Keith A Pearson

What do you get if you cross Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) with Highway to Heaven? If the author is Keith A Pearson, the answer is an absolute gem of a story, with likeable, nay loveable, characters, a great plot (well, if you watch a lot of Randall and Hopkirk), and an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon. I love Clement!

Recommended on Twitter, I was tempted by the premise - a mysterious 'guardian angel' called Clement, who claims to have died in 1975, materialises in Beth Baxter's bookshop just when she most needs help. Her useless boyfriend has managed to leave her with a massive debt to a dodgy property developer, and unless she pays up in five days, a failing business and disappearing fiance will be the least of her worries. Fortunately, Clement has a plan, and despite his ignorance of technology, no smoking rules and politically correct language, Beth learns to trust him pretty quickly.

I just can't praise this book enough! Clement is a darling, and I sort of wish we all still lived in the 1970s and didn't know about smart phones or worry about our language so much ('Jesus wept,' he groans. 'Who gets to decide which words are offensive these days?' 'Typically people on Twitter.') OK, that's a lie, but I did start warming to Clement's mentality! Beth is also very - VERY - relatable, and a great narrator. (I was a bit worried when the male author started describing her appearance in the mirror, but he passed the test!) Also, bonus points for Clement being a Queen fan ('He's got some voice, ain't he?') and Beth suggesting a Star Trek film. Can't wait for book two - don't let me down!… (mehr)