Five Minute Warning, Harry: A Raucous Giles Curtis Comedy

by Giles Curtis

"Thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of characters doing the most unconventional things, and verbal exchanges bordering on the ridiculous. Very entertaining and amusing." - S F Canfield Harry feels downtrodden. Downtrodden by senior management, who have decided to retire him, and by his meddling, sex-obsessed father in law. But mostly by his wife, Hilda. And she tells him they must retire to Cornwall. There is talk of reconnection, but neither can remember being connected in the first place. Harry takes up a creative writing course, through which he can live out his fantasies - fantasies of murdering his wife. But Hilda reads his story and, lost on Bodmin Moor, is confronted with devil worshippers, a convicted call centre worker with a habit of cutting off fingers, and a birdwatching hitman. In her absence, and befuddled by his writing tutor's hallucinogenic muffins, Harry looks very guilty indeed.

Genres: Comedy

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2016

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and very funny book

I really enjoyed this silly romp through the Cornish countryside, it really spoke to my own dark sense of humour. The characters were brilliant and the storyline hilarious. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Shelley Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual take on the way we take things for granted and aren't always aware of what, who is in front of us.....
With retirement and a move to his wife's former childhood home, it becomes clear that the marriage is not as ideal as our couple thought. A series of events, often comical ,take our characters on a journey of self discovery and reflection. Trouble,chaos and unwanted adventures put the couple, and a few other people! Into situations that test them and make them look into themselves.

As with the authors books, there are sexual references and a short scene of two but they are kept brief and with minimum explicitly

[Ken Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some time ago I thought that as Tom Sharp was no longer making me chuckle to myself I would be doomed to a more sober literary existence. Giles Curtis has filled the gap! His style of writing can be a little confusing at times when you are thrown into a new situation with no warning and left to puzzle for a couple of minutes but that said you soon get into his style of writing and start enjoying the book.
If you are a reader who enjoyed Tom Sharp in the past then I am sure you will enjoy this book and I certainly intend to read more of his work.

[Patrick Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing romp, certainly accurate to reference Tom Sharp in the bracketed title. This is a reliable novel with some surreal spins, I smiled while reading it but no "out loud laughs". Comforting bonkers humour that makes for light interlude between factual and more literate books, however that isn't meant to be "faint praise with damnation" I will certainly read more Giles Curtis books when I need some gentle amusement.

[C I KESZEI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, treat yourself to a laugh and read this

I've only read a few of Giles Curtis's books but each one has bettered the previous.

A great farce here with superb characters that both hate and love each other. Throw in a psychotic criminal and a few call centres and it's Dreamland.

[William Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read

I absolutely loved this book ! Great writing, wonderfully observant , and made me laugh,a great read. Made me aware that it is not just me of later life physical inadequacies . But it

[ukkindlecustomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cornish Love Story

Uproarious and very funny farce of mutual misunderstandings, self-discovery and reawakening. Welcome return of the inimitable sociopathic finger collector Marvin as mismatched pair decide their future.

[liam kelleher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by this author & I enjoyed it very much. It was very much along the lines of Tom Sharpe....no mean praise as he is one of the greats. I thought the characters were excellent.....mostly superficial & without any great depth...ideal for this type of book. I loved the mad capers & adventures and for a change ......vis a vis many books these days...there was an ending of sorts. Overall much enjoyed & will read a 2nd by the author in the near future.

[Mimi B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious romp

I think I've read most of Giles Curtis's books now and even the moderately unbelievable stories are funny and well written. I keep returning to his books om my kindle unlimited and shall be sad when i've read them all .

[Mr G McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a while to warm to this book, I persevered and ended up quite enjoying it, I will definitely read others by Giles Curtis

[Robert McGrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great escape for the troubled mind

Never read this chap before but if you need an escape from these troubled times Holes is just the ticket.....

[Pete Linfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. However it could have done with some proofreading. Some facts were also a bit dodgy.

[Jack Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read with short chapters. Funny in parts. A good light hearted read. Enjoyed

[Andyp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

Well written and hugely entertaining. Must find more by this author.
Certainly along the lines of Tom Sharpe
Well done

[Phil Altimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great baudy comedy from Giles curtis