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Lad series
A Likely Tale, Lad: Laughs & larks growing up in the 1970s
For a young lad like Mike Pannett, growing up in the North Yorkshire countryside in the late 1960s and early ’70s was a dream come true. The sun always seemed to be shining, the summer holidays lasted forever, and when you were sent to buy a fish supper for the family there was change to be had from that crumpled pound note. They really were the good old days.
Given a fishing rod, a bottle of pop and a jam sandwich, a lad could wander as far as his bike would take him, and the countryside was one big adventure playground peopled by larger-than-life characters and endless opportunities for laughs and larks.
Like many a boy, however, Mike learns things the hard way. He goes on a bike ride and lands up in A&E. He tries to be helpful around the home – and nearly burns the place down. And when he goes on a fishing trip it almost ends with a shipwreck.
He’s a likely lad, is Mike, and these are his likely tales.
Mike Pannett was born in York, and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1988. He became one of the youngest officers to be given his own patch, and served on the Divisional Crime Squad, Murder Squad and TSG (Riot Police).
He transferred to North Yorkshire police in 1997 as he missed the countryside – and fly fishing! He became a rural beat officer and eventually, a wildlife officer. Mike served nearly twenty years in the police, during which he became one of the highest-commended officers.
In 2005 he starred in the BBC’s Country Cops and was inspired to write about his adventures in the North Yorkshire force.
He lives with his wife Ann and their three children in a small village in the shadow of the North York Moors.
Given a fishing rod, a bottle of pop and a jam sandwich, a lad could wander as far as his bike would take him, and the countryside was one big adventure playground peopled by larger-than-life characters and endless opportunities for laughs and larks.
Like many a boy, however, Mike learns things the hard way. He goes on a bike ride and lands up in A&E. He tries to be helpful around the home – and nearly burns the place down. And when he goes on a fishing trip it almost ends with a shipwreck.
He’s a likely lad, is Mike, and these are his likely tales.
Mike Pannett was born in York, and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1988. He became one of the youngest officers to be given his own patch, and served on the Divisional Crime Squad, Murder Squad and TSG (Riot Police).
He transferred to North Yorkshire police in 1997 as he missed the countryside – and fly fishing! He became a rural beat officer and eventually, a wildlife officer. Mike served nearly twenty years in the police, during which he became one of the highest-commended officers.
In 2005 he starred in the BBC’s Country Cops and was inspired to write about his adventures in the North Yorkshire force.
He lives with his wife Ann and their three children in a small village in the shadow of the North York Moors.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 16, 2016
Growing up in Yorkshire.
Mike Pannett was a young lad in Rural Yorkshire. This is the story of his childhood, the laughs and larks that happened in his early life. A heartwarming tale of a young lad, his joys and sorrows. Definitely worth reading if you want a tale which leaves you feeling glad that you did.
Mike Pannett was a young lad in Rural Yorkshire. This is the story of his childhood, the laughs and larks that happened in his early life. A heartwarming tale of a young lad, his joys and sorrows. Definitely worth reading if you want a tale which leaves you feeling glad that you did.
June 11, 2018
An excellent, nostalgic read - especially for someone who also grew up in the 70s! Some of Mike's experiences resonate, but some were quite his own - living in the country, being the younger son of a large family. Very enjoyable, well written and gave me a laugh or two! It compares well with his tales from 'on the beat'. Great!
August 12, 2019
Childhood
It seemed to be well written but it was all about his childhood. Each chapter was another story that seemed like anyone else's childhood. The best part was how he felt about his mom and dad and he seemed to have a loving family
It seemed to be well written but it was all about his childhood. Each chapter was another story that seemed like anyone else's childhood. The best part was how he felt about his mom and dad and he seemed to have a loving family
May 15, 2024
I’ve never heard of Mike Parnell but I enjoyed this insight into his life during the 1960’s and early 70’s. Easy to read and in some aspects reminiscent of Enid Blyton and her famous tales of adventures.
January 5, 2015
This is the story of the childhood and Mike Pannett, long before he grows up to be a copper!
Really enjoyed this one, like all his other books.
There's some good moments in it and overall it's just a very good "nice" book.
If you like Gervase Phinn you'll love Mike Pannett.
Really enjoyed this one, like all his other books.
There's some good moments in it and overall it's just a very good "nice" book.
If you like Gervase Phinn you'll love Mike Pannett.
October 17, 2014
enjoyed mike's latest book of him growing up in York and the dales
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews