Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Another excellent Bateman novel, 25 Jan 2006
Colin Bateman has seen less of the limelight with his more recent books when compared to the impact of his novel 'Divorcing Jack'. However, successful diversions into children’s literature, in the excellent Reservoir Pups novels, means that his popularity is on the up once more.

I for one think this is an excellent thing. All the books I have read by him have been gripping, exciting and of the top quality. This applies to 'Murphy's Revenge' too.

'Murphy's Revenge' is the long awaited sequel to 'Murphy's Law' about an undercover police officer whose offbeat tactics often get him in to trouble. With a successful TV show based on the novel, it makes sense to expand the Murphy universe. Here Murphy finds himself undercover with a group who meet to discuss losses in their family due to crime. It seems that they are seeking more than just to talk - but to revenge. Apparently a straight forward case Murphy's private life becomes involved and he soon finds his sympathy’s are not always with the law.

This novel is excellently written, dark and very funny in places. It does cover themes similar to 'Driving Big Davie' but its different enough to warrant its writing. Personally I think it’s a good reintroduction to the Martin Murphy character and should allow Bateman the opportunity to write plenty more of his adventures. Not the best Bateman novel but still one of the best books of its type - recommended.

A brilliant follow up, 14 Aug 2005
I really enjoyed this follow up to Murphy's Law, both book are darkly funny with a well written plot. If you haven't read Bateman before, have a go.

Can't wait for the next one!

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Another excellent Bateman novel, 25 Jan 2006
Colin Bateman has seen less of the limelight with his more recent books when compared to the impact of his novel 'Divorcing Jack'. However, successful diversions into children’s literature, in the excellent Reservoir Pups novels, means that his popularity is on the up once more.

I for one think this is an excellent thing. All the books I have read by him have been gripping, exciting and of the top quality. This applies to 'Murphy's Revenge' too.

'Murphy's Revenge' is the long awaited sequel to 'Murphy's Law' about an undercover police officer whose offbeat tactics often get him in to trouble. With a successful TV show based on the novel, it makes sense to expand the Murphy universe. Here Murphy finds himself undercover with a group who meet to discuss losses in their family due to crime. It seems that they are seeking more than just to talk - but to revenge. Apparently a straight forward case Murphy's private life becomes involved and he soon finds his sympathy’s are not always with the law.

This novel is excellently written, dark and very funny in places. It does cover themes similar to 'Driving Big Davie' but its different enough to warrant its writing. Personally I think it’s a good reintroduction to the Martin Murphy character and should allow Bateman the opportunity to write plenty more of his adventures. Not the best Bateman novel but still one of the best books of its type - recommended.

A brilliant follow up, 14 Aug 2005
I really enjoyed this follow up to Murphy's Law, both book are darkly funny with a well written plot. If you haven't read Bateman before, have a go.

Can't wait for the next one!

At least as good as the others..., 18 Sep 2006
I'm not sure why this has received a couple of negative reviews. I have pretty much read all of Colin Bateman's novels and this is on a par with the best of them. The only difference is it is not set in Ireland, nor does it have an Irishman in it. OK, there is not as much quick fire wit, but there is still plenty of good humour. You certainly care about the two central characters, but the style of writing is slightly different to the Dan Starkey novels. This still makes for a hugely enjoyable read. I whole heartedly recommend it!

Don't believe the hype, 19 Dec 2004
The subject matter of Chapter and Verse takes a look at how anything can get published so long as the author's name is big enough or there's enough hype surrounding them. Perhaps Bateman set out to prove his point on a number of levels, because Chapter and Verse is dire. It's the type of book you would suspect a first-time writer would even have trouble finding an agent for, let alone getting published. It's full of corny jokes and the plot is just silly. Plus Ivan, the central character, has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He starts off as seeming a little misguided but pleasant enough but then degenerates into an obnoxious, selfish and woefully introspective individual - so much so that the reader wonders how anyone could fall in love with him (far less battle to keep him, as happens here). As for Ivan's attitude to the death of someone close to him, it finally renders the character as totally false and thoroughly horrid. Although Bateman makes a few lame attempts to paint Ivan as a lost, confused person these unfortunately fail due to the sheer weight of the character's other vices. On the other hand, Bateman makes a strong point about the state of British publishing, and should quite clearly count himself lucky that he's reached a stage where his name alone can guarantee sales.

A bit too Bateman-like, 05 Jun 2004
It is true that when you get acquainted with Colin Bateman's novels, you just cannot stop reading them. His writing is just "ulsterly" funny, even for a Frenchman like me. I really like the sarky tone of his main characters but also their mediocrity in a Northern Irish scenery described with wit and humour.

"Chapter and Verse" is the latest Bateman's book I've read and I must say I've been somewhat disappointed. You find exactly the same ingredients that made the success of the others ("Alcohol and cigarettes" as someone said here); it _is_ funny and pretty enjoyable... But that's also the problem: exactly the same ingredients. It is too much Bateman-like and many of the situations feel like a frustrating "déjà-vu." It's not funny any more when you already guess what's going to happen in the next chapters (or verses, you're right). More than once, I dropped the book with exasperation, thinking "I see you comin', Colin." Ivan Connor is the typical batemian hero, a bit of a loser, likes his drink and cigarettes, struggles with ladies and brushes embarrassing situations aside with (sometimes bad) jokes. It should remind you of previous books if you have read any...

That being said, it won't prevent me from reading other books by him, that's for sure. I still remember with great pleasure all the laughter I had reading Starkey's adventures ("Divorcing Jack", "Turbulent Priests", etc.). And so must my neighbours as well...

colin bateman changed my life, 20 May 2004
"Cycle of Violence" was my first bateman book. It was given to me by Paul, my housemate. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, so i guess he was trying to cheer me up... it worked. I hadn't been laughing too much around that time but it was funny funny funny! It was ABSOLUTELY FUNNY and I say this, cos it was every kind of funny... sad funny, happy funny, pathetic funny, laugh out loud on the tube on the way to/from work and not care if people stare cos I'm reading a book that makes me wanna laugh!
Chapter and verse is another great book & colin bateman finds a different method of delivering the humour but it's definately there, in the hands of as usual, fantastically vivid characters.
Colin Bateman Changed My Life:
For at least 2years, I hadn't read a novel(I was a science student... we only look at certain pages). Now, i've read all his books and many more. (dan starkey books are best read in chron... order)
entertaining, clever, questioning, intelligent, absurd, eye-opening, revolutionary, funny funny funny and definately worth going into a book shop and asking "please please please when is the new colin bateman book... I NEED IT: i go to work by tube !!!"
revolution occurs in the mind... be revolting with colin bateman... and laugh !
BIGBADBOB.

Cigarettes & Alcohol, 20 Aug 2003
Colin Bateman is without doubt the best writer of black comedy ever. Please go and get all of his books, some cigarettes, a large bottle of whiskey and take a week off work - it will be the best holiday you have ever had!

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Another excellent Bateman novel, 25 Jan 2006
Colin Bateman has seen less of the limelight with his more recent books when compared to the impact of his novel 'Divorcing Jack'. However, successful diversions into children’s literature, in the excellent Reservoir Pups novels, means that his popularity is on the up once more.

I for one think this is an excellent thing. All the books I have read by him have been gripping, exciting and of the top quality. This applies to 'Murphy's Revenge' too.

'Murphy's Revenge' is the long awaited sequel to 'Murphy's Law' about an undercover police officer whose offbeat tactics often get him in to trouble. With a successful TV show based on the novel, it makes sense to expand the Murphy universe. Here Murphy finds himself undercover with a group who meet to discuss losses in their family due to crime. It seems that they are seeking more than just to talk - but to revenge. Apparently a straight forward case Murphy's private life becomes involved and he soon finds his sympathy’s are not always with the law.

This novel is excellently written, dark and very funny in places. It does cover themes similar to 'Driving Big Davie' but its different enough to warrant its writing. Personally I think it’s a good reintroduction to the Martin Murphy character and should allow Bateman the opportunity to write plenty more of his adventures. Not the best Bateman novel but still one of the best books of its type - recommended.

A brilliant follow up, 14 Aug 2005
I really enjoyed this follow up to Murphy's Law, both book are darkly funny with a well written plot. If you haven't read Bateman before, have a go.

Can't wait for the next one!

At least as good as the others..., 18 Sep 2006
I'm not sure why this has received a couple of negative reviews. I have pretty much read all of Colin Bateman's novels and this is on a par with the best of them. The only difference is it is not set in Ireland, nor does it have an Irishman in it. OK, there is not as much quick fire wit, but there is still plenty of good humour. You certainly care about the two central characters, but the style of writing is slightly different to the Dan Starkey novels. This still makes for a hugely enjoyable read. I whole heartedly recommend it!

Don't believe the hype, 19 Dec 2004
The subject matter of Chapter and Verse takes a look at how anything can get published so long as the author's name is big enough or there's enough hype surrounding them. Perhaps Bateman set out to prove his point on a number of levels, because Chapter and Verse is dire. It's the type of book you would suspect a first-time writer would even have trouble finding an agent for, let alone getting published. It's full of corny jokes and the plot is just silly. Plus Ivan, the central character, has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He starts off as seeming a little misguided but pleasant enough but then degenerates into an obnoxious, selfish and woefully introspective individual - so much so that the reader wonders how anyone could fall in love with him (far less battle to keep him, as happens here). As for Ivan's attitude to the death of someone close to him, it finally renders the character as totally false and thoroughly horrid. Although Bateman makes a few lame attempts to paint Ivan as a lost, confused person these unfortunately fail due to the sheer weight of the character's other vices. On the other hand, Bateman makes a strong point about the state of British publishing, and should quite clearly count himself lucky that he's reached a stage where his name alone can guarantee sales.

A bit too Bateman-like, 05 Jun 2004
It is true that when you get acquainted with Colin Bateman's novels, you just cannot stop reading them. His writing is just "ulsterly" funny, even for a Frenchman like me. I really like the sarky tone of his main characters but also their mediocrity in a Northern Irish scenery described with wit and humour.

"Chapter and Verse" is the latest Bateman's book I've read and I must say I've been somewhat disappointed. You find exactly the same ingredients that made the success of the others ("Alcohol and cigarettes" as someone said here); it _is_ funny and pretty enjoyable... But that's also the problem: exactly the same ingredients. It is too much Bateman-like and many of the situations feel like a frustrating "déjà-vu." It's not funny any more when you already guess what's going to happen in the next chapters (or verses, you're right). More than once, I dropped the book with exasperation, thinking "I see you comin', Colin." Ivan Connor is the typical batemian hero, a bit of a loser, likes his drink and cigarettes, struggles with ladies and brushes embarrassing situations aside with (sometimes bad) jokes. It should remind you of previous books if you have read any...

That being said, it won't prevent me from reading other books by him, that's for sure. I still remember with great pleasure all the laughter I had reading Starkey's adventures ("Divorcing Jack", "Turbulent Priests", etc.). And so must my neighbours as well...

colin bateman changed my life, 20 May 2004
"Cycle of Violence" was my first bateman book. It was given to me by Paul, my housemate. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, so i guess he was trying to cheer me up... it worked. I hadn't been laughing too much around that time but it was funny funny funny! It was ABSOLUTELY FUNNY and I say this, cos it was every kind of funny... sad funny, happy funny, pathetic funny, laugh out loud on the tube on the way to/from work and not care if people stare cos I'm reading a book that makes me wanna laugh!
Chapter and verse is another great book & colin bateman finds a different method of delivering the humour but it's definately there, in the hands of as usual, fantastically vivid characters.
Colin Bateman Changed My Life:
For at least 2years, I hadn't read a novel(I was a science student... we only look at certain pages). Now, i've read all his books and many more. (dan starkey books are best read in chron... order)
entertaining, clever, questioning, intelligent, absurd, eye-opening, revolutionary, funny funny funny and definately worth going into a book shop and asking "please please please when is the new colin bateman book... I NEED IT: i go to work by tube !!!"
revolution occurs in the mind... be revolting with colin bateman... and laugh !
BIGBADBOB.

Cigarettes & Alcohol, 20 Aug 2003
Colin Bateman is without doubt the best writer of black comedy ever. Please go and get all of his books, some cigarettes, a large bottle of whiskey and take a week off work - it will be the best holiday you have ever had!

Wild About Harry, 21 May 2003
Not up to scratch at all. It has a happy ending!!! No shooting, just a light story with no Bateman kick.

Not so wild, 10 May 2003
When a book has been turned into a feature film it is always disappointing as books naturally cover a lot more information and background stories. So trying this in reverse is always going to have it's problems and that is where this book falls apart. Wild about Harry started off as a screen play and throughout the book this is quite obvious as the story is simple and the characters lack any real depth or development. On television this would not be as much of a problem but it fails dismally to produce anything which is worthwhile reading. The idea for the book is quite sound but it is let down but being under developed and generally not worth the effort.

Not one of his best, 19 Aug 2002
As a long time reader of Colin Bateman books. This was a major disappointment. The black humour that has been his trademark in past books was not in evidence. All in all. Very disappointing

well worth the read, 16 Mar 2002
While a bit different from his other books well worth the read. It is a quick read, some really good lines and the fact that it is a bit different from the others is refreshing. As to the suggestion of one reviewer to give it a miss I could not disagree more. It is hardly going to take up much of your time, as it is shorter than the others. I read it and Mohammed Maguire in a couple of days and they were a nice contrast. Perhaps being from Ulster helps, though my Welsh other half really enjoyed them. George A

An excellent read, 09 Mar 2002
I have read all the Bateman books and this one is a bit different - romantic, predicatable (except that you don't believe the predicatability because of previous experience of reading Bateman's books)and much more linear in approach.

Maybe I'm getting sentimental in my old age but I loved it- finished it in a couple of days, really held my attention - and I now want to see the film.

Recommended

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Another excellent Bateman novel, 25 Jan 2006
Colin Bateman has seen less of the limelight with his more recent books when compared to the impact of his novel 'Divorcing Jack'. However, successful diversions into children’s literature, in the excellent Reservoir Pups novels, means that his popularity is on the up once more.

I for one think this is an excellent thing. All the books I have read by him have been gripping, exciting and of the top quality. This applies to 'Murphy's Revenge' too.

'Murphy's Revenge' is the long awaited sequel to 'Murphy's Law' about an undercover police officer whose offbeat tactics often get him in to trouble. With a successful TV show based on the novel, it makes sense to expand the Murphy universe. Here Murphy finds himself undercover with a group who meet to discuss losses in their family due to crime. It seems that they are seeking more than just to talk - but to revenge. Apparently a straight forward case Murphy's private life becomes involved and he soon finds his sympathy’s are not always with the law.

This novel is excellently written, dark and very funny in places. It does cover themes similar to 'Driving Big Davie' but its different enough to warrant its writing. Personally I think it’s a good reintroduction to the Martin Murphy character and should allow Bateman the opportunity to write plenty more of his adventures. Not the best Bateman novel but still one of the best books of its type - recommended.

A brilliant follow up, 14 Aug 2005
I really enjoyed this follow up to Murphy's Law, both book are darkly funny with a well written plot. If you haven't read Bateman before, have a go.

Can't wait for the next one!

At least as good as the others..., 18 Sep 2006
I'm not sure why this has received a couple of negative reviews. I have pretty much read all of Colin Bateman's novels and this is on a par with the best of them. The only difference is it is not set in Ireland, nor does it have an Irishman in it. OK, there is not as much quick fire wit, but there is still plenty of good humour. You certainly care about the two central characters, but the style of writing is slightly different to the Dan Starkey novels. This still makes for a hugely enjoyable read. I whole heartedly recommend it!

Don't believe the hype, 19 Dec 2004
The subject matter of Chapter and Verse takes a look at how anything can get published so long as the author's name is big enough or there's enough hype surrounding them. Perhaps Bateman set out to prove his point on a number of levels, because Chapter and Verse is dire. It's the type of book you would suspect a first-time writer would even have trouble finding an agent for, let alone getting published. It's full of corny jokes and the plot is just silly. Plus Ivan, the central character, has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He starts off as seeming a little misguided but pleasant enough but then degenerates into an obnoxious, selfish and woefully introspective individual - so much so that the reader wonders how anyone could fall in love with him (far less battle to keep him, as happens here). As for Ivan's attitude to the death of someone close to him, it finally renders the character as totally false and thoroughly horrid. Although Bateman makes a few lame attempts to paint Ivan as a lost, confused person these unfortunately fail due to the sheer weight of the character's other vices. On the other hand, Bateman makes a strong point about the state of British publishing, and should quite clearly count himself lucky that he's reached a stage where his name alone can guarantee sales.

A bit too Bateman-like, 05 Jun 2004
It is true that when you get acquainted with Colin Bateman's novels, you just cannot stop reading them. His writing is just "ulsterly" funny, even for a Frenchman like me. I really like the sarky tone of his main characters but also their mediocrity in a Northern Irish scenery described with wit and humour.

"Chapter and Verse" is the latest Bateman's book I've read and I must say I've been somewhat disappointed. You find exactly the same ingredients that made the success of the others ("Alcohol and cigarettes" as someone said here); it _is_ funny and pretty enjoyable... But that's also the problem: exactly the same ingredients. It is too much Bateman-like and many of the situations feel like a frustrating "déjà-vu." It's not funny any more when you already guess what's going to happen in the next chapters (or verses, you're right). More than once, I dropped the book with exasperation, thinking "I see you comin', Colin." Ivan Connor is the typical batemian hero, a bit of a loser, likes his drink and cigarettes, struggles with ladies and brushes embarrassing situations aside with (sometimes bad) jokes. It should remind you of previous books if you have read any...

That being said, it won't prevent me from reading other books by him, that's for sure. I still remember with great pleasure all the laughter I had reading Starkey's adventures ("Divorcing Jack", "Turbulent Priests", etc.). And so must my neighbours as well...

colin bateman changed my life, 20 May 2004
"Cycle of Violence" was my first bateman book. It was given to me by Paul, my housemate. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, so i guess he was trying to cheer me up... it worked. I hadn't been laughing too much around that time but it was funny funny funny! It was ABSOLUTELY FUNNY and I say this, cos it was every kind of funny... sad funny, happy funny, pathetic funny, laugh out loud on the tube on the way to/from work and not care if people stare cos I'm reading a book that makes me wanna laugh!
Chapter and verse is another great book & colin bateman finds a different method of delivering the humour but it's definately there, in the hands of as usual, fantastically vivid characters.
Colin Bateman Changed My Life:
For at least 2years, I hadn't read a novel(I was a science student... we only look at certain pages). Now, i've read all his books and many more. (dan starkey books are best read in chron... order)
entertaining, clever, questioning, intelligent, absurd, eye-opening, revolutionary, funny funny funny and definately worth going into a book shop and asking "please please please when is the new colin bateman book... I NEED IT: i go to work by tube !!!"
revolution occurs in the mind... be revolting with colin bateman... and laugh !
BIGBADBOB.

Cigarettes & Alcohol, 20 Aug 2003
Colin Bateman is without doubt the best writer of black comedy ever. Please go and get all of his books, some cigarettes, a large bottle of whiskey and take a week off work - it will be the best holiday you have ever had!

Wild About Harry, 21 May 2003
Not up to scratch at all. It has a happy ending!!! No shooting, just a light story with no Bateman kick.

Not so wild, 10 May 2003
When a book has been turned into a feature film it is always disappointing as books naturally cover a lot more information and background stories. So trying this in reverse is always going to have it's problems and that is where this book falls apart. Wild about Harry started off as a screen play and throughout the book this is quite obvious as the story is simple and the characters lack any real depth or development. On television this would not be as much of a problem but it fails dismally to produce anything which is worthwhile reading. The idea for the book is quite sound but it is let down but being under developed and generally not worth the effort.

Not one of his best, 19 Aug 2002
As a long time reader of Colin Bateman books. This was a major disappointment. The black humour that has been his trademark in past books was not in evidence. All in all. Very disappointing

well worth the read, 16 Mar 2002
While a bit different from his other books well worth the read. It is a quick read, some really good lines and the fact that it is a bit different from the others is refreshing. As to the suggestion of one reviewer to give it a miss I could not disagree more. It is hardly going to take up much of your time, as it is shorter than the others. I read it and Mohammed Maguire in a couple of days and they were a nice contrast. Perhaps being from Ulster helps, though my Welsh other half really enjoyed them. George A

An excellent read, 09 Mar 2002
I have read all the Bateman books and this one is a bit different - romantic, predicatable (except that you don't believe the predicatability because of previous experience of reading Bateman's books)and much more linear in approach.

Maybe I'm getting sentimental in my old age but I loved it- finished it in a couple of days, really held my attention - and I now want to see the film.

Recommended

Glad I didn't know it was a "ghost" story!, 17 Nov 2008
I'm a real non-believer when it comes to the paranormal and pretty much everything that can't be proven with science.

If I'd read the cover note and seen this book as addressing that subject, I would have walked on by......

I'm glad therefore that I didn't as this was a really well written book. Really good characters and vivid location development and a substantial and well worked plot.

I'd put it comfortably in the top 10% of books I've read this year. LIke other reviewers, I consume everything Brookmyre and Hiaasen write and with this effort, I think Bateman is up there with their best.

Bateman's turned soft now, has he?, 15 Nov 2008
I've read quite a few Bateman, and I enjoy them enormously. His are the kind of books I love to get absorbed in, along with those of, e.g., Carl Hiaasen and Christopher Brookmyre. Twisted stories, great action, some love, and a big surprise at the end. Which is why this particular book isn't quite up to the mark. Twisted story - indeed; great action - nah; some love - oh yes, very sweet; big surprise at the end - not exactly. We know where this will lead. We're not thrilled as we read on, we rather pity the guy instead. This is what comes out of combining work and leisure - you should have just enjoyed the surf and forgot about research whilst in Florida, Colin! :-)

Lump-in-the-throat good., 24 Oct 2008
I religiously read Hiaasen and Brookmyre, and recently picked up a couple of Bateman books - Driving Big Davie and Murphy's Revenge. They were OK, but a poor imitation of the aforementioned.

So, I tried another one - this one. WHAT A BOOK! Lump in the throat at the end - superb story telling, great characterisation, and a slightly predictable but marvellous ending. As another reviewer said, a real change in style from earlier books.

You must read this, but don't expect more of the same from his other earlier books. I am, however, eagerly awaiting his next book to see if it carries on in this manner and at this level.

Bateman Grows Up, 11 Aug 2008
The moment that you read the first few pages of Colin Bateman's latest you are aware that it differs from his usual work. The extent in which it does is not truly apparent until around half way and then you realise that he has finally written a serious book. Bateman has tackled dark subjects before, especially the subject of a lost child. However, 'Orpheus Rising' takes this exploration to a new deeper level with his usual laughs being replaces with pathos.

Michael Ryan is the author of 'Space Coast' a sensation that rocked the US ten years ago. The book tells the story of a small town and it was based on Michael's real life. However, in the early days of the book being published a tragedy shook Michael's life when his wife, Claire, was shot dead during a bank robbery. Now Michael is preparing to return to the small town he once lived in after ten years to explore the past. This book is a journal of this time and the past - the only thing we know is that he dies at the end...

The idea of dread and death runs through the books perfectly. The two parallel storylines of the present and ten years prior both end in tragedy we know is coming. Bateman balances the stories perfectly and even makes them light and funny in places. Only the slightly jarring change of pace mid way through the books stops this from being a classic. I was able to enjoy the entire book, but it took me a while to adapt to the style. I recommend this to everyone and especially people looking to give Bateman another chance.


Serious Quality, 20 Jul 2008
Read this inside 2 days on holiday ... I've read all the other Bateman books and this one made me cry with sadness - rather than laughter.

Still fast moving, unpredictable and original as all his other novels are ... but its a more mature read.

Could easily see it made into a film

When is the next book out, Colin?

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Another excellent Bateman novel, 25 Jan 2006
Colin Bateman has seen less of the limelight with his more recent books when compared to the impact of his novel 'Divorcing Jack'. However, successful diversions into children’s literature, in the excellent Reservoir Pups novels, means that his popularity is on the up once more.

I for one think this is an excellent thing. All the books I have read by him have been gripping, exciting and of the top quality. This applies to 'Murphy's Revenge' too.

'Murphy's Revenge' is the long awaited sequel to 'Murphy's Law' about an undercover police officer whose offbeat tactics often get him in to trouble. With a successful TV show based on the novel, it makes sense to expand the Murphy universe. Here Murphy finds himself undercover with a group who meet to discuss losses in their family due to crime. It seems that they are seeking more than just to talk - but to revenge. Apparently a straight forward case Murphy's private life becomes involved and he soon finds his sympathy’s are not always with the law.

This novel is excellently written, dark and very funny in places. It does cover themes similar to 'Driving Big Davie' but its different enough to warrant its writing. Personally I think it’s a good reintroduction to the Martin Murphy character and should allow Bateman the opportunity to write plenty more of his adventures. Not the best Bateman novel but still one of the best books of its type - recommended.

A brilliant follow up, 14 Aug 2005
I really enjoyed this follow up to Murphy's Law, both book are darkly funny with a well written plot. If you haven't read Bateman before, have a go.

Can't wait for the next one!

At least as good as the others..., 18 Sep 2006
I'm not sure why this has received a couple of negative reviews. I have pretty much read all of Colin Bateman's novels and this is on a par with the best of them. The only difference is it is not set in Ireland, nor does it have an Irishman in it. OK, there is not as much quick fire wit, but there is still plenty of good humour. You certainly care about the two central characters, but the style of writing is slightly different to the Dan Starkey novels. This still makes for a hugely enjoyable read. I whole heartedly recommend it!

Don't believe the hype, 19 Dec 2004
The subject matter of Chapter and Verse takes a look at how anything can get published so long as the author's name is big enough or there's enough hype surrounding them. Perhaps Bateman set out to prove his point on a number of levels, because Chapter and Verse is dire. It's the type of book you would suspect a first-time writer would even have trouble finding an agent for, let alone getting published. It's full of corny jokes and the plot is just silly. Plus Ivan, the central character, has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He starts off as seeming a little misguided but pleasant enough but then degenerates into an obnoxious, selfish and woefully introspective individual - so much so that the reader wonders how anyone could fall in love with him (far less battle to keep him, as happens here). As for Ivan's attitude to the death of someone close to him, it finally renders the character as totally false and thoroughly horrid. Although Bateman makes a few lame attempts to paint Ivan as a lost, confused person these unfortunately fail due to the sheer weight of the character's other vices. On the other hand, Bateman makes a strong point about the state of British publishing, and should quite clearly count himself lucky that he's reached a stage where his name alone can guarantee sales.

A bit too Bateman-like, 05 Jun 2004
It is true that when you get acquainted with Colin Bateman's novels, you just cannot stop reading them. His writing is just "ulsterly" funny, even for a Frenchman like me. I really like the sarky tone of his main characters but also their mediocrity in a Northern Irish scenery described with wit and humour.

"Chapter and Verse" is the latest Bateman's book I've read and I must say I've been somewhat disappointed. You find exactly the same ingredients that made the success of the others ("Alcohol and cigarettes" as someone said here); it _is_ funny and pretty enjoyable... But that's also the problem: exactly the same ingredients. It is too much Bateman-like and many of the situations feel like a frustrating "déjà-vu." It's not funny any more when you already guess what's going to happen in the next chapters (or verses, you're right). More than once, I dropped the book with exasperation, thinking "I see you comin', Colin." Ivan Connor is the typical batemian hero, a bit of a loser, likes his drink and cigarettes, struggles with ladies and brushes embarrassing situations aside with (sometimes bad) jokes. It should remind you of previous books if you have read any...

That being said, it won't prevent me from reading other books by him, that's for sure. I still remember with great pleasure all the laughter I had reading Starkey's adventures ("Divorcing Jack", "Turbulent Priests", etc.). And so must my neighbours as well...

colin bateman changed my life, 20 May 2004
"Cycle of Violence" was my first bateman book. It was given to me by Paul, my housemate. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, so i guess he was trying to cheer me up... it worked. I hadn't been laughing too much around that time but it was funny funny funny! It was ABSOLUTELY FUNNY and I say this, cos it was every kind of funny... sad funny, happy funny, pathetic funny, laugh out loud on the tube on the way to/from work and not care if people stare cos I'm reading a book that makes me wanna laugh!
Chapter and verse is another great book & colin bateman finds a different method of delivering the humour but it's definately there, in the hands of as usual, fantastically vivid characters.
Colin Bateman Changed My Life:
For at least 2years, I hadn't read a novel(I was a science student... we only look at certain pages). Now, i've read all his books and many more. (dan starkey books are best read in chron... order)
entertaining, clever, questioning, intelligent, absurd, eye-opening, revolutionary, funny funny funny and definately worth going into a book shop and asking "please please please when is the new colin bateman book... I NEED IT: i go to work by tube !!!"
revolution occurs in the mind... be revolting with colin bateman... and laugh !
BIGBADBOB.

Cigarettes & Alcohol, 20 Aug 2003
Colin Bateman is without doubt the best writer of black comedy ever. Please go and get all of his books, some cigarettes, a large bottle of whiskey and take a week off work - it will be the best holiday you have ever had!

Wild About Harry, 21 May 2003
Not up to scratch at all. It has a happy ending!!! No shooting, just a light story with no Bateman kick.

Not so wild, 10 May 2003
When a book has been turned into a feature film it is always disappointing as books naturally cover a lot more information and background stories. So trying this in reverse is always going to have it's problems and that is where this book falls apart. Wild about Harry started off as a screen play and throughout the book this is quite obvious as the story is simple and the characters lack any real depth or development. On television this would not be as much of a problem but it fails dismally to produce anything which is worthwhile reading. The idea for the book is quite sound but it is let down but being under developed and generally not worth the effort.

Not one of his best, 19 Aug 2002
As a long time reader of Colin Bateman books. This was a major disappointment. The black humour that has been his trademark in past books was not in evidence. All in all. Very disappointing

well worth the read, 16 Mar 2002
While a bit different from his other books well worth the read. It is a quick read, some really good lines and the fact that it is a bit different from the others is refreshing. As to the suggestion of one reviewer to give it a miss I could not disagree more. It is hardly going to take up much of your time, as it is shorter than the others. I read it and Mohammed Maguire in a couple of days and they were a nice contrast. Perhaps being from Ulster helps, though my Welsh other half really enjoyed them. George A

An excellent read, 09 Mar 2002
I have read all the Bateman books and this one is a bit different - romantic, predicatable (except that you don't believe the predicatability because of previous experience of reading Bateman's books)and much more linear in approach.

Maybe I'm getting sentimental in my old age but I loved it- finished it in a couple of days, really held my attention - and I now want to see the film.

Recommended

Glad I didn't know it was a "ghost" story!, 17 Nov 2008
I'm a real non-believer when it comes to the paranormal and pretty much everything that can't be proven with science.

If I'd read the cover note and seen this book as addressing that subject, I would have walked on by......

I'm glad therefore that I didn't as this was a really well written book. Really good characters and vivid location development and a substantial and well worked plot.

I'd put it comfortably in the top 10% of books I've read this year. LIke other reviewers, I consume everything Brookmyre and Hiaasen write and with this effort, I think Bateman is up there with their best.

Bateman's turned soft now, has he?, 15 Nov 2008
I've read quite a few Bateman, and I enjoy them enormously. His are the kind of books I love to get absorbed in, along with those of, e.g., Carl Hiaasen and Christopher Brookmyre. Twisted stories, great action, some love, and a big surprise at the end. Which is why this particular book isn't quite up to the mark. Twisted story - indeed; great action - nah; some love - oh yes, very sweet; big surprise at the end - not exactly. We know where this will lead. We're not thrilled as we read on, we rather pity the guy instead. This is what comes out of combining work and leisure - you should have just enjoyed the surf and forgot about research whilst in Florida, Colin! :-)

Lump-in-the-throat good., 24 Oct 2008
I religiously read Hiaasen and Brookmyre, and recently picked up a couple of Bateman books - Driving Big Davie and Murphy's Revenge. They were OK, but a poor imitation of the aforementioned.

So, I tried another one - this one. WHAT A BOOK! Lump in the throat at the end - superb story telling, great characterisation, and a slightly predictable but marvellous ending. As another reviewer said, a real change in style from earlier books.

You must read this, but don't expect more of the same from his other earlier books. I am, however, eagerly awaiting his next book to see if it carries on in this manner and at this level.

Bateman Grows Up, 11 Aug 2008
The moment that you read the first few pages of Colin Bateman's latest you are aware that it differs from his usual work. The extent in which it does is not truly apparent until around half way and then you realise that he has finally written a serious book. Bateman has tackled dark subjects before, especially the subject of a lost child. However, 'Orpheus Rising' takes this exploration to a new deeper level with his usual laughs being replaces with pathos.

Michael Ryan is the author of 'Space Coast' a sensation that rocked the US ten years ago. The book tells the story of a small town and it was based on Michael's real life. However, in the early days of the book being published a tragedy shook Michael's life when his wife, Claire, was shot dead during a bank robbery. Now Michael is preparing to return to the small town he once lived in after ten years to explore the past. This book is a journal of this time and the past - the only thing we know is that he dies at the end...

The idea of dread and death runs through the books perfectly. The two parallel storylines of the present and ten years prior both end in tragedy we know is coming. Bateman balances the stories perfectly and even makes them light and funny in places. Only the slightly jarring change of pace mid way through the books stops this from being a classic. I was able to enjoy the entire book, but it took me a while to adapt to the style. I recommend this to everyone and especially people looking to give Bateman another chance.


Serious Quality, 20 Jul 2008
Read this inside 2 days on holiday ... I've read all the other Bateman books and this one made me cry with sadness - rather than laughter.

Still fast moving, unpredictable and original as all his other novels are ... but its a more mature read.

Could easily see it made into a film

When is the next book out, Colin?


Thank you, Mr Bateman, 23 Sep 2004
In a slump when my 11yr-old stepson has read all his favourite authors' (Horowitz, Colfer etc) latest books and he's read the Wolf Brother etc I was very pleased to find that one of my favourite authors had started writing for older kids. I bought Reservoir Pups and he swallowed the first 84 pages in an evening and I had to tell him to stop reading at 1am.

Why should I read Reservoir Pups?, 27 May 2004
Let's not forget that this is, first and foremost a childrens' book. A book for children,which is something many reviewers seem to have either forgotten, or not noticed. It is well written , in Mr Bateman's inimitable style and is centred, like many of his books around a central character, in this case, Eddie. It deals with Eddie's move to the city after his parents' break-up and his dealings with the local gangs and with authority. The adventure is enthralling and credible, even when the reader is taken into the realm of fantasy. The characters are realistic, (we all know an "Uncle Andy", for example), and the interactions and relationships between them make the reader feel as if the characters are indeed, real. It is a great children's book and, in my opinion, as good as anything Roald Dahl has written. It will not be to everyone's liking, but I could not put this book down, I loved it, and I look forward to the Eddie's next adventure.

Departure from the wrong platform., 16 Feb 2004
As a fan of Bateman's this is by some distance his poorest work to date. As you flick through it vainly hoping that at some point it will ignite into something more interesting (sadly it doesn't)one is left with the distinct impression that all trace of inspiration has left him, the book's title itself reveals as much. All the leading characters lack substance and with it the chance of securing or sustaining our sympathies, in the event the reader ought not to care what befalls the child or his 1950s mother and her lamentable 'Uncle Andy' type partner. The Belfast Bateman describes here is as sterile as it is inaccurate in depiction and throughout one is struck by the absence of the minute but colourful detail which covered up for a multitude of sins in his previous work. There's little humour to redeem this book either, it merely presents as both tired and tiresome. It's also unclear who the book is actually for - it won't win many friends in the young adult market and will alienate his existing readership among older book buyers. Roll on the return of Starkey in April 2004 !

Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Great dialogue, 31 Jul 2007
Belfast Confidential is a great book. Nicely paced and not too difficult to follow the plot. But what made it for me is the great dialogue. I laughed out loud at the exchange between Dan and his bodyguard on whether he was likely to be a murder target or an assasination. A good reader would probably ensure this a success as an audiobook.

Dan Starkey at his best, 12 Dec 2006
I have read several of Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey books over the years and I think that this is one of my favorites. Dan has moved home and is determined to have a quiet life but then his old mate Mouse gets in touch and things start to go pear shaped. Mouse owns Belfast celeb gossip mag Belfast Confidential and he thinks that someone is trying to kill him on the eve of the publication of the magazines annual power list.
When Mouse is killed in an arson attack Dan has to admit that he might have been right and sets out to both run the magazine and find out who killed his best mate. As always a plot that is fairly far fetched but in Bateman's hands it is so entertaining that you just don't care. I highly recommend this.


Extreme Excellence from Bateman, 07 Jul 2006
After 'Driving Big Davie' I was scared that Bateman had lost his ability to write a great novel. Dan Starkey, the journalist who appears in many of his books, was a depressed and changed man. The humor and ultra violence that made books such as 'Divorcing Jack' and 'The Horse with My Name' so excellent had seemingly misfired.

It was with great pleasure then that I found Bateman to be on some of the best form of his career with 'Belfast Confidential'. Dan Starkey is back in Northern Ireland and once again becomes involved in a murder mystery when the editor for a popular gossip magazine is murdered. Can Starkey survive his latest case and more importantly his latest job as the new editor of 'Belfast Confidential'?

This book works so well due to the characters. Starkey and his wife should really be unsympathetic as they are constantly arguing and being rude. However, a genuine feeling of love comes through, add to this a series of great support characters, you have a book full of laughs.

This book is very funny and in places violent. The only negative I could see was that the story did not wrap up as cleanly as I would have liked leaving me slightly confused near the end. However, the journey getting there was an absolute pleasure and I recommend this to people who like crime comedy novels.

Likely to be my book of the year - Pure class.


Very good, 29 Oct 2008
A great book, my 9 year old son took it out of the school library and he thoroughly enjoyed it. It is full of exiting twists and turns and nothing to do with the Titanic at all! I would recommend this book.

Not a stupid spin off, 04 Jun 2008
Okay, you see the title and the word 'Titanic' and think, oh great some stupid spin off. Thats what I did and I was sorely, sorely mistaken. This book is a great bit of literary gold that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the publicity and attention that I think it should get. The story is very compelling, the new Titanic is more like a setting rather than the actual plot of the story.

There's a disease spreading, the red death, people are dying across the world and Lucky Jimmy Armstrong is lucky enough to stowaway on the Titanic just before the disease starts to spread. Or is he lucky when the disease finds it way onto the ship? It's all very dramatic and a few bits seem a little far fetched but all together this book is very hard to put down and a great start to what looks to be a very promising series.

Another excellent Bateman novel, 25 Jan 2006
Colin Bateman has seen less of the limelight with his more recent books when compared to the impact of his novel 'Divorcing Jack'. However, successful diversions into children’s literature, in the excellent Reservoir Pups novels, means that his popularity is on the up once more.

I for one think this is an excellent thing. All the books I have read by him have been gripping, exciting and of the top quality. This applies to 'Murphy's Revenge' too.

'Murphy's Revenge' is the long awaited sequel to 'Murphy's Law' about an undercover police officer whose offbeat tactics often get him in to trouble. With a successful TV show based on the novel, it makes sense to expand the Murphy universe. Here Murphy finds himself undercover with a group who meet to discuss losses in their family due to crime. It seems that they are seeking more than just to talk - but to revenge. Apparently a straight forward case Murphy's private life becomes involved and he soon finds his sympathy’s are not always with the law.

This novel is excellently written, dark and very funny in places. It does cover themes similar to 'Driving Big Davie' but its different enough to warrant its writing. Personally I think it’s a good reintroduction to the Martin Murphy character and should allow Bateman the opportunity to write plenty more of his adventures. Not the best Bateman novel but still one of the best books of its type - recommended.

A brilliant follow up, 14 Aug 2005
I really enjoyed this follow up to Murphy's Law, both book are darkly funny with a well written plot. If you haven't read Bateman before, have a go.

Can't wait for the next one!

At least as good as the others..., 18 Sep 2006
I'm not sure why this has received a couple of negative reviews. I have pretty much read all of Colin Bateman's novels and this is on a par with the best of them. The only difference is it is not set in Ireland, nor does it have an Irishman in it. OK, there is not as much quick fire wit, but there is still plenty of good humour. You certainly care about the two central characters, but the style of writing is slightly different to the Dan Starkey novels. This still makes for a hugely enjoyable read. I whole heartedly recommend it!

Don't believe the hype, 19 Dec 2004
The subject matter of Chapter and Verse takes a look at how anything can get published so long as the author's name is big enough or there's enough hype surrounding them. Perhaps Bateman set out to prove his point on a number of levels, because Chapter and Verse is dire. It's the type of book you would suspect a first-time writer would even have trouble finding an agent for, let alone getting published. It's full of corny jokes and the plot is just silly. Plus Ivan, the central character, has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He starts off as seeming a little misguided but pleasant enough but then degenerates into an obnoxious, selfish and woefully introspective individual - so much so that the reader wonders how anyone could fall in love with him (far less battle to keep him, as happens here). As for Ivan's attitude to the death of someone close to him, it finally renders the character as totally false and thoroughly horrid. Although Bateman makes a few lame attempts to paint Ivan as a lost, confused person these unfortunately fail due to the sheer weight of the character's other vices. On the other hand, Bateman makes a strong point about the state of British publishing, and should quite clearly count himself lucky that he's reached a stage where his name alone can guarantee sales.

A bit too Bateman-like, 05 Jun 2004
It is true that when you get acquainted with Colin Bateman's novels, you just cannot stop reading them. His writing is just "ulsterly" funny, even for a Frenchman like me. I really like the sarky tone of his main characters but also their mediocrity in a Northern Irish scenery described with wit and humour.

"Chapter and Verse" is the latest Bateman's book I've read and I must say I've been somewhat disappointed. You find exactly the same ingredients that made the success of the others ("Alcohol and cigarettes" as someone said here); it _is_ funny and pretty enjoyable... But that's also the problem: exactly the same ingredients. It is too much Bateman-like and many of the situations feel like a frustrating "déjà-vu." It's not funny any more when you already guess what's going to happen in the next chapters (or verses, you're right). More than once, I dropped the book with exasperation, thinking "I see you comin', Colin." Ivan Connor is the typical batemian hero, a bit of a loser, likes his drink and cigarettes, struggles with ladies and brushes embarrassing situations aside with (sometimes bad) jokes. It should remind you of previous books if you have read any...

That being said, it won't prevent me from reading other books by him, that's for sure. I still remember with great pleasure all the laughter I had reading Starkey's adventures ("Divorcing Jack", "Turbulent Priests", etc.). And so must my neighbours as well...

colin bateman changed my life, 20 May 2004
"Cycle of Violence" was my first bateman book. It was given to me by Paul, my housemate. I'd just broken up with my girlfriend, so i guess he was trying to cheer me up... it worked. I hadn't been laughing too much around that time but it was funny funny funny! It was ABSOLUTELY FUNNY and I say this, cos it was every kind of funny... sad funny, happy funny, pathetic funny, laugh out loud on the tube on the way to/from work and not care if people stare cos I'm reading a book that makes me wanna laugh!
Chapter and verse is another great book & colin bateman finds a different method of delivering the humour but it's definately there, in the hands of as usual, fantastically vivid characters.
Colin Bateman Changed My Life:
For at least 2years, I hadn't read a novel(I was a science student... we only look at certain pages).