F*cking Animals Paperback – 3 Feb 2016

It's good. I'll will Deffo be getting more books by this guy. I like him, he's warped.

I picked up this novel - Bird & Cow in the same paperback - at a horror convention in Birmingham, and I'm glad I gave it a whirl. I'd previously never heard of this book by Matt Shaw but, having read a couple of his other books (and comics) and liking them, I thought this sounded like a right hoot. And with that title, how could it not be? Without any idea as to what this story was about (something which only added to the rush), I finished this book after only a few days reading (a personal best for me) and I enjoyed every fabulous step of the strange, creepy, and stupidly talented journey. What a blast!Elliott Chudleigh is down on his luck. Jarred in a loveless marriage, raising two children who hate him, and earning a crust in a dead-end job as a tabloid agony uncle, Elliott is struggling to tell the difference between reality and the flashes of red mist insanity which are creeping more and more into his life. Then Elliott purchases a turkey with the intention of fattening up the bird for Christmas lunch and it is here where the story really picks up speed. He talks to the turkey. And the turkey talks back!I really enjoyed the direction this book went. And that final chapter... The narrative was told in an easy, every day tone, and the plot was both quick and dark - with the occasional burst of comedy splashed here and there. What makes this stand out, though (for me, at least) are some rather splendidly tender moments. Honestly, I have never read anything like these two books (Cow is the direct sequel to Bird) before. But I want to read more. Matt Shaw once again proves that, not only does he get his stuff - but he excels in writing it, too. Very highly recommended.

I'd love to say this book is what you come to expect from Matt but there's a tenderness in these stories which is not always the case in his other books. The obvious downwards spiral of Elliotts mental illness is touching and human. Them more extreme elements of these stories may offend unless your a real hardcore fan of Matt's work. I loved it so if you're brave enough it's well worth a read.

What can I say but another great read from one of my favourite authors. Read it all in one sitting. Definitely a 10 out of 10 from me.

I have to say that I am an animal lover but this book was great. Matt Shaw looks at animals in this book in his usual own twisted way and takes you on a fantastic journey of one man's demented mind. You never see the ending coming.

Decent for Matt Shaw. Not my favorite from him, but kept my interest. Still weird and disturbing

This one leaves me pretty speechless! I can only say, " you have to read it!" The title is perfect for it because it is really messed up! Oh, loved it by the way!

ANYTHING BY MATT SHAW IS EXCELLENT

Very typical Matt Shaw story! Insane as usual!