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Foxtrot Oscar
by Charlie Owen
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Headline (2007-12-13)
ISBN: 0755336852
EAN: 9780755336852
Hardcover: 352 pages
SKU: B408-1162
Condition: As New
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Customer Reviews
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Criminal
Rating  (1)
Date: 2008-08-02
One of the worst books intended for adults I have ever read. I assume (as it is emblazoned on the cover) it was trying to hitch a ride on the Life On Mars gravy train but it ends up shunted ignominiously into the sidings.
The writing is just plain bad (can someone explain a split infinitive to the author?), it's full of anachronisms like English people giving each other high-fives in 1976 and the plot takes a LONG time getting nowhere. The fact that EVERY character has to have a nickname (and a following paragraph explaining how they got it) gave me unpleasant Eighties flashbacks of the equally execrable London's Burning tv series. All of this could be forgiven if the book wasn't also so dishonest - some of these "hilarious" incidents have preservation orders, they're so old (the urban myth about the voluntary German interpreter in the courtroom, the mortician who switches heads on a corpse).
I picked it up in Asda, which seems somehow appropriate. A really tawdry experience.
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More of the same
Rating  (4)
Date: 2008-07-27
Foxtrot Oscar is equally as good but not better than Horse's Arse.It has the same blend of violence and humour.The central story of a turkish gangster teaming up with the park royal mafia is padded out with a few anecdotal tales of Handsteads finest.I'm starting to get a real feel for some of the characters and I'm really looking forward part three in the series.
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'Foxtrot Oscar' is absolutely 'Foxtrot Echo' !
Rating  (5)
Date: 2008-07-15
I finished this book after two days and having enjoyed Horses Arse immensly I was in no way disappointed with the sequel.Charlie has developed the various characters and Foxtrot Oscar expertly continues the story of policing Hatfield (sorry, Handstead) in the late 70's. As I have said previously, the characters are entirely believable and I have no doubt that is because they actually existed. (I certainly know who 'Alfie' is!) Foxtrot Oscar is an excellent read and although absolutely hilarious in parts this is countered by a darkness and intensity that sends a shiver down the spine. Policing was like that,Police bars were like Charlie describes and the apprehension felt by officers prior to a busy night shift on a hot,sticky night is more than adequately captured within Charlie's words. Buy and read this book and like me you will be looking forward to December when the third book in the serise, Bravo Jubilee is published. Thanks Charlie,you have done it again!
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Brilliant Title too by the way
Rating (4)
Date: 2008-07-06
The title is a poignant introduction to the style of the book, mimicking the behaviour and skulduggery of the Handstead police force. The characters make this book, and my favourite scene has to be the introduction to Alfie. Like others, this book had me laughing out loud. I borrowed this copy and thus have read it before Horses Arse, which I am now looking forward to.
I gave it a 4 and not a 5 for the simple reason that there isn't one compelling plotline, and a few too many characters. There are many sub plots and stories, all of which are good mind, but I like to have one bigger plot encompassing these more. Also there are a lot of characters and I found myself getting confused in who was who at times.
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it wholeheartedly as a crime caper with a difference.
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SPOT ON!
Rating (5)
Date: 2008-06-09
AS A RETIRED SOUTH WALES COPPER I PICKED UP HA THINKING IT TO BE ANOTHER BORING 'LIFE IN THE DAY' ETC. HOW WRONG I WAS. WHILST I DID NOT ENCOUNTER EVERY SITUATION OR CHARACTER IN THE BOOK, I CAN CERTAINLY IDENTIFY WITH A GREAT MANY! READ THE BOOK IN A FEW DAYS THEN STARTED ON FOXTROT OSCAR. AGAIN ANOTHER BRILLIANTLY FUNNY READ. ONLY ANOTHER OFFICER WILL REALISE HOW CLOSE TO THE TRUTH CHARLIE IS......WELL DONE. NUMBER THREE PLEASE ASAP!!
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