Category Archives: Literature

J S Mill on diversity

Posted on December 3, 2025 by odeboyz

It is hardly possible to overrate the value…of placing human beings in contact with persons dissimilar to themselves, and with modes of thought and action unlike those with which they are familiar….Such communication has always been, and is peculiarly in … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Martin Cruz Smith ~ Hotel Ukraine (2025)

Posted on October 29, 2025 by odeboyz

Authors who create wonderful characters own a gold mine.1 Killing a ‘Golden Goose’ is very expensive. Lee Child outsourced the Reacher series to his brother. Ian Ranken’s Rebus recently was imprisoned for murder and then solved a murder and lives … Continue reading →

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Why Sherlock Holmes wasn’t Scottish

Posted on October 25, 2025 by odeboyz

“Police have arrested a 75-year-old man in connection with the death of 65-year-old dog walker who was shot dead on a countryside track….. Police Scotland had initially believed that Low’s death was non-suspicious and medically related, but a medical examination … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Ben Elton ~ Inconceivable (1999)

Posted on August 30, 2025 by odeboyz

Sadly, I read this book the same week it was announced that fertility levels in Britain were at a record low. All of which means that this book is apposite. Thousands – tens of thousands – of people are going … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Ian Rankin ~ Midnight and Blue (2024)

Posted on July 30, 2025 by odeboyz

Q) What does a brilliant detective do after being sentenced to life imprisonment? A) Solve ultra difficult murders. Rebus got a life sentence for murdering his criminal nemesis ‘Big Ger’ Cafferty. It was accidental but nonetheless he was found guilty … Continue reading →

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Book Review: James Ellroy ~ The Big Nowhere (1988)

Posted on June 25, 2025 by odeboyz

The USA has a menacing culture, which embraces extreme violence and corruption. The January 6th 2020 Insurrection led to multiple deaths and systematic vandalism. It was celebrated by President Trump as an act of ‘patriotism’. His first act, as president, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: James O’Brien ~ How they broke Britain (2024)

Posted on April 30, 2025 by odeboyz

James is a superb radio talk show host on LBC. He’s perceptive and insightful and listens to people who are uninformed in comparison to him. Although he’s combative he is prepared to discuss issues. A star no less. His book … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Lucy Hughes-Hallett ~ The Scapegoat: The brilliant brief life of the duke of Buckingham (2024

Posted on March 26, 2025 by odeboyz

Lucy is a brilliant biographer. She uses her vivid writing skills to paint a picture of people and period. Her chapters range from a single page to full-scale analysis. The book includes stunning colour plates of some the 17th century’s … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Alastair Puddick ~ 46% better than Dave (2019)

Posted on March 12, 2025 by odeboyz

In economics ‘Hedonic Treadmill’ explains that people believe who  believe  in recipes for happiness are doomed to failure. They’re on a ‘treadmill’ with entirely illusionary possibilities for happiness. Continuous pleasure-seeking feeds dissatisfaction. At its most extreme it is corrosive creating … Continue reading →

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Love Poem

Posted on February 24, 2025 by odeboyz

I see my future in your eyesMy destiny unfolding blissfullyWalks through mist clad South DownsSnow crunching beneath our bootsOur new born baby smelling sweetlyEyes shut with a loving smileMy destiny is in your eyesThere is nothing elseMy world is your … Continue reading →

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