What do you think?
Rate this book
Get Waffle Jones
Danger. Deceit. Detectives. Drugs. Dark secrets. And a spot of yoga.
Waffle Jones has a problem: his girlfriend has left him and he’s not sure why.
It could be because he can’t hold down a job, is totally unreliable, and fritters all their money away on dope, lager and chicken bhuna, but who knows for sure?
Still, he decides to clean up his life, get his act together, and win her back. The plan goes swimmingly for the first ten minutes until a large and mysterious bag lands at his feet. What’s inside leads to him being pursued across London by villains, detectives, and yoga instructors.
So now he has a very big problem. If only he was aware of it.
Fast-paced, darkly funny, and full of twists, romance, and moral dilemmas, this is London crime fiction with a Guy Ritchie kick and a surprisingly big heart.
From the Amazon bestselling author of From Nags to Numbnuts and Stable Condition comes this hilarious debut novel.
Waffle Jones has a problem: his girlfriend has left him and he’s not sure why.
It could be because he can’t hold down a job, is totally unreliable, and fritters all their money away on dope, lager and chicken bhuna, but who knows for sure?
Still, he decides to clean up his life, get his act together, and win her back. The plan goes swimmingly for the first ten minutes until a large and mysterious bag lands at his feet. What’s inside leads to him being pursued across London by villains, detectives, and yoga instructors.
So now he has a very big problem. If only he was aware of it.
Fast-paced, darkly funny, and full of twists, romance, and moral dilemmas, this is London crime fiction with a Guy Ritchie kick and a surprisingly big heart.
From the Amazon bestselling author of From Nags to Numbnuts and Stable Condition comes this hilarious debut novel.
- GenresHumor
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2025
11 people are currently reading
1645 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Skinner
3 books15 followersDan's debut novel, GET WAFFLE JONES, a darkly comic crime caper, is out this summer!
His previous two books, FROM NAGS TO NUMBNUTS, and STABLE CONDITION, were non-fiction, hilariously chronicling the financial misery involved in having a daughter obsessed by horses and dressage. Both topped several Amazon categories in both the UK and Australia for many weeks.
Originally from Sussex, he lived in London for 20 years before moving to Suffolk with his partner, two children, two dogs, two cats and several chickens.
His previous two books, FROM NAGS TO NUMBNUTS, and STABLE CONDITION, were non-fiction, hilariously chronicling the financial misery involved in having a daughter obsessed by horses and dressage. Both topped several Amazon categories in both the UK and Australia for many weeks.
Originally from Sussex, he lived in London for 20 years before moving to Suffolk with his partner, two children, two dogs, two cats and several chickens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 1, 2025
This was such a great read! If you liked 'The Gentlemen' on Netflix, or any of those old-school comedies like 'Snatch' or 'Burn After Reading', then you'll love this book. The main character, Waffle Jones, is lovable but a little clueless (at least at the start) like all the best protagonists, so you can't help but root for him as he stumbles through a series of situations (usually without realising). Also surely the first London crime caper to feature yoga, and as a yogi myself I was pleased to see this depicted accurately and with good humour. The writing is laugh-out-loud funny in places, and amusing throughout, with some serious moments, and the plot takes many a twist and turn to keep you wanting to keep turning the pages (I won't say any more, as don't want to spoil the surprise). In summary, I'd definitely recommend this book.
July 26, 2025
This is more than a silly crime debacle. It's a story about finding your people, place, and self. Waffle is that kind hearted friend who would do anything for you if he could just get his own $#!+ together. An oblivious trainwreck with a heart the size of London. He reminds us not to judge a book by its cover, especially your own.
May 19, 2025
This a cosy crime caper and readers who usually avoid ‘gritty detective novels’ need not avoid this one! No police procedural here.
The imagery and on point descriptions made me chuckle all the way through the book. I last felt like this reading We Solve Murders. So, if you enjoy Richard Osman’s writing then I suspect Daniel Skinners writing is also for you!
The book ends in a joyous wrapping up of all the different threads in very satisfying way - no cruel cliffhangers here, hurrah!
What I particularly liked was the book description (bear with me on this). It was spot on and gives an excellent sample of what’s coming up - it actually delivers what it says on the tin, in the same writing style! How refreshing.
That being said, if you are not a fan of cannabis culture then perhaps sit this one out as it is a main pillar of the story.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (a beta tester, if you will).
The imagery and on point descriptions made me chuckle all the way through the book. I last felt like this reading We Solve Murders. So, if you enjoy Richard Osman’s writing then I suspect Daniel Skinners writing is also for you!
The book ends in a joyous wrapping up of all the different threads in very satisfying way - no cruel cliffhangers here, hurrah!
What I particularly liked was the book description (bear with me on this). It was spot on and gives an excellent sample of what’s coming up - it actually delivers what it says on the tin, in the same writing style! How refreshing.
That being said, if you are not a fan of cannabis culture then perhaps sit this one out as it is a main pillar of the story.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (a beta tester, if you will).
August 11, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Get Waffle Jones by Daniel Skinner, but I ended up loving it! The characters are fantastic, the story is solid and easy to follow, and it’s genuinely funny. It’s a quick, enjoyable read with a unique charm, and the ending was so satisfying. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to anyone looking for a lighthearted and memorable read.
June 1, 2025
5 stars! I loved this book, it was a great read and would make a great film!
It has a cleverly crafted plot with some real laugh out loud moments in it. It is witty and perceptive and I can smell the pubs and weed coming off the pages!
Who wouldn't want to get stoned with Waffle?
It has a cleverly crafted plot with some real laugh out loud moments in it. It is witty and perceptive and I can smell the pubs and weed coming off the pages!
Who wouldn't want to get stoned with Waffle?
June 18, 2025
If you are looking for a holiday read and you want an alternative to chick lit then this could be the book for you. Easy going writing and some light hearted entertainment inside.
July 3, 2025
Book Review: Get Waffle Jones by Daniel Skinner
Rating: 4.1/5
Concept & Narrative Style
Daniel Skinner’s Get Waffle Jones is a darkly comedic crime caper that marries the chaotic energy of Guy Ritchie’s films with the existential absurdity of a slacker’s redemption arc. The novel follows the eponymous Waffle Jones—a lovable yet hapless protagonist whose attempts at self-improvement are derailed by a serendipitous (or disastrous) encounter with a mysterious bag. Skinner’s debut fiction work (following his nonfiction titles) showcases a sharp wit and a knack for balancing irreverent humor with genuine emotional stakes.
Strengths & Emotional Engagement
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its voice. Waffle’s internal monologue—a blend of self-deprecation, misplaced optimism, and stoner logic—makes him an endearing guide through London’s seedy underbelly. Skinner’s prose crackles with dry British humor, particularly in scenes where Waffle’s incompetence collides with the ruthless pragmatism of villains and detectives. The yoga instructors’ inclusion as unlikely antagonists is a standout twist, injecting surrealism into the crime genre.
Thematically, the book surprises with its heart. Beneath the drug-fueled chaos and farcical chases, Get Waffle Jones grapples with moral ambiguity and the fragility of personal growth. Waffle’s yearning for his ex-girlfriend adds poignant vulnerability, elevating the story beyond mere satire.
Constructive Criticism
While the pacing is generally brisk, some secondary characters (particularly the detectives) feel underdeveloped, their motivations reduced to plot devices. A deeper exploration of their backstories could have enriched the narrative’s tension. Additionally, the middle act occasionally relies too heavily on coincidences to propel the plot, which may test some readers’ suspension of disbelief.
The humor, though consistently sharp, occasionally veers into repetitive territory (e.g., Waffle’s cyclical self-sabotage). A tighter edit could have streamlined the gags without sacrificing their impact.
Final Verdict
Get Waffle Jones is a riotous, genre-bending debut that delivers on its promise of London crime fiction with a big heart. Its minor flaws—thin secondary characters and occasional narrative contrivances—are outweighed by its originality, wit, and unexpected emotional depth. Recommended for:
-Fans of Snatch or The Big Lebowski seeking literary equivalents.
-Readers who enjoy antiheroes with redeemable flaws.
-Those drawn to crime stories that prioritize character over cliché.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for the free copy, which provided an unfiltered dive into Skinner’s anarchic imagination.
Closing Note
A testament to the chaos theory of personal growth, Get Waffle Jones proves that sometimes hitting rock bottom is just the beginning—especially when the bottom is lined with drugs, yoga mats, and questionable life choices. Skinner’s debut marks him as a writer to watch in the dark-comedy crime niche.
Rating: 4.1/5
Concept & Narrative Style
Daniel Skinner’s Get Waffle Jones is a darkly comedic crime caper that marries the chaotic energy of Guy Ritchie’s films with the existential absurdity of a slacker’s redemption arc. The novel follows the eponymous Waffle Jones—a lovable yet hapless protagonist whose attempts at self-improvement are derailed by a serendipitous (or disastrous) encounter with a mysterious bag. Skinner’s debut fiction work (following his nonfiction titles) showcases a sharp wit and a knack for balancing irreverent humor with genuine emotional stakes.
Strengths & Emotional Engagement
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its voice. Waffle’s internal monologue—a blend of self-deprecation, misplaced optimism, and stoner logic—makes him an endearing guide through London’s seedy underbelly. Skinner’s prose crackles with dry British humor, particularly in scenes where Waffle’s incompetence collides with the ruthless pragmatism of villains and detectives. The yoga instructors’ inclusion as unlikely antagonists is a standout twist, injecting surrealism into the crime genre.
Thematically, the book surprises with its heart. Beneath the drug-fueled chaos and farcical chases, Get Waffle Jones grapples with moral ambiguity and the fragility of personal growth. Waffle’s yearning for his ex-girlfriend adds poignant vulnerability, elevating the story beyond mere satire.
Constructive Criticism
While the pacing is generally brisk, some secondary characters (particularly the detectives) feel underdeveloped, their motivations reduced to plot devices. A deeper exploration of their backstories could have enriched the narrative’s tension. Additionally, the middle act occasionally relies too heavily on coincidences to propel the plot, which may test some readers’ suspension of disbelief.
The humor, though consistently sharp, occasionally veers into repetitive territory (e.g., Waffle’s cyclical self-sabotage). A tighter edit could have streamlined the gags without sacrificing their impact.
Final Verdict
Get Waffle Jones is a riotous, genre-bending debut that delivers on its promise of London crime fiction with a big heart. Its minor flaws—thin secondary characters and occasional narrative contrivances—are outweighed by its originality, wit, and unexpected emotional depth. Recommended for:
-Fans of Snatch or The Big Lebowski seeking literary equivalents.
-Readers who enjoy antiheroes with redeemable flaws.
-Those drawn to crime stories that prioritize character over cliché.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for the free copy, which provided an unfiltered dive into Skinner’s anarchic imagination.
Closing Note
A testament to the chaos theory of personal growth, Get Waffle Jones proves that sometimes hitting rock bottom is just the beginning—especially when the bottom is lined with drugs, yoga mats, and questionable life choices. Skinner’s debut marks him as a writer to watch in the dark-comedy crime niche.
June 13, 2025
3.6
The clever title draws the reader into the story but it was a slow burn in my opinion. The author creates a warm hearted character in Waffle and you want him to succeed. You want him to win his girlfriend back. You don't want him to go to jail. You want him to get a fecking job and keep it for a change. You want him to turn his life around after attending a yoga retreat. You want him to keep the good washing machine (snort).
Of all people, Waffle, almost literally stumbles into the London criminal scene, for which he was only a regular pot purchaser prior. I found the sections with the police the slowest and had to skim them.
If you don't like the cannabis culture this book may not be for you. I think it would make an excellent film or short series - Guy Ritchie?
I really liked the name of the book and the book cover.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The clever title draws the reader into the story but it was a slow burn in my opinion. The author creates a warm hearted character in Waffle and you want him to succeed. You want him to win his girlfriend back. You don't want him to go to jail. You want him to get a fecking job and keep it for a change. You want him to turn his life around after attending a yoga retreat. You want him to keep the good washing machine (snort).
Of all people, Waffle, almost literally stumbles into the London criminal scene, for which he was only a regular pot purchaser prior. I found the sections with the police the slowest and had to skim them.
If you don't like the cannabis culture this book may not be for you. I think it would make an excellent film or short series - Guy Ritchie?
I really liked the name of the book and the book cover.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2025
If Matthew Vaughan or Guy Ritchie ever put to pen to paper it would pretty much be this book.
This book is a riot — fast, funny, and full of brilliantly offbeat characters. Waffle Jones (yes, that’s really his name) is a bumbling but big-hearted character, stumbling unknowingly through London's criminal underbelly with charm and confusion in equal measure.
It’s a proper London caper with a modern twist — yoga makes an unexpected appearance and as someone who has never warmed to yoga I also appreciated how it was gently mocked! The humour is sharp, the plot never sits still, and there are plenty of twists and turns right up until the end.
This book is a riot — fast, funny, and full of brilliantly offbeat characters. Waffle Jones (yes, that’s really his name) is a bumbling but big-hearted character, stumbling unknowingly through London's criminal underbelly with charm and confusion in equal measure.
It’s a proper London caper with a modern twist — yoga makes an unexpected appearance and as someone who has never warmed to yoga I also appreciated how it was gently mocked! The humour is sharp, the plot never sits still, and there are plenty of twists and turns right up until the end.
June 7, 2025
Waffle Jones is a big-hearted character stumbling unknowingly through London's criminal underbelly with charm and confusion in equal measure, trying his best to get his girlfriend Natalie back. The book is a cozy comedy-crime caper, and the writing is cleverly crafted, sprinkled with amusing and genuinely laugh-out-loud moments throughout. The plot takes several twists and keeps you turning pages, featuring a solid range of believable characters and stories that nicely intersect at the end. It would make for a great film! This book will cheer you up
I extend my gratitude to BookSirens for the opportunity to review this book.
I extend my gratitude to BookSirens for the opportunity to review this book.
May 24, 2025
I found myself genuinely laughing out loud throughout this book, and I almost never laugh out loud. Set in modern-day London, it’s a comedy crime caper that plays out like a fast-paced heist film. The characters are vividly and affectionately drawn, and I couldn’t help but grow attached to every one of them.
It’s one of those rare reads where I had to consciously slow down toward the end, I just didn’t want it to be over, even though it was an absolute page-turner. A wildly entertaining ride and an impressive tour de force for a debut novel. I can’t wait to see what Dan Skinner does next.
It’s one of those rare reads where I had to consciously slow down toward the end, I just didn’t want it to be over, even though it was an absolute page-turner. A wildly entertaining ride and an impressive tour de force for a debut novel. I can’t wait to see what Dan Skinner does next.
May 3, 2025
A laugh-out-loud crime adventure, Get Waffle Jones is something of a love letter to London and its real-life cast of quirky characters. The book is chock full of interweaving storylines, believable dialogue, and unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked right up to the final page. Brilliantly funny and a must for fans of a well written comic caper.
May 23, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this - a good old-fashioned mix-up caper, with a soupçon of Netflix's "The Gentlemen". Good twists and turns in the plot, and a solid range of believable characters and stories that nicely intersect at the end. Plenty of laughs mixed in with the more serious moments too, but blended very nicely. If you enjoy a crime caper then I'd highly recommend this.
June 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, Waffle Jones is a likeable, if if slightly empty-headed chap and you can see how easily he gets himself into tricky situations. I laughed often, sometimes at him but more often with him. The journey through the story is told with aplomb and some excellent metaphors and I found the writing to be interesting and articulate. Thoroughly recommended.
June 2, 2025
This book is delightful - really funny the whole way through, interesting and inventive. It blends a sort of crime caper with romance and humour, with really well-written characters, twists and turns. This book will cheer you up, and deserves to be taken on any holiday!
June 8, 2025
Easy read, bit of comedy in there..
June 15, 2025
Laugh out loud and a very good read
June 16, 2025
Great holiday read! Brilliant storyline, gripped from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews