I’m not a bird watcher, but I am a murderer - so, I could immediately relate to the protagonist - Ted Banger - at that level. Kevin Parr’s book is a fast-paced and exceptionally funny read, that will make you laugh out loud. Probably best, therefore, not to read ‘The Twitch’ in a public library, where laughing is generally frowned upon. Instead, why not buy the book and then leaf through it in a provincial butcher's shop? After all, butchers are generally apple-cheeked and fun-loving people – and being surrounded by dead animals is very comforting.

Reviewed by E O Higgins
February 06, 2014 11:39