Tag Archive | Suzy K Quinn

Bob & Shirley’s Killer Cat Puzzle by Suzy K Quinn

Sep29

Loved The Interactions

Bob & Shirley’s Killer Cat Puzzle by Suzy K Quinn is a really fun contemporary novel that goes hand in hand with the other books in the Bob & Shirley Mystery series.

This book is unique in that the reader can interact with the characters, find the hidden clues, and decide if Sambuca, Bob & Shirley’s cat is guilty of murder. Or is it one of the other four lower village cats?

Bob loves his puzzles and draws out a grid within which we can place our clues. We need to decipher the clues in each chapter, add them to the grid, and work out who is the guilty party? – Easy?… Err, nope! Not for me! I am hopeless at that sort of thing. I had great fun finding the clues (some of them) and filling in the grid. But was left scratching my head, wondering which was the guilty cat? Fortunately, Bob goes through the clues in detail towards the end of the book! Don’t jump to the back to read the solution as it takes away the fun!

Of course, you can always just read the book without filling in the grid. As with the other books in the series, this is highly amusing with Shirley being slightly scatterbrained and definitely in Sambuca’s corner, and Bob providing the analytical brain and very fussy about the English language. The pair bounce off each other and are hilarious.

As the previous owner of a psycho cat, Marble (died aged 19 in July 2020), I can definitely identify with Sambuca. “Shirley says Sambuca is misunderstood, but I find him extremely easy to understand. He’s a spoiled, vicious, entitled cat with an alcohol problem.” I used to say Marble was misunderstood! And you had to keep an eye on his eyes, as he could go from enjoying a stroke o biting!! “There’s… a warning sin on the bar that says ‘Do not look directly at the cat’.”

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Bob & Shirley’s Guide To Murder by Suzy K Quinn

Sep13

Highly Amusing

Bob & Shirley’s Guide To Murder by Suzy K Quinn is a wonderfully amusing light-hearted contemporary cosy crime novel which I absolutely adored. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep. It is the first book in the new Bob & Shirley Mystery series which promises to be fabulous.

The action is seen in the first person, alternating between married couple Bob and Shirley who own a pub in a village. Their close relationship is visible to all as the dialogue bounces between them.

A dead body in the pub garden sets Bob and Shirley up to investigate. Their amateur sleuthing certainly gives Miss Marple a run for her money. They too, are friendly with the local constabulary.

A young woman in police training is first on the scene, unfortunately her stomach does not match her enthusiasm! With each new detail that Bob points out, the female P.C. loses her stomach again! Quietly spoken and teetotal, she is in direct contrast to the previous elderly male police officer who was beer drinking and loud.

Village living brings highs and lows. There are gossip, speculation and rivalry, but also friendships, camaraderie and loyalty. We drop in on pub quizzes and lunches, fitness classes and the local Waist Watchers – who spend more time in the pub talking about losing weight than actually doing something about it! Their leader is partial to fish and chips and alcohol, as noted by Bob.

Suzy K Quinn has cleverly constructed her novel which has many references to quintessential British items and traditions. When talking about local history, Bob observes “Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond is absolutely not historically accurate.” Those of us of a certain age who grew up on the Carry-On films, will instantly recognise the character played by Sid James. This familiarity helps the reader feel like they belong to village life.

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The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K Quinn

Jun26

To The Moon & Back

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K Quinn is the most beautiful contemporary story about love that I never wanted to end. I savored every moment of it.

This is not your traditional love story but make no mistake, it is a love story, and by far and away the best love story I have ever read.

We all need love but not everyone recognizes this fact and that can lead to loneliness. Sometimes we need other people to point out to us just what is missing.

This unconventional love story has nine year old Callum at it’s heart, along with his friend Angel Rain and Mr Lamb who is researching for his PhD thesis. They are unlikely heroes but heroes never the less.

Callum is largely ignored by his teacher at school. She has labelled him as a slow learner and has forgotten about him. In contrast, his teaching assistant is kind and encouraging. Callum is given the opportunity to help Mr Lamb with his thesis as Callum will be observed by him.

As the book progresses, we witness the growth of both Callum and Mr Lamb as a personality that was frozen, begins to thaw.

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The Bad Mother’s Wedding by Suzy K Quinn

Dec10

Fun And Relatable

The Bad Mother’s Wedding by Suzy K Quinn is a delightful contemporary novel. It is the fifth book in the Bad Mother’s series but can be read as a stand-alone. It is the first book in the series that I have read and now I REALLY want to read the books 1-4.

The style is in the form of a diary so we become intimately acquainted with the lead character. We know her thoughts and opinions on all things. It really does feel like we are sneaking a peak into her life.

2020 has been a year like no other. We all need a lift in our spirits and The Bad Mother’s Wedding is the book to do it. The action mirrors the actual events of the pandemic and is therefore easy to identify with. Imagine the difficulties trying to plan a wedding. It felt like road blocks were continually being thrown up. Plans had to be flexible and adaptable. Stress levels were high.

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