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* * * * * stars "I enjoyed reading Richard’s book bought and downloaded to my Kindle. A thoroughly enjoyable read. A great insight - behind closed doors - of the goings-on at a writer’s group meeting. I was there (figuratively speaking) at each entertaining meeting. A page turning, couldn’t put it down, read. Believable characters that I knew so well as each chapter unfolded. A team outing via coach at the seaside too. Fabulous. Time to writer the next Best Seller!! A ‘perfick’ read, my friend. Look forward to the next one." Devon Granny
* * * * * stars "An utterly charming novella written by a debut author. The North Finchley Writers Group is for writers at all stages of their career, from the successful to the unpublished and encompasses a whole range of personalities. We learn about them as we go progress through the monthly meetings and follow their plans to form their own publishing venture. Richard Tearle has written short stories before but this is his first attempt at a longer work and it is a charming success. Written with deep sympathy for everyone he meets, he sees the best in everyone. This is a true feel-good read." littleangelicrose
* * * * * stars Good read for lockdown, or any time. "I enjoyed this opportunity to eavesdrop on a group of writers, it was good fun. There was also food for thought as I am a writer myself. I particularly warmed to the secret writer of erotic fiction, pretending to be unpublished. That was a great idea. A very enjoyable experience all round." Romy Dutlinger
* * * * * stars A most enjoyable, entertaining book. "This is a very well-written, most enjoyable book. The dialogue is excellent and I particularly enjoyed the dry wit. I do like books that make me laugh!" HistoricalfictionDawn
* * * * * stars "Enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend. I have." Amazon Customer
* * * * * stars Would love to join this group! "Lots of different characters all at different stages of their writing journey. Some have secrets they're not telling the rest of the group -- there's a secret affair just beginning between two members, and this keeps the tension bubbling along nicely. Anyone whose been in a group like this will recognise someone they know and all writers will empathise with the passages about Amazon reviews, and about how writers are full of doubt about their own abilities or the opposite, and how this plays out in the sharp edge of conversation. This is a cosy light-hearted read with well-defined characters and a good amount of dry wit and observation, just right for reading on a cold, dark night when you need a bit of cheer." fictionreader
* * * * * stars Wonderful, recognisable characters and engaging story "I love the concept of this novella - a writing group working together on compiling an anthology of short stories. I recognise every aspect of being a writer - most of them in myself! I also like the dry humour of the author, and his offhand observations of character and behaviour that ring so true. I only wish I had my own version of the North Finchley Writers' Group close to hand..." Susan Grossey
* * * stars Gets better as you go "I liked the concept but this could use some editing. When the point of view changes between chapters it isn't always clear who is speaking. The story was nice but the characters need more depth. The protagonist mentions the chest size of every female character at least once, and frequently comments on their appearance unnecessarily, which I found frustrating. There was a sexist undertone throughout. It also isn't very clear why attachments form between some characters since we don't get to know their redeeming characteristics. It did improve as it went on and I did read to the end." Lizz
* * * * * Stars Delightful story "This delightful little book was recommended to me by a woman whose eye for a great read has never disappointed. This wonderfully crafted co-authored book was just what I needed in these stressful trying time. The story starts out in the first person with Rob Taylor proclaiming, “I’m a writer” who gives the reader a taste of a few of his accomplishments before taking the story back a year, when (and I love this part) he became unexpectedly redundant-jobless. That’s when he started writing full time and joined the North Finchley Writer’s Group. Several pages in and I’m hooked. The group is a mixed bunch engaging in smart, witty, sarcastic, dialogue as the topic of the meeting, anthology, is introduced along with their personalities. I nearly spat my cup of tea when the protagonist Rob was asked how long a short story was and he refrained from answering “the length of a piece of string” (paraphrase). Out on a break the mention of strange bedfellows and an underhanded compliment about a woman’s ass by a “married man” in the group lend to a clever introduction of what is to follow. The characters are extremely relatable, the dialogue authentic, and the storyline in and out of the north Finchley Writers’ Group doesn’t let up on the entertainment." Luv2Read
* * * * * Stars Very entertaining... lighthearted humour with a poignant twist "A hugely enjoyable peep into what REALLY goes on in writers' groups when they get together to plot storylines. Love, envy, laughter, hatred...and that's just the meeting! Very entertaining, and more than one home truth. Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or an aspiring author, you’ll connect with this loveable cast of characters. Who knows? You may even be inspired to open your own group. In fact, SPOILER ALERT…just don’t fall in love with the hostess! Richard Tearle is so talented in bringing these people to life, and his characters just jump off the page and into your living room. Five stars from me for a really great feel-good new book with lovely light-hearted humour and poignant stories." HF Reader
* * * * * Stars Inspiration from songs "It's nice that with short stories you can reach a satisfactory conclusion in one sitting and you don't have to leave things unfinished. And these short stories are a superb mixture of moods and subjects... and even time periods! I liked the stories inspired by a song because I love music myself and I like the twists at the end. Highly recommended for all!"
* * * * * Stars "Great fun! What I like most about these stories – and the accompanying biographical note – is the way they introduce the reader to the author. His voice is strong, as his passion for the written word, and his love of history. The book also introduces us to two of his talented friends. Good to meet you, Richard." Avid Reader
* * * * * Stars A talented teller of tales... "Richard Tearle has a talent for writing engrossing short stories - thoughtful stories, make-you-think stories, amusing stories, bring-a-tear stories ... all with the common theme of being an interesting and entertaining read. I haven't a favourite, all of them in this anthology collection are good!" Helen Hollick
* * * * Stars A varied and fun collection "There are many different stories in this collection but what they have in common is a wonderful sense of time and place. All the details and cultural references make them very real. Stories with some surprise twists A commendable collection." Mme Heroica
* * * * * Stars A bunch of really well written stories! "A fantastic collection of short stories, covering a wide range of eras and subjects, all written with knowledge and interest. Highlights for me are Chips and Ice Cream, The Corners of My Mind and The Ghost of White Hart Lane - but really they’re all excellent little stories. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole book in one sitting. Perfect for quarantine!" Dan Tearle
* * * * * Stars A quality variety! "I enjoyed the writing style. Moreover, on a personal note, I enjoyed the insight into what real young adult life in England during the early 60s was like, in one or two of the stories. Because it was like a window into what adult life was like around the time that I was born. Like a glimpse into a perspective from whence I came. It reminded me of Graham Greene's style in writing Brighton Rock. I think the writing quality is of the calibre that lends itself to a full length novel. Top work." DocStrangepork
* * * * * Stars Good tales from a debut publication "Don't usually read short stories, but ever ready to try something new I selected these and was not disappointed. A good varied selection of tales often with a surprise twist, Allsorts for everyone here. Looking forward to the next compilation" Y I Man
* * * * * Stars Talented Storyteller "I enjoyed all of the short stories in this collection. Each one quite different, but all equally entertaining. No favourites." DevonGrann
* * * * * Stars Great short stories told with humour and warmth "Enjoyable and engaging writing - the authors care about the people in their stories and it shows." PM2
* * * * * Stars A Wonderful Collection of Stories "I was already aware of the author and his ability to spin a tale, as his stories have been published on various blogs. Many of these stories are based on songs, where the author imagines the story behind the song. His ability to make you feel you were there is uncanny as he recreates the early age of pop with a nostalgic flare. Other stories feel as if they might be autobiographical, so rich are they in detail, while others are incredibly thought-provoking. This book is an easy read, but not a light read. It will make you think, it will make you smile, and it might even make you cry." Whitey
* * * * * Stars Great collection of short stories "A well written and Insightful collection of stories "
* * * * * Stars Evocative poetry in prose form "Volume two brings us more of Richard’s evocative poetry in prose form. The first part of the book, imagined stories to the background of songs, are like a slice of life—just like the songs are. Some of the tales are set in ancient times, some in modern times. All are suggestive, though none need to be associated with the song unless we want them to. These are the author’s inspiration, and we are free to take them and run with them. The second part of the book features short stories—some inspired by Richard’s own photographs, others flights of fancy, and still others drawn from his Scraps and Scribblings Blog. Some, such as GOODNIGHT, SWEET PRINCE and FAREWELL GRANMAMA, are drawn from history. Others ponder our mortality. Richard has a nimble imagination, and his words paint a picture that’s hard to forget, such as from CAN WHITE WOMEN SING THE BLUES?: “If her T-shirt had sleeves, her heart would be clearly seen.” Best taken with a glass of wine!" Mercedes Rochelle
* * * * * Stars A super second collection! "Yet another wonderful collection of short stories by the inimitable Richard Tearle. There are stories that, perhaps, have a predictable ending, but others have a surprising twist. Some are inspired by songs, there are stories that will make you laugh and stories that might bring a tear or two.My favourite is the one about the gentleman waiting for his train... Ideal as a gift - or why not send this little book to someone, instead of a Christmas or Birthday card?" Helen Hollick
* * * * * Stars Dare I say - even better than the 1st book! "The second Melody Mayhem book isn't like that difficult second album from a new band, it's a sequel possibly better than the original! The stories in this second edition follow similar themes and patterns, but feel even more heartfelt and resonant. A couple of stories moved me very much. It has humour, historic facts and many other things besides. So easy and flowing to read, I finished the book in just a couple of sittings - each story is only a few pages long, so you certainly allow yourself one more story before putting it down - then realise you're halfway through already! Highly recommended, along with book one" Dan Tearle
* * * * * Stars More little gems! "A second selection of teasing and tantalizing tales . Read it bit by bit or in one session , You won't be disappointed . Allsorts for every one. Keep them coming Richard!" Y I Mann.
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