Customer Reviews

A Snowball in Hell

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I'm reviewing the book here, although this is technically the audio book, but I can't find the book for sale on Amazon.

This author was recommended to me by someone who thought I would like it because I am a P.G.Wodehouse fan looking for modern writers I might enjoy. Given that I rarely read modern novels, the first chapter or so was a complete culture shock. I can't say I was comfortable with it. Brookmyre bears no resemblance to Wodehouse whatsoever that I can see.

I did stick with it though, and found myself really enjoying it, right through to the end. I found Brookmyre's style and characters quite fascinating. Also, as I loathe celebrity culture and reality TV, I gleaned some satisfaction in seeing the vapid celebrity victims bumped off. I would not call this book funny or comedic, but it is satisfying in a wry sort of way.

In summary, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this particular genre. I certainly will be exploring more of Brookmyre's work.

I chanced upon this book in paperback while browsing through a bookstore in London and was hooked immediately. With its great monologues, warped villain, spot-on mockery of pop culture and clever plot twists, it was hard to put down. Unofficially described as "Tartan noir," Christopher Brookmyre's books make ample use of violence and gore and this one is no exception. I have since read several more and this is still one of my favorites (the other is Attack of the Unsinkable Rubber Ducks). I recommend reading A Big Boy Did it and Ran Away and The Sacred Art of Stealing before Sowball in Hell as they are both also very good and they introduce three of the main characters.