A birthday pressie from my wishlist :)

I'm really looking forward to this; to see how BE copes with historical fiction, and a more serious subject (WWI). Knowing his range and ability, i've no doubt he will do a great job and mix in some black humour, and relevance to more current social issues.

(15/09) At the risk of alienating book-lovers I am giving this 8 stars, but I was tempted to go to the full 10-stars! Why, because, despite its incredible (i.e. unbelievable) plot, hackneyed WW1 trench detail and characters…I really enjoyed it. I admire Ben Elton for writing fun ‘popcorn’ books, with no great literary pretentions. Fiction is entertainment first and foremost, or am I wrong. Discuss :-)

*includes spoilers*
A potted plot; disgraced ‘conchie’ London PC is killed while escaping prison, resurrected as Military Policeman Christopher Marlowe(?) to investigate the murder of a lionised poet in Flanders. Kinsley/Marlowe becomes a hero as he gathers evidence in no-mans-land and behind enemy lines at the 3rd battle of Ypres. Hurrah, he solves the crime, gets the bad guy, beds a filly, and comes back as his brother…!

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

It can't just be me who likes Ben Elton's writing, a mixture of 'lad lit' and satire, and in this case a little bit of social commentary and historical context! Enjoy?

Going to Caffe Nero today for someone else to enjoy.

I hope you enjoy this. Welcome to bookcrossing, please go to the website www.bookcrossing.com and tell everyone where this book is going to next...