Alafair Burke

Advantages: Cover pretty much every issue in 'the book'
Disadvantages: A bit jumpy

...This book has such an original story line - an athiest who goes to Oxford University to read Theology with 3 failed a-level grades, and then becomes a Priest. I wont spoil the ending...... Although many may argue that the story line, however original, is very far fetched, it is my opinion that Paul Burke can carry this off with him light and humourous writing style. If you look closely, this book has all the classic markings of a 'chick lit' novel (i.e. man meets woman, and love conqoures all), yet these are cleverly hidden by the main characters typically 'laddish' perspective. It seems that every issue from religion, to university life, to music, to sex, to middle class v working class is covered.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Fast pace, compelling characters, original, innovative
Disadvantages: There could be things between the pages you aren't ready to know

...Andrew Vachss is a remarkable author and an even more remarkable man. A lawyer who crusades for the rights of abused children. A writer warrior who uses his thrillers to show us the worst of the truth. "False Allegations" is the best yet. It is an exciting fictional allegory of the growing "Abuse Industry" that seeks to twist the truth to revile victims and turn predators into heros. Vachss tough guy with heart hero Burke finds himself almost hunted into his strangest ever assignment. To see if he can disprove a serious allegation of Sexual abuse. Read it.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Wonderfully humourous and entertaining
Disadvantages: Too short! Ended too quickly

...Father Frank is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Sadly, though, I did feel the build-up (i.e. from the 70s while he was at school, his family background and college days) to Frank's eventual career (a Catholic priest) a little too burdensome - merely because I wanted the story to 'get going' and felt Paul Burke could have began the story a little later in Frank's life. Having said that, his writing style was so fluent and funny that I kept reading - couldn't put it down in fact - until I had finished it 24hrs later! Because Father Frank doesn't believe in God - but holds a position whereby he has to offer people the chance to believe - I thought it a wonderfully creative scenario. Rather, the fact that he believed in people's good natures and intentions rather than their personal religious beliefs cemented... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful