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Gornstock #1

Banker's Draft

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In the City of Gornstock, on the planet Twearth, Private Investigator Jocelyn Cornwallis and his employee, Frankie, were enjoying a quiet pint down their local when life suddenly became interesting; they met Rose.....and then they got a case.
There’s been a murder at an accountant’s office, and Cornwallis has to find the perpetrator but at the same time the secret police have got an eye on proceedings so maybe things aren’t quite as they seem. Then there’s the Universal Collider, a device for seeing things that happen in other universes, and a cat with attitude named Fluffy; put into that mix Sergeant MacGillicudy, a policeman who tags along and whose nemesis is Sergeant Grinde, a government that evolved through Morris Dancers, and Gerald who ‘ain’t really there’, then what you get when you stir it all up is the Banker’s Draft.

Unknown Binding

First published September 26, 2012

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596 people want to read

About the author

Clive Mullis

3 books31 followers
Banker's Draft is my first novel and really came about by accident as I was intending to write about something else. A thought occurred to me, and this was the result.
I worked for many years in the ambulance service and developed a slightly black, slightly warped sense of humour, which I hope has translated into my book.
Have now released a second novel about Gornstock and its inhabitants.
You can also find me on facebook.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
25 (46%)
4 stars
17 (31%)
3 stars
4 (7%)
2 stars
3 (5%)
1 star
5 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Ugur.
230 reviews220 followers
February 24, 2013
It's really a great debut mystery novel from Clive Mullis.

This book is a sherlockian mystery which takes place in an alternate universe. Despite taking place in an alternate universe, the city Gornstock smells like London.

There are many similarities to sherlockian mystery novels, but also there are different elements like; talking cats, dwarves, elves, ghosts, parallel universes and also it is mentioned that there ara dragons in some other land. This different elements are not used too much, may be in future series Clive will use these elements much more and also will write a story which is centered on a dwarf or an elf character.

Hope to see Jocelyn Cornwallis, Sherlock Holmes of Gornstock, Twearth, in future series.
Profile Image for Jo Robinson.
Author 7 books49 followers
March 23, 2015
In an alternate universe out there, on a planet named Twearth, some brilliant sleuths solve a convoluted crime. Several crimes actually, involving dodgy, thieving and murderous bankers, politicians, and a vengeful dominatrix.
A couple of my favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Tom Sharpe, and I’m a harsh critic when it comes to humorous tales – very few authors can get it as right as those two can. But as I read this book, I gleefully realised that I had found a new favourite author who easily slots in beside them as far as being able to write the funny, clever books that I love.
Jocelyn (Jack)Cornwallis III, together with his friend and sidekick Frankie, and gorgeous Rose (with ninja like abilities to defend herself), take on the case of the murdered cleaner in the accountants office, opening up a can of worms that leads them on some crazy dangerous trips to get to the bottom of the crime.
I loved the characters, especially the animals. On Twearth animals sometimes speak, and have jobs too. Polar Bear dock workers, and Fluffy the cat. I think I have a crush on that cool cat hero. The law enforcers and the psychic. I laughed all the way as our heroes worked their way through all sorts of hilariously dangerous situations, and grinned too at the ghoulish endings some of the bad guys met. I loved the love story within, and all of that naughty, the science of the Collider, and the risqué humour. It takes a genius comedic writer to get that right – the naughty bits, without being at all offensive.
All in all I loved everything about this perfectly crafted story – it was a crazy, funny, wild romp of a tale, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a funny bone.
Profile Image for Nicola Parkinson.
202 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2013
Move over Sherlock Holmes there’s a new detective in town and he goes by the name Jocelyn Cornwallis ! He even has a side kick, Frankie……. Then there’s Rose, the want-to-be detective/love interest and let’s not forget Fluffy the talking cat……. Yes talking cat! Though we are In the City of Gornstock, on the planet Twearth, where something’s aren’t what they seem.
There’s been a murder at an accountant’s office, and Cornwallis has to find the perpetrator but at the same time the secret police have got an eye on proceedings so maybe things aren’t quite as they seem. Then there’s the Universal Collider, a device for seeing things that happen in other universes, and a cat with attitude named Fluffy; put into that mix Sergeant MacGillicudy, a policeman who tags along and whose nemesis is Sergeant Grinde, a government that evolved through Morris Dancers, and Gerald who ‘ain’t really there’, then what you get when you stir it all up is the Banker’s Draft.

I must admit I rather liked this book…… I’m not one for detective kind of books but this had a different feel to it which kept me entertained and intrigued. I loved Fluffys part, that cat is entertaining! The plot was very thought out and it had me guessing “who dun it” the whole time, even did a “NOOO!” When I found out who it was. I will be keeping my eye out for other books by Clive.
Profile Image for Ichar.
19 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Banker’s Draft from start to finish. The story takes place in a wonderfully amazing place called Gorntock, a city which has talking animals , mythical creatures , a comically incompetent police force and three very clever detectives who try to track some horribly wicked people. With underground dwarf tunnels and elf boutiques this book is unlike any novel I've read before. I found it refreshing to read a book with such a unique setting. This book is action packed with just the right amount of suspense and mystery. I fell in love with the cast rather quickly, especially with the characters of Frankie and Fluffy. The best thing about this book is the witty language. It’s fabulously written. The plot may revolve round serious matters such as murder and drug trafficking, however, it is filled with hilarious dialogue and hysterical happenings, made me smile and laugh all the way.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted and quick read.
Profile Image for Sandra.
Author 4 books19 followers
January 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! The central characters are two more than a little crazy detectives who are far less incompetent than first appears. Add to this a variety of quirky and whacky individuals, cats that talk, bears with tattoos and you get the flavour of this parallel universe detective story. Loved the humour and wit and feel that this book has all the hallmarks of the beginning of an excellent series. Would definitely read more by this author. I've rated 4 but it's worth 4.5.... Well done with this debut novel and keep up the good work!
Profile Image for John Dolan.
Author 18 books259 followers
January 11, 2015
"Banker's Draft" is a great romp in the British humour tradition. Weird, wacky characters, up-and-down-and-round sleuthing plot line: what's not to like? Grab yourself a copy to liven up any dull week.
456 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2018
A unique mystery

I enjoyed this story. The characters were unique and yeah, a talking cat! The plot was good with lots of subplots. Altogether a fun read.
Profile Image for Andrew.
4 reviews
July 12, 2018
Just plain fun

This was just a fun book. Reminded me of one of the more light hearted Discworld series books. Will read what ever comes next for sure.
Profile Image for OrchardBookClub.
355 reviews22 followers
March 7, 2014
Move over Sherlock Holmes there’s a new detective in town and he goes by the name Jocelyn Cornwallis ! He even has a side kick, Frankie……. Then there’s Rose, the want-to-be detective/love interest and let’s not forget Fluffy the talking cat……. Yes talking cat! Though we are In the City of Gornstock, on the planet Twearth, where something’s aren’t what they seem.
There’s been a murder at an accountant’s office, and Cornwallis has to find the perpetrator but at the same time the secret police have got an eye on proceedings so maybe things aren’t quite as they seem. Then there’s the Universal Collider, a device for seeing things that happen in other universes, and a cat with attitude named Fluffy; put into that mix Sergeant MacGillicudy, a policeman who tags along and whose nemesis is Sergeant Grinde, a government that evolved through Morris Dancers, and Gerald who ‘ain’t really there’, then what you get when you stir it all up is the Banker’s Draft.

I must admit I rather liked this book…… I’m not one for detective kind of books but this had a different feel to it which kept me entertained and intrigued. I loved Fluffys part, that cat is entertaining! The plot was very thought out and it had me guessing “who dun it” the whole time, even did a “NOOO!” When I found out who it was. I will be keeping my eye out for other books by Clive.

Reviewed by Nicola
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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