I find it hard to locate books that can make me laugh out loud, or books that have the demented, absurd plots that I enjoy and that actually work. Because I have this problem, I figure that other people have it to. So, while you’re waiting for the next Christopher Moore,Terry Pratchett, or Janet Evanovich book to come out, give Tom Holt a try. I’ve read four of his books so far and there hasn’t been a one that hasn’t made me almost snort a beverage out of my nose yet. :)

Dead Funny contains two full novels, Flying Dutch and Faust Among Equals. Flying Dutch takes the story of the Flying Dutchman, adds nuclear power, alchemy, insurance, and accounting and creates a delightfully weird book. Faust Among Equals is, if you can believe it, even weirder. Basically, Faust escapes from Hell, hooks back up with Helen of Troy, wreckes hilariously warped revenge on his captors. And it all comes to a close in a themepark in Hell designed by Hieronymous Bosch.

As an added bonus for me, Holt has a very English way of writing that is a joy to read, with wacky metaphors, inventive turns of phrase, and uproariously funny understatements. Fun, fun, fun. Plus, he has a huge list of titles already written, so I don’t think I’m going to run out of reading material any time soon.

(This review originally appeared on my blog, the Textual Frigate)

I ran across this book while browsing around in Powell's Bookstore. On the shelf, a small note touted "If Terry Pratchett was funny he'd be Tom Holt." I didn't quite believe it, but thought I'd try this book out. Flying Dutch, a story about Julius Vanderdecker the Flying Dutchman, was pretty funny. I wouldn't say it's any funnier than a random selection from Pratchett's Discworld, but it was certainly on par with Pratchett's work. Unfortunately, Faust Among Equals didn't seem to be quite as funny as Flying Dutch. It was okay, but just didn't hold my attention like Flying Dutch.

This omnibus was funny enough that I'll try another book or two by Holt before making a blanket decision on whether I like his writing or not. ( )