It’s not often that a novel makes you giggle at least every other page. But then, it’s not often Frankie Boyle writes a novel. If you enjoy the comedian’s very dark humour and deeply pessimistic view of the world, you will love Meantime. Felix is your average disillusioned Glasgow drug-addict. But when his (only) friend Marina gets murdered, he decides to take matters into his own hands, turning himself into some sort of wannabe private detective. What could possibly go wrong? Frankie Boyle’s debut novel is just like his TV and one-man shows: brutally hilarious.

If you're looking for a dark read with some dark humour then this is the book for you. Impressed with this, its a great story with plenty of shocks. What else could you expect from Frankie Boyle?

I really enjoyed Frankie Boyles first fictional novel. It was a wild ride of a story about a guy investigating his friends murder. It was like Irvine Welsh meets Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas with a lot of witty one liners and banter along the way.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A brilliantly original piece of Glasgow Noir with some laugh-out-loud moments and a cast of characters that I truly loved - and just when I thought I had worked it all out, the ending absolutely floored me. Fantastic.

I was over the moon to receive the ARC of Meantime I had heard a lot about it and was looking forward to reading it but I was a tad disappointed that I felt I couldn’t always connect with the story. Frankie Boyle has always been a big favourite of mine with his acerbic wit and forthright manner he has made me laugh a lot and I think that is what actually made this book as although as I said I didn’t always connect with the story the humour in the book was brilliant and some of the one liners had me laughing out loud. The book is billed as a crime thriller but I feel it’s a whole lot more than that it’s more a reflection on life in parts and that came over well. The characters were a real mixed bunch Felix was my favourite but Donny the neighbour came a close second and again had me laughing a lot.
So overall I enjoyed the book it was different from what I was expecting but actually that’s probably not surprising given the author is someone who is never predictable and for me it was a 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press, Baskerville for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This enjoyed this book, the main character does very much come across with the voice of Frankie Boyle, if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you. However it did on occasion make me laugh, very poignant in parts. So reminiscent of a Glasgow that I know. I really wanted to know what had happened to Marina. We meet many interesting characters along the way.....who you could see on any high street across Scotland.

I’d like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley UK, for my copy of this engaging story which I recommend to anyone looking for a fulfilling, page-turning read.

Thanks for the advanced copy I was really looking forward to reading this as I am a big Frankie Boyle fan. Reading the press reviews I got the impression the book would have a early Chris Brookmyre and Colin Bateman feel to it but even funnier as it was Boyle writings. After a few chapters I found this really was not the case it was funny but there was something I couldn’t put my finger that made the story feel flat. I don’t know if it was that I expecting too much but this book wasn’t for me. I am sure it will be a hit not only because of the fan base behind Boyle but because it will be lots of peoples cup of tea just not mine.

'Meantime', Frankie Boyle's crime novel has had positive early praise from some big names in the crime fiction world who have used phrases like 'darkest noir', 'unputdownable' and 'scalpel-sharp'

Putting aside the 'celebrity' aspect (and with it the question as to whether it would have been published if it wasn't written by a well known figure) does it work as a novel - and more specifically, as a crime novel?
I'd say the crime elements are present but not the main feature (which feels more to be a trainspotting style character study with kernels of stand up routines in their drugged up life observations..."I've often thought that... ' or 'I'd once...' mini anecdotes).
The tone of the novel takes a dramatic turn at the end which could be considered a 'twist' or a tonal leap, depending on your view.
As a crime novel I would say it lacks any traditional mechanics of plot or character journeys. (The characters are generally of a more cartoonish nature, which works for the comedic effect in places, but is more problematic as a crime fiction).
Parts of it reminded me of an attempt to write in the comedy/ crime style of Colin Bateman or early Chris Brookmyre (with a lot more uses of a certain C word...) - neither of whom are easy shoes to fill.
There were a few elements I am guessing will be edited out ahead of final publication (spelling/ grammar errors, repeated words etc), and a strange choice to give two characters the same name (one as a forename one as a surname), which I didn't quite get - but neither appear again in the novel.
It's a quick and easy read. I'm sure fans of the author in his 'day job' will appreciate some of the observations and comedic elements = for me personally, it didn't gel as a full on crime novel, but I'm sure it will prove to be popular.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy for an honest and unbiased review.

I’m still trying to work out whether this book was the best thing I’ve ever read or a load of pretentious, self indulgent twaddle. Without a doubt I could hear Frankie Boyle’s voice reading it to me and it is entertaining. However the use of metaphors and similes is overwhelming- everything is described as something else. It’s a bit like a GCSE student trying to pull out all the stops in an essay and going complete over the top. The sometimes graphic depiction of drug taking is a bit too much at times. Especially when the central protagonist is aiming to solve his friend’s murder and he is addled with various substances for most of the novel. Happy
On the whole - did I like It? I think so. Colourful, memorable characters and some laugh out loud moments. Just don’t read it if you’re easily offended.

I had high hopes for this book being a big Frankie Boyle fan but as other reviewers have found I was sorely disappointed and struggled to finish it

I wasn't quite sure about this requesting this book. On the one hand I love books set in or around Glasgow (as someone who works, and previously lived, in the city) however I find Frankie Boyle a bit over the top in terms of his comedy.

I guess what I could say about this book is that if you read it without knowing who wrote it, you would quickly guess it someone like Frankie. If you're a fan of his comedy you will like this book, if you're not a fan I wouldn't imagine this will resonate with you.

Whilst it did have some great one liners, the constant reference to drugs, being stoned or drunk became quite tiresome after a few pages.

Thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press, Baskerville, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Felix’s friend Marina is murdered in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow and he wants the murderer to be brought to justice. Felix doesn’t have any confidence in the Scottish Police force and decides to investigate with the help of his downstairs neighbour Donnie.

Felix nor Donnie are heavily dependent on drugs which obviously hampers their investigation and provides some hilarious moments. Their investigation takes them into the bowels of the Scottish underworld and post-Referendum Scottish politics. By chance, Felix also enlists the help from a very sympathetic crime novelist who gives them a fighting chance of investigating Maria’s murder successfully.

Meantime is Frankie Boyle’s debut novel and I could definitely hear his voice and observations in Felix’s. I’m a fan of Frankie Boyle and found these very amusing.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, John Murray Press, for this ARC of Meantime for a fair and honest review.

I was curious to read this, ahead of the perennial debate on whether celebrities should write novels. I like Frankie Boyle, the comedian and believed in the idea that could come up with a really interesting crime novel.

Felix becomes an accidental investigator following the murder of his good friend Marina. Felix takes a lot of drugs, as does his neighbour Donnie, together they stumble around trying the piece together the evidence to identify the killer.

I liked Felix's stream of consciousness ramblings and introspection, often very funny, often shrewd and insightful behind his face masked by various drugs. There's quite a lot about artificial intelligence and Scottish Independence.

The crime investigation was almost incidental and for me much less entertaining and didn't really build momentum.

I think I would have preferred more Felix and less attempt at a narrative novel.

In conclusion, some very funny moments, great one liners and some personal wisdom wrapped up with lots of drugs in a fairly mild murder plot.

Thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press

I did like this book. But was a bit over the place for me. I finished the book but it wasn't one of my favourites

Meantime is the debut crime novel by comedian Frankie Boyle. Felix McAveety has just found out his friend has been murdered. Felix is dependent on valium and various other drugs. It's set in Glasgow and seems to play on every single stereotype about addicts in the city. The writing is poor and it is difficult to get invested in the story. There are a couple of funny lines but it is too inconsistent to work as a novel.