Different from all of the other Brenda and Effie mysteries. Chapters are much longer and the writing is often from the perspective of different main characters for large chunks of the prose. It was interesting to see Magrs trying these different devices out in this fifth book. The story is still the same style though, fast moving, light but with a hint of shading here and there and reliably funny in a kind of sniggering to yourself kind of a way. Still think that say Malcolm Pryce and the Aberystwyth mysteries are better but I would always read another Whitby thriller any time! ( )

These books are reliably good. In this one boyfriends come between Brenda and Effie, causing strife and agonising. And why is the new bookshop owner so obsessed with novels about the land of Qab, with its enslaved lizard men and mysterious all-powerful queen? Great stuff. Brenda is a very endearing character, making the best of her difficult situation, and trying to run a good B&B while Whitby runs amok around her. ( )

Thank you, husband, for taking a risk and purchasing me a book for my christmas. I am certain many on library things will comprehend the difficulties in purchasing a book worm a book as a present (especially as it was purchaed from too far away to exchange later, as I have done to many books given to me over the years thanks to a very accomodating local bookstore)
Other than the fact that there is purple on the cover design there is little I would have thought to reccomend this book as one I would like. However it was one of those rare gems that while not seeming inviting get under your skin.
The style of writing was very easy, I might suggest that teens could be targeted other than the fact the main characters are far to old. It is also one of a series of books, though I was almost half way through the book before I noticed. There was reference to events in these other books, of other adventures, but just enough details was given so that I was not left feeling I had an incomplete story. However it does make me think that I should find out more detail.
This is a spooky little take of supernatural happenings. yet it is also a comidy. so it's difficult to describle. The author manages to havve humdrum sound eerie and vampires etc sound like normal daily life.
I would suggest that you read it to find out what I am trying to say as it is very difficult to describe. It will be worth your efort

Acquired from publisher Oct 2010

Paul's publisher kindly sent me an advance copy of this one - Brenda and Effie vol 5! Well, this one's a bit sad. Brenda and Effie have had a falling-out, and it's over Men, of course, with Brenda's beau being fairly keen to see Effie's off the premises. Told from the viewpoint of Brenda, Effie and dear old Robert (perhaps my favourite character in this series, and hooray, he's got a new chap to help him get over the disappointment of the faerie fellow from the last book), we gallop through a range of references, including skillful weaving of past and present, some great use of "The Lost World" and a reference to another book that made me hoot with joy (but to reveal which is was would be to include a dirty great spoiler!). Paul's vintage Corrie/ Alan Bennett way with observation and the use of words is here again, and there are some great ideas and set pieces. Has he taken Brenda and Effie as far as they can go, though, or will there be more...?

Note: I'm waiting for a smaller paperback version to come out in March - I'll circulate this copy to those local or who don't mind the higher postage... ( )

This is the fifth book in the series and the darkest and, sadly, the least enjoyable so far. Magrs sets it up nicely, the book group at the local bookshop is reading Beatrice Mapp's Qab books, which presents an intriguing alternate universe for our girls to visit. Unfortunately Effie's entanglement with Alucard, as good it as makes Effie feel and look, and Brenda's with Henry Cleavis, the eternally youthful monster hunter has caused a rift in their relationship and they aren't talking to each other. The relationship between Brenda and Effie is the essence of these books and while its nice to see them struggle through adversity, I really missed the gossipy meals at Cod Almighty, the late night discussions in Brenda's attic. ( )