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Dennis Bisskit and the Perplexing Problems
Dennis Bisskit is the finest private investigator in Dudley, if not the entire nation.
But he's also a husband and father, and unfortunately, there are only so many hours in a day.
How can you possibly find the time to be a family man and fight crime?
It's a difficult situation or, as best friend and business partner, Stinky Blackshaw would call it, 'a perplexing problem'.
Catching a diamond thief or teaching baby how to survive in the wilds, it's all in a day's work for Dennis Bisskit.
But he's also a husband and father, and unfortunately, there are only so many hours in a day.
How can you possibly find the time to be a family man and fight crime?
It's a difficult situation or, as best friend and business partner, Stinky Blackshaw would call it, 'a perplexing problem'.
Catching a diamond thief or teaching baby how to survive in the wilds, it's all in a day's work for Dennis Bisskit.
Paperback
First published September 24, 2021
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About the author
Stephen Ainley
12 books20 followersBorn in Birmingham, UK in 1952. Served in the British airborne in the 1970s before emigrating to Western Australia.
Now...
It’s the Winter of 1963, and Detective Inspector Jack White, with the unruly haircut and matching attitude, is battling ice, snow, and a cold-blooded killer. The Winter of ’63 is the latest standalone crime thriller from Stephen Ainley and, once again, takes the reader back to the post-war unforgettable and unforgiving East End of London.
Spike first introduced DI Jack White. It’s 1961, and London’s Aldgate is rocked by two brutal murders. Spike is a brutal crime novel set in the heart of the 1960s East End, which is still recovering from the ravages of World War Two bombings.
The author’s next crime novel was The Broken Detective, in which the DI struggles with guilt that no amount of alcohol can assuage. A young girl goes missing, and a man’s wife disappears, but Jack’s own demons won’t stop him from investigating.
The Winter of ’63 is the third Jack White novel by Stephen Ainley.
The author was born in Birmingham, UK, and served in the British Airborne in the 1970s before moving to Australia. He is currently re-editing and re-publishing the hilarious Dennis Bisskit Series, filled with family, fun, colourful characters, and disasters. Available now are The Dennis Bisskit Story and, Dennis Bissit and the Missing Masterpiece,
His first serious novel and Amazon Bestseller, Jessup, takes place in 1950 and spans the battlefields of France and Northern Africa, to the East End. Jessup is a heart-rending story of a former soldier with undiagnosed PTSD, with one last chance to turn his life around.
And now comes, The Winter of ’63. It’s the coldest winter in 200 years, so cold in London that people can skate on the river Thames. On one of the worst nights, only two men are unfortunate enough to be out on the streets in the East End, Jack White and the man he finds encased in snow and with an axe wedged in his spine. It’s the unforgettable Winter of 1963.
Join Jack White with his unruly hair and dark humour as he tries to solve these crime thrillers. There are many more to come.
Now...
It’s the Winter of 1963, and Detective Inspector Jack White, with the unruly haircut and matching attitude, is battling ice, snow, and a cold-blooded killer. The Winter of ’63 is the latest standalone crime thriller from Stephen Ainley and, once again, takes the reader back to the post-war unforgettable and unforgiving East End of London.
Spike first introduced DI Jack White. It’s 1961, and London’s Aldgate is rocked by two brutal murders. Spike is a brutal crime novel set in the heart of the 1960s East End, which is still recovering from the ravages of World War Two bombings.
The author’s next crime novel was The Broken Detective, in which the DI struggles with guilt that no amount of alcohol can assuage. A young girl goes missing, and a man’s wife disappears, but Jack’s own demons won’t stop him from investigating.
The Winter of ’63 is the third Jack White novel by Stephen Ainley.
The author was born in Birmingham, UK, and served in the British Airborne in the 1970s before moving to Australia. He is currently re-editing and re-publishing the hilarious Dennis Bisskit Series, filled with family, fun, colourful characters, and disasters. Available now are The Dennis Bisskit Story and, Dennis Bissit and the Missing Masterpiece,
His first serious novel and Amazon Bestseller, Jessup, takes place in 1950 and spans the battlefields of France and Northern Africa, to the East End. Jessup is a heart-rending story of a former soldier with undiagnosed PTSD, with one last chance to turn his life around.
And now comes, The Winter of ’63. It’s the coldest winter in 200 years, so cold in London that people can skate on the river Thames. On one of the worst nights, only two men are unfortunate enough to be out on the streets in the East End, Jack White and the man he finds encased in snow and with an axe wedged in his spine. It’s the unforgettable Winter of 1963.
Join Jack White with his unruly hair and dark humour as he tries to solve these crime thrillers. There are many more to come.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 10, 2021
In Stephen Ainley’s latest creation ‘Dennis Bisskitt and the Perplexing Problems’ we are treated to more of the hapless PI’s escapades around the West Midlands. Along with his partner, Stinky Blackshore, their latest assignment concerns a string of neighbourhood burglaries and, more important, the Dudley Diamond that is destined to go on show at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry. Security is tight and the pair are tasked with the job of checking out the measures put in place. As usual, Dennis is eager to make a name for himself.
Not surprisingly, a series of catastrophes ensues as he comes up with some outlandish ideas designed to foil any would-be thief. The methods he employs bring the pair into contact with some dubious characters, like the renowned hypnotist eager to demonstrate his talents and a gang of bikers they accidentally encounter who don’t take kindly to Dennis’ intrusion. I won’t go into the highly amusing episode with the crane – no spoilers here.
The situations they find themselves in are absurd, reminiscent of Peter Seller’s Inspector Clouseau and Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean. For lovers of slapstick comedy, this is definitely the series to read.
The plot is interspersed with scenes from Dennis and Stinky’s domestic lives, not least the new addition of a baby boy to the Bisskitt household, his name alone leaving me in stitches. What a wonderful imagination!
It is in these chapters that we get to enjoy the flashbacks when Stinky is as keen as ever to regale the wives with tales of his partner’s misfortunes. I found the wedding saga especially amusing.
I love the characters and their banter, the wit and sarcasm and the mental image of them both that the author has painted for us so fluently. Mr. Ainley writes in an easy flowing style and always manages to capture the attention. An enjoyable read that is guaranteed to brighten any gloomy afternoon. 5*
Not surprisingly, a series of catastrophes ensues as he comes up with some outlandish ideas designed to foil any would-be thief. The methods he employs bring the pair into contact with some dubious characters, like the renowned hypnotist eager to demonstrate his talents and a gang of bikers they accidentally encounter who don’t take kindly to Dennis’ intrusion. I won’t go into the highly amusing episode with the crane – no spoilers here.
The situations they find themselves in are absurd, reminiscent of Peter Seller’s Inspector Clouseau and Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean. For lovers of slapstick comedy, this is definitely the series to read.
The plot is interspersed with scenes from Dennis and Stinky’s domestic lives, not least the new addition of a baby boy to the Bisskitt household, his name alone leaving me in stitches. What a wonderful imagination!
It is in these chapters that we get to enjoy the flashbacks when Stinky is as keen as ever to regale the wives with tales of his partner’s misfortunes. I found the wedding saga especially amusing.
I love the characters and their banter, the wit and sarcasm and the mental image of them both that the author has painted for us so fluently. Mr. Ainley writes in an easy flowing style and always manages to capture the attention. An enjoyable read that is guaranteed to brighten any gloomy afternoon. 5*
November 21, 2021
Dennis Bisskit and Stinky Blackshaw are back with a very perplexing problem indeed. Struggling with a delicate work-life balance of being Dudley’s most famous detectives and fathers is becoming an increasing problem. However, they will not be deterred and in this book the fourth in the series, the amusing detective duo encounters many more amusing escapades while attempting to solve the mystery of local robberies and the diamond robbery at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry.
I have to smile at the way Stephen Ainley names his characters. Stinky, Ginge, and now Buffalo Bisskit. This reminds me of how the great Charles Dickens gave his characters amusing names. For example, the teacher in Hard Times is called Mr. Chockemchild.
There are many amusing moments in this story and some past reflections of previous hilarious moments. Another well-written page-turner.
I have to smile at the way Stephen Ainley names his characters. Stinky, Ginge, and now Buffalo Bisskit. This reminds me of how the great Charles Dickens gave his characters amusing names. For example, the teacher in Hard Times is called Mr. Chockemchild.
There are many amusing moments in this story and some past reflections of previous hilarious moments. Another well-written page-turner.
October 7, 2021
I fully expected much mirth and laughter when I began reading this one – and I was not disappointed!
Dennis Bisskit is now a husband and father but nothing gets in the way of him continuing as the finest private investigator in the whole of Dudley. Along with his partner, Stinky Blackshaw, he finds himself working for a previous client; they were so successful before that, this time, they are being entrusted with preventing the theft of a famous diamond – so famous that it’s being put on display.
I’ve been a fan of Dennis since his very first adventure and he never fails to get me giggling. This time round was no different and I reluctantly put the book aside when I was reading in bed last evening to try and stop me waking my husband when my snorts and chuckles were getting out of control! Apart from the main story, there are always plenty of little gems in these books and this one is no different. I now have a very strong mental image of both Dennis and Stinky, and they never fail to entertain, both in their words and their exploits. Hysterically funny from beginning to end, and full of amazing feats. Such fun! As always, regardless of the adventures along the way, Dennis always manage to bamboozle me with his awesome powers of deduction! Easily earns all five sparkling stars and my definite recommendation to all those who know where to find their sense of humour.
Dennis Bisskit is now a husband and father but nothing gets in the way of him continuing as the finest private investigator in the whole of Dudley. Along with his partner, Stinky Blackshaw, he finds himself working for a previous client; they were so successful before that, this time, they are being entrusted with preventing the theft of a famous diamond – so famous that it’s being put on display.
I’ve been a fan of Dennis since his very first adventure and he never fails to get me giggling. This time round was no different and I reluctantly put the book aside when I was reading in bed last evening to try and stop me waking my husband when my snorts and chuckles were getting out of control! Apart from the main story, there are always plenty of little gems in these books and this one is no different. I now have a very strong mental image of both Dennis and Stinky, and they never fail to entertain, both in their words and their exploits. Hysterically funny from beginning to end, and full of amazing feats. Such fun! As always, regardless of the adventures along the way, Dennis always manage to bamboozle me with his awesome powers of deduction! Easily earns all five sparkling stars and my definite recommendation to all those who know where to find their sense of humour.
January 3, 2022
"Dennis Bisskit and the Perplexing Problems" is a great addition to my favorite book series.
Jumping back into the world of Mr "Sherlock Bisskit", checking in with Stinky Blackshaw, Buckethead, Brenda and the motley crew of characters felt just like home.
I had a great time reading about Dennis's decent into fatherhood, wedding and army flashbacks.
Gerald and The Great Polenski were awesome new characters with interesting backstories that I enjoyed reading about. It seems like Dudley's own Dennis and Stinky can't go anywhere without causing mayhem ( with plenty of hilarious banter in the meantime) .
The 'Perplexing Problems' is a brilliant mix of comedy, mystery, action with a surprising amount of emotional depth that you won't find anywhere else. Dennis's optimism and overwhelming self confidence is somehow both hilarious and inspiring at the same time. I look forward to going back and reading the bisskit quadrilogy from the beginning.
Jumping back into the world of Mr "Sherlock Bisskit", checking in with Stinky Blackshaw, Buckethead, Brenda and the motley crew of characters felt just like home.
I had a great time reading about Dennis's decent into fatherhood, wedding and army flashbacks.
Gerald and The Great Polenski were awesome new characters with interesting backstories that I enjoyed reading about. It seems like Dudley's own Dennis and Stinky can't go anywhere without causing mayhem ( with plenty of hilarious banter in the meantime) .
The 'Perplexing Problems' is a brilliant mix of comedy, mystery, action with a surprising amount of emotional depth that you won't find anywhere else. Dennis's optimism and overwhelming self confidence is somehow both hilarious and inspiring at the same time. I look forward to going back and reading the bisskit quadrilogy from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews