The Second Coming of Saint Frank

by Simon Carr

Frank has questions, many questions.

Startled to learn that his wife did not die after smoking mushrooms, in their mushroom smoker and burning the house down, Frank sets off on a quest to find her, and the many answers to the many questions that he has about her disappearance.

The quests just keep coming, as there’s trouble in paradise, a rogue saint, Saint Charlie, has quit his job as a saint, and he’s come to Earth to make the world his domain.

Frank must battle the rouge Saint Charlie, find his wife, save everyone because everyone except him seems to be rubbish at not needing saving, but he cant do it alone, Frank must find help, and as everyone but him on Earth appears to be rubbish at this sort of caper, he must look, somewhere else.

Genres: Paranormal

372 pages, ebook

First published June 14, 2025

About the author

Simon carr is, well he is me, hello. I write comedy Sci-fi and horror books. I started writing in 2018. I am severely dyslexic, on the very high end of the scale. So, writing a book was just me being defiant really, doing something I ought never to have been capable of doing.

I really enjoyed writing my first book, Space And Stuff, so I carried on writing. That makes it sound a lot simpler than it was, but after a lot of learning and editing; so much editing! And going through proofreaders at a rate of knotts, I got my books to a standard that only made a few grammar Nazis heads explode; so it will have to do.

I am from Blackburn in the UK, born in the summer of 1976. I have actually won three awards for my books, I know! I was as surprised as you are. If perfect grammar is your thing then you might want to give them a miss, but if you like satire and goofy scenarios I might be what you have been looking for.

Reviews

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of Simon Carr's unique blend of wit and wild imagination, I've been eagerly awaiting "The Second Coming of Saint Frank," and it absolutely delivers! Carr has a knack for crafting stories that are as uproarious as they are utterly unpredictable, and this latest novel is no exception.

The premise alone is pure gold: Frank discovers his wife didn't actually perish in a mushroom-smoking incident that also burned down their house. This immediately sets him off on a bewildered quest to find her and get some much-needed answers. But, as is typical with Carr's narratives, Frank's personal mission quickly spirals into something far grander and more chaotic.

Enter Saint Charlie, a rogue saint who's decided to quit his celestial job and make Earth his personal playground. Suddenly, Frank isn't just looking for his wife; he's battling a divine entity, trying to save a world seemingly populated by people who are "rubbish at not needing saving," and realizing he needs help from "somewhere else" because, well, everyone on Earth is apparently useless for this kind of caper.

Frank is a wonderfully exasperated protagonist, constantly bombarded with new problems and questions, making his journey a delightful mix of absurdity and genuine peril. The narrative promises non-stop action and escalating stakes, pulling you deeper into its wonderfully bizarre world with every page.

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, keep you guessing, and introduce you to a truly original hero, "The Second Coming of Saint Frank" is a must-read. Simon Carr proves once again why he's a master of comedic fantasy. Don't miss it!

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping in mind that Simon Carr previously wrote the Space & Stuff/Apocalypse Blockers Trilogies and the other various trilogies that joined together in making a 15-18 book storyline that may or may not be finished, this is the second book in the St. Frank Trilogy. It is my favorite of his recent books.

In this story, St. Frank is on a mission from God. It seems St. Charlie got bored of all the "sitting on a cloud while poorly playing the harp" and went rogue. He saw that both heaven and hell had serious leadership so he decides to take over the earth and put everyone under his dominion. In only a matter of weeks his army of magically created "soldiers" have done just that, except for a very few holdouts. St. Frank realizes there is not enough resistance left on earth to stop its' total conquest. Hence his mission is to find help elsewhere.

I know I can always count on a funny and circuitous story to unwind in any book by Simon Carr, however I was completely surprised by the twist he throws in. Beware though, if you insist on perfect grammar and spelling, everything in the Carr archives will ruin your day. But, if you don't mind clouds bellowing instead of billowing or someone coming too after being knocked out but not coming also, you should find the silliness of a flying cow with an unusual self-defense system or an army made up of Lorettas and Wobbly-Bobblies something worth reading.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Saint Frank ever find his wife?

When Saint Frank realizes his wife is not dead, he sets himself the quest of finding her. However, God decides Saint Frank needs to go after Saint Charlie instead and sends Saint Bartholomew to make sure he does. See, Saint Charlie is bored with sitting on a cloud all the time and decided to do what Lucifer did, except he will go to Earth and wreak havoc there, instead of in hell. So Frank has no choice but to go after Saint Charlie, as well as finding his wife. I admit, I have not read a lot of Simon Carr’s work, but what I have read, I absolutely adore! This is the author to read when you desperately need to laugh, because you will and a lot too. The plots do tend to be quite convoluted, which makes the stories even funnier. I love Collar!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by this story. I thought it was understandable why Saint Frank would set out on a quest looking for the wife he had previously thought was dead. I enjoyed the weird and wacky worldbuilding, and all the creative and unusual characters. I liked the humorous dialogue and events which engendered many laugh-out-loud moments. This story ended on a cliffhanger, and I'm looking forward to the next book with great anticipation. I enjoyed Jason Sharp's narration, as his performance was entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside two days (or an incredibly LONG one) for this complex, laugh-out-loud, paranormal, supernatural, satiric fantasy quest of Saint Frank of Little Hampton Upon Sea to rescue his wife, Magret from the Knights of the Black Curtain involving adventure, alternative-reality-romance, dragons, England, families, historical-fiction, humor, magic, pirates, portals, rescue, satire, war, and a hairstyle replacement boutique.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mark Menard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable installment featuring Saint Frank and his army. The story is packed with adventure, charming characters, and a few surprising twists that kept me engaged from start to finish.

However, I once again found the constant “Who’s on First” banter and innuendos tiresome. While it may add humor for some readers, it quickly became repetitive for me.

I received this book as an ARC, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[S. Policar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just as ridiculously funny as the first book. Only it does end on cliffhanger and I'm not sure when the third book will come out. I think it's definitely worth the read though, especially for you parody fantasy lovers.
This is a fun read that I'm glad I took a chance on. I find myself looking forward to seeing how Saint Frank and his followers finish this quest.

I give this book 5 of 5 Paws.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret's not dead. Where is she? Saint Frank has to find her. He meets all sorts of road blocks and twists and turns. So funny. So clever. Interesting characters. A fun escape.

Narrated by Jason Sharp. He really puts expression and slant on this crazy dialogue. 5 stars for him as well. My issue was that he read it so fast my slow brain couldn't keep up. My next slower setting was at 70% which was actually too slow. Just can't please me.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Simon Carr has written an enjoyable yarn. The usual cast of characters plus some new ones. A new adventure in saving the world. I know the next book with Frank will be just as enjoyable but the waiting may be excruciating. I feel Simon Carr would have made a great writer for the Addams Family strips and screenplays.

Do yourself a favor and start reading more of his work.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Carr is one of my favourite authors in the genre. With this book he again proves his mastery. It is a delightful story with hilarious high jinks, detailed and imaginative worldbuilding, and fun, unique, and amazing characters.
Jason Sharp totally nailed the narration.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Nemesis Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Coming of Saint Frank by Simon Carr was a strange and funny story and kept me genuinely entertained. Jason Sharp’s narration brought Frank’s confusion, sarcasm, and reluctant heroism to life in the best way possible. I especially enjoyed how Frank’s search for his very-much-alive wife spiraled into a wild mess involving a rogue saint trying to take over Earth.

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great 2nd book to a hopefully long series. It is action packed and moves at a fast pace. Definitely recommended .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Queen Talk Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in the series. It was equal parts humorous and annoying. I did was excited by the cameo at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A not so serious adventure to saving the world. The settings are humorously bizarre, making it an interesting read.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy irreverence, absurdity, and laugh-out-loud hilarity, this is the book for you! Simon Carr is the master at writing outrageous and twisted plots, filled with bizarre characters, unpredictability, quirky humour and funny banter. I enjoyed Saint Frank's newest adventure, and I have to say that I really love his flying cow. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series, especially since this book ends on a cliffhanger.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

UPDATE for audiobook:
I was able to reread this story by listening to the narration done by Jason Sharp. It made the book even that much more entertaining! He read with good expression and pacing. I found myself laughing out loud! 5 stars for the audiobook.
I received an audiobook copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Carr doing what he does best. Fun characters and stories that really are laugh out loud. Comedy conversations galore. Great fun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.