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Poor Table Manners: Book 3 in the Dawson and Lucy Series
Dawson and Lucy hit Cape Town... and Cape Town hits back
When their new employer dies in a suspicious road accident and his brother, a South African government lawyer disappears in Cape Town, Dawson and Lucy are recalled to MI6. For once their mission is liaise with Rebecca Erasmus of South African State Security and find the missing lawyer. Then Rebecca is kidnapped. Surely this has nothing to do with the forthcoming presidential election and the vengeful Chinese assassin in town...
Why are Dawson and Lucy held up at gunpoint on Table Mountain?
Why is a South African presidential candidate hiding in a vineyard?
How are the CIA and Chinese involved?
Can you fly a helicopter without scooping some goats up for the ride?
And what part does dreadful cooking have to play in proceedings?
When their new employer dies in a suspicious road accident and his brother, a South African government lawyer disappears in Cape Town, Dawson and Lucy are recalled to MI6. For once their mission is liaise with Rebecca Erasmus of South African State Security and find the missing lawyer. Then Rebecca is kidnapped. Surely this has nothing to do with the forthcoming presidential election and the vengeful Chinese assassin in town...
Why are Dawson and Lucy held up at gunpoint on Table Mountain?
Why is a South African presidential candidate hiding in a vineyard?
How are the CIA and Chinese involved?
Can you fly a helicopter without scooping some goats up for the ride?
And what part does dreadful cooking have to play in proceedings?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2024
2 people want to read
About the author
Steve Sheppard
4 books20 followersSteve had his first book, A Very Important Teapot, published (by Claret Press) in 2019. He was 66 at the time. One of his many regrets is that it didn't happen when he was 26 but he spent 40 years not realising that the two keys to writing a successful novel are (a) "making it up as you go along" and (b) becoming a celebrity first, as that makes it a doddle selling it once written.
He has now "made up" two more books, Bored to Death in the Baltics and (published April 2024) Poor Table Manners. Together they make up the Dawson & Lucy Series.
Now if you're thinking that these titles (and the covers) suggest that the books are not entirely serious, you'd be correct. With A Very Important Teapot, Steve discovered that he'd inadvertently invented a completely new genre: the Comedy Thriller. So if you like thrillers, these may be for you. And if you like comedy, then equally these may be up your street.
Give them a go. Like many other people, you may find they're exactly what you're looking for. If it is, then please let Steve know by posting a review or by contacting him on
https://www.stevesheppardauthor.com/
Thrills and laughs: a winning combination.
Thank you
He has now "made up" two more books, Bored to Death in the Baltics and (published April 2024) Poor Table Manners. Together they make up the Dawson & Lucy Series.
Now if you're thinking that these titles (and the covers) suggest that the books are not entirely serious, you'd be correct. With A Very Important Teapot, Steve discovered that he'd inadvertently invented a completely new genre: the Comedy Thriller. So if you like thrillers, these may be for you. And if you like comedy, then equally these may be up your street.
Give them a go. Like many other people, you may find they're exactly what you're looking for. If it is, then please let Steve know by posting a review or by contacting him on
https://www.stevesheppardauthor.com/
Thrills and laughs: a winning combination.
Thank you
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 6, 2024
Funny and clever, as always. I love seeing what crazy adventures Lucy and Dawson find themselves in.
July 4, 2024
Some thrillers work up to a gunfight in a cable car. That's where Steve Sheppard starts. And things get progressively wilder from there.
If you find any of this plausible you should probably ease off whatever you are smoking but it's still a jolly good ride and laugh-out-loud funny in places. Or at least I think so, to the despair of my shrink.
It will help to recognise some of the characters if you have already read Bored to Death in the Baltics but it's not essential.
Sheppard's research, as ever, seems thorough and the plot isn't so much twisted as braided. Definitely one to read fast if you want to keep track of all the threads.
If you find any of this plausible you should probably ease off whatever you are smoking but it's still a jolly good ride and laugh-out-loud funny in places. Or at least I think so, to the despair of my shrink.
It will help to recognise some of the characters if you have already read Bored to Death in the Baltics but it's not essential.
Sheppard's research, as ever, seems thorough and the plot isn't so much twisted as braided. Definitely one to read fast if you want to keep track of all the threads.
June 6, 2024
Lucy and Dawson are back, this time running around South Africa, searching for missing British Agents and trying to prevent an assassination in their inevitable style
All put together with the author's clever slight of hand and amusing turn of phrase.
Works well as stands alone book, but why not treat yourself and reread the first 2 books in the series
A must for fans of The Thursday Murder Club
All put together with the author's clever slight of hand and amusing turn of phrase.
Works well as stands alone book, but why not treat yourself and reread the first 2 books in the series
A must for fans of The Thursday Murder Club
September 30, 2024
This is a fun romp in South Africa with the usual suspects ie Lucy and Dawson and adversaries old and new. I have never been to South Africa but after reading this I feel as though I have. I have read all three of the books in the series and laughed out loud with each.
October 1, 2024
An absolutely cracking read. A genuine international spy thriller (set mostly in South Africa) with huge amounts of action and comedy.
Third in the series and full of Lucy (I love Lucy) and Dawson shenanigans … with more than one nemesis.
Huge amounts of fun and highly recommended
Third in the series and full of Lucy (I love Lucy) and Dawson shenanigans … with more than one nemesis.
Huge amounts of fun and highly recommended
April 5, 2024
Yet again I’m a very proud niece!!!!! Fantastic 3rd book - my favourite so far in the adventures of Dawson & Lucy. Brilliantly written and definitely a page turner. Congratulations uncle Steve ❤️
June 26, 2024
Poor Table Manners by Steve Shepard
Book 3 in the Dawson and Lucy Series
Rating: 4.5/5
I hardly know where to start with this review. From the very first page to the last, this book absolutely held me spellbound.
Dawson and Lucy's arrival in Cape Town starts off with a bang, quite literally, when their new employer meets an untimely end in a suspicious road accident. His disappearance and the vanishing act of his brother, a prominent South African government lawyer, prompt MI6 to call them back into action. Their directive seems clear-cut: collaborate with Rebecca Erasmus from South African State Security to locate the missing lawyer.
But as soon as they touch down, the situation escalates. Rebecca herself is abducted, throwing their plans into disarray. With the upcoming presidential election looming and a ruthless Chinese operative on the loose, Dawson and Lucy find themselves at the centre of a deadly game.
On Table Mountain, they're suddenly staring down the barrel of a gun, caught in a tense standoff. Meanwhile, a presidential candidate seeks refuge in a remote vineyard, hiding from forces unknown. The CIA's shadow looms large, their agenda murky and intertwined with the Chinese assassin's lethal designs.
In this high-stakes thriller, Dawson and Lucy must unravel a web of intrigue where danger lurks behind every corner — and where even the simplest tasks, like a decent meal, might hold the key to survival.
"Poor Table Manners" impressed me tremendously with its masterful storytelling and intricate plot. The narrative skillfully alternates between first and third-person perspectives, providing deep insights into each event and character. This dual perspective allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the story, as it brought us closer to the characters' internal thoughts and emotions while also giving a broader view of the unfolding events.
Each twist and turn in the plot kept me eagerly anticipating what would happen next, constantly questioning every apparent truth. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another surprise would emerge, keeping the suspense alive throughout the entire book.
The interplay between the characters was a standout feature, filled with brilliant banter that added layers to the story. The witty exchanges and dynamic relationships among the characters made them feel real and relatable. The entire ensemble cast enriched the narrative, drawing me further into its compelling depths and making me care about their fates.
Being South African myself, I particularly appreciated Sheppard's vivid depiction of Cape Town. His descriptions of the city, especially its charming yet dangerous dasies, were spot-on and brought the setting to life. The immersive experience made me feel like I was right beside the characters, amidst all the action, soaking in the sights and sounds of Cape Town.
Equally commendable was Sheppard's handling of two pivotal South African themes: politics and law enforcement. His meticulous attention to detail and authenticity made it clear that he either conducted extensive research or has personal ties to the country. The nuanced portrayal of these themes added depth to the story, making it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one. It felt like a nostalgic journey back home after years away, reminding me of the complexities and beauty of South Africa.
Steve Sheppard has certainly earned a devoted fan in me with this novel. "Poor Table Manners" is a brilliant blend of suspense, action, and authentic South African flavour. I wholeheartedly recommend this crime thriller to anyone who enjoys a gripping, action-packed read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you wanting more.
Book 3 in the Dawson and Lucy Series
Rating: 4.5/5
I hardly know where to start with this review. From the very first page to the last, this book absolutely held me spellbound.
Dawson and Lucy's arrival in Cape Town starts off with a bang, quite literally, when their new employer meets an untimely end in a suspicious road accident. His disappearance and the vanishing act of his brother, a prominent South African government lawyer, prompt MI6 to call them back into action. Their directive seems clear-cut: collaborate with Rebecca Erasmus from South African State Security to locate the missing lawyer.
But as soon as they touch down, the situation escalates. Rebecca herself is abducted, throwing their plans into disarray. With the upcoming presidential election looming and a ruthless Chinese operative on the loose, Dawson and Lucy find themselves at the centre of a deadly game.
On Table Mountain, they're suddenly staring down the barrel of a gun, caught in a tense standoff. Meanwhile, a presidential candidate seeks refuge in a remote vineyard, hiding from forces unknown. The CIA's shadow looms large, their agenda murky and intertwined with the Chinese assassin's lethal designs.
In this high-stakes thriller, Dawson and Lucy must unravel a web of intrigue where danger lurks behind every corner — and where even the simplest tasks, like a decent meal, might hold the key to survival.
"Poor Table Manners" impressed me tremendously with its masterful storytelling and intricate plot. The narrative skillfully alternates between first and third-person perspectives, providing deep insights into each event and character. This dual perspective allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the story, as it brought us closer to the characters' internal thoughts and emotions while also giving a broader view of the unfolding events.
Each twist and turn in the plot kept me eagerly anticipating what would happen next, constantly questioning every apparent truth. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another surprise would emerge, keeping the suspense alive throughout the entire book.
The interplay between the characters was a standout feature, filled with brilliant banter that added layers to the story. The witty exchanges and dynamic relationships among the characters made them feel real and relatable. The entire ensemble cast enriched the narrative, drawing me further into its compelling depths and making me care about their fates.
Being South African myself, I particularly appreciated Sheppard's vivid depiction of Cape Town. His descriptions of the city, especially its charming yet dangerous dasies, were spot-on and brought the setting to life. The immersive experience made me feel like I was right beside the characters, amidst all the action, soaking in the sights and sounds of Cape Town.
Equally commendable was Sheppard's handling of two pivotal South African themes: politics and law enforcement. His meticulous attention to detail and authenticity made it clear that he either conducted extensive research or has personal ties to the country. The nuanced portrayal of these themes added depth to the story, making it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one. It felt like a nostalgic journey back home after years away, reminding me of the complexities and beauty of South Africa.
Steve Sheppard has certainly earned a devoted fan in me with this novel. "Poor Table Manners" is a brilliant blend of suspense, action, and authentic South African flavour. I wholeheartedly recommend this crime thriller to anyone who enjoys a gripping, action-packed read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you wanting more.
September 28, 2024
Poor Table Manners by Steve Sheppard, the third book in the Dawson and Lucy series, brings the dynamic duo to the vibrant yet treacherous setting of Cape Town. The story quickly escalates as their new employer dies under suspicious circumstances and a South African government lawyer vanishes. Dawson and Lucy find themselves back in the thick of international espionage, tasked by MI6 to work with local agent Rebecca Erasmus. But things take an unexpected turn when Erasmus is kidnapped, adding layers of intrigue to an already convoluted case.
Sheppard masterfully blends humor with intense action, as the characters navigate dangerous situations, from gunpoint stand-offs on Table Mountain to unraveling the mystery of a presidential candidate hiding in a vineyard. With a plot that includes the CIA, Chinese operatives, and vengeful assassins, this book is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and quirky scenarios.
Fans of the series will appreciate Sheppard's sharp wit and fast-paced narrative, making Poor Table Manners a thrilling addition to Dawson and Lucy's adventures.
Sheppard masterfully blends humor with intense action, as the characters navigate dangerous situations, from gunpoint stand-offs on Table Mountain to unraveling the mystery of a presidential candidate hiding in a vineyard. With a plot that includes the CIA, Chinese operatives, and vengeful assassins, this book is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and quirky scenarios.
Fans of the series will appreciate Sheppard's sharp wit and fast-paced narrative, making Poor Table Manners a thrilling addition to Dawson and Lucy's adventures.
October 1, 2025
Poor Table Manners is a fast-paced and entertaining spy thriller that had me hooked from the first page. Steve Sheppard brings together suspense, humor, and clever twists to make this an addictive read.
Dawson and Lucy are such a dynamic duo, their banter, quick thinking, and ability to get themselves into (and out of) impossible situations make them endlessly fun to follow. This time, the story takes them to Cape Town, where political intrigue, international espionage, and high-stakes danger collide. I loved how the author balanced tense action scenes with witty moments, which gave the book both edge and charm.
The South African setting was vividly described, adding depth and atmosphere to the adventure. From kidnappings to secret missions, and even the quirky helicopter-with-goats moment, the plot kept me guessing and smiling the whole way through.
Dawson and Lucy are such a dynamic duo, their banter, quick thinking, and ability to get themselves into (and out of) impossible situations make them endlessly fun to follow. This time, the story takes them to Cape Town, where political intrigue, international espionage, and high-stakes danger collide. I loved how the author balanced tense action scenes with witty moments, which gave the book both edge and charm.
The South African setting was vividly described, adding depth and atmosphere to the adventure. From kidnappings to secret missions, and even the quirky helicopter-with-goats moment, the plot kept me guessing and smiling the whole way through.
September 8, 2024
So we now have a third instalment of the Dawson & Lucy espionage comic thrillers. I gather the author is now writing a fourth story so bang goes the trilogy! The good news is that we can keep enjoying the Johnny English style spy sagas with tongue in cheek plots and regular plays on words which keep you chuckling. The location this time is South Africa and the story is, as usual, fast moving with plenty of twists, a vast array of characters and a nice farcical ending – fitting to the story. The numerous characters are somewhat necessary as they have a tendency to get bumped off with alarming regularity so one needs to pay attention at the back. A commendable read and well worth checking out the first two tales in the series. Roll on #4.
October 26, 2025
What a ride! Poor Table Manners is pure adrenaline from start to finish. I’ve followed Dawson and Lucy since Book 1, but this one? Easily my favorite so far. Steve Sheppard masterfully mixes high-stakes espionage with humor and heart something that’s rare in modern thrillers. The Cape Town setting adds so much texture and atmosphere; you can practically feel the heat and chaos. Helicopters, political scandals, mysterious vineyards, and goats (yes, goats!) what more could a reader want?
October 26, 2025
I don’t know how Steve Sheppard does it, but he somehow makes international espionage funny. I was laughing out loud one moment and gripping the pages the next. Dawson and Lucy’s chemistry is spot on like if Bond teamed up with your wittiest friend from the pub. The blend of action and dry humor made this book such a treat. And honestly, the goat scene? Comedy gold. Give me more of this series, please!
April 19, 2024
This third book in Steve Sheppard’s series of comic spy thrillers is brilliant as the clever title suggests Mostly set on or around Table Mountain, it’s extremely fast moving so I put it down from time to time to take a breath. It has a vivid array of characters and locations but I won’t give away the plot. Enjoy!
April 30, 2024
Steve Sheppard's Poor Table Manners is a fun, page-turning thriller that kept me enthralled and chuckling. Lucy and Dawson's interactions with friends, foes and especially with each other have a wonderful sort of sophisticated goofiness reminiscent of Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man. I couldn't put it down!
October 26, 2025
This book was just plain fun! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up loving Dawson and Lucy’s dynamic and the non-stop twists. The pace is quick, but the characters still feel real and human. My only complaint? I wish I’d read the first two books first because I definitely missed a few inside jokes but even as a standalone, it totally works. Great storytelling, great humor, and great chaos!
June 15, 2024
Lucy and Dawson in their 3rd book. This is fun and drama from page one. The book develops the plot expertly, with deft switches of voice. Smart, funny lines fall from the pages but don't slow down the pace. This is great fun to read and keeps you absorbed throughout with a smile on your face.
August 9, 2024
The third book I've read in this series and as ever a very entertaining read with a colourful array of characters all with their own issues.
The dashing around the Cape Town peninsular and the fast paced action leading to the almighty stadium entrance finale.
With some comical and compelling storyline making for in my case a great holiday read.
Keep em' coming Steve.
The dashing around the Cape Town peninsular and the fast paced action leading to the almighty stadium entrance finale.
With some comical and compelling storyline making for in my case a great holiday read.
Keep em' coming Steve.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews