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Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find
When retired bank clerk Dave Prendergast makes the find of a lifetime on eBay with an opening bid of just a few pounds, he sees the route to a rosy future. As the auction clock runs down, all that stands between Dave and the highlife are rival bidders, his conscience ...and a big pile of ironing.
A comic adventure of middle aged strife, Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find follows Dave on his quest for riches as it leads him and his family into a web of intrigue, romance and internet fraud.
A comic adventure of middle aged strife, Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find follows Dave on his quest for riches as it leads him and his family into a web of intrigue, romance and internet fraud.
- GenresHumor
300 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2017
About the author
John Brassey
2 books10 followersJohn Brassey was born in Heswall in 1953 and grew up in the Lancashire seaside resort of Southport where he attended King George V Grammar School. He left school after completing his A' Levels and joined one of the high street banks working in many branches and offices throughout Merseyside before moving to London as a secondee to the Department Of Trade And Industry.
After his secondment he switched careers and used his banking and DTI experience to join Instanta Ltd, his parent's catering equipment manufacturing business in Southport, which he ran initially with his brother Peter and then with his wife Marion after Peter retired. He and Marion sold the business in 2010 and recently retired to Framlingham in Suffolk.
John is an avid reader who has always enjoyed writing. He wrote a regular blog for the Instanta website and, upon retirement continued blogging in "Notes From Retirement...Where Did The Years Go?" (johnbrassey.blogspot.co.uk) in which he has charted the adventures of moving to a completely new and unknown area.
When not reading or writing he is a regular cinema and gym goer, a cyclist and he also enjoys searching local farms with his metal detector. He is also a voluntary business mentor for Suffolk Chamber Of Commerce and a volunteer for the Framlingham Hour Community.
He has two children, Sarah who is a teacher living in St Andrews and Paul a TV Producer living in Kent. Since retirement John and Marion have been blessed with three granddaughters Rose, Catherine and Melody and a lot of their time is now spent travelling to Kent and to Fife where they have bought a caravan to be close to the family.
After his secondment he switched careers and used his banking and DTI experience to join Instanta Ltd, his parent's catering equipment manufacturing business in Southport, which he ran initially with his brother Peter and then with his wife Marion after Peter retired. He and Marion sold the business in 2010 and recently retired to Framlingham in Suffolk.
John is an avid reader who has always enjoyed writing. He wrote a regular blog for the Instanta website and, upon retirement continued blogging in "Notes From Retirement...Where Did The Years Go?" (johnbrassey.blogspot.co.uk) in which he has charted the adventures of moving to a completely new and unknown area.
When not reading or writing he is a regular cinema and gym goer, a cyclist and he also enjoys searching local farms with his metal detector. He is also a voluntary business mentor for Suffolk Chamber Of Commerce and a volunteer for the Framlingham Hour Community.
He has two children, Sarah who is a teacher living in St Andrews and Paul a TV Producer living in Kent. Since retirement John and Marion have been blessed with three granddaughters Rose, Catherine and Melody and a lot of their time is now spent travelling to Kent and to Fife where they have bought a caravan to be close to the family.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 9, 2017
I was so pleased to win this in a Goodreads giveaway, I was in the mood for reading something light-hearted and funny and this ticked both boxes.
Dave Prendergast spent much of his retired life trawling eBay in search of the riches he's promised to his long suffering wife Sheila. After many false starts and disappointments, he finally comes across a listing for what appears to be a pair of very sought-after Japanese vases. Dave HAS to win this auction as he can see a very lucrative future on the horizon.
What follows is a typically British tale of crazy shenanigans which kept me chuckling and thinking 'typical Brit' all the way through. I enjoyed the simplicity of the story, it had a number of little twists that I certainly didn't see coming, and the characters were superbly written.
I really liked how the author portrayed the Prendergast family unit as an average family, with many aspects relatable to a fellow Brit like myself. The relationship between Dave and his wife and son was very amusing and had some lovely heart-warming moments.
Overall, Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find was immensely enjoyable, I would highly recommend it to anyone who's ever dabbled with eBay in the hope of finding a hidden gem, (I too love eBay and I'm still hoping to get rich quick by this method...yeah...right!!) or if you're in the mood for something quick, entertaining and slightly Britishly Bonkers!
I have only one tiny teeny gripe, I'm not a fan of the cover, I much prefer to visualise the characters my way and not how they look on the cover art. But that's just me I suppose.
I'd like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway, and the kind letter accompanying my bookpost from the author, John Brassey. I will treasure my signed edition for which I am very grateful.
Dave Prendergast spent much of his retired life trawling eBay in search of the riches he's promised to his long suffering wife Sheila. After many false starts and disappointments, he finally comes across a listing for what appears to be a pair of very sought-after Japanese vases. Dave HAS to win this auction as he can see a very lucrative future on the horizon.
What follows is a typically British tale of crazy shenanigans which kept me chuckling and thinking 'typical Brit' all the way through. I enjoyed the simplicity of the story, it had a number of little twists that I certainly didn't see coming, and the characters were superbly written.
I really liked how the author portrayed the Prendergast family unit as an average family, with many aspects relatable to a fellow Brit like myself. The relationship between Dave and his wife and son was very amusing and had some lovely heart-warming moments.
Overall, Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find was immensely enjoyable, I would highly recommend it to anyone who's ever dabbled with eBay in the hope of finding a hidden gem, (I too love eBay and I'm still hoping to get rich quick by this method...yeah...right!!) or if you're in the mood for something quick, entertaining and slightly Britishly Bonkers!
I have only one tiny teeny gripe, I'm not a fan of the cover, I much prefer to visualise the characters my way and not how they look on the cover art. But that's just me I suppose.
I'd like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway, and the kind letter accompanying my bookpost from the author, John Brassey. I will treasure my signed edition for which I am very grateful.
November 20, 2017
Having received a copy of this book as a giveaway from Goodreads I decided to save it to read on the 4 hr flight to the Canaries. I finished it as the 'final descent ' was announced and I have to say the time really had flown by. I don't know if you have to be of a 'certain age' to enjoy this book but being a similar age to Dave means that all his problems were readily identifiable in friends and peers. I loved the way he compounded his mistakes and dug himself into deeper and deeper holes. His escapades were just so amusing. It had such a satisfactory ending with the just receiving their rewards and the baddies getting their just deserts. A lovely way to give the feel good factor at the start of a holiday. It will now do the rounds of all my friends! Thank you John and Goodreads
November 5, 2017
Goodreads win.
Not a usual book i would read... but still a fantastic and entertaining read..
Not a usual book i would read... but still a fantastic and entertaining read..
November 30, 2017
I was so pleased to win this through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you John and Goodreads.
I loved this book. The characters were engaging and some reminded me of people I know (my Dad) or had seen on TV (Basil Fawlty).
A light hearted read with traditional values and plenty of chuckles thrown in. I felt so involved with the book that I even contacted the author halfway through to tell him how much I was enjoying it!
A great storyline that didn't disappoint, keeping me entertained and wanting to read more. Some proper 'feel good' moments that reassured me that kindness and humanity still exists (and I'm hoping it rubs of on some).
I believe this book would make a fabulous TV series or even a film. I do hope someone picks it up as I'd love to see it on the screen, be it big or small.
I loved this book. The characters were engaging and some reminded me of people I know (my Dad) or had seen on TV (Basil Fawlty).
A light hearted read with traditional values and plenty of chuckles thrown in. I felt so involved with the book that I even contacted the author halfway through to tell him how much I was enjoying it!
A great storyline that didn't disappoint, keeping me entertained and wanting to read more. Some proper 'feel good' moments that reassured me that kindness and humanity still exists (and I'm hoping it rubs of on some).
I believe this book would make a fabulous TV series or even a film. I do hope someone picks it up as I'd love to see it on the screen, be it big or small.
December 19, 2017
I quite like this book - can't imagine why....!
Dave Prendergast, somewhere in Ireland
Dave Prendergast, somewhere in Ireland
June 1, 2017
Absolutely fantastic book. One of my favourite ever reads. I am thrilled to have read this book and i will be recommending this to all of my friends and family! I read many books and enjoy reading, but this book has to be right up there in my favourites. I found it hilarious from start to finish and couldn't put it down! I finished it in a few days! I will certainly be reading it again. Thoroughly Fantastic Read! Entertaining & Hilarious.
November 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway in 2017 - thank you! I wish I could have gotten to it sooner, but better late than never, right?
This is a classic adventure comedy story, where one unfortunate event leads to another in a string of mishaps. Personally, that is not something I usually enjoy, and there has to be a note of originality for me to see it standing on its own two feet, think 'The Hangover' film where the humour is clever and the acting top-notch. I didn't see this here in literary form, in the sense that it was a fine read, reasonably entertaining, but not one I would recommend because I just don't see it shining at anything in particular. There is also a certain Britishness to it, from the relationship between the married couple Dave and Sheila, their dialogue, to going to the gym daily, to the desire to visit the local chippy.
The novel revolves around an eBay listing for a pair of Japanese vases, with us following the perspectives of Dave, the interested party, and Maria, the seller. Dave's hobby is finding undervalued items online, although this has not proven very successful so far. He now sets his hope on these vases, which he strongly believes could render a profit of several tens of thousands of pounds. From missing the auction, to inadvertently getting mingled into a massive case of fraud, while navigating his family life represented by a jealous wife and a live-in son (potentially the most mature character), it's meant to be pretty funny.
Yet, I never laughed. I'm picky, I can see what the author is trying to do but it's just not funny enough to bring a laugher from me. It's an easy-going, light read that will provide some amusement and joy, but I wouldn't call it exactly memorable. I also found the characters were quite caricature-like, especially Dave, the main character. He represents so many clichés of his 60+ age group, it was too much. I also found that Maria was written quite black and white as well, very much a goody-two-shoes who could never kill a fly.
But my major gripe is actually the poor publishing quality. There is a complete lack of attention to detail, missing punctuations, pronouns and occasionally even a word that isn't obvious to guess. It's sloppy and I can see that Createspace is an Amazon company, so I'm thinking it's probably a cost-effective way for independent publishing. But that is no excuse.
Overall, fine for an afternoon when you feel like giving your mind a rest and are hoping for modest entertainment.
This is a classic adventure comedy story, where one unfortunate event leads to another in a string of mishaps. Personally, that is not something I usually enjoy, and there has to be a note of originality for me to see it standing on its own two feet, think 'The Hangover' film where the humour is clever and the acting top-notch. I didn't see this here in literary form, in the sense that it was a fine read, reasonably entertaining, but not one I would recommend because I just don't see it shining at anything in particular. There is also a certain Britishness to it, from the relationship between the married couple Dave and Sheila, their dialogue, to going to the gym daily, to the desire to visit the local chippy.
The novel revolves around an eBay listing for a pair of Japanese vases, with us following the perspectives of Dave, the interested party, and Maria, the seller. Dave's hobby is finding undervalued items online, although this has not proven very successful so far. He now sets his hope on these vases, which he strongly believes could render a profit of several tens of thousands of pounds. From missing the auction, to inadvertently getting mingled into a massive case of fraud, while navigating his family life represented by a jealous wife and a live-in son (potentially the most mature character), it's meant to be pretty funny.
Yet, I never laughed. I'm picky, I can see what the author is trying to do but it's just not funny enough to bring a laugher from me. It's an easy-going, light read that will provide some amusement and joy, but I wouldn't call it exactly memorable. I also found the characters were quite caricature-like, especially Dave, the main character. He represents so many clichés of his 60+ age group, it was too much. I also found that Maria was written quite black and white as well, very much a goody-two-shoes who could never kill a fly.
But my major gripe is actually the poor publishing quality. There is a complete lack of attention to detail, missing punctuations, pronouns and occasionally even a word that isn't obvious to guess. It's sloppy and I can see that Createspace is an Amazon company, so I'm thinking it's probably a cost-effective way for independent publishing. But that is no excuse.
Overall, fine for an afternoon when you feel like giving your mind a rest and are hoping for modest entertainment.
May 14, 2017
I really enjoyed Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find.
Retired Dave Prendergast lives with his long suffering wife Sheila and son Simon, a teacher in his thirties who is struggling to get on to the housing ladder.
Dave spends hours every week on eBay, in fact he is quite an addict. His adventures begin when he bids on eBay for two "Flower Pots with Frogs On " convinced they are actually Yabu Meizan pieces worth a fortune. Sheila needs a bit of convincing as she opens cupboards containing other items which Dave purchased thinking they would lead him to riches...........but maybe this time he is correct !
In his quest to making his fortune Dave gets himself into all sorts of pickles and mishaps. He fleets from one disaster to another, each involving people, some co-operative and some not so.
I loved the author John Brassey's descriptions of some of the situations Dave finds himself in such as his time in the gym and the "Riverdance Rehearsal" in the screening waiting room.
Does Dave make his fotune ? You will have to read this funny book to find out.......and there is a twist at the end !
I won this book from the author via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review, thank you.
Retired Dave Prendergast lives with his long suffering wife Sheila and son Simon, a teacher in his thirties who is struggling to get on to the housing ladder.
Dave spends hours every week on eBay, in fact he is quite an addict. His adventures begin when he bids on eBay for two "Flower Pots with Frogs On " convinced they are actually Yabu Meizan pieces worth a fortune. Sheila needs a bit of convincing as she opens cupboards containing other items which Dave purchased thinking they would lead him to riches...........but maybe this time he is correct !
In his quest to making his fortune Dave gets himself into all sorts of pickles and mishaps. He fleets from one disaster to another, each involving people, some co-operative and some not so.
I loved the author John Brassey's descriptions of some of the situations Dave finds himself in such as his time in the gym and the "Riverdance Rehearsal" in the screening waiting room.
Does Dave make his fotune ? You will have to read this funny book to find out.......and there is a twist at the end !
I won this book from the author via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review, thank you.
June 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, which I was lucky enough to win in a Goodreads giveaway. The characters: A retiree, his long-suffering wife and 30 something son will resonate with many readers. I could see aspects of my own Dad in the character of Dave and I'm sure there are many Sheilas out there who will see themselves in Dave's wife.
This is credit to the author who manages to craft an interesting story, which verges on the borderline of farce a few times and yet still remains believable and realistic. I really found myself rooting for Dave as he attempted to make his fortune on eBay.
I think this has the potential to be a very good sit-com: Dave is not as extreme as Victor Meldrew or Mr Bean, and it is that which makes him so endearing. I will be recommending this to my 60 something Dad (who also absolutely DOES NOT need hearing aids!)
This is credit to the author who manages to craft an interesting story, which verges on the borderline of farce a few times and yet still remains believable and realistic. I really found myself rooting for Dave as he attempted to make his fortune on eBay.
I think this has the potential to be a very good sit-com: Dave is not as extreme as Victor Meldrew or Mr Bean, and it is that which makes him so endearing. I will be recommending this to my 60 something Dad (who also absolutely DOES NOT need hearing aids!)
November 11, 2017
Having won a copy of the novel through Goodreads I can honestly say this book has been an absolute delight, the first book all year to have me laughing out loud repeatedly. Written around the ebay experiences of Dave Prendergast this utterly absurd but yet believable storyline lurches from one disaster to another to the final heart warming conclusion. I'm sure every reader will know a Dave or a Sheila (his wife) and will have come across others in their lives who they will associate with other characters throughout the book.
This is a must-read, a book to buy for Christmas, as a present for a birthday, any old reason, but definitely the one I would recommend everyone should read. I want more of Dave Prendergast.
This is a must-read, a book to buy for Christmas, as a present for a birthday, any old reason, but definitely the one I would recommend everyone should read. I want more of Dave Prendergast.
December 21, 2017
I received this book in a Firstreads giveaway and I'm so glad I did.
Dave Prendergast is spending his retirement trying to buy his wife Sheila a round the world cruise. How is he doing this? By trawling eBay looking for hidden treasures of course! One day, Dave's luck is in, but can he collect his treasure and get it to auction in one piece?
This is a warm and funny read which I looked forward to picking up each day. Dave is such a likeable character, somewhere between Mr. Bean and Del Boy! But ultimately you just want him to win. You'll have to get yourself a copy of the book to see if he does, you won't regret it!
Dave Prendergast is spending his retirement trying to buy his wife Sheila a round the world cruise. How is he doing this? By trawling eBay looking for hidden treasures of course! One day, Dave's luck is in, but can he collect his treasure and get it to auction in one piece?
This is a warm and funny read which I looked forward to picking up each day. Dave is such a likeable character, somewhere between Mr. Bean and Del Boy! But ultimately you just want him to win. You'll have to get yourself a copy of the book to see if he does, you won't regret it!
July 10, 2018
I won this book through Goodreads Give away.
London is a mix of people, from different countries, backstories, emotions and characters.
Dave is a retired man, obsessed with finding the ultimate item on Ebay which will make him rich. A very lucky find will get him more adventures and emotions a man his age can deal with.
I enjoyed the book, a very realistic book, with realistic characters, who can be me, you, your neighbour. Dave is a very lovable man, even if sometimes his ability to get in the most awkward situations can get on his family nerves...but all ends in a good laugh.
I know I found my fair amount of good deals in Ebay for my own collection, so I totally get him XD
London is a mix of people, from different countries, backstories, emotions and characters.
Dave is a retired man, obsessed with finding the ultimate item on Ebay which will make him rich. A very lucky find will get him more adventures and emotions a man his age can deal with.
I enjoyed the book, a very realistic book, with realistic characters, who can be me, you, your neighbour. Dave is a very lovable man, even if sometimes his ability to get in the most awkward situations can get on his family nerves...but all ends in a good laugh.
I know I found my fair amount of good deals in Ebay for my own collection, so I totally get him XD
May 7, 2017
I loved Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find. (Thanks to John Brassey & a Goodreads giveaway for my copy.) A gently funny comedy of e-bay, family, intrigues, muddles, mishaps, - and dreams of riches.
As a retired person in my 60s I could easily identify with the leading characters relationships & problems. I was so pleased that eventually fraud & dishonesty were punished, & old-fashioned conscience was rewarded, there's even a nice romance developing within the book...super!
As a retired person in my 60s I could easily identify with the leading characters relationships & problems. I was so pleased that eventually fraud & dishonesty were punished, & old-fashioned conscience was rewarded, there's even a nice romance developing within the book...super!
December 31, 2017
so funny and such a great read,...not my usual kind of book....won in a goodreads giveaway...but would def read other books by this author....thoroughly entertaining and amusing...was suprised at how much i loved it....the author writes so well and engages you and so so funny but with a great plot...
so fun to read and so relatable, very clever and so entertaining
cant wait to read something else from this author
brilliant
x
so fun to read and so relatable, very clever and so entertaining
cant wait to read something else from this author
brilliant
x
April 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, with its gentle humour. My husband is taking early retirement later this year, and I had to keep reading out snippets to him, having identified various similarities between him and Dave! The plot never strayed too far from seeming true to life, and even the more absurd situations were not unbelievable.
I received the book as a Goodreads giveaway.
I received the book as a Goodreads giveaway.
April 7, 2019
This is such a really funny book, who can’t help but feel sorry for Dave, as what should be such a simple transaction turns into a farce.
All Dave wants to do is buy some pots on eBay, he has a feeling that they are worth far more than what the seller has them on for. Although he feels bad, he knows that a windfall could buy his long suffering wife a dream holiday.
A fun entertaining read.
All Dave wants to do is buy some pots on eBay, he has a feeling that they are worth far more than what the seller has them on for. Although he feels bad, he knows that a windfall could buy his long suffering wife a dream holiday.
A fun entertaining read.
May 20, 2017
I won a copy from Good Reads. I really enjoyed reading this and could identify with some of the feelings and events. There are mistaken identities, awkward situations, intrigue and plenty of gentle humour. Reading it put me in a calm , happy mood so I slowed down my reading to make it last longer.
March 27, 2018
Want a fun, easy read? then give this book a try. Very enjoyable, interesting premise and I liked the writing style. Hope there is more to come from you Mr Brassey. I received this book from Goodreads
July 6, 2017
i really enjoyed reading this book
August 6, 2017
A good way to spend a good laughing moment, on the ups and downs of life, we can always have a laugh with peculiar situations happening to others! A must read book, enjoy
September 8, 2017
Great characters, fun story, really enjoyed it.
December 3, 2017
read this book a little then put it down for a week and decided not to finish it. i liked the britishness of it and the plot. felt like my dad would like it more. so i gave it to him.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews