Thursday 6 September 2018

MARTIN STANLEY - FIGHTING TALK (2018)


Synopsis/blurb.....

Eric Stanton is used to getting the dirty end of the stick. So, he’s not entirely convinced when his loan-shark boss tells him he's got an easy job for him to do. His boss assures him it’s the kind of task that requires “somebody with a light touch”. All Eric needs to do is visit his boss’ favourite client and ask why she’s fallen behind with her payments.

Easy, right?

Wrong.

All it takes is one visit to send the Stanton brothers on a crazy journey through derelict buildings filled with junkies and drug dealers, rough pubs, and abandoned farms, as they attempt to right some wrongs and bring down a dog-fighting syndicate. It all starts with a bit of fighting talk, but it’s going to end with blood and broken bones. 

Fighting Talk combines fast-paced storytelling with snappy banter, wild and brutal action, and some very nasty villains to create a funny, ferocious crime thriller that will keep you glued to the page.


From the author of The Glasgow Grin and The Curious Case of The Missing Moolah, comes the brand-new thriller, Fighting Talk – featuring the Stanton brothers in their grittiest adventure yet. 

It would be a crime to miss it.

WARNING: CONTAINS VERY STRONG LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT. NOT FOR THE EASILY OFFENDED OR THOSE OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION.

ALL AUTHOR PROCEEDS FROM THIS PUBLICATION WILL BE GOING TO ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY.

My third time with author Martin Stanley and his likeable rogue brothers, the Stanton's and we have another series of fisticuffs and beat downs as the pair led by Eric, take down a dog fighting ring and extract a bit of financial compensation for themselves at the same time. For a few fleeting moments, we also wonder if Eric is destined for some love and romance as he reveals a formerly well-concealed sensitive side. Katie McDonagh could be the one to tame Eric, an errand for Piper, Eric's money-lending boss has the two crossing paths and sets us on the way for another bloody adventure.

The warning at the bottom of the blurb is well-placed. It's the kind of book, you will absolutely love with larger than life characters, irreverent humour, graphic violence and a gritty heart or it will leave you cold. I'm firmly in camp A.

When I read, I want to be entertained. I want empathetic characters, I want a dash of humour and most of all a believable story with a bit of action and a resolution. I don't necessarily want flowery prose and high art. It's my belief that shady characters operating outside of the law, are more interesting than straight Joes and the Stantons fit the bill nicely. A decent setting also works wonders and while I doubt I'll be taking any holidays on the Costa del Teesside, I do like a visit in my reading.

Literature it ain't but does exactly what is described on the tin. Enjoyable, violent, fast and furious. What more do I need?

4.5 from 5

Martin Stanley's other Stanton offerings The Curious Case of the Missing Moolah and Get Santa have been enjoyed. Another five sit on the pile!

Read in August, 2018
Published  - 2018
Page count - 111
Source  - purchased copy
Format - kindle




8 comments:

  1. Glad you enjoyed this, Col. I'm not so much one for the violence, but the premise sounds interesting, and I like it that the proceeds are going to a good cause.

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    1. Margot thanks. Probably one where our tastes diverge, but hey I like what I like and you have your own preferences. We can agree on the author's generosity though.

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  2. I think this is just too brutal for me, but I am glad you are enjoying the series.

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    1. Definitely. Much more my cup of tea than yours!

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  3. Col – Thanks for the review and the reminder to read him. BTW, I like the way his book covers are a brand.

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    1. They are all of an ilk aren't they? I hope you enjoy his work when you do take the plunge, Elgin.

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  4. Just ordered this book! I hope it's as gritty and gutter as it sounds!

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