A Fistful Of Collars

by Mark Farrer

Is Conrad tailor-made for success… or set to become a fashion victim? Conrad Ho has designs on a new type of haute couture but needs funds, quickly. He runs up a plan to kidnap Tuppence, the beautiful wife of a famous footballer, unaware that her hot-under-the-collar husband has hired a hitman to ensure she goes out in style. When Cullen stumbles on the kidnapper’s den and threads Tuppence away to Big Paul’s care, Conrad’s made-to-measure plan starts to unravel. And once Cullen learns Conrad has damaged something very dear to him, the dye is cast. Can Conrad trend during London Fashion Week or twill it all end in tears? Can Big Paul keep Tuppence safe from the hitman who is, frankly, crepe? As the plot strands of this breakneck comedy weave gloriously together, the cast of misfits, losers and idiots wool leave you in stitches. For Cullen, sew it seams, Conrad’s plight is entirely im-material. The third book in the Cullen and Big Paul series, a criminally funny collection of novels and novellas. Each of the books is a standalone story and they can be read in any order.

Genres: Fiction

410 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

Reviews

[Claire France · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fistful of Collars is engaging, funny and easy to read. The entwined plot threads held my attention and prompted an array of responses including laughter, compassion, curiosity and periodic distaste.

What I love about Mark’s books is the vibrant buoyancy with which a well woven tale romps through a world I know nothing about, in this case fashion and textiles, entertaining boldly and educating by stealth.

A fun read for the days when you just don’t want to take life too seriously.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

Right! Hands up anyone who would like to hear a story which, in subtle/hidden humour, surrounds the fashion industry and contains two damsels in distress (designer, model), a dope-crazy husband, two amateur villains (jealous designer, kidnapper and sidekick), a novice priest/minister and a (peeved) hero drifter and sidekick. All those with their hands up, put them down, reach into your wallet/purse and buy this book.

The reason I like this book - and the others by this author - is that he spends time developing the background scenario of both the characters and storyline. He doesn't try to cram the description/s all into the first 20-30 pages, and then rush you straight into the story. He also sticks to the story rather than sidestep with words/paragraphs that are only page-fillers. There is also a Postscript at the end of each of the author's books that tie up all the loose-ends of the characters consequences.

I've read all of this author's books and they are all excellent. They all involve the central character Cullen (the drifter) and, so far, his friend Paul. They can be read stand-alone or in sequence of publication. For no reason I can put my finger on, this is my favourite so far. [NB. Do take into account that the books concern the Scottish Border area, and some words/slang may not be familiar to some readers. Don't be too wary of this, and don't let it affect your reviews]

Highly recommend this book, along with all the others by this author.

[Mike McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very funny book that made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.

Well written with some great, mostly incompetent, characters that I enjoyed.
As with Mr Farrer's first book the plot was complex and intricate with many amusing, and in some cases surprising, turns.
Have already recommended it to friends who I think would appreciate this type of humour.
Will definitely read his "Dirty Barry" in the near future.
For some reason,all his book titles have a familiar ring to them!

[Ivana Oltovska · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it

[Mrs. Moira McGeough · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book because I read and enjoyed Where Seagulls Dare, it did not live up to expectations. Parts of it were funny, but the whole thing was too chaotic, disjointed and really not credible even in the realms of fiction. I could have done without full details of some of the less salubrious characters sexual activities too!

[Jase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book for me from this author, and a great improvement on the first book. The writing was much tighter, better flow to the narrative, no obvious fillers. Yes it gets the same star rating here, but it’s a 3.25, rather than a rounded up 2.5.

Far more presence from Cullen, which gave a more rounded character, and introduces a back story for him. I appreciated the humour in this book, a bit more discrete, a bit darker in parts. Yes there were too many coincidences than there should have been, but hey, I enjoyed the book.

[GRAHAM FERGUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good or funny as the first book

It is entertaining but not as much as Where Seagulls Dare. There are too many unsympathetic and frankly horrible characters and the story is a bit disjointed. A reasonable effort but not up to previous efforts.

[Vanessa Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to read

[Aaron Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a comedy of criminal errors perpetuated by amateur criminals (one hitman and a pair of wannabe kidnappers) in their separate criminal endeavours, that share the same human target. A Fistful of Collars is the second novel in Farrer's series following the drifter-hero Cullen and his gentle giant sidekick Big Paul. Within the background of this story Farrer lays clues for the reader into Cullen's tortured and mysterious past. The story is an enjoyable read with a balanced mix of humour, mystery and action.