Gyles Brandreth

Didn't want this wonderful read to finish. Fascinating diary of becoming an MP and Whip in John Major's government. On radio Gyles comes across as rather smug, but here reveals himself to be very human. Gyles is ambitious but appreciates the often ridiculous aspects of working in the House of Commons, discovering it to be a cross between public school and a gentleman's club with ludicrous traditions. Gyles is wonderfully indiscreet about his fellow men, and comes across as a likeable man show more with a compassionate but clear eye, alive to the humour to be found in climbing the greasy pole. show less

Oscar Wilde portrayed as a detective, in the style of Sherlock Holmes, involved in solving murders based on real events during the Victorian era. Among his friends are Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Sherard, people that he did know and associate with during his life time.

Oscar finds Billy Wood brutally murdered. A young man that Oscar knew and liked. When the body disappears the real mystery begins. Who took the body and why? Why was Billy Wood murdered in the fashion he was? Answers to these show more questions are to be found in the dark areas of Victorian life. Areas that society doesn't want to acknowledge exists. Areas that Oscar is familiar of.

While reading, I felt that I was viewing the world and sections of society at the time. Layers that are one upon the other in an effort to hide some of the ugliness that existed below the genteel façade of Victorian life. These layers had to be gently peeled back to reveal the associations and activities that led to Billy Wood's death. Activities by well known and public people that would lose their place in Victorian society if things became known.

With a good number of twists and turns Wilde slowly puts together what has happened. The help of Doyle and Sherard and Wilde's network of spies (think Baker Street Irregulars) help with the gathering of information on the possible suspects.

This is the first in the series and I have already picked up the second book and started reading. This is a book that can be read leisurely and savoured. show less

This was an absolutely lovely tribute to one of the most enigmatic people of our times. The late Queen Elizabeth II was universally known and admired. Gyles Brandreth had unprecedented access to her and her family and was able to graft this portrait of her from over decades of study.

Here, we get in the ins and outs of Elizabeth's life and the workings of her court. There are very amusing anecdotes and some sobering moments, as well. The book is lively, face-paced and just what I was looking show more for in the way of summing up a monumental reign and a life well-lived.

There are a couple of factual mistakes, but they don't really discount from the excellent quality of the book. Recommended. show less

I had never had an interest in Gyles Brandreth - a bit too smug - but got this book after seeing some positive reviews, and I am so glad I did. He wrote detailed diaries ever since he was seven years old, and this book is the very entertaining condensed result. At Oxford Gyles put on numerous plays while rushing often to London to negotiate his future with the media, whilst researching prison reform and falling in love and writing a book. And this manic pace never let's up in later years. show more Unable to say no to an opportunity, even when he has made a name for himself he accepts the job of dressing up as Snoopy and going on a book publicity tour. And even this humiliating activity has a positive spin as, changing in the ladies loos, he surprises an occupant who he subsequently goes into business with.

Having seemed to have met every name in public life, and seen politics as an insider when he was a government whip, Gyles is wonderfully gossipy, though very discreet when it comes to his own immediate family. I did sometimes wonder whether he had tinkered with the entries as he often seemed to be able to foretell future events. Wouldn't blame him at all, and I didn't want this delightful diary to end. show less