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Déjà Moo: A Lawnmowers, Inc. Novel
Lawnmowers, Inc. is London’s biggest (read: only) cattle-powered garden maintenance corporation. But when his Holstein mascot, Lily, is kidnapped, celebrity CEO Daniel Wesley joins reclusive witch Cynthia Pannettière to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to rewrite their pasts and destroy their futures. With a detective hunting a werewolf in Camden Market, a coven of magi running London's biggest news channel, and a reporter desperate to expose a public scandal, it's only a matter of time before the city discovers both the fate of the bovine superstar, and the existence of magic itself...
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2016
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30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 7, 2017
Review to follow...
October 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It is well written, and the strange magical parallel world that Benney has created is detailed and believable.
The writing style is reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, and while it is not a copy, there are aspects that would appeal to Pratchett fans. The thoughts of remote deities are funny, and work into the novel well, adding to the slightly crazy alternative world.
The world is detailed and believable from the first page, and the novel takes us on a roller coaster of bizarre events without losing credibility. It is a world that parallels our own with an added layer of secret magic users.
But it is not all jokes and odd magical events. The author probes some deeper issues of addiction, relationships and worldly success. These themes are worked into the plot, and the result is a seamless combination of a magical world and characters whose actions and beliefs drive the story.
A brilliant and surprising combination of light and dark, of comedy and tragedy, with cows and witches. It is a talented author that can combine these elements in an entertaining read.
The writing style is reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, and while it is not a copy, there are aspects that would appeal to Pratchett fans. The thoughts of remote deities are funny, and work into the novel well, adding to the slightly crazy alternative world.
The world is detailed and believable from the first page, and the novel takes us on a roller coaster of bizarre events without losing credibility. It is a world that parallels our own with an added layer of secret magic users.
But it is not all jokes and odd magical events. The author probes some deeper issues of addiction, relationships and worldly success. These themes are worked into the plot, and the result is a seamless combination of a magical world and characters whose actions and beliefs drive the story.
A brilliant and surprising combination of light and dark, of comedy and tragedy, with cows and witches. It is a talented author that can combine these elements in an entertaining read.
May 30, 2020
A breezy amalgam of magic, urban fantasy and nerdist comedy. Taking in time travel, witchcraft, lycanthropy, and bovine disappearance, the novel begins very promisingly. We are introduced to the rather unremarkable Daniel, who as CEO of a company specialising in keeping cows munching and lawns low has found himself in possession of a rather awkward celebrity status. To his horror a dastardly event rips him apart from his beloved main cow. With cows being found in creepy death poses, with no real explanation why, he fears the worst. So begins the search for what has really happened, or is happening, or is going to happen, to his favourite cow.
Now, I was ready to like this novel, as I’m a sucker for a sufficient pun, and Déjà Moo is punnage of the fine sort. Overall there is as much to like as dislike, so I’m torn regarding this one. The writing has a freshness and light sense of quippery, and the characters are distinct in their eccentricities. This is all great and entertaining. But there is some stuff I didn’t get along with quite so much. The novel succumbs to a lot of meandering, both plotwise and characterwise. It felt that as soon as I started to become invested in a character they were dropped in order to introduce another. This would be fine if they were returned to in a way that satisfied, but even though the novel felt overlong it didn’t manage to explore its characters to the depth needed. And my major complaint is that there just isn’t enough cow. The cow is the star, with cow-focused chapters being the unquestionable highlight, but these occurred much too infrequently.
I suspect my gripes are the result of this not quite matching up to my personal taste. I’m sure those more at home with amusing and magical and urban and fantasy material will get a lot more out of this. So even though I’m split on my final feeling about the novel, I do think there is enough to enjoy here to recommend to those who would appreciate it more. It has left enough of an impression on me to spur further exploration of the author’s other works related to the world of this book. A mixed 3.5 stars.
Now, I was ready to like this novel, as I’m a sucker for a sufficient pun, and Déjà Moo is punnage of the fine sort. Overall there is as much to like as dislike, so I’m torn regarding this one. The writing has a freshness and light sense of quippery, and the characters are distinct in their eccentricities. This is all great and entertaining. But there is some stuff I didn’t get along with quite so much. The novel succumbs to a lot of meandering, both plotwise and characterwise. It felt that as soon as I started to become invested in a character they were dropped in order to introduce another. This would be fine if they were returned to in a way that satisfied, but even though the novel felt overlong it didn’t manage to explore its characters to the depth needed. And my major complaint is that there just isn’t enough cow. The cow is the star, with cow-focused chapters being the unquestionable highlight, but these occurred much too infrequently.
I suspect my gripes are the result of this not quite matching up to my personal taste. I’m sure those more at home with amusing and magical and urban and fantasy material will get a lot more out of this. So even though I’m split on my final feeling about the novel, I do think there is enough to enjoy here to recommend to those who would appreciate it more. It has left enough of an impression on me to spur further exploration of the author’s other works related to the world of this book. A mixed 3.5 stars.
January 11, 2021
Definitely a lot of the Douglas Adams about this one: it feels very much a similar sort of read to Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, with frequently quite brilliant prose and a lot of strange (but strangely believable) things in its consistently odd world.
At times I thought it might've benefited from being a bit shorter - not that I could tell you what needs cutting, exactly, but it felt like the sort of thing that would have been even more effective had it condensed all its fun and excitement (which it has in spades) into a denser, sharper little thing that would leave a reader wanting more. On a more micro-level, I often found myself wishing the chapters were a fair bit shorter, or at least with some more section breaks and that sort of thing, but that's a pretty minor quibble.
But yeah, it really is absurd in the best way most of the time. I started to feel as I got towards the end that I'd lost track of who everyone was (there are a few characters introduced towards the back half, and it gets to be a fairly big cast) and that I was no longer sure whether all the things made sense, but by the time the end came I was pretty sure that it at least made as much sense as it needed to.
At times I thought it might've benefited from being a bit shorter - not that I could tell you what needs cutting, exactly, but it felt like the sort of thing that would have been even more effective had it condensed all its fun and excitement (which it has in spades) into a denser, sharper little thing that would leave a reader wanting more. On a more micro-level, I often found myself wishing the chapters were a fair bit shorter, or at least with some more section breaks and that sort of thing, but that's a pretty minor quibble.
But yeah, it really is absurd in the best way most of the time. I started to feel as I got towards the end that I'd lost track of who everyone was (there are a few characters introduced towards the back half, and it gets to be a fairly big cast) and that I was no longer sure whether all the things made sense, but by the time the end came I was pretty sure that it at least made as much sense as it needed to.
March 19, 2017
An enjoyable read. I found it to be witty, unique, and well written. Mr. Benny's style is very reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, with a dash of Douglas Adams which becomes apparent with his choice of character names, delicious puns for restaurant titles, and the inclusion of an off-stage character in the personification of History.
While time travel and magic are mainstays of popular fiction, I have yet to run across one that has a cow among the central characters. In fact, as I began the story, my mind was more than willing to accept the first two fantasy elements, but had to come to grips (enjoyably) with the third. In a city as crowded as London is, celebrity businessman, Daniel Wesley travels to many major functions with his favorite cow Lily. And that's a significant element that helps to set the story apart from others.
I found the plot to be relatively complex with interesting twists, yet tending to avoid obvious resolutions. And, while the book was on the longish side, the story was maintained by a set of strong characters. Mr. Benny has also provided enough hooks for both sequels and side stories.
I also plan to read his follow-up novella "Encore Moo".
While time travel and magic are mainstays of popular fiction, I have yet to run across one that has a cow among the central characters. In fact, as I began the story, my mind was more than willing to accept the first two fantasy elements, but had to come to grips (enjoyably) with the third. In a city as crowded as London is, celebrity businessman, Daniel Wesley travels to many major functions with his favorite cow Lily. And that's a significant element that helps to set the story apart from others.
I found the plot to be relatively complex with interesting twists, yet tending to avoid obvious resolutions. And, while the book was on the longish side, the story was maintained by a set of strong characters. Mr. Benny has also provided enough hooks for both sequels and side stories.
I also plan to read his follow-up novella "Encore Moo".
August 12, 2016
Urban farmyard meets urban fantasy.
Thus she struggled to keep her business in the black, her research on track, and her boyfriend – well, alive would do.
Imagine a world in which the works of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Mike Carey and J.K. Rowling had a mutual lovechild. Then imagine it was not quite so polished as those renowned and illustrious forebears but still very funny and insightful, passionate, occasionally very dark and always unpredictable - and rather subtly pro-vegan. Then you'll begin to get something of the flavour of Déjà Moo. It is one of the most wonderful books I have read in recent times and is of the sort that makes me wish I had a louder voice to hail it out there
We’re a city of misfits and cultures, travellers, performers and artists.
A witch with a boyfriend who is addicted to bad magical practices gets together with a businessman who has built an empire on showing the world cows have much more to offer than milk and meat - they make awesome lawnmowers. Throw in an ex-detective, a wicked witch, an elderly couple of wise mages, a secret order of magical monks - and a fair few more fascinating and fallible characters, then stir well with some mix-ups in the time stream of reality.
Daniel thought there was something to be said for good intentions.
What I really liked about this book is that it is that rare breed of urban fantasy that actually has faith in people. Yes, it shows the negative side of the human condition in often dark and very funny ways, but it also highlights that in us all which is always striving to do the right thing. Even the most fallen amongst us can want to make things better and be willing to make real sacrifices to try and make amends. It is gloriously, humanly optimistic and History itself will stand witness to this (as long as you remember to give it a capital letter).
If you like your urban fantasy melded with laughter and pathos, you will love Déjà Moo. It is a book which has a heart and a soul - and I want to read more of its siblings as soon as they are available.
Thus she struggled to keep her business in the black, her research on track, and her boyfriend – well, alive would do.
Imagine a world in which the works of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Mike Carey and J.K. Rowling had a mutual lovechild. Then imagine it was not quite so polished as those renowned and illustrious forebears but still very funny and insightful, passionate, occasionally very dark and always unpredictable - and rather subtly pro-vegan. Then you'll begin to get something of the flavour of Déjà Moo. It is one of the most wonderful books I have read in recent times and is of the sort that makes me wish I had a louder voice to hail it out there
We’re a city of misfits and cultures, travellers, performers and artists.
A witch with a boyfriend who is addicted to bad magical practices gets together with a businessman who has built an empire on showing the world cows have much more to offer than milk and meat - they make awesome lawnmowers. Throw in an ex-detective, a wicked witch, an elderly couple of wise mages, a secret order of magical monks - and a fair few more fascinating and fallible characters, then stir well with some mix-ups in the time stream of reality.
Daniel thought there was something to be said for good intentions.
What I really liked about this book is that it is that rare breed of urban fantasy that actually has faith in people. Yes, it shows the negative side of the human condition in often dark and very funny ways, but it also highlights that in us all which is always striving to do the right thing. Even the most fallen amongst us can want to make things better and be willing to make real sacrifices to try and make amends. It is gloriously, humanly optimistic and History itself will stand witness to this (as long as you remember to give it a capital letter).
If you like your urban fantasy melded with laughter and pathos, you will love Déjà Moo. It is a book which has a heart and a soul - and I want to read more of its siblings as soon as they are available.
March 15, 2018
In this fantastic book, P.J. Benney combines urban fantasy with farmland. He seamlessly blends the magical world of witches, wizards and time-travel with a modern day London filled with politics and story-hungry journalists. The plot becomes progressively more complex but Benney is able to keep the reader engaged and the flow going, no easy feat when you are dealing with time-travel! There are many colourful, multi-dimensional characters in this book, which is something I personally love to see and it is refreshing to read an urban fantasy that actually likes people. Humanity is so often held up as a the benchmark for moral obscurity and power lust, that we often forget that there is just as much courage, love and camaraderie. Along with a wittiness that keeps the reader afloat of the darker themes in this book, Benney shows us the decent side of humanity and how sometimes we just want to do the right thing, but end up doing it the wrong way. READ THE FULL REVIEW ON WWW.SELCOUTHSTATION.COM
November 2, 2022
This was a fabulous book, with incredibly distinct characters and narration reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's style. As with most stories involving time travel, it had a lot of different threads running through it, but these were masterfully woven together by the end. I did especially love the personification of History.
It felt longer than it was, but I put that down to being incredibly busy after I started reading it, and only being able to read in small snatches. I'll definitely be reading the next books. I have to find out what happens with Lily next!
It felt longer than it was, but I put that down to being incredibly busy after I started reading it, and only being able to read in small snatches. I'll definitely be reading the next books. I have to find out what happens with Lily next!
March 31, 2019
A fabulous novel that had me grinning from the start. It had a Jasper Fforde feel to it, yet it was something completely unique.
Join a selection of exciting characters, from Magi, to werewolf hunting detectives, to celebrities in their hunt for a lost bovine and so much more!
I’d highly recommend this cleverly written novel. I look forward to the next instalment!
Join a selection of exciting characters, from Magi, to werewolf hunting detectives, to celebrities in their hunt for a lost bovine and so much more!
I’d highly recommend this cleverly written novel. I look forward to the next instalment!
October 1, 2016
Book Synopsis
A grown-up version of Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, Benney's magical world of timeless wonder is truly a phenomenal read.
In this time-travel fantasy novel, an unlikely bunch is thrown together to solve the mystery of the missing Holstein when local celebrity Daniel Wesley's bovine mascot disappears into thin air at a yearly festival. Throw in an out of work cop on the hunt for a werewolf, and a witch who feels responsible in a roundabout way, and you're in for one wild adventure full of twists and turns, not necessarily in that order.
My Review
5 STARS
What Worked:
There are a lot of great things to say about this book. First of all, the writing is hilarious. I can't even count how many times I commented "lol" from my Kindle, and this is all the way throughout. In fact, I found the entire book to be consistently well-written, both in grammar and plot, throughout as well. The story kept moving, the pacing was spot on, and I was hooked from start to finish.
There are so many characters in this book that I just love, and you get to follow a good number of them throughout the story. I think my favorite character of all would have to be Absolom, the Sempiternal, who has lived a great many lifetimes. Although, even more brilliant, is the character of History itself, who makes numerous appearances like some kind of living being who watches down on all things as they happen, happened, or will happen... for time is relative, you know?
I love how this book makes you really have to think! And just when you think you've got things figured out, here comes a twist and you've got to keep reading to find out what happens next.
The end of the book, while it tied up the biggest issue at hand, still left some things open to transition nicely into a second book, which I will definitely be looking for.
It's books like this one that gives Indie a good name.
What Could Use Some Work:
In all honesty, the cover of the book was not very appealing to me, nor was the title, though now that I've read it, I can see how they both sort of fit. I think with at least a 2nd edition cover, this book would be flying off the shelves or climbing its way up the Amazon best seller charts.
EDIT: Mr. Benney has updated his book cover, and quite frankly, I like it lots better!!
Overall, I think we can expect great things from Mr. Benney, and I will definitely be watching for his new releases in the future... which some may say has already happened. ;)
A grown-up version of Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, Benney's magical world of timeless wonder is truly a phenomenal read.
In this time-travel fantasy novel, an unlikely bunch is thrown together to solve the mystery of the missing Holstein when local celebrity Daniel Wesley's bovine mascot disappears into thin air at a yearly festival. Throw in an out of work cop on the hunt for a werewolf, and a witch who feels responsible in a roundabout way, and you're in for one wild adventure full of twists and turns, not necessarily in that order.
My Review
5 STARS
What Worked:
There are a lot of great things to say about this book. First of all, the writing is hilarious. I can't even count how many times I commented "lol" from my Kindle, and this is all the way throughout. In fact, I found the entire book to be consistently well-written, both in grammar and plot, throughout as well. The story kept moving, the pacing was spot on, and I was hooked from start to finish.
There are so many characters in this book that I just love, and you get to follow a good number of them throughout the story. I think my favorite character of all would have to be Absolom, the Sempiternal, who has lived a great many lifetimes. Although, even more brilliant, is the character of History itself, who makes numerous appearances like some kind of living being who watches down on all things as they happen, happened, or will happen... for time is relative, you know?
I love how this book makes you really have to think! And just when you think you've got things figured out, here comes a twist and you've got to keep reading to find out what happens next.
The end of the book, while it tied up the biggest issue at hand, still left some things open to transition nicely into a second book, which I will definitely be looking for.
It's books like this one that gives Indie a good name.
What Could Use Some Work:
In all honesty, the cover of the book was not very appealing to me, nor was the title, though now that I've read it, I can see how they both sort of fit. I think with at least a 2nd edition cover, this book would be flying off the shelves or climbing its way up the Amazon best seller charts.
EDIT: Mr. Benney has updated his book cover, and quite frankly, I like it lots better!!
Overall, I think we can expect great things from Mr. Benney, and I will definitely be watching for his new releases in the future... which some may say has already happened. ;)
December 14, 2016
Comic urban fantasy set in London, featuring time travel and cows.
Vet-turned-celebrity-businessman Daniel encounters the hidden world of witches and wizards when his favourite cow goes missing. His fate (and hers) seems to be linked to a witch named Cynthia and her missing werewolf-wizard boyfriend, who has gone time-hopping in a misguided attempt to change the past. It’s complicated.
Complex plot, great characters, silly names, and cows: all things I like a lot and done very well. The writing is very good throughout with only minor editing and formatting issues. Funny and clever. If you like Terry Pratchett, the humour should suit you.
Vet-turned-celebrity-businessman Daniel encounters the hidden world of witches and wizards when his favourite cow goes missing. His fate (and hers) seems to be linked to a witch named Cynthia and her missing werewolf-wizard boyfriend, who has gone time-hopping in a misguided attempt to change the past. It’s complicated.
Complex plot, great characters, silly names, and cows: all things I like a lot and done very well. The writing is very good throughout with only minor editing and formatting issues. Funny and clever. If you like Terry Pratchett, the humour should suit you.
April 20, 2019
Book Synopsis
A grown-up version of Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, Benney's magical world of timeless wonder is truly a phenomenal read.
In this time-travel fantasy novel, an unlikely bunch is thrown together to solve the mystery of the missing Holstein when local celebrity Daniel Wesley's bovine mascot disappears into thin air at a yearly festival. Throw in an out of work cop on the hunt for a werewolf, and a witch who feels responsible in a roundabout way, and you're in for one wild adventure full of twists and turns, not necessarily in that order.
My Review
5 STARS
What Worked:
There are a lot of great things to say about this book. First of all, the writing is hilarious. I can't even count how many times I commented "lol" from my Kindle, and this is all the way throughout. In fact, I found the entire book to be consistently well-written, both in grammar and plot, throughout as well. The story kept moving, the pacing was spot on, and I was hooked from start to finish.
There are so many characters in this book that I just love, and you get to follow a good number of them throughout the story. I think my favorite character of all would have to be Absolom, the Sempiternal, who has lived a great many lifetimes. Although, even more brilliant, is the character of History itself, who makes numerous appearances like some kind of living being who watches down on all things as they happen, happened, or will happen... for time is relative, you know?
I love how this book makes you really have to think! And just when you think you've got things figured out, here comes a twist and you've got to keep reading to find out what happens next.
The end of the book, while it tied up the biggest issue at hand, still left some things open to transition nicely into a second book, which I will definitely be looking for.
It's books like this one that gives Indie a good name.
What Could Use Some Work:
In all honesty, the cover of the book was not very appealing to me, nor was the title, though now that I've read it, I can see how they both sort of fit. I think with at least a 2nd edition cover, this book would be flying off the shelves or climbing its way up the Amazon best seller charts.
EDIT: Mr. Benney has updated his book cover, and quite frankly, I like it lots better!!
Overall, I think we can expect great things from Mr. Benney, and I will definitely be watching for his new releases in the future... which some may say has already happened. ;)
A grown-up version of Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, Benney's magical world of timeless wonder is truly a phenomenal read.
In this time-travel fantasy novel, an unlikely bunch is thrown together to solve the mystery of the missing Holstein when local celebrity Daniel Wesley's bovine mascot disappears into thin air at a yearly festival. Throw in an out of work cop on the hunt for a werewolf, and a witch who feels responsible in a roundabout way, and you're in for one wild adventure full of twists and turns, not necessarily in that order.
My Review
5 STARS
What Worked:
There are a lot of great things to say about this book. First of all, the writing is hilarious. I can't even count how many times I commented "lol" from my Kindle, and this is all the way throughout. In fact, I found the entire book to be consistently well-written, both in grammar and plot, throughout as well. The story kept moving, the pacing was spot on, and I was hooked from start to finish.
There are so many characters in this book that I just love, and you get to follow a good number of them throughout the story. I think my favorite character of all would have to be Absolom, the Sempiternal, who has lived a great many lifetimes. Although, even more brilliant, is the character of History itself, who makes numerous appearances like some kind of living being who watches down on all things as they happen, happened, or will happen... for time is relative, you know?
I love how this book makes you really have to think! And just when you think you've got things figured out, here comes a twist and you've got to keep reading to find out what happens next.
The end of the book, while it tied up the biggest issue at hand, still left some things open to transition nicely into a second book, which I will definitely be looking for.
It's books like this one that gives Indie a good name.
What Could Use Some Work:
In all honesty, the cover of the book was not very appealing to me, nor was the title, though now that I've read it, I can see how they both sort of fit. I think with at least a 2nd edition cover, this book would be flying off the shelves or climbing its way up the Amazon best seller charts.
EDIT: Mr. Benney has updated his book cover, and quite frankly, I like it lots better!!
Overall, I think we can expect great things from Mr. Benney, and I will definitely be watching for his new releases in the future... which some may say has already happened. ;)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews