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Conversations with Eric
‘What would you do if overnight you were projected into a crime novel? What would you do if at every turn you were confronted with gun-toting psychopaths, your life was threatened on an hourly basis and you suspected the police were as corrupt as the criminals? What would you do if you felt your head was about to explode, and the only sane soul you had to talk to was your labrador? What would you do?…’
- GenresFiction
Unknown Binding
First published May 15, 2015
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 17, 2021
What a pleasurable surprise this book is! Funny, honest, entertaining, full of twists and turns, and unbelievable situations. Well-spent time with strong and realistic characters, and the dog. I recommend it!
I have received a copy of this book at no cost and with no obligation toward the author.
I have received a copy of this book at no cost and with no obligation toward the author.
July 1, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have no idea whether it was recommended to me or how I came to but it as I generally steer clear of comedy books. This was a surprisingly good read that I did actually find funny. There were sections that reminded me of the farces that used to be on TV when I was young. On the back of this I would happily read more from this author.
July 5, 2015
This is a truly amazing book. Paul has created characters that work. They are the kinds of characters that you want to see keep going. It was hard to put this book down for even a few minutes. If you are looking for great book that will hit every emotion this is the one that you cannot miss. Please do yourself and this very talented author a favor and read his book. I am so glad I did. It will be a treasured memory for a very long time.
September 16, 2016
I truly enjoyed reading this book, and I just love Eric.
This book was one that kept you guessing what would happen next. There were gasps, laughter & tears as I read through it. I know that I will go back and read it again.
Anyone who enjoys intrigue, and animals would love this book.
This book was one that kept you guessing what would happen next. There were gasps, laughter & tears as I read through it. I know that I will go back and read it again.
Anyone who enjoys intrigue, and animals would love this book.
May 2, 2018
Conversations With Eric - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Advertising executive Simon is rather boring and predictable - according to his wife Sophie and boss. All that's about to change as Simon gets a metaphorical
'boot up the backside' from life, when he loses his job at the agency and Sophie kicks him out of the house!
Seemingly at first things have definitely taken a turn for the worse as Simon and his dog, Eric, end up in a grotty boarding house where he spends most of his money on rent for a single room and a breakfast he hardly ever eats as he has no desire to socialise with other 'misfits'.
Where does Simon meet Archie? What comes from this encounter? Why does Sophie look after Eric? Who follows Simon on his mission? How do they travel from the mainland? Who is the unexpected foe they flee from? What do they find at the end of their journey? Who is Rebecca's accomplice? What happens to them?
How do Simon and Rebecca become involved together? Why are the police looking for them? What happens when they go to collect Eric from Sophie's?
How do they get away? Who does Rebecca shoot? What is missing from the Charity shop where Rebecca works? How will they try to get it back?
This all-action thriller with a twist leaps from one dilemma to a possible disaster, through a burgeoning love affair and through it all, nothing is quite what it seems and Simon is often bewildered and frequently terrified! Paul Casselle's heart-warming, astonishing story will entertain and engage the reader from start to finish and
I can highly recommend it to dog-lovers, fans of innocence awakened romances and rip-roaring, one-of-a-kind yarns that you'll remember for years to come!
Advertising executive Simon is rather boring and predictable - according to his wife Sophie and boss. All that's about to change as Simon gets a metaphorical
'boot up the backside' from life, when he loses his job at the agency and Sophie kicks him out of the house!
Seemingly at first things have definitely taken a turn for the worse as Simon and his dog, Eric, end up in a grotty boarding house where he spends most of his money on rent for a single room and a breakfast he hardly ever eats as he has no desire to socialise with other 'misfits'.
Where does Simon meet Archie? What comes from this encounter? Why does Sophie look after Eric? Who follows Simon on his mission? How do they travel from the mainland? Who is the unexpected foe they flee from? What do they find at the end of their journey? Who is Rebecca's accomplice? What happens to them?
How do Simon and Rebecca become involved together? Why are the police looking for them? What happens when they go to collect Eric from Sophie's?
How do they get away? Who does Rebecca shoot? What is missing from the Charity shop where Rebecca works? How will they try to get it back?
This all-action thriller with a twist leaps from one dilemma to a possible disaster, through a burgeoning love affair and through it all, nothing is quite what it seems and Simon is often bewildered and frequently terrified! Paul Casselle's heart-warming, astonishing story will entertain and engage the reader from start to finish and
I can highly recommend it to dog-lovers, fans of innocence awakened romances and rip-roaring, one-of-a-kind yarns that you'll remember for years to come!
April 26, 2018
"Two tennis balls, a field and Eric."
At aged 50, Simon's dependable life in an ad-agency suddenly changes: as he himself reflects, losing his job, his wife, his innocence, even thinking he was losing his mind, "was simply a wake-up call to look up, and see reality in all it's short glory, and celebrate it all the same."
A gloriously humerous and well written story, told in the first person by Simon himself, of the events engulfing him when his neighbour at his bed and breakfast hostel reveals that he is a bank robber and requests Simon's help in recovering the hidden stash of half a million pounds. At times, laugh out loud hilarious, this crime caper is also reflective on life, connections and the existence of right and wrong.
A most enjoyable book with unexpected, sometimes almost ridiculous twists and turns to the fun story, fascinating and explosive characters and a good helping of thrills, this is a book to recommend to anyone. After all, "A book is nothing like real life."
At aged 50, Simon's dependable life in an ad-agency suddenly changes: as he himself reflects, losing his job, his wife, his innocence, even thinking he was losing his mind, "was simply a wake-up call to look up, and see reality in all it's short glory, and celebrate it all the same."
A gloriously humerous and well written story, told in the first person by Simon himself, of the events engulfing him when his neighbour at his bed and breakfast hostel reveals that he is a bank robber and requests Simon's help in recovering the hidden stash of half a million pounds. At times, laugh out loud hilarious, this crime caper is also reflective on life, connections and the existence of right and wrong.
A most enjoyable book with unexpected, sometimes almost ridiculous twists and turns to the fun story, fascinating and explosive characters and a good helping of thrills, this is a book to recommend to anyone. After all, "A book is nothing like real life."
August 6, 2018
I have read other works by Paul Casselle but this is completely different. Simon has lost everything, his job, his wife, his home. At an all time low he is suddenly propelled into places and situations totally out of keeping with his former life, challenges and threats all around. His dog Eric becomes his support mechanism. He can talk to Eric about these experiences, feeling that his beloved hound actually understands and empathises.
He gradually gets deeper and deeper into realms of criminal activities. Will he find a way back to 'normality'.
There is a wide range of written word in this narrative. Brutal, physical, emotional, mental anguish to mention a few. Also - there is humour. Not laugh out loud, but there all the same. Adding a different dimension to the story-line.
I became more and more involved in Simon's voyage into the unknown, drawn more deeply into his life-changing story.
He gradually gets deeper and deeper into realms of criminal activities. Will he find a way back to 'normality'.
There is a wide range of written word in this narrative. Brutal, physical, emotional, mental anguish to mention a few. Also - there is humour. Not laugh out loud, but there all the same. Adding a different dimension to the story-line.
I became more and more involved in Simon's voyage into the unknown, drawn more deeply into his life-changing story.
July 30, 2017
First published novel, I believe, so a bit of a change from his later work. This is a somewhat more light-hearted book : Simon Leigh, a 'dependable' 50 year old loses his job, his wife, his house in short order before being enveigled into recovering the proceeds of a bank robbery. Things can only get worse - and they do: en route he picks up a hitchhiker who steals (and writes off) his car, steals another car and is then ambushed by someone else after the money. Simon's travels take him from the Scottish Islands to Gibralter accompanied most of the time by his Labrador, the titular Eric, plus a variable number of assorted ne'er-do-wells, one of whom may be a bent copper... It can't end well!
A comedy with a bitter centre!
This paperback was won in a draw for his Facebok group.
A comedy with a bitter centre!
This paperback was won in a draw for his Facebok group.
April 14, 2018
Entertaining Read with a Great, Unexpected Ending
Conversations with Eric is a British crime novel that tells the story of Simon, a reliable guy who decides to try something crazy after he loses his wife and his job. Simon has lots of anxious yet humorous moments as he tries to navigate his new, not-so-safe choices. Throughout his mishaps, his one trusty companion is Eric, his Labrador. With the title being Conversations with Eric, I wish there was more dialogue with Eric, but it is hard to take your dog with you on crazy, adventurous trips while being followed! The humor in this book is very British, which means it is heavy on self-deprecation, subtle sarcasm, and a deadpan delivery. Entertaining read with a great, unexpected ending.
Conversations with Eric is a British crime novel that tells the story of Simon, a reliable guy who decides to try something crazy after he loses his wife and his job. Simon has lots of anxious yet humorous moments as he tries to navigate his new, not-so-safe choices. Throughout his mishaps, his one trusty companion is Eric, his Labrador. With the title being Conversations with Eric, I wish there was more dialogue with Eric, but it is hard to take your dog with you on crazy, adventurous trips while being followed! The humor in this book is very British, which means it is heavy on self-deprecation, subtle sarcasm, and a deadpan delivery. Entertaining read with a great, unexpected ending.
April 25, 2018
Completely original and entertaining! At first, I didn't think I would like this book because it's not the type I would usually go for, But, I've read other books by Paul Casselle before and enjoyed them, so I figured why not! I'm so glad I gave it a chance! Although this is completely different from the others that I read, I completely enjoyed this one too! Lots of stories within a story masterfully tied together which kept the characters interesting and the story flowing easily. Grabs your attention with the unexpected and keeps it so you don't want to stop reading! Without delivering any spoilers, this book has it all, including humor, the unknown, and a wonderful twist at the end. Even if it doesn't sound like something you'd normally pick up, do it! You won't be sorry!
April 17, 2018
Having read this book, I'm still not sure how to categorize it, it contains elements of farce, 'straight' comedy, thriller, action story and morality tale, but despite this rather unusual mix of genres I did enjoy it. The central character, Simon is very deftly drawn, and his relationship with his faithful dog Eric (of the title) is very believable.
I did find that there were places in the book where I just wanted the author to 'get on with it' and others where I felt that some more detail would have been appropriate and would have increased my pleasure in reading it. Of course, this may have been intentional by Mr. Casselle to reflect Simon's state of mind at the time.
However, overall it is a very clever piece of writing, and his portrayal of the characters is very believable, even the rather erratic 'Mrs Candles' whose fluctuating emotional states provide a dramatic counterpoint to Simon's (mostly) rather conservative and steady personality.
Reading to the end of the book is rewarded by a totally unexpected and glorious ending.
I received a review copy of the book from the author, but these are my honest views.
I did find that there were places in the book where I just wanted the author to 'get on with it' and others where I felt that some more detail would have been appropriate and would have increased my pleasure in reading it. Of course, this may have been intentional by Mr. Casselle to reflect Simon's state of mind at the time.
However, overall it is a very clever piece of writing, and his portrayal of the characters is very believable, even the rather erratic 'Mrs Candles' whose fluctuating emotional states provide a dramatic counterpoint to Simon's (mostly) rather conservative and steady personality.
Reading to the end of the book is rewarded by a totally unexpected and glorious ending.
I received a review copy of the book from the author, but these are my honest views.
April 1, 2018
Simon's life is one mishap after another
Some days, things don't go your way. But when those days turn into weeks, then months, Simon decides to take on an adventure that he seems unprepared for. Somehow, he manages to survive while being pursued by the good guys and the bad guys. Through it all, his dog Eric stays by his side.
Some days, things don't go your way. But when those days turn into weeks, then months, Simon decides to take on an adventure that he seems unprepared for. Somehow, he manages to survive while being pursued by the good guys and the bad guys. Through it all, his dog Eric stays by his side.
April 30, 2018
Paul casselle is truely a wordsmith, he writes with flare and imagination.
The book starts off slow but soon starts to get interesting, it moves along at a good pace.
Funny and sad at the same time, with more twist than a tornado.
It took a little while to get into the read but once there it was none stop.
A great read.
The book starts off slow but soon starts to get interesting, it moves along at a good pace.
Funny and sad at the same time, with more twist than a tornado.
It took a little while to get into the read but once there it was none stop.
A great read.
March 17, 2018
I didn't realise this was a humorous book when I started reading. However, it was a fun read. Of course it wasn't true to life but it was engaging and amusing; at times it was giggle out loud. The author has a way with words that I enjoy. Well written.
April 7, 2018
A must read from an excellent writer. Definitely not what you would expect from the title, but the title is fitting. The characters portrayed are all vibrant in their own ways, quirky, and most of them are memorable. Give this one a good look.
December 31, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this book. I listened to some of it from a video reading Paul did of the book (he has a wonderful voice), and found myself hooked and had to buy a copy. This book is something different that I can strongly recommend!
March 14, 2018
Loved this read!
Loved the twists and turns, the unexpected. Traveling through the story, I did not anticipate the ending...loved it! Do not miss this read!!
Loved the twists and turns, the unexpected. Traveling through the story, I did not anticipate the ending...loved it! Do not miss this read!!
April 28, 2018
When I first started this book it was nothing like I thought it would be. But then things started to happen and I got drawn into the story. So many unexpected twists and turns. Wow!
April 17, 2017
Adorable, sometimes funny read. When he loses everything, at least he has his dog Eric to talk to. A quick interesting read
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews