Read first 30 pages, wasn't drawn in.

In this somewhat jaded view of love and relationships today Nick Laird creates a less than admirable hero in the form of thirty two year old David Pinner, one time art student who changed course and now teaches English and aspires to be a writer. He shares his flat with James Glover, a twenty three year old church going bar-tender; and whereas James is fit and handsome David is beginning to got to seed. The two men enjoy an amicable relationship, that is until David introduces James to Ruth, an internationally successful artist and his former art tutor. While David harbours hopes of romance with Ruth, she takes an interest in James, and despite the twenty four year age gap, James and Ruth are soon dating, much to David's disgust. However all is not lost as far as David is concerned; he has plans.

Beautifully written this a a surprisingly amusing and alluring tale, surprisingly because the characters Laird expertly creates are riddle with personality faults. David is scheming and hypocritical, and displays no loyalty to his flat mate; Ruth is self-centred and while prepared to make a commitment she sees such as only temporary. Of the three James' probably fares best in the personality stakes, at least his failings can be put down to immaturity and inexperience, he is very much a victim of circumstances. But in this cynical insight into human nature who one sympathises with will depend very much on one's own values. Glover's Mistake is a very entertaining read, even though it may be a rather depressing indictment of the nature of human relationships. ( )

David Pinner, the hero of Nick Laird's second novel, is the lowest of the low. Not a murderer, a rapist, a terrorist or even a Tom Hanks fan... he's a blogger. The scum!

David is a man consumed by insecurity, jealousy and that unsavoury combination of inferiority and superiority complexes that all true bloggers know so well. When he meets up with an old art school tutor who's gone on to bigger things, he sees romantic possibility (despite the fact that he's an unlovable slob - he's deluded, of course... didn't you hear, he's a blogger!?) But when the object of his affection meets and falls instead for David's flatmate Glover, there's nothing he won't do to put a spanner in the works and wreck their happiness.

Read the full review at my blog ( )

I am mildly surprised at some of the reviews here. Maybe I am weird after all. I found this book highly entertaining and I can identify completely with the way that the main character David lived his life as a complex of plotting and trying to maintain control and influence over those around him. This does happen - and in this case it is damnedly funny, heart-breaking and thought-provoking all at once. Almost like a Peep Show style novel this shows human relationships as they are. A highly recommended read! ( )