Review of A Pocket Full Of Haddock

[Veronica Hunter]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Pocket Full Of Haddock" by Keven Shevels.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In 1932, four men were murdered in St. Mary Mediocre, prompting Detective Inspector Aloysius Corner's involvement. However, he delegated the investigation to Detective Sergeant Impetigo Dogsbreath, who resents his return to Slagbottom, his birthplace. Meanwhile, Alice Clackbottom, the person in charge of The Dirty Old Heifer Inn, encounters chaos when actors from a nearby film set visit, leading to two deaths. As Dogsbreath investigates, he faces challenges from quirky locals, including suspects with dubious pasts and eccentric behaviors. Despite frustrations and interference from higher-ups, Dogsbreath persists, eventually uncovering a conspiracy implicating the village in the murders.
 
A Pocket Full of Haddock by Keven Shevels is a delightful romp through a quirky village with a cast of eccentric characters and a series of baffling murders. Set in the charmingly named St. Mary Mediocre near Slagbottom, the novel kicks off with a gruesome discovery: four men were brutally murdered in the local pub. The plot itself is a clever mix of mystery, humor, and a touch of the absurd. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of witty dialogue and unexpected twists to keep readers engaged. The plot of this book is truly unique.
 
What stands out in the book is the clever blend of humor and mystery throughout. Shevels masterfully infuses the narrative with comedic moments, such as the absurd situations Dogsbreath finds himself in or the banter between characters like Dogsbreath and PC Big-Girl’s-Blouse. Despite the lighthearted tone, the mystery at the heart of the story remains compelling, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
 
The setting was vividly depicted. From the quaint village of St. Mary Mediocre to the places in London, Shevels brings each location to life with rich detail and atmospheric prose. The result is a world that feels immersive and authentic, populated by characters you can't help but root for and, in some cases, love to hate. 
 
I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars because the characters in the book are truly memorable. Take Detective Sergeant Impetigo Dogsbreath, for instance, whose rough exterior belies his keen investigative skills and complex backstory. Throughout the book, Dogsbreath grapples with personal demons while navigating the challenges of the murder investigation. Similarly, supporting characters like Miss Marble and PC Big-Girl’s-Blouse contribute to the story's richness with their unique personalities and quirks. 
 
I found nothing to fault in the book. I recommend the book to fans of mystery and detective fiction. 

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A Pocket Full Of Haddock
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[Amy Luman]

This novel has a very interesting title. The humor begins with the names, both of people and places. The combination of this and the mystery seem sure to make an exciting book. Thanks!

[Kristin Cowan]

Very good review. Book sounds descriptive and enticing!

[Cynthia Pence]

As a prospective reader, this review of A Pocket Full of Haddock by Keven Shevels presents the novel as a fun and engaging blend of mystery and humor, which immediately makes it appealing. The unique setting in the whimsically named St. Mary Mediocre and the eccentric character names like Detective Sergeant Impetigo Dogsbreath and PC Big-Girl’s-Blouse suggest that this is no ordinary detective story. It sounds like a clever, lighthearted take on the genre, with a well-constructed mystery to boot.