Witches Brew

The Whitborough Novels

by Alistair Lavers

The new title in the Whitborough Novels series, following on from Treasure Trove and Mystery City.

A murder mystery and supernatural horror comedy.

The series features an accident prone werewolf and a large cast of very unlucky witches, satanists, petty criminals and policemen.

There’s no rest for the wicked in Witches Brew, the third instalment of the Whitborough Novels.

Lindsay Boldwood, Yorkshire’s unluckiest werewolf joins the Caravan Club and embarks on a final night of mayhem, pursued by a bandy legged ex-army sniper and a farmer with a very sharp grudge.

Barnett Crosbie, the Aberdeen mafia’s most dangerous export, finding himself rich and ready for a life abroad, engineers the biggest explosion since the war to cover his tracks and Anarchy Mary spends a night buried in Dalby Forest.

The Black Hand Coven come out of hiding at an Elvis tribute night, only to be attacked by their pet demon Tetarzepandomestos and a lonely little Parson’s terrier finds a new home...’

Author news

I will be selling Treasure trove again, at the Whitby Goth Festival in the Autumn; after a tremendous first appearance in April at Whitby leisure centre, where I sold 127 copies. I have also secured a place in the dealers room at the forthcoming Discworld convention over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

I am compiling a booklet called 'the Whitborough companion' for fans of the books. Which will have photos of local people who have agreed to assume the roles of some of the stories main characters. There will also be pictures and signs representing all the locations featured and more maps and illustrations.

I will also be selling T-shirt designs in the very near future possibly at Oliver's Mount Races and the Download Festival. Book two should be available next March. I'm also appearing at Fantasticon in Hull on the 19th & 20th Nov.

http://www.alistairlavers.co.uk

Press Coverage

LoveReading

Yorkshire Post

Whitby Gazette

Book Reviews

Interesting read. A book with some very dark and accident prone characters. A good comedy thriller with a northern slant. The humour is quite sharp. Worth a few hours of anyone's time.

by Bill Beaumont

Bought on the strength of the cover and the interesting picture gallery of faces inside. There's a great map at the back and a street index of the town with some amusing street names. Usually a sign of a half decent book. Pleased to say this was a worthwhile purchase and really addictive. I'm hooked.

by William Trent

A very unusual and amusing addition to modern Yorkshire fiction. But set in the 1980's. Quite sophisticated and choc full of fabulously wicked, incompetent and devious characters from all social classes and walks of life. Lots of very funny lovely light hearted passages buttressed by some very dry wit. Similar to David Hobbs Reggie Perrin and Peter Kay's Phoenix nights. Very good indeed.

by Tessa Cole

Enjoyable English off best comedy with some surprises.

by Colm Hanratty

It's a hard book to put down once you start. The chapter headings are a pretty good guide to the content. 'A skirmish with Land Rovers, and the strange case of the beastie in the Debenhams quilt cover.' Is a fair indicator of the author's Pythonesque sense of humour. You won't find many new books this good. 5/5.

by D.W

Old school humour to bring a smile to your face. A lot to like.

by Dot Fyske

Love these books, plenty to get teeth into and forget about the world. Haven't laughed so much at people's misfortunes since I read Tom Sharpe's books way back in the 1980's.

by Gill Halpin

A book that makes you forget where you are. Written as well as anything else in humorous fiction. With an enormous scope and vision. Top marks.

by Jenny Forbes

Dark and pretty funny too. Nice to pick up a book that's choc full of strong characters and set in northern England. Might make a good tv series.

by Ant

A very good read. One to recommend to fans of Tom Sharpe and PG Wodehouse.

by Louis Clarke

A simple, useful guide. J an a writer and have more than the basic level of understanding but this book still had helpful and insightful tips that I have picked up and used. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an entry level text on the subject.

by NetGalley review