Brass Monkeys Book

In his first novel, Mark B Cohen treats us to a veritable feast of scandal, soft porn, bestiality and intrigue. Set in the airy corridors of Whitehall, London's docklands and under a number of tables, we follow the unlikely rise and rise of Britain's luckiest man. Born into a wealthy Fleet Street publishing group, Hugh Driftwood is attempting to make a small name for himself in politics. Previously content to remain a backbencher, myriad coincidences and failed machinations all lay (quite literally) the way for young Driftwood to take the mantle of Premiership. Driftwood awakes to the new day suffering: "His stomach felt as it had finished its soak and was about to start its spin cycle." This is the least of his worries. Due to the untimely demise of the entire cabinet, Driftwood has been promoted from Minister for Sport (about which he knew nothing) to Minister of Transport (about which he knows less). However, all is not lost. His media mogul step- mother Vanessa intends to ensure that Hugh survives, and will do it by any means necessary. His major rival is the ambitious Alistair Sloach who aims to be Prime Minister. Married for convenience, everything Sloach does is pitched at furthering his political career. How strange that a Simian named Zoe should be his demise. Cohen has created a hilarious adventure which is difficult to put down. Fusing the best of political satire with the worst of human nature, we have a fantasy that is non too distant from reality. --Jon SmithRead More