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Killing Dylan
Someone is trying to kill celebrated author Dylan St James. But who would want him dead? And why? And who the hell shoots someone with a harpoon, anyway? Disgruntled, failed crime writer, Freddie Winters, spends his days conning old ladies, setting up fake book signings, sneaking into literary festivals uninvited and lamenting his lack of success. When his old Friend, Dylan, turns to him for help, Freddie agrees to use his own limited detective skills to find out who’s behind the murder attempt. With a group of suspicious ex-wives, a jealous rival, a crazed stalker fan and an exploding postman to deal with, Freddie soon stumbles upon a catalogue of crazy behaviour and a truly bizarre motive for murder. But can he stop the killer before it’s too late?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2016
132 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Alastair Puddick
5 books28 followersAlastair Puddick is a writer and editor who has spent the past 15 years writing for a variety of magazines and websites. His work has spanned many different paths from jetting off to exciting cities across the world to writing about dating advice, data centres, facilities management and the exciting world of flooring. He also once wrote an agony advice column posing as Elvis Presley's ghost.
Alastair still works as a copywriter and lives in Sussex with his fiancée Laura. The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring is his first novel.
Alastair still works as a copywriter and lives in Sussex with his fiancée Laura. The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 23, 2020
2.5 STARS
A predictable mystery with immensely fun plot, cleverly hilarious moments, and unlikable MC who also happens to be an interesting choice. FRTC.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Raven Crest Books!
A predictable mystery with immensely fun plot, cleverly hilarious moments, and unlikable MC who also happens to be an interesting choice. FRTC.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Raven Crest Books!
January 11, 2021
I loved the hero (a failed, grumpy, some way rude and greedy writer, who is trying to find out who wants to kill his old friend). The writing is light, humorous, descriptive, and easy to follow. I’d say, the book is a very relaxing read, and should make you smile.
June 1, 2019
Aside from the author’s amusing (to an immature mind anyway) name, the main draw here was the premise and the cover, both quirky and attention attracting. And indeed, the book lived up to its cover premise. Certainly not a sure thing these days, but there it is. This was a genuinely fun story. Someone is in fact actively trying to kill Dylan. And Dylan is the nicest guy, too. His career as an author is a wild success, ladies like him, all his ex wives seems to agree. And yet…it’s just too dangerous to be Dylan. So much so that he has to resort to hiring his former friend Freddie Winters to find out what’s going on. Freddie’s pretty much Dylan’s opposite, failed author, crap with the opposite sex, not anyone’s idea of a nice guy. His sole qualifications for the job seems to be his career writing crime thrillers. Plus he’s desperate enough for the money to do whatever it takes. And so Freddie, limited skills or not, sets off to find out who’s trying to off his imminently likeable once upon a time bestie. Which takes him through a gamut of friends, lovers and associates, all invariably entertainingly odd. And there you have it, a crime novel set in a literary world. Charming and humorous despite having a thoroughly sh*te, morally reprehensible sort of protagonist and being completely (mile away) predictable as to who the would be killer is. Seriously, those two factors would usually be huge detractors for me, often unsurmountable, but somehow this book managed to get right past that on pure charm and jocular flippancy. Yeah, the plot is wildly far fetched and yeah, it would have been nice for the plot twists to be more thoroughly obscured and more challenging to puzzle out, but Freddie, you actually get used to Freddie, unapologetic scoundrel that he is, he even has something of a redeeming moment there. Overall, it was just a really fun read and a quick one too. Your mind may not be blown, your socks may stay on, but you will be entertained. Thanks Netgalley.
March 17, 2020
I was a big fan of Alastair Puddick's first novel, The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring. It had good, unique characters and a very clever and quirky story. Because I enjoyed it so much, my expectations for this one, Killing Dylan, were pretty high.
While there are certainly a lot of parts of it that I enjoyed, it was a bit of a disappointment for me. The plot was fine enough and it had some very clever and amusing moments, but I struggled with the main character, Freddie.
I've seen some other reviewers say that they hated Freddie. I didn't quite hate him, but I often found it a struggle to like him. I know that readers are not always going to like every character, but when the character is the one telling the story, it does help to have them be likeable since you're spending so much time with them. If I don't like a character, then it's hard for me to care about them or the story. Like I said earlier, the story itself was very good in parts. I just wish I'd cared more about it as I read it.
Having said all of that, I still think Alastair Puddick is a very talented writer and I'm looking forward to reading more by him. He tells good, quirky stories that are very unique. I may not have connected well with the main character in this one, but this is just one book. I already have Puddick's next novel, 46% Better Than Dave, on my To Be Read list and I'll be reading it very soon.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a fair review.
While there are certainly a lot of parts of it that I enjoyed, it was a bit of a disappointment for me. The plot was fine enough and it had some very clever and amusing moments, but I struggled with the main character, Freddie.
I've seen some other reviewers say that they hated Freddie. I didn't quite hate him, but I often found it a struggle to like him. I know that readers are not always going to like every character, but when the character is the one telling the story, it does help to have them be likeable since you're spending so much time with them. If I don't like a character, then it's hard for me to care about them or the story. Like I said earlier, the story itself was very good in parts. I just wish I'd cared more about it as I read it.
Having said all of that, I still think Alastair Puddick is a very talented writer and I'm looking forward to reading more by him. He tells good, quirky stories that are very unique. I may not have connected well with the main character in this one, but this is just one book. I already have Puddick's next novel, 46% Better Than Dave, on my To Be Read list and I'll be reading it very soon.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a fair review.
August 18, 2025
The writing was light, entertaining and made me laugh out loud in a few places. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the beginning right through to the end.
The chapters were fairly short and occasionally split which meant that you got a good amount of information without slowing you down too much. There was a good pace to the book with different leads being followed all the time. There was a good flow between the chapters and I happily read the book for long periods of time. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session.
The characters were excellent. I already knew that I liked the main character from the other book that I had read. He is certainly unique and only someone that you would want to read about rather than meet in real life! His no nonsense, negative attitude made for a humorous read and made me laugh. The other characters surrounding the main character highlighted his gruff nature even more. There were however some moments when he showed a softer side which was nice to see.
Lastly the settings. They were only briefly described as it was a character focused story. When more detail was needed it was there to ground the story. I enjoyed the odd bits of luxury living that were added throughout the book.
Overall a humorous read and one that I highly recommend. It is definitely one of the best books that I have read so far this year.
The chapters were fairly short and occasionally split which meant that you got a good amount of information without slowing you down too much. There was a good pace to the book with different leads being followed all the time. There was a good flow between the chapters and I happily read the book for long periods of time. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session.
The characters were excellent. I already knew that I liked the main character from the other book that I had read. He is certainly unique and only someone that you would want to read about rather than meet in real life! His no nonsense, negative attitude made for a humorous read and made me laugh. The other characters surrounding the main character highlighted his gruff nature even more. There were however some moments when he showed a softer side which was nice to see.
Lastly the settings. They were only briefly described as it was a character focused story. When more detail was needed it was there to ground the story. I enjoyed the odd bits of luxury living that were added throughout the book.
Overall a humorous read and one that I highly recommend. It is definitely one of the best books that I have read so far this year.
October 1, 2019
I started this with hope for an entertaining read. A second rate crime writer is approached by his best friend (who he had lost contact with) to try and find out who is aiming to kill the latter. It is a fast read and has some moments in it , however it is very predictable. I one who was responsible for the planning if not the perpetration almost from the outset. I didn't hat it but it isn't great either.
February 16, 2017
I enjoyed the plot, the atmosphere and so on. But Freddie was a complete and utter tosspot. I just se no need for it; nothing in his background, apart from a gigantic ego with a total lac of morality, served to explain wy he's just generally a good-for-nothing arsehole. If you need to write a pathetic main character just to keep the humour of your books going, you're probably working in the wrong genre. Freddie could've been a little naive, a tad clueless, maybe a little self-serving. But an absolute, total git? I mean it just didn't add anything or go anywhere. #Meh.
February 2, 2019
Strange one this. Enjoyed the story, hated the main character.
Author thinks someone is trying to kill and engages the main character to find out who it is. Good. However the main character is an obnoxious twat with few redeeming features except for his hatred of a certain best selling author. I could not warm to this guy. He is the kind of guy you would happily kick in the nads to teach him some manners.
Anyway if you look beyond that it's arli King yarn that moves along nicely with some interesting twists and turns.
Author thinks someone is trying to kill and engages the main character to find out who it is. Good. However the main character is an obnoxious twat with few redeeming features except for his hatred of a certain best selling author. I could not warm to this guy. He is the kind of guy you would happily kick in the nads to teach him some manners.
Anyway if you look beyond that it's arli King yarn that moves along nicely with some interesting twists and turns.
December 11, 2016
Very good
Really enjoyable book, had some very funny moments, only downside was the 'killer' was pretty easy to spot. Would read more by this author.
Really enjoyable book, had some very funny moments, only downside was the 'killer' was pretty easy to spot. Would read more by this author.
July 30, 2021
Funny, exciting and clever!
January 28, 2016
Great book Al. I couldn't put it down
December 5, 2019
Killing Dylan is a quirky, comedic crime book in the tradition of Donald E. Westlake (God Save The Mark, Somebody Owes Me Money). Great fun!
Freddie Winters is a grumpy crime novelist with a general disdain for the human race. Among the things he finds particularly annoying are pushy Starbucks baristas, charity groups, militant book store employees, his own fans (all four of them)... And don't even get him started on that no talent hack James bloody Patterson!
Freddie has had limited success with his writing career. By his own admission his publisher is more akin to Harpo Marx than Harper Collins, his book agent is on the verge of dropping him, and his landlord is threatening to evict him. The first draft of his new book was due several weeks ago and Freddie has yet to write a single word of it. Things are not going well.
Then one day best selling author Dylan St. James enters his life. Or... Erm... that is to say Dylan re-enters his life.
Back in the old days Freddie and Dylan were best friends, both young aspiring writers out to conquer the literary world. The trouble began when Dylan's career shot off like a rocket and Freddie's just sort of fizzled and sputtered. As a result they haven't spoken in over a decade. But all is (mostly) forgiven because Dylan believes someone is trying to kill him and he needs Freddie's help to find out who... Plus he's willing to pay. Actual money. A lot of it. To Freddie.
We all know that one person who is a bit acerbic but at the same time says the kind of things the rest of us are thinking - that's Freddie.
Dylan is a writer of the Nicholas Sparks variety. He's highly successful, a great human being, and an annoying reminder to the rest of us that we'll probably never be that successful.
I enjoyed Killing Dylan a great deal. It's the type of thing where you have to be willing to ignore the enormous plot holes, put your skepticism aside, and just enjoy the fun of following along on a silly adventure with a fellow whose life is a dreadful mess and yet hilariously funny. Well, honestly, more very amusing with an occasional hilarious flourish.
I think fans of Donald E. Westlake's more humorous novels will find this book very appealing.
This is the second novel written by author Alistair Puddick. I've read and enjoyed both of them though I thought the first one - The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring - had a tendency to drag on a bit from time to time. In Killing Dylan the author does a much better job of keeping things moving while still keeping his unique style. I've already got his third book queued up on my reading list.
My recommendation is to download the free sample. The overall tone of the book is pretty consistent so you should know fairly quickly if this is one for you.
This is grown up stuff. Strong language, some sexual situations, and a bit of violence (not particularly graphic but, honestly, "who the hell shoots someone with a harpoon, anyway?" )
***Thanks to NetGalley, Raven Crest Books, and author Alistair Puddick for providing me with a free digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Freddie Winters is a grumpy crime novelist with a general disdain for the human race. Among the things he finds particularly annoying are pushy Starbucks baristas, charity groups, militant book store employees, his own fans (all four of them)... And don't even get him started on that no talent hack James bloody Patterson!
Freddie has had limited success with his writing career. By his own admission his publisher is more akin to Harpo Marx than Harper Collins, his book agent is on the verge of dropping him, and his landlord is threatening to evict him. The first draft of his new book was due several weeks ago and Freddie has yet to write a single word of it. Things are not going well.
Then one day best selling author Dylan St. James enters his life. Or... Erm... that is to say Dylan re-enters his life.
Back in the old days Freddie and Dylan were best friends, both young aspiring writers out to conquer the literary world. The trouble began when Dylan's career shot off like a rocket and Freddie's just sort of fizzled and sputtered. As a result they haven't spoken in over a decade. But all is (mostly) forgiven because Dylan believes someone is trying to kill him and he needs Freddie's help to find out who... Plus he's willing to pay. Actual money. A lot of it. To Freddie.
We all know that one person who is a bit acerbic but at the same time says the kind of things the rest of us are thinking - that's Freddie.
Dylan is a writer of the Nicholas Sparks variety. He's highly successful, a great human being, and an annoying reminder to the rest of us that we'll probably never be that successful.
I enjoyed Killing Dylan a great deal. It's the type of thing where you have to be willing to ignore the enormous plot holes, put your skepticism aside, and just enjoy the fun of following along on a silly adventure with a fellow whose life is a dreadful mess and yet hilariously funny. Well, honestly, more very amusing with an occasional hilarious flourish.
I think fans of Donald E. Westlake's more humorous novels will find this book very appealing.
This is the second novel written by author Alistair Puddick. I've read and enjoyed both of them though I thought the first one - The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring - had a tendency to drag on a bit from time to time. In Killing Dylan the author does a much better job of keeping things moving while still keeping his unique style. I've already got his third book queued up on my reading list.
My recommendation is to download the free sample. The overall tone of the book is pretty consistent so you should know fairly quickly if this is one for you.
This is grown up stuff. Strong language, some sexual situations, and a bit of violence (not particularly graphic but, honestly, "who the hell shoots someone with a harpoon, anyway?" )
***Thanks to NetGalley, Raven Crest Books, and author Alistair Puddick for providing me with a free digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2019
I don't even know where to begin! This book is so chock full of one-liners, hilarious situations, wicked twists and realistically daft amateur sleuths and criminals. It had me grinning throughout. Freddie is the epitome of who we wish we could unabashedly be when we're sick of dealing with the rest of the world, he is so incredibly unapologetic it's almost painful to see but he does keep you on the edge of your seat which is a great quality in a main character.
The slight twists and turns at the end had me laughing out loud at my work desk, especially a particular mishap, which you could probably guess at if/when you read the book for yourself.
Puddick perfectly avoided the cliche of the villainous monologue by revealing motives through conversation and action rather than an evil character stroking their cat, pacing back and forth, while they drone on about how their unusual childhood led them to this point in their life.
It's not often I've experienced reading a funny crime novel, and I really enjoyed this one.
The slight twists and turns at the end had me laughing out loud at my work desk, especially a particular mishap, which you could probably guess at if/when you read the book for yourself.
Puddick perfectly avoided the cliche of the villainous monologue by revealing motives through conversation and action rather than an evil character stroking their cat, pacing back and forth, while they drone on about how their unusual childhood led them to this point in their life.
It's not often I've experienced reading a funny crime novel, and I really enjoyed this one.
October 20, 2019
I sought out Killing Dylan after reading The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring, and couldn't have been more pleased. I'd had a good time with George Thring, after all...
Killing Dylan turned out to have all the good qualities of its predecessor - in steroidal measure! You can have just a good time reading George Thring; with Killing Dylan, you'll be trundled around London, dragged through a few hedges backwards, dropped down hungover and severely beaten and come close to being thrown off at least one large building - it's a roller coaster ride that never slows down and doesn't pull punches.
The characters are no gormless sweethearts, either. Some, like our hero, Freddie, are barely on the side of the angels; the eponymous Dylan is a bit too-good-to-be-true, if a bit spinally challenged. The two uber-villians are refreshingly easy to dislike. All are fleshy, agonizingly human and as often comedians as they are wholesale wankers.
It's more than a "good" read, it's a smashing one - truly.
Killing Dylan turned out to have all the good qualities of its predecessor - in steroidal measure! You can have just a good time reading George Thring; with Killing Dylan, you'll be trundled around London, dragged through a few hedges backwards, dropped down hungover and severely beaten and come close to being thrown off at least one large building - it's a roller coaster ride that never slows down and doesn't pull punches.
The characters are no gormless sweethearts, either. Some, like our hero, Freddie, are barely on the side of the angels; the eponymous Dylan is a bit too-good-to-be-true, if a bit spinally challenged. The two uber-villians are refreshingly easy to dislike. All are fleshy, agonizingly human and as often comedians as they are wholesale wankers.
It's more than a "good" read, it's a smashing one - truly.
November 28, 2018
Entertaining and funny
After reading Alastair Puddick’s “The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring,” I dived right in to “Killing Dylan”. They vary enough to enjoy both without feeling any repetition. Very different type of main character and type of story. The first is more surreal and outright funny, while this book is in the crime genre but still humorous. Read both on the Kindle and they both felt longer than the usual light read, which turns out as good value for money. My only gripe is about the number of books which have authors as the protagonist (like songs about musicians). Looking forward to Puddick’s next book!
After reading Alastair Puddick’s “The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring,” I dived right in to “Killing Dylan”. They vary enough to enjoy both without feeling any repetition. Very different type of main character and type of story. The first is more surreal and outright funny, while this book is in the crime genre but still humorous. Read both on the Kindle and they both felt longer than the usual light read, which turns out as good value for money. My only gripe is about the number of books which have authors as the protagonist (like songs about musicians). Looking forward to Puddick’s next book!
July 20, 2020
Corker
Really enjoyed this Freddie the grump turns into a sleuth, he attempting to find out who trying to kill his best friend .
Freddie is a not very successful author, whilst Dylan is famous top selling author.
Throw is ex wives /agents / lawyers / Drs / stalkers .... resentment , greed , love , friendship, you have a brilliant time .
Crime novel with comedy thrown in great read .
Really enjoyed this Freddie the grump turns into a sleuth, he attempting to find out who trying to kill his best friend .
Freddie is a not very successful author, whilst Dylan is famous top selling author.
Throw is ex wives /agents / lawyers / Drs / stalkers .... resentment , greed , love , friendship, you have a brilliant time .
Crime novel with comedy thrown in great read .
October 16, 2018
Funny, quirky and cover to cover enjoyable
Excellent story, lots of laughs and a hero you can't help but root for. Puddick has his work cut out writing his next novel because Killing Dylan and The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring will be tough to follow up. Just two really funny novels that wil make you smile, giggle and feel good
Excellent story, lots of laughs and a hero you can't help but root for. Puddick has his work cut out writing his next novel because Killing Dylan and The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring will be tough to follow up. Just two really funny novels that wil make you smile, giggle and feel good
April 19, 2020
This is a really funny book, basically a famous author thinks there is someone trying to kill him, the police are not interested. So he goes to beg a favour of an old mate, a much less successful author of crime novels.
And so it goes, on the way we have ex wives, crime bosses and dodgy publishers….but who is trying to kill Dylan?
This for me was a real page turner. I loved it !!
And so it goes, on the way we have ex wives, crime bosses and dodgy publishers….but who is trying to kill Dylan?
This for me was a real page turner. I loved it !!
May 20, 2021
Difficult one to review, because it's not a bad book, I just didn't quite land with it.
Plenty of fun elements - The narrator is a total prick, which is always fun; the pace is good; the writing is fine.
But that's the thing, I think - The book is _fine_. It's not bad, it's not good, it's just fine.
Plenty of fun elements - The narrator is a total prick, which is always fun; the pace is good; the writing is fine.
But that's the thing, I think - The book is _fine_. It's not bad, it's not good, it's just fine.
July 11, 2024
Great read
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this as it was a bit different to my normal style of book but it was absolutely great. I’m glad I tried it- the joy of Kindle Unlimited is that you can try new authors out. I’m going to read the next one. Freddie is an awful person but I couldn’t help but like him. Thoroughly recommend.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this as it was a bit different to my normal style of book but it was absolutely great. I’m glad I tried it- the joy of Kindle Unlimited is that you can try new authors out. I’m going to read the next one. Freddie is an awful person but I couldn’t help but like him. Thoroughly recommend.
October 4, 2020
Very funny and even better beautifully written.
Unpleasant protagonist, an anti-hero, but beautifully written which sets it aside from other comic fiction. Lots of laugh out loud moments, a cracking read.
Unpleasant protagonist, an anti-hero, but beautifully written which sets it aside from other comic fiction. Lots of laugh out loud moments, a cracking read.
January 7, 2023
Humor and a mystery - what a great combination.
Killing Dylan is about author Dylan St James. Someone wants him dead and when he turns to his friend Freddie Winters for help things don't go as planned.
It was a fun read and really enjoyed the flow of the story.
Killing Dylan is about author Dylan St James. Someone wants him dead and when he turns to his friend Freddie Winters for help things don't go as planned.
It was a fun read and really enjoyed the flow of the story.
January 26, 2024
Fun read - great as a holiday book. The plot is fun and I enjoyed the observations and characterisations that Alastair Puddick uses. I would be happy to read another in the Freddie Winter book series.
February 1, 2018
Too funny
A much needed diversion from the serious crime novels I have overdosed on lately. Outrageously silly and unrealistic. I loved it.
A much needed diversion from the serious crime novels I have overdosed on lately. Outrageously silly and unrealistic. I loved it.
December 27, 2018
Fun reading
I enjoyed this book. Yet while I am sure this isn’t a novel question, I can’t help wanting to know: how did James fu**ing Patterson feel about it?
I enjoyed this book. Yet while I am sure this isn’t a novel question, I can’t help wanting to know: how did James fu**ing Patterson feel about it?
January 13, 2019
Enjoyable, amusing lightweight murder mystery. A pleasant diversion.
January 20, 2019
It's Ok
Somewhat silly for a murder mystery. Goofy characters that are fairly thin and predictable. Plot is neatly convenient for Freddie.
Somewhat silly for a murder mystery. Goofy characters that are fairly thin and predictable. Plot is neatly convenient for Freddie.
August 22, 2020
Really enjoyable, a very satisfying light snack of a book.
March 13, 2022
Genuinely didn’t find this funny at all. Predictable and crass, with a thoroughly unlikeable and unpleasant narrator. Would not recommend.
February 1, 2024
Nick Holbek is narrating. :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews