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Scoundrels #2
Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp
Spanning much of the 20th Century, and revolving around the infamous gentlemen’s club of London, SCOUNDRELS is the jaw-dropping memoirs of the disreputable spies, Major Cornwall and Major Trevelyan.
Volume 2 (1952-1974)
There is a rat in the house! Determined to bring their nemesis Gruber Hansclapp to justice, the Majors embark on a global adventure that features kidnapping in the Congo, manslaughter on the Orient Express and romance at the Stasi's Christmas Party. What's more, they embark on the greatest adventure of all: Fatherhood.
Historically accurate, morally questionable and absolutely true, SCOUNDRELS is one part Flashman to two parts Mordecai Trilogy stirred vigorously and dashed in the face of Ian Fleming. It will leave you with a nasty taste in your mouth, and horribly hungover
Volume 2 (1952-1974)
There is a rat in the house! Determined to bring their nemesis Gruber Hansclapp to justice, the Majors embark on a global adventure that features kidnapping in the Congo, manslaughter on the Orient Express and romance at the Stasi's Christmas Party. What's more, they embark on the greatest adventure of all: Fatherhood.
Historically accurate, morally questionable and absolutely true, SCOUNDRELS is one part Flashman to two parts Mordecai Trilogy stirred vigorously and dashed in the face of Ian Fleming. It will leave you with a nasty taste in your mouth, and horribly hungover
424 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2018
35 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Victor Cornwall
3 books25 followersVictor Cornwall, the pseudonym of author, Duncan Crowe, writes fiction with James Peak, producing 'Scoundrels'. The first volume was published by Black Door Press and distributed by Turnaround Ltd in June 2017, and is now on its fourth printing. The second volume, 'The Hunt For Hansclapp' was nominated for the Literary Review's Bad Sex in Fiction Award. The third and final volume 'Her Majesty's Pleasure' was released in December 2021.
Usually, a book with 'scoundrel' in the title is a breathless romantic fiction full of bodice-heaving, muscular chaps in tight jodphurs and trysts in the English countryside.
Our books are not those books: our books are about manslaughter, blackmail, deadly casinos, Turkish bakers, unsavoury gymnasiums, horrible incidents in the Wimbledon changing rooms, Chinese sex-assassins, Stasi spies, showdowns with giant bulls, fights, fixes, chess games gone wrong, accidents involving rickety firearms, gambling, braggadocio, bluster, and generally sordid goings-on from which nobody emerges with any credit.
Be warned, the Scoundrels stories are unapologetically filthy and eye-opening spy-thrillers, starring the disreputable Major Victor Cornwall and Major Arthur St. John Trevelyan, who are approaching their 100th birthdays and keen to relate the unwholesome stories of their youth. These stories centre around Scoundrels Club of Piccadilly, a Gentlemen's Club charged with fixing the sort of diplomatic and espionage crises that can't go through normal channels.
The books have been championed by wonderful authors and artists like Terry Gilliam, Christopher Fowler and Bob Deis. They've been described many times by journalists, bloggers and real people we don't know as "the funniest thing I've ever read", "genius" (The Chap Magazine), "like Flashman on acid" (Men's Adventure Library) and even "immensely satisfying" (Daily Telegraph)
Usually, a book with 'scoundrel' in the title is a breathless romantic fiction full of bodice-heaving, muscular chaps in tight jodphurs and trysts in the English countryside.
Our books are not those books: our books are about manslaughter, blackmail, deadly casinos, Turkish bakers, unsavoury gymnasiums, horrible incidents in the Wimbledon changing rooms, Chinese sex-assassins, Stasi spies, showdowns with giant bulls, fights, fixes, chess games gone wrong, accidents involving rickety firearms, gambling, braggadocio, bluster, and generally sordid goings-on from which nobody emerges with any credit.
Be warned, the Scoundrels stories are unapologetically filthy and eye-opening spy-thrillers, starring the disreputable Major Victor Cornwall and Major Arthur St. John Trevelyan, who are approaching their 100th birthdays and keen to relate the unwholesome stories of their youth. These stories centre around Scoundrels Club of Piccadilly, a Gentlemen's Club charged with fixing the sort of diplomatic and espionage crises that can't go through normal channels.
The books have been championed by wonderful authors and artists like Terry Gilliam, Christopher Fowler and Bob Deis. They've been described many times by journalists, bloggers and real people we don't know as "the funniest thing I've ever read", "genius" (The Chap Magazine), "like Flashman on acid" (Men's Adventure Library) and even "immensely satisfying" (Daily Telegraph)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 18, 2020
I have been a regular member of NetGalley till Sept 2018. Later on my visits to their site reduced, I think one of those visits I applied for "Scoundrels 1 & 2". I got the approval for both the volumes. I think I checked the first volume and read a few pages. But somehow I forgot about those two books and found them during COVID Lockdown. I wanted some good books which can lighten the mood and stress level during these trying times. And Scoundrels gave me that peace of mind. I am grateful to NetGalley and authors for providing such a wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. And I would like to apologize for the delaying review. Still, books needed it's pending praise and here I am delivering duty which was due for almost a year and a half.
Before we discuss the plot let me tell you my first impression of the book cover. I was going through NetGalley shelves when two funny covers came into the view. They reminded me of my favorite childhood tv show "Laurel and Hardy". The title was equally funny, "Scoundrels". I knew the books will be a fun riot. I applied to them immediately. I think they were the last books I applied within those 12 months. I am glad I have these books with me to enlighten my mood. As I applied books in combo and got approval for both, I am posting a combined review.
"Scoundrels" & "Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp" are the first two volumes of adventurous, fun-filled & thrilled journey of Major Cornwall and Major Trevelyan. The word scoundrels are not specifically for majors but rather a secretive club dedicated to great Britain. But the name does signify their activities which can not be done through political dialog or war. They do the nasty jobs.
The second volume starts with Major Cornwall getting poisoned by Hansclapp, and then went to Istanbul to destroy his plans. On their mission to Istanbul, Major Trevelyan met a lovely 8 years old girl named Anais and adopted her. Same way Major Cornwall adopted a gorilla named Titus. In this part, Major Trevelyan got married and got himself stuck knee-deep problems. Check out both the books to know more. I haven't given any spoilers. So don't worry.
Major Cornwall is shown smarter of the two always get stuck in the problem and later on saved by Major Trevelyan. Both of them, or I would say most of the club members, were shown as super-rich and their lifestyle is shown with comic style. The way Majors use a variety of liquor and specially made tobacco for various situation/place/moods bring a smile to your faces.
Now coming to characters & storytelling, I must have mentioned fun quotient more than 7-8 times, and you will find multiple styles of comedy. There is a black comedy, blue comedy, situational comedy, physical comedy, character comedy and whatnot. The selection of words is time appropriate. The first volume was around the second world war, and the second volume covers a decade after the second world war.
Language is not age-appropriate, it is strictly 16+ material.
My advice is not to read the book in public, you may end up laughing out loud and may embarrass yourself.
With this, I will complete the review. Talking about ratings
Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp - 3.75/5
Before we discuss the plot let me tell you my first impression of the book cover. I was going through NetGalley shelves when two funny covers came into the view. They reminded me of my favorite childhood tv show "Laurel and Hardy". The title was equally funny, "Scoundrels". I knew the books will be a fun riot. I applied to them immediately. I think they were the last books I applied within those 12 months. I am glad I have these books with me to enlighten my mood. As I applied books in combo and got approval for both, I am posting a combined review.
"Scoundrels" & "Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp" are the first two volumes of adventurous, fun-filled & thrilled journey of Major Cornwall and Major Trevelyan. The word scoundrels are not specifically for majors but rather a secretive club dedicated to great Britain. But the name does signify their activities which can not be done through political dialog or war. They do the nasty jobs.
The second volume starts with Major Cornwall getting poisoned by Hansclapp, and then went to Istanbul to destroy his plans. On their mission to Istanbul, Major Trevelyan met a lovely 8 years old girl named Anais and adopted her. Same way Major Cornwall adopted a gorilla named Titus. In this part, Major Trevelyan got married and got himself stuck knee-deep problems. Check out both the books to know more. I haven't given any spoilers. So don't worry.
Major Cornwall is shown smarter of the two always get stuck in the problem and later on saved by Major Trevelyan. Both of them, or I would say most of the club members, were shown as super-rich and their lifestyle is shown with comic style. The way Majors use a variety of liquor and specially made tobacco for various situation/place/moods bring a smile to your faces.
Now coming to characters & storytelling, I must have mentioned fun quotient more than 7-8 times, and you will find multiple styles of comedy. There is a black comedy, blue comedy, situational comedy, physical comedy, character comedy and whatnot. The selection of words is time appropriate. The first volume was around the second world war, and the second volume covers a decade after the second world war.
Language is not age-appropriate, it is strictly 16+ material.
My advice is not to read the book in public, you may end up laughing out loud and may embarrass yourself.
With this, I will complete the review. Talking about ratings
Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp - 3.75/5
September 27, 2018
Dear Mr. Peak and Mr. Crowe,
I trust you are able to safely see this review into the vice-like arthritic claws of the Majors. Having initially been rather shocked and horrified at the publication of their first volume of memoirs (when I knew them they showed no indication that either could hold a pen, let alone craft coherent biographical material), I was somewhat vindicated by the notion that the volume was so absurd in its portrayal of true matters that all would surely believe it to be a work of fiction.
Naturally, I took my case to Massingberd QC, in the hope that he could somehow stifle the second book's publication. Now, Massingberd is the best in the land, yet unfortunately, he knows so. I spent only five minutes in his company, during which time he charged me for picking my nose, for blinking excessively, coughing an inordinate number of times, and squinting too sharply. He refused my rebuttal that his assistant was endlessly blowing rings of Injustice Flagrante (a rather sharp and bitter blend cooked up by the Scoundrel's tobacconist for matters of settling disputes between members) and by the time I left I was writing him a cheque for five thousand pounds and had promised to name my second paraquet after him.
I decided, as I filled out the required paperwork needed to remortgage my country manor, that I simply had to read the volume, so I could build a strong case against its sordid publication.
My plan was simple: you had made the rather foolish mistake, you see, of printing both the name and the address of the publishing house inside the first volume. Don't worry, chaps, all publishing houses do it. I was reminded of the time when Cornwall needed to infiltrate the Stasi Christmas Party (an episode I would later discover made it into their second volume) and therefore decided to smuggle myself into Black Door Publishing. I made the mistake of encasing myself inside a pre-assembled luxurious desk, made of the finest Amazonian oak. The problem was that your offices are located on an upper floor, and London not being Amsterdam, there was simply no way of fitting this desk into your building.
My plan was scuppered, but I did get to spend a jolly number of hours in a back alley close by, where I was slept upon by a urine-soaked vagrant. While I could adapt to the putrid smell, I worried the fine oak would forever be soiled, so shortly after he vacated in search of lost change I vacated the desk and put it out of its misery, poor thing.
Massingberd phoned me by accident the next day when he sat down in his private car and the full minute of scratching and flatulence cost me the last of what I had left.
Destitute, without a home, I found myself with nothing more than £8.99 in my pocket and vengeance in my heart. I won't bore you with the details of my weeks of rough sleeping. One day it all changed when I happened upon a bookshop that proudly presented the second volume of memoirs on their table. The nerve! I had given everything to stifle the book's publication and it had all been for naught.
I took the book and scurried into the corner, planning to carefully remove each page in the hope that the paper provided more tensile strength than the cheap two-ply I had been recently using, but I began to read, instead.
I have to say that the book surprised me on many levels. I did not, for one, realise the emotional plights the Majors had been through during the years following the war. In fact, by the time I got to the closing epilogue, my anger at the Majors had softened somewhat.
I shall put aside my anger and sum up my thoughts with the following, as much as it is so out of character:
- The book remains painfully funny
-We see a side to the Majors that really allows us to empathise with them. I once walked a hundred miles in Trevelyan's shoes after I lost that bet at the yearly Gala (I notice that particular episode slipped their recollections), but even that did not compare to how close I felt to their plights by the end.
- Titus remains as lovable as I recall. I only met him the once, but he rolled for me the most exquisite cigarette I have ever had the privilege to smoke, a feat of Simeon dexterity I thought impossible.
Oh, and I do look forward to the concluding volume, but expect me to raise hell to get the Majors silenced...
...once have I raised the funds to re-hire Massingberd QC, that is...
Yours,
Major Edmund Holloway Jones, Esq.
P.S. I checked in on Trevelyan for you. He was in excellent spirits. That is, his breath stank strongly of Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt.
I trust you are able to safely see this review into the vice-like arthritic claws of the Majors. Having initially been rather shocked and horrified at the publication of their first volume of memoirs (when I knew them they showed no indication that either could hold a pen, let alone craft coherent biographical material), I was somewhat vindicated by the notion that the volume was so absurd in its portrayal of true matters that all would surely believe it to be a work of fiction.
Naturally, I took my case to Massingberd QC, in the hope that he could somehow stifle the second book's publication. Now, Massingberd is the best in the land, yet unfortunately, he knows so. I spent only five minutes in his company, during which time he charged me for picking my nose, for blinking excessively, coughing an inordinate number of times, and squinting too sharply. He refused my rebuttal that his assistant was endlessly blowing rings of Injustice Flagrante (a rather sharp and bitter blend cooked up by the Scoundrel's tobacconist for matters of settling disputes between members) and by the time I left I was writing him a cheque for five thousand pounds and had promised to name my second paraquet after him.
I decided, as I filled out the required paperwork needed to remortgage my country manor, that I simply had to read the volume, so I could build a strong case against its sordid publication.
My plan was simple: you had made the rather foolish mistake, you see, of printing both the name and the address of the publishing house inside the first volume. Don't worry, chaps, all publishing houses do it. I was reminded of the time when Cornwall needed to infiltrate the Stasi Christmas Party (an episode I would later discover made it into their second volume) and therefore decided to smuggle myself into Black Door Publishing. I made the mistake of encasing myself inside a pre-assembled luxurious desk, made of the finest Amazonian oak. The problem was that your offices are located on an upper floor, and London not being Amsterdam, there was simply no way of fitting this desk into your building.
My plan was scuppered, but I did get to spend a jolly number of hours in a back alley close by, where I was slept upon by a urine-soaked vagrant. While I could adapt to the putrid smell, I worried the fine oak would forever be soiled, so shortly after he vacated in search of lost change I vacated the desk and put it out of its misery, poor thing.
Massingberd phoned me by accident the next day when he sat down in his private car and the full minute of scratching and flatulence cost me the last of what I had left.
Destitute, without a home, I found myself with nothing more than £8.99 in my pocket and vengeance in my heart. I won't bore you with the details of my weeks of rough sleeping. One day it all changed when I happened upon a bookshop that proudly presented the second volume of memoirs on their table. The nerve! I had given everything to stifle the book's publication and it had all been for naught.
I took the book and scurried into the corner, planning to carefully remove each page in the hope that the paper provided more tensile strength than the cheap two-ply I had been recently using, but I began to read, instead.
I have to say that the book surprised me on many levels. I did not, for one, realise the emotional plights the Majors had been through during the years following the war. In fact, by the time I got to the closing epilogue, my anger at the Majors had softened somewhat.
I shall put aside my anger and sum up my thoughts with the following, as much as it is so out of character:
- The book remains painfully funny
-We see a side to the Majors that really allows us to empathise with them. I once walked a hundred miles in Trevelyan's shoes after I lost that bet at the yearly Gala (I notice that particular episode slipped their recollections), but even that did not compare to how close I felt to their plights by the end.
- Titus remains as lovable as I recall. I only met him the once, but he rolled for me the most exquisite cigarette I have ever had the privilege to smoke, a feat of Simeon dexterity I thought impossible.
Oh, and I do look forward to the concluding volume, but expect me to raise hell to get the Majors silenced...
...once have I raised the funds to re-hire Massingberd QC, that is...
Yours,
Major Edmund Holloway Jones, Esq.
P.S. I checked in on Trevelyan for you. He was in excellent spirits. That is, his breath stank strongly of Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt.
February 24, 2019
Ahhh what a shame. If only I had read this book when I was fourteen. The puerile adventures of two British spies, a la Flashman, would have made my day complete. As it was there were a couple of jokes that did make me giggle but overall the jokes got a little stale and then there wasn’t much else to sustain it. It did pass the time though.
April 26, 2019
After claiming that the Major’s debut volume of memoirs was not my cup of tea, I have no idea what a half bottle of Malibu compelled me to pick up their sequel. And I’m glad I did, as I personally found it be a better book.
Firstly, there was far less shit wading (this is not a metaphor for the writing style of either of our hero’s which, in contrast, is fast paced and ingeniously amusing, but rather a reference to one of their earliest capers of which I’m still trying to block the mental image/smell).
Secondly, Trevelyan, who I seem to remember as being a bit of a vindictive looser from their last book, is much softened as he becomes a surprisingly loving father. And I’m also pleased to see his relationship with Cornwall (whom I still adore) evolve from petty one-upmanship (he never really stood a chance) to blossom into something special.
Thirdly, the plot was… well, there was one.
And fourthly, my ability to review this book competently may have been slightly impaired by my coconut inspired tipple earlier.
I laughed out loud in some sections (Nat King Cole comes to mind, and Titus’s failed entry to Winstowe). And I winced through others (Chappie Tackle), while trying to avert my eyes from the page. And towards the end I almost shed a tear. Yes, the writing was still as ridiculously silly and unforgivably vulgar as I remember, but despite my better judgement I enjoyed the read immensely. In fact, I enjoyed it much so I would have rated it 5 stars, however, as a friend kindly reminded me, this would reflect a very badly on my reputation so I’m afraid 4 stars it is.
Now, if only I had access to the Scoundrels Tobacconist, as I now find myself in much need of one their Flustered Floozies; an appropriate blend of burnt Virginian looseleaf and lavender buds, with a pinch of cyanide just before the filter - perfect for once respectable ladies to hang their head in shame.
Firstly, there was far less shit wading (this is not a metaphor for the writing style of either of our hero’s which, in contrast, is fast paced and ingeniously amusing, but rather a reference to one of their earliest capers of which I’m still trying to block the mental image/smell).
Secondly, Trevelyan, who I seem to remember as being a bit of a vindictive looser from their last book, is much softened as he becomes a surprisingly loving father. And I’m also pleased to see his relationship with Cornwall (whom I still adore) evolve from petty one-upmanship (he never really stood a chance) to blossom into something special.
Thirdly, the plot was… well, there was one.
And fourthly, my ability to review this book competently may have been slightly impaired by my coconut inspired tipple earlier.
I laughed out loud in some sections (Nat King Cole comes to mind, and Titus’s failed entry to Winstowe). And I winced through others (Chappie Tackle), while trying to avert my eyes from the page. And towards the end I almost shed a tear. Yes, the writing was still as ridiculously silly and unforgivably vulgar as I remember, but despite my better judgement I enjoyed the read immensely. In fact, I enjoyed it much so I would have rated it 5 stars, however, as a friend kindly reminded me, this would reflect a very badly on my reputation so I’m afraid 4 stars it is.
Now, if only I had access to the Scoundrels Tobacconist, as I now find myself in much need of one their Flustered Floozies; an appropriate blend of burnt Virginian looseleaf and lavender buds, with a pinch of cyanide just before the filter - perfect for once respectable ladies to hang their head in shame.
September 21, 2018
I couldn't stop laughing through this apart from when I was nearly sick on the bus as I read the Wimbledon chapters.
These books are genuinely such an enjoyable, fun, and clever read and I am SO glad there is a third coming.
These books are genuinely such an enjoyable, fun, and clever read and I am SO glad there is a third coming.
October 21, 2018
I enjoyed this second volume of Scoundrels even more than the first, about which I had some reservations. In Volume 2, the gross humour and absurdity is all still there but toned down a couple of notches most of the time, which to me made it a rather funnier parody of those Ripping Yarns of effortlessly gifted posh boys saving the world.
The plot...well, the plot is bonkers as our two heroes go on various “undertakings” for the club throughout the late 50s and the 60s, but it sort of hangs together, though, as they attempt to save the world from arch-villain Hansclapp. It makes for very entertaining reading which made me laugh out loud several times as they become absurdly embroiled in major (sorry) world events, with Hollywood stars and even in the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Championship. It’s full of sexual and genitally-based humour and some of it (like the wedding photos) is just shameless schoolboy innuendo, so be warned – the more sensitive reader may find it crude and offensive. Personally, though, I found it well done enough to make me laugh rather than cringe. There are some very funny and innocent jokes, too (including a fine running gag about cigarettes), plus some rather touching events as well, so there’s a good deal more to it than just somewhat gross knockabout humour.
This may not be an immortal comedy classic, but I enjoyed it very much so I’ve rounded 4.5 stars up to 5. If it sounds like your sort of thing, do give it a try. I was a bit sceptical before I read Scoundrels, but found it a really amusing read and I can recommend it warmly.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
The plot...well, the plot is bonkers as our two heroes go on various “undertakings” for the club throughout the late 50s and the 60s, but it sort of hangs together, though, as they attempt to save the world from arch-villain Hansclapp. It makes for very entertaining reading which made me laugh out loud several times as they become absurdly embroiled in major (sorry) world events, with Hollywood stars and even in the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Championship. It’s full of sexual and genitally-based humour and some of it (like the wedding photos) is just shameless schoolboy innuendo, so be warned – the more sensitive reader may find it crude and offensive. Personally, though, I found it well done enough to make me laugh rather than cringe. There are some very funny and innocent jokes, too (including a fine running gag about cigarettes), plus some rather touching events as well, so there’s a good deal more to it than just somewhat gross knockabout humour.
This may not be an immortal comedy classic, but I enjoyed it very much so I’ve rounded 4.5 stars up to 5. If it sounds like your sort of thing, do give it a try. I was a bit sceptical before I read Scoundrels, but found it a really amusing read and I can recommend it warmly.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
September 8, 2018
I agree with other reviewers, just like with some films the sequels are better than the first. That is certainly the case here, I thoroughly enjoyed the first Scoundrels book and have been very much looking forward to this book ever since. It certainly lived up to my expectations, the only downside for me is I want the third installment now...
I found the first book had more laughs for me, though I did find this one funny, perhaps the first one seemed funnier because I didn't know what to expect. That tobacconist does seem to have something for every occasion...
This second installment I thought was more polished and the story was excellent, the book as a whole flowed much better. I loved the speech and if I ever am a best man I will certainly be stealing a few lines and never look at a gorilla the same way again, poor Sinjun haha.
I found the first book had more laughs for me, though I did find this one funny, perhaps the first one seemed funnier because I didn't know what to expect. That tobacconist does seem to have something for every occasion...
This second installment I thought was more polished and the story was excellent, the book as a whole flowed much better. I loved the speech and if I ever am a best man I will certainly be stealing a few lines and never look at a gorilla the same way again, poor Sinjun haha.
September 5, 2018
It's widely held that follow-ups are rarely as good as thier originals, and that's exactly the case here.
It's better.
You will laugh and laugh and laugh. Straight up, it's the funniest thing you'll read, and an absolute BELTER of a second book. For a day and a half I read it during every opportunity I had. Hell, I even took the thing to work. I've read it twice now, and I'm driving my girlfriend crazy with my newly-assumed affectations of what Messrs Cornwall and Trevelyan would say in everyday circumstances I find myself in. To say that I've become a fan is something of an understatement! I really enjoyed the first book, couldn't wait for this one and now yearn for the third (I hear rumours) and then of course the Hollywood blockbuster and massive recognition the authors so deserve!
Buy a copy. Tell your friends to buy one. Tell your boss and his secretary to buy one. Tell anyone you know who's thinking about what he's going to say for his Best Man's speech to buy one. Tell everyone, and none will be disappointed, even if they're a mountain gorilla.
It's better.
You will laugh and laugh and laugh. Straight up, it's the funniest thing you'll read, and an absolute BELTER of a second book. For a day and a half I read it during every opportunity I had. Hell, I even took the thing to work. I've read it twice now, and I'm driving my girlfriend crazy with my newly-assumed affectations of what Messrs Cornwall and Trevelyan would say in everyday circumstances I find myself in. To say that I've become a fan is something of an understatement! I really enjoyed the first book, couldn't wait for this one and now yearn for the third (I hear rumours) and then of course the Hollywood blockbuster and massive recognition the authors so deserve!
Buy a copy. Tell your friends to buy one. Tell your boss and his secretary to buy one. Tell anyone you know who's thinking about what he's going to say for his Best Man's speech to buy one. Tell everyone, and none will be disappointed, even if they're a mountain gorilla.
September 27, 2019
Thank you to the authors, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my candid review.
This book is the second of three in a series of books about two crusty, over the top, psuedo wanna be James Bonds that sound a great deal more like Benny Hill. These two old codgers have been living in their familial estates under house arrest when they decide to write their memoirs. The story is related as a running written commentary between the two relating their hilarious, over the top adventures in unedited, raunchy detail. If you love tall tales, revisionist history all told in infantile humor prose, then you will love these books.
I can't wait to read the final installment.!
This book is the second of three in a series of books about two crusty, over the top, psuedo wanna be James Bonds that sound a great deal more like Benny Hill. These two old codgers have been living in their familial estates under house arrest when they decide to write their memoirs. The story is related as a running written commentary between the two relating their hilarious, over the top adventures in unedited, raunchy detail. If you love tall tales, revisionist history all told in infantile humor prose, then you will love these books.
I can't wait to read the final installment.!
May 1, 2022
Second volume in the Scoundrels trilogy, which is just as funny as the first book. Laugh out loud humour, the stories are so well described yet so unbelievable they almost take on a made up fantasy level to them. Same mischief had like the first one, just a decade or two ahead of time. The camaraderie between the two Majors is my favourite part. The way they both dig at each other and the silent competitiveness is simply great. These books are fantastic. I’m currently reading volume 3 but will be sad once it’s concluded. Can’t recommend enough.
September 5, 2018
I was delighted to see this sequel on the shelves of Waterstones. I thought it might be a little bit rushed, as the first book was only out last year, but it is absolutely brilliant, even better than the first volume. The Majors are still in fine form, but there is far more of a proper novel structure, and some pretty enervating new characters, including the fabulous Marjorie, who is a complete game-changer. I smashed through it in two days, and, like the Jack Reacher novels, I'm hoping this is going to become an annual treat. Fantastic.
September 6, 2018
Really really funny. Very very clever. Entirely daft. Loved it
September 6, 2018
Hilarious and stupid, perfect sequel for this ridiculous series.
February 21, 2019
Captures the true essence of life.
Brilliant.
Brilliant.
September 3, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of the Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp
What a treat - read it in two days - I needed to know what was next - real page turner. Loved all the escapades and scrapes the Scoundrels (VC and MStJT ) get into - some more gentle aspects in this Volume too ! - very interesting development - are the Scoundrels showing more emotion? - hilarious episodes and so many 'laugh out loud' moments - Titus an amusing addition - and Africa - and Wimbledon - can't tell anymore might give too much away - just brilliant - What about Vol III
What a treat - read it in two days - I needed to know what was next - real page turner. Loved all the escapades and scrapes the Scoundrels (VC and MStJT ) get into - some more gentle aspects in this Volume too ! - very interesting development - are the Scoundrels showing more emotion? - hilarious episodes and so many 'laugh out loud' moments - Titus an amusing addition - and Africa - and Wimbledon - can't tell anymore might give too much away - just brilliant - What about Vol III
August 29, 2018
Godfather, Aliens, two examples of the very small world where the sequel is better than the original. Given the first book was like Flashman without the morals, was utterly brilliant and was made required reading for any of my new recruits, this was always going to be a challenge). Fortunately this book joins the club easily - wonderfully written, plot twists that would leave Machiavelli scratching his head and characters and events that will stick in your mind (particularly the episode at Wimbledon). One of the most enjoyable reads I have had, can't recommend it enough
September 17, 2018
Non-Brit here. It's funnier than Flashman, though possibly less time was spent on research, and filthier than something really filthy. John Le Carre wishes he'd written the Stasi Christmas party scene. No publication date yet for Volume 3, sadly. I'm hoping the authors end up having to produce endless prequels and sequels to satisfy the fans.
September 13, 2018
Gimme Five.
Another rip roaring instalment from the amazing lives of Majors Cornwall and Trevelyan.
I laughed, I cringed, and I came to dislike Hansclapp even more. And somehow I discovered that my allegiances had changed and I now have a new favourite Major!
Another rip roaring instalment from the amazing lives of Majors Cornwall and Trevelyan.
I laughed, I cringed, and I came to dislike Hansclapp even more. And somehow I discovered that my allegiances had changed and I now have a new favourite Major!
August 26, 2018
Nailed this in a long afternoon. Super ridiculous, even funnier than the first one. The Majors are a bit older but absolutely no wiser at all- but this time around, as well as having loads of the usual ridiculous adventures (memorably, the Stasi Christmas office party and a beyond nuts episode on the Orient Express) they start families. This second book is better written than the first and there is a proper structure to it, and the ending really clobbered me. When is the third one out?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2018
Review originally published here: joyfulantidotes.com/2018/10/22/book-r...
Many would say that a sequel can never be as good as the first, but I enjoyed the frivolities of Cornwall and Trevelyan much more this time around. It may possibly be the fact that I was returning to old friends but in reality, I think the craft of this volume was more precise than the last.
Firstly, I felt like there was a stronger plot. I guess a lot of the first volume was spent introducing the reader to the characters and building up an idea of who they are as people, what the Scoundrels club is and the mayhem they would get up to there. Now that I’m familiar with Cornwall and Trevelyan, there was a lot more concentration on their quest to bring down Hansclapp and I really enjoyed that.
That’s not to say I didn’t learn more about the main characters or that they didn’t evolve. For those of you who have read volume one, you will remember the constant bitching between Cornwall and Trevelyan. While there is a little of that at the start, through their memoirs and correspondence to each other, it is easy to see how much they grew to love and respect one another. A stronger sense of teamwork is apparent and it gives a softer edge to the story.
Actually, we see much more emotion from Cornwall and Trevelyan in this book than what they felt for each other. Volume two is where many relationships are built. These include adoptive daughters, wives and, well, Titus. I’m bursting to tell you more but I think it is best if you just learn of these relationships yourself. Keep a special eye out for Titus.
Finally, I found this volume of Scoundrels less crude than the first. I’m not sure if it really is. I could just have lowered my line of acceptance (not sure what that says about me). Fret not, though! This story is every bit as outrageous and funny as the first and if you came back looking for a right ol’ giggle, you won’t be disappointed.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many would say that a sequel can never be as good as the first, but I enjoyed the frivolities of Cornwall and Trevelyan much more this time around. It may possibly be the fact that I was returning to old friends but in reality, I think the craft of this volume was more precise than the last.
Firstly, I felt like there was a stronger plot. I guess a lot of the first volume was spent introducing the reader to the characters and building up an idea of who they are as people, what the Scoundrels club is and the mayhem they would get up to there. Now that I’m familiar with Cornwall and Trevelyan, there was a lot more concentration on their quest to bring down Hansclapp and I really enjoyed that.
That’s not to say I didn’t learn more about the main characters or that they didn’t evolve. For those of you who have read volume one, you will remember the constant bitching between Cornwall and Trevelyan. While there is a little of that at the start, through their memoirs and correspondence to each other, it is easy to see how much they grew to love and respect one another. A stronger sense of teamwork is apparent and it gives a softer edge to the story.
Actually, we see much more emotion from Cornwall and Trevelyan in this book than what they felt for each other. Volume two is where many relationships are built. These include adoptive daughters, wives and, well, Titus. I’m bursting to tell you more but I think it is best if you just learn of these relationships yourself. Keep a special eye out for Titus.
Finally, I found this volume of Scoundrels less crude than the first. I’m not sure if it really is. I could just have lowered my line of acceptance (not sure what that says about me). Fret not, though! This story is every bit as outrageous and funny as the first and if you came back looking for a right ol’ giggle, you won’t be disappointed.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2018
It took the majority of the summer months to recover from the experience of the first volume of the Majors' memoirs. Fortunately the laughter induced hiatus hernia resolved itself and I found myself fit and well to start working through the second volume; once various legal disputes were resolved and the papers published, of course.
The Hunt for Handsclapp is just as fast paced as the first volume and is filled with Peril and Intrigue - as you would expect from the memoirs of such Gentlemen as Major's Cornwall and Trevelyan.
It is a real pleasure to learn more of their families and see how such experts deal with the machinations of a nemesis such as Gruber Handsclapp.
The Hunt for Handsclapp is just as fast paced as the first volume and is filled with Peril and Intrigue - as you would expect from the memoirs of such Gentlemen as Major's Cornwall and Trevelyan.
It is a real pleasure to learn more of their families and see how such experts deal with the machinations of a nemesis such as Gruber Handsclapp.
April 21, 2021
Take Lord Flasheart, add a bit of Bond, a touch of the Kingsmen and finish with the arrogance of Flashman, and you’re some way towards describing Majors Cornwall and Trevelyan. This sequel is just as entertaining as the original, but also manages to bring some genuine pathos to bear alongside the brawls and banter.
Strangely, the writing reminds me of Steven King, in that I devoured chapter after chapter without ever getting hung up on an awkward phrase or simile - the prose just flows effortlessly and means I could focus on the plot and the genuinely funny inappropriateness of the lead characters.
Absolutely recommended!
Strangely, the writing reminds me of Steven King, in that I devoured chapter after chapter without ever getting hung up on an awkward phrase or simile - the prose just flows effortlessly and means I could focus on the plot and the genuinely funny inappropriateness of the lead characters.
Absolutely recommended!
November 4, 2018
More outrageous, outlandish, and absurd than the first book in the series, yet THE HUNT FOR HANSCLAPP also manages to up the drama and heartbreak with the introductions of Anais and Titus to the cast.
Was a little disappointed with the use of the F- and C-bombs (used sparingly) as I guess I think of those words as being more American than British (and totally unnecessary either way).
Congratulations, however, for the correct usage of chaise longue!
Recommended!
I received a copy of this book from Farrago through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Was a little disappointed with the use of the F- and C-bombs (used sparingly) as I guess I think of those words as being more American than British (and totally unnecessary either way).
Congratulations, however, for the correct usage of chaise longue!
Recommended!
I received a copy of this book from Farrago through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2018
I confess that I was only able to read about a quarter of the book when it was snatched away by Number One Son who alleges that he will read parts of it to his out of town brothers when they come for the holidays. I made the mistake of reading it while he was here fixing something and I read parts of it aloud. He said he couldn't understand it because I was cackling so much, so he absconded with it! Guess that says it all!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Farrago/Black Door Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Farrago/Black Door Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
January 3, 2022
The laughter continues…
After reading the first in this series, I knew what was coming (happily so!). Majors Cornwall and Trevelyan’s adventures were legendary – at least in their own minds – yet I can’t help but agree. Full of mis-adventure and high hilarity, their capers were full of action and comic relief. I’m not sure what wins out in the end, other than me (as the reader) who gets to live each moment again with them.
Pause any thought of political correctness and be prepared to laugh. And laugh some more…
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley
After reading the first in this series, I knew what was coming (happily so!). Majors Cornwall and Trevelyan’s adventures were legendary – at least in their own minds – yet I can’t help but agree. Full of mis-adventure and high hilarity, their capers were full of action and comic relief. I’m not sure what wins out in the end, other than me (as the reader) who gets to live each moment again with them.
Pause any thought of political correctness and be prepared to laugh. And laugh some more…
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley
October 22, 2018
Well worth the wait - the pace and brilliantly sophisticated humour easily matched the previous volume whilst reminding me of what I found so original and loved from the first volume - it left me thinking that if there isn't a third volume then that sucks rats cocks.
Yet again there was something for everyone with a well developed and broad sense of humour. If you don't like this volume then clearly you should go and lick a scabby cat to improve your palette.
Yet again there was something for everyone with a well developed and broad sense of humour. If you don't like this volume then clearly you should go and lick a scabby cat to improve your palette.
November 30, 2018
Cornwall and Trevelyan continue to tell their version of how they remember their story. It is done it a satirical format as they goad each other into never forgetting Hansclap, their nemesis, or the reasons why they have done all these things throughout their lives. It is a rather interesting, and intimate look at some historical events and shed light on how they might have been covered up by different governments or persons.
July 5, 2023
It just gets funnier in episode 2! Absolutely bonkers, decadent, chaotic and funny on every page.
There's more narrative complexity and emotion in this one - it's definitely much closer to a traditional thriller than the first Scoundrels book - but the authors haven't compromised on laughs.
It's so well written - little jokes sneak up on you when you least expect them - it's such a rich and entertaining world that these guys have created. Can't wait to read episode 3.
There's more narrative complexity and emotion in this one - it's definitely much closer to a traditional thriller than the first Scoundrels book - but the authors haven't compromised on laughs.
It's so well written - little jokes sneak up on you when you least expect them - it's such a rich and entertaining world that these guys have created. Can't wait to read episode 3.
October 1, 2018
I think I actually enjoyed this more than the first. I love the gym description and I wish I could taste that Turkish fungus bread, yum! I genuinely laugh out loud while reading these (in my rhino-skin leather armchair and polar bear fur slippers by the fireplace at the Club, with the "demented pulp" blend in my cigarette holder).
October 21, 2018
Well, after enjoying...well lets say I had difficulties to stay calm and serious in public while reading this one. It is even funnier than the first instalment. Well done, you made me look like a nut case in public transport because I was bursting with laughter with no obvious reason... Can't wait to read the next one.
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