Thursday 2 July 2015

COL BURY - MANCHESTER 6 (2012)


Synopsis/blurb….

Manchester 6 focuses on the best and worst of human nature, personified in the gritty urban setting of Manchester, UK. It features a plethora of no-nonsense characters you’d ordinarily want to avoid. The six stories highlight generally decent folk who become embroiled with the lower echelons of society, aka scumbags. Whether it’s the paranoid, spliff-sucking writer who has an online spat, or an ex-soldier hunting a notorious gang, there’s conflict galore. 

Meanwhile, hell hath no fury, like a window cleaner ripped-off of his Christmas tips, and a heroic family man faces Al Qaeda and the decision of his life. When you add to the mix, the luckiest gambler in town having a ball, coked up in a lap-dancing club, and an eccentric ice cream van owner who pushes ‘friendship’ beyond the limit, you know something’s got to give, and, boy, does it! This collection oozes dark wit and has more twists and turns than a snake on speed.

Praise for Manchester 6

“Darkly funny, muscular prose with stark imagery. A must read.” – Richard Godwin, author of Apostle Rising.

“Top selection filled with dark humour, pathos and gritty action.” – Matt Hilton, author of the Joe Hunter thriller series.

“Snappy and powerful with realistic characters.” – Nick Quantrill, author of Broken Dreams.

“Col Bury’s Manchester 6 may well be the epitome of Brit Grit.” – Paul D Brazill, widely published British noir writer.

A short book of stories, but enough here to keep me amused and entertained.

My favourite concerns a window cleaner who snaps and sets in motion a revenge attack on the villain who has ruined Christmas for him and his kids.

Which isn’t to say that the others in the collection are too shabby either.

International terrorism comes to Manchester……. a good neighbour with a genial, generous nature gets taken for a mug…… Dogger Dave and his tiny appendage….plus plenty more besides

Violent, gritty, fast and furious with street language and touches of humour – sprinkled throughout.

There’s a piece at the back of the book where the author explains the inspiration behind the narratives, what conversations and chats inspired certain tales – an interesting peek inside a writer’s brain.

4 from 5

Purchased some time ago on Amazon UK for kindle.

Col Bury’s other selection of Manchester tales - The Cops of Manchester - will be shuffled closer to the top of the pile.    

About the author


Col Bury was born and raised in Manchester, UK, and is the crime editor of award winning ezine, Thrillers, Killers ‘n’ Chillers. His short stories can be found in many anthologies, including, The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 9. His fiction is scattered around the blogosphere, at the likes of A Twist Of Noir and The Flash Fiction Offensive. A New York agent enjoyed Col’s online stories so much that they’re now working together developing his crime novel series. When he’s not working, being a daddy, writing, reading or editing, Col shoots pool or watches his beloved Manchester City FC.

His first novel was published last month - My Kind of Justice.
Website  - here
Twitter @ColBurywriter

17 comments:

  1. Glad you enjoyed this, Col. I know I've probably said it before, but I think short story collections can be good ways to get to know an author's work. Glad this one worked for you.

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    1. It's definitely a good entry point for a lot of authors Margot. Not too much of a commitment required, but worthwhile when it pays off!

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    2. Thanks, Margot. You're right - the short stories are a great way to introduce readers to your writing style and to glean much welcome constructive feedback as you hone the craft.

      Col, as I've said before, with the novel's release I'd almost forgotten about my short story collections, so this review is much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time out, fella. ;-)

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    3. Col - you're welcome. Hopefully I'll get through the next set of shorts soon'ish and then try the novel.

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  2. Are you soulmates sharing a first name? And Bury is part of Greater Manchester. It sounds more your thing than mine, but they do sound good....maybe I'd be more inclined to try his novel.

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    1. Hmm...can't speak for Manc Col, I'm not sure what his longer handle might be, probably not Colman though.
      Go on then....try the novel!

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  3. Sounds fun! I shall have to sus out his novel, too.

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    1. John, I do like taking a punt on authors that aren't necessarily household names..and another one pays off again! You'll probably get to his novel before me....seeing as I'm back on the embargo!

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  5. "A short book of stories." — I really like that, Col. They are usually amusing and entertaining, I agree. The Al Qaeda-angled story sounds interesting.

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    1. There's a bit of variety in the collection, Prashant. Worth a look pal.

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  6. It's short for Colin, BTW. I was up all night thinking of that pseudonym! ;-)
    Thanks for for interest, everyone. Hope you enjoy.

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    1. Haha, be prepared to feature on the blog again in the future!

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    2. Oo, great! BTW, forgive the typo ("for for"), but mitigating circs... seen the time I posted above comment...? ;-)

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    3. No problem, I'd had about 4 hours kip by then!

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  7. Sounds good, I may give the stories a try.

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    1. Hope you do, Tracy - we all know you love short stories now!

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