5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a delight for an aquired taste!!, 7 Dec 2002
This was the first Lovejoy, but I warn American viewers of the Lovejoy telly series NOT to expect the books to be like Ian McShane's Version. This Lovejoy is not quite so loveable. He is shifty, ready to cheat anyone, ready to step over the line if he thinks he cannot get caught, he has a temper, kids shove him around, all his old girlfriends - and there are legion - use him as babysitter. He has a very odd selection of friends - most of the telly characters do not show up to late in the series of books - he has very little respect for women as a whole, other than how he can use them, he barely pays his bills, loves animals, is a big mooch and lives on fried bread and tomato sandwiches. He lets people shove him around, only to turn around and stick up for the underdog.
All in all, at times you might find Lovejoy very unloveable if not downright disgusting.
Ah, but to those that stick with it, you soon find that Lovejoy is an acquired taste that can leaving you howling.
This first one revolved around a pair of missing antique dualing pistols. If you get through to the end and find yourself enjoying the book, you will want to read the rest in the series...though you will always find Lovejoy at times rather disgusting!!
Highly recommended for those wishing their mysteries laced with Brit wit and humour, and that is off the beaten path.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
inspirational, 31 Mar 2007
What Lovejoy does not know about antiques, is not worth knowing. He is associated with the most disreputable people and is permanently broke. He is the champion of the underdog and drives the most extrsordinary car. Women dote on him and he makes good use of them. It is a delightful introduction to a great series.
I have been inspired to read more. Thoroughly enjoyable.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Real Lovejoy, 10 Aug 2010
This book is responsible for introducing the world to Lovejoy, a disreputable but likeable antiques dealer from deepest, darkest Essex. As another reviewer has mentioned, beware any reader who is hoping to meet Ian McShane's lovable TV creation. This Lovejoy is much more raw, conniving and at times, downright nasty, but in my opinion, he is all the better for it.
I would thoroughly recommend this book. The characters are brilliantly constructed, the plot is gripping AND the reader is given all sorts of insider information on the murky world of antiques to boot. I will definitely be reading more of Mr Gash's books!
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