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Alfie Bowman #1
An Unlikely Hero
Alfie Bowman has been heard to describe himself as a refugee from a failed life. An ordinary looking guy, who’s starting to lose his hair, he’s a little bit shorter than average, a little bit heavier than he should be, and a lot less fit than he really ought to be! At the ripe old age of 50, all he really wants to do is re-start his life and maybe do some writing. If only he could find something to write about! So he’s nothing special, and definitely not your typical all-action hero!
So when this particular ordinary guy stops in the pub for a couple of pints on the way home, the last thing he expects to have to do is save a stunning young woman half his age from a fracas with an enormous thug with huge fists! But then, as far as Alfie’s concerned, there are some things you can’t just stand by and ignore.
Waking up in hospital later that night he wonders if maybe getting involved wasn’t such a great idea after all - that guy in the pub did tell him he’d regret getting involved! But he soon learns that the beating he’d been given was nothing to do with events in the pub...
So who beat him up, and why? Who is the stunning young woman and what’s she doing in town?
Join ordinary guy Alfie Bowman in this the first of a series of stories. Meet his friends Positive Pete and Dry Biro. See how he outwits abrasive ex-wife Gloria, and deals with a close encounter with local gangster Nugent the Nutter. And how does this ‘refugee from a failed life’ manage to deal with a beautiful young woman who sweeps into his life?
And then there’s his attraction to gorgeous and mysterious neighbour Sophia. After a disastrous marriage he believes women are a mystery he’ll never really understand - he just knows that if he ever does get the girl she’s going to end up being disappointed! So, much as he would like to get to know the seemingly aloof and mysterious Sophia, he’s also having to deal with his own fear of getting involved. It’s a seesaw of confidence...
This is neither the longest, nor the greatest, story you’ll ever read, but it was never meant to be. It’s the first in a series that’s intended to be an entertaining read with a bit of mystery, a dash of pathos, a touch of romance and a good dollop of humour. You never know, you just might enjoy it!
So when this particular ordinary guy stops in the pub for a couple of pints on the way home, the last thing he expects to have to do is save a stunning young woman half his age from a fracas with an enormous thug with huge fists! But then, as far as Alfie’s concerned, there are some things you can’t just stand by and ignore.
Waking up in hospital later that night he wonders if maybe getting involved wasn’t such a great idea after all - that guy in the pub did tell him he’d regret getting involved! But he soon learns that the beating he’d been given was nothing to do with events in the pub...
So who beat him up, and why? Who is the stunning young woman and what’s she doing in town?
Join ordinary guy Alfie Bowman in this the first of a series of stories. Meet his friends Positive Pete and Dry Biro. See how he outwits abrasive ex-wife Gloria, and deals with a close encounter with local gangster Nugent the Nutter. And how does this ‘refugee from a failed life’ manage to deal with a beautiful young woman who sweeps into his life?
And then there’s his attraction to gorgeous and mysterious neighbour Sophia. After a disastrous marriage he believes women are a mystery he’ll never really understand - he just knows that if he ever does get the girl she’s going to end up being disappointed! So, much as he would like to get to know the seemingly aloof and mysterious Sophia, he’s also having to deal with his own fear of getting involved. It’s a seesaw of confidence...
This is neither the longest, nor the greatest, story you’ll ever read, but it was never meant to be. It’s the first in a series that’s intended to be an entertaining read with a bit of mystery, a dash of pathos, a touch of romance and a good dollop of humour. You never know, you just might enjoy it!
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
51 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
55 books240 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 25, 2017
Felt like it ended in the middle of something, not just because of shortness. It is clearly marked as novella, but still felt incomplete as opposed to just short.
February 28, 2021
At just over 104 pages this was a quick read but it had an awkward flow since at times the story moved ahead without a break in the story to show it had done so - not space wise or the start of a new chapter. There were some likable characters and then others who were had to like and didn't seem to fit except there was a connection to another character. Alfie seems to have a good heart but doesn't always think before he acts. His ex-wife and her sister seem like they have a screw loose and it's amazing how others believe them.
Alfie doesn't seem to know a lot about the people he's in contact with and he learned about them as we were told about their backgrounds. There were vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was there. Unfortunately, the story ended abruptly. I didn't know I was even nearing the end until I saw a thank you from the author. I like the cover.
I may or may not give other books by this author a try.
Alfie doesn't seem to know a lot about the people he's in contact with and he learned about them as we were told about their backgrounds. There were vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was there. Unfortunately, the story ended abruptly. I didn't know I was even nearing the end until I saw a thank you from the author. I like the cover.
I may or may not give other books by this author a try.
April 2, 2020
Ordinary, 50 year old Alfie Bowman lives in the quiet town of Tinton. Getting between a young lady and a thug with fists one evening, results, he believes in him beaten up and in hospital. But what is the truth.
An enjoyable novella, a good start to a new series
An enjoyable novella, a good start to a new series
September 7, 2023
Good humor filled tale
Very engaging, humorous mystery with interesting characters. Really enjoyed the story but felt it left much to be discovered. This most likely due to the fact there are other books in the series.
Very engaging, humorous mystery with interesting characters. Really enjoyed the story but felt it left much to be discovered. This most likely due to the fact there are other books in the series.
July 23, 2018
Fun, quick. :)
January 24, 2020
Exciting
Very good read, one of those books you just can't put down, ready for the next book in the series .
Very good read, one of those books you just can't put down, ready for the next book in the series .
June 13, 2014
Although this was a novella (1st in a series of novellas), I liked it and did NOT think it could or should be made into amfull length novel. Alfie Bowman is a regular guy, a mid 40s, separated and nearly divorced. His (soon to be) ex-wife, Gloria, slept around quite a bit and though he was loath to acknowledge the fact, he eventually left her because of it. Because she is quite a shrew & an accomplished liar, Alfie stays clear of her. The reader is led to believe he has moved on, albeit not very far.
When we meet Alfie, he stops off at his local, where the landlord is his buddy, Dave. Alfred knows better than to drink with Dave, but is over-served (he only lives around the corner). Weaving his way out of the pub, he notices a lovely young lady reading alone at a table, her back to the room & door. A large, beefy lout, obviously angry, makes a beeline for the girl. Alfie intervenes when the giant brute tries to grab the girl & scoffs at her in an Eastern European language. Unwisely, but honorably, Alfie tells the man to step off and the lout's attention turns to Alfie. Before blows can be exchanged, Dave (former secret agent SAS man) & his large Rottie back up Alfie. Lout, named Gregor, wants no trouble and leaves. The girl has slipped away unnoticed. Alfie stumbles and weaves his way towards his flat, just past the alley...and that's when trouble finds him, again. He is severely beaten while getting his keys in his door, wakes up in the A&E of the hospital.
Things get interesting as Alfie attempts to find out who beat him and why. He also tries to find out who called 999 for him, possibly saving his life. The plot thickens, twists and twists some more. We meet Gloria, which is a mystery itself as to how she came to find out he's in hospital. Fortunately, Alfie has some staunch allies in his friends. Positive Pat (the ex of his ex's sister) & Dry Biro (a 'retired' journalist who knows everyone) are both engaging friends who help solve the mysteries.
The resolution comes swiftly, as this is only a novella, afterall. The majority of the story comes in setting up the mystery (like this review) and the solving (of the main mystery) is quite swift, and therefore, somewhat tenuous, if not a bit 'too good to be true'. The plot was good, the characters even better; I just found the resolution all too pat and hard to swallow. Also, there is somewhat of a cliff-hanger at the end, or perhaps a lead-in to the next novella. I expect it is to encourage the reader to buy the next novella to satisfy one's curiosity.
The writing was quite good with 3 dimensional characters that quickly hook you, sucking you into Alfie's world. I wish the author had not taken the novella route and come rapidly to an almost-too-good-to-be-true denouement. I am encouraged by the writing enough to purchase the next saga, and have done so.
When we meet Alfie, he stops off at his local, where the landlord is his buddy, Dave. Alfred knows better than to drink with Dave, but is over-served (he only lives around the corner). Weaving his way out of the pub, he notices a lovely young lady reading alone at a table, her back to the room & door. A large, beefy lout, obviously angry, makes a beeline for the girl. Alfie intervenes when the giant brute tries to grab the girl & scoffs at her in an Eastern European language. Unwisely, but honorably, Alfie tells the man to step off and the lout's attention turns to Alfie. Before blows can be exchanged, Dave (former secret agent SAS man) & his large Rottie back up Alfie. Lout, named Gregor, wants no trouble and leaves. The girl has slipped away unnoticed. Alfie stumbles and weaves his way towards his flat, just past the alley...and that's when trouble finds him, again. He is severely beaten while getting his keys in his door, wakes up in the A&E of the hospital.
Things get interesting as Alfie attempts to find out who beat him and why. He also tries to find out who called 999 for him, possibly saving his life. The plot thickens, twists and twists some more. We meet Gloria, which is a mystery itself as to how she came to find out he's in hospital. Fortunately, Alfie has some staunch allies in his friends. Positive Pat (the ex of his ex's sister) & Dry Biro (a 'retired' journalist who knows everyone) are both engaging friends who help solve the mysteries.
The resolution comes swiftly, as this is only a novella, afterall. The majority of the story comes in setting up the mystery (like this review) and the solving (of the main mystery) is quite swift, and therefore, somewhat tenuous, if not a bit 'too good to be true'. The plot was good, the characters even better; I just found the resolution all too pat and hard to swallow. Also, there is somewhat of a cliff-hanger at the end, or perhaps a lead-in to the next novella. I expect it is to encourage the reader to buy the next novella to satisfy one's curiosity.
The writing was quite good with 3 dimensional characters that quickly hook you, sucking you into Alfie's world. I wish the author had not taken the novella route and come rapidly to an almost-too-good-to-be-true denouement. I am encouraged by the writing enough to purchase the next saga, and have done so.
April 9, 2014
This is a novella that could be expanded to an interesting mystery. The beginnings of a novel are here, however, the story needs to be fleshed out a little more. I did not care for the parts when Alfie spoke to the reader. Maybe those parts should've been written as if Alfie were speaking to himself, instead of the reader. Also, if this novella is part of a series, I think it should end as a stand alone book, as should the next book in the series.
This novella has great potential if it is fleshed out a little more. There are some interesting characters in the story and do like where the story COULD go in terms of plot and character development. Some minor punctuation editing needs to be done as well.
This novella has great potential if it is fleshed out a little more. There are some interesting characters in the story and do like where the story COULD go in terms of plot and character development. Some minor punctuation editing needs to be done as well.
August 7, 2015
Alfie Bowman is indeed an unlikely hero, but a hero he is, in spite of himself, in spite of a vengeful ex-wife, in spite of a coterie of dubious friends, in spite of living in an unremarkable dull-as-dishwater village, and in spite of getting beat to a pulp because of a local villain's gullibility. As it turns out, he's a hero simply because he does not walk away from people in need, no matter the consequences. The mystery in this first installment of Alfie's adventures is a little light on mystery, but more than makes up for it in characterization and as an introduction to Alfie and his world. Reading this first book is an almost irresistible lure for reading the four adventures that follow. It's an excellent example of the village cozy, but with a bit of an edge in the telling.
October 11, 2016
I realize this was part of a series, but so much of this story is unfinished. Not sure if that was the intended outcome, but it seemed to end with many things that happened still up in the air, yet not mentioned at the end. It was an okay read. Guy (Alfie) seems nice enough and has one or two good friends. Befriends a smuggled girl (Jelena) looking for her aunt. She seems easy to take advantage of, so I am hoping that doesn't happen with him or his friends. A few things occur that are either unfortunate, untimely, or just plain bad luck. Even when I find out why a few of those things did come to be, I am still left with more questions. With Alfie turning into a sleuth, maybe this was just a set-up for the future novellas.
I downloaded this off of InstaFreebie.
I downloaded this off of InstaFreebie.
July 31, 2014
Really didn't like this - started to but then the end happened - so I gave it two stars. It is irritating to me when an author presents a mystery, or something hidden, and then not only does the author not solve that issue, he/she presents a new one right at the end and then ends the book. I know that it is just a setup for a sequel, but at least solve one before moving on to the next.
April 27, 2016
Intertwine in Tinton
5 stars for this first novella. People who read PF Ford's mystery detective Dave Slater will enjoy this likeable character, Alfie, and the unpredictable adventure he gets punched into in the town of Tinton.
5 stars for this first novella. People who read PF Ford's mystery detective Dave Slater will enjoy this likeable character, Alfie, and the unpredictable adventure he gets punched into in the town of Tinton.
October 8, 2014
An entertaining read. Easy to follow with a good bit of humor & action.
January 10, 2016
"An Unlikeable Hero" would be the more appropriate title. Whatever the point was, I missed it.
July 27, 2016
A great story most entertaining looking forward to reading the next book...
September 1, 2016
2 1/2 stars. Seriously Goodreads, we NEED that half star option.
October 31, 2016
Good "ole" story
I enjoyed this novella. And I intend to read the next books in the series. It feels a bit like joining a community and getting to know everyone.
I enjoyed this novella. And I intend to read the next books in the series. It feels a bit like joining a community and getting to know everyone.
December 31, 2015
Wasn't bad but still didn't jive for me. Debating whether to complete the series or not.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews