I’m looking back through the beginning of my copy of Barry Smith’s Only Milo. I read it in two parts: the first half one night several weeks ago before bed, and the second half this afternoon. I didn’t break up the reading experience intentionally – it just happened. But what I’m noticing is that I read the two halves very differently. During my first reading session, I circled the first sentence on the first page (which reads, “Maybe it was the SPAM Reuben sandwich.”). I also underlined and commented in the margins until I quit reading that night. I was very gung-ho about ‘reviewing.’ When I picked up the story this afternoon, though, I just wanted to know what happened next. I flew through the rest, relishing the murder and mayhem and rushing headlong to see where it would lead me.
I think Only Milo can be read either way. It’s got dark humor to savor like you would smooth, dark chocolate or a great cup of coffee. It’s also got action and a non-stop plot to keep you chuckling and racing to find out if Milo can possibly get away with it. Whichever route you take, Only Milo is a hilarious, snarky, up-to-the-minute novel for readers, writers and anyone who has ever secretly seethed that someone else got the credit of their work.
From the depths of a closet full of dusty manuscripts… …comes Milo, author and murderer extraordinaire.
Educated at the School of Dexter, with a major in CSI, Milo emerges from his quiet, SPAM-laced retirement to become an unseen force in the literary world, covertly publishing his novels in another author’s name.
But when Milo’s illicit ghostwriting is nearly exposed on national television, he’s left with only one option: murder. In a world of egotistical, no-talent authors and duplicitous, back-stabbing publishers, he becomes determined to get what he deserves.
Even if it means they all must die.
It’s subversive, witty, a little bit odd and a lot wonderful. I loved it!
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Thanks to Nicole at Inkwater Press and Barry Smith (the talented author), I have a signed copy of Only Milo to give away. Since I also received a cute little Only Milo post-it pad, I decided to make this swag thing kind of a big deal. So, if you win the book, you’ll also get:
Only Milo post-its
4 Sharpie markers
4 Starbucks VIA Colombian Roast Instant Coffee Packets
and a Fig, Fennel and Almond Vegan Dark Chocolate Bar from Theo Chocolate
To enter:
Leave a comment on this post answering the question, “Imagine one of your favorite author’s books was ghostwritten by someone else. Who would have written it (really)?”
Please include your email address. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Comments will close on October 23 at 11:59pm EST, and I will notify the randomly selected winner via email.
Good luck!
*Received a free review copy of Only Milo from Inkwater Press.
