Expert Menace

by Helen M. Clarke

This is a satirical work of fiction, set in England, which is most likely to appeal to readers who are irritated and/or frightened by the modern age - and, in particular, to those who are disturbed by excessive Health and Safety and Child Protection measures, scaremongers, emotively negative and sensational news reporting, experts who are more of a liability than a help, parents who don't keep their children under control, women who expect to have everything they want and on their terms, ostensibly devoted parents who give their children very little attention, and inconsiderate mobile phone users.Plagued by Health and Safety regulations and the fear of legal action, Rosalind and Bob are struggling to make their craft holidays viable. Then a series of strange happenings threatens to destroy their fighting spirit as well as their livelihood. Are they victims of an irresponsible practical joker, or are they being sabotaged by an unknown enemy?Bob and Rosalind are blissfully unaware of how many people have a reason to be displeased with them. Verity next door, despite being a special friend of theirs, deeply resents the intrusions inflicted on her otherwise peaceful life by their hospitality. Another friend, wife of a local clergyman, is annoyed by Rosalind's insistence on dragging her out of her shell, and has difficulty applying her firmly held Christian principles when forced - by Rosalind - to mix with people she finds offensive.Even under Rosalind and Bob's own roof there are frustrations. Simon, their troubled teenage son, hates what his parents have done to his home. Reclusive, neurotic and terrified of life and death, Simon needs to feel that his home is his sanctuary, but thanks to his parents he doesn't. Meanwhile, the live-in odd-jobman and general dogsbody, who always appears to be cheerful and contented, longs for a career as a full-time artist and must surely feel exploited and undermined by his adopted family, particularly when special people are brought in to take craft sessions he is more than capable of taking himself.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2012