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Long Spoon
“Good God! You’re a drug pusher?”
When chemistry student Ed discovers his housemate Paul sells legal highs, he’s shocked. He’s stunned. He’s a little bit envious.
As gifted as he is arrogant, Ed analyses and improves Paul’s tablets – and the world starts throwing money at him. Even seekers of enlightenment at a local commune are eating out of his chemical-stained hand.
But danger dogs the footsteps of Ed’s path to his first Nobel Prize. Their activities are noticed by a drug gang, hard men who hate competition. Ed needs to start making some grown-up decisions if he and Paul are going to survive.
If you sup with the devil, take a long spoon…
When chemistry student Ed discovers his housemate Paul sells legal highs, he’s shocked. He’s stunned. He’s a little bit envious.
As gifted as he is arrogant, Ed analyses and improves Paul’s tablets – and the world starts throwing money at him. Even seekers of enlightenment at a local commune are eating out of his chemical-stained hand.
But danger dogs the footsteps of Ed’s path to his first Nobel Prize. Their activities are noticed by a drug gang, hard men who hate competition. Ed needs to start making some grown-up decisions if he and Paul are going to survive.
If you sup with the devil, take a long spoon…
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2017
11 people want to read
About the author
Kath Middleton
23 books158 followersKath Middleton began her writing with drabbles (100 words stories) and contributed a number to Jonathan Hill’s second drabble collection. It wasn’t long before she moved up a size to contribute short stories to anthologies. Shortly afterwards, she progressed to writing longer pieces and her first solo work, Ravenfold, was published to much acclaim. This was followed by the novella, Message in a Bottle. Several more books are in the pipeline and her first novel, Top Banana, was published in March 2015. In March 2016 she and Jonathan Hill published Is it Her - two novellas inspired by a painting. Kath likes to put her characters in difficult situations and watch them work their way out. She believes in the indomitable nature of the human spirit (and chickens).
Kath is retired. She graduated in geology and has a certificate in archaeology. When she's in a hole, she doesn't stop digging.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kath-M...
Kath is retired. She graduated in geology and has a certificate in archaeology. When she's in a hole, she doesn't stop digging.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kath-M...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this darkly comic tale of two students who fall, almost by accident, into the world of "legal highs" and their successes and mishaps as the kitchen is converted into a laboratory and their friends into customers. Throw into the mix a nearby community of New Agers seeking enlightenment, the dangers of crossing the local Mr Big, and the arrogance and selfishness of the central protagonist, and you have a recipe for something light and funny. But by taking that character on - for want of a better phrase - a journey of self-discovery, and by contrasting that selfishness with the changing attitudes of his friend and the openness of the people they are forced to turn to, Kath Middleton has given us something approaching a parable of modern life, of learning to exist within society, and of the best uses to which genius can be put.
I tore through this book in a couple of days, and enjoyed it from start to finish; the characters are real and engaging, the plot is realistic without being in any way predictable, and the writing is all but flawless. Long Spoon is an excellent novel, fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking in places. Highly recommended.
I tore through this book in a couple of days, and enjoyed it from start to finish; the characters are real and engaging, the plot is realistic without being in any way predictable, and the writing is all but flawless. Long Spoon is an excellent novel, fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking in places. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2017
This book took me back (some thirty five years) to my University days. Too many take away meals and late nights. Too few lectures and trips to the laundromat. Some things have changed, of course. There’s much more technology, nowadays. (I typed my essays on a manual typewriter, or wrote them longhand when the ribbon ran out. My research was done at the library, looking things up in actual books.) And recreational drugs seem fundamental to student life these days, whereas if I wanted to get drugs thirty five years ago, I would have done so at enormous personal risk. A few people did it but they were the exception, rather than the rule. It was an illegal undertaking; very risky on every level.
Well, perhaps things have not changed so drastically, and what I liked most about this book was that it allowed me to experience the unfolding events from the point of view both of the fresh-faced protagonists and from my own, much more weather-beaten perspective.
A brilliant student of Chemistry comes up with a cutting edge, apparently safe and side-effect-free legal high. His friend sells them in the clubs and bars, the money starts to roll in, everybody is happy, what’s not to like?
Well, plenty, of course. As soon as the ophylmatorolydine hits the polymithycaynoide in the test tube, the writing is on the wall, and the question the book sets out to ask is how will this house of cards fall around these lads’ ears and can they survive and learn from it?
The two main characters are well-drawn. One of them is arrogant and selfish, very bright but not very personable; he has few friends. The other is gregarious and easy-going, well-liked by a large number of friends. The conversation between them is believable, the kind of acerbic banter which is exchanged by young people the world over. Kath Middleton recreates to a tee the student life, with all its neglected washing up and late assignments. I could smell the fug in the grotty flat. In complete contrast is the wholesome and slightly cringy atmosphere at the commune. She also portrays with great sensitivity and truth the process of personal and moral melt-down which afflicts these two lads who are in way, way over their heads. The denouement is exciting, action-packed and sobering, with life-long consequences, making this book a light read with profound depths.
Well, perhaps things have not changed so drastically, and what I liked most about this book was that it allowed me to experience the unfolding events from the point of view both of the fresh-faced protagonists and from my own, much more weather-beaten perspective.
A brilliant student of Chemistry comes up with a cutting edge, apparently safe and side-effect-free legal high. His friend sells them in the clubs and bars, the money starts to roll in, everybody is happy, what’s not to like?
Well, plenty, of course. As soon as the ophylmatorolydine hits the polymithycaynoide in the test tube, the writing is on the wall, and the question the book sets out to ask is how will this house of cards fall around these lads’ ears and can they survive and learn from it?
The two main characters are well-drawn. One of them is arrogant and selfish, very bright but not very personable; he has few friends. The other is gregarious and easy-going, well-liked by a large number of friends. The conversation between them is believable, the kind of acerbic banter which is exchanged by young people the world over. Kath Middleton recreates to a tee the student life, with all its neglected washing up and late assignments. I could smell the fug in the grotty flat. In complete contrast is the wholesome and slightly cringy atmosphere at the commune. She also portrays with great sensitivity and truth the process of personal and moral melt-down which afflicts these two lads who are in way, way over their heads. The denouement is exciting, action-packed and sobering, with life-long consequences, making this book a light read with profound depths.
March 22, 2017
In this story we follow the exploits of charismatic marketeer, Paul, and entrepreneur, Ed, as they fall head-long into the world of recreational substances and decide to manufacture their own.
This starts out as a small idea and it grows so successful, Ed is able to give up his studies in chemistry and concentrate on turning out the pills to sell to their contacts.
Of course, it's not all straightforward. There are ethics to consider, at least from Paul's point of view. There's the local drug dealer. There's a hippie commune that Ed is grooming as guinea-pigs and future advocates for his 'legal highs'. There's also a girl who is not as naïve as they might assume.
Things start to go wrong. Ed and Paul start to unpick and show their true natures. They deal with the difficulties in very different ways and with different consequences.
Underneath the humour, the camaraderie and the mis-adventures, there are some moral concerns which left me liking one character and not liking another.
This story is easy and light and one of the most enjoyable aspects was the author's smooth writing style which was a pleasure to read.
This starts out as a small idea and it grows so successful, Ed is able to give up his studies in chemistry and concentrate on turning out the pills to sell to their contacts.
Of course, it's not all straightforward. There are ethics to consider, at least from Paul's point of view. There's the local drug dealer. There's a hippie commune that Ed is grooming as guinea-pigs and future advocates for his 'legal highs'. There's also a girl who is not as naïve as they might assume.
Things start to go wrong. Ed and Paul start to unpick and show their true natures. They deal with the difficulties in very different ways and with different consequences.
Underneath the humour, the camaraderie and the mis-adventures, there are some moral concerns which left me liking one character and not liking another.
This story is easy and light and one of the most enjoyable aspects was the author's smooth writing style which was a pleasure to read.
March 27, 2017
The Long Spoon flows effortlessly as we follow two unlikely university friends, Paul and Ed, trying to make money from selling and making drugs (‘legal’ highs). Whilst Paul is charming and likeable, focusing on the sales side, Ed is egotistical, insensitive and greedy, but has the touch of genius, formulating a new and apparently non-addictive, recreational pill.
As Ed’s hunger to make money knows no bounds and he sees everyone he meets as a means to an end, the story takes an unusual turn when the ‘hippy-like’ Rosie allows him into her commune. Throw into the mix a brooding presence of drug barons, a gullible meditation group eager to try Ed’s new drug, and the relentless manipulation by Ed himself, and you have a story you will want to finish.
An easy read, I liked the author’s style and use of dialogue for character exposition, however I disliked Ed so much that I wondered if I cared what happened to him. As it turned out, I did! Testament to the author gently evolving the characters, which kept me reading.
As Ed’s hunger to make money knows no bounds and he sees everyone he meets as a means to an end, the story takes an unusual turn when the ‘hippy-like’ Rosie allows him into her commune. Throw into the mix a brooding presence of drug barons, a gullible meditation group eager to try Ed’s new drug, and the relentless manipulation by Ed himself, and you have a story you will want to finish.
An easy read, I liked the author’s style and use of dialogue for character exposition, however I disliked Ed so much that I wondered if I cared what happened to him. As it turned out, I did! Testament to the author gently evolving the characters, which kept me reading.
April 7, 2017
I enjoyed the book and found it humorous and engaging, I did however feel it meandered a little bit and need more thrust. It was good fun.
April 9, 2017
A fabulous new story from Kath Middleton - it follows the adventures of two students who take a dodgy path. I love the interaction of all the characters and how the story doesn't come to the conclusion you expect. Kath writes a really engrossing story in whatever genre she sets her mind to and this is no exception - part crime but completely fascinating this was a devour whole in one sitting type of book for me.
April 2, 2017
The story of two university friends who go into production and sales of "legal" highs. The book was well written and had very amusing parts as well as very informative sections but I just felt it was long winded. Judging by other reviews this is only my opinion as it has great reviews. I can't give an outstanding review as it dragged for me. I think this will be a marmite book and unfortunately it didn't do it for me
April 8, 2017
As techno-thrillers go, this has got to be the most accessible one I’ve read yet. If focuses on our pill-popping culture, and who can’t relate to that? The fact that it comes with no short amount of social satire and some pretty choice situational comedy scores it extra marks in its favor.
I loved the contrast of the very well portrayed protagonists. On the one hand, the conceited genius out to take “legal highs” into a whole new dimension, but who is hopeless around people. On the other, his partner in crime, the affable one who everyone loves and without whom their recipe is not likely to get into anyone’s hands; he’s the one that people trust.
The whole time you’re asking yourself just how long is their little social experiment and get-rich-quick scheme going to take to blow up in their faces. And when it does, and our heroes find themselves in entirely over their heads, we find out just how quickly reality can set in for a pair of college-aged dreamers. And those are the years when we are all inclined to dream big.
The action, intrigue, and danger dial up and our coming of age story takes on a good deal more gravity real fast.
From the author’s vivid depictions of college life, which took me back to my Cal Berkeley years, to her vivid depictions of gang and street-life, I found the world of the story entirely immersing. Best of all, at least for this reader, is how otherwise light reading manages to make such a profound statement about society today, and really gets us thinking about the direction we’re all heading in.
Highly recommended for readers across a wide swath of genres from general adult fiction to thrillers, techno-thrillers and comedy-dramas.
I loved the contrast of the very well portrayed protagonists. On the one hand, the conceited genius out to take “legal highs” into a whole new dimension, but who is hopeless around people. On the other, his partner in crime, the affable one who everyone loves and without whom their recipe is not likely to get into anyone’s hands; he’s the one that people trust.
The whole time you’re asking yourself just how long is their little social experiment and get-rich-quick scheme going to take to blow up in their faces. And when it does, and our heroes find themselves in entirely over their heads, we find out just how quickly reality can set in for a pair of college-aged dreamers. And those are the years when we are all inclined to dream big.
The action, intrigue, and danger dial up and our coming of age story takes on a good deal more gravity real fast.
From the author’s vivid depictions of college life, which took me back to my Cal Berkeley years, to her vivid depictions of gang and street-life, I found the world of the story entirely immersing. Best of all, at least for this reader, is how otherwise light reading manages to make such a profound statement about society today, and really gets us thinking about the direction we’re all heading in.
Highly recommended for readers across a wide swath of genres from general adult fiction to thrillers, techno-thrillers and comedy-dramas.
April 10, 2017
The two things I've come to expect when I pick up a book by Kath Middleton: something off the beaten track and great writing. And so it didn't surprise me that Long Spoon is an unusual tale, with its own curious blend of dark humour, crime and a lot of drug-induced mysticism (on the part of the characters, not the author, I hasten to add!) It is an intriguing idea for a story, with some good characters and some tense scenes. A thoroughly entertaining read that doesn't fit easily into any one clear category. I wonder what Kath Middleton will come up with next.
April 12, 2017
Modern parable about friendship, the elasticity of moral boundaries, and transcendental medication...
There's a lot to unpack in this tale of two friends and their joint business venture to spread Joye. The Long Spoon is one of those books that seems too effortless and fun a read to have so much substance too.
Highly recommended.
There's a lot to unpack in this tale of two friends and their joint business venture to spread Joye. The Long Spoon is one of those books that seems too effortless and fun a read to have so much substance too.
Highly recommended.
September 29, 2017
Brilliantly written novel, that had a darkly comic twist. A story that takes you on a journey that ends somewhere completely different to where you thought you'd be. In short, it has some surprising twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it appealed to my darker sense of humour. I shall definitely be reading more from this talented author.
May 30, 2017
Rather against this author's usual style, the main character in this book is thoroughly unlikeable, and we're carried through the book more by the two secondary characters, Paul and Rose, and by a desire for Ed to receive his come-uppance. Whether he does or not I shan't say, but the ending was definitely satisfactory, and the writing and plotting well up to standard.
May 6, 2017
What can I say about Long Spoon, other than I really enjoyed it?
It was certainly different to anything else Kath Middleton has written, but still it flowed from the page in the easy style I come to know from Kath’s previous books. Think Breaking Bad meets Limitless within a backdrop of middle-class student Britain, and you have a fair idea what this is about.
The author injects a dose of humour into the story, which raised the odd chuckle or wry smile from me, but there was a part of me that was urging the plot to delve into a darker place.
If you haven’t read anything by this author, I suggest you give one of her stories a go. If you like her style of writing, I can guarantee that you will read and enjoy all of her books. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what comes next.
It was certainly different to anything else Kath Middleton has written, but still it flowed from the page in the easy style I come to know from Kath’s previous books. Think Breaking Bad meets Limitless within a backdrop of middle-class student Britain, and you have a fair idea what this is about.
The author injects a dose of humour into the story, which raised the odd chuckle or wry smile from me, but there was a part of me that was urging the plot to delve into a darker place.
If you haven’t read anything by this author, I suggest you give one of her stories a go. If you like her style of writing, I can guarantee that you will read and enjoy all of her books. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what comes next.
April 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this little bit of escapism. I jumped in my time machine and was reminded of my student days. I wasn't a drug pusher obviously but the characters in this dark comedy develop a whole new legal high. It takes them on a journey and you along for the ride. There are plenty of ethical questions and I didn't really like the main protagonists but I'm sure that is the point.
April 29, 2017
Long Spoon takes the reader into student life and the desire of two friends, Ed and Paul, to make loads of money. Their plan is to sell a home-made legal high to their friends and other students for a grossly inflated price. Ed becomes carried away with what they might accomplish although Paul is the person in the firing line when things get out of hand.
It's possible that Ed is one of the most unlikable main characters ever devised. Even at the end of the story when he's undergone something of a transformation Ed remains an obnoxious character. So brilliantly envisioned by the author; really well done. The mirror for Ed is his fellow student, Paul, a gregarious, engaging character who simultaneously encourages Ed's genius while trying to help Ed become more socially aware. The other cast members in Long Spoon range from the charming and quietly intellectual Rose to some seriously scary heavies via a motley collection of middle aged, middle class truth seekers. Kath Middleton's descriptions of their hippy commune are well observed and very funny.
There are some underlying serious aspects to the novel but these are explored without dragging the book down.
I particularly enjoyed the way the author leads the reader to think the novel is heading in one direction then suddenly throws a spanner in the works and goes off in another. This keeps the book light and lively and makes for a most entertaining read.
It's possible that Ed is one of the most unlikable main characters ever devised. Even at the end of the story when he's undergone something of a transformation Ed remains an obnoxious character. So brilliantly envisioned by the author; really well done. The mirror for Ed is his fellow student, Paul, a gregarious, engaging character who simultaneously encourages Ed's genius while trying to help Ed become more socially aware. The other cast members in Long Spoon range from the charming and quietly intellectual Rose to some seriously scary heavies via a motley collection of middle aged, middle class truth seekers. Kath Middleton's descriptions of their hippy commune are well observed and very funny.
There are some underlying serious aspects to the novel but these are explored without dragging the book down.
I particularly enjoyed the way the author leads the reader to think the novel is heading in one direction then suddenly throws a spanner in the works and goes off in another. This keeps the book light and lively and makes for a most entertaining read.
April 30, 2017
I think I liked this tale, can't say any more at the moment!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews