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Psycho by the Sea (A Constable Twitten Mystery)
by Lynne Truss'A giddy spell of sheer delight!' Praise for the Constable Twitten Series, Daily MailIn the latest installment of this funny, charming and quirky series - longlisted for the acclaimed CWA Historical Dagger - our trio of redoubtable detectives are faced with the arrival in town of an escaped criminal with an unlikely penchant for boiling the heads of policemen...It's September in Brighton and the city is playing host to weeks of endless rain and lashings of villainy. A trusted member of a local gang has disappeared part way through planning a huge heist; a violent criminal obsessed with boiling the heads of policemen has escaped Broadmoor and is rumoured to be headed towards the city, while at Gosling's department store an American researcher has been found dead in the music section. Inspector Steine has other things on his mind – since the triumphant conclusion to his last case, Steine has so many awards and invitations coming his way that he has had to take on a secretary – but Sergeant Brunswick and Constable 'Clever Clogs' Twitten are both on the case. If only they could work out just who is behind these dastardly acts…'Outstanding . In her ability to blend crime and farce, Truss is in a class of her own' Publishers Weekly
Psycho by the Sea (A Constable Twitten Mystery)
by Lynne Truss'A giddy spell of sheer delight!' Praise for the Constable Twitten Series, Daily MailIn the latest installment of this funny, charming and quirky series - longlisted for the acclaimed CWA Historical Dagger - our trio of redoubtable detectives are faced with the arrival in town of an escaped criminal with an unlikely penchant for boiling the heads of policemen...It's September in Brighton and the city is playing host to weeks of endless rain and lashings of villainy. A trusted member of a local gang has disappeared part way through planning a huge heist; a violent criminal obsessed with boiling the heads of policemen has escaped Broadmoor and is rumoured to be headed towards the city, while at Gosling's department store an American researcher has been found dead in the music section. Inspector Steine has other things on his mind – since the triumphant conclusion to his last case, Steine has so many awards and invitations coming his way that he has had to take on a secretary – but Sergeant Brunswick and Constable 'Clever Clogs' Twitten are both on the case. If only they could work out just who is behind these dastardly acts…'Outstanding . In her ability to blend crime and farce, Truss is in a class of her own' Publishers Weekly
The Psychology of Comedy (The Psychology of Everything)
by G Neil MartinWhat makes us laugh? Why is comedy so important? How does comedy affect our behaviour? The Psychology of Comedy provides a unique insight into the role of laughter and humour in our lives. From the mechanics of comedy and what makes a good joke, to the health benefits of laughter, the book delves into different types of comedy, from slapstick to complex puns, and the physiological response it provokes. The dark side of comedy is also considered, confronting the idea that what is funny to some can be offensive to others, making this universal experience also highly subjective. In a time when comedy continues to be one of the most popular and enduring forms of art, The Psychology of Comedy reminds us that laughter really is good for the soul.
The Psychology of Comedy (The Psychology of Everything)
by G Neil MartinWhat makes us laugh? Why is comedy so important? How does comedy affect our behaviour? The Psychology of Comedy provides a unique insight into the role of laughter and humour in our lives. From the mechanics of comedy and what makes a good joke, to the health benefits of laughter, the book delves into different types of comedy, from slapstick to complex puns, and the physiological response it provokes. The dark side of comedy is also considered, confronting the idea that what is funny to some can be offensive to others, making this universal experience also highly subjective. In a time when comedy continues to be one of the most popular and enduring forms of art, The Psychology of Comedy reminds us that laughter really is good for the soul.
The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry (Picador Collection #108)
by Jon RonsonWhat if society wasn't fundamentally rational, but was motivated by insanity? This thought sets Jon Ronson on an utterly compelling adventure into the world of madness.Along the way, Jon meets psychopaths, those whose lives have been touched by madness and those whose job it is to diagnose it, including the influential psychologist who developed the Psychopath Test, from whom Jon learns the art of psychopath-spotting. A skill which seemingly reveals that madness could indeed be at the heart of everything . . .Combining Jon Ronson's trademark humour, charm and investigative incision, The Psychopath Test is both entertaining and honest, unearthing dangerous truths and asking serious questions about how we define normality in a world where we are increasingly judged by our maddest edges.'The belly laughs come thick and fast – my God, he is funny . . . provocative and interesting' – Observer
Psychopaths Anonymous
by Will CarverWhen AA meetings make her want to drink more, alcoholic murderess Maeve sets up a group for psychopaths … The dark, unpredictable, electrifyingly original new thriller from critically acclaimed author Will Carver.‘Cements Carver as one of the most exciting authors in Britain. After this, he’ll have his own cult following’ Daily Express'Will Carver is an exhilarating and audacious new voice in literary crime fiction' Sarah Pinborough‘A new Will Carver novel is always something to look forward to, and this is no exception. Striking and unusual, and dark as ever’ S J Watson–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Maeve has everything. A high-powered job, a beautiful home, a string of uncomplicated one-night encounters. She’s also an addict: A functioning alcoholic with a dependence on sex and an insatiable appetite for killing men. When she can’t find a support group to share her obsession, she creates her own. And Psychopaths Anonymous is born. Friends of Maeve. Now in a serious relationship, Maeve wants to keep the group a secret. But not everyone in the group adheres to the rules, and when a reckless member raises suspicions with the police, Maeve’s drinking spirals out of control. She needs to stop killing. She needs to close the group. But Maeve can’t seem to quit the things that are bad for her, including her new man…A scathing, violent and darkly funny book about love, connection, obsessions and sex – and the aspects of human nature we’d prefer to hide – Psychopaths Anonymous is also an electrifyingly original, unpredictable thriller that challenges virtually everything.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Praise for Will Carver‘Gobsmacking, beyond dark, and so much fun. I would join Will Carver’s cult. He’s the most original writer around…’ Helen FitzGerald‘A novel so dark and creepy Stephen King will be jealous he didn’t think of it first’ Michael Wood‘One of the most compelling and original voices in crime fiction … The whole thing feels like a shot of adrenaline’ Alex North‘Twisty-turny and oh-so provocative, this is the type of book that will stick a sneaky foot out to trip you up’ Liz Robinson, LoveReading‘Deliciously fresh and malevolent story-telling … a laminate-you-to-your-chair, page-whirring dive into a small British town that is turned on its head over the course of a few days. If you like something fresh and unusual, grab this book’ Craig Sisterson‘It's going to take something special to top this as my book of 2020. Original, thought provoking and highly recommended’ Mark Tilbury‘Weirdly page-turning’ Sunday Times‘Laying bare our 21st-century weaknesses and dilemmas, Carver has created a highly original state-of-the-nation novel’ Literary Review‘Arguably the most original crime novel published this year’ Independent‘At once fantastical and appallingly plausible … this mesmeric novel paints a thought-provoking if depressing picture of modern life’ Guardian‘This book is most memorable for its unrepentant darkness…’ Telegraph‘Unlike anything else you’ll read this year’ Heat‘Utterly mesmerising…’ Crime Monthly
Ptolemy's Gate (The Bartimaeus Sequence #Bk. 3)
by Jonathan StroudThe tremendous climax of the Bartimaeus sequence. Three years on from the events in The Golem's Eye, the magicians' rule in London is teetering on a knife-edge, with strikes, riots and general unrest. The Prime Minister is largely controlled by two advisers, one of whom is 17-year-old Nathaniel. Meanwhile, living under a false identity, Kitty has been researching djinn; she has come to believe that the only way to destroy the magicians is with an alliance between djinn and ordinary people.Kitty seeks out Bartimaeus and embarks on a terrifying journey into the djinn's chaotic domain – the Other Place – which no human being has ever survived. But even as she does so, Makepeace engineers a dramatic coup d'etat.The outcome is a shattering of the magicians' control and all magical laws are turned upside down. Can Bartimaeus, Nathaniel and Kitty settle old scores to prevent the earth's destruction?
Pu Pu Hot Pot: The World's Best Restaurant Names
by Ben BruseyPu Pu Hot Pot by Ben Brusey includes 100 snapshots of the world's most amazing, dreadful and utterly bizarre restaurants'What's interesting about the book is that there's not a single restaurant in it that you'd want to eat in' AA Gill, Sunday Times Style'Hilarious' Daily Mail'You shouldn't laugh . . . but can't help doing so' Telegraph, Books for Christmas'Rib-tickling' Huffington PostForget the Good Food Guide, forget Michelin stars and forget that new place by Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay. This wonderfully silly tome, which fans of Crap Towns will love, is the only restaurant guide you will ever need. Why not savour the culinary delights of:A SALT & BATTERY (New York, USA). Chef's tip: Don't make eye contact with him.LITTLE DROOLING BEAR FOOD (Zhongshan, Shanghai). Menu: Lost in translation.JASON DONERVAN (UK, roaming). Especially for you: Kebabs on the go, or to share with neighbours.COFFEE ANNAN (Trondheim , Norway). UN Peacekeepers were sent in to relieve Americano drinkers.PHO SHIZZLE (Cambridge, Canada). Serves excellent Vietnamese wraps and beets.B.O CAFE (Grasse, France). Full of fresh aromas. THAI TANIC (Washington DC, USA). Our tip: Avoid the Iceberg Lettuce.LORD OF THE FRIES (Melbourne, Australia). House rules: Children must be accompanied by an adult.PU PU HOT POT (Boston, USA). The critics say: Chinese food guaranteed to put fire in your belly.If you have seen your own (and who hasn't!) visit pupuhotpot.tumblr.com to submit your own pictures. Ben Brusey likes to eat food at restaurants when he can. He also likes to compete in eating challenges and his record is thirty fish fingers in one sitting (plus mayo, lemon and ketchup). His favourite restaurant in London is the Phat Phúc Noodle Bar, located near South Kensington. 'Phat Phúc' is Vietnamese for 'Happy Buddha'. Seriously.
Pub Walks in Underhill Country
by Nat SegnitPub Walks in Underhill Country by Nat Segnit is a cunning, hilarious and heartbreaking novel that takes the form of a guide for walkers but is really a whole lot more . . . 'Start by turning right out of the main entrance of Malvern Link railway station . . .'So begins Graham Underhill's guide to rambling in the West Midlands. But it is not many yards before Graham has gone completely off track, all but abandoning the route ahead to exult in his love for his beautiful if headstrong wife Sunita.Along the way Graham treats us to his intemperate views on mountain bikers, litter louts, landscape photographers, and the Highways Agency, who are intent on building a bypass through his home. At least he has Sunita. Or does he? With each walk it becomes clearer that the paths of Underhill Country lead into treacherous terrain.'If Vladimir Nabokov had written episodes of The Archers (with a little script advice from W G Sebald), then he might just have struck a note that chimed with the peculiar music of this beguiling first novel' Independent'A metafictional escapade . . . has both Nabokov and Alan Partridge as its forebears' Daily Telegraph'Has echoes of Mike Leigh's best films and Paul Torday's smash debut, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' Daily MailNat Segnit lives in London. His journalism and stories have appeared in several national newspapers, and his play, Dolphin Therapy, and two co-written comedy series, Strangers on Trains and Beautiful Dreamers, were broadcast on Radio 4. Pub Walks in Underhill Country is his first novel.
The Public Confessions of a Middle-Aged Woman
by Sue TownsendThe Public Confessions of a Middle-Aged Woman (Aged 55¾) is a wonderful collection of non-fiction pieces, giving us an insight into Sue's hilarious worldSue Townsend is the much-loved comic author who brought us the bestselling Adrian Mole seriesEnter the world of Susan Lilian Townsend - sun-worshippers, work-shy writers, garden centre lovers and those in search of a good time are all welcome ...This sparkling collection of Sue Townsend's hilarious non-fiction covers everything from hosepipe bans to Spanish restaurants, from writer's block to slug warfare, from slob holidays to the banning of beige.These funny, perceptive and touching pieces reveal Sue, ourselves and the nation in an extraordinary new light. Sit back and chortle away as one of Britain's most popular and acclaimed writers takes a feather to your funny bone.The Public Confessions of a Middle-Aged Woman (Aged 55¾) is Sue Townsend's brilliantly witty collection on non-fiction pieces.'Anyone who loved The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole will enjoy this collection of witty and sharply observed jottings from the inimitable Sue Townsend. Great stuff' OK! 'Full of homely, hilarious asides on the absurdities of domestic existence ... What a fantastic advertisement for middle-age - it can't be bad if it's this funny' Heat 'A welcome addition to any bookshelf' Hello! 'It's as if Townsend has caught our idiosyncrasies on candid camera and is showing a rerun of all the silly clips ... the ideal dip-in-and-out book' Time OutSue Townsend is Britain's favourite comic author. Her hugely successful novels include eight Adrian Mole books, The Public Confessions of a Middle-Aged Woman (Aged 55¾), Number Ten, Ghost Children, The Queen and I, Queen Camilla and The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year, all of which are highly acclaimed bestsellers. She has also written numerous well-received plays. She lives in Leicester, where she was born and grew up.
Pucking Around: The TikTok sensation – a why choose hockey romance
by Emily RathTHE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING TIK TOK SENSATION AND START OF THE JACKSONVILLE RAYS SERIES!I can't fall for a player, let alone three...My name is Rachel Price, and two months ago, I walked away from the perfect man. We shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I'd see him again. I was wrong.It turns out my perfect man is actually the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL's hottest new hockey team...and I'm his new physical therapist.This fellowship is going to be the longest ten months of my life. Mr. Perfect will do anything to get back on my good side. Meanwhile, his best friend, the surly new equipment manager, is always riding my case. Worst of all, I've got an uncooperative goalie who thinks I can't tell he's hiding an injury!These man are ready to test my limits, but this is my chance to prove myself, and I'm not risking it for anything. I can't fall for a player, let alone three. But if love is a game, these guys are playing to win.PUCKING AROUND is a spicy 'why choose' hockey romance. PRAISE FOR PUCKING AROUND: 'On my list for best book of the year!''This was such a fun read with plenty of spice' 'The spice was absolutely next level''This is unlike anything I have read before. Highly recommend!''It's been month since I read it and I'm ?????????? ????????????????'''This was SO MUCH FUN'
Pucking Wild
by Emily RathThe hockey star she never expected may be the one person to finally set her free . . .My name is Tess Owens and my soon to be ex-husband is trying to set fire to my entire life. Unwilling to face the heat, I do what I do best: run.I run to a new life in a new city and straight into the arms of Rachel and her team of NHL hockey players. They're all charming, but one player stands apart from the rest, the star forward of the Jacksonville Rays, Ryan Langley. Now I have six weeks to launch a new business. Six weeks to fight for my freedom...all while fighting my growing attraction to this All-American sweetheart with a winning smile and a career on the rise. Did I mention he's ten years younger than me? Ryan doesn't need my drama. And we have nothing in common. But it's getting harder to deny the way he makes me feel. Fun. Free. Wild.
Puckoon
by Spike MilliganPuckoon is Spike Milligan's classic slapstick novel, reissued for the first time since it was published in 1963.'Pops with the erratic brilliance of a careless match in a box of fireworks' Daily MailIn 1924 the Boundary Commission is tasked with creating the new official division between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Through incompetence, dereliction of duty and sheer perversity, the border ends up running through the middle of the small town of Puckoon.Houses are divided from outhouses, husbands separated from wives, bars are cut off from their patrons, churches sundered from graveyards. And in the middle of it all is poor Dan Milligan, our feckless protagonist, who is taunted and manipulated by everyone (including the sadistic author) to try and make some sense of this mess . . .'Bursts at the seams with superb comic characters involved in unbelievably likely troubles on the Irish border' Observer'Our first comic philosopher' Eddie IzzardSpike Milligan was one of the greatest and most influential comedians of the twentieth century. Born in India in 1918, he served in the Royal Artillery during WWII in North Africa and Italy. At the end of the war, he forged a career as a jazz musician, sketch-show writer and performer, before joining forces with Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe to form the legendary Goon Show. Until his death in 2002, he had success as on stage and screen and as the author of over eighty books of fiction, memoir, poetry, plays, cartoons and children's stories.
Pudsey the Dog: The Movie
by PudseyPudsey has it all - a successful career and the city of London at his paws. What more could a dog ask for? Maybe a couple of sausages! So when Molly, Tommy and George promise him a snack, Pudsey's tail wags all the way to their house. But when he hides in the family trailer, he gets more than just sausages. He's taken to the family's new home ... in the middle of the countryside!Miles from the city, Pudsey quickly makes friends on the farm, fights off an evil landlord and sets out to foil a plot to demolish his new home. But his adventures (and his love of sausages) land him in the dog pound. Pudsey can't dance his way out of a locked cage. Or can he? He'd better hurry if he's going to save the farm from destruction!
Puffball: A Novel (King Penguin Ser.)
by Fay WeldonA novel of urban deceit and rural passion, of doctors, witches, birth and death.
The Puffin Book of Funny Stories (The Puffin Book Of...)
by AnonA collection of laugh-out-loud funny short stories and extracts including:The hilarious antics of Arabel and pet bird MortimerLaid-back Clever Polly and the stupid wolfThe zany Bold familyThe crazy killer AuntiesAnd many more! From best-loved classic authors Joan Aiken, Terry Pratchett, and Dick King-Smith, to new hilarious voices from Rebecca Elliott, Humza Arshad and Henry White, Julian Clary, Sam Copeland, there is something for EVERYONE to enjoy.
The Puffin Book of Nonsense Verse (Puffin Poetry Ser.)
by Quentin BlakeEver eaten Poodle Strudel? Slain a Jabberwock? Bathed in Irish Stew? Quentin Blake is one of the best loved of children’s illustrators. In this brilliant book he has selected and illustrated his favourite comic verse, making it pure entertainment for nonsense-lovers of all ages. His unique style of drawing brings a new perspective to every poem. Classic writers such as Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear are combined with more contemporary talents such as Roger McGough, Margaret Mahy and Russell Hoban. With fifteen wonderfully absurd sections, including Distracting Creatures, Sticky Ends, I Wish I Were a Jelly Fish, A Recipe for Indigestion and Chortling and Galumphing, here is a delightful collection of the topsy-turvy, the fantastical, the anarchic, the illogical and the utterly wonderful.
Puffin's Brilliantly Big Bumper Joke Book: An A-Z of Everything Funny!
by Brough Girling John ByrneA complete A - Z of hilarious jokes and gags to make you giggle. Arranged in alphabetical sections, this bumper book is packed full of the best (and very worst) jokes for every occasion!
Pug, Actually
by Matt Dunn‘This is a wonderful novel with delicious humour… I'm in love with Doug the pug!’ – Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘Charming, brilliant and an absolute hoot… This book makes the world feel a happier place to be.’ – Milly Johnson, Sunday Times bestselling author
A Pug Like Percy: A Heartwarming Tale For The Whole Family
by Fiona Harrison‘Angela’s Ashes on four legs’ Evening Standard A furry festive miracle who’s there for you with a helping paw. Percy definitely isn’t just for Christmas…
The Pug who wanted a Birthday (The Pug Who Wanted to... #11)
by Bella SwiftPeggy's best friend, Chloe, is planning a big birthday celebration for her friend's dog, and Peggy can't wait to join in the fun and games. There's so much to do before the big day! But when Peggy realises that she doesn't have a birthday of her own, she can't help feeling a bit left out. Especially since Chloe is keeping secrets about the party plans . . .Could Peggy be in for a big surprise?This latest Peggy the Pug story features super cute illustrations throughout and fun shiny foil on the cover. This would make the perfect birthday gift or party bag filler for all Peggy fans and dog lovers!
The Pug who wanted to be a Bumblebee (The Pug Who Wanted to... #9)
by Bella SwiftWhat a honey! Peggy the pug is buzzing with excitement in this sweet summertime story for readers aged 5+.Peggy is buzzing with excitement because her family has a new beehive. When the pug's best friend Chloe decides to do a science fair project about bees, Peggy learns a lot about how all the bees in a hive work together to make honey. Unfortunately, Chloe's project doesn't go very well because everyone in her group wants to be the queen bee - and a hive can only have one! It's up to Peggy to become a busy worker bee and show her bestie how life is sweeter when you work as a team.Bees are set to be a big trend in 2023, and this sweet story has a timely message about why bees and other pollinators are so important and need saving.
The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Mermaid (The Pug Who Wanted to be... #5)
by Bella SwiftPeggy the pug is going on a mer-mazing summer holiday! A perfect beach read, from the bestselling author of THE PUG WHO WANTED TO BE A UNICORN.Peggy the pug is going on holiday to the seaside! Her special friend Chloe is excited, too, and hopes that she'll see a mermaid. But even though Chloe and Peggy search the beach, they can't find a mermaid anywhere. Not wanting her friend to be disappointed, Peggy decides that she'll just have to become a mermaid herself! But that means that she's going to have to learn how to doggy paddle . . . A funny and heartwarming beach read for newly independent readers!
The Pug Who Wanted to be a Pumpkin
by Bella SwiftA perfectly sweet Halloween treat! Peggy the pug is back for a spooky adventure. But can she conquer her fear of the dark before Halloween night?Peggy the pug's family are getting ready for Halloween, but Peggy's friend Chloe is too scared of monsters to look forward to trick-or-treating. Peggy can't let her best friend miss out on all the Halloween fun. She'll just have to conquer her own fears and go trick-or-treating with Chloe, to keep her safe. But first she needs the perfect costume . . . Peggy's bravery helps Chloe realise that monsters aren't real in this heartwarming Halloween story about overcoming fears and anxiety.
The Pug Who Wanted to Be A Reindeer (The Pug Who Wanted to be... #2)
by Bella SwiftWhen her family loses its Christmas spirit, Peggy heads to the North Pole to get it back! A festive adventure starring a loveable little pug with a heart of gold.Peggy's family has lost its Christmas spirit and Peggy is desperate to help them get it back. The little pug wishes she could turn into a reindeer so she could work some Christmas magic on her family. She tries eating carrots, giving herself antlers and a glowing red nose, but nothing works - and the messes she makes only create more problems at home! Finally, the brave little pug decides that the only solution is to ask Santa for help. But the North Pole is far away, and Peggy gets lost in a snowstorm before she even makes it out of town . . . Can Peggy find her way back to her family in time for a Christmas miracle?