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Meantime
Glasgow, 2015. When Valium addict Felix McAveety's best friend Marina is found murdered in the local park, he goes looking for answers to questions that he quickly forgets. In a haze of uppers, hallucinogens, and diazepam, Felix enlists the help of a brilliant but mercurial GP; a bright young trade unionist; a failing screenwriter; semi-celebrity crime novelist Jane Pickford; and his crisis fuelled downstairs neighbour Donnie.
Their investigation sends them on a bewildering expedition that takes in Scottish radical politics, Artificial Intelligence, cults, secret agents, smugglers and vegan record shops.
Their investigation sends them on a bewildering expedition that takes in Scottish radical politics, Artificial Intelligence, cults, secret agents, smugglers and vegan record shops.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published July 21, 2022
342 people are currently reading
1799 people want to read
About the author
Frankie Boyle
30 books242 followersFrancis Martin Patrick "Frankie" Boyle is a Scottish comedian and writer, well known for his pessimistic, often controversial sense of humour. He was a permanent panellist on Mock the Week for seven series and has made guest appearances on several popular panel shows including Have I Got News for You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Would I Lie to You?, You Have Been Watching, Never Mind the Buzzcocks (as guest host and team captain when Phill Jupitus was unavailable for recording), and Argumental, as well as writing for Jimmy Carr's Distraction and Sean Lock's TV Heaven, Telly Hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
September 3, 2022
Incoherent ramblings from Boyle. It was laugh out funny at times but he is trying to squeeze in way too many themes and personal rants. The drugs chat got a bit boring. A better editor would have helped.
July 10, 2022
I'm not going to lie. I've been putting off writing this review. Not for any bad reason, I'm just not sure I know where to begin. This is perhaps the most unconventional crime thriller (?) I've read in quite some time. And that turns out to be a good thing. Kind of bonkers, often funny, sometimes expectedly poignant, this is a murder mystery investigation the like of which I have definitely not read before. When your lead character, and part time suspect, is a self confessed stoner, and the very varied group of friends who help him really aren't much better, you kind of get a hint of where this book is likely to lead. Or so you'd think. This is a Frankie Boyle novel. I guess conventional and expected are really the last things I should be looking for, right?
The story revolves around Felix McAveety, a man who is potentially prime suspect in the murder of his good friend Marina. But Felix has an alibi, of sorts, and as much as the police might like to pin him down for the murder, or potentially any misdemeanour to be fair, it is clear to them, and us as readers, that Felix is as innocent as the day is long. Which is perhaps a bad metaphor for this book seeing as many of Felix's days are lost in a drug fuelled haze. Told in first person, this is a story which is as confusing as it is entertaining and which is packed with humour. Many Frankie Boyle-esque moments of social commentary, both barbed and not, litter the text, and whilst Felix may seem to be a complete waster, someone who would rather avoid life by sinking a few (dozen) valium, there is an astute mind there. Well hidden, but it is there. Enlisting the help of a retired Detective turned crime- novelist, Felix is determined to solve the mystery of Marina's murder, not trusting the police to get it right. He may have a point, given what I read.
Now if you've ever seen a Frankie Boyle routine or really listened to his very unique and colourful way of describing all manner of things, then you can probably already guess how the storytelling in this book is likely to go. It is probably filled with some of the most colourful and unique descriptions of people and places that I have ever read - a kind of acid trip playing out on the page - and yet it's surprisingly effective. Sometimes if made me smile, other descriptions resulting in an audible chuckle. A few grimaces too, but then we're dealing with a lot of addicts here. Not quite on a level of Trainspotting bad, but certainly not the behaviour or decorum you usually expect in crime fiction.
Taking readers from the world of drugs, to artificial intelligence, to conspiracy theory through to politics (Like AI without the I part ...), the story is set in the period immediately post independence vote. A lot of political commentary surrounding that, both for and against, but it definitely made for an interesting backdrop given all we now know was to follow. Even being just eight years ago, it gives the book a feeling of nostalgia, almost borderline historical fiction, but it was the perfect backdrop for this particular investigation. Frankie Boyle did a brilliant job of making it feel relevant and of its time, whilst still tapping into many of the arguments that still prevail. And as for the AI angle ... well that was beyond a mind trip, the 'philosophical discussions' and tangents that the characters go off on often making me wonder if I hadn't actually consumed a few hallucinogens too.
I think this is a book that will divide critics. If you enjoyed Trainspotting for the madness that it was, and appreciate the intelligence that sits behind some of Frankie Boyle's more controversial moments, then I think you'll enjoy it. This is by no means controversial, lets get that clear, but it is quirky. If you're looking for your everyday amateur detective, you won't find them in Felix. If you like a character who has the capacity to surprise and whose laid back exterior actually hides a very deep emotional core, then I think you may well bond with him. I couldn't help but like Felix. He made me smile, sometimes laugh. And yet with a slight twist of perspective, Frankie boyle managed to infuse into the story moments of poignancy that was so unexpected their impact was more keenly felt and the story all the better for it. I'm intrigued to see where Mr Boyle may lead us next time.
The story revolves around Felix McAveety, a man who is potentially prime suspect in the murder of his good friend Marina. But Felix has an alibi, of sorts, and as much as the police might like to pin him down for the murder, or potentially any misdemeanour to be fair, it is clear to them, and us as readers, that Felix is as innocent as the day is long. Which is perhaps a bad metaphor for this book seeing as many of Felix's days are lost in a drug fuelled haze. Told in first person, this is a story which is as confusing as it is entertaining and which is packed with humour. Many Frankie Boyle-esque moments of social commentary, both barbed and not, litter the text, and whilst Felix may seem to be a complete waster, someone who would rather avoid life by sinking a few (dozen) valium, there is an astute mind there. Well hidden, but it is there. Enlisting the help of a retired Detective turned crime- novelist, Felix is determined to solve the mystery of Marina's murder, not trusting the police to get it right. He may have a point, given what I read.
Now if you've ever seen a Frankie Boyle routine or really listened to his very unique and colourful way of describing all manner of things, then you can probably already guess how the storytelling in this book is likely to go. It is probably filled with some of the most colourful and unique descriptions of people and places that I have ever read - a kind of acid trip playing out on the page - and yet it's surprisingly effective. Sometimes if made me smile, other descriptions resulting in an audible chuckle. A few grimaces too, but then we're dealing with a lot of addicts here. Not quite on a level of Trainspotting bad, but certainly not the behaviour or decorum you usually expect in crime fiction.
Taking readers from the world of drugs, to artificial intelligence, to conspiracy theory through to politics (Like AI without the I part ...), the story is set in the period immediately post independence vote. A lot of political commentary surrounding that, both for and against, but it definitely made for an interesting backdrop given all we now know was to follow. Even being just eight years ago, it gives the book a feeling of nostalgia, almost borderline historical fiction, but it was the perfect backdrop for this particular investigation. Frankie Boyle did a brilliant job of making it feel relevant and of its time, whilst still tapping into many of the arguments that still prevail. And as for the AI angle ... well that was beyond a mind trip, the 'philosophical discussions' and tangents that the characters go off on often making me wonder if I hadn't actually consumed a few hallucinogens too.
I think this is a book that will divide critics. If you enjoyed Trainspotting for the madness that it was, and appreciate the intelligence that sits behind some of Frankie Boyle's more controversial moments, then I think you'll enjoy it. This is by no means controversial, lets get that clear, but it is quirky. If you're looking for your everyday amateur detective, you won't find them in Felix. If you like a character who has the capacity to surprise and whose laid back exterior actually hides a very deep emotional core, then I think you may well bond with him. I couldn't help but like Felix. He made me smile, sometimes laugh. And yet with a slight twist of perspective, Frankie boyle managed to infuse into the story moments of poignancy that was so unexpected their impact was more keenly felt and the story all the better for it. I'm intrigued to see where Mr Boyle may lead us next time.
July 30, 2022
Meantime is beautiful in its harsh and brutal narrative. The writing is crystal clear, each word soaks into your skin like the bleak Scottish rain. No happy endings but it is intricate, it settled under my skin and had me craving more. Every mistake carves a deep and unsettling wound. If one sentence could sum it up it would be that.
Meantime captures the banal and lively existence of being Glaswegian like a seesaw that drops you into oblivion. There are many downs, but it’s occasionally peppered with some good. It holds a different kind of magic, one where the disappointment from the referendum eats at the shoes of people walking to work, hailing taxis, and people on serious comedowns in dingy wee flats that contain all the hope of a mouldy pizza sitting on the countertop. Felix McAveety’s life has always been the sad rendition of unrealised potential. The death of his friend, Marina, is the fuse to allow himself to care about something again.
Felix is stuck in a rut. He’s willing to have a “pop” at any mind-altering pharmaceutical. Alcohol, Diazepam, Cannabis, if it gets him buzzing then he’s in. Valium being his ruination of choice. An ex-employee of BBC Scotland he became disenfranchised with… everything really. He’s a non-football supporter and in Glasgow that is close to committing a murder yourself. His life has been hard but ultimately, he is a good guy, and one thing that Frankie Boyle has in common with George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” is that likable characters rarely have a happy ending.
Meantime is heavily embellished with Boyle’s sense of humour. Those that get him get him fully and those that don’t, well don’t. There are pages upon pages of one-liners that had me cackling. Some that particularly floated my boat were – “A body like a dropped Lasagne.” “She was dripping talking about him like a knackered fridge.” Boyle is well known for his controversial brand of comedy and Meantime is no exception. He’s an equal opportunity comedian – he can take a pop at anyone.
Felix’s friend, Marina, an American in Scotland is found dead in a Glasgow Park. He finds out this devastating news when the police wake him out of his drug-fuelled slumber. He’s taken to the station where he later finds out that sperm was found on her scarf. He is later released and with the help of his Watson, Donnie, his downstairs neighbour undertake an investigation of their own. Donnie who is also partial to mind-numbing substances provides some light-hearted relief. An overweight middle-aged guy who is struggling with his divorce but who also appears to have no internal filter – “We were the two people least suited to investigating anything, but with the right drug combinations we could be whoever we had to be.”
Meantime captures the banal and lively existence of being Glaswegian like a seesaw that drops you into oblivion. There are many downs, but it’s occasionally peppered with some good. It holds a different kind of magic, one where the disappointment from the referendum eats at the shoes of people walking to work, hailing taxis, and people on serious comedowns in dingy wee flats that contain all the hope of a mouldy pizza sitting on the countertop. Felix McAveety’s life has always been the sad rendition of unrealised potential. The death of his friend, Marina, is the fuse to allow himself to care about something again.
Felix is stuck in a rut. He’s willing to have a “pop” at any mind-altering pharmaceutical. Alcohol, Diazepam, Cannabis, if it gets him buzzing then he’s in. Valium being his ruination of choice. An ex-employee of BBC Scotland he became disenfranchised with… everything really. He’s a non-football supporter and in Glasgow that is close to committing a murder yourself. His life has been hard but ultimately, he is a good guy, and one thing that Frankie Boyle has in common with George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” is that likable characters rarely have a happy ending.
Meantime is heavily embellished with Boyle’s sense of humour. Those that get him get him fully and those that don’t, well don’t. There are pages upon pages of one-liners that had me cackling. Some that particularly floated my boat were – “A body like a dropped Lasagne.” “She was dripping talking about him like a knackered fridge.” Boyle is well known for his controversial brand of comedy and Meantime is no exception. He’s an equal opportunity comedian – he can take a pop at anyone.
Felix’s friend, Marina, an American in Scotland is found dead in a Glasgow Park. He finds out this devastating news when the police wake him out of his drug-fuelled slumber. He’s taken to the station where he later finds out that sperm was found on her scarf. He is later released and with the help of his Watson, Donnie, his downstairs neighbour undertake an investigation of their own. Donnie who is also partial to mind-numbing substances provides some light-hearted relief. An overweight middle-aged guy who is struggling with his divorce but who also appears to have no internal filter – “We were the two people least suited to investigating anything, but with the right drug combinations we could be whoever we had to be.”
August 29, 2022
This is a perfect example of why some famous people should never try and write a novel. I gave up at 50 per cent and if there was 2 pages in all that lot that had the crime story in it, I'd be amazed. The rest of it is just the main character commenting on politics, social ills, general opinions on life, even ramblings like commenting on each track on a Beatle's album. The most boring aspect though are pages and pages of Felix lying in bed or in the bath or many places sharing his tedious memories of past trips on various drugs. This was not a crime story, it was a way for Frankie to spill all his guff onto the page and bore us all to tears.
August 22, 2022
Impossible to finish. The rambling, incoherent narrative you’d expect from a narrator on drugs, but what I didn’t expect was the pompous, continual banality of his internal monologue. I didn’t care about him, or the murdered woman, or any of the rag tag band of misfits he’d enlisted to help him solve the crime. I gave up about page 150 when the plot had started to devolve past my ability to follow, even allowing for the narrator’s drug- addled brain.
November 30, 2022
Great one liners, a mess of a crime story
August 2, 2022
Oh man I just loved this one and had so much fun reading it.
I’m a Frankie Boyle fan(his comedy, this is his first novel). His humour oozes out of the pages. I read the entire book in his voice in my head.
Do we describe this as a thriller? A murder mystery? A black comedy? I dunno. On the face of it it’s a murder mystery. Set in Scotland in 2015, Felix is a drug addict and when a friend of his Marina is murdered in a local park, not trusting the police to do their job, Felix decides in his drugged fuelled haze to try to find out what happened.
This is unlike any thriller you will ever read. The world that Boyle puts us in is both beautifully observed and at the same time exaggerated and otherworldly, bonkers is the right word. Populated with the weirdest and funniest characters you are ever likely to read.
If someone decided to remake Trainspotting crossed with Columbo and it was co directed by the Coen Brothers and David Lynch then this is most likely what they would come up with.
I can’t remember the last book I read where I laughed out loud so much, was fascinated by the odd and endearing characters and didn’t really mind what the plot was.
Throw in a very poignant and touching ending and you will have a read like no other that will bring out all the emotions in you.
Highly recommend. 5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
I’m a Frankie Boyle fan(his comedy, this is his first novel). His humour oozes out of the pages. I read the entire book in his voice in my head.
Do we describe this as a thriller? A murder mystery? A black comedy? I dunno. On the face of it it’s a murder mystery. Set in Scotland in 2015, Felix is a drug addict and when a friend of his Marina is murdered in a local park, not trusting the police to do their job, Felix decides in his drugged fuelled haze to try to find out what happened.
This is unlike any thriller you will ever read. The world that Boyle puts us in is both beautifully observed and at the same time exaggerated and otherworldly, bonkers is the right word. Populated with the weirdest and funniest characters you are ever likely to read.
If someone decided to remake Trainspotting crossed with Columbo and it was co directed by the Coen Brothers and David Lynch then this is most likely what they would come up with.
I can’t remember the last book I read where I laughed out loud so much, was fascinated by the odd and endearing characters and didn’t really mind what the plot was.
Throw in a very poignant and touching ending and you will have a read like no other that will bring out all the emotions in you.
Highly recommend. 5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
July 13, 2023
I found this an entertaining eclectic romp, although the crime story is just the a vague excuse for an outline. It's as rambly as a story about a drug-addicted guy out of his mind trying to solve the murder of his friend as you expect it to be, but I was never bored. As far as the murder goes... I didn't really understand how it was solved and I'm not sure if I missed something or we're supposed to not get it. I can definitely understand why this book is so divisive!
September 29, 2022
I'd give it 7/10 if I was able. I'd say I enjoyed slightly over two thirds but the other third appeared to simply be a manual on what drugs to take and when and what they did to our protagonist.
There are some great bits in towards the end but you've got to wade through quite a bit of unreliable drug-fuelled narration before that.
Even now I'm finished I'm not entirely clear if Marina was murdered, who killed her or if Felix even unravelled it (it seemed much more likely to be the work of the ex-cop who seems ridiculously willing to help a man who can't keep his eyes open half the time.
Either way the last third is much more coherent and funny but the first two thirds are reminiscent of others' work and I'd say both Burroughs and Hunter S Thompson did it better (or worse depending on your point of view).
If you like Frankie Boyle you'll more than likely enjoy this. The jury is still out for me. I don't mind a bit of his endless simile style delivery but I do get bored of it after a while. Its almost done to death in the first third.
So all in all not a bad start. If you love Frankie then you'll really enjoy it because his voice comes across clearly. If you don't then I'd proceed with caution.
There are some great bits in towards the end but you've got to wade through quite a bit of unreliable drug-fuelled narration before that.
Even now I'm finished I'm not entirely clear if Marina was murdered, who killed her or if Felix even unravelled it (it seemed much more likely to be the work of the ex-cop who seems ridiculously willing to help a man who can't keep his eyes open half the time.
Either way the last third is much more coherent and funny but the first two thirds are reminiscent of others' work and I'd say both Burroughs and Hunter S Thompson did it better (or worse depending on your point of view).
If you like Frankie Boyle you'll more than likely enjoy this. The jury is still out for me. I don't mind a bit of his endless simile style delivery but I do get bored of it after a while. Its almost done to death in the first third.
So all in all not a bad start. If you love Frankie then you'll really enjoy it because his voice comes across clearly. If you don't then I'd proceed with caution.
August 19, 2022
As you'd imagine it has some superb one liners. Beyond that, utter shite.
July 17, 2022
Rating: 3.0/5
I can be a bit wary of reading novels by celebrities who have made their name doing something else. Occasionally they succeed in translating their skills into the new medium, but far too often I find myself disappointed and wishing they had stuck to their day job. Thankfully, although not an unbridled success, Frankie Boyle has made a better stab at it than many.
When his friend, Marina, is found murdered in a local park, drug addict Felix McAveety finds himself becoming an amateur private detective as he seeks not only to clear himself of suspicion, but also to track down who was really responsible.
Although the central character of Felix acts as the narrator it is nigh on impossible to read his stream of consciousness and interior monologue without hearing the voice of Frankie Boyle in your head. There are quite frequent examples of industrial language, so if you find the use of profanities in your reading matter off-putting, then this is probably not the book for you. Against that there are some moments that are - perhaps somewhat surprisingly - quite poignant and there are also a number of sections that not only made me smile, but actually caused me to laugh audibly.
The mystery that underpins this crime novel is solid enough, but I can't help thinking that its role is secondary and it is essentially only a vehicle for the author to air his thoughts - both comedic and socio-political. In many respects "Meantime" does come across as one long Frankie Boyle stand-up routine. For that reason, I found that I had to break this down into digestible portions ... Listening to Frankie Boyle for an hour or so is fine, but a stand-up routine of six hours or more is probably a bit more than I could cope with in one hit.
I have a suspicion that there will be a strong correlation between people's attitude towards Frankie Boyle in general and their opinion of this book. The author can be something of a Marmite character and I suspect readers may react in a similar way to this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I can be a bit wary of reading novels by celebrities who have made their name doing something else. Occasionally they succeed in translating their skills into the new medium, but far too often I find myself disappointed and wishing they had stuck to their day job. Thankfully, although not an unbridled success, Frankie Boyle has made a better stab at it than many.
When his friend, Marina, is found murdered in a local park, drug addict Felix McAveety finds himself becoming an amateur private detective as he seeks not only to clear himself of suspicion, but also to track down who was really responsible.
Although the central character of Felix acts as the narrator it is nigh on impossible to read his stream of consciousness and interior monologue without hearing the voice of Frankie Boyle in your head. There are quite frequent examples of industrial language, so if you find the use of profanities in your reading matter off-putting, then this is probably not the book for you. Against that there are some moments that are - perhaps somewhat surprisingly - quite poignant and there are also a number of sections that not only made me smile, but actually caused me to laugh audibly.
The mystery that underpins this crime novel is solid enough, but I can't help thinking that its role is secondary and it is essentially only a vehicle for the author to air his thoughts - both comedic and socio-political. In many respects "Meantime" does come across as one long Frankie Boyle stand-up routine. For that reason, I found that I had to break this down into digestible portions ... Listening to Frankie Boyle for an hour or so is fine, but a stand-up routine of six hours or more is probably a bit more than I could cope with in one hit.
I have a suspicion that there will be a strong correlation between people's attitude towards Frankie Boyle in general and their opinion of this book. The author can be something of a Marmite character and I suspect readers may react in a similar way to this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 21, 2022
I'll make two things clear now.
1. I am a massive fan of Frankie Boyle.
2. Comparisons of this book to Trainspotting is lazy and disingenuous and disregard all reviews and opinions who make this lazy comparison.
With that out of the way, I will begin. Yes, I also had no idea how Frankie Boyle would approach writing, but I'm just pleased he did. This is fun to read and the plot does engage with you from the get go, but as you expect the characters just jump out from the pages. Everyone will have their favourite character, I certainly do, but I won't list them out as I don't want to spoil the discoveries for anyone, but they are all in their own way simply superb. For me, the central character seemed to be very much Frankie Boyle himself, he certainly used his jokes.
All said, a very strong debut novel which is eminently readable and enjoyable, packed full of every human emotion there is. Writing this sentence reminded me of two really sad sections, which illustrates just how well this author can write.
1. I am a massive fan of Frankie Boyle.
2. Comparisons of this book to Trainspotting is lazy and disingenuous and disregard all reviews and opinions who make this lazy comparison.
With that out of the way, I will begin. Yes, I also had no idea how Frankie Boyle would approach writing, but I'm just pleased he did. This is fun to read and the plot does engage with you from the get go, but as you expect the characters just jump out from the pages. Everyone will have their favourite character, I certainly do, but I won't list them out as I don't want to spoil the discoveries for anyone, but they are all in their own way simply superb. For me, the central character seemed to be very much Frankie Boyle himself, he certainly used his jokes.
All said, a very strong debut novel which is eminently readable and enjoyable, packed full of every human emotion there is. Writing this sentence reminded me of two really sad sections, which illustrates just how well this author can write.
August 19, 2022
When drug addict Felix McAveety’s best friend Marina’s body is discovered in a park, Felix sets off on his own to uncover the culprit given the police force’s lack of leads. As the evidence begins to arrive fast and furious, Felix enlists the help of others including his ecstatic downstairs neighbor, as well as a successful crime novelist among others, to bring about justice for his friend.
For anyone that knows me, it’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Frankie Boyle’s comedy. While his brilliantly nihilistic panel show, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, is not shown over the air here in Canada, I make sure to keep up through other means. When I heard that he was writing a crime fiction novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it – even if that meant importing it from the UK. Having finished it, it would be an understatement to say that this book did not disappoint.
Never have I ever laughed this hard while reading a crime novel. With the novel’s protagonist Felix, Frankie has definitely injected him with much of his own sense of humor as well as his often fatalistic view of society. I don’t believe I’ve ever highlighted as many passages in one novel to send to friends than I have for this book. I’m very happy that my wife is also a fan of Boyle’s because I certainly said “Hey, can I read you this one part?” over and over again while reading next to her in bed.
That being said, if you’re going to write a mystery novel, you need a tightly constructed whodunnit at the center and I would be lying if I said MEANTIME didn’t have me guessing where things were going until the very end. Lots of red herrings abound with several plausible explanations as to how Maria met her end. I loved Felix’s interactions with the suspects as well as those close to him that he would come to find he couldn’t trust completely either. His conversations with celebrity author Jane Pickford contained some of the most naturally flowing dialogue I’ve read in a while and his balls-to-the-wall interaction with his hyperactive downstairs neighbor Donnie had me in tears from laughing.
Without spoiling too much, in the final few chapters of MEANTIME, Frankie writes about grief and regret in a way that absolutely crushed me. I had tears in my eyes on more than a few occasions. To have the ability to convey feelings the way he did either suggests maybe his own past trauma or an incredibly special talent to relate to that level of loss on that deep of a level.
I honestly can’t recommend this one enough. It will absolutely end up in my Top 10 at year’s end – it’s that damn good. If like me, you can find humor in even the most desperate of situations, then this one will fit well within your wheelhouse. MEANTIME is a drug-fueled exploration through the seedy underbelly of the Scottish crime scene
For anyone that knows me, it’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Frankie Boyle’s comedy. While his brilliantly nihilistic panel show, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, is not shown over the air here in Canada, I make sure to keep up through other means. When I heard that he was writing a crime fiction novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it – even if that meant importing it from the UK. Having finished it, it would be an understatement to say that this book did not disappoint.
Never have I ever laughed this hard while reading a crime novel. With the novel’s protagonist Felix, Frankie has definitely injected him with much of his own sense of humor as well as his often fatalistic view of society. I don’t believe I’ve ever highlighted as many passages in one novel to send to friends than I have for this book. I’m very happy that my wife is also a fan of Boyle’s because I certainly said “Hey, can I read you this one part?” over and over again while reading next to her in bed.
That being said, if you’re going to write a mystery novel, you need a tightly constructed whodunnit at the center and I would be lying if I said MEANTIME didn’t have me guessing where things were going until the very end. Lots of red herrings abound with several plausible explanations as to how Maria met her end. I loved Felix’s interactions with the suspects as well as those close to him that he would come to find he couldn’t trust completely either. His conversations with celebrity author Jane Pickford contained some of the most naturally flowing dialogue I’ve read in a while and his balls-to-the-wall interaction with his hyperactive downstairs neighbor Donnie had me in tears from laughing.
Without spoiling too much, in the final few chapters of MEANTIME, Frankie writes about grief and regret in a way that absolutely crushed me. I had tears in my eyes on more than a few occasions. To have the ability to convey feelings the way he did either suggests maybe his own past trauma or an incredibly special talent to relate to that level of loss on that deep of a level.
I honestly can’t recommend this one enough. It will absolutely end up in my Top 10 at year’s end – it’s that damn good. If like me, you can find humor in even the most desperate of situations, then this one will fit well within your wheelhouse. MEANTIME is a drug-fueled exploration through the seedy underbelly of the Scottish crime scene
October 16, 2022
“Social media wisdom is a lot like prison wisdom if you were wise you wouldn’t be there.”
The city of Glasgow makes for an ideal landscape to set this bleak yet perversely refreshing and hugely enjoyable piece of work. This certainly put me in mind of a lot of Christopher Brookmyre’s better stuff, but whilst still retaining a distinctive Boyle signature, which gives it its own offbeat and delightful spark.
“In this light his tanned, bloated head looked not unlike a haunted paper bag, his glazed eyes fixed on some bleak internal horizon.”
I can say without any doubt that I have never laughed so much in my life reading a book as I did during this, it got to the point where I was still laughing at something pages ago and then as I came across something else it just got silly and I was laughing so much that often I forgot what I was laughing at.
“Civility is made out to be this really great thing by all the people who benefit. Of course they want everyone to stick to the rules of civility, because those rules stop people from asking them why they have all the fucking stuff.”
There are clear semi-autobiographical elements to this and it even gets a little meta at times. Immensely funny people tend to be immensely intelligent and Boyle is no exception, yes there are times when scenarios can have a slightly staged feel and some of his views feel almost crowbarred in, but then that’s what’s most writers do. And the results are more than worthwhile.
“He was what your granddad looked like while he was killing people in the War.”
The political points are brilliant, the quality of observations and resultant humour is constant throughout and particularly if you hail from the west of Scotland you will get a lot out of this. Never a lull, and the momentum forever drives this bizarrely brilliant story forever forward. A hugely entertaining novel.
The city of Glasgow makes for an ideal landscape to set this bleak yet perversely refreshing and hugely enjoyable piece of work. This certainly put me in mind of a lot of Christopher Brookmyre’s better stuff, but whilst still retaining a distinctive Boyle signature, which gives it its own offbeat and delightful spark.
“In this light his tanned, bloated head looked not unlike a haunted paper bag, his glazed eyes fixed on some bleak internal horizon.”
I can say without any doubt that I have never laughed so much in my life reading a book as I did during this, it got to the point where I was still laughing at something pages ago and then as I came across something else it just got silly and I was laughing so much that often I forgot what I was laughing at.
“Civility is made out to be this really great thing by all the people who benefit. Of course they want everyone to stick to the rules of civility, because those rules stop people from asking them why they have all the fucking stuff.”
There are clear semi-autobiographical elements to this and it even gets a little meta at times. Immensely funny people tend to be immensely intelligent and Boyle is no exception, yes there are times when scenarios can have a slightly staged feel and some of his views feel almost crowbarred in, but then that’s what’s most writers do. And the results are more than worthwhile.
“He was what your granddad looked like while he was killing people in the War.”
The political points are brilliant, the quality of observations and resultant humour is constant throughout and particularly if you hail from the west of Scotland you will get a lot out of this. Never a lull, and the momentum forever drives this bizarrely brilliant story forever forward. A hugely entertaining novel.
August 7, 2022
I tried to get into this book but just couldn’t! I listened to not on Audible and struggled to follow all the characters and how it jumped about. It felt like it was trying to be several things at once and not quite achieving any!
October 6, 2025
Started and finished date – 01.10.25 to 04.10.25.
My rating – Four Stars.
I wasn't sure I was going like is book but surprisingly I did enjoy is book and I think people who like ways to die in Glasgow by Jay Stringer or the girl on the train by Paula Hawkins may like is book. The cover of book was simple but stunning. Then are parts of book reminds me trainspotting by Irvine Welsh. The writing was well done but the writing took some time to get used it also the ending of book was pretty good. Both the atmosphere and the mystery was well done, and the humour was okay.
I think author did a good job at describing and exploring Heavy subject such as addiction, alcoholism and drugs trade also the twists in the book was well written, but I think then too many characters. The paced of plot was well structured and steady paced. Most of the characters were very messy and complex but I like the characters, and I found them well written, but I think some of side characters could be flash out bit more.
My rating – Four Stars.
I wasn't sure I was going like is book but surprisingly I did enjoy is book and I think people who like ways to die in Glasgow by Jay Stringer or the girl on the train by Paula Hawkins may like is book. The cover of book was simple but stunning. Then are parts of book reminds me trainspotting by Irvine Welsh. The writing was well done but the writing took some time to get used it also the ending of book was pretty good. Both the atmosphere and the mystery was well done, and the humour was okay.
I think author did a good job at describing and exploring Heavy subject such as addiction, alcoholism and drugs trade also the twists in the book was well written, but I think then too many characters. The paced of plot was well structured and steady paced. Most of the characters were very messy and complex but I like the characters, and I found them well written, but I think some of side characters could be flash out bit more.
May 1, 2022
Thanks for the advanced copy I was really looking forward to reading this as I am a big Frankie Boyle fan. Reading the press reviews I got the impression the book would have a early Chris Brookmyre and Colin Bateman feel to it but even funnier as it was Boyle writings. After a few chapters I found this really was not the case it was funny but there was something I couldn’t put my finger that made the story feel flat. I don’t know if it was that I expecting too much but this book wasn’t for me. I am sure it will be a hit not only because of the fan base behind Boyle but because it will be lots of peoples cup of tea just not mine.
July 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I want to start by saying I did enjoy this book and thought that the characters were well written and interesting. I laughed more than once but for some reason I just wasn’t rushing to pick it up and carry on but did enjoy it when I was reading so maybe it was just the wrong time
June 18, 2022
3/5 Ok/Good
I don’t really know what to make of this debut from Frankie Boyle.
It’s not really the crime fiction I thought it was. It’s really quite surreal to be honest as it follows the main character in Felix as he investigate ps the death of a friend.
With constant references to drug taking, literally every page someone is popping a pill of some sort, lots of foul language and many one liners it’s kind of entertaining and did keep me reading and engaged…
But it’s just weird, and trying to be a bit to cool? It’s VERY political, extremely satirical and I’m not sure if it’s all just Frankie Boyle writing a massive Parody of life today.
Strange, but it’s ok and I think some will love it and others maybe not so much.
I don’t really know what to make of this debut from Frankie Boyle.
It’s not really the crime fiction I thought it was. It’s really quite surreal to be honest as it follows the main character in Felix as he investigate ps the death of a friend.
With constant references to drug taking, literally every page someone is popping a pill of some sort, lots of foul language and many one liners it’s kind of entertaining and did keep me reading and engaged…
But it’s just weird, and trying to be a bit to cool? It’s VERY political, extremely satirical and I’m not sure if it’s all just Frankie Boyle writing a massive Parody of life today.
Strange, but it’s ok and I think some will love it and others maybe not so much.
June 8, 2024
If I could give it more stars I would. It's one of those books you know you need to read again to notice all the things you missed the first time round. And I honestly hav3 not laughed out loud at a book this much in ages. Or even forever. Don't take it too seriously. Appreciate the super sharp observations. And enjoy it.
January 8, 2023
If Christopher Brookmyre and Ian Rankin dropped acid and then re-wrote Transporting as a crime thriller, this could be the result. LOVED IT.
October 4, 2022
This is Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle's debut novel and being a fan of his brand of humour, I knew I just had to read this. It's a crime thriller but it very much reflects Boyle's previous tv and stand up work, in that it's not your conventional crime thriller. It's set in Glasgow just after the Scottish Independence referendum of 2014 and our protagonist Felix McAveety is unemployed, previously having worked at BBC Scotland and pretty much spends his time taking drugs, both the illegal and the prescription variety and washing them down with liberal doses of alcohol. His reasons for doing so are not initially apparent but are explained in a couple of harrowing chapters near the climax of the novel. Felix's best friend Marina is found murdered in a local park and initially Felix is deemed a prime suspect and is taken into custody but is soon released and suspecting Police incompetence and indifference, decides he'll investigate her death himself. He recruits his downstairs neighbour, Donnie, as his partner in crime, who unfortunately has an even greater appetite for illegal substances than Felix and they don't surprisingly get very far. Identifying the need for some 'professional' assistance, Felix manages to engage the services of Jan, an ex-Police Officer turned crime writer who is also fighting the battle against her terminal cancer diagnosis. Their investigation pits them up against a local crime lord, murderous political activists, a deranged stalker, a British Intelligence Officer and artificial intelligence, as they try to unravel a tangled web of drug dealing and corruption to identify Marina's killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this slightly surreal and complicated thriller, where everything is viewed through the prism of which ever drugs our protagonist Felix happens to have ingested at any particular time. It is of course very funny, as I found Boyle's descriptions of places and in particular people, especially Donnie, to be hilarious. A lot of his descriptive writing is highly original but there are also some familiar references too, such as the difficulty in locating the toilets in a Wetherspoon's pub, which is a conundrum I'm sure we've all faced at some point. The investigation stumbles along at times and doesn't seem to gain much traction and Boyle also takes time out describing Felix's state of mind, as he ponders the meaning of his and our existence on the planet. There is a large cast of characters, each one having their own idiosyncrasies and each one of them is memorable for some reason or other. There are red herrings along the way and also a few twists but the novel builds to a quite revelatory climax as Felix's past is revealed and he and Jan confront the killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this slightly surreal and complicated thriller, where everything is viewed through the prism of which ever drugs our protagonist Felix happens to have ingested at any particular time. It is of course very funny, as I found Boyle's descriptions of places and in particular people, especially Donnie, to be hilarious. A lot of his descriptive writing is highly original but there are also some familiar references too, such as the difficulty in locating the toilets in a Wetherspoon's pub, which is a conundrum I'm sure we've all faced at some point. The investigation stumbles along at times and doesn't seem to gain much traction and Boyle also takes time out describing Felix's state of mind, as he ponders the meaning of his and our existence on the planet. There is a large cast of characters, each one having their own idiosyncrasies and each one of them is memorable for some reason or other. There are red herrings along the way and also a few twists but the novel builds to a quite revelatory climax as Felix's past is revealed and he and Jan confront the killer.
January 14, 2023
More Frankie Fiction Please!
I really loved this style of writing, and how the narrative is sarcastically trippy with Scots charm and humour. Reading with my brain adopting Frankie's familiar voice telling stories about the people, times, and places that I recognised really enhanced my enjoyment of this book. The details - and sometimes lack thereof - give a lot to this story and turn the reader into a detective alongside Felix.
Whilst I began the book and quickly became invested in solving the murder mystery element, I got swept away in everything else and my brain just got so busy that I simply wanted to learn more. I wasnt focused on trying to beat the detective and guess the culprit, I was just along for the ride and wanting to learn more about each character, which made this a nice stress-free yet nourishing read.
It jumps about and trails away, in ebbs and flows, which keep you engaged without having to pay too much attention. I enjoyed the entire story and liked the characters of Felix, Jane, Donnie, and Amy very much. I wish we'd had a bit more information about Amy earlier on, though reading to the end revealed an important plot point as to why this couldn't happen.
The last 10 chapters were undoubtedly my favourite section of the book. Nevertheless, I felt that they were throwing plot twists quite fast and accelerating the story to a pace we'd not met before, almost as if there was a challenge to finish the book soon and squeeze it all in!
The main twist was learning about Felix's history, and I wish we'd heard a bit more about this story, perhaps in conversation with Jane? I would have liked more time to learn about him and his past in depth. The same goes for Jane and Amy - I feel that their characters were rushed off the scene to wrap things up, and so this is why I'm giving 4 stars.
Besides this, Frankie tackles addiction and alcoholism in a brilliant way. The casual nature of drug use throughout the book normalises conversation about male mental health and the need for better healthcare and support around mental health and grief. It does a lot.
I definitely recommend this book though and am hungry for more. Perhaps we can get a Donnie spin-off?!
I really loved this style of writing, and how the narrative is sarcastically trippy with Scots charm and humour. Reading with my brain adopting Frankie's familiar voice telling stories about the people, times, and places that I recognised really enhanced my enjoyment of this book. The details - and sometimes lack thereof - give a lot to this story and turn the reader into a detective alongside Felix.
Whilst I began the book and quickly became invested in solving the murder mystery element, I got swept away in everything else and my brain just got so busy that I simply wanted to learn more. I wasnt focused on trying to beat the detective and guess the culprit, I was just along for the ride and wanting to learn more about each character, which made this a nice stress-free yet nourishing read.
It jumps about and trails away, in ebbs and flows, which keep you engaged without having to pay too much attention. I enjoyed the entire story and liked the characters of Felix, Jane, Donnie, and Amy very much. I wish we'd had a bit more information about Amy earlier on, though reading to the end revealed an important plot point as to why this couldn't happen.
The last 10 chapters were undoubtedly my favourite section of the book. Nevertheless, I felt that they were throwing plot twists quite fast and accelerating the story to a pace we'd not met before, almost as if there was a challenge to finish the book soon and squeeze it all in!
The main twist was learning about Felix's history, and I wish we'd heard a bit more about this story, perhaps in conversation with Jane? I would have liked more time to learn about him and his past in depth. The same goes for Jane and Amy - I feel that their characters were rushed off the scene to wrap things up, and so this is why I'm giving 4 stars.
Besides this, Frankie tackles addiction and alcoholism in a brilliant way. The casual nature of drug use throughout the book normalises conversation about male mental health and the need for better healthcare and support around mental health and grief. It does a lot.
I definitely recommend this book though and am hungry for more. Perhaps we can get a Donnie spin-off?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2022
This was a funny wee detective story with a very absurd and unexpected protagonist. There’s lots of humour throughout, as you would expect from Frankie Boyle, but I enjoyed the layers of dark conspiracy that made up the mystery that Felix sets out to uncover.
It was nice to read a story set close to home and part of the fun was figuring out where the bars that Felix frequented were based on (the vegan record shop Chrono almost definitely being Mono). I saw a lot of other reviews finding the constant drug taking to be boring or inconsequential to the story but I believe this is justified later as a comment on self-medication. The lists of pills at times reminded me of Bret Easton Ellis’ listing of brand names in American Psycho and these were used to highlight a mundanity of the coping strategy then just as I believe Frankie Boyle has done so now.
There are a few twists and gotcha moments throughout the story and I found myself really engaged by these and the one-liners that are dashed throughout. Another plus was that chapters were often about 10 pages each so it was very easily digestible and not at all difficult to let my tea go cold as I kept telling myself “one more chapter”.
It was nice to read a story set close to home and part of the fun was figuring out where the bars that Felix frequented were based on (the vegan record shop Chrono almost definitely being Mono). I saw a lot of other reviews finding the constant drug taking to be boring or inconsequential to the story but I believe this is justified later as a comment on self-medication. The lists of pills at times reminded me of Bret Easton Ellis’ listing of brand names in American Psycho and these were used to highlight a mundanity of the coping strategy then just as I believe Frankie Boyle has done so now.
There are a few twists and gotcha moments throughout the story and I found myself really engaged by these and the one-liners that are dashed throughout. Another plus was that chapters were often about 10 pages each so it was very easily digestible and not at all difficult to let my tea go cold as I kept telling myself “one more chapter”.
December 7, 2023
There is much to recommend this book. First of all, and probably most importantly, it is extremely funny, not just in the jokes inserted which are very clearly Frankie Boyle jokes, regardless of which character they come from they all land in his voice, but there's other jokes that work in the format of a book that wouldn't work at all in stand up, so there's clearly a good amount of comedic writing talent here, not just an obvious comic talent.
I like as well that he's not gone with a straight detective/crime type story, I don't know how well that would work with the comedy, but this book is extremely weird in how it flows, how it's structured, the events and characters. Nobody comes across terribly realistic, not in any kind of way that undercuts the pathos of the real emotional core, but it is bizarre nonetheless.
Ultimately though, the book lives and dies on the strength of the comedy, which is very good indeed, I had moments where I struggled to continue, but by the end, in service to the weird plot, the comic side of it is somewhat suppressed and it ends up slightly on the unsatisfying side, there's not enough else to it to make it a thoroughly satisfying book despite it being a very good book.
I like as well that he's not gone with a straight detective/crime type story, I don't know how well that would work with the comedy, but this book is extremely weird in how it flows, how it's structured, the events and characters. Nobody comes across terribly realistic, not in any kind of way that undercuts the pathos of the real emotional core, but it is bizarre nonetheless.
Ultimately though, the book lives and dies on the strength of the comedy, which is very good indeed, I had moments where I struggled to continue, but by the end, in service to the weird plot, the comic side of it is somewhat suppressed and it ends up slightly on the unsatisfying side, there's not enough else to it to make it a thoroughly satisfying book despite it being a very good book.
September 5, 2024
Probably three star but feeling generous towards Boyle as his debut novel. Was very curious to read this. I think the novel is a way for Boyle to write rather than speak his own thoughts, and at times does read like a slightly rambling comedic monologue directly from Boyle as opposed to the character. It’s too long and a bit of a drag to get through some of it. I think maybe when you’re famous editors get nervous - you still need a rigorous editor! But some of the writing is brilliant and a good few twists (though they take too long to get to). A lot about drugs, which didn’t surprise me. I wasn’t as moved by the narrators story as I perhaps should have been, cause I thought ‘well at least finally something’s happening.’ Laugh out loud funny at times. Diverse set of characters. The actual crime isn’t really the focus despite being a crime novel (which was fine as crime novels are very samey, but did mean that after a lot of time invested it wasn’t solved that interestingly).
April 16, 2024
'She mentioned speaking truth to power, which I always think is a weird phrase because class relationships are essentially sadistic, and there's no point explaining your pain to people who are just going to feel slightly aroused.'
This had some truly laugh-out-loud funny bits as you might expect from a comedian as good as Frankie Boyle. It didn't altogether satisfy as a crime novel but it was pleasantly different enough to keep my interest.
"I'd never really bought the whole 'live in the moment' thing. It had emerged as some late capitalist thing that said don't look at the future, don't consider the past, just focus on right now because the only way to be happy is to think more like a dog. Maybe I just instinctively shirked individual responsibility, but all this self-care stuff seemed like telling people they should make sure to get a back rub, when they really needed a union."
June 20, 2023
Frankie Boyle’s first work of fiction is an enjoyably dark and entertaining tranche of Glasgow noir. It contains all the deft wordplay you’d expect and a few well-aimed, drive-by satirical shots at political targets along the way.
A slow-paced, sometimes reassuringly pedestrian trawl though the main plot-lines, leaves space to appreciate the language and embrace the observations. Read, through the prism of what you know about the author, makes you believe that you are getting insights behind the curtain. The plot is deliberately used as the tracks for a scenic train journey, though on closer inspection, the landscape can be quite bleak, enjoyable nonetheless.
A slow-paced, sometimes reassuringly pedestrian trawl though the main plot-lines, leaves space to appreciate the language and embrace the observations. Read, through the prism of what you know about the author, makes you believe that you are getting insights behind the curtain. The plot is deliberately used as the tracks for a scenic train journey, though on closer inspection, the landscape can be quite bleak, enjoyable nonetheless.
July 19, 2022
I think there's a crime story in this book - ok so there definitely is, but it's not really all that front and centre, there's so much more going on around and about it that it does, on occasion, get lost in the noise. So, if you are looking to read this as a pure crime book, you might be disappointed.
It's another of those books that I would also pop into one of my favourite genres - that being bonkers. It is, and then some. Characters who are completely larger than life, lots of weird and wonderful shenanigans. And more drugs than the whole Trainspotting series - and that's just chapter one - no not really, but almost! And that is the ONLY comparison to make with Welsh's series. Anything else is an insult to both...
Marina is dead, Felix is a suspect. But he also an addict - big time - and spends the majority of his life out of his head. So he could have done it, but he suspects not, he sort of has an alibi. He is our narrator and, as you can expect from a man of his "highs" the story is somewhat confusing in places. He also enlists several of his friends and associates to assist him in his endeavours to discover the real murderer as he believes that the Police don't really care.
And so begins a bonkers romp, drug fuelled and, on occasion very very funny. Which takes our MC pretty much everywhere someone like me wouldn't dare go. Culminating in an ending that defied everything that came before. Brilliant!
Oh and remember who the author is before you make comment about the language. Informed choice and all that jazz... That said, it was all in context.
And my final comment which I think is quite key to the whole thing. It's a bit tongue in cheek and doesn't take itself that seriously - which, for me, made it all the more enjoyable and easy to read. I wonder if he has another book in the pipeline. I'd definitely be up for more of the same...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
It's another of those books that I would also pop into one of my favourite genres - that being bonkers. It is, and then some. Characters who are completely larger than life, lots of weird and wonderful shenanigans. And more drugs than the whole Trainspotting series - and that's just chapter one - no not really, but almost! And that is the ONLY comparison to make with Welsh's series. Anything else is an insult to both...
Marina is dead, Felix is a suspect. But he also an addict - big time - and spends the majority of his life out of his head. So he could have done it, but he suspects not, he sort of has an alibi. He is our narrator and, as you can expect from a man of his "highs" the story is somewhat confusing in places. He also enlists several of his friends and associates to assist him in his endeavours to discover the real murderer as he believes that the Police don't really care.
And so begins a bonkers romp, drug fuelled and, on occasion very very funny. Which takes our MC pretty much everywhere someone like me wouldn't dare go. Culminating in an ending that defied everything that came before. Brilliant!
Oh and remember who the author is before you make comment about the language. Informed choice and all that jazz... That said, it was all in context.
And my final comment which I think is quite key to the whole thing. It's a bit tongue in cheek and doesn't take itself that seriously - which, for me, made it all the more enjoyable and easy to read. I wonder if he has another book in the pipeline. I'd definitely be up for more of the same...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 16, 2022
I initially struggled getting into this as I was just reading it in Frankie's delivery voice - I'm very familiar with his comedy and am a big fan. I also live in Glasgow so was clocking the real-life and not-so opaque references to real-life establishments.
However, once I got over this, I really enjoyed it and the late gut-punch was genuinely emotive. I don't think the plot was perfect but this novel is a great addition to Scottish Crime fiction - more Christopher Brookmyre than Val McDermaid - and I'm really looking forward to Frankie's next novel.
However, once I got over this, I really enjoyed it and the late gut-punch was genuinely emotive. I don't think the plot was perfect but this novel is a great addition to Scottish Crime fiction - more Christopher Brookmyre than Val McDermaid - and I'm really looking forward to Frankie's next novel.
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