The Fall of Fergal: The First Unlikely Exploit (Unlikely Exploits)

I've previously read a book from Philip Ardagh's Eddie Dixon series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was not disappointed with this one.

Ardagh writes for kids but this would be a fun read for adults. His writing reminds me of Roald Dahl. There can be bits that are a bit gorey, and parts that are tongue-in-cheek, but over all it is all good.

Fergal McNally's sister, Le Fay has won a place in the finals of the Tap 'n' Type typing competition. She gets to stay at posh The Dell Hotel in a swell suite. The trick is to figure a way for her siblings Jackie, his older sister, twins Joshua and Albie, and Fergal can stay with her. The room is only for her and her family is a bit on the poor side.

The start of the book is when Fergal falls out the show more window in the suite that Le Fay is staying in. It then back tracks and leads up to what all happens prior to Fergal's fall.

Characters like Twinkle-Toes Tweedy, the house detective, Mr. Peach, a venttrloquist, Graham Large, who is a competitor and wears his hair in a quiff and is a spoiled brat, and a few more characters make this an entertaining read. Also, when it gets to gorey parts the author lets you know so you can stop reading, and then lets you know when to start reading again. (See what I mean about Roald Dahl-esque style?)

I plan to read the other books in these two series...and any others by Ardagh that I find. show less

Meet the McNally kids, Jackie, Josh, Albie, and Fergal in this darkly humorous book as they use whatever means necessary to travel cross country--all the while meeting the most unbelievable cast characters--to support their sister, LaFaye, as she vies for glory in the Tap 'n Type typing championship.

The story opens with little Fergal McNally falling from a hotel window to his death, with the rest of the book recounting how he got there.

I would recommend this hilarious little book for fans of Lemony Snicket, especially as an audiobook.

While visiting a distant town, the site of this year's Tap 'n' Type typing competition, the McNally family discover that many strange things are going on there--including the sudden and unexpected breakout of large holes in the area.

that had to hurt