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Downstream Episodes #1
Downstream - Episode 1
Let me introduce myself. My name is Joseph Bridgeman. I am a moderately depressed, reclusive insomniac with a failing antiques business and a constant headache.
And you need to trust me when I tell you, that’s the good bit.
I’ve lived alone for years, avoiding social contact and emotional connection very nicely thanks. Until now. You see, when you stop earning, money tends to run out (ever noticed that?) and if I don’t do something soon, Martin says I could be out on the street; and that would mean connecting with people and for someone with my affliction that never ends wells. Martin? Oh he’s my annoyingly successful accountant. This morning he gave me the name of a hypnotherapist, said it might help. Clearly, he doesn’t understand how busy I am? I have places to go, things to do, people to avoid, vinyl to buy.
Anyway, I went to see her and things got a little complicated. I thought my day started badly but where I ended up? I could never, ever, possibly have imagined. Oh, did I just say where? What I meant to say was when…
And you need to trust me when I tell you, that’s the good bit.
I’ve lived alone for years, avoiding social contact and emotional connection very nicely thanks. Until now. You see, when you stop earning, money tends to run out (ever noticed that?) and if I don’t do something soon, Martin says I could be out on the street; and that would mean connecting with people and for someone with my affliction that never ends wells. Martin? Oh he’s my annoyingly successful accountant. This morning he gave me the name of a hypnotherapist, said it might help. Clearly, he doesn’t understand how busy I am? I have places to go, things to do, people to avoid, vinyl to buy.
Anyway, I went to see her and things got a little complicated. I thought my day started badly but where I ended up? I could never, ever, possibly have imagined. Oh, did I just say where? What I meant to say was when…
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
30 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Nick Jones
19 books633 followersAuthor of the Joseph Bridgeman series. Page-turning time travel mysteries.
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Check out my books here:
https://linktr.ee/nickjonesbooks
Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nick-...
And if you would like to show your support:
https://buymeacoffee.com/nickjonesauthor
https://www.instagram.com/authornickj...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nickj...
Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 29, 2016
Part 1 of a 7-parter - it's a great little taster of what is to come, and shows the author's style and voice off nicely.
And I liked both. The story only barely touches the surface, I think, of what is to come (I am about to start part 2). We meet Joseph, who, decades earlier, was at a funfair with his sister when she went missing from right next to him. Now a dysfunctional adult, he's encouraged to attend hypnotherapy to assist with his insomnia and also his long-standing grief, guilt and pain surrounding Amy's disappearance.
And at the end, we finish with a cliffhanger that sends the narrative direction veering into a whole new genre - Joe can time travel.
What an opener! I'm glad I have the full 7 parts to read, because I'd be annoyed at having to wait months for the next instalment (reading many books in between I'd lose track of the story), though I do appreciate Jones's idea (explained in a short introduction) to use the format Dickens did, sending his tales out into the world in regular chapters, published and awaited with anticipation.
Modern readers aren't as keen on waiting, I think, in an age Joe himself lives in.
I like Joe so far, he's smart though troubled, he's witty and references cultural shared knowledge (Jimmy Saville is eluded to, Beatles lyrics, superheroes) that give him a fully-rounded feel, and a bit of nerdy character.
Looking forward to part 2.
With thanks to the author for the promotional copy, sent for review purposes.
And I liked both. The story only barely touches the surface, I think, of what is to come (I am about to start part 2). We meet Joseph, who, decades earlier, was at a funfair with his sister when she went missing from right next to him. Now a dysfunctional adult, he's encouraged to attend hypnotherapy to assist with his insomnia and also his long-standing grief, guilt and pain surrounding Amy's disappearance.
And at the end, we finish with a cliffhanger that sends the narrative direction veering into a whole new genre - Joe can time travel.
What an opener! I'm glad I have the full 7 parts to read, because I'd be annoyed at having to wait months for the next instalment (reading many books in between I'd lose track of the story), though I do appreciate Jones's idea (explained in a short introduction) to use the format Dickens did, sending his tales out into the world in regular chapters, published and awaited with anticipation.
Modern readers aren't as keen on waiting, I think, in an age Joe himself lives in.
I like Joe so far, he's smart though troubled, he's witty and references cultural shared knowledge (Jimmy Saville is eluded to, Beatles lyrics, superheroes) that give him a fully-rounded feel, and a bit of nerdy character.
Looking forward to part 2.
With thanks to the author for the promotional copy, sent for review purposes.
July 19, 2015
This is a good start. Jones has divided his book into episodes and #1 is a good introduction to the characters. I do take offense, however, at it being marketed as a full book. Yes, he gives Episode 1 away for free but it should be marketed as opening chapters or prologue, not as a book. I REALLY hate it when I settle down with a book to find out it is just a sampling.
That being said, I like the writing style. Jones is easy and casual, making the reader comfortable. Yet I still feel slighted. I'll have to see what else I have on by to-be-read pile before I consider going on with the series.
That being said, I like the writing style. Jones is easy and casual, making the reader comfortable. Yet I still feel slighted. I'll have to see what else I have on by to-be-read pile before I consider going on with the series.
March 15, 2019
Short continuious story
The main character, Joseph is having trouble sleeping. He's unable to function and sees a therapist at the request of his accountant.
Joseph spends a good part of the story complaining or whining about his ability to remember everything in real time. The story ends just as it is getting somewhat interesting.
The main character, Joseph is having trouble sleeping. He's unable to function and sees a therapist at the request of his accountant.
Joseph spends a good part of the story complaining or whining about his ability to remember everything in real time. The story ends just as it is getting somewhat interesting.
February 23, 2017
Nick Jones has a talent for writing, Down Stream was an enticing first episode. My main concern was there was no real pull in the story to make me continue the episodes. The main character has some first person moments with the reader and other moments when he is genuinely sincere as himself. The more the book progressed the more erratic the main character, Joseph, became.
There are unique thoughts and avenues the author would be better focusing on to get the pace and plot on the forethought of the reader. By the end I didn't expect to know the whole story, but I did hope to know which way we were heading. Alas, I was confused and not hooked by the last page. I do hope the remainder of the series counterbalances this because Mr. Jones has great potential.
There are unique thoughts and avenues the author would be better focusing on to get the pace and plot on the forethought of the reader. By the end I didn't expect to know the whole story, but I did hope to know which way we were heading. Alas, I was confused and not hooked by the last page. I do hope the remainder of the series counterbalances this because Mr. Jones has great potential.
July 26, 2015
A great start to the series. I really enjoyed being drawn into the world of the loner insomniac Joe Bridgeman as he makes one last effort to control his 'gift' before it drives him insane, only to find his problems are just beginning.
The writing is a little different than Nick Jones's previous books but he does a great job of using the first person narrative to describe Joe Bridgeman's world in intimate detail. And while action is thin on the ground compared to his other series, it's more than made up for by mystery and intrigue. Overall this is an excellent set-up episode with enough interesting relationships and situations to pique my interest into buying episode 2. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
The writing is a little different than Nick Jones's previous books but he does a great job of using the first person narrative to describe Joe Bridgeman's world in intimate detail. And while action is thin on the ground compared to his other series, it's more than made up for by mystery and intrigue. Overall this is an excellent set-up episode with enough interesting relationships and situations to pique my interest into buying episode 2. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
August 9, 2015
Great start to a very gripping series, some people are complaining about it being short but at least we aren't having to wait years for a whole book to be written and it is good value, well free for the first and read right to the end to see about the second episode…
It is set in our time
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Joseph Bridgeman. I am a moderately depressed, reclusive insomniac with a failing antiques business and a constant headache.
And you need to trust me when I tell you, that’s the good bit."
Joseph's time travelling begins in earnest when he goes to see a hypnotherapist. Anyway download and start the journey, it is very entertaining indeed. HURRY up with episode 7 Nick, I have caught up and NEED to know more.
It is set in our time
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Joseph Bridgeman. I am a moderately depressed, reclusive insomniac with a failing antiques business and a constant headache.
And you need to trust me when I tell you, that’s the good bit."
Joseph's time travelling begins in earnest when he goes to see a hypnotherapist. Anyway download and start the journey, it is very entertaining indeed. HURRY up with episode 7 Nick, I have caught up and NEED to know more.
December 1, 2015
I got book 1-3 on a free download for a honest review. (Thanks Nick)
I wasn't sure about these books at first, But I really got into them and ended up reading these three books in a couple of days.
The story is about a guy that has to deal with losing his sister at a fair and he has realistic dreams about allsort's of things and then starts going to see a Therapist who helps him to relax, But she ends up hypnotising him and he then finds that he can time travel, There's much more to the storyline but I don't want to spoil it for other people.
When I got to the end of book three I really wanted to know what happened next, So I ended up buying books 4-7 in a bundle for a very reasonable price.
I would recommend to anyone as it's definitely different.
Regards,
June.
I wasn't sure about these books at first, But I really got into them and ended up reading these three books in a couple of days.
The story is about a guy that has to deal with losing his sister at a fair and he has realistic dreams about allsort's of things and then starts going to see a Therapist who helps him to relax, But she ends up hypnotising him and he then finds that he can time travel, There's much more to the storyline but I don't want to spoil it for other people.
When I got to the end of book three I really wanted to know what happened next, So I ended up buying books 4-7 in a bundle for a very reasonable price.
I would recommend to anyone as it's definitely different.
Regards,
June.
September 25, 2015
This is just a brief introduction so be forewarned that you will abruptly be left on a cliff wondering what is happening. The characters feel very real and the story is great. I don't know how many episodes this will be and I may look into it in the future but right now I have too many other books waiting to be read to get involved with a new series. If this was a complete book and if it kept up the pace it started with it would have ranked five stars easily but that's too many "if's" for me to work with.
November 7, 2015
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I was lucky enough to be given the chance to read the first 3 books, Which I read one after the other in one night, it reads more like a TV episode than a book, and quite an addictive storyline.
Book 1 - We get straight into the trauma that starts Joseph Bridgeman on his downwards slope. It all starts with the night at the fair, trying to win a prize for his little Sister Amy.
Think it of a prequel to the series, it builds the story well and leaves you wanting to know more.
I was lucky enough to be given the chance to read the first 3 books, Which I read one after the other in one night, it reads more like a TV episode than a book, and quite an addictive storyline.
Book 1 - We get straight into the trauma that starts Joseph Bridgeman on his downwards slope. It all starts with the night at the fair, trying to win a prize for his little Sister Amy.
Think it of a prequel to the series, it builds the story well and leaves you wanting to know more.
December 20, 2014
I can't recall reading a book with a main character that feels as real, as solid - as human - as Joseph Bridgeman does.
The story flows along very nicely and, if you're like me, you'll find yourself chuckling with amusement at times, sitting forward in anticipation at others, and at the end you'll be wishing you could time travel to get to the next episode!
Another offering of pure delight from author Nick Jones.
The story flows along very nicely and, if you're like me, you'll find yourself chuckling with amusement at times, sitting forward in anticipation at others, and at the end you'll be wishing you could time travel to get to the next episode!
Another offering of pure delight from author Nick Jones.
May 2, 2015
Mr. Jones gives you a unique and interesting concept in this book. Although a serial short story you still get the depth of the main character Joseph.
Joseph struggles with an incredible gift. When he falls asleep Joseph can travel back in time to past memories of real events of those that get close to him.
Time traveling occurs so often that Joseph has decided to avoid getting close to anyone and becomes a recluse.
A definite series to follow.
Joseph struggles with an incredible gift. When he falls asleep Joseph can travel back in time to past memories of real events of those that get close to him.
Time traveling occurs so often that Joseph has decided to avoid getting close to anyone and becomes a recluse.
A definite series to follow.
April 19, 2015
Great Sci-fi Time Traveling Adventure
Great book, a little slow to start, and definitely left on a cliffhanger moment. My only complaint is how long it took to get to what the book is about, understand, however, that the main character needed to be fully understood and realized before everything could take shape. Enjoyable book, highly recommend it and the series
Great book, a little slow to start, and definitely left on a cliffhanger moment. My only complaint is how long it took to get to what the book is about, understand, however, that the main character needed to be fully understood and realized before everything could take shape. Enjoyable book, highly recommend it and the series
July 23, 2015
This book is available on Kindle one episode at a time. I have read up to Episode 6 and am in great anticipation for Episode 7 which comes out in September.
This story is an new approach to the fantasy of time travel, making me, the reader, become hooked by the story telling style of this author.
This story is an new approach to the fantasy of time travel, making me, the reader, become hooked by the story telling style of this author.
February 2, 2015
Honestly, mark my words - Downstream is going to end up on a telly near you, sooner or later. It's absolutely brilliant. Brilliant storytelling and fabulous characters including Jo, the main man, who is funny, bitter and complicated all at once. LOVED it.
March 16, 2015
great read
Interesting concept. I enjoyed the character and the book really held my interest. I couldn't wait to get back to the book and find out what happened next. At this point I have not finished the book. I am waiting for the release of the next chapters.
Interesting concept. I enjoyed the character and the book really held my interest. I couldn't wait to get back to the book and find out what happened next. At this point I have not finished the book. I am waiting for the release of the next chapters.
July 20, 2015
I loved the sample !
This was funny and awesome, a perfect ten ! I don't even normally like sci fi books or movies ! :)
This was funny and awesome, a perfect ten ! I don't even normally like sci fi books or movies ! :)
July 4, 2015
This story was very different. I don't want to give away the story, however, I did enjoy it. Would recommend to anyone who like time travel.
June 12, 2015
Short, but good. Looking forward to the second episode.
July 3, 2015
This short novella is the start of a series. The first time I read it I couldn't make sense of it. But at 57 pages, I re-read it and it started to make sense.
It starts out slowly, but gets better.
It starts out slowly, but gets better.
July 15, 2015
great book held me captivated from first page to last
October 2, 2015
Good start to this series - it is broken up into episodes that are very quick reads. Different from anything I have read and am enjoying the ride.
November 11, 2015
Beginning series Book 1
This is a great beginning to a great series. There are at least 7 total books in this first series and I'm glad I had the chance to read this first one.
This is a great beginning to a great series. There are at least 7 total books in this first series and I'm glad I had the chance to read this first one.
December 9, 2015
Good
It's was good but could be better. I am hoping maybe next book in series picks up some. We will see.
It's was good but could be better. I am hoping maybe next book in series picks up some. We will see.
February 26, 2016
Excellent!
February 22, 2018
Not started as I got a complete edition before I could start
Not Started, I just got a complete edition. So I will be reading it later after the book I am presently
Not Started, I just got a complete edition. So I will be reading it later after the book I am presently
April 7, 2017
Kindle Unlimited but freebie day for me. Interesting concept, but with the multiple episodes, if had found it that way, would have been ticked. Wondering since longer version if all sections were just put together or if it was 'fixed' in some way a full season/book length, because kept losing me as to what and who was going on and doing what. Since read a lot, and a LOT of time travel, this is definitely on the writer's side not mine. Just much informations/background in some places and not enough in others. Needed better sectioning to explain time/date happening in.
epi 1
epi 1
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews