Playing James

by Sarah Mason

Book Overview

Rules? What rules? Plucky beat reporter Holly Colshannon has a flair for the dramatic, a nose for trouble, and the remarkable ability to smile through any indignity--though her latest assignment is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345469550
• ISBN13: 9780345469557
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Loved this quirky, laugh out loud read

Holly Colshannon is no stranger in the Casualty department at her local hospital. A good bit of the story revolves around her frequent visits to Casualty. A pet funeral reporter, Holly suddenly finds herself in a new position at the paper after one of her least favorite people gives his leave. Sent to the Police Department to try to dig up stories, Holly comes face to face with a detective who gave her attitude at the hospital when she was doing "research." After a fateful meeting with the head of PR, Holly finds herself following James around for her new diary feautre. The story that follows is laugh-out-loud funny, with twists and turns that will leave you with a smile on your face long after the book is done.

Quirky reporter tangles with gruff detective

Klutzy and quirky reporter Holly gets an assignment to shadow a police detective for the Bristol Gazette. She enters into the assignment with ambivalence, as it is her first real reporting gig, and she does not want to muck it up. Her subject, James Sabine has no use for reporters and is pissed that he is stuck with her. He is chosen because he is about to go on leave and marry his society girlfriend. The brass don't want him involved in any heavy investigations, so the timing is perfect. She is busy with her own paramour, a burly rugby player who is also a commitment phobe. The two snipe at each other constantly and barely acknowledge one another, while the rest of the station is nice to her and treats her well, secretly relishing James' situation. Of course, this is a mask for the pent up feelings both seem to be having for each other, though neither is willing to admit or act on it. The situations are hilarious - as Holly engages in many Lucy & Ethel moments and tries James' patience (and somehow manages to become his fiance's best new buddy, getting invited to everything related to the wedding including the hen night). She suddenly realizes that she does not want James to tie the knot. But is it too late?

It's a quick jump from the cemetary to the station...

Sarah Mason seems to have taken some cues from Janet Evananovich's light handling of the love interests in the Stephanie Plum adventures, and adopted a similarly light & whimsical touch. It works very smoothly, easing us into the love story, whilst mostly being the story of one girls bumbling adventures. And yes, also Bridget Jones overtones (Vol.1. not Vol 2!), as she is a bit clutzy and accident prone. But who doesn't do that, these days? When reporter Holly Colshannon (!) gets an assignment to shadow a police detective, she goes to the job with a great deal of trepidation. It's a big chance for her to get some articles published, and leave off reporting pet deaths for the weekly column. The supporting characters are all humorously drawn, and quite real, from her theatrical parents to her maritially inclined friend, Lizzie. Holly's arch enemies were occasionally sketched in charcoal, not pencil (a little heavy handed) but for the most part, this book is a delight. It was nice to get a little peak into the blues working day & I am partial to office scenes, particularly when they are as well written as this. Liked the jokes, liked the camaraderie. The action moves along at a swift pace, preventing the reader from getting bored with the storylines or the characters, and Sarah Mason has a deft touch with the humour. Of course, I didn't think so initially, one of the first "funny" drama's in the book relating to items lodged in a delicate spot - but the novel improves, drastically. Being a gal who can never get her L's and R's straight, I was delighted to find a soulmate in Holly, who confesses to the same problemo! Now I wonder how she is with a compass?... Kotori - ojadis@yahoo.com

A laugh out loud success!

This is the author's first book and I have to say it is an successful one. It is definitely a laugh out loud adventure through the eyes of a young journalist. The love affair is gripping and real. Highly recommend this book!

GREAT READ!!

Playing James is a hilarious, romantic and suspensful novel all wrapped into one. I have friends that are in law enforcement and I can see them with some reporter tagging along behind them. I can definately relate to this book and the storyline. Right from the get-go the book moved right along and described the caracters right down to a tee. Like all books, you know who is going to end up with each other and I was so anxious to finish the book and find out what happened to Robin. I thoroughly enjoyed Sarah Mason's first novel and will be looking for her next one!