This book feels very timely. There are so many bubbling allegations and whispers about inappropriate behaviour in the entertainment industry and this story lifts the lid a little, from the inside. I listers the audio version, very well narrated. After a bit of a slow start, it builds as we learn more about Ali who’s a radio producer with some personal problems. Her father has died, she’s lost her married partner and she’s seeking solace in alcohol. She’s drawn in to the entertainment world of Ed and so the journey begins.

This is really well written; packed with humour, but it’s tackling a very dark side of the show world. One in which stars are able to manipulate and control; they take advantage and women are exploited. It’s a sensitive subject, but Raeside handles it well mixing anger and angst to make the point. I enjoyed this. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A necessary, funny and empowering read which takes a look at the #metoo movement within the comedy landscape. I thought the narrator was great, and especially loved the female friendships which were formed, as well as that very satisfying ending!

The cover’s simple and wouldn’t put me off or particularly entice me, but I’d definitely read more by the author based on this - great character development and important messages shared in a fun way.

A brilliant debut about the dark side of the comedy industry. A funny yet sharp story that centers Ali, a radio producer, who ends up discovering some distrusting things about a well establish comedian.
This is a book that gets better the more you read on, I initially found this a slow build but then suddenly I was hooked.
A feminist debut that you should read!

*Don't Make Me Laugh* by Julia Raeside is a sharp and timely debut novel that delves into the darker side of the comedy industry. The story follows Ali, a 40-year-old radio producer in London, who is tasked with persuading a celebrated stand-up comedian to host a new show. However, backstage gossip about the comedian's behavior leads Ali to uncover unsettling truths about the industry, including a network of women warning each other about predators.

Raeside masterfully balances humor and anger, crafting a narrative that explores themes of power, control, and gender dynamics in both professional and personal spheres. With its darkly funny tone and moments of catharsis, the novel is a compelling exploration of abuse, manipulation, and the fight for justice. A must-read for those interested in stories that challenge societal norms while delivering sharp wit and emotional depth.

Don’t Make Me Laugh’ by Julia Raeside is a dark, thought provoking comedy bringing to the fore some very timely and important themes. The main character, Ali, a radio producer meets a charming manipulator in comedian Ed and is sucked into the unsavoury misogynous entertainment world. The experiences of the supporting cast of Sid (female) , Summer and Bethan all add to the frustrations inherent within the industry.
A little slow initially but gathers momentum towards the end.
I would classify this as an important, necessary and thought provoking read rather than an entertaining one.
I am grateful to the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this well narrated audiobook.

Initially a bit of a slow burn, the story quickly creeped up on me and I felt like I was reading a true insider scoop, I genuinely wonder if I was, and I wonder if I know who it was about……….

Ali is a 40 year old radio producer. She’s found herself in a position where she’s just lost her beloved father, her married lover has decided to stay with his wife, and she’s drinking too much too often, in a bid to lively up her career she attends some comedy shows in the hope of recruiting sone talent for her broadcast. When she meets “good guy” Ed the comedian and his androgynous PA she thinks she’s found both the talent and the friendship she craves.

The story takes a dark turn, and glares a shining light into the entertainment circuit and how the so called stars take advantage of their power, more importantly though it sheds a light upon those that we don’t expect to be the bad guys.

Well written, current. Binge worthy!

Great writing, excellent narration!

Huge thanks to W F Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧