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Cockerings
Berkeley Cockering wants to live the hedonistic life of a millionaire playboy. But his sister, Marcheline, is only interested in preserving the family name and refuses to sell off any of their large jointly-owned estate. He therefore embarks upon a drastic course of action to force her to sell, which will involve the owner of a cash-strapped geriatric circus, an alcoholic clown, an incontinent elephant and a sex toy with a mind of its own.
Stevyn Colgan’s third – and funniest – South Herewardshire novel continues the series that began with A Murder To Die For and The Diabolical Club.
Stevyn Colgan’s third – and funniest – South Herewardshire novel continues the series that began with A Murder To Die For and The Diabolical Club.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2021
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Stevyn Colgan
17 books61 followersAuthor, illustrator, songwriter and public speaker. 'QI' elf, 'Museum of Curiosity' goblin, Cornish Pisky and tea aficionado. Ex-chef, ex-copper, occasionally X-rated.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 1, 2021
I’m thrilled to present my thoughts about COCKERINGS, by Stevyn Colgan, on behalf poor Random Things Tours and publishers Unbound.
Synopsis
Lord Berkeley Cockering wants to live the hedonistic life of a millionaire playboy. But his sister, Marcheline, is only interested in preserving the family name and refuses to sell off any of their large jointly-owned estate. He therefore embarks upon a drastic course of action to force her to sell, which will involve the owner of a cash-strapped geriatric circus, an alcoholic clown, an incontinent elephant, and a sex toy with a mind of its own.
My Review
What is the first word that comes to mind now I have read COCKERINGS? Bizarre. But also funny, clever, and compelling. The situations in which the characters find themselves may seem farcical, but also brilliantly written, and utterly hilarious. I could visualise every mishap (and there are plenty to choose from), which made the read all the more enjoyable. This is the first book written by Steve Colgan that I have read. I look forward to reading his other books, and if they are even half as good as this, I’ll be satisfied. The style of writing makes you want to read it quickly, but don’t do that; the book will end far too soon. Savour every page because you will remember every detail long after you put it among the other books on your shelves.
I initially took a dislike to the characters from the circus, and also Lady Marcheline, although I liked her brother, Berkeley for wanting to live life on his own terms. My opinion was thrown on it's head fairly quickly when I realised I had backed the wrong horse. What a nasty piece of work he was.
Among the other characters are the retired major whose most hazardous work involved the risk of paper cuts while sat at his desk, an alcoholic clown who distills his own hooch, a human cannonball who doesn’t know how to operate the cannon, a special constable who is more interested in which of the willing widows of the village he should visit next, and an incontinent elephant that scares very easily.
Overall, I think that this book is a work of genius. I honestly couldn’t get enough of it, and part of me wishes I hadn’t read it, so I could go through the pleasure of reading it again, for the first time. Would I recommend COCKERINGS to others? In a heart beat. In fact, I can think of several people who would love to receive a copy as a gift. I gave COCKERINGS five stars.
Author bio
Stevyn Colgan is the author of nine books, a former police officer and oddly spelled Cornishman. And, for more than a decade, he was one of the ‘elves’ that research and write the multi award-winning TV series QI, and he was part of the writing team that won the Rose D’Or for BBC Radio 4’s The Museum of Curiosity. He is a popular speaker at UK and international events such as Ted, QEDcon, the Ig Nobel Prizes, Latitude, the Hay Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, and many more. He has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio shows including Freakonomics, Saturday Live, Do The Right Thing, Ex Libris, No Such Thing As A Fish, Eat Sleep Work Repeat and Josie Long’s Short Cuts. He is the co-host of the We’d Like A Word podcast and his first novel, A Murder to Die for was nominated for two awards.
Book Info:
Genre: Fiction / Humerous / Crime
ISBN: Paperback 9781789651515 Ebook 9781789651522
Synopsis
Lord Berkeley Cockering wants to live the hedonistic life of a millionaire playboy. But his sister, Marcheline, is only interested in preserving the family name and refuses to sell off any of their large jointly-owned estate. He therefore embarks upon a drastic course of action to force her to sell, which will involve the owner of a cash-strapped geriatric circus, an alcoholic clown, an incontinent elephant, and a sex toy with a mind of its own.
My Review
What is the first word that comes to mind now I have read COCKERINGS? Bizarre. But also funny, clever, and compelling. The situations in which the characters find themselves may seem farcical, but also brilliantly written, and utterly hilarious. I could visualise every mishap (and there are plenty to choose from), which made the read all the more enjoyable. This is the first book written by Steve Colgan that I have read. I look forward to reading his other books, and if they are even half as good as this, I’ll be satisfied. The style of writing makes you want to read it quickly, but don’t do that; the book will end far too soon. Savour every page because you will remember every detail long after you put it among the other books on your shelves.
I initially took a dislike to the characters from the circus, and also Lady Marcheline, although I liked her brother, Berkeley for wanting to live life on his own terms. My opinion was thrown on it's head fairly quickly when I realised I had backed the wrong horse. What a nasty piece of work he was.
Among the other characters are the retired major whose most hazardous work involved the risk of paper cuts while sat at his desk, an alcoholic clown who distills his own hooch, a human cannonball who doesn’t know how to operate the cannon, a special constable who is more interested in which of the willing widows of the village he should visit next, and an incontinent elephant that scares very easily.
Overall, I think that this book is a work of genius. I honestly couldn’t get enough of it, and part of me wishes I hadn’t read it, so I could go through the pleasure of reading it again, for the first time. Would I recommend COCKERINGS to others? In a heart beat. In fact, I can think of several people who would love to receive a copy as a gift. I gave COCKERINGS five stars.
Author bio
Stevyn Colgan is the author of nine books, a former police officer and oddly spelled Cornishman. And, for more than a decade, he was one of the ‘elves’ that research and write the multi award-winning TV series QI, and he was part of the writing team that won the Rose D’Or for BBC Radio 4’s The Museum of Curiosity. He is a popular speaker at UK and international events such as Ted, QEDcon, the Ig Nobel Prizes, Latitude, the Hay Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, and many more. He has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio shows including Freakonomics, Saturday Live, Do The Right Thing, Ex Libris, No Such Thing As A Fish, Eat Sleep Work Repeat and Josie Long’s Short Cuts. He is the co-host of the We’d Like A Word podcast and his first novel, A Murder to Die for was nominated for two awards.
Book Info:
Genre: Fiction / Humerous / Crime
ISBN: Paperback 9781789651515 Ebook 9781789651522
September 8, 2021
This is my first book that I've read by this author and boy am I glad that I did ! If you are looking for a humorous book set in a village that couldn't be any more British then this is the one to read !
This book is absolutely packed with everything you could want from a brilliant book , a picture perfect village with deceit and underhand goings-on hidden in the background . This is the third book in the series , it is a humorous murder mystery , perfect for the days you need picking up ! As it says on the front 'two aristocrats, a hidden fortune and the not so greatest show on Earth ' .... don't miss out on this book it is definitely a 5star read for me ! And I will be going back to read the others (this does work as a stand alone )
This book is absolutely packed with everything you could want from a brilliant book , a picture perfect village with deceit and underhand goings-on hidden in the background . This is the third book in the series , it is a humorous murder mystery , perfect for the days you need picking up ! As it says on the front 'two aristocrats, a hidden fortune and the not so greatest show on Earth ' .... don't miss out on this book it is definitely a 5star read for me ! And I will be going back to read the others (this does work as a stand alone )
August 15, 2021
This book is the latest instalment in Stevyn Colgan’s humorous series of dark comedies that are set in the fictional British county of South Herewardshire. The first two were great and so I had pretty high expectations going into this one. It didn’t disappoint.
The story line actually isn’t too important in these books because it’s the journey itself that’s so enjoyable. With that said, I guess I can touch on it. We’re basically following a middle class town that time has forgotten and what happens when a bunch of geriatric acrobats and fire-breathers show up in the form of a touring circus.
It’s a bit like a cross between Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Night Circus and P. G. Wodehouse, one of those interesting books that says a lot about human nature alongside a cracking plot and a hell of a lot of humour. There’s really something for everyone here, and I think that’s what’s made Colgan’s books so successful. They’re approachable and impossible not to enjoy on at least some level.
What I will say is that there was less of a murder mystery element to this one, but that doesn’t really matter. I’m happy to read pretty much anything that Colgan writes, because he’s one of those rare writers who has a way with words that makes you feel as though you’re just hanging out with him and he’s telling you a funny story that happened to him.
All in all, that makes this well worth its four star rating, although I don’t think I could go any higher just because of how good the first two books were, and the first book (A Murder to Die For) in particular. Good stuff!
The story line actually isn’t too important in these books because it’s the journey itself that’s so enjoyable. With that said, I guess I can touch on it. We’re basically following a middle class town that time has forgotten and what happens when a bunch of geriatric acrobats and fire-breathers show up in the form of a touring circus.
It’s a bit like a cross between Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Night Circus and P. G. Wodehouse, one of those interesting books that says a lot about human nature alongside a cracking plot and a hell of a lot of humour. There’s really something for everyone here, and I think that’s what’s made Colgan’s books so successful. They’re approachable and impossible not to enjoy on at least some level.
What I will say is that there was less of a murder mystery element to this one, but that doesn’t really matter. I’m happy to read pretty much anything that Colgan writes, because he’s one of those rare writers who has a way with words that makes you feel as though you’re just hanging out with him and he’s telling you a funny story that happened to him.
All in all, that makes this well worth its four star rating, although I don’t think I could go any higher just because of how good the first two books were, and the first book (A Murder to Die For) in particular. Good stuff!
September 9, 2021
It’s surreal, it’s funny, and essentially it’s a good natured comedy. Stevyn Colgan has created a village – actually a county – and peopled it with remarkable characters. In this adventure he has inserted a circus, an old fashioned Big Top affair that still has animal acts, and accordingly protestors at every performance. Not that every performance runs smoothly, as antique circus equipment is being used by even more antique performers. There are only a few of the circus folk who are under pension age, and most have long since descended into drunken haze of near confusion. Even the animals have descended into a state of aged inactivity, except possibly Della whose tendency to expel bodily fluids and traverse vast distances when frightened is a definite disadvantage. Presiding over this disreputable enterprise is the much younger Ben Ellis, trapped by inheritance and fortune into maintaining a circus into the twenty first century
The reason for the circus turning up at Brill Farm is the bright idea of the Lord Berkeley Cockering, a Viscount whose elder sister, Marcheline, runs the Cockering estate with frightening efficiency. Marcheline is under no illusion about her younger sibling; she knows that his feckless ambitions to be an idle playboy will mean the end of the family’s wealth and position. He therefore has the title and a generous allowance, she holds all the financial control. Their ongoing disagreements are at the heart of this very funny novel, full of subtle (and not so subtle) puns and extended jokes as many of the characters try to live amidst barely contained rural chaos. Sometimes surprisingly frank, this is not a book for the easily shocked, but is definitely entertaining in so many ways. This is a memorable book to have the opportunity of reading and reviewing!
The characters in this book are what really make it work as they try to cope with the rising chaos around them. Colgan was a police officer, but I assume not like the two featured in this book. Special Constable Arthur Pews is renowned for his extended enquires conducted with the help of recently widowed Mrs Beryl Tiggs. The other officer who features is Detective Sergeant Brian Blount, who “was a bitter man”. Demoted as a result of a previous case, he soon becomes obsessed about the circus generally and Ben Ellis particularly, mounting a campaign that is remarkable for its persistence. Not that he is the only character who decides to take decisive action; the county and village is not quite ready for the decisive action taken by many of the main characters which has remarkable results.
This is a comedy which takes most things to extremes in every sense. Colgan is a very funny writer with a fine taste for the surreal and even the shocking. I found this a surprising and enjoyable book which contrasts the idea of a seemingly perfect village with the undercurrents of what is really happening. From the first pile up at the level crossing through the conflict between to aristocrats, this is a novel to savour for its silliness as well as its memorable characters. Perhaps it is British comedy, perhaps it is pushing the boundaries, but there is nothing held back in this book of rural mayhem, ambition and sheer ineptitude which makes for an entertaining and extraordinary read.
The reason for the circus turning up at Brill Farm is the bright idea of the Lord Berkeley Cockering, a Viscount whose elder sister, Marcheline, runs the Cockering estate with frightening efficiency. Marcheline is under no illusion about her younger sibling; she knows that his feckless ambitions to be an idle playboy will mean the end of the family’s wealth and position. He therefore has the title and a generous allowance, she holds all the financial control. Their ongoing disagreements are at the heart of this very funny novel, full of subtle (and not so subtle) puns and extended jokes as many of the characters try to live amidst barely contained rural chaos. Sometimes surprisingly frank, this is not a book for the easily shocked, but is definitely entertaining in so many ways. This is a memorable book to have the opportunity of reading and reviewing!
The characters in this book are what really make it work as they try to cope with the rising chaos around them. Colgan was a police officer, but I assume not like the two featured in this book. Special Constable Arthur Pews is renowned for his extended enquires conducted with the help of recently widowed Mrs Beryl Tiggs. The other officer who features is Detective Sergeant Brian Blount, who “was a bitter man”. Demoted as a result of a previous case, he soon becomes obsessed about the circus generally and Ben Ellis particularly, mounting a campaign that is remarkable for its persistence. Not that he is the only character who decides to take decisive action; the county and village is not quite ready for the decisive action taken by many of the main characters which has remarkable results.
This is a comedy which takes most things to extremes in every sense. Colgan is a very funny writer with a fine taste for the surreal and even the shocking. I found this a surprising and enjoyable book which contrasts the idea of a seemingly perfect village with the undercurrents of what is really happening. From the first pile up at the level crossing through the conflict between to aristocrats, this is a novel to savour for its silliness as well as its memorable characters. Perhaps it is British comedy, perhaps it is pushing the boundaries, but there is nothing held back in this book of rural mayhem, ambition and sheer ineptitude which makes for an entertaining and extraordinary read.
September 10, 2021
Cockerings by Stevyn Colgan is the third book in a series of which until being invited to this books blog tour, I had no idea they existed! The cover, title and the synopsis made me smile immediately. I haven't read Stevyn Colgan's books before but I am planning to read everything now.
A picture perfect village, a dodgy circus and a man named Berkeley Cockering who wants to live the hedonistic life of a millionaire playboy. But his sister, Marcheline, is only interested in preserving the family name and refuses to sell off any of their large jointly-owned estate. All these come together to create one hell of a comedy.
I was laughing before I hit the third page of this book. The authors ability to turn disaster and mayhem into something so hilarious is definitely honed to its best. We see Marcheline coming to the realisation that she needs a heir. Her search begins for the man to do the job. What a search and oh, what hilarity it ends in. All I can say is never double dose on any medication! And make sure you know what to do with those sex toys you pick up on the search!
I really don't want to spoil this book for anyone. It is a brilliant dark comedy that I am laughing about now as I type. The scenes are like something out of the Carry On films. The characters all have their own unique voice and the parts they play are too a T! I could see the circus coming into a beautiful village such as Shapcott Bassett and immediately dropping the value of the houses by one hundred grand...specially with the state of Benelli's Circus.
It isn't just funny, no there is double-dealing, lies, drama and plenty of catastrophe too. With a fast-paced storyline and larger than life characters this is a book I will be telling all my friends to read.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Unbound for the fabulous gifted copy of the book.
A picture perfect village, a dodgy circus and a man named Berkeley Cockering who wants to live the hedonistic life of a millionaire playboy. But his sister, Marcheline, is only interested in preserving the family name and refuses to sell off any of their large jointly-owned estate. All these come together to create one hell of a comedy.
I was laughing before I hit the third page of this book. The authors ability to turn disaster and mayhem into something so hilarious is definitely honed to its best. We see Marcheline coming to the realisation that she needs a heir. Her search begins for the man to do the job. What a search and oh, what hilarity it ends in. All I can say is never double dose on any medication! And make sure you know what to do with those sex toys you pick up on the search!
I really don't want to spoil this book for anyone. It is a brilliant dark comedy that I am laughing about now as I type. The scenes are like something out of the Carry On films. The characters all have their own unique voice and the parts they play are too a T! I could see the circus coming into a beautiful village such as Shapcott Bassett and immediately dropping the value of the houses by one hundred grand...specially with the state of Benelli's Circus.
It isn't just funny, no there is double-dealing, lies, drama and plenty of catastrophe too. With a fast-paced storyline and larger than life characters this is a book I will be telling all my friends to read.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Unbound for the fabulous gifted copy of the book.
September 3, 2021
#bookreview #booktour
#cockerings
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Roll up, roll up, roll up, for an action packed booked full of deceit, daily drama, fishy goings on and a whole lot of comedy!! With all of these components crammed into the one book it sure does make for an addictive and lighthearted read that will keep you page turning and laughing to the very end.
With a about storyline and a great cast of characters you will be unable to put it down!!!
Loved it!!
Stevyn Colgan’s third – and funniest – South Herewardshire novel continues the series that began with A Murder To Die For and The Diabolical Club.
#bookworthreading #bookcommunity #freebookreviews #readerssupportingauthors #nurseswhoread #fortheloveofliterature #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookworm #bibliophile #scotttishreader #somanybookssolittletime #scottishbookstagrammer #bookobsessed #allthegenres #honestreviews #paperbackbooks #alwaysreading #bookinhandatalltimes
#I❤️reading #womenwhoread #coffeeandabook
#cockerings
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Roll up, roll up, roll up, for an action packed booked full of deceit, daily drama, fishy goings on and a whole lot of comedy!! With all of these components crammed into the one book it sure does make for an addictive and lighthearted read that will keep you page turning and laughing to the very end.
With a about storyline and a great cast of characters you will be unable to put it down!!!
Loved it!!
Stevyn Colgan’s third – and funniest – South Herewardshire novel continues the series that began with A Murder To Die For and The Diabolical Club.
#bookworthreading #bookcommunity #freebookreviews #readerssupportingauthors #nurseswhoread #fortheloveofliterature #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookworm #bibliophile #scotttishreader #somanybookssolittletime #scottishbookstagrammer #bookobsessed #allthegenres #honestreviews #paperbackbooks #alwaysreading #bookinhandatalltimes
#I❤️reading #womenwhoread #coffeeandabook
September 3, 2021
Once again, we are taken to the farcical and utterly absurd cavalcade of calamity that is South Herewardshire, as Stevyn Colgan takes us away from Nasely and the investigations of Frank Shunter and introduces us to the dysfunctional Cockerings (pronounced Corrings) siblings and a circus filled with pensioners. This means one enjoyed devious schemes, bawdy humour, and the type of genius narrative machinations that only Colgan could piece together. As always, one is engaged to see how the many threads come together, and in doing so, we are treated to an actually rather heartwarming tale of romance among the anarchy. A delightful read, and fitting continuation of the assorted chaos in this literary universe.
September 7, 2021
Big fan of Mr. Colgan's books and as a third book about the area it starts off with big laughter. An easy and comfortable read throughout. For some reason i expected a little more. Was it too comfy....too easy...? I was happy reading it.
August 31, 2021
I decided to choose to read this book as the plot sounded different but also very funny. Berkeley is the brother of Marcheline and all he is interested in doing is being a playboy, whereas Marcheline does not want to sell off the family estate. Berkeley wants the money that is all he is interested in so tries to force her hand. There are some right funny characters that we meet along the way. I found the story a little eccentric for my tastes but it was funny and amusing in parts. It is not a book I will forget in a hurry.
September 6, 2021
This was one of those books that I started thinking 'I'm not going to like this', turns out it was one of those books that was pure comedy genius. A laugh out loud romp through the village of Shapcott Bassett with warring siblings Marcheline & Berkeley, who both have different ideas up their sleeves for the village.
Dark humour at its finest!
Cleverly thought out storyline, well written & absolutely hilarious 😂
Dark humour at its finest!
Cleverly thought out storyline, well written & absolutely hilarious 😂
August 22, 2021
You’d be hard-pressed to find a village anywhere that is more quintessentially English than Shapcott Bassett. This picture post-card village and its inhabitants would not have seemed out of place in a previous century. And Marcheline would fight anyone, including her feckless brother, Berkeley, to make sure it stayed that way.
Marcheline Cockering (pronounced Corring) took her responsibility as joint owner of the village very seriously. Berkeley, on the other hand, wanted to see it sold off so that he could use his share of the money to fund his hedonistic lifestyle.
What was needed was a heir to the Cockerings fortune - someone who could inherit the family fortune and title. And, since Berkeley wasn’t going to do anything about securing this foture anytime soon, it was up to Marcheline to take the matter into her own hands (literally) to ensure that it happened.
But where was she going to find a suitable man to perform such a task?… Cue music and enter Benelli’s geriatric circus!
This is the third and, in my opinion, the funniest of Colgan’s South Herewardshire trilogy. Jokes, mishaps and set routines flow thick and fast as the pages fly by.
I laughed out loud at many of them, but the scene involving four small tablets and a Suckmaster 3000 left me with tears flowing down my cheeks from laughing so much. (Mind you, I can imagine any male readers crossing their legs and wincing really hard when reading that same scene.)
So, ‘BRAVO’, Stevyn Colgan - your aim was to emulate an earlier ‘golden’ age of comedy with this book. All I can say is ‘Job Done!’. The ‘Carry On’ or Ealing teams would have been very proud of this book!
Marcheline Cockering (pronounced Corring) took her responsibility as joint owner of the village very seriously. Berkeley, on the other hand, wanted to see it sold off so that he could use his share of the money to fund his hedonistic lifestyle.
What was needed was a heir to the Cockerings fortune - someone who could inherit the family fortune and title. And, since Berkeley wasn’t going to do anything about securing this foture anytime soon, it was up to Marcheline to take the matter into her own hands (literally) to ensure that it happened.
But where was she going to find a suitable man to perform such a task?… Cue music and enter Benelli’s geriatric circus!
This is the third and, in my opinion, the funniest of Colgan’s South Herewardshire trilogy. Jokes, mishaps and set routines flow thick and fast as the pages fly by.
I laughed out loud at many of them, but the scene involving four small tablets and a Suckmaster 3000 left me with tears flowing down my cheeks from laughing so much. (Mind you, I can imagine any male readers crossing their legs and wincing really hard when reading that same scene.)
So, ‘BRAVO’, Stevyn Colgan - your aim was to emulate an earlier ‘golden’ age of comedy with this book. All I can say is ‘Job Done!’. The ‘Carry On’ or Ealing teams would have been very proud of this book!
September 19, 2021
Absurd, chaotic, and at times pure filth.
Excellent stuff!
Excellent stuff!
March 11, 2022
Very funny indeed. Cockerings is an Ealing comedy in book form.
July 16, 2024
BOOK REVIEWS
📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
Title: Cocke-rings
Author: Stevyn Colgan
Published: 19th August 2021
Publisher: Unbound TC Group
Pages: 3299
ISBN: 9781789651522
I Rate It: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the first book written by the author Stevyn Colgan that I have read, its safe to say that this is an author that’s very much on my watch list. I am waiting in anticipation for further titles to be published by Colgan.
The description of the fictional village of Shapcott Bassett took me to a Victorian time where the picturesque village is the best in all the land. Lovingly cared for by Lady Marcheline who’s the Lady of Cockering Hall landlady of the various shops, business and homes that make up the village.
From the start I instantly took a dislike to Lady Marcheline as I thought she was rather “snooty” and I like her somewhat “feckless” brother Berkeley. As I progressed through the book, this opinion completely changed!
The change if opinion is simply down to the way Coldgan gradually builds the characters and unveils more of the personality behind the characters.
As well as Lady Marcheline and Berkeley there are various other characters and colourful personalities such as a retired Major who lies and boasts of past conquest in battles and tall tales of daring and dangerous adventures.
Arthur Pews, a bumbling village “Bobby” with a randy side for the widow of the picturesque village, he’s a bit of a playboy come sneaky and sleazy snake of a character.
Ben the ring master, born and bred to run the circus, he’s known no other life, now he finds himself wanting more out of life. He needs to find a way out and he gets it in the most unlikely of ways.
Then there’s Glupi, a former Red-Army clown who’s an alcoholic pensioner with his very own still with a love for a good home brew, no matter how strong. Glupi is Ben’s right hand man, Ben is more than just Glupi’s boss, he’s also his friend of many, many years. How strong that friendship is will be tested to its limits.
Detective Sergeant Brian Blount is an overbearing character who’s looking at righting his past mistakes, and he’s willing to go to any lengths to regain his senior status.
The final character that’s worth a mention is Della the incontinent elephant who scares incredibly easy. Della has her own adventures and gets herself into various scrapes and trouble along the way.
There’s a lot going on in the book but it was a very easy and enjoyable read. As well as the goings on of the visiting circus there’s also the family battles between Lady Marcheline and Berkeley.
Lady Marcheline also has her own issues of going on in the sense she needs to find a man, some one to father a heir. Reason being Berkeley is too busy being the Lord playboy and with failing health the family fortune, estate tile and inheritance is in jeopardy. Will Lady Marcheline find a suitor that’s up to the challenge?
Do I recommend COCKERINGS…. Most definitely! I found my self in tears of laughter at times, especially when reading about the suckmaster 3000. It was safe to say I got funny looks on the bus when reading it.
Stevyn Colgan, I salute you sir for one of the best and most entertaining books I have read this year. It was a please to read this book and I enthusiastically await the release of you next book.
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📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
Title: Cocke-rings
Author: Stevyn Colgan
Published: 19th August 2021
Publisher: Unbound TC Group
Pages: 3299
ISBN: 9781789651522
I Rate It: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the first book written by the author Stevyn Colgan that I have read, its safe to say that this is an author that’s very much on my watch list. I am waiting in anticipation for further titles to be published by Colgan.
The description of the fictional village of Shapcott Bassett took me to a Victorian time where the picturesque village is the best in all the land. Lovingly cared for by Lady Marcheline who’s the Lady of Cockering Hall landlady of the various shops, business and homes that make up the village.
From the start I instantly took a dislike to Lady Marcheline as I thought she was rather “snooty” and I like her somewhat “feckless” brother Berkeley. As I progressed through the book, this opinion completely changed!
The change if opinion is simply down to the way Coldgan gradually builds the characters and unveils more of the personality behind the characters.
As well as Lady Marcheline and Berkeley there are various other characters and colourful personalities such as a retired Major who lies and boasts of past conquest in battles and tall tales of daring and dangerous adventures.
Arthur Pews, a bumbling village “Bobby” with a randy side for the widow of the picturesque village, he’s a bit of a playboy come sneaky and sleazy snake of a character.
Ben the ring master, born and bred to run the circus, he’s known no other life, now he finds himself wanting more out of life. He needs to find a way out and he gets it in the most unlikely of ways.
Then there’s Glupi, a former Red-Army clown who’s an alcoholic pensioner with his very own still with a love for a good home brew, no matter how strong. Glupi is Ben’s right hand man, Ben is more than just Glupi’s boss, he’s also his friend of many, many years. How strong that friendship is will be tested to its limits.
Detective Sergeant Brian Blount is an overbearing character who’s looking at righting his past mistakes, and he’s willing to go to any lengths to regain his senior status.
The final character that’s worth a mention is Della the incontinent elephant who scares incredibly easy. Della has her own adventures and gets herself into various scrapes and trouble along the way.
There’s a lot going on in the book but it was a very easy and enjoyable read. As well as the goings on of the visiting circus there’s also the family battles between Lady Marcheline and Berkeley.
Lady Marcheline also has her own issues of going on in the sense she needs to find a man, some one to father a heir. Reason being Berkeley is too busy being the Lord playboy and with failing health the family fortune, estate tile and inheritance is in jeopardy. Will Lady Marcheline find a suitor that’s up to the challenge?
Do I recommend COCKERINGS…. Most definitely! I found my self in tears of laughter at times, especially when reading about the suckmaster 3000. It was safe to say I got funny looks on the bus when reading it.
Stevyn Colgan, I salute you sir for one of the best and most entertaining books I have read this year. It was a please to read this book and I enthusiastically await the release of you next book.
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