Infernal Relations

by P.S. Rover

Hidden in the English countryside lies Lockwood Institute, an academy for the sons and daughters of the aspirational. Or as Spencer Lockwood, reluctant heir apparent believes, the most loathsome gathering of reprobates in the land. When Spencer is summoned back to this ghastliness for a special assignment, he can't help wonder what fresh hell awaits him this time. Extra duties this season involve he and his cousin, Monty, joining an influential benefactor and his intrepid daughter on an expedition into the surrounding forest to track a mysterious beast seen roaming wild. Out of their element, what begins as a quest into the wilderness for Spencer and Monty becomes an odyssey of survival and unexpected events that erupt into a scandal that threatens their liberty and staggers the thinking world. As Spencer tries to keep himself and Monty out of prison and prevent institute life from unravelling, a spine-chilling discovery changes everything.

268 pages, Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover is a brilliantly crafted booking roaring with intricately woven English humour.

I recently happened to re-read The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer for my book club's genre challenge and reading this book right after that one was like stepping into a different version of the same book. I don't mean that both the books are the same, but what I do mean is that the author of Infernal Relations heavily draws from the sense of nostalgia that is invoked while reading Mark Twain's masterpiece. I might not have noticed it so acutely had I not just finished re-reading TDOTS right before picking up this one! But I am glad that happened because it made the reading experience of this book even more enriched. The differences in both the books were pretty evident and both the books are very different, yet they are very similar (again you'd notice it only if you're very observant or, like me, had recently, read both the books so close to each other.)

Moving on from comparing the two books, I loved this book a lot. The writing was marvellous and I enjoyed the lyrical quality of the prose, which is so rare these days, to find in contemporary fiction. I liked how the author used his brilliant sense of humour and an acute sense of using phrases to his advantage to bring out the subtlety of satire in the best possible ways. I chucked more than I was expecting and giggled probably more than I should have. The story had a great flow and the pacing was really good and kept the flow very smooth. I enjoyed reading this book right from the beginning to the very end.

I am not a literary expert, although I am somewhat of a self-proclaimed book aficionado, and hence I'd like to say that, for me at least, the author's style resembles a lot to that of the revered Mark Twain and therefore, I really really enjoyed his writing and in fact, I am looking forward to reading more of his works in the future (hopefully soon!)

You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know much about the author, P.S. Rover. Infernal Relations appears to be his only published book but his writing skills suggest experience, either through novels under other names or through journalism. Whatever his background, Rover clearly has an affection for the gentle comic literature of the early 20th century including the works of P.G. Wodehouse and Jerome K Jerome.

There is no set date given for the setting of Infernal Relations but in my mind it was just before the 1st World War; a time when unworldly but relatively well-off young men could fill their time with cricket, crumpets and amateur dramatics.

The story is narrated by Spencer Lockwood who works part time in what seems to be a fairly nominal role in his father, Sir Walter’s, finishing school which is attended by the offspring of the world’s wealthy; training them for civil service or diplomatic posts. The setting and the events are humorous enough but the beauty of this book is in the writing. Like his writing idols, Rover has a wonderful way with words and I found myself laughing out loud at several lines where Spencer gave his unusual views on life around him.

Of course, every young man needs a wing man and Spencer has his cousin Monty, whether he wants him or not! Monty has the drive and energy that Spencer lacks but unfortunately he is not particularly bright. Together they provide a suitable pair of characters. And when they do get into scrapes they fortunately have Magda to rescue them.

I thoroughly enjoyed Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover which I have awarded 4.5 stars. I look forward to reading more of his books but while I wait I must find something to fill the time; maybe some Jeeves and Wooster or Three Men in a Boat?

[Munie Moe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious book that I read at the moment. I am taking a long time to get around with the humour. It's starting quite slow and getting funnier, I cannot put it down.

Spencer and Monty is a character that make you laugh but at the same time you just want to give a slap at their face. Especially Monty.

Overall it got a lot of surprise element that tickle my funny bones.

i received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gus Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a multidimensional book. It begins almost like a campus novel fusing together a cast of vibrant characters with wonderful repartee, but where Lucky Jim was a droll send up of academia, this is a different beast altogether that, it has to be said, delivers much more in the way of genuine guffaw moments throughout. Not least in a dance sequence that had me in stitches. We’re not steeped in the institution walls very long before the central figures are roped into an equestrian mission into the woods and it’s here that we’re plunged into something of a comi-adventurous romp, as seen through the eyes of black sheep of the family, Spencer, our narrator. Meanwhile his cousin, Monty, who in my opinion ranks as one of the truly brilliant comic literary creations, without realising it embroils himself in a criminal charge of something unthinkable. To give away the central premise would be a tragedy, so I won’t do that, but it’s a deft piece of comic plotting. The ensuing final third also delivers some quite nail-biting suspense and crime caper elements as the police are hot on Monty’s tail, so this really is a novel of multiple parts. I’m happy to say, though, that they all come together wonderfully.

[Blue Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page one of this book starts off with a characteristic take on that most perplexing of English pastimes – cricket! – and immediately I wondered if this might be too parochial for me, but I needn’t have worried. I mean, it is very British, but never in a way that shuts out non-Brits in any way. It helps of course if you’re an Anglophile, which I am, so for me this was a hoot pretty much from start to finish. The interplay between Spencer and Monty is really what seals it for me, and it never lets up. Well, maybe briefly during their ill-fated expedition when Monty’s infatuation with Natalia gets the better of him. It takes a while to get to the meat of the story, but getting there is good fun and I never guessed where it was taking me. All round, a very funny book.
(My thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book for an honest review.)

[Amy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books as Christmas presents are notoriously hit and miss but, I must say, this novel has to rank as one of the better Christmas presents I've had in many years. Not knowing anything about it or the author I began reading it out of sheer curiosity between Xmas and New Year and it had me giggling right away.

We join Spencer who's enjoying some downtime before the start of the academic year and his surprise (unwanted) guest, Monty, who's arrived under mysterious circumstances. Throughout a deliciously coy and funny exchange during which we're given a glimpse into academic life, we learn that Monty's arrival has more to it than meets the eye.

When Sir Walter, Spencer's father unexpectedly orders the two back to Lockwood Institute earlier than planned, we join them on a train journey which has to be one of the funniest pieces you'll read if you've ever travelled on trains. Arriving while an annual fete is underway and on the opening night of a performance of Hamlet which Monty is leading, we're treated to a beautiful evocation of place – Lockwood is clearly a vibrant and eclectic hive of activity where there's never a dull moment. Nor does it lack for other characters; some exquisitely perspicacious and charming like Magda; others less charming but equally fascinating.

Ultimately, the action takes us off-piste where Spencer's ghastly ordeal, as arranged by his father, is to accompany some Brigadier on some flight of fancy into the woods. It's an assignment only
an idiot would undertake by choice. Naturally, Monty is rearing to go. Having fallen for Natalia, the Brigadier's daughter, Monty (bless him) wants to work his charms on her.

To mention any more would be spoil it, so I won't do that, but I highly recommend it. It's packed full of action and is definitely one of the funniest I've ever read – in JK Jerome and Wodehouse class – but it's also one of the most original. It also has a romping plot and exquisite prose.

[Trijntje · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, it took me months to get through this book, but that wasn't because I wasn't enjoying it.
As I trudged along, I tried to figure out why it was taking so long.

In the end, I think it is because it is written in first person, as told by an upper-crust British fop. I loved how witty every sentence was, but what that means is that I had to carefully read and process every. Single. Word. Every sentence was a Britishism worth deciphering, but that took time. And, truth be told, made it take a minute to figure out, sometimes, what exactly was going on.

Clearly there are more antics planned for Spencer and Monty.

[John Savage]

Complicated plot with lots of revelations along the way. Amusingly written with some great turns of phrase. An enjoyable light read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Garry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pseudo Wodehouse