Sci-Fi Fantasy That Makes You Chuckle

2010

Disclaimer – this is my book. Rather than tell why I like it, here’s a review from Pat McDonald, a British Crime author. “Who’s trying to kill Jane and more importantly why? Sam Barlow, Private Eye finds himself drawn into investigating and leaves Johnny Snitch to keep her safe in the meantime. It’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of tuna salad but someone’s got to do it. Whilst Sam’s away in Scotland, the land of the Cadwalladers, he leaves Jane at his own flat for safety.The author uses precision writing to maximum advantage, his timing is wonderful and the dialogue finely executed colloquialism leaving you with each voice sounding in your ears. The range and variety of the characters, pay homage to this and the story, leaving you wondering about the complexities of the mystery. Just who is trying to kill Jane? The humour flows easily as does the author’s inner voice that resounds as smoothly as a Philip Marlowe detective story, the archetypal private eye. This book is to be savoured, it is jam packed with humour, images and sometimes slapstick timed to perfection, all not to be missed or rushed.”

Jay B. Cutts, 2015

Disclaimer – This is also one of my books. Here is a review from Amazon. “This story has so much more going on behind the scenes besides the delightful characters and amusing plot. It reminded me of a cross between "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "The Catcher in the Rye." It's especially apropos for young people who feel out of place, largely because they are more intelligent and serious minded than their peers. A great study of where the real hope for this world lies during these trying times.”

Terry Boothman, 2016

Boothman, while not widely known, is certainly a hidden gem of creativity, bizarre imagination, sharp wit, and earthy humor. He has many volumes of short stories available and his stories touch on a wide range of topics, from supercharged assassins to parallel universes to hair salons. From story to story, you never know what treasure you are going to get next.

Neil Gaiman, 2006

Another classic, Stardust, takes us into several diverse planes of our imagination, ranging from rural England to a fairy world to the stars themselves. A heartwarming story of love framed in fantasy and humor.

Jim Butcher, 2021

The Dresden Files consists of a delightfully abundant series of novels highlighting the work of rather haphazard wizard Harry Dresden. The stories are richly imaginative, full of humor, and very human, taking us directly into Harry’s messy life of mistakes, dilemmas, unrequited love, and dangerous liaisons.

Connie Willis, 1998

Connie Willis is definitely a master of humorous sci-fi fantasy, and fortunately for us, she is a prolific writer. This particular book is a delightful takeoff on Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) and Willis actually brings Jerome’s characters into her story. This book is part of a series of books involving time travelling historians from the future.

Kage Baker, 2005

Kage Baker is another outstanding writer of imaginative fiction interwoven with rich humor. She wrote a long series of books involving time travellers and a cadre of humans enhanced to be immortal and indestructible. The series as a whole creates a wonderfully intriguing story filled with marvelous insight into human nature in a way that can’t help but make you laugh.