Jack Strange has true talent with how he weaves his narrative together. You don't know what's real or not until the very end - and that's just how I love a good quality crime novel!
2. Unique descriptions - This man has a way with words, as I already said. But not only is his story telling fascinating, but his word choice enhances this novel to another level.
3. I find it interesting that most crime novels that feature a murderer don't delve into the actual feelings they have (why they murder, what they feel after, etc) but Jack finally did. It's a nice change, because I always wondered if the murderers felt anything at all or if they were just emotionless monsters.
4. The arc of the storyline was intriguing and followed every note I hoped it would hit. Some of it is easily guessed, but I'm glad Jack took the route he did (trying to explain this without any major spoilers is tougher than I thought it would be...). In a world like today where Big Brother is always watching us and social media is king of all, it was nice to see this book accept this fact and play along with it.
5. The King Lear references about tragedy being brought on by the character's themselves is a very nice addition.
Cons:
1. Drugging a cat annoyed me as a cat lover, I won't lie. That's a major con for me.
2. My personal con/questions: I would have liked to know what swung Brian into being the bad guy that he is. Was he always this bad? Was it just a situation that led him to this? I have lots of questions as to how someone could be so easily swayed into the life/choices they made. But that's just me and my over active imagination/thoughts. It's not necessarily a con against the book, it's my personal thoughts/loose ends that didn't get tied up for me.
3. I found that at some points of this book it got a little boring/slow. I get bored very quickly with books that don't interest me 99% of the time, so that's a "me" con.
4. The ending is ridiculously obvious if you paid attention while reading the book. Just saying.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's a great read that can be easily devoured in one sitting.
Four out of five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
This was an entertaining read and definitely interesting following the reporter on the journy of murder and what happens after that. It had an oddish premise bit worked well in the story.
April 26, 2018
MANCHESTER VICE is a tale about an ordinary man who makes some poor choices. What makes this a unique and fun story is the giddy abandon with which he goes about making these choices, and the fun I had watching his life deteriorate. I'm a terrible person!
But hey, so is Bradley Sharpe, ("just call me Brad"), but he didn't start out that way. He's on the brink of 60, (OLD to Brad), and tired of his boring life. His job as a crime journalist helps support his family, but it's the same old day to day doldrums. He meets with prisoners as a way of making himself feel useful. When he meets with terminally ill Jim, little does he know how much his life is about to change. How will his life change? What are those aforementioned poor choices? You'll have to read this to find out!
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, (perhaps Miami Vice, except set in Manchester?), but what I got was surprising and amusing. First off, it's not that kind of vice. Second, Brad's decline was rapid, willy-nilly, even. He seemed to be blind to his own ineptness, even when he thought was learning from his mistakes. It's easy for the reader to see where he went wrong, but Brad was clueless most of the time. It was fun to see him rolling with the punches, moving from one thing to another, while the whole time still believing that HE'S the good guy.
Entertaining and fast paced, with both outright and dry humor, Jack Strange delivers the goods in this "noirvella" and I had a bloody good time going along for the ride!
Highly recommended!
You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Vic...
*I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
But hey, so is Bradley Sharpe, ("just call me Brad"), but he didn't start out that way. He's on the brink of 60, (OLD to Brad), and tired of his boring life. His job as a crime journalist helps support his family, but it's the same old day to day doldrums. He meets with prisoners as a way of making himself feel useful. When he meets with terminally ill Jim, little does he know how much his life is about to change. How will his life change? What are those aforementioned poor choices? You'll have to read this to find out!
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, (perhaps Miami Vice, except set in Manchester?), but what I got was surprising and amusing. First off, it's not that kind of vice. Second, Brad's decline was rapid, willy-nilly, even. He seemed to be blind to his own ineptness, even when he thought was learning from his mistakes. It's easy for the reader to see where he went wrong, but Brad was clueless most of the time. It was fun to see him rolling with the punches, moving from one thing to another, while the whole time still believing that HE'S the good guy.
Entertaining and fast paced, with both outright and dry humor, Jack Strange delivers the goods in this "noirvella" and I had a bloody good time going along for the ride!
Highly recommended!
You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Vic...
*I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
December 29, 2017
Review: MANCHESTER VICE by Jack Strange
If you're on the lookout for hard-hitting, no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners, Noir, look right here. MANCHESTER VICE is a "Noirvella" from Jack Strange, the author who brought us ZOMCAT and CELEBRITY CHEF ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, among others. This story involves a character arc in reverse, a revelation of devolution. Our protagonist loses his trust, his integrity, and eventually his humanity.
Additionally {and all to the better in my estimation}, protagonist Brad Sharpe is the protagonist for "fecklessness." This guy is so feckless as to border on pathetic! Imagine, a degree in criminology, a crime beat journalist for umpteen years; and this immature almost 60-year-old fool, relies on his noted bad temper and his capacity to commit failure after failure after failure, trusting whom he shouldn't (including himself) and just generally proceeding on a Fool's Journey.
If his failings weren't so humorous in a pitying sense, which makes him laughable, Brad Sharpe would be just..pathetic.
If you're on the lookout for hard-hitting, no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners, Noir, look right here. MANCHESTER VICE is a "Noirvella" from Jack Strange, the author who brought us ZOMCAT and CELEBRITY CHEF ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, among others. This story involves a character arc in reverse, a revelation of devolution. Our protagonist loses his trust, his integrity, and eventually his humanity.
Additionally {and all to the better in my estimation}, protagonist Brad Sharpe is the protagonist for "fecklessness." This guy is so feckless as to border on pathetic! Imagine, a degree in criminology, a crime beat journalist for umpteen years; and this immature almost 60-year-old fool, relies on his noted bad temper and his capacity to commit failure after failure after failure, trusting whom he shouldn't (including himself) and just generally proceeding on a Fool's Journey.
If his failings weren't so humorous in a pitying sense, which makes him laughable, Brad Sharpe would be just..pathetic.
November 19, 2017
This is quite the messed up tale and not for the faint or easily queasy. Despite the main character being a loathsome person, I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happens to him. The narrative sucks you in easily and doesn't let you go, even when you get so frustrated over yet another really bad decision. The voice of the story is solid and the story, while predictable at times, is creative otherwise and the end is more than satisfying.
February 21, 2018
I enjoyed reading this novel. A dark, fast-paced read that shows how quickly a person's life can change by a series of unexpected events. Quite gruesome, so expect some shocks and gore. I enjoy reading books in the first person as I think readers are able to relate to the characters more easily. Great job Jack.
Author of crime debut thriller, Briguella. https://mybook.to/Briguella
Author of crime debut thriller, Briguella. https://mybook.to/Briguella
October 20, 2022
An excellent addition to the Noir crime fiction section.
Captivating and intriguing. This story is a real page turner and yet another excellent book from Jack Strange. It seems that Jack can write anything from comedy zombies to serious crime thrillers.
This story follows Brad Sharpe a crime reporter for the Manchester Daily News who as a volunteer prison visitor meets Jim Kennedy and his life is turned upside down. Read on to discover just how easy it is to tip over the edge.
I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Captivating and intriguing. This story is a real page turner and yet another excellent book from Jack Strange. It seems that Jack can write anything from comedy zombies to serious crime thrillers.
This story follows Brad Sharpe a crime reporter for the Manchester Daily News who as a volunteer prison visitor meets Jim Kennedy and his life is turned upside down. Read on to discover just how easy it is to tip over the edge.
I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2017
So if you follow my reviews this isn’t my normal book of choice, I’d skip it in a pile of books opting instead for a good memoir. What a story I would have missed! With that in mind do forgive me if the review is not a typical fiction review.
This is not a bedtime read, well not for me anyway! I made that mistake but should have kept reading a little further. The book is intense to begin with but mellows out a little (or did I just get use to the horror that lay within?) as we journey with Brad a crime reporter from a fictional Manchester newspaper. From a meeting with Jim, a prison inmate, Brad life spirals out of control in a way he could never have expected.
The chapters where very short, while I was reading it I couldn’t decide if I liked that or not but as I was finishing the real reason for this became clear. At the beginning I did find it slightly predictable but not so much in the latter half of the book, I think Jack Strange has carefully written the book so to begin with we relate to Brad, but has he begins to spiral out of control his actions become less and less predictable.
While I try to ensure spoilers aren’t given in any review as I think that takes the magic away from a book, I have to say this one has a great ending. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I was confused by the slight tense change in Chapter 60 (don’t worry, some chapters are a page, it’s not a monster of a book!), it made perfect sense in the end.
While it has nothing to do with the content of the book I felt this was something worth mentioning, the font in the paper edition of the book is excellent. While I don’t tend to openly discuss I have dyslexia, I feel it is worth discussing here. It will often slow down my reading as words can jumble together, I always persist with my trusty ruler separating the lines out but I didn’t need to with this book! A* for font choice.
Two criticisms that don’t affect the reading or enjoyment of the book but worth a quick mention, the first while I like the cover (especially the I) as a Manchester girl I couldn’t help notice the landmarks on there are not all Manchester, while we did have a wheel it was rather short-lived and doesn’t reside here anymore. The second, well I think the note I made at the time of reading it sums up how I feel about it well. A human murder? Crack on. A cat drugged? No.
Thanks to the Author for the book as part of a Goodread’s giveaway!
This is not a bedtime read, well not for me anyway! I made that mistake but should have kept reading a little further. The book is intense to begin with but mellows out a little (or did I just get use to the horror that lay within?) as we journey with Brad a crime reporter from a fictional Manchester newspaper. From a meeting with Jim, a prison inmate, Brad life spirals out of control in a way he could never have expected.
The chapters where very short, while I was reading it I couldn’t decide if I liked that or not but as I was finishing the real reason for this became clear. At the beginning I did find it slightly predictable but not so much in the latter half of the book, I think Jack Strange has carefully written the book so to begin with we relate to Brad, but has he begins to spiral out of control his actions become less and less predictable.
While I try to ensure spoilers aren’t given in any review as I think that takes the magic away from a book, I have to say this one has a great ending. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I was confused by the slight tense change in Chapter 60 (don’t worry, some chapters are a page, it’s not a monster of a book!), it made perfect sense in the end.
While it has nothing to do with the content of the book I felt this was something worth mentioning, the font in the paper edition of the book is excellent. While I don’t tend to openly discuss I have dyslexia, I feel it is worth discussing here. It will often slow down my reading as words can jumble together, I always persist with my trusty ruler separating the lines out but I didn’t need to with this book! A* for font choice.
Two criticisms that don’t affect the reading or enjoyment of the book but worth a quick mention, the first while I like the cover (especially the I) as a Manchester girl I couldn’t help notice the landmarks on there are not all Manchester, while we did have a wheel it was rather short-lived and doesn’t reside here anymore. The second, well I think the note I made at the time of reading it sums up how I feel about it well. A human murder? Crack on. A cat drugged? No.
Thanks to the Author for the book as part of a Goodread’s giveaway!
January 30, 2019
Sick. Twisted. Revolting.
I wish I had written it!
I wish I had written it!
January 20, 2018
This was not my usual genre, but I am glad that I read this book, written by Jack Strange. His writing style is quirky, yet unique.
I must admit, that at times I needed to speed read through some of the shocking and gory parts of the book; of which there were many.
Thankfully this was balanced with the twisted humour, throughout the book.
I recommend this book, providing you have the stomach for it.
I must admit, that at times I needed to speed read through some of the shocking and gory parts of the book; of which there were many.
Thankfully this was balanced with the twisted humour, throughout the book.
I recommend this book, providing you have the stomach for it.
September 4, 2018
I read this a few weeks ago and should've written a review immediately. I dunno why I didn't.
This was really good. The writing was solid and the story kept me invested and turning pages. I found myself yelling at brad a lot, which tells me I was pretty hooked!
"Why?? Quit digging yourself in deeper dude!"
Lots of that lol.
I really really enjoyed this read.
This was really good. The writing was solid and the story kept me invested and turning pages. I found myself yelling at brad a lot, which tells me I was pretty hooked!
"Why?? Quit digging yourself in deeper dude!"
Lots of that lol.
I really really enjoyed this read.
March 24, 2019
Brad Sharpe is a jaded hack who is bored with his life. However, when Sharpe interviews one of Britain’s worst serial killers in prison he heads down a dark pathway and makes a decision that changes his life.
Jack Strange’s Manchester Vice is a gruesomely violent and darkly funny slice of urban noir. Great stuff.
Jack Strange’s Manchester Vice is a gruesomely violent and darkly funny slice of urban noir. Great stuff.
October 22, 2022
Horrifyingly good! I loved it!
By: Jack D. McLean
Narrated by: Peter McGiffen
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-22-22
Definitely not for the faint of heart, Manchester Vice is a beautifully done, delightfully original story that really held my attention! Interesting, entertaining and at times graphically horrifying, the writing is fantastic! The characters are unique, some bordering on decidedly odd, all fully developed and beautifully defined speaking fantastically written, fabulously narrated dialogue that is completely believable! The plot flows beautifully and the scene setting is clear, beautifully narrated and easily understandable, The story will keep you guessing with plenty of twists, turns, surprises and and ending that stunned and delighted me! Sorry, no spoilers! You’ll have to listen to get the goods. I’m so glad I did! Five frighteningly good stars!
By: Jack D. McLean
Narrated by: Peter McGiffen
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-22-22
Definitely not for the faint of heart, Manchester Vice is a beautifully done, delightfully original story that really held my attention! Interesting, entertaining and at times graphically horrifying, the writing is fantastic! The characters are unique, some bordering on decidedly odd, all fully developed and beautifully defined speaking fantastically written, fabulously narrated dialogue that is completely believable! The plot flows beautifully and the scene setting is clear, beautifully narrated and easily understandable, The story will keep you guessing with plenty of twists, turns, surprises and and ending that stunned and delighted me! Sorry, no spoilers! You’ll have to listen to get the goods. I’m so glad I did! Five frighteningly good stars!
June 14, 2021
"You might suppose I should have gone to the police with these items, and you'd be right."
Brad is in a bit of a rut in his life. His marriage has been dull, and he's taken to visiting prisoners to give his life some meaning. But when the prisoner leads him to his journal, Brad's humdrum life is about to take a drastic turn.
The charm of Manchester Vice is in Brad's bumbling ineptitude towards things. Somehow, when he botches things up, horribly mind you, they still turn out okay for him. Mostly. Jack warns readers in the blurb that this isn't for the faint of heart, and at times, that is apt. You're never sure what Brad's going to do. His bumbling makes him an endearing character amidst all the amusing folly. Overall, an enjoyable read; nicely done.
Brad is in a bit of a rut in his life. His marriage has been dull, and he's taken to visiting prisoners to give his life some meaning. But when the prisoner leads him to his journal, Brad's humdrum life is about to take a drastic turn.
The charm of Manchester Vice is in Brad's bumbling ineptitude towards things. Somehow, when he botches things up, horribly mind you, they still turn out okay for him. Mostly. Jack warns readers in the blurb that this isn't for the faint of heart, and at times, that is apt. You're never sure what Brad's going to do. His bumbling makes him an endearing character amidst all the amusing folly. Overall, an enjoyable read; nicely done.
January 27, 2018
Noir crime
A superbly written crime story, which kept me guessing right up to the end. For me, this novel was about how an ordinary life can spiral out of control, following a chance meeting and some badly made decisions. Throughout, the main character believes that he is in the right and rationalises his actions at every turn. The dark humour, within the main character’s experience and thoughts about events as they unfold, had me laughing one minute and recoiling in the next. I couldn’t predict where this was going and had great fun reading it. I found the back section about the inspiration for this novel interesting and informative.
A definite five stars from me.
A superbly written crime story, which kept me guessing right up to the end. For me, this novel was about how an ordinary life can spiral out of control, following a chance meeting and some badly made decisions. Throughout, the main character believes that he is in the right and rationalises his actions at every turn. The dark humour, within the main character’s experience and thoughts about events as they unfold, had me laughing one minute and recoiling in the next. I couldn’t predict where this was going and had great fun reading it. I found the back section about the inspiration for this novel interesting and informative.
A definite five stars from me.
February 18, 2018
Gruesome
A very macabre tale told by a serial killer. At times bloody. Other times gruesome. Though, strangely, the narration does manage to eek out some sympathy from the reader. But I found myself skimming and skipping long passages because the subject matter was like watching a true crimes episode. I read it but I can't say I enjoyed it
A very macabre tale told by a serial killer. At times bloody. Other times gruesome. Though, strangely, the narration does manage to eek out some sympathy from the reader. But I found myself skimming and skipping long passages because the subject matter was like watching a true crimes episode. I read it but I can't say I enjoyed it
April 3, 2018
A very macabre tale told by a serial killer. At times bloody. Other times gruesome. Though, strangely, the narration does manage to eek out some sympathy from the reader. But I found myself skimming and skipping long passages because the subject matter was like watching a true crimes episode. I read it but I can't say I enjoyed it
October 5, 2022
So I had a couple of false starts with this but then I got into it and it really worked. What an interesting premise, I cant say anymore but now I want to read/listen to more by this author. The ending was perfect.
I had to get used to the narration as it is a new narrator for me,but , I found it really suited the story. Once I really got into the story the narration flowed perfectly so it was just at the beginning for me for both.
I had to get used to the narration as it is a new narrator for me,but , I found it really suited the story. Once I really got into the story the narration flowed perfectly so it was just at the beginning for me for both.
October 8, 2022
Loved the narration of Peter McGiffen, perfect
Brad Sharpe is a crime reporter for the Manchester Daily News and he is looking for the story , that will put his name on the map. Brad also volunteers as a prison visitor , where he meets Jim Kennedy and his life is turned around.
There is gore, violence, dark humour. This book will keep you listening, a proper Northern thriller.
Brad Sharpe is a crime reporter for the Manchester Daily News and he is looking for the story , that will put his name on the map. Brad also volunteers as a prison visitor , where he meets Jim Kennedy and his life is turned around.
There is gore, violence, dark humour. This book will keep you listening, a proper Northern thriller.
April 28, 2018
Brad was unfortunately an unlikable character; though there were one or two times where I felt sorry for him. If you're not into blood or gore, I wouldn't suggest picking this book up. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2022
This macabre murder mystery says something about human psyche and what could push someone to commit murder. This audiobook was gripping from beginning to end because of the talents of narrator Peter McGiffen. The ending blew me away.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews