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Once Upon A Time There Was A Man
“Captivating private detective story that will keep you guessing to the end!” - Amazon review“I want you to help me find a man.”Private investigating should be an exciting, interesting career, but for Paul Brunskill it was pretty mundane work.Whilst working through his usual run-of-the-mill cases, Paul receives a letter in the post from a certain Mr. Green. The letter is short and vague. He wishes to employ Mr. Brunskill and utilise his skills in order to find a man.When he takes on the case, he thinks it will be no more than a straightforward search for a man via his birth certificate - a task he has carried out many times before - but he is unprepared for just how big a job he has in front of him.This was no ordinary man.The job was to take him on a mission like none he had ever embarked on before…
- GenresHistorical Fiction
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2020
36 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 7, 2021
I didn't know what to expect when I was reading this book. It was compelling and addictive. I was curious to know how the book was going to end.
Paul was a detective and he was asked to find a person. He gained and learnt alot during this remarkable journey. He met many interesting people and went to places that he wouldn't have gone to. Paul recorded his findings in his diary and it was alot of fun reading it.
"Never give up. Never give in. Never stop trying. Never stop helping, sharing, supporting and giving. Never stop loving. And never, ever, stop living while there is breath in your body. "
This was a feel good book, it gave us hope that humanity is still alive in this world.
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
Paul was a detective and he was asked to find a person. He gained and learnt alot during this remarkable journey. He met many interesting people and went to places that he wouldn't have gone to. Paul recorded his findings in his diary and it was alot of fun reading it.
"Never give up. Never give in. Never stop trying. Never stop helping, sharing, supporting and giving. Never stop loving. And never, ever, stop living while there is breath in your body. "
This was a feel good book, it gave us hope that humanity is still alive in this world.
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
December 20, 2020
This novel is totally different to any other that I have read before. It concerns a slightly disillusioned private investigator who takes on a life changing job that is different to the normal work that he does. Although many characters feature it is really only him and you meet everyone else through his diary where he reveals all of the conversations he has during his investigation. When he takes the job he thinks that it is a straightforward search for a man via his birth certificate but he is unprepared for how far it takes him and what he learns on his journey. And not just about Ernie and the people that he met but also himself and his own relationships, in particular with his mother. I loved seeing their relationship develop.
Ernie had a busy life and a lot of impact on the ones he knew. The part of the story that had the biggest impact on me was the first one. I can’t really say why, because of spoilers, but this was the one that felt the most real. It was certainly the most heart wrenching. Another in particular made me smile and remember standing in a queue fascinated by the hatred shown by customs officials at JFK.
It isn’t often that I read a book with little idea of the synopsis but I did on this occasion and I’m so glad that I did. I’m not convinced that any could do this book justice.
Ernie had a busy life and a lot of impact on the ones he knew. The part of the story that had the biggest impact on me was the first one. I can’t really say why, because of spoilers, but this was the one that felt the most real. It was certainly the most heart wrenching. Another in particular made me smile and remember standing in a queue fascinated by the hatred shown by customs officials at JFK.
It isn’t often that I read a book with little idea of the synopsis but I did on this occasion and I’m so glad that I did. I’m not convinced that any could do this book justice.
December 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this book...
Following Paul Brunskill following the life path of Ernie Grimshaw took me on quite a journey. I was most impressed by how many topics Peter Scholey covered. From very real scenes of a glamorous New York to a quiet and calm Cumbria to tackling big issues such as war times and prisoner of war camps and depression across the years. The main characters were believable and relatable and standing on the side of the private investigators diary and letters to Mr Green was a refreshing way to read the tale.
At no point was I disappointed nor did I try and predict the outcome. The outcome became no more important than the revelations along the way.
Although this book delivered more, I’d say readers of ‘Finding Henry Applebee’ will definitely enjoy this tale
Following Paul Brunskill following the life path of Ernie Grimshaw took me on quite a journey. I was most impressed by how many topics Peter Scholey covered. From very real scenes of a glamorous New York to a quiet and calm Cumbria to tackling big issues such as war times and prisoner of war camps and depression across the years. The main characters were believable and relatable and standing on the side of the private investigators diary and letters to Mr Green was a refreshing way to read the tale.
At no point was I disappointed nor did I try and predict the outcome. The outcome became no more important than the revelations along the way.
Although this book delivered more, I’d say readers of ‘Finding Henry Applebee’ will definitely enjoy this tale
December 21, 2022
A Rare Find
Once Upon a Time There Was Man is a rare fined. This book took me on an amazing journey spanning 80 years, introduced me to many places, taught me history of the times, and made me care about the characters every step of the way. It’s about a PI hired to find a man with just his birth certificate to go. There were a couple of mysteries involved too. What a trip! Highly recommend.
Once Upon a Time There Was Man is a rare fined. This book took me on an amazing journey spanning 80 years, introduced me to many places, taught me history of the times, and made me care about the characters every step of the way. It’s about a PI hired to find a man with just his birth certificate to go. There were a couple of mysteries involved too. What a trip! Highly recommend.
January 12, 2023
This is such a thought provoking and beautiful book that will stay with me for a long time. A few typos etc and the format was a little jarring to start with, but in the end it doesn't really detract from the story. This has set the bar for my reads this year and whatever I pick to read next has a lot to live up to.
January 6, 2022
Omg what can I say about this book! This is an incredible emotional Rollercoaster of a story, I feel I have lived through the book. Highs and lows its had me intrigued from the start and emotional throughout. Its written in a style uve never read before and how fitting it was! It followed perfectly throughout time and place from one historical event to another, the attention to detail was mesmerizing and just an all round amazing read. I can not recommend it highly enough, I was so sad to finish it - I couldn't put it down! 🌟 ⭐ ⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2021
A great story told in the form of diary entries by a private investigator. It covers so many topics and emotions that it is impossible for to class it as a certain genre. It was definitely NOT what I was expecting based on the book's brief description. I will not give away anything (no spoilers!) but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
September 9, 2021
WOW. I would love to give this book more than 5 stars. Mere words alone cannot describe this intriguing and inspiring story. I have read many thousands of books but never one like this. I'll give none of the story away as I feel it would spoil it. If you only ever read one book make sure it's this one.
June 25, 2021
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure I would read more than a couple of chapters as I am not a fan of Diary format stories. Nearly 3 hours later my husband said he was off to bed and asked if I was coming too. Oops!! This book is beyond phenomenal!
Yes it is in a diary format but in this instance it is actually the only format that would work.
You are quickly drawn into the peculiar request and the changes in the diarist’s attitudes as the case unfolds. The personal growth he undergoes is uplifting and humanizing. It is also at times heartbreaking.
I cannot thank Peter Scholes enough for this complimentary copy via Voracious Readers Only.
I am looking forward to his next books.
Yes it is in a diary format but in this instance it is actually the only format that would work.
You are quickly drawn into the peculiar request and the changes in the diarist’s attitudes as the case unfolds. The personal growth he undergoes is uplifting and humanizing. It is also at times heartbreaking.
I cannot thank Peter Scholes enough for this complimentary copy via Voracious Readers Only.
I am looking forward to his next books.
August 5, 2021
Excellent book, I was sure about the Diary format at first, but it's so well done it didn't distract or take anything from the book at all.
Very well done mystery with very mixed emotions and fantastic people you meet around the world.
Very well done mystery with very mixed emotions and fantastic people you meet around the world.
August 16, 2021
Not a type of my reading, but was thrilled by the idea of reading the story thorough out private investigator journals, book so mysterious, nice reading, can't write more to avoid major spoilers .
September 17, 2021
An addictive read. Different in style to most books I’ve read but the format worked and I was totally hooked. Very enjoyable and uplifting.
January 4, 2022
Not what I’d usually read but it was such a beautiful story. I really enjoyed it and it had me in tears, more than once. I loved the ending.
October 8, 2024
Such a beautiful and heartwarming story. This book had me hooked from start to finish. I was as invested in the story as the P.I! This book is probably the best book I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
August 15, 2021
Private investigator Paul Brunskill, accompanied by his faithful companion Mr D spend their time tracking and tracing people for suspicious spouses. One request to find Ernie Grinshaw sends him on the most fascinating journey of his career and slotting pieces of the puzzle together is far from easy, as he discovers things aren't always clear cut. With the help of many strangers, friends and family, Paul eventually plots this man's amazing life who turns out to be the most generous, kind, warm hearted person you could ever meet.
A fantastic and moving story with lots of raw emotion but sprinkled with good old British humour. This book caught my attention from the very first page. You were there with Paul every step of the way as the information led him home and abroad, following in Ernie's footsteps. A truly brilliant read which keeps you gripped through the twists and turns of this adventure willing closure but not wanting it to end. A book that you can proudly display in your cabinet and one that friends with definitely thank you for recommending. Cracking!
A fantastic and moving story with lots of raw emotion but sprinkled with good old British humour. This book caught my attention from the very first page. You were there with Paul every step of the way as the information led him home and abroad, following in Ernie's footsteps. A truly brilliant read which keeps you gripped through the twists and turns of this adventure willing closure but not wanting it to end. A book that you can proudly display in your cabinet and one that friends with definitely thank you for recommending. Cracking!
September 25, 2021
DID NOT FINISH
After reading all the great reviews from both here and an FB book group, I downloaded this as it was available on Kindle Unlimited.
I trudged my way through two chapters and wondered what all the fuss was about. It was really boring. A private investigator writing in his diary about his mundane day-to-day life. No intrigue, no mystery, no inner thoughts that might hint at something to come. I read his letters to clients with the addresses crossed out. Why did the author do this - it's fiction, after all? On the Kindle at the size I need, I ended up with whole pages of Xs.
Not wanting to give up on a book so soon, I trudged on for another 8 chapters. At chapter 11 I finally gave up. Swear words were asterisked, but later he uses swear words - why did he do this? The writing was average at best, with a lot of repetition. What time he awoke, what he had for dinner, yawn yawn yawn. It also could have done with a proof-read or two.
As for the story itself, our main character was welcomed with open arms everywhere he went. People were falling over themselves to answer all his questions and give him extra information. Seriously - a private investigator?
I realised that if I wasn't hooked by now, it was unlikely I'd enjoy the rest of the tale.
After reading all the great reviews from both here and an FB book group, I downloaded this as it was available on Kindle Unlimited.
I trudged my way through two chapters and wondered what all the fuss was about. It was really boring. A private investigator writing in his diary about his mundane day-to-day life. No intrigue, no mystery, no inner thoughts that might hint at something to come. I read his letters to clients with the addresses crossed out. Why did the author do this - it's fiction, after all? On the Kindle at the size I need, I ended up with whole pages of Xs.
Not wanting to give up on a book so soon, I trudged on for another 8 chapters. At chapter 11 I finally gave up. Swear words were asterisked, but later he uses swear words - why did he do this? The writing was average at best, with a lot of repetition. What time he awoke, what he had for dinner, yawn yawn yawn. It also could have done with a proof-read or two.
As for the story itself, our main character was welcomed with open arms everywhere he went. People were falling over themselves to answer all his questions and give him extra information. Seriously - a private investigator?
I realised that if I wasn't hooked by now, it was unlikely I'd enjoy the rest of the tale.
August 5, 2021
Lost for words!
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and I didn't want it to end. The book takes you on a roller-coaster of a ride in emotions then takes you on a tour of England, then to New York and back again.
The history and geographical knowledge was spot on and I loved that.
The story itself was captivating and told in the sense of diary entries which is quite clever. Following the journey of Ernie Grimshaw and the ending brought tears to my eyes.
A beautiful book and I highly recommend to everyone to read.
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and I didn't want it to end. The book takes you on a roller-coaster of a ride in emotions then takes you on a tour of England, then to New York and back again.
The history and geographical knowledge was spot on and I loved that.
The story itself was captivating and told in the sense of diary entries which is quite clever. Following the journey of Ernie Grimshaw and the ending brought tears to my eyes.
A beautiful book and I highly recommend to everyone to read.
February 27, 2023
Written in the form of a diary from the point of view of a private investigator. Initially reading about Paul's day to day cases, I wasn't sure I was really going to get into this book. But one case which seemed like any other soon turned out to be something much more intriguing, sending Paul on a journey not only to solve the case but also one of self-discovery. An interesting and ultimately touching story.
September 5, 2021
Just a superb story, delivered inpeccably. A joy to read. Bravo!
I seem to be rating nearly every book recently as 4 or 5 stars, and I was wondering if I was getting soft.
I was chatting in a Facebook group to a guy, who said 'I've written a book. Try it, I hope you like it.', so over time it crawled up my TBR list and within 24 hours I have read it and it is nothing short of superb! It made me laugh, cry and (in my opinion) really care about not one, but a number of characters - the Holy Grail for me in a book.
The synopsis doesn't do the book justice, and I won't give the game away too much as I started this book completely unaware where it would take me, but if you decide to read this book, expect joy, immense sadness, tales of friendship and above all HOPE. Who doesn't need a bit of that?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I seem to be rating nearly every book recently as 4 or 5 stars, and I was wondering if I was getting soft.
I was chatting in a Facebook group to a guy, who said 'I've written a book. Try it, I hope you like it.', so over time it crawled up my TBR list and within 24 hours I have read it and it is nothing short of superb! It made me laugh, cry and (in my opinion) really care about not one, but a number of characters - the Holy Grail for me in a book.
The synopsis doesn't do the book justice, and I won't give the game away too much as I started this book completely unaware where it would take me, but if you decide to read this book, expect joy, immense sadness, tales of friendship and above all HOPE. Who doesn't need a bit of that?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 16, 2021
Nothing prepared me for the structure and delivery of this book. I found the journal entries in 'Mr Diary' were a wonderful way to convey both the banalities and the intriguing points of the life of an investigator. Whilst, for me, a little slow to begin with, I soon became fully engaged in the story and the twists and turns as Ernie's story unfolds.
I was surprised at how much I appreciated this style of writing and narrating of so many anecdotes and observations - much enjoyed.
I was provided this book by Voracious Readers in return for an honest review.
I was surprised at how much I appreciated this style of writing and narrating of so many anecdotes and observations - much enjoyed.
I was provided this book by Voracious Readers in return for an honest review.
April 14, 2021
Brilliant read
Enjoyed this book right from the start. It's clever how he uses Mr Diary to not only tell the story of Paul and his journey, but also that of Ernie. Hopefully there will be more Paul and Mr Diary books to come. If so try North Devon as a destination. 😀
Enjoyed this book right from the start. It's clever how he uses Mr Diary to not only tell the story of Paul and his journey, but also that of Ernie. Hopefully there will be more Paul and Mr Diary books to come. If so try North Devon as a destination. 😀
February 18, 2021
Tearjerker
I don't know where to start, firstly I need to clear away the tears streaming down my cheeks, never have I read such a moving and inspirational story as this. If only there were more Ernie Grimshaws in this world, it would certainly be a wonderful place. I will recommend this book to all my friends as it is a heartwrenching tale of heartache and sheer determination but so heartwarming. A definite 5 out of 5.
I don't know where to start, firstly I need to clear away the tears streaming down my cheeks, never have I read such a moving and inspirational story as this. If only there were more Ernie Grimshaws in this world, it would certainly be a wonderful place. I will recommend this book to all my friends as it is a heartwrenching tale of heartache and sheer determination but so heartwarming. A definite 5 out of 5.
June 21, 2021
Loved this.Paul Brunskill is a detective who takes on job to find a man that someone is looking for.It turns out not to be a simple task.Every time the detective get some new information,it takes him on a different path.Found myself hoping each new path would lead to him.Couldn't put it down til I had got to the end.Just had to find out what happened.
Each new clue tells a bit more of the missing man's life,and gives a glimpses of history.As the story unfolds over the decades.
This story has mystery and intrigue,and you can't help but like the characters.
Each new clue tells a bit more of the missing man's life,and gives a glimpses of history.As the story unfolds over the decades.
This story has mystery and intrigue,and you can't help but like the characters.
June 11, 2021
Brilliant, well written, a lovely journey of a man looking for someone and finding himself at the same time. I loved the way the language was choppy and disconnected initially but became more confident and engaged as Paul progressed in the journey of finding Ernie. Received as a complimentary review copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
Omg amazing book such an amazing story and what a life to have lived to have made such an impact on so many lives and to be remembered by so many, so many twists and turns, hit what you think are dead ends for more roads to open and more people to tell amazing stories it felt like you where walking down the roads with Paul such a thrilling read loved it from start to finish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
Once upon a time there was a man … who wrote great books!! And that man is Peter Scholes!!
I loved this book and was gripped from the very first page to the very last. It took twists and turns that I never expected but they were all very welcomed. The knowledge and research needed for this book, the places and historical events much have been extensive.
My grandfather was among the first British troops to enter Bergen Belsen in 1945 and this book brought to life the horrors he must have witnessed during that time.
This book is completely immersive and I found myself wanting to help Paul with his investigations, I wanted to visit the places he was visiting and meet and chat with the characters.
I laughed, I cried, I was sad, I was excited - I feel like this book took me on a journey - it is by far the best book I have read in a long while.
I have bought the authors second novel and am really looking forward to reading it but I hope that there will be more Paul Brunskill novels in the future :)
I loved this book and was gripped from the very first page to the very last. It took twists and turns that I never expected but they were all very welcomed. The knowledge and research needed for this book, the places and historical events much have been extensive.
My grandfather was among the first British troops to enter Bergen Belsen in 1945 and this book brought to life the horrors he must have witnessed during that time.
This book is completely immersive and I found myself wanting to help Paul with his investigations, I wanted to visit the places he was visiting and meet and chat with the characters.
I laughed, I cried, I was sad, I was excited - I feel like this book took me on a journey - it is by far the best book I have read in a long while.
I have bought the authors second novel and am really looking forward to reading it but I hope that there will be more Paul Brunskill novels in the future :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2021
Wow loved this book
I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know if he found Ernie
Ernie seemed too good to be true, but real he was
I loved all the interwining stories along the way
It was a wonderful mystery that needed solving, as much for the private detective as the reader
So well written, the characters came to life as the story unfolded
Highly recommended read
I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know if he found Ernie
Ernie seemed too good to be true, but real he was
I loved all the interwining stories along the way
It was a wonderful mystery that needed solving, as much for the private detective as the reader
So well written, the characters came to life as the story unfolded
Highly recommended read
May 5, 2022
Simple but enjoyable
When I started this book I didn't thinly was going to enjoying much but I was wrong! The book captivated me and I was engrossed and wanted to find out what happened to Ernie Grimshaw as the main character was! A great book with some heartfelt historical references.
When I started this book I didn't thinly was going to enjoying much but I was wrong! The book captivated me and I was engrossed and wanted to find out what happened to Ernie Grimshaw as the main character was! A great book with some heartfelt historical references.
July 24, 2021
An interesting well written mystery flying under the radar at the moment.
It's a week since I finished this book and I enjoyed the characters enough to miss them.
A fine unpredictable tale that keeps you turning the pages.
Hope to read more from thia author in the future
It's a week since I finished this book and I enjoyed the characters enough to miss them.
A fine unpredictable tale that keeps you turning the pages.
Hope to read more from thia author in the future
March 1, 2021
Amazing story!
I love the authors writing style and humor. This was an amazing story to tell, and he really did it justice.
I love the authors writing style and humor. This was an amazing story to tell, and he really did it justice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews