More fun with the diverse team at Manchester’s Stranger Times newspaper. As always it seems the author is enjoying his books as much as the reader.
Cue flying people, drugs and grave robbers. What they might have in common is something the team have to find out, not least because one of their own is threatened and, even worse, the Editor Banecroft has someone who wants him in Hell, soonish.
Great characters as always. Banecroft has a similar character to Jackson Lamb in the Slow Horses spy series, which makes him unpleasantly entertaining. The crew get stuck into their investigations not realsing there might be a lot of familiar dead people cause trouble in their future.
Great fun, easy reading and plenty of clever humour. Another winner.

After an eventful few months the staff at Stranger Times are enjoying a quieter time. Stella has even been able to start university and lead a relatively normal life. That is until a man falls out of the sky in front of her. The Stranger Times team must work quickly to find out what really happened before the Founders blame Stella for the attack. Meanwhile Banecroft has his own issues going on, with a myserious character only he can see threatening to banish him to hell for eternity if he doesn't atone for his sins. This time there is more than just the newspaper edition riding on the deadline.

I've been enjoying this series since book one so was pleased to be granted an arc from NetGalley for the latest installment. It didn't disappoint.

Having only recently read the previous book events were still very fresh in my memory, and this one picked up pretty quickly where that left off. The character dynamics were all still clear in my head too, so this was very easy to get in to. As with the previous books this one is generally quite light hearted, there's a lot of humour, but the world development and magic systems are sound. With each book so far we have learned more about the various powers that exist in the world, and this one continues to build on that.

One thing I did notice whilst reading this was that the story followed a clearer arc this time, and although there was separate strands to it, it wasn't as hard to follow what was going on as I thought book 3 was at times. There's still plenty of action though, and it's definitely not predictable.

In terms of characters we got to learn more about Stella this time. I feel like we're finally starting to get some idea of what she is capable of. I also enjoyed seeing a slightly different side to Banecroft in this one. He's still as cantankerous as ever, but his softer side is starting to show through in places.

It's a great read, and if you've enjoyed the earlier books you'll enjoy this one. It's definitely a series best read in order though, otherwise you'll miss out on a lot of the back story and world building, and things won't make sense.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House UK and Transworld Publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Book 4 of a planned trilogy and all is going swimmingly for the staff of The Stranger Times in Manchester.
These books MUST be read in sequence, otherwise you won’t have the foggiest what is happening, won’t believe what is happening, and you will miss so many unusual people and animals, both dead and alive, with their back stories and their extraordinary talents!!
Vincent Banecroft is the editor of this paper, and he is his normal loathsome, sweary self, but this time he has a constant companion. Not a dog, they are more discerning, but a tall guy, dressed in black with a steely gaze, who casts no shadow. He represents the Guardians of the Dead, and he informs Vincent that he must make reparations for the death of Simon, a previous employee, or he will be toast.
Weird events are happening in Manchester, concerning the staff of the Stranger Times. There are students getting high, in a markedly different way, people sniffing around graveyards, and a most unusual introduction to Cryogenics. Cats are not the cuddly creatures you think in this scenario.
DCI Sturgess makes a welcome return , he is the only member of the Police force that will investigate anything concerning this newspaper, the other officers avoid that ‘ loony paper’ with good reason. What will he find in his investigations this time?
This series continues to entertain with genuine laugh out loud moments. The writing is crisp with a healthy side order of wit, irony and sardonic humour. It is highly addictive pure, unadulterated nonsense, and the lucky readers will quickly become accustomed to these strange coves and their talents, or be lost in the hurly burly chaos. Personally, I cannot wait for the next in this series, and so many of my family have been gifted these books, it would be churlish to stop writing now!!
My thanks go to Netgalley and the publishers Random House UK, for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star read only because I can’t give any more! I will post a copy of this to Goodreads and Amazon UK.

I was throughly excited to read another installment in this series, now on book 4 and I love the wee group of Stranger Times employees, honestly a book that makes me chuckle when reading.

Stella is branching out and trying to have a bit of a normal life as a student... but this is rudely interrupted by a man falling from the sky!

This leads the group into a bigger story, of dug up graves, drugs and dead rock stars... yep you heard me right...

All the while, our fearless leader Banecroft is being haunted by a Pilgrim, who lures him into lingerie shops just for the fun of getting him into trouble... before he delivers a sinister message that is.

It may be these things are not as seperate as they think, and the group must get their investigation hats on, and maybe some help from a friendly DC, will help them get to the bottom of things.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Bantam for the chance to read and review this latest installment... long may this series continue.... out tomorrow 25th January!

This was so fun, which is exactly what I would expect from this series. The plot didn’t grip me quite as much as previous installments, but it didn’t really matter. The banter between all of the characters is as entertaining as ever and there truly isn’t a dull moment.

I also really enjoyed the continuation of the found family element in this book; the relationship between Stella and the other members of the Stranger Times gang was very sweet. I liked getting to see more development of Stella, who started out the series as a stereotypical ‘grumpy teenager’ character.

Plot-wise, as I said, I wasn’t as keen on that aspect. It was a little convoluted and hard to follow at points. But it’s still an enjoyable read, and that final confrontation was very funny and exciting. It really made me laugh out loud – it was so well done.

It’s just a fun romp – completely over-the-top in parts and takes full enjoyment in the ridiculous. These books won’t be for everyone, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the series and cannot wait for the next installment. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Violence, murder, death, drug addiction, drink spiking (on-page), drug overdoses, grave disturbance, blood, gore, torture, kidnap, imprisonment, implied rape and sexual assault (off-page).

It’s The Stranger Times: Celebrity Edition. They’re all here. Well, the ones that meet a specific criteria are. Regardless, you’re bound to come across a few familiar faces.

It’s the lead up to Halloween so, if you know this series even a little bit, you know you’re in for a treat! And maybe a couple of tricks…

I’ve been wanting more Stella and more Stella is exactly what I got. She may have preferred a smaller role in this book, though, as she didn’t appear to particularly enjoy having a guy fall for her. From the sky. Splattered all over the pavement.

‘You’ve got dead guy all over you, love.’

And that’s only the beginning of the ‘weirdy bollocks’ in this book.

Hannah meets her celebrity crush. Banecroft is given a deadline. Manny’s ability to remember to wear pants is improving. Sometimes.

“These days, not only was anything possible, but almost everything was far too believable.”

There’s more time spent in a graveyard than your average book and people seem to have a whole new appreciation for Laurence of Arabia. This is the book with the tone deaf roadie and a rage problem which, believe it or not, is not Banecroft’s. Or not only Banecroft’s.

And you’ll be introduced to Brian.

‘Nothing is weirder than Brian.’

With everything that’s going on for the team, I’m surprised they find time to print a newspaper at all.

‘News does not sleep.’

This series has action, humour, strangeness (obviously) and a weird little found family that I absolutely adore. The more I get to know them, the more time I want to spend with them. I will be reading The Stranger Times for as long as new editions keep getting published.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bantam Press, an imprint of Transworld Publishers, Penguin Random House UK, for the opportunity to read this book.

If you haven't read any "Stranger Times" books yet, you've been very silly. "Relight My Fire" is the 4th book, and is my favourite so far (I'll probably say the same about book 5... and 6... and 7. I'd like at least 30 books in this series please. Though if you could run to 50, that would be grand! The staff of The Stranger Times feel like family and I was so happy to catch up with them. So, obviously, I love the characters! This one has a great plot, and the usual fantastic writing. Go grab copies!!
P.S: A special thank you to C.K. McDonnell for standing in the rain. It's appreciated!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

I know I bang on about reading series books from the start, in the right order, mainly cos of character development and a bit of backstory. Well, for this series I am strongly recommending this to be the best way forward. Yes there is a bit of catch-up to be found herein but nowhere near enough for everything to make complete sense if you go in cold. It's all a bit convoluted and fantastic and, well, strange... so not easily guessed or accepted... But it's your call, as always.
So... in this, the fourth outing for the staff (and entourage) of the wonderful publication that is The Stranger Times. And we start with Stella who, after the shenanigans of the last book, has settled down a bit and is now a student at the local University. I say settled down, that is, until, a young man falls down at her feet. Literally. Falls down. From a great height. Splat! Bit of a shock, even given her recent past. But why did he jump, was he pushed, did he fall? And did Stella have anything to do with it or was it wrong time/wrong place?
Meanwhile Banecroft has his own issues in the form of a nasty ghostlike figure who seems hell bent on making his already miserable existence, even more, well, miserable.
And so begins more of what you have already come to expect from our motley cast of characters. As well as a few new faces to meet, we reconnect with old favourites along the way. Like a dysfunctional family reunion with no filter on the invite list! All coming under the category of that "weirdy bo//ocks" by the weary Det Sturgess...
And if you also factor in the "extended" cast... you'll know when you get to that bit. Well... I just melted into fits of streaming tears, I laughed that much. Not sure it's meant to be THAT funny or if I am just bonkers. Bit of both I guess. But I'm definitely glad I read when I was safe at home. Alone.
And even with all the shenanigans and weirdy stuff, and the bonkersness, there's a proper tangible plot and storyline that is so well crafted and all comes together nicely.
Leaving me hanging so much for book five... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

5 of 5 stars
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Goes from strength to strength

I am loving this series. I really can’t get enough of it and every time a new book comes out I’m there to devour it in super quick time. So, so good.

To the plot. Well think of It’s Raining Men by the Weather Girls and you might have the first clue of how the story picks up. Literally, Stella is almost hit by a student who seems to have plummeted off one rather tall building – the thing is, shortly before his rapid descent it seemed like he was flying – and so we have the perfect mystery for the staff at the Stranger Times to focus on for their next edition. On top of this, there appears to be a mystery drug that seems to unlock latent magical ability, Banecroft has been set his very own personal mission by a mysterious Pilgrim – this is a mission that he is very keen to succeed in as the punishment for failure is too terrible to contemplate, and, the powers that be are taking a rather keen interest in Stella and her special abilities and beginning to wonder if she’s too dangerous to be allowed to roam freely.

It is possible that this review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series, although I do strive to avoid these where possible. Also, I would suggest you read the other three books in the series. It might seem like a bit of catching up but it’s seriously worthwhile.

As with the other books in series there is plenty going on here, and as with those forerunners the story eventually pulls together in the most satisfactory way.

The staff at the Stranger Times continue to grow and the author is continuously building the world, steadily but surely placing layer upon layer as each book progresses.

What do I really love about this series.

Well, the author seems to pull a new and unusual mystery out of his hat with each story. There always seem to be other things going on around that central theme and with each read we discover just a little more of this strange world.

I love the writing. It’s witty, it makes me laugh out loud quite frequently, so many little bits and pieces tie together, we have people from previous books making repeat appearances and gradually this strange place is starting to firm up into something really special. On top of that the dialogue is excellent. There’s banter. There’s danger. Terrifying cats. Brass gnomes with a mission to ‘dig, dig, dig’, ghouls, a hotel for the supernatural and so much more.

The characters feel like a family. They care for each other. At least three of them now permanently reside at the Stranger Times office and frankly, it may be the safest place to be right now. Strange things are afoot. I really like Banecroft – he’s such a grump but his bark is worse than his bite. Then there’s Hannah who is still suffering embarrassment over the DI Sturgess ‘situation’ (Sturgess is now officially in charge of – and I quote – all the ‘weirdy bollocks’ that goes on in the City – frankly I think he’s going to need a bigger team). Stella is now a part time student doing her best to blend in (right up until the flying body incident) and the rest of the team – well, they’re mad as a box of spiders. I would also say that this instalment brings to us the most unexpected bunch of characters that you can ever hope to meet in a kind of ‘celebrity meets 28 days later’ type zombie thing.

Put simply. I can’t get enough of this series. I love the setting, the titles are all brilliant and fit so well, Manchester is such a great setting, the cast are wonderful. What can I say? Just read it (please) if you love a bit of clever urban fantasy with fantastic imaginings going on. I’ve found the perfect series for myself with this one and I love the way that it’s literally a mad mad mad mad world and yet all the mundanes are simply going about their regular lives without a care in the world and no idea that they’re surrounded by the strangest things imaginable.

I know I’ve probably missed out so much in this review but, I have to leave something for you to discover yourself and also you may hopefully glean from this just how much fun I’m having with each new instalment and be intrigued enough to go and grab a copy of the first in series.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

We’re back once again with the staff of the Stranger Times newspaper, purveyor of all that is weird and sometimes wonderful, if very rarely all that true. Still, it’s a living. Following on from events in the series so far, it’s nice to see life settling into some kind of normality for the characters – e.g. Banecroft is back to just being a belligerent sod rather than dangerously obsessed, and with a twinge of guilt for some previous happenings he’s managed to get Stella into journalism college.

Did I say normality? Not so much, when a student lands quite literally – and not healthily – in front of Stella’s feet. Which in itself is sadly not weird, but the whole bit before the fall, where he was more or less… floating. Throw in the grave robbing, a ghoul, a has-been pop star, and oh yes, Banecroft’s visitations from not-the-ghost-of-xmas-anything, and the stage is set for all manner of shenanigans. Strap in for the ride, folks!

For whatever reason, the previous instalment of this series didn’t quite hit as well as the first two, so I was a little ‘hmm’ going into this. But whether it’s the book or just me, I’m happy to report that we are firmly back on form – in fact, this is probably the best yet!

I do think reading the series up to date is going to help, as there’s a lot of background and we’re into the sort of ‘shorthand’ stage where the readers are lovely and comfortable with the characters and all their weirdness. Coming in cold might leave you highly puzzled about angels inhabiting human bodies, or tentacle eyeball creatures in another’s head – yeah, there’s very little ‘normal’ going on here!

What is going on would be a shame to spoil, but someone is messing with the (un)dead, and it’s up to Stranger Times to figure out what! Expect plenty of action, even more laughs, and just a right fun read. Recommended!

Really excellant instalment of the chronicles of the team at the Stranger Times. Drugs in the city are making people do strange things - there is a plot thickening and Banecroft and the Stranger Times team will have to sort it out. Great plotting, superb characters and plenty of great oneliners. Highly Recommended

This, the 4th book in The Stranger Times world is a little different to the previous one in that there's just the one story arc. There's not much investigating little stories for the crew, they are in the middle of one very big one.
I really liked this story, it was very fast paced and fun.

In this, the latest episode of The Stranger Times, someone literally falls out of the sky in front of Stella. This is the start of a series of events including a rock star, a ghoul, and the threat of eternal damnation to the editor.
It is difficult to describe this series with its cast of strange characters and even stranger occurrences. It certainly hits my funny bone, with wild magic, monsters and an undercurrent of humour. It can be read as a standalone, but it's much better to go back to the start to really appreciate what's going on. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

When a man drops out of the sky and splats right at Stella’s feet (and also all over her hair and face), the Founders jump to the conclusion that she must have been involved somehow. Hannah, Banecroft and the rest of the team at The Stranger Times must solve the mystery to prove Stella’s innocence before the Founders decide to take action of their own. Meanwhile, Banecroft has problems of his own, in the form of a mysterious pilgrim-like figure threatening to drag him to hell unless he atones for his sins.

Relight My Fire is the fourth book in the Stranger Times series, and I would absolutely 100% recommend that you read the first three books before diving into this one. Not only is it an excellent and highly entertaining series, but there’s also a lot of background info which is necessary to understand for full enjoyment of the characters and the plot.

Book #4 is another truly excellent instalment in this series. It’s funny and exciting, with a well considered plot and wonderful characters. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Brian, a ghoul who has been deeply disturbed by a spate of grave-robbings in the local area. This might have been my favourite book in the series so far, and I cannot wait for the next one.

This is another fabulous and brilliant book in this series. The Stranger Times is a newspaper, you know the old printed sort and no way online at all, that is responsible for reporting the bizarre, unusual, weird, odd, batty, peculiar, outlandish, curious and downright unfathomable stories that come across the desks of the reporters. It is owned by Vincent Bancroft, whose favoured weapon of choice is a blunderbuss. Also Manny, a Rastafarian with an additional side to him, Stella, who also has an additional side to her, Grace who keeps everyone supplied with tea and prayers, and Reg, a ghoul, and a Detective inspector who is deemed to be ok to deal with the "weirdy bollocks" that the newspaper seems to deal with.

Vincent has had a curious past, it seems that it has now caught up with him as a mysterious man takes great delight in informing him. Vincent will soon be residing elsewhere for his part in the "Simon episode" from the last book. The story starts with Stella, leaving her college course for the evening and going home only to have a man fall from the sky in front of her. This is the start of some strange events that even those on the Stranger Times newspaper will find unsettling.

This is another brilliantly funny book in the series and yes it could be read as a stand-alone but I do urge you to read all the books in the series as not only do they give you the bigger picture on this crew at the paper, but they are all fabulous, funny and brilliant books to read.

The story will delve into the dark magic scene in this urban fantasy world the author has created. It runs alongside our everyday boring world with a few extras such as ghosts, ghouls, things that go bump oin the night and lurk in dark coners and damp cellars. The author creates a story that is totally within keeping of the characters and as you read the story it feels like the author is having as much fun as I was reading it.

This is a fabulous book in a fabulous series. It is a mic of urban fantasy, mild horror, humour, mystery and crime. A mix of allsorts and then some! Yes, I adored this one and I would definitely recommend it.

When a student is seen floating in the sky, then plummets to the ground, something just isn’t right. It’s time for the team at Stranger Times to find out just what’s going on.

The team are back! Reporting a story or something far more sinister? Nothing’s ever what it seems when they get involved.

Love these books. Full of colourful characters and plot twists. You’ll definitely not want to put it down.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for an arc for an unbiased review.

This series began with Stranger Times, so this book is not a standalone. I'd highly recommend you go back and read the 3 books before this one.

These books are a little difficult to explain.

Urban fantasy. Yes.

Mystery/Crime. Yes.

Characters we care about. Yes.

Laugh out loud humour. Yes.

More subtle humour. Also Yes.

As a fan of Jodi Taylor, Terry Pratchett, and more recently Travis Baldree, these books fall right into that niche for me of exceptionally well written, off beat yet superbly put together, books.

Relight My Fire I feel not only matches the previous books, but so far is my favourite of them.

While we have characters we know and love, we also have new additions here. Not least Brian, who I absolutely loved, questionable hygiene and all.

I once again found myself drawn to the characters, was intruiged by the overall arc of the story, laughed out loud - more than once, wondered more than once, WTF is actually going on, only to realise and find the threads were all there, and was sad to see the end.

If I was asked to sum the book up in 2 words, I'd go with 'utterly bonkers.' But that for me is the appeal, because although utterly bonkers, it all makes sense to me.

The series has gone from strength to strength. Relight my Fire is no different and I have no qualms giving it 5/5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Relight My Fire is book 4 in The Stranger Times series and, as with its predecessors, it is an excellent read.

Still dealing with the fallout from events in the previous book, Vincent is trying to help Stella find herself and start a 'normal' life and enrols her on a course. This is somewhat scuppered when, leaving class one day, a body falls at her feet. But is it just bad luck, or too much of a coincidence...

Being a Manchester resident makes the setting of this series slightly unsettling, but I love it! The characters are some of my favourite to revisit and, with McDonnell's excellent comedy writing, it is such an entertaining read.

I highly recomend this entire series if you fancy some top-notch comedy fantasy!

This series never lets me down! I am completely obsessed with Stranger Times and love nothing more than returning to Manchester to spend time with my favourite band of cooky, lovable and slightly insane journalists. This book might even be the best yet, and I stayed up far too late to finish it because I couldn't stand the thought of putting it down!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Relight My Fire is a supernatural thriller that follows the team at The Stranger Times newspaper as they investigate a man who falls from the sky and leaves a hole in the pavement. But as they dig deeper, they uncover dark forces and dangerous secrets that put them all in grave danger.

Once again, the eclectic staff of the Stranger Times are back! Another fun adventure in Manchester as they investigate a series of events surrounding the students at the local university.