It's here... the sequel to Do They Know It's Christmas Yet?—the hilarious comedy novel that joyfully transported us all back to 1984.
Tash and Jamie are back, and no one could be less pleased than her. They accidentally went to 1984 and broke it. But together they sorted out their mess.
Or so they thought.
Now the hapless sister and brother are back, and this time it's a matter of life or death.
How far would you go to save a life? How about stealing a million pounds? Sometimes you just have to do the wrong thing.
Grab a slow-cooker and travel back to December 1984. You'll want to stay.
This story is part two of an 80’s time travel story split over two books, so to get the full story I would recommend reading both books together. The story continues in part two.
Love the main characters in this story from Tash and her constant use of the word “Sake”, which I now quietly say all the time when annoyed! To Jamie, Raymond and Maureen. These characters are all different and their interaction with each other is one of irritation and annoyance but their emotional attachment shines through.
Having thought their trip to 1984 was over and all is safe it turns out that another journey to 1984 is needed and will involve a million pounds.
Plenty of 80’s references throughout this funny entertaining read.
Three quotes that resonated with me about our lives now and back in the 80’s
Quote - “He had grown used to the smaller sized vehicles in 1984, compared to the mammoth SUV’s that lined the streets of 2020. People hadn’t yet started digging up their roses to house their 2nd and 3rd cars, and Jaime quite liked it. He felt sure that he could see more pavements, more leaves, and more birds than his life in 2020.”
Could not agree more. More and more gardens disappear. Growing up in the 80’s my family never had a car. We always used the bus which I like to do with my family (one car and lovely garden) now and again.
Quote – “Bottled Water? Where do you think you are, France?” said Raymond. “In Fairness, Raymond, everyone drinks bottled water in 2020”, said Tash. “You can’t drink tap water?” he asked. “No, you can drink tap water,” said Tash. “So, why do you pay for bottled water?” asked Raymond.
Good point Raymond! Why pay for bottled water when you can have tap water? So much simpler in the 80’s!
Quote - “And then she remembered social media, the cancel culture, Love Island and then Covid-19. “It’s really not all that, Raymond. Sometimes I think we’re going backwards””.
Oh yes Tash! Back in the 80’s, following someone around on CCTV and trying to track people was seen as abnormal but now it is normal for social media etc to track us and gather as much info on us as possible. It’s now normal to sell your soul and constantly push trending must have products to sell as many as possible to your followers.
I've just read these two back to back and my goodness, what an absolute joy of a read! Do They Know its Christmas Yet & Did They Steal a Million Yet? By James Crookes follow Tash & Jamie on a time traveling journey back to the 80s. I absolutely LOVED all the characters, (Raymond & Maureen are just delightful!) and you just know that things arnt going to go to plan but you still feel the frustration and I found myself face palming several times throughout their adventure! Brilliantly written, witty, page turning and a brilliant piece of escapism! Totally what everyone needs right now, and if, like me, you're a child of the 80s, the nostalgia is just an added bonus! I really hope there is more to come, and a movie is surely on the cards?! A fabulous 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another fun, rollicking ride with Tash, Jamie and friends. I tried describing the book to my husband but just couldn’t. You’ve got to read it to understand. It was thoroughly entertaining and I felt bereft when it ended…always the sign of a good story! I hope the next instalment won’t be too long in coming.
Loved the first episode but this made me laugh a lot more or should I say "owl" with laughter. I even remember the shows which made it even more nostalgic. Can't wait for the next installment (hopefully) , a very funny sequel\prequel\sequel? Whatever, loved it anyway. DH
Fantastic sequel to Do They Know It's Christmas Yet? Lost count of the laugh out loud moments I had again (most of them while sat in a coffee shop being stared at for laughing out loud to myself). I do hope James writes another one! 😀
1984 was the year I turned 13 and as a stroppy teenager I really didn't appreciate the era however, now I'm yearning to go back myself thanks to James wonderful, descriptive and accurate story set in 1984. Reading this book was like hugging an old friend and recalling the good times. Loved the characters and am eagerly awaiting book 3,4,5....! How James kept sane working out the time travel I don't know . I particularly loved the character of Jamie and his outlook through his Asperger's - a really wonderful, honest and touching account. Thank you for the memory trip and the laugh out loud splutters - can't believe I have to wait for the third installment.. SAKE!!
Equally as good as the first. Can’t remember laughing out loud to a book as much as this. The characters have such depth and you feel and relate to their personalities as if you know them personally. Can’t wait for the next instalment. James Crookes is a comedy genius.
Love this sequel, I was worried that would be it but the epilogue promised more adventures….. honestly can’t wait to read what happens next. Does Tash ever not say “SAKE” or will Maureen ever see her third favourite outfit again 🤣
I’m now invested into the characters and want to know more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After reading the first in this series I dived straight into this follow up and was glad I did. The cost of characters remain heartwarming and funny. The plot is add gloriously tangled and the 80s references on coming. If any thing I think I laughed more?
I absolutely loved this story, characters are so funny, Raymond tried his best and Maurine is a little difficult. Rash and Jamie are great, want to read the next installment to see how the story moved on to Martha and the FBI. Wonderful to be back in the 80's too as I left school in 1980.
Superb book, it takes up where do they know it’s Christmas yet left off. Continuing the escapades of Tash, Jamie, Maureen and Raymond with another visit to 1984.
This book was even more action packed than the first one. I so hope that there will be another adventure.
Like Tash I am a 84 baby, so this has been a brilliant trip to life I kind of remember from later on in the 80s and some big moments/tv/media my parents experienced… I loved it and can’t wait for Tash and Jamie’s next instalment. I’m buying these for my parents :)
Absolutely loved James's first book, "Do They Know It's Christmas Yet" and this sequel is just as great. The characters are so relatable and you really feel as though you are along for the ride with them. Hopefully book three is on the cards!? I highly recommend this author and his books. On a side note I normally listen to Audible but I wanted this sequel so badly that I bought it and read it "properly". First book I've read in about three years. Now I intend to buy the audiobook and enjoy it several times more 😁
Christmas, New Tear, a skiing trip on Finland and a long weekend in a Northumbrian Manor all got in the way of me finishing this book. That’s not because I had “more interesting things to do”, but because I wanted to devote some time to savour this book rather than devour it.
I loved DTKICY? and was worried that the sequel wouldn’t live up to the promise. I don’t know why I had any concerns. Brilliant, blooming brilliant.
You would have thought the possibilities for jokes would have dried up. Nope, the humour is in fine and fresh abundance.
You think you know where James is leading the story, but nope you’re wrong again. There are more twists in this journey than if guided by a 1995 sat nav.
Where does James get his character development? Where do the plot lines come from? Did mushrooms play a part in his formative years?
Who knows, I’m just going to (slightly impatiently) wait for book #3… ‘sake!
I savoured every single moment of this book, I can't nail down a favourite character but I'm leaning towards Tash her humour and wit is entertaining 'sake' and I would be made up if these books were made into films, seeing Jamie, Tash, Maureen and Raymond come to life on our screens!! it deserves a great cast and would be a true British 80s nostalgic film!! and I have just discovered from Instagram and following the author and a post that he states writing book 3 this January!! I hope it's as gripping and funny as book 1&2 also these are the only books I have read where I laugh out loud and people enquire why and I'm full on chuckling to myself about a scene or situation gone wrong mainly down to Tash's Sharp tongue or Jamie hand going up for a question, top marks James you have done it again 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
After book 1 ends on a teary revelation I wondered where book 2 could possibly go. It turns out right back to 1984 is the Answer! We pick up with Tash moments after the end of book 1 and when we are reunited⁸ in 1984 things are not as expected. Its hard to imagine events being more far-fetched than book 1 but the author manages it. From Raymond meeting Elton John to Jamie helping Paul Daniels with a magic trick, what on earth is this book even about?! It's about fun, family, and being there for each other no matter what! This is not for the easily offended - Maureen will gladly tell you off for using a swear! If you are in for a humorous adventure in the 80s though give this a go! Another oh my gosh ending, I cant wait to see where book 3 goes!
I loved the first one so had to follow up with the second I think I definitely laughed out loud more at this one, the scrapes they get themselves into is so funny, I love all the 80s references and remember lots of things, one that made me gasp the most was the boys in blue reference I absolutely loved this movie as a kid and immediately started singing the theme tune, whilst also googling where can I watch it, I wore my VHS out so thank you for reminding me of that!! Can't wait to see what the next installment brings!!
Couldn’t stop laughing at this, really entertaining story with endearing but very human characters. Kept trying to read bits out to my husband so now he’s going to read it too. Hopefully there will be another coming along in the future. If you were about in the 80s and have a sense of humour it’s a must read.
This book and it’s precursor made me literally laugh out laugh. I loved both so much. I loved Raymond and Maureen!!!! A great read and I didn’t want it to end. I’ve witnessed both eras and could identify with both. Fantastic writing. Siobhan, Ireland
Overall I enjoyed it as a nostalgic trip back to a key part of the eighties. The characters were funny and full of life and my only criticism was that I was a little disappointed with what I thought was a slightly untidy ending to the pair of books. It left me with questions I’d hope I’d get answers to and didn’t. However, I’m glad I read them and I’d recommend people read them both back to back.
Absolutely loved this sequel to do they know it's Christmas yet. The characters are fabulous and you really feel for everything poor Raymond goes through and still carries on. I will miss Tash Jamie Maureen and Raymond for now but hope they'll be another instalment soon. Fantastic writer and just brilliant story
Tash somehow makes swearing acceptable, Jamie makes clumsy cool and everyone loves Raymond!
Another nostalgic trip through the 80s with hilarious consequences. Oh and I did love C & A, it's up there with Woolies! Please tell me there'll be another book soon.
Always dubious with a sequel when the first book was so enjoyable but this continues in exactly the same vein. Really funny, great story, loads of twists and turns and just great fun to read. One more to complete the trilogy?
Absolutely loved both books, it took me back to my 16 year old self!!! Did we really live like that!!! I can't wait to read next what Tash & Jamie get up to next and of course Maureen & Raymond. Please hurry James and publish book 3 soon. I would advise everybody to check these books out, I started laughing right from the first page.
Back to the 80s again with Tash and Jamie. This time its to save a life but as alway things don't go to plan. A million pounds, a milk float and more of Raymond and Maureen.Another hilarious book.
Loved James' first novel and loved this sequel - and you can't say that about a lot of sequels! This needs to be made into a film or at least a TV series. Great stuff. Congratulations James! Another 'Highly Recommended ' from me!!!