Book Review: Findo's Mousetrap

Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Now, you will know that as well as all of the lifestyle, beauty and occasional fashion/outfit posts, my blog has recently been filled with wonderful books too. I have started my 2016 reading challenge off really well, my goal is 30 books this year and I'm half way there already!

I was very kindly sent this book for review, I have *Findo's Mousetrap by Graham Paskett (£6.99), I have the paperback version although there is an e-book version for £3.01 which is an unusual price and to be honest, I would recommend the e-book over the paperback as I only buy physical books if they are, one: cheaper than the e-book version or two: if I like the cover. I'm not a fan of this cover at all and it isn't the easiest to photograph, hence the below par quality #BloggerProblems.

Findo's Mousetrap is the debut novel from author Graham Paskett. It's a modern romance that melds the Stone Tape Theory, an Anglo-Scottish laird, an Irish-American media luvvy and high-tech computer technology to unravel mysteries that have been lost to the mists of time. Findo's Mousetrap follows the adventures of Findo Gask and his trusty friend mac as they and the Mousetrap solve a Royal mystery, a petty theft, and gain notoriety for their unique invention that can unlock events and emotions that have been recorded and held in the very fabric of buildings. Join Findo and his friends on an unforgettable journey.

The premise of the book is really interesting, I haven't read a book with a similar plot before so kudos to the author for such an imaginative and unique storyline. Firstly, I do want to start with some of the negatives I have about this book, some of which were probably just personal reasons and then I'll get onto the positives. In terms of the structure of the book, it does have a nice flow to it and it isn't disconnected in any way but it doesn't have chapters, the different sections of the story are marked by a line of asterisk which I'm not a fan of; but overall it isn't a big deal, it's just unusual. 

Next up, I did like the characters, especially Findo and his parents, they were quite vivid in my mind, if that makes sense but I found the relationship between Findo and Dympna SO unrealistic, especially because of the time frame and it made the whole relationship (which is one the main focuses of the book) seem fake and corny. Also, I don't want to spoilt anything for any readers, but there was one point in the book regarding a kind of minor sexual harassment and the way it was written, to me, seemed to assume it was the womens fault for how she dressed which I think it quite a victorian and almost insulting way of looking at it.

Anyway, my negatives aside, I liked the overall story and the concept of Mousetrap but I think the book could have been SO much better. It seemed to focus more on a slightly unrealistic and cheesy romance rather than would is a really unique premise and the device in the book, Mousetrap (a device to look back in history at real events). One of the main settings of the book is Strath Gask, Findo's family home, in the scottish highlands and it could have been so incredibly atmospheric and dark but it wasn't and I think that was such a missed opportunity. 

Overall, I think the potential this book could have had is amazing but it really wasn't taken to it's full reach and I think if it was taken down the more atmospheric, historic and or spooky/dark route, rather than the soppy and sometimes cheesy romance, it would have been an incredibly amazing book but sadly it wasn't. Although, I do have to say even though the writing was quite blunt at times, it was an overall enjoyable book and it was easy to read. The ending was also really lovely and heartfelt. I have to give it a lower rating than I would have because of the negatives I've mentioned and because I think it could have been an amazingly atmospheric and interesting book but for me it wasn't unfortunately. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5. 



Have you read this debut novel? What have you been reading recently? 

6 comments

  1. Blogging about books is addictive! I haven't read this although it sounds quite interesting for a debut novel.
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  2. This sounds pretty interesting! thanks for sharing :)

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  3. I haven't heard of this book before. It's a shame it doesn't have chapters. I personally find books with chapters easier to read.

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