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In Favour of Fools
A PI/SCI-FI/Comedy/Thriller introducing Philip Humphrey Chandler as the socially inept hero who likes beer, coffee and breasts - but not necessarily in that order. Phil is private investigator; he's got a computer and a comfy chair, and he knows how to use them. He doesn't get all sweaty chasing the bad guys; not when his fingers can do the work as he sips his coffee and looks forward to a nice cool pint. He doesn't wrestle them to the ground, with a quick quip and a steely gaze; not when he can sit in his comfy chair and dream about the girl behind the bar; the one with the breasts. Then he meets the ex wife of a missing crime lord, and everything changes. Suddenly he's squirting to distant planets, finding dead bodies, dancing with aliens, saving a world from the clutches of the cutest of aliens and, for one brief moment, he becomes the richest man in the universe. In a tale of treachery, danger, poor customer service and bad jokes, Phil is forced to put aside his relaxed 'let someone else do the work' attitude, and take up arms against the might of an alien empire (well, it's a crow bar actually, and the alien is a little girl; a very tough little girl) and somehow find a way to save the day, and Earth's most valuable commodity, and maybe even his dignity. But where does this story really start? Of course, for Phil, it’s when he first meets the ex-wife of the missing crime lord; I guess it’s typical of him to think it all started with him. For Ben, it would be the misplaced bullet; for Millie, it was, of course, the Joke, and for Sam; well your guess is as good as mine In reality, it started much earlier; nine years earlier, with the robbery... A laugh a minute comedy science fiction thriller filled with alien worlds, strangely named AI’s, really bad jokes and a Narrative Facilitator who would really rather be doing something else.
242 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2014
36 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
J. Battle
21 books11 followersMy name is John Battle and I've been telling stories of one sort or another for nearly fifty years. I started out telling serial stories to my younger brothers and sisters at night. Then I'd write short stories for one of my older sisters to mark.
I have to admit that I've spent most of my adult life not actually writing; life has a talent for getting in the way.
But, since a pep talk from my son in August 2012, I'm now an every day writer. When you are not writing, it is easy to forget how much fun it is.
Most of my books are Sci-Fi with a touch of Humour thrown in, but my Fool books are Humour with a touch of Sci-Fi thrown in.
I have to admit that I've spent most of my adult life not actually writing; life has a talent for getting in the way.
But, since a pep talk from my son in August 2012, I'm now an every day writer. When you are not writing, it is easy to forget how much fun it is.
Most of my books are Sci-Fi with a touch of Humour thrown in, but my Fool books are Humour with a touch of Sci-Fi thrown in.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 12, 2015
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway. And I am so happy I did!
I don't want to gush... but I loved this story. The tale has nuances of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dr. Who, Monty Python, and perhaps just a touch of Roger Rabbit, but in an original way. The characters, including the reluctant narrator, have a sarcastic dry wit. Technically, this fits into the Sci-Fi genre, but there's something here for every reader. There's PI noir and a twisty mystery laden with intrigue, crime bosses and dead bodies, a hostile alien in a deceptive guise, adventure, action, lust, and even a theme that would bring a tear to an environmentalist's eyes. Oh, and humor. If you find laughing repulsive, Do Not read this book.
I don't want to gush... but I loved this story. The tale has nuances of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dr. Who, Monty Python, and perhaps just a touch of Roger Rabbit, but in an original way. The characters, including the reluctant narrator, have a sarcastic dry wit. Technically, this fits into the Sci-Fi genre, but there's something here for every reader. There's PI noir and a twisty mystery laden with intrigue, crime bosses and dead bodies, a hostile alien in a deceptive guise, adventure, action, lust, and even a theme that would bring a tear to an environmentalist's eyes. Oh, and humor. If you find laughing repulsive, Do Not read this book.
July 9, 2023
First in SF/humor/mystery series. The protagonist, Phil Chandler, is an atypical "private investigator" - he uses computers and other sources to locate people and things, but he's not the kind to fight, carry a gun, or go searching out in the real world. He's not the brightest, and to some degree he knows that. He especially doesn't "squirt" (teleport) - the idea of being disassembled and reassembled abhors him. Then criminals associated with a case he's on coerce him to squirt to a distant planet...
That part of the story is primarily a first person narrative by Phil. The narrative in his head is collected in real-time during the events. Phil is not a writer, so his narrative goes to a ghost writer, NF, who improves on the raw narrative. Here and there NF adds a snide remark and other notes.
The book's other thread is that an alien, Millie, contacts humanity offering admission to a galactic federation. Millie is an independent agent who acts as an intermediary, and is trying to make as much money as possible in the process (and also by taking over a contraband business.) There are questions as to whether everything in the contract is required by the federation. In order to arrange some of her plans she's telling the human government the squirt system must be shut down for a month...
The story isn't really about the process of finding a mystery's solution.
As happens in some books, the story wraps up very quickly at the end. Unlike other stories, it wraps up for Phil... then wraps up / tells of plans for Millie... then wraps up for Millie's boss, who didn't play a role in the story... then wraps up for NF.
That part of the story is primarily a first person narrative by Phil. The narrative in his head is collected in real-time during the events. Phil is not a writer, so his narrative goes to a ghost writer, NF, who improves on the raw narrative. Here and there NF adds a snide remark and other notes.
The book's other thread is that an alien, Millie, contacts humanity offering admission to a galactic federation. Millie is an independent agent who acts as an intermediary, and is trying to make as much money as possible in the process (and also by taking over a contraband business.) There are questions as to whether everything in the contract is required by the federation. In order to arrange some of her plans she's telling the human government the squirt system must be shut down for a month...
The story isn't really about the process of finding a mystery's solution.
As happens in some books, the story wraps up very quickly at the end. Unlike other stories, it wraps up for Phil... then wraps up / tells of plans for Millie... then wraps up for Millie's boss, who didn't play a role in the story... then wraps up for NF.
September 24, 2018
I have read many of these spoof private eye stories and have been amused by them all, but this one really made me laugh out loud. It is very difficult to write comedy, but Mr Battle brings to the story timing and sharp wit. Mankind has taken a giant step forward and now colonizes the stars, unfortunately, people haven't evolved one little bit. That's fortunate for Phil Chandler, PI, it's his bread and butter. He's the opposite to the tough, hard bitten characters found in a Raymond Chandler or Mikey Spillane novel Phil is cowardly and inept, and he has issues, plenty of issues. Through no fault of his own, he bumbles his way through his latest investigation and saves the world. Do yourself a favour, get a copy and then sit back and have a bloody good laugh. Recommended for any comedy fan.
January 29, 2018
Interesting combination of humor, sci-fi, and mystery. Sharp commentary and a world-weary protagonist, combined with a bit of fourth-wall breaking made this book an enjoyable read, though hard to categorize.
April 26, 2018
Humor?
This was billed as sci-fi humor but if so it was so subtle as to escape me, lots of mediocre action and very little humor.
This was billed as sci-fi humor but if so it was so subtle as to escape me, lots of mediocre action and very little humor.
February 6, 2016
I received this book as part of a goodread’s giveaway, in exchange I offer an honest review. I am very thankful for the chance to read and review this book.
Unfortunately, even though I tried as hard as I could, this book didn’t hold my interest for very long. It bored me. I tried to give it a chance but I just couldn’t finish it. I wanted to finish it, I kept trying, but I couldn’t get more than 100 pages in.
This book is supposed to be a comedy, and it has some funny bits in it, but they were few and far between for me. And maybe that’s my fault because I don’t really care for the humorous genre, but In Favor of Fools was just…boring.
Since I wasn’t really able to finish the book, I’ll try not to complain too much, but I do have to that there were some questionable styling choices. The interludes were annoying. I didn’t like them, if you’re trying to build up some lore for you world then integrate it into the narrative, not dump it into two pages and call it an “interlude.” As I stated above, I am not a big fan of the comedy genre especially because of the disjointed narrative that often goes along in that category. That is mostly a complaint about the genre itself, so perhaps it’s a little too unfair of me to mention it. The book does start off by telling you that the tenses will change throughout, however, I found it hard to follow when we were suddenly switching points of view. If you’re going to switch povs then please inform us of that. It was hard to keep characters straight.
That is pretty much all I have to say about In Favor of Fools. I tried, but I just couldn’t like it.
Unfortunately, even though I tried as hard as I could, this book didn’t hold my interest for very long. It bored me. I tried to give it a chance but I just couldn’t finish it. I wanted to finish it, I kept trying, but I couldn’t get more than 100 pages in.
This book is supposed to be a comedy, and it has some funny bits in it, but they were few and far between for me. And maybe that’s my fault because I don’t really care for the humorous genre, but In Favor of Fools was just…boring.
Since I wasn’t really able to finish the book, I’ll try not to complain too much, but I do have to that there were some questionable styling choices. The interludes were annoying. I didn’t like them, if you’re trying to build up some lore for you world then integrate it into the narrative, not dump it into two pages and call it an “interlude.” As I stated above, I am not a big fan of the comedy genre especially because of the disjointed narrative that often goes along in that category. That is mostly a complaint about the genre itself, so perhaps it’s a little too unfair of me to mention it. The book does start off by telling you that the tenses will change throughout, however, I found it hard to follow when we were suddenly switching points of view. If you’re going to switch povs then please inform us of that. It was hard to keep characters straight.
That is pretty much all I have to say about In Favor of Fools. I tried, but I just couldn’t like it.
December 31, 2014
I received this book as part of a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway for review. I found it to be a very interesting book, but not exactly what I expected.
I think the main character is unique in that he really doesn't seem to want to do what he does, but at the same time, he does want to. He also seems to be very good at it. What I particularly liked about the character was the interaction he had with several other characters, especially his sister.
This type of science fiction really isn't one I find that fascinating. It had more technical detail than I need or want in my books, but I think people who lean more in that direction will like this book. It is character-driven enough for those who like a good mix of character and technology in their science fiction.
I will be on the look-out for a sequel to this book, just to see more about the relationships and how they evolve, and I enjoyed it enough to put the author on my to-read list for something else he has written.
I think the main character is unique in that he really doesn't seem to want to do what he does, but at the same time, he does want to. He also seems to be very good at it. What I particularly liked about the character was the interaction he had with several other characters, especially his sister.
This type of science fiction really isn't one I find that fascinating. It had more technical detail than I need or want in my books, but I think people who lean more in that direction will like this book. It is character-driven enough for those who like a good mix of character and technology in their science fiction.
I will be on the look-out for a sequel to this book, just to see more about the relationships and how they evolve, and I enjoyed it enough to put the author on my to-read list for something else he has written.
August 19, 2015
This is a hard book to review because it's so full of an assortment of events and actions. Phil is a PI that has a device in his head that transmits his thoughts and actions to a "narrative facilitator" who is writing a book based on his adventures. Squirtports allow people to instantaneously transport just about anywhere on 21 planets.
Phil is working on a case involving a husband who has disappeared, but he is also looking for a person who has been made to look like that husband. Millie, an alien who has transformed him/herself into a cute little girl, also show up in the story. Mining of an important drug (gil-juice) is an important part of the tale as well.
I enjoyed the book, but the author bounces around in the book and had me trying to stitch the story together. I guess this is a writing technique, but I found it sometimes confusing. There is also a good bit of humor, mostly from Phil. You may like the book but be prepared to keep track of what's happening as you move through chapters that are really disjointed!
Phil is working on a case involving a husband who has disappeared, but he is also looking for a person who has been made to look like that husband. Millie, an alien who has transformed him/herself into a cute little girl, also show up in the story. Mining of an important drug (gil-juice) is an important part of the tale as well.
I enjoyed the book, but the author bounces around in the book and had me trying to stitch the story together. I guess this is a writing technique, but I found it sometimes confusing. There is also a good bit of humor, mostly from Phil. You may like the book but be prepared to keep track of what's happening as you move through chapters that are really disjointed!
November 7, 2015
Phil is a PI and he likes to sit at his desk, drink coffee (even if his sister won't make it for him) talk to his paranoid friend hiding in the bathroom, and generally enjoy the day. What he doesn't like is when someone knocks on his door. It just brings trouble.
Aliens and squirt booths and thugs fill his day from the moment the dame walked in. (Well, perhaps dame is not quite the right term, but when your name is Phil Chandler and you're a PI you have to fit into the expectations.)
With asides from his Narrative Facilitator, Phil travels around the known worlds trying to track down two men, and stay alive.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a laugh with their alien invasions.
Aliens and squirt booths and thugs fill his day from the moment the dame walked in. (Well, perhaps dame is not quite the right term, but when your name is Phil Chandler and you're a PI you have to fit into the expectations.)
With asides from his Narrative Facilitator, Phil travels around the known worlds trying to track down two men, and stay alive.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a laugh with their alien invasions.
September 12, 2014
This is definitely the best classic PI mystery novels. It's exciting, creepy, and even funny at times. If you don't like this book, then classic PI mystery aren't for you. Love it!The plot gets more interesting when the reader catch up with the flashback. There is more to tell, but my job is to write what I think about the book. This book should be read by people of all ages, even adults. It is truly a great science fiction novel. If you are looking for something that is not huge and something that can keep you interested look no further. Meanwhile I will go back to reading it again.
September 16, 2014
Yay for an original story! In Favor of Fools is funny well-told story about a PI. The humor and sarcasm really make the book and you just have to keep turning the page because every situation and scene is over the top in a good way. Because it's a mixed genre book, it's not formulaic yet some of the familiar conventions are there.
Overall this is a good, fast-paced read that will keep you smiling and wishing it was a movie. The story is that good. It's a laugh a minute and a good thriller all rolled into one story.
Overall this is a good, fast-paced read that will keep you smiling and wishing it was a movie. The story is that good. It's a laugh a minute and a good thriller all rolled into one story.
November 3, 2015
Writing humorous science fiction is a daunting task. It’s hard for many writers to strike the right balance between the humor and the science fiction. Battle does a good job and hits the sweet spot for me. His tales are funny without being silly. Lots of fun aliens with different outlooks on like and an often unwilling sleuth for a hero. Fun reads. Book 2 (What Kind of Fool?) is pretty much a setup for the finale, but still worthwhile.
October 8, 2015
Very interesting book. Several sub-plots made it a bit hard to follow though. Some strange, but also interesting ideas presented in it. Humor made the story line even stranger at times, but I like that in a science fiction book because often times they present facts that are too hard to believe that they could ever really happen. The author kept you wanting to read more.
June 19, 2015
Very British humor
This was imaginative and really attempted to mix humor with action and scifi, but because of the mix, fell short across the board. More concentration on the basics of one or two genres would have been more effective
This was imaginative and really attempted to mix humor with action and scifi, but because of the mix, fell short across the board. More concentration on the basics of one or two genres would have been more effective
March 10, 2016
The Douglas Adams influence is very obvious, but apart from that the work stands on its own quite well and is light and fun enough to enjoy. I didn't find it laugh out loud, but in spots it did manage to capture that illusive skain of British humour.
March 15, 2016
Just a squirt
This story reminded me a great deal of the Hitchhiker series. For all the bad that happens to the main character he remains surprisingly upbeat, taking everything as it comes with resignation.
This story reminded me a great deal of the Hitchhiker series. For all the bad that happens to the main character he remains surprisingly upbeat, taking everything as it comes with resignation.
August 1, 2015
A fun ride
Difficulty figuring out who is the narrator, ( except of course for the narrator) during this book. Loved it anyway.
Difficulty figuring out who is the narrator, ( except of course for the narrator) during this book. Loved it anyway.
September 17, 2015
I managed to read about 10% of the book and I didn´t like it. I didn´t think it was funny at all!
October 30, 2015
DNF at 28%.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I really did. But I could not follow what on earth was going on. DNF.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I really did. But I could not follow what on earth was going on. DNF.
July 6, 2016
Nice character development, even with a bit of alien thrown in. A bit clunky in plot flow but a cute read.
November 25, 2016
One great read!
Funny, outrageous, imaginative, smart and charming.. And that's just the main character. The rest just keeps building the entertainment. Awesome!
Funny, outrageous, imaginative, smart and charming.. And that's just the main character. The rest just keeps building the entertainment. Awesome!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews