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Beyond Kidding
JUST ONE LITTLE LIE CAN HAVE LIFE-CHANGING CONSEQUENCES.
When Robert (or Kidder, as he’s known to his best friend) decides to impress at a job interview by making up a son, he discovers that maintaining the lie is far harder than he thought – so he invents a story that his imaginary child has been kidnapped. After all, it's not like they're going to find the fake boy.
But a few weeks later, Kidder receives a call to collect his non-existent son from the police station, a boy who looks exactly like the picture he photoshopped. Afraid to come clean, Kidder takes the boy home. And that’s where the trouble starts…
Beyond Kidding is a darkly humorous, genre-bending work of sci-fi. Lynda Clark is a new talent to discover for lovers of Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Coupland and Black Mirror.
When Robert (or Kidder, as he’s known to his best friend) decides to impress at a job interview by making up a son, he discovers that maintaining the lie is far harder than he thought – so he invents a story that his imaginary child has been kidnapped. After all, it's not like they're going to find the fake boy.
But a few weeks later, Kidder receives a call to collect his non-existent son from the police station, a boy who looks exactly like the picture he photoshopped. Afraid to come clean, Kidder takes the boy home. And that’s where the trouble starts…
Beyond Kidding is a darkly humorous, genre-bending work of sci-fi. Lynda Clark is a new talent to discover for lovers of Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Coupland and Black Mirror.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2019
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 18, 2019
Wow!
Where do I begin!?
How do I describe this book without putting you off? Sex, swearing, dysfunctional relationships and a completely ridiculous storyline but it just works perfectly!
100% this won’t be for everybody but I am bowled over and loved every chapter - even that ending which I cannot discuss and haven’t yet dealt with in my head 🙈
Rob works in a sex shop with his best friend bummer. Yes you heard that correct, bummer. - Rob decides that he wants more from his life and takes up a job in an office where, to make himself sound interesting he invents himself a son. (As you do!) Things spiral out of control and just when things can’t get any worse his son is found and returned to him. Yup, again you heard correctly. His invented son is returned to him looking exactly as the photoshopped pictures.
I’ll freely admit that the first couple of chapters were touch and go whether I should continue but I’m so very glad I did. Once I got into the writing style I was hooked. Funny, engaging and that bloody ending!
An impossible story told in such a way that I believed every second! One of my favourite books of the year 🥰
*goes to see if Lynda Clark has written anything else*
Where do I begin!?
How do I describe this book without putting you off? Sex, swearing, dysfunctional relationships and a completely ridiculous storyline but it just works perfectly!
100% this won’t be for everybody but I am bowled over and loved every chapter - even that ending which I cannot discuss and haven’t yet dealt with in my head 🙈
Rob works in a sex shop with his best friend bummer. Yes you heard that correct, bummer. - Rob decides that he wants more from his life and takes up a job in an office where, to make himself sound interesting he invents himself a son. (As you do!) Things spiral out of control and just when things can’t get any worse his son is found and returned to him. Yup, again you heard correctly. His invented son is returned to him looking exactly as the photoshopped pictures.
I’ll freely admit that the first couple of chapters were touch and go whether I should continue but I’m so very glad I did. Once I got into the writing style I was hooked. Funny, engaging and that bloody ending!
An impossible story told in such a way that I believed every second! One of my favourite books of the year 🥰
*goes to see if Lynda Clark has written anything else*
February 27, 2020
This is an excellent book. Very funny and endearing in its characterisation.
The plot develops in ways you don't expect, and its conclusion makes perfect sense - in a way that it might have spiraled out of control in less adept hands.
I read it in just over 24 hours because I couldn't put it down - I kept wanting to see what happened next.
Excellent stuff.
The plot develops in ways you don't expect, and its conclusion makes perfect sense - in a way that it might have spiraled out of control in less adept hands.
I read it in just over 24 hours because I couldn't put it down - I kept wanting to see what happened next.
Excellent stuff.
October 28, 2019
When is the next book out? Loved this bonkers story. Loved the mystery of it- and dare I say the Sci Fi elements.
July 6, 2025
Beyond Kidding
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was kindly gifted this book by Fairlight Books, and was so intrigued by the blurb…I then went on to DEVOUR this book in 3.5 hours on the plane; read on to figure out why.
Robert is doing all that he can to fit in at work; to impress his new boss and colleagues, he invents a son that doesn’t exist. Learning the lie is hard to keep up, he invents a story that his son “Brodie” has been kidnapped…it’s not like they will find him after all. But, a few weeks later, Robert gets a call that his nonexistent son has been found, and appears exactly like the images photoshopped by Robert…
WHAT?!! This book had me hooked and so on edge! I loved the way this was written and the story was woven between the ‘current’ conversation between Robert and his colleague, the ‘before’ and the events that took place and how Robert begins to falsify the story, and the shocking turn of events that take place after the boy is found.
There is so much detail put into the plot, characters and timing of it all. Robert is a savagely real human; he has a great sense of humour, plenty of self deprecating humour, and a load of problems he tries his best to avoid. The foreboding sense of doom that builds as he tells his story and the facepalm/wtf moments were truly amazing.
The ending had my jaw on the floor, and can say hands down I NEVER saw it going that way, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up!
A great Sci-Fi/Thriller to add to your TBR!
-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was kindly gifted this book by Fairlight Books, and was so intrigued by the blurb…I then went on to DEVOUR this book in 3.5 hours on the plane; read on to figure out why.
Robert is doing all that he can to fit in at work; to impress his new boss and colleagues, he invents a son that doesn’t exist. Learning the lie is hard to keep up, he invents a story that his son “Brodie” has been kidnapped…it’s not like they will find him after all. But, a few weeks later, Robert gets a call that his nonexistent son has been found, and appears exactly like the images photoshopped by Robert…
WHAT?!! This book had me hooked and so on edge! I loved the way this was written and the story was woven between the ‘current’ conversation between Robert and his colleague, the ‘before’ and the events that took place and how Robert begins to falsify the story, and the shocking turn of events that take place after the boy is found.
There is so much detail put into the plot, characters and timing of it all. Robert is a savagely real human; he has a great sense of humour, plenty of self deprecating humour, and a load of problems he tries his best to avoid. The foreboding sense of doom that builds as he tells his story and the facepalm/wtf moments were truly amazing.
The ending had my jaw on the floor, and can say hands down I NEVER saw it going that way, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up!
A great Sci-Fi/Thriller to add to your TBR!
-
July 26, 2021
At least two reviews described Rob, the protagonist in Beyond Kidding, as 'feckless' and I agree lol. I would like to add gormless to the mix. Never have I sat through a whole novel where I cringed at everything the protagonist did. The one thing that kept me going was morbid curiosity of what more asshole things he can do.
His characterisation is spot on, especially It's really funny too because throughout the book his lack of awareness somehow gets stronger with each incident where he faces the consequences of his own actions.
The plot caught my eye right away and it didn't disappoint. Fun casual flick through for the night.
His characterisation is spot on, especially It's really funny too because throughout the book his lack of awareness somehow gets stronger with each incident where he faces the consequences of his own actions.
The plot caught my eye right away and it didn't disappoint. Fun casual flick through for the night.
October 21, 2023
I don't usually like stories with fantasy elements, but this one was witty and well-written with a clear and interesting emotional heart. Several years after graduating from university and working in a sex shop, Rob drifts into a desire to be a legitimate adult. So he gets a new job and lies about having a son. Then he makes up a story about how his 7-year-old son is kidnapped, when the police bring him a child who looks just like the doctored photo of himself he mocked up. Despite the gaming and the aliens, this is a story about a young man's desire for childrearing and care-taking.
October 20, 2019
Beyond Kidding by Lynda Clark is the weirdest, craziest book I’ve read this year or maybe ever.
Robert Buckland works in a sex shop with his best friend, Bummer. After years of working there he realizes he has to move on, find a new job so he applies to an office job. But something seizes him and he says he has a son. His name is Brodie. Rob imagines a whole life for them. But when his boss wants to meet with Brodie, Rob says he can’t because Brodie is missing. Rob agrees to do public appeals and everything to keep up with his lie. And then the unthinkable happens. He gets a call that his son was found. But Brodie doesn’t exist.
How could I not want to read this book? I had to know what will happen, how Brodie came to be real.
The characters felt so real even in a situation that was everything but realistic. The ending was kind of unsatisfying so I hope there will be a sequel or something because I want to know what happens next.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
Robert Buckland works in a sex shop with his best friend, Bummer. After years of working there he realizes he has to move on, find a new job so he applies to an office job. But something seizes him and he says he has a son. His name is Brodie. Rob imagines a whole life for them. But when his boss wants to meet with Brodie, Rob says he can’t because Brodie is missing. Rob agrees to do public appeals and everything to keep up with his lie. And then the unthinkable happens. He gets a call that his son was found. But Brodie doesn’t exist.
How could I not want to read this book? I had to know what will happen, how Brodie came to be real.
The characters felt so real even in a situation that was everything but realistic. The ending was kind of unsatisfying so I hope there will be a sequel or something because I want to know what happens next.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
May 10, 2020
This book gets weird and I kind of like it!
We meet 2 lazy, dysfunctional guys, Rob and Bummer, working in an adult shop ‘the Empornium’. I heard someone described them as “feckless” which is pretty spot on 😂. Rob is apathetic, sees everything as shit, and blames everyone else for his dumbass behaviour.
Rob decides to try for a ‘normal’ job, but during the interview he panics and lies about having a son. He gets the job and the lie spirals, becoming more and more elaborate (complete with photoshopped photo of the fake kid) until it’s unsustainable - so Rob does what every sane person would do and reports the fake kid missing. Aaaand then the kid appears.
This book has major Bodysnatchers vibes, as everyone apart from Rob has memories of this kid being real. Rob is so dysfunctional, you start to wonder - is he losing it? Have everyone’s memories been erased? Is it a parallel dimension? Are they clones?
This book keeps you guessing all the way through. There’s a great twist ending which I loved, it’s unusual and original.
I also appreciate the dark comedy and dry British humour in this book. There are some great insults in there too (I’ve put some of them into my highlights if you want to check them out) which made me laugh. -
If you’re looking for something bizarre, funny and a bit different in new Sci-Fi, I definitely recommend you check this out!
(#gifted)
We meet 2 lazy, dysfunctional guys, Rob and Bummer, working in an adult shop ‘the Empornium’. I heard someone described them as “feckless” which is pretty spot on 😂. Rob is apathetic, sees everything as shit, and blames everyone else for his dumbass behaviour.
Rob decides to try for a ‘normal’ job, but during the interview he panics and lies about having a son. He gets the job and the lie spirals, becoming more and more elaborate (complete with photoshopped photo of the fake kid) until it’s unsustainable - so Rob does what every sane person would do and reports the fake kid missing. Aaaand then the kid appears.
This book has major Bodysnatchers vibes, as everyone apart from Rob has memories of this kid being real. Rob is so dysfunctional, you start to wonder - is he losing it? Have everyone’s memories been erased? Is it a parallel dimension? Are they clones?
This book keeps you guessing all the way through. There’s a great twist ending which I loved, it’s unusual and original.
I also appreciate the dark comedy and dry British humour in this book. There are some great insults in there too (I’ve put some of them into my highlights if you want to check them out) which made me laugh. -
If you’re looking for something bizarre, funny and a bit different in new Sci-Fi, I definitely recommend you check this out!
(#gifted)
July 9, 2025
This was an interesting book because of its unique storyline: Robert invents a son to impress during a job interview. He then claims that the boy, Brodie, has been kidnapped—but weeks later, Robert receives a call to collect the son he never actually had.
This book is weird — in a good way.
The story is funny in a dark, awkward kind of way. Rob’s inner thoughts are full of sarcasm and self-doubt, and his life feels like it’s falling apart in slow motion. The humor is definitely strange (lots of cat snot and awkward moments), but it works. It made me laugh and also feel kind of sad for him at the same time.
The writing is clever but not too fancy. It moves quickly,and the characters are memorable and feel real, even when things around them don’t.
It reads like a genre-bending mix of speculative fiction, dark comedy, and psychological drama. Grounded in modern life but teetering just off the edge of sanity.
This book is weird — in a good way.
The story is funny in a dark, awkward kind of way. Rob’s inner thoughts are full of sarcasm and self-doubt, and his life feels like it’s falling apart in slow motion. The humor is definitely strange (lots of cat snot and awkward moments), but it works. It made me laugh and also feel kind of sad for him at the same time.
The writing is clever but not too fancy. It moves quickly,and the characters are memorable and feel real, even when things around them don’t.
It reads like a genre-bending mix of speculative fiction, dark comedy, and psychological drama. Grounded in modern life but teetering just off the edge of sanity.
August 31, 2022
3.5 *
This was a fun book. It's told in a rough-around-the-edges tone, it has some dirt, grit, a lot of cheek. The character voice was consistent throughout, and there was a great pacing to the book. Very easy to pick up and whiz through. Some of the characters landed, others were a bit cliche and hollow, as were their interactions. Rob was likeable, however, in all his messiness, but then I do like a messy character. It held up to its premise, which often I find books with wild premises fail to do. The twist...I'm torn. Part of me finds it a bit lazy: 'because aliens', almost like a cop-out, but I also like the Adams-esque casualness of it, and the fun it added to the tale. Regardless of this, the story itself ended in a satisfying, circular type way. I'll deffo be coming back for more this author has to offer.
This was a fun book. It's told in a rough-around-the-edges tone, it has some dirt, grit, a lot of cheek. The character voice was consistent throughout, and there was a great pacing to the book. Very easy to pick up and whiz through. Some of the characters landed, others were a bit cliche and hollow, as were their interactions. Rob was likeable, however, in all his messiness, but then I do like a messy character. It held up to its premise, which often I find books with wild premises fail to do. The twist...I'm torn. Part of me finds it a bit lazy: 'because aliens', almost like a cop-out, but I also like the Adams-esque casualness of it, and the fun it added to the tale. Regardless of this, the story itself ended in a satisfying, circular type way. I'll deffo be coming back for more this author has to offer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 27, 2020I haven't been able to finish this book, which bothers me but life is short and if I still haven't connected at page 130 what is the point.
I was expecting a thriller with a serious and thrilling tone but instead I found kind of a comedy? That wouldn't have been a problem, I usually am an open reader but I didn't like any of the characters and the main character is a bit obnoxious and a little sexist and I couldn't be bothered.
I got a copy from the editor through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting a thriller with a serious and thrilling tone but instead I found kind of a comedy? That wouldn't have been a problem, I usually am an open reader but I didn't like any of the characters and the main character is a bit obnoxious and a little sexist and I couldn't be bothered.
I got a copy from the editor through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2020
This was a cleverly told story, but I had a hard time getting wrapped up in it. I can see how others might love it, but I never got there with this one. I didn’t feel a close connection with the characters and I was turned off by some of the foul language and sexual situations.
Again, others will feel differently, I’m sure. I think the author is a very talented writer. Even though I didn’t love this particular story, I’ll definitely look for future releases from her.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair review.
Again, others will feel differently, I’m sure. I think the author is a very talented writer. Even though I didn’t love this particular story, I’ll definitely look for future releases from her.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair review.
January 18, 2021
This was really enjoyable. It was just the kind of un-put-down-able number I was looking for, and I binge-read it all in one glorious Sunday. The ending wasn’t where my brain wanted to go, but I definitely had to know how it was going to go!
A fantastic debut, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Lynda Clark’s work in the future. Thanks for such an enjoyable read, highly recommended.
A fantastic debut, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Lynda Clark’s work in the future. Thanks for such an enjoyable read, highly recommended.
February 27, 2022
A fun read, with working class characters that actually felt real. I enjoyed the story but felt it was a slow start, and a quick finish. I would recommend starting with the authors other book dreaming in quantum which I adored, however this is a nice easy to read and enjoyable sci-fi fiction tale, so I would also recommend this.
October 21, 2022
Rather slow, to be honest. A man fakes a kidnapping of a child he never had to avoid some other trouble, and then the child shows up. The story begins at the police station with the protagonist meeting his "son", who matches the fake photo and fake description in every way. Sounds like a good premise for soft science fiction but it didn't work for me.
December 31, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Beyond Kidding and, as with all good stories, I was sad to get to the end... More please 🙂
Best wishes for 2021 and I hope you take some solace from the joy you provided to me, and no doubt others, during these difficult days...
Lynda Clark - thank you!
Best wishes for 2021 and I hope you take some solace from the joy you provided to me, and no doubt others, during these difficult days...
Lynda Clark - thank you!
September 29, 2021
This song was a bit weird. I think it would make a good single episode TV show, but it didn't quite hit the mark. Or maybe it did and I just wasn't responsive, because it did evoke the confusion that someone would feel in this situation. Let's say it was OK.
April 30, 2023
On one hand, the plot is intriguing and writing style is easy to follow. On the other - the main character is very unlikable (although that might be on purpose to show the development) and the explanation (which is given in a single paragraph basically) is anticlimactic.
September 1, 2023
The book that got me back into reading after a year of college work ruining my progress, I liked the lead up, however I thought the turn out was too ridiculous, and it was too foreshadowed that it wasn't a surprising twist, and was just underwhelming.
September 2, 2021
Fascinating read. Funny and dark.
December 14, 2019
Beyond Kidding
Book Review | 📚📚📚1/2 3.5/5
Lynda Clark | Fairlight Books
This book, about a dad and his strange/estranged/stranger son, might all be based on a lie. The wild journey is what makes the twisted tale so much fun to read.
Publisher’s blurb for Beyond Kidding can be found here: https://www.fairlightbooks.co.uk/beyo...
Why I was interested in this book:
I enjoy quirky tales that contain red herrings, misguided steps, and lots of literary confusion. This sounded like a book I would enjoy.
My assessment:
Beyond Kidding is Lynda Clark’s first novel. It was a light-hearted and quick-page-turning story that kept my attention through the last past. While I had some difficulty following in some parts, it was well written and allowed for good empathy for each of the characters. The main story (a boy and his son) and the sub-stories (work, relationships, friendships and how they all intersect) were well developed. I do wish some of the relationships with women in his life were tighter – so many directions they could have gone, and probably should have gone, but did not fully materialize.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were tensions between characters that left me wanting more and that could have really led the reader down some intense rabbit holes within the story.
Stories of the human condition:
Because I don’t include spoilers, I won’t share too much detail, other than to say that the book really focused on two people: a father and a son. Whether trauma, divine intervention, deception, conspiracy or some other condition was used as a primary catalyst for the main character, there was tension and struggle – internal and external.
Ultimately, I liked the book, but feel like there were sub-plots and character relationships and personalities that could have been more strongly developed to make an even stronger and unified story.
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley(dot)com in exchange for an honest review. I would not have selected this book had I not been interested in it based on the description.
Read more of my reviews at https://tugglegrassblues.wordpress.com/.
TAGS:
#BeyondKidding #review-book #book review #FairlightBooks #LyndaCarter #TuggleGrassBlues #Tuggle Grass Reviews #TuggleGrassReviews #NetGalley
Book Review | 📚📚📚1/2 3.5/5
Lynda Clark | Fairlight Books
This book, about a dad and his strange/estranged/stranger son, might all be based on a lie. The wild journey is what makes the twisted tale so much fun to read.
Publisher’s blurb for Beyond Kidding can be found here: https://www.fairlightbooks.co.uk/beyo...
Why I was interested in this book:
I enjoy quirky tales that contain red herrings, misguided steps, and lots of literary confusion. This sounded like a book I would enjoy.
My assessment:
Beyond Kidding is Lynda Clark’s first novel. It was a light-hearted and quick-page-turning story that kept my attention through the last past. While I had some difficulty following in some parts, it was well written and allowed for good empathy for each of the characters. The main story (a boy and his son) and the sub-stories (work, relationships, friendships and how they all intersect) were well developed. I do wish some of the relationships with women in his life were tighter – so many directions they could have gone, and probably should have gone, but did not fully materialize.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were tensions between characters that left me wanting more and that could have really led the reader down some intense rabbit holes within the story.
Stories of the human condition:
Because I don’t include spoilers, I won’t share too much detail, other than to say that the book really focused on two people: a father and a son. Whether trauma, divine intervention, deception, conspiracy or some other condition was used as a primary catalyst for the main character, there was tension and struggle – internal and external.
Ultimately, I liked the book, but feel like there were sub-plots and character relationships and personalities that could have been more strongly developed to make an even stronger and unified story.
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley(dot)com in exchange for an honest review. I would not have selected this book had I not been interested in it based on the description.
Read more of my reviews at https://tugglegrassblues.wordpress.com/.
TAGS:
#BeyondKidding #review-book #book review #FairlightBooks #LyndaCarter #TuggleGrassBlues #Tuggle Grass Reviews #TuggleGrassReviews #NetGalley
October 17, 2019
Thanks to Fairlight Books for sending me this book. Free books are great, but it's better when they're actually good.
Rob works in the Empornium with his friend Bummer. Despite his name and profession Bummer is actually a great, hands on dad and Rob is jealous, or incredulous at least.
It's time to strike out on his own, because working in an adult shop is doing nothing for his love life. When Rob goes for an interview he panics and makes up a son to make him look mature. The only problem is prone want to meet this fake son.
He tells everyone the boy has been kidnapped, but those pesky do-gooders insist on going to the police. Shit. Now the police are looking for him and he's on TV appealing for his return. It's even more worrying when he actually turns up.
This book, despite being written by a woman, is about fatherhood. The fathers around Rob aren't exactly textbook and he doesn't know what to do with this podperson.
I loved it.
Rob works in the Empornium with his friend Bummer. Despite his name and profession Bummer is actually a great, hands on dad and Rob is jealous, or incredulous at least.
It's time to strike out on his own, because working in an adult shop is doing nothing for his love life. When Rob goes for an interview he panics and makes up a son to make him look mature. The only problem is prone want to meet this fake son.
He tells everyone the boy has been kidnapped, but those pesky do-gooders insist on going to the police. Shit. Now the police are looking for him and he's on TV appealing for his return. It's even more worrying when he actually turns up.
This book, despite being written by a woman, is about fatherhood. The fathers around Rob aren't exactly textbook and he doesn't know what to do with this podperson.
I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
Beyond Kidding is a uniquely comic story of Rob who to get a ‘normal’ job after working in his best friend’s sex shop, creates a son he never has who is then abducted as part of an ever-continuing lie. The problem gets worse when his made-up son is then found by the police.
Without revealing too much I can not recommend this book enough. I fully enjoyed the build-up to Rob’s spiraling lie and the effects it has on the people around him, especially his new workplace who take the search for his son as an opportunity to advertise the company.
I initially found the flashbacks in the first half of the book a little distracting but Lynda Clark becomes more confident with this type of storytelling as the book progresses, making it a more enjoyable read.
This is recommended for the story, the path the book leads us along and the genuinely funny joke about how to cope with a female customer returning a used sex toy for a refund.
This book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Without revealing too much I can not recommend this book enough. I fully enjoyed the build-up to Rob’s spiraling lie and the effects it has on the people around him, especially his new workplace who take the search for his son as an opportunity to advertise the company.
I initially found the flashbacks in the first half of the book a little distracting but Lynda Clark becomes more confident with this type of storytelling as the book progresses, making it a more enjoyable read.
This is recommended for the story, the path the book leads us along and the genuinely funny joke about how to cope with a female customer returning a used sex toy for a refund.
This book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review
January 13, 2020
Overall this book was excellent, characters were very funny and interesting, The way the plot develops in ways you don't expect, and its conclusion makes perfect sense
November 4, 2019
When Rob goes for a job interview and decides to embellish his life by inventing a son its the start of a slippery slope. In no time at all he's dug himself in so deep that when his boss tries to arrange a play date for their two sons he has to think on his feet. He announces his (make believe) son has been kidnapped, his firm puts out an appeal, the police get involved... Yup, digging himself deeper and deeper.
Rob gets a call from the police "we've found your son" - and they have. The made up boy, the child who doesn't exist, is sat in the police station waiting for 'daddy' to take him home. And it gets weirder - Rob's friends remember Brodie.
Is Rob going crazy? You'll have to read to find out 😜
Rob gets a call from the police "we've found your son" - and they have. The made up boy, the child who doesn't exist, is sat in the police station waiting for 'daddy' to take him home. And it gets weirder - Rob's friends remember Brodie.
Is Rob going crazy? You'll have to read to find out 😜
October 28, 2019
As much as I enjoy feckless heroes, I've never encountered one as spectacularly feckless as protagonist Rob Buckland. What kind of fool "invents" a son to get a better job? And then supplants that lie by announcing the boy has been kidnapped, and reporting it to the police? Well, this protagonist. From that out of the gate, how could I not race through the novel holding my breath?
Laden with humour and expressed in alternating third-person and first-person narrative, BEYOND KIDDING is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Laden with humour and expressed in alternating third-person and first-person narrative, BEYOND KIDDING is both hilarious and heartwarming.
October 30, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I did not like this book much. Though the premise seemed interesting, the actual book dragged quite a bit, I did not care for any of the characters or for the writing and I didn't find the ending satisfying at all.
There was a lot of unnecessary swearing and nothing kept me hooked, though there is a mystery. I only finished the book because it was very short.
Unfortunately, I did not like this book much. Though the premise seemed interesting, the actual book dragged quite a bit, I did not care for any of the characters or for the writing and I didn't find the ending satisfying at all.
There was a lot of unnecessary swearing and nothing kept me hooked, though there is a mystery. I only finished the book because it was very short.
November 2, 2019
This is a slow burner, don’t go into this story expecting answers partway through. It’s all about building the backstory, building the characters up. Building the tension to the point of; what the hell is going on? What is happening?
Did not expect that ending. I kind of knew that was where it was heading, but at the same time, it was still a surprise.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Publisher. Does not affect my review)
Did not expect that ending. I kind of knew that was where it was heading, but at the same time, it was still a surprise.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Publisher. Does not affect my review)
May 18, 2020
Well, I wasn't sure what to think when I started this book - it's all gone a bit wrong for the main character! Personally, I loved this book, it was fast paced, funny, a little romance and a lot of intrigue. Recommended for those looking for a fun semi sci-fi/body horror/mystery novel and I look forward to picking up what Lynda writes next.
October 18, 2019
A very entertaining story with some humor. Told with a nice style and with surprises along the way, this is a good read with an interesting premise. Recommended.
I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!
I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!
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