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Brent Bolster Space Detective #1
Dial G for Gravity
ASIN moved from less recent edition
Brent Bolster has a particular set of skills.
Unfortunately, most of them have no practical application whatsoever.
Now, he's met his worst nightmare: an alien with a clipboard.
So begins the adventures of Brent Bolster and his ragtag coalition of associates. With a client in the shapely form of a gorgeous dame, a musclebound assistant, an alien with an attitude, and fish called Algernon, Brent uncovers a galactic conspiracy.
Meanwhile, a mighty warship is on its way. Affectionately known as The Skull by its crew of warlike Andelians, the ship causes all who see her to tremble. And in command is the notorious Admiral Norph, a warrior who makes Genghis Khan look neighborly.
The scene is set for a galactic confrontation.
Can Brent handle it?
Probably not. But it will be fun to watch him try.
You’ll get a kick out of this comedy because all sci-fi fans love a tongue-in-cheek reference.
Dial G for Gravity takes the world of an old-fashioned gumshoe and propels it into the future. But like all good sci-fi, it has something to say about the way we live now and where we’re headed.
Brent Bolster has a particular set of skills.
Unfortunately, most of them have no practical application whatsoever.
Now, he's met his worst nightmare: an alien with a clipboard.
So begins the adventures of Brent Bolster and his ragtag coalition of associates. With a client in the shapely form of a gorgeous dame, a musclebound assistant, an alien with an attitude, and fish called Algernon, Brent uncovers a galactic conspiracy.
Meanwhile, a mighty warship is on its way. Affectionately known as The Skull by its crew of warlike Andelians, the ship causes all who see her to tremble. And in command is the notorious Admiral Norph, a warrior who makes Genghis Khan look neighborly.
The scene is set for a galactic confrontation.
Can Brent handle it?
Probably not. But it will be fun to watch him try.
You’ll get a kick out of this comedy because all sci-fi fans love a tongue-in-cheek reference.
Dial G for Gravity takes the world of an old-fashioned gumshoe and propels it into the future. But like all good sci-fi, it has something to say about the way we live now and where we’re headed.
- GenresScience FictionMystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2018
88 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Michael Campling
39 books38 followersSee also GoodReads Author's profile under Mikey Campling
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 15, 2023
Disclaimer - Reading 30% as a judge for SPSFC3. Any ratings and review is MY opinion only
As a long time fan of Detective novels in the "noir" style I was keen to read this especially to see how the comedy aspect worked. Whilst it is in keeping with that sub-genre and the early chapters had me amused (despite some 'uncomfortable' turns of phrase) the sudden influx of extra POVs did pull me from the story on occasion. I did get a fraction further but the humour seemed to have lost its edge. I will be giving this a no to forwarding it onto phase 2.
As a long time fan of Detective novels in the "noir" style I was keen to read this especially to see how the comedy aspect worked. Whilst it is in keeping with that sub-genre and the early chapters had me amused (despite some 'uncomfortable' turns of phrase) the sudden influx of extra POVs did pull me from the story on occasion. I did get a fraction further but the humour seemed to have lost its edge. I will be giving this a no to forwarding it onto phase 2.
September 22, 2023
Let the official SPSFC3 reviews begin! :D
Status in the contest: Pending
Read: 100%
I was assigned to read this book for Team Space Girls. At first, I did not care much about this book. Most of the problems I have with the early chapters was because I felt Glaubon society (especially their manner of speech) to be far too reminiscent of the United States. I could predict which idiom they would use next within the context of a given conversation. This confused me quite a bit, because Glaubon society is so reminiscent of the green space aliens from the Invader Zim cartoon. I was expecting Glaubon behavior to be much more in tune with that show because Zim and Rawlgeeb are quite similar in certain ways. Both characters are very enthusiastic about world domination within the constraints of their bureaucracy, understand their technology, can deceive unsuspecting humans with well-thought out lies (proving they are quite cunning), and think they are respected among their peers. While everyone detests Zim through no fault of his own, some characters respect Rawlgeeb and others don't. I did enjoy how this book manages some of the character dynamics trying to stir animosity and make things worse for poor Rawlgeeb. Looking back, giving him a coffee hangover might have saved the planet.
I am probably focusing way too much time on Rawlgeeb, but it is clear he was by far my favorite character in the story. Yeah, the Glaubons are the worst red tape bureaucrats in this side of the galaxy and want to eat crocodiles to extinction, but he's very cool. I find it hilarious Rawlgeeb opted to study subjects such as cricket and the Frasier tv series in human culture school to stand out. Only to discover none of the other characters care about that sport or why he is obsessed with the varying accents of Dafne's siblings.
I really wanted to find out why the Glaubons are allied/conquerors of Earth to begin with. In the Invader Zim series, the aliens conquer planets to enslave their population and turn entire planets into production facilties. Which is similar to the districts in the Hunger Games, just that most districts produce raw materials like coal or lumber. From the small tidbits we get from this book, the Glaubons only want to eat all reptillian life to extinction. Humans are just more of an annoying afterthought Glaubons tolerate for unknown reasons. I kept on wondering why a race with far more superior weapons and transportation techology would have teleporters but not meat cloning devices. Considering how many thousands of Glaubons live on ships circling the planet, crocodiles would have gone extinct by now. It would have made more sense to employ human slaves to operate meat cloning factories and only the most delicious live animals are reserved for the elite high commanders. Perhaps I am just overthinking too much and should assume these things don't matter because this is a comedy series.
As for the other supporting cast, I feel a somewhat like/indifferent vibes from them. The variety of characters in Brent's PI office solving the mystery is good, the fish living in a helmet tank is hilarious and we get plenty of laughs because nobody gets along. Having Maisie and Vince agree to work along with Rawlgeeb is explained perfectly well. But there was one thing I felt missing here. While the Rawlgeeb we meet in the start of the story is different from the character at the end (he becomes much wiser), the other three characters don't change. Perhaps Vince grows a little because he sees how a fellow underdog like Rawlgeeb can elicit respect. However, Maisie and Brent are exactly the same people with zero changes after the events of the story. Whereas Rawlgeeb learns to become less naive, Maisie starts off as some badass prison escapee and then ends as... less badass. Funny thing is that you could delete Maisie's character and the story would not have suffered much. Just reverse some scenes where she makes a phonecall with Vince doing these things, and the story would end the exact same way. Part of the humor of the book is the way Brent is a cheapskate who antagonizes everyone, and I am ok with that. I would have wanted just some change in him, even for the worse. Maybe show him an increased disdain for Gloaban rules as he interacts with Rawlgeeb. And then give us a pinnacle moan of irritation when Rawlgeeb makes his important decision at the end of the story. I see where the intention of the story was going and liked it, but something felt missing from the actual execution that didn't give it that humorous punch I needed.
Another issue I had with the book was that I felt some chapters were missing. Rawlgeeb goes from a Glaubon ready to dip in a green bacteria pool to replenish his skin the second he returns to the spaceship to suddenly enjoying his time on Earth. The book really missed some fun side chapters where Rawlgeeb gets some quality fun time alongside Vince and Maisie. Maybe even learning to feed the fish. Given this book is very short, a chapter showing his culture shock interacting with humans for a lengthily time would have been great (it's obvious I wanted him to be the protagonist, ^_^').
Oh, and what ever happened to Dawson?
As for the small side story of the Kreptillian ship, that was a fun little side quest. It initially doesn't have anything in common with the main plot, until everything makes sense. I can see why several other readers liked those chapters so much. My favorite is the little ship status reports at the start of each chapter involving this POV story. One chapter the ship is there, the next missing, and then their home planet is planning to build a rememberance statue. I found that to be hilarious.
In a nutshell, while the book has some character and worldbuilding issues, I am glad to have given it the chance it deserves. Once you surpass the first 25% of the story, the book is quite hard to put down and I would like to read the sequel sometime. I am hoping Rawlgeeb becomes the protagonist. And to stop being obsessed about plot holes in 90's tv shows. Hahahaha
3 1/2 stars!
Status in the contest: Pending
Read: 100%
I was assigned to read this book for Team Space Girls. At first, I did not care much about this book. Most of the problems I have with the early chapters was because I felt Glaubon society (especially their manner of speech) to be far too reminiscent of the United States. I could predict which idiom they would use next within the context of a given conversation. This confused me quite a bit, because Glaubon society is so reminiscent of the green space aliens from the Invader Zim cartoon. I was expecting Glaubon behavior to be much more in tune with that show because Zim and Rawlgeeb are quite similar in certain ways. Both characters are very enthusiastic about world domination within the constraints of their bureaucracy, understand their technology, can deceive unsuspecting humans with well-thought out lies (proving they are quite cunning), and think they are respected among their peers. While everyone detests Zim through no fault of his own, some characters respect Rawlgeeb and others don't. I did enjoy how this book manages some of the character dynamics trying to stir animosity and make things worse for poor Rawlgeeb. Looking back, giving him a coffee hangover might have saved the planet.
I am probably focusing way too much time on Rawlgeeb, but it is clear he was by far my favorite character in the story. Yeah, the Glaubons are the worst red tape bureaucrats in this side of the galaxy and want to eat crocodiles to extinction, but he's very cool. I find it hilarious Rawlgeeb opted to study subjects such as cricket and the Frasier tv series in human culture school to stand out. Only to discover none of the other characters care about that sport or why he is obsessed with the varying accents of Dafne's siblings.
I really wanted to find out why the Glaubons are allied/conquerors of Earth to begin with. In the Invader Zim series, the aliens conquer planets to enslave their population and turn entire planets into production facilties. Which is similar to the districts in the Hunger Games, just that most districts produce raw materials like coal or lumber. From the small tidbits we get from this book, the Glaubons only want to eat all reptillian life to extinction. Humans are just more of an annoying afterthought Glaubons tolerate for unknown reasons. I kept on wondering why a race with far more superior weapons and transportation techology would have teleporters but not meat cloning devices. Considering how many thousands of Glaubons live on ships circling the planet, crocodiles would have gone extinct by now. It would have made more sense to employ human slaves to operate meat cloning factories and only the most delicious live animals are reserved for the elite high commanders. Perhaps I am just overthinking too much and should assume these things don't matter because this is a comedy series.
As for the other supporting cast, I feel a somewhat like/indifferent vibes from them. The variety of characters in Brent's PI office solving the mystery is good, the fish living in a helmet tank is hilarious and we get plenty of laughs because nobody gets along. Having Maisie and Vince agree to work along with Rawlgeeb is explained perfectly well. But there was one thing I felt missing here. While the Rawlgeeb we meet in the start of the story is different from the character at the end (he becomes much wiser), the other three characters don't change. Perhaps Vince grows a little because he sees how a fellow underdog like Rawlgeeb can elicit respect. However, Maisie and Brent are exactly the same people with zero changes after the events of the story. Whereas Rawlgeeb learns to become less naive, Maisie starts off as some badass prison escapee and then ends as... less badass. Funny thing is that you could delete Maisie's character and the story would not have suffered much. Just reverse some scenes where she makes a phonecall with Vince doing these things, and the story would end the exact same way. Part of the humor of the book is the way Brent is a cheapskate who antagonizes everyone, and I am ok with that. I would have wanted just some change in him, even for the worse. Maybe show him an increased disdain for Gloaban rules as he interacts with Rawlgeeb. And then give us a pinnacle moan of irritation when Rawlgeeb makes his important decision at the end of the story. I see where the intention of the story was going and liked it, but something felt missing from the actual execution that didn't give it that humorous punch I needed.
Another issue I had with the book was that I felt some chapters were missing. Rawlgeeb goes from a Glaubon ready to dip in a green bacteria pool to replenish his skin the second he returns to the spaceship to suddenly enjoying his time on Earth. The book really missed some fun side chapters where Rawlgeeb gets some quality fun time alongside Vince and Maisie. Maybe even learning to feed the fish. Given this book is very short, a chapter showing his culture shock interacting with humans for a lengthily time would have been great (it's obvious I wanted him to be the protagonist, ^_^').
Oh, and what ever happened to Dawson?
As for the small side story of the Kreptillian ship, that was a fun little side quest. It initially doesn't have anything in common with the main plot, until everything makes sense. I can see why several other readers liked those chapters so much. My favorite is the little ship status reports at the start of each chapter involving this POV story. One chapter the ship is there, the next missing, and then their home planet is planning to build a rememberance statue. I found that to be hilarious.
In a nutshell, while the book has some character and worldbuilding issues, I am glad to have given it the chance it deserves. Once you surpass the first 25% of the story, the book is quite hard to put down and I would like to read the sequel sometime. I am hoping Rawlgeeb becomes the protagonist. And to stop being obsessed about plot holes in 90's tv shows. Hahahaha
3 1/2 stars!
January 31, 2023
Dial G for Gravity: A Brent Bolster Mystery was the first book I read in 2023 that I really didn't like. Brent is an asshole, the other characters fall flat, and they never confront the mystery head-on.
Parts of this reminded me of Hitchhiker's Guide, except written poorly. Certainly the fish and the attacks by hostile alien forces and those less so were very familiar. Brent, Maisie and Rawlgeeb seemed almost direct tie-ins to Arthur, Trillian, and Ford as well. But the thing was, while Hitchhiker's Guide was funny and never took itself seriously, Dial G for Gravity seemed to be going for dark humor exclusively, with Michael Campling not knowing how to write the genre.
Then there was the mystery. Our "rag-tag band of misfits" were barely involved in the actual conflict. Arguably, the happenings on The Kreltonian Skull were the most interesting, because that's where the conflict actually was for the most part. I did enjoy Zeb's character arc as he was created and remade and found out the secrets. But that was the whole of the mystery: someone far removed from the actual happenings of the plot figuring things out, and the rest of it just speculation on the actual earth side.
On top of the lackluster plot and characters, I also don't understand any specifics about the earth as it is in the story. How did the Gloabans get there, and why? What's the appeal of the Earth from alien civilizations? How long has this been happening? What happened to London? Who's hostile and who's friendly? While I didn't need an entire half the book to be taken up by history, a little backstory or even a prologue would have been nice.
I will not be continuing this series.
Parts of this reminded me of Hitchhiker's Guide, except written poorly. Certainly the fish and the attacks by hostile alien forces and those less so were very familiar. Brent, Maisie and Rawlgeeb seemed almost direct tie-ins to Arthur, Trillian, and Ford as well. But the thing was, while Hitchhiker's Guide was funny and never took itself seriously, Dial G for Gravity seemed to be going for dark humor exclusively, with Michael Campling not knowing how to write the genre.
Then there was the mystery. Our "rag-tag band of misfits" were barely involved in the actual conflict. Arguably, the happenings on The Kreltonian Skull were the most interesting, because that's where the conflict actually was for the most part. I did enjoy Zeb's character arc as he was created and remade and found out the secrets. But that was the whole of the mystery: someone far removed from the actual happenings of the plot figuring things out, and the rest of it just speculation on the actual earth side.
On top of the lackluster plot and characters, I also don't understand any specifics about the earth as it is in the story. How did the Gloabans get there, and why? What's the appeal of the Earth from alien civilizations? How long has this been happening? What happened to London? Who's hostile and who's friendly? While I didn't need an entire half the book to be taken up by history, a little backstory or even a prologue would have been nice.
I will not be continuing this series.
November 15, 2019
A spoof in all it's glory
Okay it might not be for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it even more tongue in cheek then M.I.B. As the hero is a disreputable PI who really has no idea how to solve a case let alone make money. His agency is close to broke and he hasn't paid his assistant in months. When he is abducted by the aliens that have signed a peace treaty he comes back 10 days later with no recollection of what happened. Add a beautiful femme fatale, a couple of aliens, a plot to abduct humans to provide meals for another race of aliens, a cyborg who seems to gain human emotions after being shot, an assassin and plenty of action. Will they be able to stop the masterminds behind the scheme? Rescue a female alien in danger? Gain a new partner in the agency? Get paid?
No I didn't think it was hilarious but still an entertaining read and can't wait to see what the agency gets up to next.
Okay it might not be for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it even more tongue in cheek then M.I.B. As the hero is a disreputable PI who really has no idea how to solve a case let alone make money. His agency is close to broke and he hasn't paid his assistant in months. When he is abducted by the aliens that have signed a peace treaty he comes back 10 days later with no recollection of what happened. Add a beautiful femme fatale, a couple of aliens, a plot to abduct humans to provide meals for another race of aliens, a cyborg who seems to gain human emotions after being shot, an assassin and plenty of action. Will they be able to stop the masterminds behind the scheme? Rescue a female alien in danger? Gain a new partner in the agency? Get paid?
No I didn't think it was hilarious but still an entertaining read and can't wait to see what the agency gets up to next.
November 2, 2018
While I have read several books in genre of humorous SciFi, and enjoyed most, Michael Campling’s Dial G for Gravity is quite different than any of those read so far. The humor is much more adult, dryer, with a more classic wit. The plotline of the book is more in line with standard SciFi, with complications, twists and subplot very well developed. Characters, even though tending to be funny, are completely believable in their world which is thoroughly developed and described, setting the reader off on the adventure alongside the protagonist from the first page.
It is the dead of night. Something awakens Brent from slumber. He freezes. Is it a noise, is there someone in his room? Aah! His eyes barely open, he sees a dim green glow. What can it be?
An alien, Rawlgleeb, steps forward to introduce himself as Brent’s abductor this evening. Rawlgleeb is courteous, polite, and quite insistent. Abduction! Not Brent. He can’t believe it. Surely there’s been a mistake. Brent gets his wallet, produces his ID card from the Association of Galactic Investigators with a flourish. There, obviously, this is all just an error. He is relieved, until his abductor points out the expiration date. Last Tuesday! Unbelievably, Brent missed his renewal. What changes a little slip in memory can make.
In no time he is in a cell on the Gloabon Space Station the Gamulon in Earth’s orbit. What can Brent do to get back home? He ponders what he thought was impossible to happen to him. Then another element. Out of the cell’s shadows strolls a cellmate.
Maisie Richmond, a beautiful woman, dressed in evening wear, one that truly should never have been taken from Earth. Masie works for the UN. Her job grants her immunity from abduction, no mistakes this time. Plus both Maisie and Brent have the same abductor! Something strange is definitely going on with the system. Together will they be able to find a way home?
That isn’t the only trouble brewing. Not only may there be a problem In the Gloabon system of abduction protocols, but a different alien race commander has taken his battle cruiser off the grid. This commander is ignoring orders. He seems to have an agenda of his own, which includes breaking an important inter-race treaty.
Brent has been dragged into a plot much bigger than he suspects. His actions will affect thousands of people. Join this laugh aloud fight to save the alien abducted Earthlings! Get your copy of Dial G for Gravity today.
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is the dead of night. Something awakens Brent from slumber. He freezes. Is it a noise, is there someone in his room? Aah! His eyes barely open, he sees a dim green glow. What can it be?
An alien, Rawlgleeb, steps forward to introduce himself as Brent’s abductor this evening. Rawlgleeb is courteous, polite, and quite insistent. Abduction! Not Brent. He can’t believe it. Surely there’s been a mistake. Brent gets his wallet, produces his ID card from the Association of Galactic Investigators with a flourish. There, obviously, this is all just an error. He is relieved, until his abductor points out the expiration date. Last Tuesday! Unbelievably, Brent missed his renewal. What changes a little slip in memory can make.
In no time he is in a cell on the Gloabon Space Station the Gamulon in Earth’s orbit. What can Brent do to get back home? He ponders what he thought was impossible to happen to him. Then another element. Out of the cell’s shadows strolls a cellmate.
Maisie Richmond, a beautiful woman, dressed in evening wear, one that truly should never have been taken from Earth. Masie works for the UN. Her job grants her immunity from abduction, no mistakes this time. Plus both Maisie and Brent have the same abductor! Something strange is definitely going on with the system. Together will they be able to find a way home?
That isn’t the only trouble brewing. Not only may there be a problem In the Gloabon system of abduction protocols, but a different alien race commander has taken his battle cruiser off the grid. This commander is ignoring orders. He seems to have an agenda of his own, which includes breaking an important inter-race treaty.
Brent has been dragged into a plot much bigger than he suspects. His actions will affect thousands of people. Join this laugh aloud fight to save the alien abducted Earthlings! Get your copy of Dial G for Gravity today.
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2018
kindle unlimited, would say have read every book he has out, but there were some anthologies he was in that didn't get around to, though probably already read the individual story he had in it, so all the ones he has out, basically. This one was...mmm odd, even for Mikey.
When an alien appears at your bedside in the middle of the night, it’s rarely good news. For Brent Bolster, it’s the beginning of a journey to the unexpected, stopping off at the unexplained, and swerving wildly toward the downright implausible.
The Association of Galactic Investigators doesn’t let just anyone join, but Brent Bolster managed to get in anyway. With the help of Vince, his muscle-bound assistant, and a fish called Algernon, Brent runs his agency on a shoestring that’s frayed at the ends and two sizes too small. His late night encounter with an alien isn’t helping any.
Brent has lost a week and a half, with no idea of where he’s been. But when he sees the glamorous Maisie Richmond, she triggers memories that could solve the mystery of his missing time. And that’s not all Maisie triggers. Maisie has a wit that could cut through toughened steel as well as the kind of good looks that can stop traffic, and possibly passing aircraft. Brent is in no doubt: she’s trouble. But Brent never forgets Bolster’s first law....
A Brent Bolster Mystery
Dial G for Gravity 1
Dead Men Don't Disco 1 {coming soonish}
The Downlode Heroes
Cheatcode 1
The Trust 2 {think starting title WAS C0NTINUE? but changed to this}
Prison Quest: A GameLit LitRPG Adventure
and many others, these listed just the ones I put in general 'set' of somewhat outspace & innerspace
When an alien appears at your bedside in the middle of the night, it’s rarely good news. For Brent Bolster, it’s the beginning of a journey to the unexpected, stopping off at the unexplained, and swerving wildly toward the downright implausible.
The Association of Galactic Investigators doesn’t let just anyone join, but Brent Bolster managed to get in anyway. With the help of Vince, his muscle-bound assistant, and a fish called Algernon, Brent runs his agency on a shoestring that’s frayed at the ends and two sizes too small. His late night encounter with an alien isn’t helping any.
Brent has lost a week and a half, with no idea of where he’s been. But when he sees the glamorous Maisie Richmond, she triggers memories that could solve the mystery of his missing time. And that’s not all Maisie triggers. Maisie has a wit that could cut through toughened steel as well as the kind of good looks that can stop traffic, and possibly passing aircraft. Brent is in no doubt: she’s trouble. But Brent never forgets Bolster’s first law....
A Brent Bolster Mystery
Dial G for Gravity 1
Dead Men Don't Disco 1 {coming soonish}
The Downlode Heroes
Cheatcode 1
The Trust 2 {think starting title WAS C0NTINUE? but changed to this}
Prison Quest: A GameLit LitRPG Adventure
and many others, these listed just the ones I put in general 'set' of somewhat outspace & innerspace
November 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this 'off the wall' sci-fi book. It as really funny and a good read.
This book is such great fun.
I especially liked the characters in it. They are so very believable and likeable too. I loved their quirkiness and personality flaws. It wasn't just the main character Brent Bolster, the Private Investigator, who captured my attention. Rawlgeeb the Gloabon, was a wonderful creation too.
Then there was the villain of the piece, the reptilian like alien called Norph. He is so bad that he's good, but I don't mean in the book, in the book he's all bad, all the time, yet I loved him as a character, he was great.
Then there was
Zac3, the cyborg Science Officer on the Andel-Kreit coalition Battle Cruiser. He was especially good as a character due to the transformations he went through. I loved watching him develop in the book.
Then there was Chief Engineer Dex who also went through something of a transformation from Chief Engineer to dad in one swift movement.
This book has great things going for it. A brilliant plot with laugh out loud comedy rippling through it, then there is the witty dialogue. The world building was well done and like I said, the characters were awesome.
I thought this book was great. But don't take my word for it. Find out for yourself. Personally I'm looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
This book is such great fun.
I especially liked the characters in it. They are so very believable and likeable too. I loved their quirkiness and personality flaws. It wasn't just the main character Brent Bolster, the Private Investigator, who captured my attention. Rawlgeeb the Gloabon, was a wonderful creation too.
Then there was the villain of the piece, the reptilian like alien called Norph. He is so bad that he's good, but I don't mean in the book, in the book he's all bad, all the time, yet I loved him as a character, he was great.
Then there was
Zac3, the cyborg Science Officer on the Andel-Kreit coalition Battle Cruiser. He was especially good as a character due to the transformations he went through. I loved watching him develop in the book.
Then there was Chief Engineer Dex who also went through something of a transformation from Chief Engineer to dad in one swift movement.
This book has great things going for it. A brilliant plot with laugh out loud comedy rippling through it, then there is the witty dialogue. The world building was well done and like I said, the characters were awesome.
I thought this book was great. But don't take my word for it. Find out for yourself. Personally I'm looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
January 24, 2019
That was fun. Like a lot of titles you can get through Amazon's Unlimited program, it was a quick read and not likely to win any literary awards, but engaging from end to end. Campling has crossed the streams to create a hard-boiled PI tangling with aliens who've come to dominate, but not (quite) invade and the case of a missing person, well, several thousand persons, to be more precise.
It's got alien abduction, space opera, a gorgeous dame, politically correct and incorrect language and a pretty good all-around cast of characters.
The action kicks off when Brent, the hard-boiled PI, gets abducted by an alien in his apartment in the middle of the night. That's evidently par for the course, except that his Galactic Investigator license should have rendered him un-abductive. Or it would have if he'd remembered to pay his license renewal. That oversight winds up putting him in the middle of a mass abduction scheme that didn't count on someone like Brent, who may not be the savviest PI in the world, but with a little help from the crew he winds up assembling, manages to get things done.
Maybe a lot of help.
As I said, it's a fun, if not too serious romp through several genres, and the setup for more to come.
It's got alien abduction, space opera, a gorgeous dame, politically correct and incorrect language and a pretty good all-around cast of characters.
The action kicks off when Brent, the hard-boiled PI, gets abducted by an alien in his apartment in the middle of the night. That's evidently par for the course, except that his Galactic Investigator license should have rendered him un-abductive. Or it would have if he'd remembered to pay his license renewal. That oversight winds up putting him in the middle of a mass abduction scheme that didn't count on someone like Brent, who may not be the savviest PI in the world, but with a little help from the crew he winds up assembling, manages to get things done.
Maybe a lot of help.
As I said, it's a fun, if not too serious romp through several genres, and the setup for more to come.
May 5, 2021
A fun read
I'm not normally a reader of detective stories so perhaps that has a lot to do with my three star rating. I came to this series after discovering Mr. Campling's Colony B series., so I know that he has the creativity and talent to write stories that entertain. Unfortunately this story did not draw me in like Colony B did. I have no doubt that there are multitudes of readers who will fall in love with Brent Bolster, but I'm only able to commit to a casual open relationship with him . I'll come back to read more but not right away.
I'm not normally a reader of detective stories so perhaps that has a lot to do with my three star rating. I came to this series after discovering Mr. Campling's Colony B series., so I know that he has the creativity and talent to write stories that entertain. Unfortunately this story did not draw me in like Colony B did. I have no doubt that there are multitudes of readers who will fall in love with Brent Bolster, but I'm only able to commit to a casual open relationship with him . I'll come back to read more but not right away.
December 25, 2018
Complete surprise!
Not sure what I expected, slapstick humor, and silliness I guess. But this is a real detective novel, with a quirky, funny, a bit off his rocker, flawed detective. The story is compelling, the characters are three dimensional, it's complex, and definitely un-put-down-able (not sure that's a word). I have already purchased the next in the series, and was glad to see a third book is in the works.
Not sure what I expected, slapstick humor, and silliness I guess. But this is a real detective novel, with a quirky, funny, a bit off his rocker, flawed detective. The story is compelling, the characters are three dimensional, it's complex, and definitely un-put-down-able (not sure that's a word). I have already purchased the next in the series, and was glad to see a third book is in the works.
February 3, 2019
This is different, all right, not the author's usual style. The characters are an assortment of oddballs, not developed in traditional fashion. I saw them more as characters that appear on TV comedy shows. There is a real mystery, and plenty of dry humor in the story aside from the characters. The official updates on the missing spaceship were my favorite. Nothing serious going on here - this is reading just for fun.
April 18, 2025
Sooo funny, but well thought out too.
Michael (Mikey) Campling is an author I have followed for a long time. Although I have read shorter works by him, this is the first full length novel of his that I have read. It did not disappoint. Michael has a newsletter that is just packed with interesting snippets of information - I highly recommend it. I cannot give his writing enough accolades. Thank you Mikey, I look forward to delving into the Devonshire mysteries.
Michael (Mikey) Campling is an author I have followed for a long time. Although I have read shorter works by him, this is the first full length novel of his that I have read. It did not disappoint. Michael has a newsletter that is just packed with interesting snippets of information - I highly recommend it. I cannot give his writing enough accolades. Thank you Mikey, I look forward to delving into the Devonshire mysteries.
November 3, 2018
Dial G for Gravity is a pretty good space comedy, with well thought out characters and some interesting alien races in the Gloabons, Andelians and the Kreitians. The humour is reminiscent of Douglas Adams novels and Red Dwarf, and comes complete with a handy list of characters at the end. I received an ARC of this book direct from Michael Campling and voluntarily chose to write this review.
November 9, 2018
Take a hopeless gumshoe, an alien who abducts people for a living, and an insane ship's captain, add a few more oddballs and give it a shake...then add coffee.
This is a new venture for Mr Campling that I enjoyed, quite a bit actually as I stayed up far later than intended to read more of it. Brent is fun, an idiot, but fun.
This is a new venture for Mr Campling that I enjoyed, quite a bit actually as I stayed up far later than intended to read more of it. Brent is fun, an idiot, but fun.
November 21, 2018
Very broad humor!
if you loved dumb and dumber, you will love this book!
Jim Carrey could play every character in this story!
as I fail to appreciate the true value of dumb and dumber and Jim Carrey I was forced to bail from reading this book before my brain melted.
I think Jim Carrey should option this book and make a smashed movie out of it.
if you loved dumb and dumber, you will love this book!
Jim Carrey could play every character in this story!
as I fail to appreciate the true value of dumb and dumber and Jim Carrey I was forced to bail from reading this book before my brain melted.
I think Jim Carrey should option this book and make a smashed movie out of it.
January 4, 2019
Initially, I was getting bogged down with this. Too many characters and too difficult to follow. About half way through, though, I started to hit stride. And then it got to be a nice page turner and I enjoyed it. I would read another one, for sure. A mash-up between sci fi and mystery, which is pretty cool.
December 12, 2022
Funny
This was an enjoyable story with some great humor. I give it a four and a half stars and not five just because it was a little hard to follow as the chapters came in groups of three, covering one place each so it was like three separate stories that finally intersected (and one very long run on sentence! ).
This was an enjoyable story with some great humor. I give it a four and a half stars and not five just because it was a little hard to follow as the chapters came in groups of three, covering one place each so it was like three separate stories that finally intersected (and one very long run on sentence! ).
September 25, 2019
A very funny sci-fi mystery that pulls you in and keeps you hooked. It's funny, intriguing, there's hints of romance, plotting and tremors of intergalactic war. What more could you ask from your story?! I'm interested to see where the author takes this next.
November 9, 2021
They live among us....and they have paperwork lots and lots of it
A private eye his trusty sidekick aliens world dominasion and two love interest and not forgetting algernon of course very funny start to the series
A private eye his trusty sidekick aliens world dominasion and two love interest and not forgetting algernon of course very funny start to the series
January 26, 2019
Dial G for Gravity has a great cover and a nifty of a plot background. Unfortunately Dial G for Gravity never quite did it for me.
Please see my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/dia...
Please see my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/dia...
November 29, 2020
Mildly amusing
Definitely British humor here. Pleasant enough, with a few odd twists that may...or may not... satisfy the sci-fi P I reader
Definitely British humor here. Pleasant enough, with a few odd twists that may...or may not... satisfy the sci-fi P I reader
April 23, 2021
Boring
I had higher hopes for this book. Others have rated it pretty well, but I just couldn't get into it.
I had higher hopes for this book. Others have rated it pretty well, but I just couldn't get into it.
September 22, 2025
En klassisk detektiv roman og så alligevel ikke.
February 17, 2021
While I have read several books in genre of humorous SciFi, and enjoyed most, Michael Campling’s Dial G for Gravity is quite different than any of those read so far. The humor is much more adult, dryer, with a more classic wit. The plotline of the book is more in line with standard SciFi, with complications, twists and subplot very well developed. Characters, even though tending to be funny, are completely believable in their world which is thoroughly developed and described, setting the reader off on the adventure alongside the protagonist from the first page.
It is the dead of night. Something awakens Brent from slumber. He freezes. Is it a noise, is there someone in his room? Aah! His eyes barely open, he sees a dim green glow. What can it be?
An alien, Rawlgleeb, steps forward to introduce himself as Brent’s abductor this evening. Rawlgleeb is courteous, polite, and quite insistent. Abduction! Not Brent. He can’t believe it. Surely there’s been a mistake. Brent gets his wallet, produces his ID card from the Association of Galactic Investigators with a flourish. There, obviously, this is all just an error. He is relieved, until his abductor points out the expiration date. Last Tuesday! Unbelievably, Brent missed his renewal. What changes a little slip in memory can make.
In no time he is in a cell on the Gloabon Space Station the Gamulon in Earth’s orbit. What can Brent do to get back home? He ponders what he thought was impossible to happen to him. Then another element. Out of the cell’s shadows strolls a cellmate.
Maisie Richmond, a beautiful woman, dressed in evening wear, one that truly should never have been taken from Earth. Masie works for the UN. Her job grants her immunity from abduction, no mistakes this time. Plus both Maisie and Brent have the same abductor! Something strange is definitely going on with the system. Together will they be able to find a way home?
That isn’t the only trouble brewing. Not only may there be a problem In the Gloabon system of abduction protocols, but a different alien race commander has taken his battle cruiser off the grid. This commander is ignoring orders. He seems to have an agenda of his own, which includes breaking an important inter-race treaty.
Brent has been dragged into a plot much bigger than he suspects. His actions will affect thousands of people. Join this laugh aloud fight to save the alien abducted Earthlings! Get your copy of Dial G for Gravity today.
It is the dead of night. Something awakens Brent from slumber. He freezes. Is it a noise, is there someone in his room? Aah! His eyes barely open, he sees a dim green glow. What can it be?
An alien, Rawlgleeb, steps forward to introduce himself as Brent’s abductor this evening. Rawlgleeb is courteous, polite, and quite insistent. Abduction! Not Brent. He can’t believe it. Surely there’s been a mistake. Brent gets his wallet, produces his ID card from the Association of Galactic Investigators with a flourish. There, obviously, this is all just an error. He is relieved, until his abductor points out the expiration date. Last Tuesday! Unbelievably, Brent missed his renewal. What changes a little slip in memory can make.
In no time he is in a cell on the Gloabon Space Station the Gamulon in Earth’s orbit. What can Brent do to get back home? He ponders what he thought was impossible to happen to him. Then another element. Out of the cell’s shadows strolls a cellmate.
Maisie Richmond, a beautiful woman, dressed in evening wear, one that truly should never have been taken from Earth. Masie works for the UN. Her job grants her immunity from abduction, no mistakes this time. Plus both Maisie and Brent have the same abductor! Something strange is definitely going on with the system. Together will they be able to find a way home?
That isn’t the only trouble brewing. Not only may there be a problem In the Gloabon system of abduction protocols, but a different alien race commander has taken his battle cruiser off the grid. This commander is ignoring orders. He seems to have an agenda of his own, which includes breaking an important inter-race treaty.
Brent has been dragged into a plot much bigger than he suspects. His actions will affect thousands of people. Join this laugh aloud fight to save the alien abducted Earthlings! Get your copy of Dial G for Gravity today.
June 26, 2019
Dial G for Gravity - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A comic galactic mystery that's a cross between Red Dwarf, MIB and Ghostbusters, Mikey Campling's excellent novel Dial G for Gravity will have you rolling in the aisles, before checking under the bed and in the wardrobes for little green men, before you can relax and go to sleep tonight!
Brent Bolster runs a small PI agency, with a minimal staff and takes on fairly ordinary cases - until he has a close encounter of the third kind in the wee small hours, as he sleeps peacefully in his bed!
An uptight Gloaban alien called Rawlgeeb, (think C3PO in Star Wars) announces he's come to abduct Brent, taking him to a cell (with a woman cell-mate), where he falls unconscious and loses 10 days of his life aboard the Gloabon Space Station. Afterwards Brent's returned to Earth, with no recall of where he's been or why.
What happens next will amuse, concern and entertain you vastly in varying amounts as this sci-fi comedy-thriller progresses to a conclusion that will leave you begging for more...luckily this is only Book 2 in the series and more is soon to follow - get them all today and make sure you've got plenty of tissues handy to mop up the tears of laughter that are sure to follow!
A comic galactic mystery that's a cross between Red Dwarf, MIB and Ghostbusters, Mikey Campling's excellent novel Dial G for Gravity will have you rolling in the aisles, before checking under the bed and in the wardrobes for little green men, before you can relax and go to sleep tonight!
Brent Bolster runs a small PI agency, with a minimal staff and takes on fairly ordinary cases - until he has a close encounter of the third kind in the wee small hours, as he sleeps peacefully in his bed!
An uptight Gloaban alien called Rawlgeeb, (think C3PO in Star Wars) announces he's come to abduct Brent, taking him to a cell (with a woman cell-mate), where he falls unconscious and loses 10 days of his life aboard the Gloabon Space Station. Afterwards Brent's returned to Earth, with no recall of where he's been or why.
What happens next will amuse, concern and entertain you vastly in varying amounts as this sci-fi comedy-thriller progresses to a conclusion that will leave you begging for more...luckily this is only Book 2 in the series and more is soon to follow - get them all today and make sure you've got plenty of tissues handy to mop up the tears of laughter that are sure to follow!
July 13, 2019
Dial G
This is a great book to read. The cast of characters are vivid, hilarious at times. And unique to say the least. A mystery in the form of a comedy. I loved it
This is a great book to read. The cast of characters are vivid, hilarious at times. And unique to say the least. A mystery in the form of a comedy. I loved it
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews