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Clovenhoof #4
Hellzapoppin'
Life at St Cadfan’s is never dull. There’s the cellar full of unexplained corpses. There’s the struggle to find food when the island is placed under quarantine. And there’s that peculiar staircase in the cellar… Being a demon in Hell has its own problems. There’s the increasingly impossible torture quotas to meet. There’s the entire horde of Hell waiting for you to slip up and make a mistake. And there’s that weird staircase in the service tunnels… Brother Stephen of St Cadfan’s and Rutpsud of the Sixth Circle, natural enemies and the most unnatural of friends, join forces to solve a murder mystery, save a rare species from extinction and stop Hell itself exploding. The fourth novel in the Clovenhoof series, Hellzapoppin’ is an astonishing comedy featuring suicidal sea birds, deadly plagues, exploding barbecues, dancing rats, magical wardrobes, King Arthur’s American descendants, mole-hunting monks, demonic possession and way too much seaweed beer.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
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399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 6, 2021
Book four in the Clovenhoof series and my least favorite so far which was mainly down to not being into this set of characters.
At the beginning there is a conversation about the management of Hell reading Dante and then they implemented circles and now everything in hell is circle this, circle that, which was absolutely hilarious.
I liked the story line of hell getting hotter, torture techniques but the characters in this book I just didn't connect with as much as I have the previous books.
At time of posting this entire series is on Kindle Unlimited.
At the beginning there is a conversation about the management of Hell reading Dante and then they implemented circles and now everything in hell is circle this, circle that, which was absolutely hilarious.
I liked the story line of hell getting hotter, torture techniques but the characters in this book I just didn't connect with as much as I have the previous books.
At time of posting this entire series is on Kindle Unlimited.
March 10, 2016
Hellzapoppin' is the fourth book in the Clovenhoof series and whilst it is part of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone.
The story is set in St Cadfan's, which unbeknown to the occupants, has a staircase leading down to Hell. The reader gets a sense of how cut of St Cadfan's is to the outside world by the drawing of the island that pops up quite often through out the story.
Nothing ever seems to go straight forward on the Island and the monks seem to be forever running out of food. Luckily one of the monks is able to do wonders with seaweed! I have to admit to developing a craving for jelly babies after reading the novel, thanks to one of the characters having a bit of an obsession with them.
There is a whole array of characters, some that we have met before in previous books and some that are new. I always have great fun imagining what a lot of the characters look like in the story as they are just fabulous characters.
As usual the authors have created yet another very tongue in cheek story that is just 'heavenly' to read. This is one series where you wouldn't mind going to hell and meeting demons and the devil as they seem to have the most fun! Another highly enjoyable read.
The story is set in St Cadfan's, which unbeknown to the occupants, has a staircase leading down to Hell. The reader gets a sense of how cut of St Cadfan's is to the outside world by the drawing of the island that pops up quite often through out the story.
Nothing ever seems to go straight forward on the Island and the monks seem to be forever running out of food. Luckily one of the monks is able to do wonders with seaweed! I have to admit to developing a craving for jelly babies after reading the novel, thanks to one of the characters having a bit of an obsession with them.
There is a whole array of characters, some that we have met before in previous books and some that are new. I always have great fun imagining what a lot of the characters look like in the story as they are just fabulous characters.
As usual the authors have created yet another very tongue in cheek story that is just 'heavenly' to read. This is one series where you wouldn't mind going to hell and meeting demons and the devil as they seem to have the most fun! Another highly enjoyable read.
November 16, 2023
This is the second book in the Clovenhoof series that doesn't feature Jeremy himself, the first being GodSquad. At first I wasn't sure if I would like books in a series in which the main character (Clovenhoof) doesn't appear - isn't even mentioned, actually - but both books introduce new characters and adventures that open up the world many more possibilities for hijinks and tomfoolery. It will be interesting to see how these disparate plotlines come together.
May 31, 2018
Hellzapoppin by Heide Goodie and Iain Grant - a review
This is the fourth book in the ongoing Clovenhoof series of loosely-connected novels, but it takes us on a bit of a detour from any main thrust of the series - although some of the characters are familiar. Or are they? More of that anon…
The authors show themselves throughout to be comfortable and more than competent with their material, and advances in style, content and overall “feel” of the book seen in previous volumes continue. The writing is fluid, assured and engaging throughout; I should perhaps say here that due to my own circumstances I had to dip and and out of this work at intervals, and prolonged bouts of reading-time were largely denied me. But at every resumption it was as if I had not paused: I was able to pick up the thread of the narrative instantly and continue as if I hadn’t had to pause at all.
If I had to precis the story at all, I’m not sure it would be that easy. You are probably better off reading it for yourself! There is a plot, but it is woven into very much of an “atmosphere piece” almost, with things going on almost as an aside to the weaving of place and circumstance in which a plot sort-of happens. It has the effect of making the book quite “meaty” - which I like in a novel. There is the time taken to include little extra episodes and details, all of which contribute to the overall “feel”, and certainly add to the underlying feeling of manic absurdity that is a characteristic of the entire series of Clovenhoof novels.
This is also one of those rare books which you could genuinely say contains a shocking and unexpected twist! But I will say no more, since I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Suffice to say that I didn’t see that coming!
This book is thus heartily recommended. It could be read as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the context, reading of the first two books in the series (the third is another little diversion into a fascinating by-way) is also recommended. Oh what the heck, just get them all - I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
This is the fourth book in the ongoing Clovenhoof series of loosely-connected novels, but it takes us on a bit of a detour from any main thrust of the series - although some of the characters are familiar. Or are they? More of that anon…
The authors show themselves throughout to be comfortable and more than competent with their material, and advances in style, content and overall “feel” of the book seen in previous volumes continue. The writing is fluid, assured and engaging throughout; I should perhaps say here that due to my own circumstances I had to dip and and out of this work at intervals, and prolonged bouts of reading-time were largely denied me. But at every resumption it was as if I had not paused: I was able to pick up the thread of the narrative instantly and continue as if I hadn’t had to pause at all.
If I had to precis the story at all, I’m not sure it would be that easy. You are probably better off reading it for yourself! There is a plot, but it is woven into very much of an “atmosphere piece” almost, with things going on almost as an aside to the weaving of place and circumstance in which a plot sort-of happens. It has the effect of making the book quite “meaty” - which I like in a novel. There is the time taken to include little extra episodes and details, all of which contribute to the overall “feel”, and certainly add to the underlying feeling of manic absurdity that is a characteristic of the entire series of Clovenhoof novels.
This is also one of those rare books which you could genuinely say contains a shocking and unexpected twist! But I will say no more, since I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Suffice to say that I didn’t see that coming!
This book is thus heartily recommended. It could be read as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the context, reading of the first two books in the series (the third is another little diversion into a fascinating by-way) is also recommended. Oh what the heck, just get them all - I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
April 17, 2016
It's a bit disappointing when you read a book with a subtitle "Clovenhoof 4" and find that the aforementioned Clovenhoof doesn't make an appearance.
I found this book rambled all over the place to the extent that at times I didn't know if I was in Hell or High Water. Without so much as a paragraph break the story would switch from an island off the Welsh coast to one of the regions of Hell.
Too many things were left unresolved. I won't list them because that would be a spoiler and after all, this is only my opinion. In future, I'll be much more circumspect and read the synopsis first before I plunge headlong into what could be a disappointment. It got three stars because I did manage to finish it and there were some funny passages.
I found this book rambled all over the place to the extent that at times I didn't know if I was in Hell or High Water. Without so much as a paragraph break the story would switch from an island off the Welsh coast to one of the regions of Hell.
Too many things were left unresolved. I won't list them because that would be a spoiler and after all, this is only my opinion. In future, I'll be much more circumspect and read the synopsis first before I plunge headlong into what could be a disappointment. It got three stars because I did manage to finish it and there were some funny passages.
March 23, 2023
This book will have you pondering deep theological issues such as, is there a heaven? Is there a Hell? What is torture? Can an monk and a demon be friends? And it does it whil making you laugh out loud again and again.
The monastery of St Cadfan’s is located on a remote island in Wales. The monks there are an eccentric bunch who are trying to find there place in the 21st century and make enough money to survive.
When Rutspud discovers an Escher staircase connecting Hell and St. Cadfan's he begins to visit a monk. Brother Stephen, who everyone calls Trevor; has been working in the library and has discovered a book listing all the demons of hell. Soon he and Rutspud are besties. And there are adventures for both.
The monastery of St Cadfan’s is located on a remote island in Wales. The monks there are an eccentric bunch who are trying to find there place in the 21st century and make enough money to survive.
When Rutspud discovers an Escher staircase connecting Hell and St. Cadfan's he begins to visit a monk. Brother Stephen, who everyone calls Trevor; has been working in the library and has discovered a book listing all the demons of hell. Soon he and Rutspud are besties. And there are adventures for both.
April 28, 2018
kindle unlimited, read through the other 3, basically unrelated book, and not going through this series, and it all started because wanted to see what the one about Trump was, and wanted the full background of the books first, and now already on book 4, although there are some shorts but wanted to hit the main ones first.
Life at St Cadfan’s is never dull. There’s the cellar full of unexplained corpses. There’s the struggle to find food when the island is placed under quarantine. And there’s that peculiar staircase in the cellar…
Being a demon in Hell has its own problems. There’s the increasingly impossible torture quotas to meet. There’s the entire horde of Hell waiting for you to slip up and make a mistake. And there’s that weird staircase in the service tunnels… Brother Stephen of St Cadfan’s and Rutpsud of the Sixth Circle, natural enemies and the most unnatural of friends, join forces to solve a murder mystery, save a rare species from extinction and stop Hell itself exploding.
The fourth novel in the Clovenhoof series, Hellzapoppin’ is an astonishing comedy featuring suicidal sea birds, deadly plagues, exploding barbecues, dancing rats, magical wardrobes, King Arthur’s American descendants, mole-hunting monks, demonic possession and way too much seaweed beer.
Clovenhoof (Clovenhoof Book 1) (Jul 26, 2012)
Pigeonwings (Clovenhoof Book 2) (Aug 10, 2013)
Godsquad (Clovenhoof Book 3) (Clovenhoof Book 3) (Apr 23, 2015)
Hellzapoppin' (Clovenhoof Book 4) (Oct 1, 2015)
Beelzebelle (Clovenhoof Book 5) (Apr 14, 2016)
Clovenhoof & the Trump of Doom (Clovenhoof Book 6) (Dec 18, 2016)
Satan's Shorts (Clovenhoof, #3)
Satan's Shorts is collection with the 3 books listed below but there are others
1 - Clovenhoof
2 - Pigeonwings
3 - Godsquad
4 - Hellzapoppin'
5 - Beelzebelle
Clovenhoof's Shed
Clovenhoof goes to Night School
Oddjobs
Oddjobs 2: This time it's Personnel
Mythfits
Disenchanted
Life at St Cadfan’s is never dull. There’s the cellar full of unexplained corpses. There’s the struggle to find food when the island is placed under quarantine. And there’s that peculiar staircase in the cellar…
Being a demon in Hell has its own problems. There’s the increasingly impossible torture quotas to meet. There’s the entire horde of Hell waiting for you to slip up and make a mistake. And there’s that weird staircase in the service tunnels… Brother Stephen of St Cadfan’s and Rutpsud of the Sixth Circle, natural enemies and the most unnatural of friends, join forces to solve a murder mystery, save a rare species from extinction and stop Hell itself exploding.
The fourth novel in the Clovenhoof series, Hellzapoppin’ is an astonishing comedy featuring suicidal sea birds, deadly plagues, exploding barbecues, dancing rats, magical wardrobes, King Arthur’s American descendants, mole-hunting monks, demonic possession and way too much seaweed beer.
Clovenhoof (Clovenhoof Book 1) (Jul 26, 2012)
Pigeonwings (Clovenhoof Book 2) (Aug 10, 2013)
Godsquad (Clovenhoof Book 3) (Clovenhoof Book 3) (Apr 23, 2015)
Hellzapoppin' (Clovenhoof Book 4) (Oct 1, 2015)
Beelzebelle (Clovenhoof Book 5) (Apr 14, 2016)
Clovenhoof & the Trump of Doom (Clovenhoof Book 6) (Dec 18, 2016)
Satan's Shorts (Clovenhoof, #3)
Satan's Shorts is collection with the 3 books listed below but there are others
1 - Clovenhoof
2 - Pigeonwings
3 - Godsquad
4 - Hellzapoppin'
5 - Beelzebelle
Clovenhoof's Shed
Clovenhoof goes to Night School
Oddjobs
Oddjobs 2: This time it's Personnel
Mythfits
Disenchanted
March 20, 2024
Oblectatio in inferno et in Wallia
In this bit of madness from Heide Goode and Iain Grant (and yes, I recognise that anything that pair produces is likely to be quite mad), the action is divided between rural Wales and Hell itself. The authors describe a place so devoid of hope that all there must despair on the one hand, and Hell on the other.
Although this is the fourth book in the Clovenhoof series, Clovenhoof himself never appears— the characters consist of Welsh monastics, demons and condemned souls (including Beatrix Potter, sent to Hell not merely for anthropormorphising small animals in her books, but worse, for dressing them in twee little outfits), and birdwatchers. Oh, and two of the most inanely suicidal birds to ever risk extinction.
I won’t attempt to summarise the plot of the book— if you’ve read Grant and Goode you’ll understand the difficulty involved, and if you haven’t yet you probably wouldn’t believe me. Suffice it to say that the book is a comic riot, if theologically dubious, and definitely worth reading. Also, it is really worth struggling with a dictionary over the Latin book titles…
Recommended.
In this bit of madness from Heide Goode and Iain Grant (and yes, I recognise that anything that pair produces is likely to be quite mad), the action is divided between rural Wales and Hell itself. The authors describe a place so devoid of hope that all there must despair on the one hand, and Hell on the other.
Although this is the fourth book in the Clovenhoof series, Clovenhoof himself never appears— the characters consist of Welsh monastics, demons and condemned souls (including Beatrix Potter, sent to Hell not merely for anthropormorphising small animals in her books, but worse, for dressing them in twee little outfits), and birdwatchers. Oh, and two of the most inanely suicidal birds to ever risk extinction.
I won’t attempt to summarise the plot of the book— if you’ve read Grant and Goode you’ll understand the difficulty involved, and if you haven’t yet you probably wouldn’t believe me. Suffice it to say that the book is a comic riot, if theologically dubious, and definitely worth reading. Also, it is really worth struggling with a dictionary over the Latin book titles…
Recommended.
November 12, 2021
A charming alternative love story!
A monk and a demon find friendship and love (of the brotherly kind!) on a small Welsh island.
That's the premise but along the way there are other additions that make this probably my favourite of the Clovenhoof books that do not include the Fallen One. A sleepwalking monk. Curious deaths. Wardrobes. Monks piss and jelly babies! Yes, it's all here at St Cadfan's!
The authors are adept at putting together an absurd and amusing storyline filled with interesting characters and nutty situations. They work well together and I'm sure a hilarious time is had during the creation of these charming stories.
I have deducted a star because sometimes words are missing which sends my OCD brain off on a tangent. CS Lewis and Tolkien it is not but entertaining nonetheless.
A monk and a demon find friendship and love (of the brotherly kind!) on a small Welsh island.
That's the premise but along the way there are other additions that make this probably my favourite of the Clovenhoof books that do not include the Fallen One. A sleepwalking monk. Curious deaths. Wardrobes. Monks piss and jelly babies! Yes, it's all here at St Cadfan's!
The authors are adept at putting together an absurd and amusing storyline filled with interesting characters and nutty situations. They work well together and I'm sure a hilarious time is had during the creation of these charming stories.
I have deducted a star because sometimes words are missing which sends my OCD brain off on a tangent. CS Lewis and Tolkien it is not but entertaining nonetheless.
January 1, 2018
I absolutely adore this series. I did find it hard to get through God Squad (even though I did enjoy it) and I wasn't sure if I would like this as I'm keen for more Jeremy but I laughed so much throughout the book. The authors really made the characters come to life. I just loved the sense of humour, the politics of hell and all the money making schemes from the monks. There was so much attention to detail from the kids names to the running theme of Stephen / Trevor which was set up from the first book in the series.
August 23, 2024
Book 4 in the series and again the series title character is noticeably absent.
As was the case with book three this makes this whole romp seem like a side adventure rather than a main installment. It doesn't help that the new main characters are... lacking in one. When the characters are easily interchangeable while one is a literal demon from hell then you're just doing something wrong.
I did like the hell plot line with it getting hotter and the new boss driving them insane but the stuff with the island monastery was rather dull.
As was the case with book three this makes this whole romp seem like a side adventure rather than a main installment. It doesn't help that the new main characters are... lacking in one. When the characters are easily interchangeable while one is a literal demon from hell then you're just doing something wrong.
I did like the hell plot line with it getting hotter and the new boss driving them insane but the stuff with the island monastery was rather dull.
July 2, 2017
I'm still finding this series a hella fun. The character's are amusing and loveable, the set ups are very laugh out loudable and the sly references to Ofsted are painfully accurate. It's a good laugh and the writing has come on a lot, and I hope to see the monks, rutspud and his happy damned crop up again.
August 28, 2020
This is the fourth Clovenhoof book and the second without any sign of him. But! I did really enjoy this one. It’s set back in Wales on the island of Bardsey with the monks. And all isn’t quiet what it seems....
Lots of laughs and escapades to be had.
Fingers crossed that Jeremy Clovenhoof returns to the series soon though 🤞
Lots of laughs and escapades to be had.
Fingers crossed that Jeremy Clovenhoof returns to the series soon though 🤞
February 14, 2022
Really a 3.5. I found the first half of the book a bit ordinary and slow, definitely not in the same league as the original Clovenhoof. However, it got a lot better the further in I got, and I ended up enjoying it. A few of the expected laugh out loud bits, which punctuate all the series, but not really for the PC hearted.
April 7, 2018
Every time I start a new book in the Clovenhoof series I worry I am going to miss the characters from the last book. But again the new characters grew on me very fast. Loved the monks on the island and loved the relationship between Stephen and Rutspud.
October 21, 2018
Another hysterical book by the duo that brought you Clovenhoof. Although Clovenhoof himself doesn't make an appearance in book 4, a lot of other previously mentioned characters do. Monks and demons working together? Can't you just imagine the hilarity that ensues?
December 24, 2018
Terrific.
Another great read. Well written with lashings of pure escapism and humour. The characters are well written and have arcs that suit them and make sense.
The friendship between the demon and the monk is endearing.
Another great read. Well written with lashings of pure escapism and humour. The characters are well written and have arcs that suit them and make sense.
The friendship between the demon and the monk is endearing.
October 9, 2019
This book was hilarious, lots of funny and strange stuff happening in hell as well as on earth. Hell totally goes to ground because Satan is no longer in charge.
Laughed a lot and really enjoyed reading this book.
Laughed a lot and really enjoyed reading this book.
January 10, 2020
Mad monks will be the cycle in me
A fine overlap of old and new characters. Meanders at will appearing to be down a blind alley only to merge threads again in a mind boggling fantasy of fun and humour
A fine overlap of old and new characters. Meanders at will appearing to be down a blind alley only to merge threads again in a mind boggling fantasy of fun and humour
February 4, 2020
Fun ,Mayhem and lots of love
As usual,Goody and Grant had me belly laughing out loud.And ,as usual the characters were extremely realistic even those with bizarre anatomy. Hopefully they will return to future stories.I intend to find out!!
As usual,Goody and Grant had me belly laughing out loud.And ,as usual the characters were extremely realistic even those with bizarre anatomy. Hopefully they will return to future stories.I intend to find out!!
February 25, 2021
A frothy romp, full of fun, ghoulish twists. Points off, however, for this fourth book in the Clovenhoof series due to a complete lack of Clovenhoof. Still, it’s better than its predecessor, God Squad, otherwise known as Clovenhoof #3, which was also Clovenhoof-free.
December 9, 2022
Another great Clovenhoof book!
I thought this book started slowly and I lost interest for a bit. However, it picked up and I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I thought this book started slowly and I lost interest for a bit. However, it picked up and I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
August 18, 2025
He'll hath no furrys, well none that are popular.
A view of Hell so accurate, I suspect the authors may have escaped from there themselves, how I know it's accurate is a whole other story.
A view of Hell so accurate, I suspect the authors may have escaped from there themselves, how I know it's accurate is a whole other story.
January 13, 2018
Love this series!
I love this series. I love when characters we've met before pop in to say hello. Every one is a fun read.
I love this series. I love when characters we've met before pop in to say hello. Every one is a fun read.
July 21, 2018
Hell on Earth
Or is it earth on hell? At the very least it is monk's in hell and demons in a monetary. If you want to know more then read this enjoyable tale.
Or is it earth on hell? At the very least it is monk's in hell and demons in a monetary. If you want to know more then read this enjoyable tale.
March 5, 2019
A really funny and entertaining installment in the Clovenhoof chronicles!
January 15, 2020
Still great
I truly love this series, and the writers have done it again. I absolutely love the dry wit and ridiculous happenings. Can't wait to read the next installment.
I truly love this series, and the writers have done it again. I absolutely love the dry wit and ridiculous happenings. Can't wait to read the next installment.
June 3, 2020
Audio version...5 stars for Matthew Lloyd Davies's narration.
August 25, 2020
Perhaps my favourite of the Clovenhoof series so far. As always, I was unable to put it down and laughed out loud throughout. Great stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews