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In The Soup by Michael N. Wilton

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Once again, William Bridge has to put aside his ambitions to become a writer and marry his sweetheart Sally when her father, Sir Henry, is involved in a scandal that threatens to put an end to the family’s hopes of getting their son Lancelot married to the daughter of a wealthy American security expert. Foiled in his attempts to get his own back by robbing the Courtney family bank, Foxey Fred and his gang find a new way of retrieving their fortunes by blackmailing Sir Henry; and fearful that his wife may find out, he appeals to William for help. Calling on his Uncle Neil for support, William sets out to reveal the true identity of the crooks staying at Courtney Towers posing as Middle East potentates, despite continued opposition from Sally’s step mother, Lady Courtney, and a series of female encounters that are enough to test the trust of even the most faithful admirers.

Paperback

First published May 27, 2015

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About the author

Michael N. Wilton

29 books11 followers
Michael Wilton, writing as Michael N.Wilton

Following National Service in the RAF, I returned reluctantly to banking until an opportunity arose to pursue a career in writing. After working as press officer for an engineering company, I was asked to set up a central press office as group press officer for an engineering company, then moved to become publicity manager for a fixed wing and helicopter charter company where I was involved in making a film of the company's activities at home and overseas. I became so interested in filming that I joined up with a partner to make industrial films for a number of years, in which I was responsible for preparing treatments and scripting, before ending my career handling research publicity for a national gas transmission company. With the advent of self publishing, I have written several books - a romantic comedy, as well as two children's books.I am a life member of the Writers Guild. For more details, see my web site: www.michaelwilton.co.uk.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Bill Ward.
Author 9 books177 followers
November 1, 2019
There is something quintessentially British about this author's books! This is the second book I have read and I can't say I have read anything similar in a long time. There is a mix of characters that wouldn't have seemed out of place in the comic books I read when I was growing up. However, this story also has all the elements of a 'Farce' I might have seen as an adult on the stage or TV. The humour is of the slapstick variety so suitable for all ages. The very first chapter literally starts with a bang and you are quickly into an easy and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Brian Porter.
299 reviews18 followers
February 19, 2019
What a, ripping yarn

As someone who usually reads serious thrillers and mysteries, I found myself in need of a little light relief. I certainly found it in Michael Wilton's In the Soup. Don't be fooled by the title as the soup is not quite what you might think. If characters like Princess Baloonah and Foxie Freddie don't give you a clue as, to the theme of the book, nothing will.

This is a humorous light-hearted romp in a style that is quintessentially English in its witty, and at times, almost slapstick humour as the author leads us through a surprisingly complex plot as, a team of in effectual con artists attempt to squeeze a sizeable amount of cash from the local lord of the manor. Of course, whatever can go wrong, does go wrong, leading to much hilarity for the reader, especially when the 'Arab prince' is found to have a distinctly Polish accent.

The straight man in all this mayhem is would-be author and amateur sleuth, William Bridge, who is soon hot on the heels of the tricksters, his only problem, finding any credible evidence. As someone has previously mentioned, it's very much in the 'Carry On' mould and in that light, I found it highly enjoyable and well worth 5 stars.
Profile Image for Gordon Bickerstaff.
Author 25 books105 followers
September 23, 2019
Greatly entertaining and uplifting fun

This is my first book by this author and won't be the last. I enjoyed the character William Bridge and all the escapades and situations that he had to deal with. The humour is well-crafted traditional English fun and not only did I laugh but I found it uplifting as well. The author has a natural writing style and skill with dialogue that works with humour. The story has a light-hearted plot about tricksters trying to work a clever con that is certain to go pear-shaped and you know that but what happens and how it happens creates the fun. The plot moves along at a steady pace and the mirth keeps unfolding with each page. Easy reading and always entertaining. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Chris-Jean Clarke.
Author 13 books21 followers
August 22, 2019
Teenagers & adults alike will enjoy this highly amusing mystery story!

'In the Soup' by Michael N Wilton is the follow-on story to 'Save Our Shop'. Wilton wastes no time in showing his readers that there is more than one way for his characters to be 'in the soup'. - His first chapter starts with a bang, landing a few shady characters literally in the soup. Wilton then goes on to show how William, his unlikely hero, is constantly 'in the soup' with his girlfriend due to his knack of attracting the local girls, without really trying. As the story progresses 'In The Soup' just keeps going from strength to strength.
Profile Image for A.J. Griffiths-Jones.
Author 33 books72 followers
November 9, 2020
This is a really fun read, the main character of William Bridge getting himself into all kinds of farcical escapades. The plot moves quickly, all tinged with great humour & classical situations typical of early British comedy. I think I smiled throughout the whole book, enjoying each chapter & wanting to see the outcome. The only comment I would make, is that I came away without knowing what the characters looked like. Either I should have read book one first, or the author has missed a trick. Generally a really good read.
Profile Image for Carolyn R.  Bradley.
Author 7 books2 followers
March 9, 2019
This is indeed a fun novel. Almost an adult version of a comic adventure - full of typical heroes and villains with characters adopting ludicrous impersonations. I loved the snobbish Lady Courtney and enjoyed 'Soapy Joe' and the old familiar 'Foxey Fred' together with a descriptive narrative running through at a fast pace. Utterly delightful nonsense, a real therapeutic escapist read.
Author 1 book1 follower
June 13, 2019
If you miss those old English TV comedies like "Dads Army" and "Some Mothers Do Have Em", this is something to help you reminisce. It that same slapstick comedy full of exaggerated characters do silly things and giving you a laugh as they do. It's lightweight and easy to read. A lot of modern comedy is trying to be edgy and eclectic. This is just simple old fashioned fun.
Profile Image for Grant Leishman.
Author 15 books148 followers
June 30, 2016
In The Soup is the second book of Wilton's that I've read in this series. The first of these, Save Our Shop, first introduced me to Wilton's rather quirky and very British sense of humour. For me it was very reminiscent of the humour I grew up with; the Frankie Howard's and Benny Hill's of this world. I found it fun, enjoyable and a real break from the more weighty subjects that I was generally reading.
While I remember belly-laughing at some of the antics in the first book, I found this less so, in the second. That doesn't mean to say I didn't enjoy In The Soup, I very much did, but some of the slapstick and caricatures seemed a little more over-the-top than in the first book.
The second book continues the efforts of our hero, William to have his first book published and to find a satisfactory end to his unrequited love for Sally. No matter what William tries to do, he always seems to create a situation that Sally can misread and accuse him of philandering.
This is a great book to while away a rainy afternoon and release some of the tensions of our everyday life. I would definitely recommend In The Soup if you need some light-hearted reading and if you are a fan of that typically self-deprecating British humour, I know you will love it.
An enjoyable read and a solid four stars, from me, for In The Soup
Profile Image for Colin Griffiths.
Author 29 books16 followers
May 26, 2016
This is the second and follow on to save our shop. I didn't think Wilton, in all honestly would exceed that book, but in my humble opinion he has.

This is such a refreshing, delightful funny read it sort of puts a spring in your step.
The dialogue is excellent throughout and some of the quirky characters grow on you until you love them.

It reminds me so much of Tom Sharpe and in the style of the old British comedy.s, that to be honest, were the best in the world. It begs to be made into a film or tv series.
This really is a brilliant feel good read that you will not be able to put it down. I couldn't and I had so many other things to do. His style of writing I love, he just draws you in

I will certainly look out for this author and hopefully be reading a lot more
Profile Image for Colin Griffiths.
Author 29 books16 followers
February 22, 2016
This is the second and follow on to save our shop. I didn't think Wilton, in all honestly would exceed that book, but in my humble opinion he has.

This is such a refreshing, delightful funny read it sort of puts a spring in your step.
The dialogue is excellent throughout and some of the quirky characters grow on you until you love them.

It reminds me so much of Tom Sharpe and in the style of the old British comedy.s, that to be honest, were the best in the world. It begs to be made into a film or tv series.
This really is a brilliant feel good read that you will not be able to put it down. I couldn't and I had so many other things to do. His style of writing I love, he just draws you in

I will certainly look out for this author and hopefully be reading a lot more
Profile Image for Book.
127 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2016
This is the second book in a series, but on reading it (and not having read the first) does not feel as though I missed out - but I will certainly be reading the first 'Save our Shops'.

Lots of fun, quirky characters, a nice splice of comedy and just all in all a really good entertaining read!

I like this author's style, he writes in an easy manner, which is fun and entertaining to read. Definitely an author who I will watch for more!
Profile Image for Sharon Brownlie.
Author 11 books30 followers
February 16, 2016
British humour and hilarity at its best. Characters are well developed and true to life. From bumbling about to snobbery the reader is bound to find a character that they warm to. Me, I loved them all. It is driven along by believable and funny dialogue. A great plot unfolds.

Wilton has an original style, fast-paced, quirky and intelligent. In The Soup reminded me of the good old fashioned comedies that used to grace our television screens.
802 reviews
November 8, 2015
This was one crazy cozy it was a riot I enjoyed from beginning to end, I enjoyed the characters and the story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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