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The Last Act – J.P.Holme
Nora leaned in, her voice low and calculated, not wanting to spook him. “So, it’s fair to suggest you had a strong motive for the murder?” She feigned a glance at her notebook, adding nonchalantly, “With only your cat as your alibi.”
“And a rock-solid alibi at that,” Alex responded, his voice firm. “I spent the entire evening with Mr. Tibbles here. We didn’t step foot outside. Did we Mr. Tibbles? No. No we did not.” He affectionately addressed the last part to the cat.
“Yes, but Alex,” Kate interjected gently, “Mr. Tibbles can’t testify for you in court. That’s the issue here.”
“Actually, he can… support my alibi.” Alex's response was earnest as he turned the cat to face them.
Attached to the cat’s collar was a tiny black camera. Both detectives blinked in surprise, looking from the device to the man doting over his pet. “It’s a video camera. Mr. Tibbles has his own Instagram page, quite popular too, with over a thousand followers. ‘Mr. Tibbles’s Adventures.’ We record and upload footage daily, and sometimes even live stream, like we did that night. You can verify it on his account. I archive all his live streams for his fans.”
Nora said nothing. There was nothing to say. Her brain was still processing that the cat had a camera on his collar. The fact that you could purchase a camera for a cat’s collar. The fact that the cat boasted its own Instagram page, complete with a following. The fact that the cat had a following.
She had believed herself to be past the emotional turbulence of this interview. Surely, nothing more this man said could surprise her. But alas, her hopes for that were to no avail.
“Is the camera on now?"
"Yes!" Alex said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"I am going to need you to delete this footage,"
Women in Art:
Chelmsford Concrete Canvas
Here is the map for the walking art tour:
Character Spotlight & Unconventional Reads
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams is a wonderfully intricate blend of science fiction, detective mystery, and Adams’ signature humour. This novel introduces readers to a world where even the most seemingly mundane aspects of life like Susan Way’s dating woes are tangled up in a greater cosmic puzzle, effortlessly woven into the main sci-fi plot.
Susan Way, one of the characters who faces endless frustration in her dating life, adds a grounding, relatable element amid the otherwise absurd events. Her inner dialogue during the telephone scene, in particular, is a brilliant portrayal of the frustrations, disappointments, and hopeful self-talk that often accompany modern dating. This scene illustrates Adams' genius at layering humour and empathy: Susan Way’s dry wit and self-deprecating thoughts create a funny yet painfully accurate representation of someone trying to rationalize why they've been stood up.
In the telephone scene, Susan Way's frustration builds as she waits for a call that doesn't come. Here, Adams captures her spiralling thoughts, veering between anger and rationalization in a way that many readers find both funny and all-too familiar:
Chapter 3 opening: ‘Time passed. Susan waited. The more Susan waited, the more the doorbell didn't ring or the phone. She looked at her watch she felt that now was about the time that she could legitimately begin to feel cross. She was cross already of course but that had been in our own time so to speak. They were well and truly into his time now …’
This humour isn’t just comedic; it also builds a connection between the reader and Susan Way. Her inner dialogue mirrors our own doubts and the frustration of feeling insignificant in someone else's world, making her experience a funny yet profound reminder of the unpredictability of human relationships.
As Susan Way navigates her dating life and these minor personal battles, Adams skilfully weaves them into the larger sci-fi narrative. Her story blends into Dirk Gently’s holistic approach to solving cases—his belief that everything is interconnected, from the trivial to the cosmic. This seamless blend of a personal romantic subplot with a mind-bending mystery showcases Adams’ talent for weaving different genres, making Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency a unique, refreshing experience that feels both epic and intimately relatable.
The book is a delightful read, particularly for those who enjoy humorous observations on life’s smaller absurdities set against a backdrop of intergalactic proportions. Adams’ ability to blend sharp observations on dating with a broader, surreal mystery makes Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency a stand-out. It’s a perfect pick for anyone who appreciates a clever mix of sci-fi, humour, and human insight.
Interested? Here is the link to the audio book:
I love the bit about Mr. Tibbles. So good!
Love the flash fiction! Sounds like I've got to try the new Adams book, too :)