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Zenka
Ruthless, devious, and loyal, Zenka is a Hungarian pole-dancer with a dark past.
When cranky London mob boss, Jack Murray, saves her life she vows to become his guardian angel – whether he likes it or not. Happily, she now has easy access to pistols, knives and shotguns.
Jack discovers he has a son, Nicholas, a male nurse with a heart of gold. Problem is, Nicholas is a wimp.
Zenka takes charge. Using her feminine wiles and gangland contacts, she will turn Nicholas into the son any self-respecting crime boss would be proud of. And she succeeds!
Nicholas is learning fast that sometimes you have to kill, or be killed. As his life becomes more terrifying, questions have to be asked:
How do you tell a mob boss you don’t want to be his son?
And is Zenka really who she says she is?
When cranky London mob boss, Jack Murray, saves her life she vows to become his guardian angel – whether he likes it or not. Happily, she now has easy access to pistols, knives and shotguns.
Jack discovers he has a son, Nicholas, a male nurse with a heart of gold. Problem is, Nicholas is a wimp.
Zenka takes charge. Using her feminine wiles and gangland contacts, she will turn Nicholas into the son any self-respecting crime boss would be proud of. And she succeeds!
Nicholas is learning fast that sometimes you have to kill, or be killed. As his life becomes more terrifying, questions have to be asked:
How do you tell a mob boss you don’t want to be his son?
And is Zenka really who she says she is?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2017
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Alison Brodie
6 books190 followers7 book bloggers have chosen ZENKA in their *Best Reads of 2017* -Being Anne, Ali the Dragon Slayer, Dash Fan Reviews, Book Dragon Girl, Wall-to-Wall Books, Lauren Sapala, A Reader's Review.
THE DOUBLE: “Proof of her genius in writing fiction” -San Francisco Book Review.
BRAKE FAILURE: “Masterpiece of humor”–Midwest Book Review
THE DOUBLE: “Proof of her genius in writing fiction” -San Francisco Book Review.
BRAKE FAILURE: “Masterpiece of humor”–Midwest Book Review
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 8, 2017
5☆ Thrilling, Exciting Crime Thriller with a twist of humour.
This Is my very first book by Alison Brodie but it will Definetly not be my last.
Fresh, funny, exciting, crazy, whole lot of fun. I can't wait to tell everyone about Zenka!!
I adored reading Zenka. At points I was in fits of laughter, Zenka is not a women to be messed with, shes a Hungarian pole dancer with an addictive accent, she's dangerous, sexy, has a killer instinct but under her steel she has a softer side.
Men and women equally are scared of her, but she can twist any man round her little finger. You wouldn't want to make an enemy of her.
I thoroughly appreciated Alison's writing style and her character development.
The whole way through the book Zenka remained in character her speech was brilliant, I was literally reading her in her highly addictive Hungarian accent it was really cleverly written.
Then you had Jack the East London Gangster Boss and his Cockney slang. Simply Brilliant! I'm a big fan of the Cockney slang and to see it incorporated with ease was so much fun. I even learnt a few new ones lol
Don't worry if you are not familiar with the fun Slang, Alison has added a Cockney Translation page lol Brilliant!!
I loved Jack and Zenka's relationship the bickering between them, yet Jack always gave in.
Then there was Nicholas Jack's illegitimate Son who he knew nothing about.
Nicholas is nothing like Jack, he is sensitive and shy and a Male Nurse. Well that is until he sets eyes on Zenka!!
Nicholas's world is about to turn upside down. Will Jack ever reveal his identity?
What secrets is Zenka hiding and who is the mysterious Alina?
You Definetly don't want to miss reading Zenka to find out!!
She will leave a lasting impression that I'm sure people will be talking about for a long tine !!
For me I enjoyed all the London references, the Gangster business, the interesting and unique characters, the crazy lil twists and turns, the suspense, the almost slapstick humour which I adore, with a sprinkling of romance.
Would I recommend this book...... without a doubt....... 100%..... YES!!!!!
Perfect read for those looking for something different. It's a Fun Quirky crime thriller with a Dark Humour Twist.
I received this book from the Author, in which I voluntarily reviewed.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
This Is my very first book by Alison Brodie but it will Definetly not be my last.
Fresh, funny, exciting, crazy, whole lot of fun. I can't wait to tell everyone about Zenka!!
I adored reading Zenka. At points I was in fits of laughter, Zenka is not a women to be messed with, shes a Hungarian pole dancer with an addictive accent, she's dangerous, sexy, has a killer instinct but under her steel she has a softer side.
Men and women equally are scared of her, but she can twist any man round her little finger. You wouldn't want to make an enemy of her.
I thoroughly appreciated Alison's writing style and her character development.
The whole way through the book Zenka remained in character her speech was brilliant, I was literally reading her in her highly addictive Hungarian accent it was really cleverly written.
Then you had Jack the East London Gangster Boss and his Cockney slang. Simply Brilliant! I'm a big fan of the Cockney slang and to see it incorporated with ease was so much fun. I even learnt a few new ones lol
Don't worry if you are not familiar with the fun Slang, Alison has added a Cockney Translation page lol Brilliant!!
I loved Jack and Zenka's relationship the bickering between them, yet Jack always gave in.
Then there was Nicholas Jack's illegitimate Son who he knew nothing about.
Nicholas is nothing like Jack, he is sensitive and shy and a Male Nurse. Well that is until he sets eyes on Zenka!!
Nicholas's world is about to turn upside down. Will Jack ever reveal his identity?
What secrets is Zenka hiding and who is the mysterious Alina?
You Definetly don't want to miss reading Zenka to find out!!
She will leave a lasting impression that I'm sure people will be talking about for a long tine !!
For me I enjoyed all the London references, the Gangster business, the interesting and unique characters, the crazy lil twists and turns, the suspense, the almost slapstick humour which I adore, with a sprinkling of romance.
Would I recommend this book...... without a doubt....... 100%..... YES!!!!!
Perfect read for those looking for something different. It's a Fun Quirky crime thriller with a Dark Humour Twist.
I received this book from the Author, in which I voluntarily reviewed.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
April 19, 2019
Book Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
We all deserve to have some simple pleasure in our lives and whilst Zenka will never be categorised as classic literature, for sheer entertainment I found it excellent. Alison Brodie certainly knows how to build a story.
As I started reading her latest publication my first thoughts were that it was a little amateurish and stereotyped; an impression not helped by several typographic errors in my proof copy. However, within a few pages I was hooked and before I realised it the book had ended. The final 20% I consumed in an hour or so as the plot twisted with developments that I could not have imagined in a month of Sundays.
It is said “we know what we like and we like what we know”. Brodie clearly appreciates that saying and has used familiar character types such as the hardened criminal Jack, the softie Nicholas and the tough pole dancing Zenka. All as expected, all believable and all with depth.
The action zips along in an easy to read style with plenty of chuckles and a few real belly laughs. On a couple of occasions the humour gets a bit slapstick, even verging on the ridiculous but each time the developing storyline kept me engaged. Although I didn’t quite shed a tear there were some moments of great sensitivity. I also appreciated the running thread of Zenka’s letters which interspersed the developing story.
Alison Brodie has written several other novels. I am sorry to say that I have yet to read any of them but I hope to do so in the future. For the fun it gave me Zenka was close to perfection and I have awarded four and a half stars.
We all deserve to have some simple pleasure in our lives and whilst Zenka will never be categorised as classic literature, for sheer entertainment I found it excellent. Alison Brodie certainly knows how to build a story.
As I started reading her latest publication my first thoughts were that it was a little amateurish and stereotyped; an impression not helped by several typographic errors in my proof copy. However, within a few pages I was hooked and before I realised it the book had ended. The final 20% I consumed in an hour or so as the plot twisted with developments that I could not have imagined in a month of Sundays.
It is said “we know what we like and we like what we know”. Brodie clearly appreciates that saying and has used familiar character types such as the hardened criminal Jack, the softie Nicholas and the tough pole dancing Zenka. All as expected, all believable and all with depth.
The action zips along in an easy to read style with plenty of chuckles and a few real belly laughs. On a couple of occasions the humour gets a bit slapstick, even verging on the ridiculous but each time the developing storyline kept me engaged. Although I didn’t quite shed a tear there were some moments of great sensitivity. I also appreciated the running thread of Zenka’s letters which interspersed the developing story.
Alison Brodie has written several other novels. I am sorry to say that I have yet to read any of them but I hope to do so in the future. For the fun it gave me Zenka was close to perfection and I have awarded four and a half stars.
September 16, 2017
Alison Brodie has outdone her creative self with ZENKA in a very good way! ZENKA is certainly something different from her and that is a plus for us readers always on the hunt for something off the beaten path.
A mysterious letter, a London mobster, a shy and gentle young man and a feisty Hungarian pole dancer are at the heart of this comedic tale that will warm your heart, chill your bones and leave you asking, who IS Zenka? Is she something otherworldly, magical or is she just a woman with a calculating mind who has the clarity to see a situation and predict either what should be done next or to force a situation to her will, always in the best interest of those involved.
Jack Murray, mobster has just discovered he has a son, born of one magical night with the only woman he would ever love. Nicholas Jaffrey is that missing son, but he could never stomach knowing the life his father lives. Zenka Valentina Varga was once saved by Jack from certain doom and has appointed herself Jack’s “Guardian Angel.” Now it is up to her to bring father and son together, but her methods are anything but conventional and that just might be the only way to handle this delicate situation.
As Zenka inserts herself into Nicholas’ life, she stages events to bring out a tougher side of this young man, a side that will give him confidence and a sense of purpose and self-respect. Her ultimate goal? Bring these two divergent personalities together and watch the love grow! Will her plans work? Will father and son finally become family or will Nicholas run from the mobster? Things are not always as they seem and Zenka seems to be one step ahead of the game every step of the way!
Can you say, didn’t see that one coming? Will Zenka’s crazy plan really bring these two together? Fall in love with Zenka’s accent as Alison Brodie allows us to hear her words in our heads as we sit on a perch high above the action, laughing, sighing and staring in amazement at how this little tale plays out! Definitely a fun read with heart and quite possibly one of the most unique tales out there!
I received an ARC edition from Alison Brodie in exchange for my honest and voluntary review! *Review edited per author's "corrections"* My positive opinion of this book remains the same and my mistakes were honest, too!
Publication Date: November 6, 2017
Publisher: Alison Brodie
Genre: Dark Humor
Print Length: 305 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A mysterious letter, a London mobster, a shy and gentle young man and a feisty Hungarian pole dancer are at the heart of this comedic tale that will warm your heart, chill your bones and leave you asking, who IS Zenka? Is she something otherworldly, magical or is she just a woman with a calculating mind who has the clarity to see a situation and predict either what should be done next or to force a situation to her will, always in the best interest of those involved.
Jack Murray, mobster has just discovered he has a son, born of one magical night with the only woman he would ever love. Nicholas Jaffrey is that missing son, but he could never stomach knowing the life his father lives. Zenka Valentina Varga was once saved by Jack from certain doom and has appointed herself Jack’s “Guardian Angel.” Now it is up to her to bring father and son together, but her methods are anything but conventional and that just might be the only way to handle this delicate situation.
As Zenka inserts herself into Nicholas’ life, she stages events to bring out a tougher side of this young man, a side that will give him confidence and a sense of purpose and self-respect. Her ultimate goal? Bring these two divergent personalities together and watch the love grow! Will her plans work? Will father and son finally become family or will Nicholas run from the mobster? Things are not always as they seem and Zenka seems to be one step ahead of the game every step of the way!
Can you say, didn’t see that one coming? Will Zenka’s crazy plan really bring these two together? Fall in love with Zenka’s accent as Alison Brodie allows us to hear her words in our heads as we sit on a perch high above the action, laughing, sighing and staring in amazement at how this little tale plays out! Definitely a fun read with heart and quite possibly one of the most unique tales out there!
I received an ARC edition from Alison Brodie in exchange for my honest and voluntary review! *Review edited per author's "corrections"* My positive opinion of this book remains the same and my mistakes were honest, too!
Publication Date: November 6, 2017
Publisher: Alison Brodie
Genre: Dark Humor
Print Length: 305 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 18, 2017
I have loved previous work by Alison Brodie so when she mentioned her WIP as it was then about Zenka I jumped at the chance of reading an ARC.
One of my favourite song lyrics is at the beginning of the book so I was singing as I began reading! “You can’t light a fire without a spark” but as I went on the relevance of that quote sunk in.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a sweet romance, Zenka is dark black humour with a suspenseful kick ass heroine. Picture the scene Zenka is a pole dancer with the most exaggerated accent which is so fabulously portrayed in the book. I was ‘reading’ with a Hungarian lilt within minutes lol
Zenka is rescued by Jack in somewhat seedy circumstances to show her gratitude she insists she will be his guardian angel. Jack is a gansta so expect some real down to earth crime. It transpires Jack has an unknown son, it becomes Zenka’s mission to reunite the pair who are polar opposites so she may have her work cut out if she wants them to like each other!
This story leaps from laugh out loud to omg moments, there are instances that make you go awwww but then lurch back into roller-coaster thrills. Zenka is zany, wacky totally OTT and so out there you won’t know if there is any romance or not but deep underneath there is a love story with a difference.
I do wonder how Alison produces her stories, it reads as though it is written at breakneck neck speed and I felt as though I had run a marathon by the end it is just so full of energy. Give Zenka a try it will be unlike anything you have read for ages .. brilliant fun and escapism.
Thanks to Alison for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
One of my favourite song lyrics is at the beginning of the book so I was singing as I began reading! “You can’t light a fire without a spark” but as I went on the relevance of that quote sunk in.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a sweet romance, Zenka is dark black humour with a suspenseful kick ass heroine. Picture the scene Zenka is a pole dancer with the most exaggerated accent which is so fabulously portrayed in the book. I was ‘reading’ with a Hungarian lilt within minutes lol
Zenka is rescued by Jack in somewhat seedy circumstances to show her gratitude she insists she will be his guardian angel. Jack is a gansta so expect some real down to earth crime. It transpires Jack has an unknown son, it becomes Zenka’s mission to reunite the pair who are polar opposites so she may have her work cut out if she wants them to like each other!
This story leaps from laugh out loud to omg moments, there are instances that make you go awwww but then lurch back into roller-coaster thrills. Zenka is zany, wacky totally OTT and so out there you won’t know if there is any romance or not but deep underneath there is a love story with a difference.
I do wonder how Alison produces her stories, it reads as though it is written at breakneck neck speed and I felt as though I had run a marathon by the end it is just so full of energy. Give Zenka a try it will be unlike anything you have read for ages .. brilliant fun and escapism.
Thanks to Alison for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 5, 2017
Zenka
Alison Brodie
Received from Author
Before reading ZENKA I had no idea what a black comedy was. ZENKA is a Hungarian redhead who is a major bad ass with attitude. Her accent just cracked me up and I found myself snorting out loud at many parts in this hilarious story! ZENKA is also my first Alison Brodie book but it definitely won't be my last! I loved it from the very first page and had a hard time putting it down! I've had the ebook for quite some time, but have been swamped and couldn't get to it. When I was finally finished, I wanted to kick myself for not reading it sooner!
ZENKA is hired to take care of a mob guy and she pretty much takes over his life. Jack is the club owner where ZANKA dances. He just found out that he has a son, Nicholas, who is nothing like him. Jack is a gangster and Nicholas is a Community Nurse and he is kind and loving. He has a heart of gold that he must have inherited from his mother! Could they be any different from each other? ZENKA is going to try and turn Nicholas into a true alpha male that his dad can relate to! Hang on readers, it's truly a crazy ride! ZENKA should really be made in to a movie!
I had been seeing reviews pop up on Goodreads for ZENKA and was pretty interested in reading it. When Allison Brodie reached out to me I jumped on her offer to read and review this book. I'm so happy that I did because I loved ZENKA. All of the characters are well written and totally believable. You can't help but like them! I was laughing one minute and then holding my breath, afraid of what was coming. It was like being on a wild roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it. I found the twists and turns in ZENKA to be perfect additions to the story and hope everyone will give it a go.
Alison Brodie
Received from Author
Before reading ZENKA I had no idea what a black comedy was. ZENKA is a Hungarian redhead who is a major bad ass with attitude. Her accent just cracked me up and I found myself snorting out loud at many parts in this hilarious story! ZENKA is also my first Alison Brodie book but it definitely won't be my last! I loved it from the very first page and had a hard time putting it down! I've had the ebook for quite some time, but have been swamped and couldn't get to it. When I was finally finished, I wanted to kick myself for not reading it sooner!
ZENKA is hired to take care of a mob guy and she pretty much takes over his life. Jack is the club owner where ZANKA dances. He just found out that he has a son, Nicholas, who is nothing like him. Jack is a gangster and Nicholas is a Community Nurse and he is kind and loving. He has a heart of gold that he must have inherited from his mother! Could they be any different from each other? ZENKA is going to try and turn Nicholas into a true alpha male that his dad can relate to! Hang on readers, it's truly a crazy ride! ZENKA should really be made in to a movie!
I had been seeing reviews pop up on Goodreads for ZENKA and was pretty interested in reading it. When Allison Brodie reached out to me I jumped on her offer to read and review this book. I'm so happy that I did because I loved ZENKA. All of the characters are well written and totally believable. You can't help but like them! I was laughing one minute and then holding my breath, afraid of what was coming. It was like being on a wild roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it. I found the twists and turns in ZENKA to be perfect additions to the story and hope everyone will give it a go.
November 6, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Dark, action-packed, and down-right funny!
In this latest novel by Brodie, Zenka, we are introduced to an extraordinary cast of characters, including a ruthless mob boss with a heart, a bashful administrator with a pet cat, a couple of goons who'll do anything for a little dosh, a Hungarian pole dancer obsessed with revenge, a slovenly roommate up for anything, and a male nurse who learns to fight dirty, and that's just to mention a few.
The writing is creative, fresh, and unique. And the plot is jam-packed full of outrageous twists, unpredicted turns, witty banter, oddball mishaps, a dash of romance, violence, murder, and a whole slew of slapstick moments.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but boy was I pleasantly surprised. Zenka is a hoot from start to finish and clearly highlights Brodie's incredible imagination and ability to write stories that are highly entertaining, depraved, and exceptionally funny!
Thank you to Alison Brodie for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Dark, action-packed, and down-right funny!
In this latest novel by Brodie, Zenka, we are introduced to an extraordinary cast of characters, including a ruthless mob boss with a heart, a bashful administrator with a pet cat, a couple of goons who'll do anything for a little dosh, a Hungarian pole dancer obsessed with revenge, a slovenly roommate up for anything, and a male nurse who learns to fight dirty, and that's just to mention a few.
The writing is creative, fresh, and unique. And the plot is jam-packed full of outrageous twists, unpredicted turns, witty banter, oddball mishaps, a dash of romance, violence, murder, and a whole slew of slapstick moments.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but boy was I pleasantly surprised. Zenka is a hoot from start to finish and clearly highlights Brodie's incredible imagination and ability to write stories that are highly entertaining, depraved, and exceptionally funny!
Thank you to Alison Brodie for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
November 7, 2017
*****5 Crime Delicious Stars*****
This book was graciously gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, Ms. Brodie did it again!! She took me on another wild and crazy journey through the eyes of a brassy character named Zenka!
Every time I read one of Ms. Brodie's books, I find myself mesmerized by her words and the story that she artfully pieces together. On a perfect day, I would stay home and have read this NON-STOP..but instead I found myself sneaking a few pages here and there during work - counting down the hours until I could take my lunch and get a chapter or two in! That's how much I enjoyed Zenka and Nicholas!
Even though Ms. Brodie isn't a well known author, she should definitely be ranked up there with the best! ♥
This book was graciously gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, Ms. Brodie did it again!! She took me on another wild and crazy journey through the eyes of a brassy character named Zenka!
Every time I read one of Ms. Brodie's books, I find myself mesmerized by her words and the story that she artfully pieces together. On a perfect day, I would stay home and have read this NON-STOP..but instead I found myself sneaking a few pages here and there during work - counting down the hours until I could take my lunch and get a chapter or two in! That's how much I enjoyed Zenka and Nicholas!
Even though Ms. Brodie isn't a well known author, she should definitely be ranked up there with the best! ♥
February 2, 2018
Jack Murray is a London organised crime gang boss. Zenka is a Hungarian girl he saved, she know follows Jack everywhere. She is his self-confessed guardian angel. News reaches Jack that he has a 26-year-old son, Zenka wants to help bring them together. The son is Nicholas and he couldn’t be more different from Jack. Nicholas is caring, gentle supportive and a nurse, and to be honest a bit of a push over. Zenka is aware of his character as she has been watching him, so a series of”events” are put in place to “toughen him up”!
Oh I loved this book so much. A gangland boss with all the criminal elements you want to find in a story like this, a bit of an ugly lovable rogue. Add into that the gentle nurse and you just know things somewhere along the way are going to go awry. Then there is Zenka, I loved her character, her mannerisms and attitude. These elemants have been thrust together along with many other events and wrapped into a plot that I adored. At times a little tongue in cheek, funny and some serious moments. This had me grinning like an idiot one moment, shocked at another and then at the end I had leaky eyes…..what the hell!!!
The characters were a great mish-mash of ratbags and villains, as well as those working legitimately to get on in life. You will meet Zenka, Jack, Nicholas, Jason and Mrs Blanchflower who have a great range of traits making them memorable. There are others that you will make you own mind up about as you go. But Zenka was my favourite by far,she comes across as very deadpan and it works at times hilariously, Alison has included letters to Zenka’s friend Alina, these give a little added extra to Zenka and are brilliantly amusing.
This is a story that is full of coincidences, but it has been put together so well that I didn’t care if these coincidences seemed a little too coincidental, they added to the pacing and the humour.
I would recommend this book to readers who like a crime, fiction, mystery that at times is humorous. It is so well put together that I could not put it down. I LOVED it and Highly Recommend it, a real corker of a read.
Oh I loved this book so much. A gangland boss with all the criminal elements you want to find in a story like this, a bit of an ugly lovable rogue. Add into that the gentle nurse and you just know things somewhere along the way are going to go awry. Then there is Zenka, I loved her character, her mannerisms and attitude. These elemants have been thrust together along with many other events and wrapped into a plot that I adored. At times a little tongue in cheek, funny and some serious moments. This had me grinning like an idiot one moment, shocked at another and then at the end I had leaky eyes…..what the hell!!!
The characters were a great mish-mash of ratbags and villains, as well as those working legitimately to get on in life. You will meet Zenka, Jack, Nicholas, Jason and Mrs Blanchflower who have a great range of traits making them memorable. There are others that you will make you own mind up about as you go. But Zenka was my favourite by far,she comes across as very deadpan and it works at times hilariously, Alison has included letters to Zenka’s friend Alina, these give a little added extra to Zenka and are brilliantly amusing.
This is a story that is full of coincidences, but it has been put together so well that I didn’t care if these coincidences seemed a little too coincidental, they added to the pacing and the humour.
I would recommend this book to readers who like a crime, fiction, mystery that at times is humorous. It is so well put together that I could not put it down. I LOVED it and Highly Recommend it, a real corker of a read.
December 21, 2017
Alison Brodie is new to me and I am really impressed!! I look REALLY forward to what she has coming next. Alison, I will be staying with you for the ride!!!
ZENKA is fun, exciting, hysterically funny and filled with some pretty intense scenes!! It’s a wild and fun ride!! I was giggling, laughing, and snorting out loud throughout the book!! A bit awkward if you’re out in public. I loved the characters and really got invested. There were times I had tears running down my face (not from laughing) because I was happy for the characters or my heart went out to them. It was just such a beautifully written story! Not to mention the accents!! I LOVED the accents!!! ZENKA’S was the most fun! She is Hungarian, and a fiesty one at that! It vas so much fun to read vhat she says in book!! Lol. Every once in a while between chapters she writes to her friend, Alina, in Hungary. Those letters usually reveal what ZENKA is thinking, and things we would know otherwise. But she’s pretty funny in those letters. I love ZENKA...she just cracks me up!!
I JUST WANT TO SEE THIS BOOK AS A MOVIE, I WOULD LOVE IT!!!!
Oh, there’s also Cockney slang. But Alison, so obligingly, put a Cockney translation page. I bookmarked it on my kindle so that I could easily refer back to it. I didn’t have to very much though, you catch on real quick.
I would recommend this book to everyone, unless you hate to laugh...then don’t read it!! Haha....no, really...READ THIS BOOK!!! YOU’LL LOVE IT!!!!
ZENKA is fun, exciting, hysterically funny and filled with some pretty intense scenes!! It’s a wild and fun ride!! I was giggling, laughing, and snorting out loud throughout the book!! A bit awkward if you’re out in public. I loved the characters and really got invested. There were times I had tears running down my face (not from laughing) because I was happy for the characters or my heart went out to them. It was just such a beautifully written story! Not to mention the accents!! I LOVED the accents!!! ZENKA’S was the most fun! She is Hungarian, and a fiesty one at that! It vas so much fun to read vhat she says in book!! Lol. Every once in a while between chapters she writes to her friend, Alina, in Hungary. Those letters usually reveal what ZENKA is thinking, and things we would know otherwise. But she’s pretty funny in those letters. I love ZENKA...she just cracks me up!!
I JUST WANT TO SEE THIS BOOK AS A MOVIE, I WOULD LOVE IT!!!!
Oh, there’s also Cockney slang. But Alison, so obligingly, put a Cockney translation page. I bookmarked it on my kindle so that I could easily refer back to it. I didn’t have to very much though, you catch on real quick.
I would recommend this book to everyone, unless you hate to laugh...then don’t read it!! Haha....no, really...READ THIS BOOK!!! YOU’LL LOVE IT!!!!
January 14, 2018
Vell, vat vas a lot ov vun! Or, in non-Zenka style, that was a lot of fun!
Zenka is a Hungarian pole dancer and she works at a club owned by Cockney gangster Jack Murray. Now, it turns out that Jack has a son he's desperate to get to know, to be a father to, and Zenka is going to help him with this rather unconventional mission.
She's going to befriend Nicholas, Jacks long lost son, possibly seduce him in the process, and get him toughened up to be the son of a gangster. A man to fear.
What follows is a story that had me absolutely creased up laughing many, many times. To describe the setting, characters and plot, I would say it was reminiscent of something along the lines of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Zenka is a kind hearted, sassy woman and she does her best to get father and son reunited, but it's not going to be easy. And, oh blimey, she has some pretty crazy ideas!
Nicholas can't believe his luck when Zenka enters into his life, a life that has changed dramatically since he came home and discovered his flat had been vandalised.
Alison Brodie has written a super funny and touching story about the perils of crime, a families past, and how not to dispose of a corpse or two. I'm finding it tricky to give this book a one genre slot, it is predominantly a crime thriller, but it has romance and gritty British humour in the mix too.
I loved every character in this book, they are all so very different from each other. Zenka's voice is mainly heard in letter format every few chapters or so, her Hungarian accent being written phonetically so the reader can really hear her attempt at speaking English. This took a bit of getting used to, but after a few chapters, it vorked incredibly vell.
Jack is a typical Cockney gangster who's use of rhyming slang and 'wide-boy' attitude made him likeable but I was initially wary of him. He's a hard man, but as the story progresses, his softer side emerges as his history is revealed and I really warmed to him.
The best thing about this book for me, was the relationship between Nicholas and his flat mate Jason. These two had me in stitches with their hilarious bickering and witty one-liners. When things start to get REALLY complicated, and these two find themselves in the middle of something they shouldn't be, the authors choice of dialogue and the character reaction was superb. At one point I literally had tears rolling down my cheeks because the whole scenario was so hysterical! It just tickled me pink!
This read ticked many a box for me, it had a few violent and aggressive scenes, balanced out by a clever storyline with a few plot twists along the way, a little touch of romance, and a lot of laugh out loud moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I'd like to read more by Ms Brodie.
My only complaint is I'm not a big fan of the cover art. The author has told me she's going to be changing it soon, which I'm glad for because I'm not keen on seeing a characters clear photo/picture on a book cover. I want to visualise how they look in my own way and not have a face already given to me from the start. Characters, for me, kind of materialise as I'm reading about them. Chapter by chapter a characters features start to form in my minds eye, and usually by about half way, I've established what they look like. But apart from that minor moan, I thought Zenka was a hoot!
I'd like to thank Alison Brodie for sending me an electronic copy of this to read in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure.
August 26, 2017
Brodie nails it again. Great read.
Lost behind a desk for 17 months, a sealed letter’s contents puts the wheels of change into motion for a madcap group of characters.
Jack Murray, a local mobster with various shady and legitimate businesses under his ownership, is the recipient of the lost letter written by Lakshmir, the only love he had ever known. Lakshmir, a wheelchair-bound invalid, wrote the letter 26 years after their last contact to let Jack know that he has a son, what would be his only son. Jack dispatches his ‘people’ to locate Nicholas Jefferey, the supposed son Lakshmir identified.
Enter Zenka Valentina Varga... a beautiful, spunky Hungarian lady who Jack saved from Romanian sex traffickers during a heist. Zenka self-pledged to be Jack’s guardian angel after the unplanned rescue. Since rival gangs from all ethnicities are enemies of Jack Murray, he can’t risk meeting his son and put him in danger. So Zenka formulates some outlandish, but ultimately effective schemes enabling Jack to help Nicholas, a lowly caretaker of elderly patients, without him knowing his father---a father he was told died in a car accident when Nicholas was an infant. The plans do eventually lead to a reuniting of the two, but with a bevy of circuitous results.
Without giving away the story, which has compounding twists and surprises, all is not as it seems with the contents of the original letter Lakshmir wrote to Jack. The outcome is an enjoyable and engaging story with intelligent wit and outstanding writing. Author Brodie, known for her robust characters and entertaining events, delivers the goods in Zenka. Her character set-up and scene-setting are flawless, making the book’s characters come to life. Read it and enjoy it---I did.
Lost behind a desk for 17 months, a sealed letter’s contents puts the wheels of change into motion for a madcap group of characters.
Jack Murray, a local mobster with various shady and legitimate businesses under his ownership, is the recipient of the lost letter written by Lakshmir, the only love he had ever known. Lakshmir, a wheelchair-bound invalid, wrote the letter 26 years after their last contact to let Jack know that he has a son, what would be his only son. Jack dispatches his ‘people’ to locate Nicholas Jefferey, the supposed son Lakshmir identified.
Enter Zenka Valentina Varga... a beautiful, spunky Hungarian lady who Jack saved from Romanian sex traffickers during a heist. Zenka self-pledged to be Jack’s guardian angel after the unplanned rescue. Since rival gangs from all ethnicities are enemies of Jack Murray, he can’t risk meeting his son and put him in danger. So Zenka formulates some outlandish, but ultimately effective schemes enabling Jack to help Nicholas, a lowly caretaker of elderly patients, without him knowing his father---a father he was told died in a car accident when Nicholas was an infant. The plans do eventually lead to a reuniting of the two, but with a bevy of circuitous results.
Without giving away the story, which has compounding twists and surprises, all is not as it seems with the contents of the original letter Lakshmir wrote to Jack. The outcome is an enjoyable and engaging story with intelligent wit and outstanding writing. Author Brodie, known for her robust characters and entertaining events, delivers the goods in Zenka. Her character set-up and scene-setting are flawless, making the book’s characters come to life. Read it and enjoy it---I did.
August 6, 2017
A dark romantic comedy with marvelous characters. Once you get to know Nicholas and friends, and perhaps some not so much friends, you won't want to put this book down.
Your perception of right and wrong, good vs evil may be turned on its ear.
Your perception of right and wrong, good vs evil may be turned on its ear.
November 7, 2017
There was quite a buzz on social media about Alison Brodies last book Brake Failure so I was keen to read Zenka especially as it sounded right up my street genre wise. But this urban crime thriller had an unexpected black humour that kept me far more interested than I had expected.
Zenka is a Hungarian redhead with attitude! The letters she sends to her friend gives us an insight into how she has come to lead the life she is living now and her plans for the future. When her life is saved by gangster Jack Murray, she vows to become his “guardian angel”-lucky him!!! So when Jack discovers he has a grown up son, Zenka takes it upon herself to “help” them to connect with disastrous consequences.
I did love Zenka. Her job as a pole dancer at one of Jacks clubs brought her into the dark and seedy side of gangster life but her fierceness of spirit made for some funny moments once she sets her sights on Michael. I wasn’t sure to begin with about the way the author wrote Zenkas speech in an attempt at a Hungarian accent but the further through the book I read, I found myself reading her thoughts and speech in my head with that accent so it seemed to work for me!!
I find it hard to put this book into any genre category as it has a little bit of everything -a gritty crime thriller but with a touch of romance, a lot of black humour and with lots of unexpected twists and turns so you are never quite sure where it’s heading. And that kept the narrative fresh and exciting so that every page brought a new surprise.
The more I read Zenka, the more I liked it. I had absolutely no idea where it was going which kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat and I wasn’t disappointed by the final denouement either. This is a fun and quirky read that did take a while to get going for me but once it did I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alison Brodie has a great style and a wicked sense of humour and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next!
Zenka is a Hungarian redhead with attitude! The letters she sends to her friend gives us an insight into how she has come to lead the life she is living now and her plans for the future. When her life is saved by gangster Jack Murray, she vows to become his “guardian angel”-lucky him!!! So when Jack discovers he has a grown up son, Zenka takes it upon herself to “help” them to connect with disastrous consequences.
I did love Zenka. Her job as a pole dancer at one of Jacks clubs brought her into the dark and seedy side of gangster life but her fierceness of spirit made for some funny moments once she sets her sights on Michael. I wasn’t sure to begin with about the way the author wrote Zenkas speech in an attempt at a Hungarian accent but the further through the book I read, I found myself reading her thoughts and speech in my head with that accent so it seemed to work for me!!
I find it hard to put this book into any genre category as it has a little bit of everything -a gritty crime thriller but with a touch of romance, a lot of black humour and with lots of unexpected twists and turns so you are never quite sure where it’s heading. And that kept the narrative fresh and exciting so that every page brought a new surprise.
The more I read Zenka, the more I liked it. I had absolutely no idea where it was going which kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat and I wasn’t disappointed by the final denouement either. This is a fun and quirky read that did take a while to get going for me but once it did I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alison Brodie has a great style and a wicked sense of humour and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next!
October 19, 2017
MY REVIEW OF “ZENKA” by Alison Brodie
WOW! Thank you to Author Alison Brodie in “ZENKA” of bring her unique wit and dark comedy to a suspenseful novel. The genres of “Zenka” are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Dark Comedy and Satire.
Alison Brodie describes her colorful characters as complex,, complicated, confused, mysterious, strange, quirky, and dysfunctional. Zenka is supposedly a Hungarian Pole Dancer who is rescued by Mob Boss Jack Murray, and has dedicated herself to being “Jack’s Guardian Angel”.
New information shows that Jack may have a son Nicholas, who is a mild mannered, gentle, kind, and compassionate nurse. Zenka wants Jack to have a family, and decides to intervene and toughen Nicholas up. Is it possible to change Nicholas from a calm, non combative person to a tough criminal? Is Zenka who she really claims she is?
There are twists and turns. Dead bodies are showing up. Certain parts of this story are extremely humorous. I was totally captivated by this story. I would recommend this for any reader that enjoys satire and dark comedy. I received a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Edit
WOW! Thank you to Author Alison Brodie in “ZENKA” of bring her unique wit and dark comedy to a suspenseful novel. The genres of “Zenka” are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Dark Comedy and Satire.
Alison Brodie describes her colorful characters as complex,, complicated, confused, mysterious, strange, quirky, and dysfunctional. Zenka is supposedly a Hungarian Pole Dancer who is rescued by Mob Boss Jack Murray, and has dedicated herself to being “Jack’s Guardian Angel”.
New information shows that Jack may have a son Nicholas, who is a mild mannered, gentle, kind, and compassionate nurse. Zenka wants Jack to have a family, and decides to intervene and toughen Nicholas up. Is it possible to change Nicholas from a calm, non combative person to a tough criminal? Is Zenka who she really claims she is?
There are twists and turns. Dead bodies are showing up. Certain parts of this story are extremely humorous. I was totally captivated by this story. I would recommend this for any reader that enjoys satire and dark comedy. I received a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Edit
October 25, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
ZENKA by Alison Brodie is a mad-cap, crazy, whirlwind of a novel that is part crime fiction, part humour, and part romance, that will hold your attention from beginning to end.
Nicholas is a kind-hearted young man who works as a nurse and is gently spoken with everyone he meets. Because of this, he has a flatmate who drives him round the bend and a girlfriend who bullies him relentlessly, and he grieves for his beloved mother who abandoned him. But one day he wins a luxury car and it begins a crazy adventure that will make Nicholas really look at his life and stand up for himself in a way that he has never done before. And then he meets Zenka who takes his very breath away ...
Jack Murray may be a vicious mobster but he is a mobster with principles. After saving the beautiful Zenka, she becomes the daughter he never had, the family that he never had. But when he receives a letter from his past, suddenly Jack has everything he ever wanted. A son called Nicholas. Wanting to make him proud, Jack is determined to do the right thing but in the meantime, he instructs Zenka with the task of toughening up his boy. Because if he is going to pass down his kingdom, Nicholas needs to get a little tougher.
But as their two worlds collide, both Nicholas and Jack will learn so much about themselves and those that are close to them, and it may have very unexpected consequences for them both ...
ZENKA by Alison Brodie is a fast-paced, gritty, story of family, lies, love, and some murderous mobsters thrown in for good measure. I laughed out loud, I cringed, and I became invested in what would happen to all of the characters in this tale and I thoroughly enjoyed my foray into this particular underworld. The narrative is told from different characters points of view which makes this story authentic and relatable, and I particularly enjoyed Zenka's letters to her friend!
ZENKA by Alison Brodie is a cracking read and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
ZENKA by Alison Brodie is a mad-cap, crazy, whirlwind of a novel that is part crime fiction, part humour, and part romance, that will hold your attention from beginning to end.
Nicholas is a kind-hearted young man who works as a nurse and is gently spoken with everyone he meets. Because of this, he has a flatmate who drives him round the bend and a girlfriend who bullies him relentlessly, and he grieves for his beloved mother who abandoned him. But one day he wins a luxury car and it begins a crazy adventure that will make Nicholas really look at his life and stand up for himself in a way that he has never done before. And then he meets Zenka who takes his very breath away ...
Jack Murray may be a vicious mobster but he is a mobster with principles. After saving the beautiful Zenka, she becomes the daughter he never had, the family that he never had. But when he receives a letter from his past, suddenly Jack has everything he ever wanted. A son called Nicholas. Wanting to make him proud, Jack is determined to do the right thing but in the meantime, he instructs Zenka with the task of toughening up his boy. Because if he is going to pass down his kingdom, Nicholas needs to get a little tougher.
But as their two worlds collide, both Nicholas and Jack will learn so much about themselves and those that are close to them, and it may have very unexpected consequences for them both ...
ZENKA by Alison Brodie is a fast-paced, gritty, story of family, lies, love, and some murderous mobsters thrown in for good measure. I laughed out loud, I cringed, and I became invested in what would happen to all of the characters in this tale and I thoroughly enjoyed my foray into this particular underworld. The narrative is told from different characters points of view which makes this story authentic and relatable, and I particularly enjoyed Zenka's letters to her friend!
ZENKA by Alison Brodie is a cracking read and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
November 5, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
A man vith a face like crumpled McDonald bag takes us outside.
He glanced around, dismayed to see all the seats were taken by tattooed teenagers who looked as if they were bored with stabbing people.
Jack says I have “balls” - this means man’s testicles. This is compliment. He also calls me “spitfire”. This is a plane that shoots the Germans in the Second Vorld Var. This is also compliment (I think).
Nicholas sang as he pulled the bath plug, raising his voice to compete with the gurgling of water vacating the bath, ‘We three kings of orient are, one in a taxi one in a car, One in a scooter blowing his hooter, Following Ringo Starr …’
Harsh lines scored cruelty and bitterness into the leathery skin. If a face could show the history of war and devastation, then Nicholas was looking at Dresden.
My Review:
Don’t be fooled by the cover or synopsis, Zenka was a cleverly amusing, intriguing, and sneakily insightful novel. It was not really a romance, but several romances occurred. It was not really a mystery, although several were solved; nor was it a mafia story, although several criminal gangs were featured. It wasn’t just a comedy, but it is funny as hell and kept me smirking and well entertained throughout. What Zenka actually was… an engaging, well-crafted, witty, and amusing tale. The main character of Zenka was Hungarian and her accent had me hearing Natasha from Rocky and Bullwinkle, who was only one of my favorite childhood cartoon personas of all time. I adored this clever story from start to finish and am well pleased to have a new phrase to enter into my Brit vocabulary word list - playing silly buggers. After all, I am a seeker and life-long learner of high culture pursuits ;)
A man vith a face like crumpled McDonald bag takes us outside.
He glanced around, dismayed to see all the seats were taken by tattooed teenagers who looked as if they were bored with stabbing people.
Jack says I have “balls” - this means man’s testicles. This is compliment. He also calls me “spitfire”. This is a plane that shoots the Germans in the Second Vorld Var. This is also compliment (I think).
Nicholas sang as he pulled the bath plug, raising his voice to compete with the gurgling of water vacating the bath, ‘We three kings of orient are, one in a taxi one in a car, One in a scooter blowing his hooter, Following Ringo Starr …’
Harsh lines scored cruelty and bitterness into the leathery skin. If a face could show the history of war and devastation, then Nicholas was looking at Dresden.
My Review:
Don’t be fooled by the cover or synopsis, Zenka was a cleverly amusing, intriguing, and sneakily insightful novel. It was not really a romance, but several romances occurred. It was not really a mystery, although several were solved; nor was it a mafia story, although several criminal gangs were featured. It wasn’t just a comedy, but it is funny as hell and kept me smirking and well entertained throughout. What Zenka actually was… an engaging, well-crafted, witty, and amusing tale. The main character of Zenka was Hungarian and her accent had me hearing Natasha from Rocky and Bullwinkle, who was only one of my favorite childhood cartoon personas of all time. I adored this clever story from start to finish and am well pleased to have a new phrase to enter into my Brit vocabulary word list - playing silly buggers. After all, I am a seeker and life-long learner of high culture pursuits ;)
November 29, 2017
Having read one of Alison Brodie’s books previously I knew before I even began this book that it would be a super read and she definitely didn’t let me down. After Jack Murray, a feared London gangster, saved Zenka from a prospect of a terrible life in the hands of another gang, she swore her alliance to him. Now a pole dancer in one of Jack’s clubs she has the protection of Jack, who is more like a father figure to her than anything else. Jack definitely has a soft spot for her and she gets away with more than most with him.
When Jack discovers the possibility that he may have fathered a son, many years ago, he is desperate to find out the truth and embrace him into the fold. Zenka sees this as her opportunity to repay Jack for everything that he has done for her. How sweet I thought but I didn’t really know Zenka then. What follows is at times a hilarious, romantic shocking and dark thriller, come full-bodied entertaining read.
Nicholas is the complete opposite of Jack, kind, gentle and known as an angel as his role as a nurse. A giver, not a taker. Zenka takes on the task of toughing Nicholas up and making him a son a top London gangster would be proud of!
Zenka is Hungarian and throughout the novel she ‘speaks’ and thinks with an Hungarian accent which I loved. It gave her character straight away, the little play on words and how she described different things really tickled me at times. She gave me many laugh out moments throughout the story. You simply can’t help but like her, she wins everyone over she meets too.
The dark humour works perfectly as there were a few fatalities in the story as dead bodies did seem to turn up at regular intervals, but the scenes they were set in and how some of these deaths occurred was just pure gold.
This is one of those books that I didn’t want to end. I loved Zenka but at a distance just to be on the safe side! It was going to be a Christmas they would never forget.
When Jack discovers the possibility that he may have fathered a son, many years ago, he is desperate to find out the truth and embrace him into the fold. Zenka sees this as her opportunity to repay Jack for everything that he has done for her. How sweet I thought but I didn’t really know Zenka then. What follows is at times a hilarious, romantic shocking and dark thriller, come full-bodied entertaining read.
Nicholas is the complete opposite of Jack, kind, gentle and known as an angel as his role as a nurse. A giver, not a taker. Zenka takes on the task of toughing Nicholas up and making him a son a top London gangster would be proud of!
Zenka is Hungarian and throughout the novel she ‘speaks’ and thinks with an Hungarian accent which I loved. It gave her character straight away, the little play on words and how she described different things really tickled me at times. She gave me many laugh out moments throughout the story. You simply can’t help but like her, she wins everyone over she meets too.
The dark humour works perfectly as there were a few fatalities in the story as dead bodies did seem to turn up at regular intervals, but the scenes they were set in and how some of these deaths occurred was just pure gold.
This is one of those books that I didn’t want to end. I loved Zenka but at a distance just to be on the safe side! It was going to be a Christmas they would never forget.
December 10, 2017
More reviews can be found at https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
Even though the name of this book is Zenka, she is not the main character in this book. The main character in this novel was Nicholas, a very good-hearted nurse, who works with old people and is a coward. He is scared of any conflict and does everything to please people. Jack is a mob boss with principles, and when he finds out that he has a son, Zenka and him, decide to make Nicholas a “real man”, and that is where all the fun begins. I really liked, that A. Brodie chose to tell this story through Nicholas’s and Trevor’s (Jack’s Lawyer) perspectives, it has a fresh and different approach to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story was told. I really liked, that there was a wide variety of characters and that the mob gang was not very cruel, they had class in what they did. My favourite of all was Nicholas, first of all, I love his name, secondly, I really enjoyed his journey to “manhood” in this novel.
The beginning went a little bit slow for me, but when I was about halfway through, I could not put it down. The turns and twists in this novel left me very surprised and pleasantly baffled. I really enjoyed A. Brodie’s sense of humour, and I was laughing out loud while reading this novel.
The writing style of this book was very creative, I liked that Zenka’s thoughts were written through the letters to her friend Olga, using a different accent. That accent, as well as the slang used, made this book more lively and believable. I am grateful, that author gave a slang explanation page at the beginning, for me it was really helpful. The chapters were a decent length and it did not drag to me. I really really enjoyed the ending, it rounded up the whole story very nicely and at the same time gave a tight slap of surprise. Great way to finish the story! So to conclude, it is a very funny comedy with a dash of romance, crime and Christmas spirit, filled with very statuesque, charming and charismatic characters, which won’t leave u bored. I do strongly recommend to read this book, and like always, don’t forget to Enjoy! 🙂
Even though the name of this book is Zenka, she is not the main character in this book. The main character in this novel was Nicholas, a very good-hearted nurse, who works with old people and is a coward. He is scared of any conflict and does everything to please people. Jack is a mob boss with principles, and when he finds out that he has a son, Zenka and him, decide to make Nicholas a “real man”, and that is where all the fun begins. I really liked, that A. Brodie chose to tell this story through Nicholas’s and Trevor’s (Jack’s Lawyer) perspectives, it has a fresh and different approach to the characters and I really enjoyed how the story was told. I really liked, that there was a wide variety of characters and that the mob gang was not very cruel, they had class in what they did. My favourite of all was Nicholas, first of all, I love his name, secondly, I really enjoyed his journey to “manhood” in this novel.
The beginning went a little bit slow for me, but when I was about halfway through, I could not put it down. The turns and twists in this novel left me very surprised and pleasantly baffled. I really enjoyed A. Brodie’s sense of humour, and I was laughing out loud while reading this novel.
The writing style of this book was very creative, I liked that Zenka’s thoughts were written through the letters to her friend Olga, using a different accent. That accent, as well as the slang used, made this book more lively and believable. I am grateful, that author gave a slang explanation page at the beginning, for me it was really helpful. The chapters were a decent length and it did not drag to me. I really really enjoyed the ending, it rounded up the whole story very nicely and at the same time gave a tight slap of surprise. Great way to finish the story! So to conclude, it is a very funny comedy with a dash of romance, crime and Christmas spirit, filled with very statuesque, charming and charismatic characters, which won’t leave u bored. I do strongly recommend to read this book, and like always, don’t forget to Enjoy! 🙂
November 30, 2017
When I read the description for Zenka I had a feeling this was a book I was going to enjoy. I didn’t realise though just how much I would enjoy it and it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting.
Hungarian Zenka is rescued and her life saved from a terrible gang by London gangster Jack Murray, she then vows to be his guardian angel and I have to say I immediately took to Zenka. Straight away you see she’s gutsy and has balls but she also has a heart of gold. Jack is Zenka’s hero and also a father figure to her and she will do anything for him, Jack has a soft spot for Zenka and even though he’s a tough London gangster, Zenka is able to wrap him round her little finger and get away with a lot more than she should.
When Jack finds out he has a son he’s over the moon, but Jack and Nicholas are completely different. Jack is a tough nut, he has no fear and has a reputation for taking lives, Nicholas is a male nurse working with the elderly. He’s got a heart of gold and is basically a bit of a wimp. Not the typical gangsters son. This is where Zenka steps in and decides to make a man out of Nicholas.
As I said earlier this book wasn’t what I was expecting. I was expecting a gritty crime thriller and it was a very pleasant surprise to find the added humour, a touch of romance and so many twists and turns, I never had an inkling to where the story was going.
Alison Brodie has written a story that is filled with characters that come to life, it was very easy to picture each one in my mind. The story flows so well and with each page I turned I found myself more and more absorbed and intrigued in the story and I really didn’t want it to end. I’m sure my family thought I was crazy or crazier as I often found myself laughing out loud and I absolutely loved the humour in this story.
Zenka really is a fantastic read, it had me on the edge of my seat at times and is filled with black humour, a touch of romance and added mystery. this really was an all-rounder and a story I think many would enjoy even if they are not a big fan of this genre.
Hungarian Zenka is rescued and her life saved from a terrible gang by London gangster Jack Murray, she then vows to be his guardian angel and I have to say I immediately took to Zenka. Straight away you see she’s gutsy and has balls but she also has a heart of gold. Jack is Zenka’s hero and also a father figure to her and she will do anything for him, Jack has a soft spot for Zenka and even though he’s a tough London gangster, Zenka is able to wrap him round her little finger and get away with a lot more than she should.
When Jack finds out he has a son he’s over the moon, but Jack and Nicholas are completely different. Jack is a tough nut, he has no fear and has a reputation for taking lives, Nicholas is a male nurse working with the elderly. He’s got a heart of gold and is basically a bit of a wimp. Not the typical gangsters son. This is where Zenka steps in and decides to make a man out of Nicholas.
As I said earlier this book wasn’t what I was expecting. I was expecting a gritty crime thriller and it was a very pleasant surprise to find the added humour, a touch of romance and so many twists and turns, I never had an inkling to where the story was going.
Alison Brodie has written a story that is filled with characters that come to life, it was very easy to picture each one in my mind. The story flows so well and with each page I turned I found myself more and more absorbed and intrigued in the story and I really didn’t want it to end. I’m sure my family thought I was crazy or crazier as I often found myself laughing out loud and I absolutely loved the humour in this story.
Zenka really is a fantastic read, it had me on the edge of my seat at times and is filled with black humour, a touch of romance and added mystery. this really was an all-rounder and a story I think many would enjoy even if they are not a big fan of this genre.
January 23, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Zenka was lighthearted, entertaining mafia/ mob family drama and romance that revolved around, Zenka, Jack, Nicholas and Trevor. It was full ride of suspense, twists, actions, romance, humor, love, betrayal and secrets with quirky characters and unique writing style. That blurb says all about the book.
Characters-
Zenka was a red haired Hungarian pole dancer. She was feisty, smart and devious, protective for Jack and called herself Jack’s guardian angel. I loved her voice and each time I read her chapter I was eagerly waiting for the next to read. She was developed character that slowly but effectively grown on you.
Jack, a 42-year-old crime lord, was hard from outside but had a soft and gold heart. He did bad things in his life but he had principles and had past that was responsible for what he was now. He was such a great person and boss. I liked the way he treated Zenka like his own child and the way he tried to change when found about his son.
Nicholas was Jack’s son who was unaware of his crime lord father. He faced life changing events that turned him from sissy to manly. In beginning, he didn’t stand up against bullies- he cowered when some teenage kid told him to f*** off, didn’t help his friend who was victim of abuse, his girlfriend was bossing him and if his prized car jaguar was hit from rear end he would say sorry to the driver! Looking at all this, I was determined not to like him but I was surprised by change of mind. He turned into hardcore bastard just as his father and Zenka wanted. His development was entertaining to read.
Trevor aka Mr. Stockman was Jack’s accountant and business partner. He was selfish and money minded. I didn’t like him in the beginning but when climax arrived I saw development in him and I like the way he brought out his compressed feeling and changed in the end.
What i liked-
Book was third person narrative from the perspective of Zenka, Trevor and Nicholas. I’m not big fan of mafia/mob fiction romance because of the appalling language but surprisingly I enjoyed it in this book. It didn’t feel that bad and it was so funny to read. Writing was unique, direct and engaging. I loved the way some of the mafia phrase were explained in Zenka’s letter.
Beginning of the book told how Zenka was saved by Jack Murray when she was 5-yrs-old, how she became like a daughter to Jack and how Jack got to know about his son. Zenka’s perspective was written in form of letters to Alina. I’m still scratching my head who was Alina and why Zenka asked about her family’s well-being at the end of all letters? I guess for that there might be another book. Anyway, in all letters she poured out her thoughts about jack, Nicholas and how she wanted to take her revenge on Olga. It was fun to read her views in her unique accent.
Nicholas’ perspective told his life as nurse and his friendship with his roommate Jason. Banter between this two was entertaining. In beginning he sounded whiny. But as Zenka arrived in his life there came drastic change in him. He tried to be brave, strong and manly for love of Zenka and that was really sweet to read. I was surprise to see Zenka and jack’s plan work.
Trevor’s perspective told his strong bond with Jack, how he met him and started working for him and what he felt about him. It also told about Jack’s past, how he turned from nice and clever school boy to mafia lord. I loved reading jack’s love for his son and the efforts he put to be good in his eyes. The father-son conversation just before climax was written with emotional and realistic touch.
All characters were just amazing to read. Best part was conversations between characters and their feelings. I felt frustration, tension, anger, and love along with them. Dialogues were entertaining and there were many laugh-out-oud situations and some violent aggressive scene but it weighed heavily on light-hearted side.
And the climax! It was full of twist and turns. I couldn’t see it coming. End was even greater. Good received something good and bad got what they deserved. And I finally said, ‘I didn’t see that coming’ on last page.
Overall, it was refreshing, fast paced, humorous mafia/mob romance that I recommend to the readers of this genre.
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
Zenka was lighthearted, entertaining mafia/ mob family drama and romance that revolved around, Zenka, Jack, Nicholas and Trevor. It was full ride of suspense, twists, actions, romance, humor, love, betrayal and secrets with quirky characters and unique writing style. That blurb says all about the book.
Characters-
Zenka was a red haired Hungarian pole dancer. She was feisty, smart and devious, protective for Jack and called herself Jack’s guardian angel. I loved her voice and each time I read her chapter I was eagerly waiting for the next to read. She was developed character that slowly but effectively grown on you.
Jack, a 42-year-old crime lord, was hard from outside but had a soft and gold heart. He did bad things in his life but he had principles and had past that was responsible for what he was now. He was such a great person and boss. I liked the way he treated Zenka like his own child and the way he tried to change when found about his son.
Nicholas was Jack’s son who was unaware of his crime lord father. He faced life changing events that turned him from sissy to manly. In beginning, he didn’t stand up against bullies- he cowered when some teenage kid told him to f*** off, didn’t help his friend who was victim of abuse, his girlfriend was bossing him and if his prized car jaguar was hit from rear end he would say sorry to the driver! Looking at all this, I was determined not to like him but I was surprised by change of mind. He turned into hardcore bastard just as his father and Zenka wanted. His development was entertaining to read.
Trevor aka Mr. Stockman was Jack’s accountant and business partner. He was selfish and money minded. I didn’t like him in the beginning but when climax arrived I saw development in him and I like the way he brought out his compressed feeling and changed in the end.
What i liked-
Book was third person narrative from the perspective of Zenka, Trevor and Nicholas. I’m not big fan of mafia/mob fiction romance because of the appalling language but surprisingly I enjoyed it in this book. It didn’t feel that bad and it was so funny to read. Writing was unique, direct and engaging. I loved the way some of the mafia phrase were explained in Zenka’s letter.
Beginning of the book told how Zenka was saved by Jack Murray when she was 5-yrs-old, how she became like a daughter to Jack and how Jack got to know about his son. Zenka’s perspective was written in form of letters to Alina. I’m still scratching my head who was Alina and why Zenka asked about her family’s well-being at the end of all letters? I guess for that there might be another book. Anyway, in all letters she poured out her thoughts about jack, Nicholas and how she wanted to take her revenge on Olga. It was fun to read her views in her unique accent.
Nicholas’ perspective told his life as nurse and his friendship with his roommate Jason. Banter between this two was entertaining. In beginning he sounded whiny. But as Zenka arrived in his life there came drastic change in him. He tried to be brave, strong and manly for love of Zenka and that was really sweet to read. I was surprise to see Zenka and jack’s plan work.
Trevor’s perspective told his strong bond with Jack, how he met him and started working for him and what he felt about him. It also told about Jack’s past, how he turned from nice and clever school boy to mafia lord. I loved reading jack’s love for his son and the efforts he put to be good in his eyes. The father-son conversation just before climax was written with emotional and realistic touch.
All characters were just amazing to read. Best part was conversations between characters and their feelings. I felt frustration, tension, anger, and love along with them. Dialogues were entertaining and there were many laugh-out-oud situations and some violent aggressive scene but it weighed heavily on light-hearted side.
And the climax! It was full of twist and turns. I couldn’t see it coming. End was even greater. Good received something good and bad got what they deserved. And I finally said, ‘I didn’t see that coming’ on last page.
Overall, it was refreshing, fast paced, humorous mafia/mob romance that I recommend to the readers of this genre.
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 11, 2017
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review **
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
As I've read some of Alison's earlier books, I jumped at the chance to read her newest release, Zenka.
Right from the get-go, I knew this story was going to be vastly different to Alison's previous work.
Without giving too much away, I will say, this story is a glorious mixture of comedy and edge of your seat thrills.
But most of all, it's a love story, unlike any love story I've ever read before.
To say I loved this story would be a massive understatement.
From beginning to end, I enjoyed this book immensely and cannot recommend it highly enough.
5/5
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
As I've read some of Alison's earlier books, I jumped at the chance to read her newest release, Zenka.
Right from the get-go, I knew this story was going to be vastly different to Alison's previous work.
Without giving too much away, I will say, this story is a glorious mixture of comedy and edge of your seat thrills.
But most of all, it's a love story, unlike any love story I've ever read before.
To say I loved this story would be a massive understatement.
From beginning to end, I enjoyed this book immensely and cannot recommend it highly enough.
5/5
September 7, 2017
This book is on a very short list of books that made me laugh so hard by the first page that I almost spit coffee all over my Kindle. And it only got better from there.
Zenka combines a few different elements that make for a stellar book: Characters who have no problem kicking down the front door and don’t take no for an answer, a storyline buzzing with suspense, a wide streak of twisted humor, and a few plot curveballs you never saw coming. It has the feel of something Tina Fey and Simon Pegg might dream up if they came together to write a book. In fact, as I was reading, I kept imagining that Nick Frost would play one of the main characters if it were made into a movie.
This is one of my very favorite novels I’ve read in 2017—and I’ve already read 77 books this year so this is a pretty high honor. If you like the dark absurd humor of British classics like Absolutely Fabulous and Monty Python you’re going to LOVE Zenka.
Zenka combines a few different elements that make for a stellar book: Characters who have no problem kicking down the front door and don’t take no for an answer, a storyline buzzing with suspense, a wide streak of twisted humor, and a few plot curveballs you never saw coming. It has the feel of something Tina Fey and Simon Pegg might dream up if they came together to write a book. In fact, as I was reading, I kept imagining that Nick Frost would play one of the main characters if it were made into a movie.
This is one of my very favorite novels I’ve read in 2017—and I’ve already read 77 books this year so this is a pretty high honor. If you like the dark absurd humor of British classics like Absolutely Fabulous and Monty Python you’re going to LOVE Zenka.
November 8, 2017
This story takes place in England with ALL the Cockney words (there are translations before you start reading) but even without them--I, at least was able to get the gist of it! It is essentially the story of a mob boss who wants to go totally legit because he thinks he found the son he never knew knew he had. Now this guy wasn't all that bad--he did save a bunch of women from the Romanians who had kidnapped them. Zenka, the Hungarian whirl wind with a temper to match and a heart of pure gold decided to stay with Jack Murray--whether he likes it or not!!
What Jack does before he meets his son will have you laughing--
Meanwhile Zenka keeps writing short letters to her friend (or relative) because there is someone or thing she wants to wreak revenge on--almost as an after thought in each note she asks--How is the Family?
Then there is the accountant who is planning to move far far away--he sends his cat Bentley ahead of his leaving--I want to know what happened to the cat!
There is a happy ending but part of the ending gave me pause------what has Zenka done now?
Zenka
What Jack does before he meets his son will have you laughing--
Meanwhile Zenka keeps writing short letters to her friend (or relative) because there is someone or thing she wants to wreak revenge on--almost as an after thought in each note she asks--How is the Family?
Then there is the accountant who is planning to move far far away--he sends his cat Bentley ahead of his leaving--I want to know what happened to the cat!
There is a happy ending but part of the ending gave me pause------what has Zenka done now?
Zenka
November 6, 2017
I absolutely loved the premise of Zenka; when mob boss, Jack Murray discovers he has a long lost son, Nicholas he is desperate to make up for lost time but he wants to make sure his enemies are out of the way before he makes contact. In the meantime he follows Nicholas but is dismayed to learn his son is hardly a chip off the old block - he's a community nurse described as an angel by his patients but pushed around by his girlfriend and his flatmate, and is unable to stand up for himself in confrontations. He decides he needs to tempt Nicholas over to the dark side,
"That's what the Jag's all about. A few tasty gifts and he'll appreciate that Daddy might not be Snow White but who gives a flying-"
Jack is aided and abetted by the eponymous star of the book, Zenka. She works for him as a pole dancer after he rescues he from a dangerous gang of Romanian criminals. Zenka's temper is as heated as her fire-breathing act, she has declared herself Jack's guardian angel but that doesn't make her subservient to him. Although they share the same sense of humour they also argue, bloodshed is probably only avoided because in their fury she reverts to her native Hungarian and Jack into Cockney, meaning they can't understand one another. She agrees to help Jack turn Nicholas into the sort of son a mob boss can be proud of but events soon spiral out of control and before long confusion reigns. With some of Jack's gang members conspiring against him, and Nicholas browbeaten into submission by his dreadful girlfriend and annoying flatmate, can Jack and Nicholas ever form a relationship?
I loved everything about this book, the black humour - which ranges from the droll to Fawlty-esque levels of slapstick - never jars with the world of organised crime and the subplot involving a daring heist is genuinely gripping. Zenka is a wonderful character, most of the laughs in the book come from her, often from the letters interspersed throughout the book where she writes to her friend and plots ever more violent methods of killing Olga, the woman who sold her to the Romanians. Despite her fiendish plans, which range from shooting her to suffocation to knuckledusters and much more, she never forgets to enquire after Alina's family, although usually as an afterthought following her murderous plots. Jack may be a villain but as we learn more about his past - and see his obvious delight at finding out he has a son coupled with the lengths he is prepared to go to impress him - he becomes a far more sympathetic character than he perhaps appears initially. Meanwhile Nicholas might struggle to stand up for himself but as chaos ensues he discovers a side to himself he never knew existed, the increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations he finds himself in a far cry from his usual, rather mundane existence. The supporting characters are all fabulous too, particularly Trevor, Jack's oldest friend and accountant who is feeling hurt and resentful by what he sees as Jack's increasingly dismissive attitude towards him and who really misses his friend. He longs for love but is too shy to approach women so lives alone with just his cat, Bentley for company. The other gang members may have smaller roles to play but they are all well rounded characters from the usually taciturn Vincent, delighted to be spending three days at Christmas with his young son after being refused custody following a stint in prison, to the unpredictable and violent Lloyd, up to now the closest thing Jack has had to a son, how will he react to Nicholas usurping him? There's a scene between Lloyd, Nicholas and his flatmate, Jason which is possibly the funniest moment in the book despite involving a corpse. I was reduced to tears of laughter, especially when it came to what must surely be the most unique Christmas card ever!
With it's fast paced plot and witty dialogue, Zenka is a genuinely compelling thriller, with some surprising twists and for all the laughs, there is a real sense of violence and danger throughout. However, it also has a lovely feelgood factor to it; with its denouement set at Christmas I'd heartily recommend it to anybody looking for a book that is a bit darker than many of the seasonal reads but which is still packed with humour and warmth.
"That's what the Jag's all about. A few tasty gifts and he'll appreciate that Daddy might not be Snow White but who gives a flying-"
Jack is aided and abetted by the eponymous star of the book, Zenka. She works for him as a pole dancer after he rescues he from a dangerous gang of Romanian criminals. Zenka's temper is as heated as her fire-breathing act, she has declared herself Jack's guardian angel but that doesn't make her subservient to him. Although they share the same sense of humour they also argue, bloodshed is probably only avoided because in their fury she reverts to her native Hungarian and Jack into Cockney, meaning they can't understand one another. She agrees to help Jack turn Nicholas into the sort of son a mob boss can be proud of but events soon spiral out of control and before long confusion reigns. With some of Jack's gang members conspiring against him, and Nicholas browbeaten into submission by his dreadful girlfriend and annoying flatmate, can Jack and Nicholas ever form a relationship?
I loved everything about this book, the black humour - which ranges from the droll to Fawlty-esque levels of slapstick - never jars with the world of organised crime and the subplot involving a daring heist is genuinely gripping. Zenka is a wonderful character, most of the laughs in the book come from her, often from the letters interspersed throughout the book where she writes to her friend and plots ever more violent methods of killing Olga, the woman who sold her to the Romanians. Despite her fiendish plans, which range from shooting her to suffocation to knuckledusters and much more, she never forgets to enquire after Alina's family, although usually as an afterthought following her murderous plots. Jack may be a villain but as we learn more about his past - and see his obvious delight at finding out he has a son coupled with the lengths he is prepared to go to impress him - he becomes a far more sympathetic character than he perhaps appears initially. Meanwhile Nicholas might struggle to stand up for himself but as chaos ensues he discovers a side to himself he never knew existed, the increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations he finds himself in a far cry from his usual, rather mundane existence. The supporting characters are all fabulous too, particularly Trevor, Jack's oldest friend and accountant who is feeling hurt and resentful by what he sees as Jack's increasingly dismissive attitude towards him and who really misses his friend. He longs for love but is too shy to approach women so lives alone with just his cat, Bentley for company. The other gang members may have smaller roles to play but they are all well rounded characters from the usually taciturn Vincent, delighted to be spending three days at Christmas with his young son after being refused custody following a stint in prison, to the unpredictable and violent Lloyd, up to now the closest thing Jack has had to a son, how will he react to Nicholas usurping him? There's a scene between Lloyd, Nicholas and his flatmate, Jason which is possibly the funniest moment in the book despite involving a corpse. I was reduced to tears of laughter, especially when it came to what must surely be the most unique Christmas card ever!
With it's fast paced plot and witty dialogue, Zenka is a genuinely compelling thriller, with some surprising twists and for all the laughs, there is a real sense of violence and danger throughout. However, it also has a lovely feelgood factor to it; with its denouement set at Christmas I'd heartily recommend it to anybody looking for a book that is a bit darker than many of the seasonal reads but which is still packed with humour and warmth.
November 6, 2017
*Received as an ARC from the author*
After reading and loving another of Alison's books Brake Failure I jumped at the chance when she offered to send me her new book Zenka!
Admittedly I was a little hesitant going into this book as I aren't really a big fan of mob stories however although the main story is about the son of a mob boss the main story is about so much more than that.
Zenka's accent is prominent throughout the book when she is talking and at the start I wasn't too sure of it but I think actually it really adds character and makes her seem more realistic.
Throughout the book I liked how the characters did have their flaws and there was a lot of character development. It was interesting to see that Nicholas didn't immediately become this big strong fighter overnight just because he wanted to be. It happened gradually and I really liked watching this development.
I enjoyed seeing how lies started to spin out of control and that lives started to converge in unexpected ways. At one point I was on the edge of my seat because it was so tense! I knew the truth so I knew this guy had misunderstood what was happening but things kept spiralling out of control!
This book kept me hooked all the way through which I really wasn't expecting but I just had to see how the story would progress! I would definitely recommend this book, don't just dismiss it because there are mobsters involved, it is more of a story of family and how lies can make things so much more complicated. Overall it is really fast paced, it has romance, murder, tension...basically everything you could ask for in a book!
Read more on my blog at: https://bookgeek2015.wordpress.com/
After reading and loving another of Alison's books Brake Failure I jumped at the chance when she offered to send me her new book Zenka!
Admittedly I was a little hesitant going into this book as I aren't really a big fan of mob stories however although the main story is about the son of a mob boss the main story is about so much more than that.
Zenka's accent is prominent throughout the book when she is talking and at the start I wasn't too sure of it but I think actually it really adds character and makes her seem more realistic.
Throughout the book I liked how the characters did have their flaws and there was a lot of character development. It was interesting to see that Nicholas didn't immediately become this big strong fighter overnight just because he wanted to be. It happened gradually and I really liked watching this development.
I enjoyed seeing how lies started to spin out of control and that lives started to converge in unexpected ways. At one point I was on the edge of my seat because it was so tense! I knew the truth so I knew this guy had misunderstood what was happening but things kept spiralling out of control!
This book kept me hooked all the way through which I really wasn't expecting but I just had to see how the story would progress! I would definitely recommend this book, don't just dismiss it because there are mobsters involved, it is more of a story of family and how lies can make things so much more complicated. Overall it is really fast paced, it has romance, murder, tension...basically everything you could ask for in a book!
Read more on my blog at: https://bookgeek2015.wordpress.com/
November 17, 2017
Combine a London mobster with a feisty Hungarian pole-dancer, a soft-hearted male nurse and many more crazy, likeable, over-the-top characters et voilà you have ZENKA: a quirky, dark, and romantic comedy.
| Introduction |
What have a London mobster by the name of Jack Murray, an exotic Hungarian pole-dancer named Zenka, a soft-hearted male nurse Nicholas, Trevor, a frustrated accountant and a couple of tough guys in common? And there is more… For instance, Jack never knew he had a son but sort of adopted a psychopath, Lloyd, a sadistic low life whose Jaguar is now owned by Nicholas! A script, heading for disaster. Zenka does everything she can to direct Jack into connecting with his son but how to bring two complete opposites together? Zenka deftly handles these things – the men in her life and her conspiracy to murder her arch-enemy, Olga. First, she has to find her and for that, she needs her penfriend’s help…
| Storyline |
When mobster Jack Murray receives a letter from beyond the grave – written by the only woman he ever loved and informing him of the existence of a twenty-six-year-old son, Nicholas, a male nurse, by all appearances a saint, Jack is pleased as punch. At the same time, he is terrified because how can he ever let Nicholas into his life – and would Nicholas want to be when he finds out about his father’s dirty business? When Jack’s enemies find out about his son, all hell will break loose and Jack is not prepared to let them have a go at his heir! Jack’s accountant, Trevor, feels Jack is gullible and thinks someone has crafted an elaborated scheme to get their hands on Jack’s riches. To find out more, he hires a private detective.
Meanwhile, Zenka is absolutely thrilled but a little disappointed when she realises Nicholas could not kill a fly and, on top of that, he has his girlfriend bullying him. Zenka is determined to get rid of the girlfriend and turn this softie into a real man, worthy of being Jack’s son. O, before I forget, Zenka loved Jack as a father – he saved her from a fate worse than death. She is also resolved to kill ‘Olga’ and, reading her letters home we do not want to be in Olga’s shoes as Zenka considers all sorts of murder scenarios, one more gruesome than the other… Did I mention love and violence and… but that is for you to find out!
| My Thoughts |
I loved Zenka! It’s a humorous, quirky novel of violence and romance, of intentions going all wrong and characters you just have to like. The language used is just like you would expect from London mobsters and the scenes are from time to time hilarious. Zenka is an ‘all-or-nothing’ character, love her or hate her but either way, she is not to be overseen! Somehow, even if it does not involve her, it is still all about her: interspersing with the storyline are the letters she writes, simply brilliant and so much fun to read. Gradually, we witness Zenka mature but thank God, she still stays Zenka, the colourful character we have grown to love. What more can I say? The fact that coincidence plays a huge part in this novel? Maybe but who cares when you are reading such a delightfully wicked and humorous book? Just read it!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/zenka-...
| Introduction |
What have a London mobster by the name of Jack Murray, an exotic Hungarian pole-dancer named Zenka, a soft-hearted male nurse Nicholas, Trevor, a frustrated accountant and a couple of tough guys in common? And there is more… For instance, Jack never knew he had a son but sort of adopted a psychopath, Lloyd, a sadistic low life whose Jaguar is now owned by Nicholas! A script, heading for disaster. Zenka does everything she can to direct Jack into connecting with his son but how to bring two complete opposites together? Zenka deftly handles these things – the men in her life and her conspiracy to murder her arch-enemy, Olga. First, she has to find her and for that, she needs her penfriend’s help…
| Storyline |
When mobster Jack Murray receives a letter from beyond the grave – written by the only woman he ever loved and informing him of the existence of a twenty-six-year-old son, Nicholas, a male nurse, by all appearances a saint, Jack is pleased as punch. At the same time, he is terrified because how can he ever let Nicholas into his life – and would Nicholas want to be when he finds out about his father’s dirty business? When Jack’s enemies find out about his son, all hell will break loose and Jack is not prepared to let them have a go at his heir! Jack’s accountant, Trevor, feels Jack is gullible and thinks someone has crafted an elaborated scheme to get their hands on Jack’s riches. To find out more, he hires a private detective.
Meanwhile, Zenka is absolutely thrilled but a little disappointed when she realises Nicholas could not kill a fly and, on top of that, he has his girlfriend bullying him. Zenka is determined to get rid of the girlfriend and turn this softie into a real man, worthy of being Jack’s son. O, before I forget, Zenka loved Jack as a father – he saved her from a fate worse than death. She is also resolved to kill ‘Olga’ and, reading her letters home we do not want to be in Olga’s shoes as Zenka considers all sorts of murder scenarios, one more gruesome than the other… Did I mention love and violence and… but that is for you to find out!
| My Thoughts |
I loved Zenka! It’s a humorous, quirky novel of violence and romance, of intentions going all wrong and characters you just have to like. The language used is just like you would expect from London mobsters and the scenes are from time to time hilarious. Zenka is an ‘all-or-nothing’ character, love her or hate her but either way, she is not to be overseen! Somehow, even if it does not involve her, it is still all about her: interspersing with the storyline are the letters she writes, simply brilliant and so much fun to read. Gradually, we witness Zenka mature but thank God, she still stays Zenka, the colourful character we have grown to love. What more can I say? The fact that coincidence plays a huge part in this novel? Maybe but who cares when you are reading such a delightfully wicked and humorous book? Just read it!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/zenka-...
February 15, 2018
The eponymous Zenka is not the leading voice of the piece. She is a native Hungarian whose voice is written in cultural patois. Jack’s is a Cockney voice and there is a listing of London East End slang at the start of the work. Most were familiar to this native Michigander having watched an episode or two of Eastenders in my time but some were new. Zenka and Jack meet when he rescues her and other women who have been sold to a Romanian gang but a sure to be poorly fated woman named Olga. Zenka opens the novel by telling us in a letter to her friend, Alina, about her fight to survive and eventual rescue. The relationship between Zenka and Jack is perfectly framed in that opening letter. She will do anything for him and he would do anything for her to leave him alone. When we learn about Jack we find him irredeemably violent but his heart shines in both his dealings with Zenka and his desire, once he knows about Nicholas, to be something of which his son can be proud. The trick is that a man with enemies can’t take the chance of them knowing that he has anyone to love. Zenka becomes conspirator and liaison on getting to know all about the son he fathered at 16.
A primary voice in Zenka is Trevor, Jack’s accountant and a man that he’s come to regard as family, true family as they both love and resent each other. There’s a bit of a Crowley and Dean dynamic if you’re a person that follows Supernatural. Good natured reliance with a bit of a healthy “get the f*ck out of my face.” I adored the way Brodie wrote the dynamic between the characters most closely connected. They are neither all good or all bad and the way they build over the course of the 324 page novel is impressive.
It was a great novel and is the sort that a reader needs from time to time to both clear the palate and bring the love of reading back to those of us worn down by the business of life. Seriously, pick Zenka up today. You will thank me.
A primary voice in Zenka is Trevor, Jack’s accountant and a man that he’s come to regard as family, true family as they both love and resent each other. There’s a bit of a Crowley and Dean dynamic if you’re a person that follows Supernatural. Good natured reliance with a bit of a healthy “get the f*ck out of my face.” I adored the way Brodie wrote the dynamic between the characters most closely connected. They are neither all good or all bad and the way they build over the course of the 324 page novel is impressive.
It was a great novel and is the sort that a reader needs from time to time to both clear the palate and bring the love of reading back to those of us worn down by the business of life. Seriously, pick Zenka up today. You will thank me.
January 27, 2018
I'd previously read "Brake Failure" by Alison Brodie and loved it, so I knew I was in for a great read with ZENKA and Ms Brodie did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the way she brought the characters to life playing with the Cockney slang and Zenka's Hungarian accent. Brilliant word play and very enjoyable plot. Thoroughly recommend. But not just this novel, all Brodie's work. A very talented author who will have you in stitches from start to end.
November 6, 2017
I love how Zenka Valentina Varga asks 'How is the family?' at the end of each of her letters; this novel ended up having a decent location atmosphere. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2017
Wow! Fantastic read! This was a great way to spend my holiday. This book was funny, a little creepy, heartwarming at times, while always keeping me on the edge of my recliner.
I fell so in love with all of these zany characters I was still thinking about them during dinner (and no, I don't read during dinner). I absolutely loved Nicholas. He was such a sweetie, a mixed up, naive, wimp of a sweetie, but you just can't help but fall for him! Zenka with her - hard shell on the outside soft in her core, was just wonderful. I loved getting to know the real her through her letters. But the big surprise was that I even loved Trevor and Jack! They were "the bad guys" but what great characters they were! Alison did a fantastic job with the character development.
Oh what a twisty pretzel this book turned out to be. Right in the middle of the book there was a small "awww" moment. It was subtle, quick, but sweet. Then just a mere couple chapters later there was an "Oh my gosh!" that soon had me connecting the dots.
Not really your traditional "Christmas story" but the whole story did happen at Christmas time so a good one to read during the holiday season, especially if you are not all into the Christmas theme fluff.
If you think you are up for a bad-a$$ quirky mobster story that will shock you and warm your heart at the same time - this is it! Just plain GREAT!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!
I fell so in love with all of these zany characters I was still thinking about them during dinner (and no, I don't read during dinner). I absolutely loved Nicholas. He was such a sweetie, a mixed up, naive, wimp of a sweetie, but you just can't help but fall for him! Zenka with her - hard shell on the outside soft in her core, was just wonderful. I loved getting to know the real her through her letters. But the big surprise was that I even loved Trevor and Jack! They were "the bad guys" but what great characters they were! Alison did a fantastic job with the character development.
Oh what a twisty pretzel this book turned out to be. Right in the middle of the book there was a small "awww" moment. It was subtle, quick, but sweet. Then just a mere couple chapters later there was an "Oh my gosh!" that soon had me connecting the dots.
Not really your traditional "Christmas story" but the whole story did happen at Christmas time so a good one to read during the holiday season, especially if you are not all into the Christmas theme fluff.
If you think you are up for a bad-a$$ quirky mobster story that will shock you and warm your heart at the same time - this is it! Just plain GREAT!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!
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