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Plaster Scene
Celia Siddington was far out. She had always subscribed to ‘Peace and Love’ and the spirit of freedom but, for nearly fifty years, she had buried a secret that would rock the world… and then she died…
Thankfully, it was a false alarm and she came back to life just long enough to pass on a vital clue to her useless nephew and sole heir, Henry, before dying again. When Henry tells his tenacious wife, Claudia, the wheels are set in motion for an outlandish attempt to secure the mystery inheritance.
In the midst of this confusion, a brave and honest stranger is at a crossroads in his life. But, when George Spencer finds himself entangled in the Siddington’s ludicrous schemes, he unwittingly finds everything he’s ever wanted just within reach...
A staged mugging, an alien abduction and a wetsuit clad gunman are all encountered on the way to a shocking discovery, one which will remould and shape the lives of everyone concerned, forever.
Plaster Scene is a story which proves that love leaves a lasting impression.
Thankfully, it was a false alarm and she came back to life just long enough to pass on a vital clue to her useless nephew and sole heir, Henry, before dying again. When Henry tells his tenacious wife, Claudia, the wheels are set in motion for an outlandish attempt to secure the mystery inheritance.
In the midst of this confusion, a brave and honest stranger is at a crossroads in his life. But, when George Spencer finds himself entangled in the Siddington’s ludicrous schemes, he unwittingly finds everything he’s ever wanted just within reach...
A staged mugging, an alien abduction and a wetsuit clad gunman are all encountered on the way to a shocking discovery, one which will remould and shape the lives of everyone concerned, forever.
Plaster Scene is a story which proves that love leaves a lasting impression.
377 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
373 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Holley
8 books24 followersMichael J Holley is the author of the comedy novels Plaster Scene and The Great Corporate Escape, as well as the collection of short stories, The Christmas Number One.
He was born in Southampton, England in 1977, and then moved up to Liverpool in the mid-90's to go to university. He started a band and moved across to Manchester where he tried to be a Rock n' Roll Star for quite a while. He now lives in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, looking out to sea.
His third novel, Blind Faith, is due out in 2014.
He was born in Southampton, England in 1977, and then moved up to Liverpool in the mid-90's to go to university. He started a band and moved across to Manchester where he tried to be a Rock n' Roll Star for quite a while. He now lives in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, looking out to sea.
His third novel, Blind Faith, is due out in 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2014
I was fortunate to receive Plaster Scene as a First Reads Book . Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this and share with my friends. I found it quite different to anything I have read recently but it was an easy read and entertaining. I loved the cover as well so top marks to Simon Raine for that. Keep the books coming Michael there is certainly a niche in the market for your style of descriptive writing and I will be looking out for the next one.(less)
January 30, 2015
The novel begins in June 1968 with two girls, one called Bronwyn, the other Celia. Celia the more experienced, and perhaps more attractive of the two, seems to have a bit of boldness. And potentially gets herself into trouble.
At first appearances these girls are dealing drugs in the clubs, experiencing the party lifestyle.
The next chapter takes the reader to June 2013. And to George Spencer.
A lot of mundane talking in the pub about women. Nothing really jumps out about this character.
All characters appear quite unforgettable.
Next stage brings Crystal Lyons into the picture. Having a one night stand with George. All the while I am wondering what point all of this has? How do all these rather plain characters connect?
Next character to be introduced is Henry Siddington. Again, something rather ordinary about these characters.
The novel seems to just be short character plots, characters with uninteresting lives, not real substance.
Every now and then events happen that quicken up the pace; however, too many conversations quickly cause the book to lose stream.
A variety of characters fill the plot; so it's difficult to tell who are the main characters, and what they have to do with it all.
It's a bit difficult to relate or connect with the characters because there are so many.
Writing could be more creative to make it a more interesting read. I can sort of see what the author is trying to do with the story, and certain elements are interesting with the unique sub-plots.
A long-winded quest to find buried treasure takes the new characters, Claudia and Henry through murky and slightly dangerous terrain. Henry, an ancestor of Celia, one of the girls in the beginning of the book, makes it her mission to get what she thinks she is owed, or deserves. And will go to all lengths to get what she wants, at any cost.
Although it's supposed to be a bit of a mystery comedy, any suspense or action quickly fades, bogged down with meaningless dialogue. Admittedly, the entire plot is humorous; undecided if it is humorous in a bad way or not…
Past characters collide, events come crashing together.
It’s difficult at times to piece everything together; scenes jumping to and fro without giving the reader any clear idea of where they're at, so struggling to get fully immersed.
Slightly humorous in parts, but still lacking much substance.
The tale slightly picks up pace closer to the end, the ending somewhat unexpected, but for what it took to get there, the ending got lost with everything else.
2/5 stars
At first appearances these girls are dealing drugs in the clubs, experiencing the party lifestyle.
The next chapter takes the reader to June 2013. And to George Spencer.
A lot of mundane talking in the pub about women. Nothing really jumps out about this character.
All characters appear quite unforgettable.
Next stage brings Crystal Lyons into the picture. Having a one night stand with George. All the while I am wondering what point all of this has? How do all these rather plain characters connect?
Next character to be introduced is Henry Siddington. Again, something rather ordinary about these characters.
The novel seems to just be short character plots, characters with uninteresting lives, not real substance.
Every now and then events happen that quicken up the pace; however, too many conversations quickly cause the book to lose stream.
A variety of characters fill the plot; so it's difficult to tell who are the main characters, and what they have to do with it all.
It's a bit difficult to relate or connect with the characters because there are so many.
Writing could be more creative to make it a more interesting read. I can sort of see what the author is trying to do with the story, and certain elements are interesting with the unique sub-plots.
A long-winded quest to find buried treasure takes the new characters, Claudia and Henry through murky and slightly dangerous terrain. Henry, an ancestor of Celia, one of the girls in the beginning of the book, makes it her mission to get what she thinks she is owed, or deserves. And will go to all lengths to get what she wants, at any cost.
Although it's supposed to be a bit of a mystery comedy, any suspense or action quickly fades, bogged down with meaningless dialogue. Admittedly, the entire plot is humorous; undecided if it is humorous in a bad way or not…
Past characters collide, events come crashing together.
It’s difficult at times to piece everything together; scenes jumping to and fro without giving the reader any clear idea of where they're at, so struggling to get fully immersed.
Slightly humorous in parts, but still lacking much substance.
The tale slightly picks up pace closer to the end, the ending somewhat unexpected, but for what it took to get there, the ending got lost with everything else.
2/5 stars
November 11, 2017
Plaster Scene is Michael J Holley’s second novel and, after reading this one, I want to get my hands on the first one as soon as possible! This story moves between the heady, drug-fuelled days of the sixties in North Wales, via the less-relaxed seventies, to monotonous, modern day, middle class Cheshire in North-West England; and between the multiple viewpoints of its various protagonists. Back in the sixties, Celia has dropped out and fully tuned in to all that is fun, racy, radical and subversive during those times; but in the modern day, she is an elderly lady, with awful relatives, who, due to lack of other options, has to leave her useless nephew, Henry, a cryptic message about his supposed inheritance. Henry’s domineering wife, Claudia, hatches a not-very-fool proof plan to claim what is theirs, roping in quarter-life crisis sufferer, George Spencer, and launching the three of them on what proves to be an ill-fated but unforgettable quest across the north of England and Wales.
Michael J Holley has created an extremely funny tale in Plaster Scene, and it works well as a modern, British screwball comedy. The multiple strands of the story collide in perfect farcical fashion and the plot is well designed and executed. The writing is witty, and includes many genuinely laugh out loud moments, and each brilliantly bonkers character is fully three-dimensional and well described. George, Coral and Henry are very sympathetically drawn (Claudia is most decidedly not so!) and the supporting cast of Simms, Horatio, Cornelius and Bronwyn all play their part in making this a very enjoyable and highly recommended book. Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite.
Michael J Holley has created an extremely funny tale in Plaster Scene, and it works well as a modern, British screwball comedy. The multiple strands of the story collide in perfect farcical fashion and the plot is well designed and executed. The writing is witty, and includes many genuinely laugh out loud moments, and each brilliantly bonkers character is fully three-dimensional and well described. George, Coral and Henry are very sympathetically drawn (Claudia is most decidedly not so!) and the supporting cast of Simms, Horatio, Cornelius and Bronwyn all play their part in making this a very enjoyable and highly recommended book. Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite.
January 4, 2014
This is the first book I have read from this author and I had the privilege to receive it as a "first read". I would highly recommend it as a MUST READ! LOVED IT!
I was introduced to quite a collection of colourful, humorous, and intriguing characters. The characters are intricately woven together in such a manner that it flows with great precision! A LAUGH-OUT-LOUD tale full of great one liners! The characters/story transitioned from beginning to end leaving you with feelings of: love, loss, discovery, courage, adventure, simplicity, perseverance, acceptance and purpose just to name a few.
When I reflect on the story much comes to mind. Love happens when it is meant to happen and can not be forced upon. Don't close a door until you have at least stuck your foot through because sometimes you only get one chance.
My absolute favourite quote: "Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song."
"The art is the treasure in eye of the beholder,"
and to me this story is ART!!
I was introduced to quite a collection of colourful, humorous, and intriguing characters. The characters are intricately woven together in such a manner that it flows with great precision! A LAUGH-OUT-LOUD tale full of great one liners! The characters/story transitioned from beginning to end leaving you with feelings of: love, loss, discovery, courage, adventure, simplicity, perseverance, acceptance and purpose just to name a few.
When I reflect on the story much comes to mind. Love happens when it is meant to happen and can not be forced upon. Don't close a door until you have at least stuck your foot through because sometimes you only get one chance.
My absolute favourite quote: "Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song."
"The art is the treasure in eye of the beholder,"
and to me this story is ART!!
July 10, 2014
I found the first few chapters a confusing collection of unrelated stories, but I'm glad I persevered with this story, because when all the characters from those chapters came together, the story proved to be a funny romp through one farcical event following another. A lighthearted, enjoyable read.
December 19, 2013
A brilliant story with fantastic characters! Fast paced and funny, greatly entertaining. What a great imagination Michael has to have thought up the extraordinary inheritance in this book!
I was hooked from beginning to end and found it very hard to put it down.
Very much looking forward to the next book in 2014.
I was hooked from beginning to end and found it very hard to put it down.
Very much looking forward to the next book in 2014.
March 11, 2014
Really loved the book. The story is funny and witty. I loved the characters but I wished there would be a bit more in-depth on the characters history. Hope that there may be more with the same characters, I really would love to catch up with them
April 13, 2014
I got this book as a Goodreads First Read, and I'm really glad I did. It's quirky and absurd, and absolutely hilarious. Good plot.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews