Parting Breath
by Catherine Aird (Collins, 1977)
audiobook read by Robin Bailey (Audible, 2014)
The mystery is mostly a snooze-fest, unearthing itself to no great interest or enlightenment amidst the tangle of university life (laboriously depicted). The chief—indeed, only real—appeal lies in Sloan’s self-aware musings and stoically borne verbal exchanges with Crosby and Leeyes.
Moving Pictures
by Terry Pratchett (Victor Gollancz, 1990)
audiobook read by Jason Isaacs (Penguin, 2023)
The Discworld’s manifestation of Hollywood is funny moment-by-moment but something of a one-note spoof, offering little substance behind the humorous allusions and in-jokes (though maybe this is apt). As if to paper over the cracks, Pratchett throws in some utterly superfluous wizarding.
Mr. Jelly’s Business
by Arthur W. Upfield (Angus & Robertson, 1937)
audiobook read by Peter Hosking (Bolinda, 2012)
Bony seems more vigorous in his investigations here than elsewhere, and is portrayed with flaws and failings to counterbalance his abilities (and most of all, pride). Though the dialogue tends toward the stilted side of formal, the characters nevertheless prove distinctly Australian.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
dir. Jay Roach (1997)
A supremely silly, at times affectedly stilted spoof turned love letter to the 1960s, propelling flamboyant swinger spy Austin Powers (Mike Myers) into the 1990s and pitting him against both culture shock and his cryogenically frozen/reanimated arch-nemesis Doctor Evil (also Mike Myers!).
American History X
dir. Tony Kaye (1998)
A confronting and uncomfortable film that depicts extreme racism head-on, exploring its manifestation, causes and, above all, perpetuation. Ed Norton puts in a powerful performance as a full-fledged then reformed neo-Nazi skinhead, subtly complemented by Edward Furlong as his idolising younger brother.
Blake & Mortimer: The Time Trap
by Edgar P. Jacobs; trans. Jerome Saincantin (Cinebook, 2014)
[from Le piège diabolique, 1962]
![Graphic novel cover: “Blake & Mortimer: The Time Trap” by Edgar P. Jacobs; trans. Jerome Saincantin (Cinebook, 2014) [from Le piège diabolique, 1962]](https://www.derelictspacesheep.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jacobs_Time-Trap.jpg)
Three Boy’s Own time travel adventures, unleavened by humour and heavy with in-story exposition—in addition to which, Jacobs keeps up a narrative voiceover that reads suspiciously like illustration notes-to-self inadvertently left pasted alongside each picture. Artistically accomplished but a real slog.
The Mountain of Adventure
by Enid Blyton (Macmillan, 1949)
audiobook read by Thomas Judd (Bolinda, 2021)
Alternatively ‘The Magic Mushrooms of Adventure’. Blyton’s framing story is a delight and features quite the menagerie: Kiki the parrot plus lamb, slow-worm, donkeys and Alsatians. Then she reaches the point where she has to extemporise a mystery/escapade… and goes utterly bonkers.
Groundhog Day
dir. Harold Ramis (1993)
Perfectly executed, its scenario grounded in the real-world town of Punxsutawney and its annual Groundhog Day festival, the story riffing through loops that, while sometimes as dark as they are funny, reveal a surprising measure of philosophical depth. High re-watch value (appropriately).
Death of Mr. Dodsley
by John Ferguson (The Crime Club, 1937)
audiobook read by David Thorpe (Soundings, 2023)
Ferguson affords the reader meticulous access to the discoveries, theories and reasonings of both MacNab and the police, yet still manages to spring a surprise of two (albeit in part due to glassy-eyed oversaturation). The prose is pleasant enough, its deployment underwhelming.
The Complete Peanuts: 1973 to 1974
by Charles M. Schulz (Fantagraphics, 2008)
Two more excellent years. Schulz favours Snoopy (a little too much), Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty, but Sally also comes into her own. The physical humour is masterfully drawn, the existential comedy as reliable as ever. Plus, Schulz dabbles with dad jokes!