Spies, lies and pies

Having read the prologue and first 2 chapters of this very funny story, I am reminded of Get Smart, that superb spoof spy comedy TV series. Barry certainly has as many problems as Maxwell Smart. Some of the comedy in Spies, Lies and Pies is excellent. Agent ZX82 being rumbled by the Ball of Thanks, sarcastic policemen, Red losing the psychopath's jiffy bag, and snow being better in the old days. Only nitpick, I can't fathom why this isn't much higher in the rankings. Well starred and on my WL for further reading. Good luck with this.

I first read this about 380 days ago. I loved it then and still love it. I decided to repost the comments I wrote almost 400 days ago:

"What the fuck?" I loved the half-naked man in trilby hat adorned with yellow feathers opening the cupboard so he could retrieve the "ball of thanks." What an amusing prologue. Definitely, not like so many of the "serious" prologues contained in many of the books on this sight. "Cumtata, Overlordum of Sepitata" was very nice, very regal. So, where are the pies?

First chapter and there's a dog and it's owner looking for people to annoy. Robot Agent 72, pirate-themed golf courses, and Barry talking to himself while applying chemicals to a golf card in the attempt to extract a small written message begins to build the momentum for a highly imaginative novel. I'm enjoying this, so will put it on my shelf. I hope to come back to it and find the pies.

I read this book with immense enjoyment with an underlying sense of envy for the facility with which the author sculpts the humourous passages. I can't claim to have any surprise when I saw how funny it was because the comedic aspect is telegraphed in the title like a windmil overhand punch. It virtually promises a laugh a line - and does not default. Brilliant. Backed. The Tuzla Run.

Spies Lies and Pies

Hello – I have to warn you that I am trying a new way of commenting today and that is to make the notes as I go along rather than do an overview. I wonder how it will work out – Here we go:-

Brilliant title, great long pitch, I was smiling even before I began this and couldn’t wait to get started

ZX 78 – hmmm haven’t I seen those numbers somewhere before – LOL. Wondered about the word ajar when applied to mouths. Maybe agape would fit better

“On thus special day” was the “thus” deliberate? I got the other deliberate grammatical doddads but that one didn’t quite work

Love your humour.

I love the way that you play about with the language all the way through this. OOOH you, “pleasuring her Majesty” do you really think you can get away with that?

I love that your spy has eczema,that is just so unlikely and “real”

Poor Barry he is so world weary isn’t he, you can’t help but love him although I have a horrible feeling he may have sweaty feet (could be wrong there, just a feeling). Actually, the vast majority of your characters seem a bit depressed or weary, I have read four chapters now and nobody has shown any enthusiasm, except of course the ones at the gathering in the prologue. Although I think that I “get it” I do wonder if it needs to move along a bit now. Actually, I think that main problem is that my connection is slow today and so it is all taking longer to read. I think that this will work well in hard copy when the reader will dictate the speed instead of the b****y internet.

I have enjoyed the chapters that I have read, I think you have something good going on here. Your writing is accomplished and this is definitely different. I would like to see this do well and it should be published, are your others as good? – Good luck with this – Diane

Spies. Lies and Pies

Hi Charlie,

This is so funny, extremely accessible style, very easy to read. I loved the prologue, such a visual gag, pulled off with great aplomb and the wonderful laconic feel continues into the second chapter. You have an inventive and fresh way of phrasing things, quirky and at the same time able to convey the essence of an idea with a minimum of words. I like the way each chapter ends with a decent hook and how your audience is treated with a deep respect, intelligent and thoughtful writing. Original title and such a great story, all I am sorry about is that it has taken me so long to find this book. Best wishes, deserves to go far

Good luck
Andrew W
(Sanctuary's Loss)

SPIES, LIES & PIES
This is a fun book to read. I recognized the Pirate’s golf course immediately; there’s one right down the road from me (no windmill, tho). The mark of this is your overall writing style; it’s crisp and clean and overall always faintly amusing. A good change from the usual spy story, I’ve starred it highly and added it to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Read the first six chapters and was pleasantly surprised. Will read the rest later. Cheers, david

There aren't many books on here that are actually laugh out loud funny, but this is one of them.
Well done.
This deserves 6 stars and a slice of pie.

Christina
Take a Sick Break

Barry reminds me of 'inspector gadget' lol.... though the inspector did not have a split personality like Barry haha. For now i am on page 9 and enjoying the story. Not really my kind of book but certainly easy and delightful to read. I especially like the chapters being broken up with each individual storyline. Backed and Rated. Cant wait to finish it.

green h
through green's eyes

Just finished the first 8 chapters. Me thinks your agent might be suffering from a personality defect much more debilitating than his eczema.
Well paced and nicely written but one has to wonder were you are going with the story. will read the rest and hopefully find out

Just finished the first 8 chapters. Me thinks your agent might be suffering from a personality defect much more debilitating than his eczema.
Well paced and nicely written but one has to wonder were you are going with the story. will read the rest and hopefully find out

Charlie,
"Spies, Lies and Pies" delivered with tongue-in-cheek humour, is a timely antidote for a world depressed over terrorist attacks, economic woes and prospects of an impending ice age. Yes, we need all the laughter we can get and certainly Barry's attempts at being a secret agent brings out some of that. Your casual writing style and easy dialogue carry your story well. Thank you.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Charlie,
"Spies, Lies and Pies" delivered with tongue-in-cheek humour is a perfect antidote for our world today bedeviled by suicide bombers, weather extremes and economic woes. It's a timely chill pill, in other words, for depression and anxiety. An itchy Barry vying with Inspector Clousseau or Agent Smart for top spot in bungling spydom, makes for an excellent character study. Thank you so much for the laughs.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Hi Charlie, its Ruby. I promised I would leave a comment. I have just read two chapters - very quickly may I add, because I am going to throw my usual book on the floor tonight and read your book instead.
Your pitch sounded interesting - but a little weird, and not my usual style. However as soon as I began to read the first chapter I knew at once this was a book I would buy.
I love the storyline, the style of your writing and definitely your wit.
These three things about you remind me of a writer called Robert Rankin who is quite popular for his fiction fantasy novels.
I'm sure you will do really well and I'll back you as much as I can.
Ruby Middleton

Lovely stuff. I like the crime-show-style prologue a lot, and the first chapter is full of hooks. Especially the mini-golf. Spies and mini-golf! What's not to love? :)

This is a real fun read which gets better as it goes along. And it’s probably a true reflection of the espionage world – at least, as it exists in Basingstoke. Nice, short, crisp chapters. I liked the schizophrenic Barry/Agent 72/Chris episodes. The story has a leisurely pace and a very gentle streak of humour running through it. Less slapstick than Johnnie English, and less international, too! (Does the story ever leave Basingstoke?) For me, the funniest line was “hundred and ten pounds”. I don‘t know why I found that funny, but I did. And I enjoyed pleasuring her Majesty, too. And I laughed out loud at the culmination of the ‘Guess the Dinner’ game.
I picked up a few minor typos. Ch.7 (Authonomy numbering): “to get stop himself” should be “to stop himself”. Ch.10: “turned and walking away” should be “turned and walked away”. Ch.16: “pizza’s” should be “pizzas”. Ch.17: “broke” should be “broken”; “door’s” should be “doors”. Ch.19: “stunk” should be “stank”; “heats” should be “heat’s”; “barely audible” should be “barely audibly”; “of three” should be “of the three”; “this vain” should be “this vein”.
Having read it all, I still have no clue what Barry’s mission involves, but it doesn’t really matter, does it. The fun part is the journey. Good luck with this.

Hi Charlie. Have just read the prologue and upto Ch 7. I have to admit that I hadn't seen your book in its previous incarnation (shame on me) so can't comment on any changes.
What I have found is a very funny, well-written tale which is both full of suspense - I felt for the 2 agents hiding in the cupboards in the prologue - but also has some great comedy images. Barry/ Agent 72 is sure to be a big hit. Grumpy, bored, bad skin (sounds a bit like Sean Connery, come to think of it!). Lots of stars and have you on my WL and will move you to my shelf as soon as I can,
Kat x hens from Hell

Having read the prologue and first 2 chapters of this very funny story, I am reminded of Get Smart, that superb spoof spy comedy TV series. Barry certainly has as many problems as Maxwell Smart. Some of the comedy in Spies, Lies and Pies is excellent. Agent ZX82 being rumbled by the Ball of Thanks, sarcastic policemen, Red losing the psychopath's jiffy bag, and snow being better in the old days. Only nitpick, I can't fathom why this isn't much higher in the rankings. Well starred and on my WL for further reading. Good luck with this.

Charlie, Found your book on someone else's shelf, and what a find. Barry, aka agent 72 is my kind of secret agent. This is so funny with great one liner's and quirky images. On my watch list with mega stars until I have room to back. Hope you regain your position soon. Best of luck.
Babs

I first read this about 380 days ago. I loved it then and still love it. I decided to repost the comments I wrote almost 400 days ago:

"What the fuck?" I loved the half-naked man in trilby hat adorned with yellow feathers opening the cupboard so he could retrieve the "ball of thanks." What an amusing prologue. Definitely, not like so many of the "serious" prologues contained in many of the books on this sight. "Cumtata, Overlordum of Sepitata" was very nice, very regal. So, where are the pies?

First chapter and there's a dog and it's owner looking for people to annoy. Robot Agent 72, pirate-themed golf courses, and Barry talking to himself while applying chemicals to a golf card in the attempt to extract a small written message begins to build the momentum for a highly imaginative novel. I'm enjoying this, so will put it on my shelf. I hope to come back to it and find the pies.

Charlie,
This is very ambitious. A comedy thriller is a hard thing to pull off - the reader's often caught between emotions.On occasions I certainly felt that I wasn't as caught up/ as concerned as I could have been because I had the feeling things would be undercut by humour. Having said that, you do the humour really well.
Good luck with this. It's nice to see someone prepared to try something different.

Gefordson
Nothing you can do.

I can call your novel a mysterious search for truth. Creation of anxiety to know what is next. It is a good tactic to stimulating reading habit. It is visible in your novel...

Joy J Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

I really enjoyed your book. The pitch drew me in, the title is very descriptive. 4 stars from me. David Garland 15 Days

Charlie Spies. Lies and Pies
This really is very clever and amusing. This is a unusual spy story that really works. An amusing plot, a great character in Barry and jokes on every page. You also have a poetic touch to your descriptions.
This is well worth reading, its one book that actually had me laughing out loud.

Njoyed
*moods and expressions*

Great stuff! Writing comedy is hard, writing it well is even harder. As I read this it reminded me for some reason of the writings of Christopher Wood, who was a very funny, but now seemingly forgotten writer. Great pitch too - the only thing I can't explain is that the title leaves me a bit cold - otherwise quality work!

All the best,
Jonny Sambuca
No Exit Ta Bleak City

Perceptive, very funny and much closer to the truth than James Bond.
Who do you see playing the part of Barry?
RT

I couldn't wait, I had to read it now, so looked at a few chapters. You are one of these lucky sods, who just opens his mouth when he wakes up in the morning, and the humour falls out. It exudes out of every pore of your body no doubt. I want some of what you've got. Go on - tell me where I can get some. I am a fan of Hot Fuzz, and I think your book should be made into a film as well. It has all the ingredients of being one of the funniest stories I have ever read. I will keep on reading when I get more time, but I just know its gonna be all good. Backed.Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

I am backing this simply because of its brilliant pitch, and I intend reading it over the next few days. Looks hilarious. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

You are totally fantastic, Charlie. :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my memoirs book? :)
God bless you. :) Love, Susie :)

I like spies (George Smiley, Reilly Ace) and like pies, so what’s up with the lies, Agent ZX82? Your pitch is perfect, Charlie Chuck wagon, in the (pizza) pie wagon, and like that cool doggie resting on his elbow. Get the pastry rolled and pass the killer mushroom vol au vent. Spies, lies, and pies – hot and tasty.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

yeah, it's cool. popped to see your blog, which led me to this. both very good, and good luck. i hope you get this published.

cheers,

craig

ps no need for return read, save you some time for something useful.

This is hilarious, and so easy to read. I had a giggle when I saw the title whilst looking for something else, and watchlisted it so I wouldn't lose it. I wasn't disappointed. I loved the idea of Barry and Agent 72 as two different personalities because we're all like that in some ways. The retirement countdown made me giggle too; my father in law crossed off days on a calendar. I got to chapter 11, but would have finished what you have here if i'd had time. backed.

oh just one little error. chapter 2 'Red arrow definitely remembered leaving it (in) the drawer.

This is hilarious, and so easy to read. I had a giggle when I saw the title as I was looking for something else, and watchlisted it so I wouldn't lose it. I wasn't disappointed. i loved the idea of Barry and Agent 72 as two different personalities because we're all like that in some ways. The retirement countdown made me giggle too; my father in law crossed off days on a calendar. I got to chapter 11, but would have finished what you have here if i'd had time. backed.

oh just one little error. chapter 2 'Red arrow definitely remembered leaving it (in) the drawer.

Charlie,

hi there. Anything about basingstoke has got to be worth reading so i have backed it on that basis and on the fact that you have been writing on and off for past 20 years. I'll read it later tonight nad get back with any comments then. I back first if i like idea / pitch/ background and then comment otherwise i get confused about who i have backed and who not.

regards

david
The Collector of Tales

Love the subtle humour, this kept me giggling nicely and as my husband writes humour I can really appreciate it, well done. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

Your pitch is very well written and interesting so I will back your book - please have a look at my books - good luck !

Hi


An enjoyable humourous story. It takes skill to add humour into a passage without it seeming forced. You have done well. Great characterisations.
Backed.
A return read and comment would be appreciated.
cheers olga

A very enjoyable comic style, this is clearly a fun read and I haven't read an enjoyable spy spoof in a long time. Good stuff!

What a fun read. My only complaint is that now I want a pie and it's nearly 11 pm here! Backed with pleasure.
Joanna Carter
Fossil Farm

Dear Charlie,

This book draws attention. I read through four chapter, and its compelling with a grip to know what happens next. A great voice with a compelling intrigue and desire for big money. All the best.

Hi Charlie,

I haven't had the time to read everything you posted, but I will. This is a thoroughly entertaining read and I look forward to reading the outstanding text. No problem backing it.

Frank James (The Contractor)

This is so funny, thanks for making me laugh.
Best of luck

Carole Pitt

Well done. I'm all for a man who loves his pies. I read to 8 and found the characters rounded and the writing warm and pacey.
Backed
Lara
Good for Him

Hi Charlie

Really funny and any book about pies gets a thumbs-up from me. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

Hi Charlie,

very funny and easy to read. Well done.

I have backed your book because I was hooked by the pitch, loved the introduction and read on. How much more I read depends on time and commitment.

Enjoy everything and good luck.

Rusty Bernard
The Mental Pause

I have to begrudgingly tell you that this is very funny (I begrudge it because I am in the humour writing business too and yours made me laugh a lot).

I think I had a ZX82 once, or was it a ZX81? You have excellent grasp of your humour bone and you put it to great use. The beginning is amongst the funnier things I've read. And I love that whole "classic police sarcasm" style that makes the moulds you use all the more fun with that dash of knowing realism. EXCELLENT (unfortunately) BACKED (proudly)

excellent send-up of spy fiction

This is a really fun read. I wish I could think of something profound to say, or at least helpful, but all I can come up with is that I liked it. Good luck!

I like the upbeat way you write, Charlie - humour with a just-out-of-sight edgy question of disaster. It certainly kept me reading. I wanted the hapless Barry to win. I'd like to see you win with such comedy, too, so I've backed your book.
Backed,
Ann Mynard (Windshadow)

What a fantastic start. Full of inspired humour! I loved it and wish you every success with this highly imaginative novel. Brilliant. Backed. Gordon - The Harpist of Madrid

HICcharlie,

Have read nearly half the book and appreciate the writing, the humor and th characters. I wonder if the story line might have progressed a bit sooner?

Cheers and backed,
Bobbee

Hi Charlie.

I have read your work and found it interesting and entertaining. I am amazed at the range of writers who have published work on Authomony. Many works on this site would not be out of place in High Street book shops. I think that it is more a reflection of the state of the publishing industry, rather than a reflection on the quality of the writing, that so many talented authors find that their work is not taken up by publishers. I will back your work as I feel that your efforts deserve it. Best of luck.

FLETCH
STORIES FROM A LEAKING MIND

The title and cover is very eye catching and your pitch drew me to read on. My expectations were high and you delivered quite well. Barry is priceless, a character so well portrayed, quirky, funny is his very staid manner and will stay in the minds of readers after the book is finished. The plot is hilarious and imaginative, the style and prose perfect for the plot and I found myself laughingout loud and immensely enjoying this.
Backed a few days sgo.
Rakhi (Sir William...)

Great language, really joyful read. Imaginative imagery. The chapters are so short that even facebook and twitter aficionados should be able to fit it into their attention span (this is a good thing btw). Quirky story with strong promise.
Happy to back, Fabrice, Club Wars

I've just read 3 chapters of Spies, Lies and Pies. What fun! You asked for comments on the prologue and the last statement says it all - What the f...!
It has a fast pace and yet there is no sense of being steam rollered along. I enjoyed the characters and the situations they find themselves in. As someone else said a laugh a line.
Well done and good luck. Backed