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Walton Cumberfield #1
Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers
ASIN B00APOHY96 moved to the most recent edition here
There is a cow in Budleigh Salterton that is independent of the space-time continuum. Walton Cumberfield, however, does not know this. All he knows is that his dog is missing, his girlfriend has left him, and the local residential home has banned him from putting on any more toy-theatre productions. Somehow it is all connected... Somehow there is an answer – and he is determined to find out what it is.
Join Walton Cumberfield, amateur gas and electricity meter-reader, semi-professional scientist, poet, entrepreneur, inventor, raconteur and private detective as he embarks on a hilarious quest that will lead him to the discovery of a lifetime.
There is a cow in Budleigh Salterton that is independent of the space-time continuum. Walton Cumberfield, however, does not know this. All he knows is that his dog is missing, his girlfriend has left him, and the local residential home has banned him from putting on any more toy-theatre productions. Somehow it is all connected... Somehow there is an answer – and he is determined to find out what it is.
Join Walton Cumberfield, amateur gas and electricity meter-reader, semi-professional scientist, poet, entrepreneur, inventor, raconteur and private detective as he embarks on a hilarious quest that will lead him to the discovery of a lifetime.
Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 10, 2013
When this book was sent to me I didn't read the blurb, I liked the strange cover. If it wasn't for the adult humour sticker I'd think it looks a little like a funky BBC maths textbook. I like that.
But I really had no idea what Dinosaurs and Prime numbers was about.
And I really couldn't have guessed either.
I can honestly say this book entertained me like nothing else has recently. I once got in a fit on giggles on the bus, and gathered more strange stares than I usually do. (It's the bunny hat)
One day Walton discovers a strange man in his bedroom it starts a chain of events that would send him and his lodger Rodger (with a face much likened to that of a jammy dodger) on a journey of a life time, or two!
Walton is a gentleman, a master in social media, a story teller (through puppets), an ingenious poet, and if he had managed to join the military might have been the British answer to the legendary hero who is better known as Forrest Gump.
Walton Cumberfeild has the innate ability to take everything literally. And we Brits really do have some funny old sayings. I think if you aren't British there will be some references that you might not get, but really I don't think it matters. If you like British humour/culture, then really you should really check this out.
This book is engrossing, there are some real twists and some that in hindsight, I thought I should have predicted. But you really get to see the world from Walton's point of view, and if he doesn't notice it, neither do you. Which is just really confusing at times. It's quite brilliant.
This book is funny, silly and at certain times utterly heart wrenching.
I've also started saying trouserpants. Because it just sounds right to me.
This is going on my favourite shelf on Goodreads because no book has made me laugh so much for quite a while.
But I really had no idea what Dinosaurs and Prime numbers was about.
And I really couldn't have guessed either.
I can honestly say this book entertained me like nothing else has recently. I once got in a fit on giggles on the bus, and gathered more strange stares than I usually do. (It's the bunny hat)
One day Walton discovers a strange man in his bedroom it starts a chain of events that would send him and his lodger Rodger (with a face much likened to that of a jammy dodger) on a journey of a life time, or two!
Walton is a gentleman, a master in social media, a story teller (through puppets), an ingenious poet, and if he had managed to join the military might have been the British answer to the legendary hero who is better known as Forrest Gump.
Walton Cumberfeild has the innate ability to take everything literally. And we Brits really do have some funny old sayings. I think if you aren't British there will be some references that you might not get, but really I don't think it matters. If you like British humour/culture, then really you should really check this out.
This book is engrossing, there are some real twists and some that in hindsight, I thought I should have predicted. But you really get to see the world from Walton's point of view, and if he doesn't notice it, neither do you. Which is just really confusing at times. It's quite brilliant.
This book is funny, silly and at certain times utterly heart wrenching.
I've also started saying trouserpants. Because it just sounds right to me.
This is going on my favourite shelf on Goodreads because no book has made me laugh so much for quite a while.
June 19, 2014
I first learned about this book through a story on the Guardian's website, honoring "Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers" as its first self-published book of the month (http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...). Sounded interesting, so I found it on Amazon and started reading. I was hooked straight off.
Walton Cumberfield is an amateur detective and something of an idiot, albeit clever when it counts. He and his lodger Roger take an epic trip through time to solve the mystery of why an old man broke into their house after Walton beats him to death with a Guinness Book of World Records (2008 edition). There's romance, danger, intrigue, poetry, and a space-time independent cow. And a lot of laughs.
Throw The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, A Confederacy of Dunces, and "Dumb and Dumber" into a blender and you get a feel for "Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers." Walton is a witty and interactive narrator, who speaks directly to the reader at times to explain things, often for comic effect. It's definitely silly at times, and if that doesn't appeal to you maybe this isn't your book. I loved it, however. As I read I kept thinking of who I knew that might enjoy this so I could recommend it to them. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Walton Cumberfield is an amateur detective and something of an idiot, albeit clever when it counts. He and his lodger Roger take an epic trip through time to solve the mystery of why an old man broke into their house after Walton beats him to death with a Guinness Book of World Records (2008 edition). There's romance, danger, intrigue, poetry, and a space-time independent cow. And a lot of laughs.
Throw The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, A Confederacy of Dunces, and "Dumb and Dumber" into a blender and you get a feel for "Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers." Walton is a witty and interactive narrator, who speaks directly to the reader at times to explain things, often for comic effect. It's definitely silly at times, and if that doesn't appeal to you maybe this isn't your book. I loved it, however. As I read I kept thinking of who I knew that might enjoy this so I could recommend it to them. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
January 13, 2013
Hilarious from start to finish.
March 28, 2013
Brilliantly funny picked it up to read any every opportunity
July 25, 2019
I read this book some time ago. I remember that it was quite funny and entertaining, but can't remember what it was about...
March 5, 2017
Another suggestion by Goodreads and another home run. My profile is obviously tweaked to perfection because it’s been recommending a lot of winners recently, and Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers by Tom Moran was no exception.
If you were to merge Arthur Dent with Mister Bean and add them to a Sherlock Holmes mystery, you’d get something similar to this book. Walton Cumberfield is a character you can’t help but laugh at and with as he struggles on through his adventure.
Walton Cumberfield is a lovable idiot, bumbling his way through an adventure brought on by the inevitability of causality. If you’re not a fan of puns (even very clever ones) then this book won’t be for you. Walton is one of those people everyone knows. Technologically inept (eg: Going to put that on “The Facebook”) and possibly not all there, Walton’s life is turned upside down when he accidentally kills an intruder with a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records (which is probably a record in itself).
This sets into motion a series of events that leads Walton and his lodger, Rodger, on a Sherlockian style mystery solving adventure through time. Perhaps not as sophisticated as a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure, but Walton and Rodger like to think so.
Some parts I found predictable (possibly just good guesses, it’s hard to be sure) while other moments held surprises. As awkward as they are, the characters definitely grow on you. Certainly will be reading more from this author, and I’ve added book 2 – A Debt to the Universe – to my “To Read” list.
If you were to merge Arthur Dent with Mister Bean and add them to a Sherlock Holmes mystery, you’d get something similar to this book. Walton Cumberfield is a character you can’t help but laugh at and with as he struggles on through his adventure.
Walton Cumberfield is a lovable idiot, bumbling his way through an adventure brought on by the inevitability of causality. If you’re not a fan of puns (even very clever ones) then this book won’t be for you. Walton is one of those people everyone knows. Technologically inept (eg: Going to put that on “The Facebook”) and possibly not all there, Walton’s life is turned upside down when he accidentally kills an intruder with a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records (which is probably a record in itself).
This sets into motion a series of events that leads Walton and his lodger, Rodger, on a Sherlockian style mystery solving adventure through time. Perhaps not as sophisticated as a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure, but Walton and Rodger like to think so.
Some parts I found predictable (possibly just good guesses, it’s hard to be sure) while other moments held surprises. As awkward as they are, the characters definitely grow on you. Certainly will be reading more from this author, and I’ve added book 2 – A Debt to the Universe – to my “To Read” list.
March 9, 2017
Somewhere out in the great wide world there is likely a market for a by the numbers time travel story with plot and characters as if it were an Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg/Nick Frost piece, but written with the style and humor of Ameila Bedelia.
The question is "Why?"
The sad thing is that movie would probably be pretty good, once you lose all the "oh look at me aren't I such a clever boy with this first person narration wordplay". Whether it could survive a lesser team than Wright/Pegg/Frost is another matter.
The question is "Why?"
The sad thing is that movie would probably be pretty good, once you lose all the "oh look at me aren't I such a clever boy with this first person narration wordplay". Whether it could survive a lesser team than Wright/Pegg/Frost is another matter.
February 20, 2017
Most people seem to love this book.
I don't.
I would not say it's bad(ly written); I imagine it appeals to fans of Little Britain, Mr Bean and the Mighty Boosh.
Though it tries to emulate Adrian Mole and Arthur Dent, Walton Cumberfield lacks the charm as the author picks the wrong bits from those characters.
I don't.
I would not say it's bad(ly written); I imagine it appeals to fans of Little Britain, Mr Bean and the Mighty Boosh.
Though it tries to emulate Adrian Mole and Arthur Dent, Walton Cumberfield lacks the charm as the author picks the wrong bits from those characters.
October 27, 2014
Bonkers - But Best Enjoyed in Small Servings
Mr. Cumberfield is clueless, oblivious, socially inept, earnest, and just skewed enough that his observations are often charming, funny, unnaturally prescient, or thought provoking. The author has mastered the art of pointed silliness, and that is no small feat. But, just as one is advised against eating an entire box of chocolates in one sitting, it seems that this book lends itself to browsing. That way you can skip the nougat centers and really enjoy the dark chocolate ones with raspberry cream filling.
There is a plot, but there are numbered pages as well, and, while I found the plot clever, either would serve the purpose of moving you from the beginning of the book to the end. I mostly enjoyed the good-humored mood of the book, the occasionally arresting it of idiot savant insight, and especially some of the set pieces. For example, the recounting of Mr. Cumberfield's visit to a Retirement Home to put on one of his original toy theater productions is just plain brilliant. It is brutal, hilarious, and a bit wistful, all at the same time. Bits like this go beyond just silliness or the Amelia Bedelia formula, (which is, after all, just the same joke over and over again). And, behind the blithe and amiable gormlessness of some of Mr. Cumberfield's observations there is just a hint of edge and vinegar, which reminds you that this is not simply a book of shallow tomfoolery. One begins to appreciate the craft and care that goes in to creating something that appears so light and airy and frivolous.
But, not to over analyze or over praise. This is an usual and rather unique book with tremendous charm and appeal and a very sly and subversive sense of humor. It's sweet and tasty and well worth sampling.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Mr. Cumberfield is clueless, oblivious, socially inept, earnest, and just skewed enough that his observations are often charming, funny, unnaturally prescient, or thought provoking. The author has mastered the art of pointed silliness, and that is no small feat. But, just as one is advised against eating an entire box of chocolates in one sitting, it seems that this book lends itself to browsing. That way you can skip the nougat centers and really enjoy the dark chocolate ones with raspberry cream filling.
There is a plot, but there are numbered pages as well, and, while I found the plot clever, either would serve the purpose of moving you from the beginning of the book to the end. I mostly enjoyed the good-humored mood of the book, the occasionally arresting it of idiot savant insight, and especially some of the set pieces. For example, the recounting of Mr. Cumberfield's visit to a Retirement Home to put on one of his original toy theater productions is just plain brilliant. It is brutal, hilarious, and a bit wistful, all at the same time. Bits like this go beyond just silliness or the Amelia Bedelia formula, (which is, after all, just the same joke over and over again). And, behind the blithe and amiable gormlessness of some of Mr. Cumberfield's observations there is just a hint of edge and vinegar, which reminds you that this is not simply a book of shallow tomfoolery. One begins to appreciate the craft and care that goes in to creating something that appears so light and airy and frivolous.
But, not to over analyze or over praise. This is an usual and rather unique book with tremendous charm and appeal and a very sly and subversive sense of humor. It's sweet and tasty and well worth sampling.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
March 22, 2016
You've got to love a book with lines in it like "...grinning like the cat that got creamed" and "I think Roger plays for Manchester City, since when they win he always says 'we did really well last night'".
Walton Cumberfield is a character who seems somewhere on the scale of autistic to idiocy and insanity. He has a very literal approach to life; for example, giving his friend Roger a penny every time Roger says "penny for your thoughts". With a dog called Keith Matthews and a puppet show he performs for an old people's home he is a character the like of which you have probably never experienced before.
The skill that Tom Moran has shown in this book is to take everyday events and sayings and turn them on their head by showing how ridiculous they really are. He's done it with this marvellous character of Walton Cumberfield who has an adventure using time-cheese to take him back in time to meet himself.
If the book sounds strange, then that's because it is! Not strange from a readability perspective, but unusual and totally hilarious. The oft-used 'laugh out loud' mantra really does happen with this book. Definitely one to read again some day.
Walton Cumberfield is a character who seems somewhere on the scale of autistic to idiocy and insanity. He has a very literal approach to life; for example, giving his friend Roger a penny every time Roger says "penny for your thoughts". With a dog called Keith Matthews and a puppet show he performs for an old people's home he is a character the like of which you have probably never experienced before.
The skill that Tom Moran has shown in this book is to take everyday events and sayings and turn them on their head by showing how ridiculous they really are. He's done it with this marvellous character of Walton Cumberfield who has an adventure using time-cheese to take him back in time to meet himself.
If the book sounds strange, then that's because it is! Not strange from a readability perspective, but unusual and totally hilarious. The oft-used 'laugh out loud' mantra really does happen with this book. Definitely one to read again some day.
November 27, 2013
Walton Cumberfield is the kind of socially inept nerd that we have all met at one time or another and he makes a unique and brilliant lead character. With his tag-along lodger, Roger he becomes embroiled in a time-travelling murder mystery involving cheese, ghosts, OAP hitmen and and a cow in Budleigh Salterton..... The plot is excellent, the time-travel is done perfectly and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and groan-out-loud awful puns. I really did not want this to finish - it is very, very good.
January 27, 2016
One of the funniest books I've read
This is a definite 5 star rating, once you start reading, you'll find it hard to put down, its laugh out loud funny, one of the craziest books, got lost in Walton's world and didn't want to leave, would highly recommend this book if you like a good laugh.. read some of the other reviews, its a funny work of fiction, I don't think Tom Moran meant readers to take it seriously or is advising drivers to keep their sherry in the glove compartment!!
This is a definite 5 star rating, once you start reading, you'll find it hard to put down, its laugh out loud funny, one of the craziest books, got lost in Walton's world and didn't want to leave, would highly recommend this book if you like a good laugh.. read some of the other reviews, its a funny work of fiction, I don't think Tom Moran meant readers to take it seriously or is advising drivers to keep their sherry in the glove compartment!!
April 8, 2015
The humour and style of writing definitely isn't everyone's cup of blackcurrant squash (it wasn't mine at first), but personally I found that they - and Walton - grew on me the further I got into the plot. You still have the absurdity, of course, but there are also some poignant and sincere moments that don't feel too out of place.
Overall I enjoyed the ride, and will be looking out for more Walton and Roger in future.
Overall I enjoyed the ride, and will be looking out for more Walton and Roger in future.
December 31, 2013
An entertaining time-travel adventure, with the most unusual premise... Manages to tie up all loose ends without apparent paradoxes. The author's style takes a bit getting used to (and may annoy some), but once you get into it this book has many belly-laugh moments. Would certainly come back for more.
July 21, 2014
An odd adventure
Walton reminds me of Amelia Bedelia. He's just clueless. This story takes you around and around when a straight line would be easier making it a frustrating my enjoyable read. You keep thinking he's about to catch on and then he's chasing his tail again. I'd like to read more another time.
Full of laughs.
Walton reminds me of Amelia Bedelia. He's just clueless. This story takes you around and around when a straight line would be easier making it a frustrating my enjoyable read. You keep thinking he's about to catch on and then he's chasing his tail again. I'd like to read more another time.
Full of laughs.
January 9, 2014
Gawd,this book was a riot! I eagerly look forward to further adventures with Walton Cumberfield, his lodger Roger and the...er, thing I can't mention because it would be a spoiler. Let's just pretend I didn't mention it in my first attempt at this review. Ok? Ok.(LOLs)
August 14, 2014
This was a bit of a slow start for me and it took me a while to get into the humour of it, but by the end I really enjoyed it. It's not quite like anything else I've ever read. Love the insanity of the concept of time-travelling cheese.
January 25, 2015
Light easy read that took me a bit to embrace. Not totally my cup of tea, but I can see how it works for some. Funny, punny and even witty in places. Overall a little too forced wackiness and humor for my taste.
January 22, 2016
I thought it was brilliant!
August 23, 2013
If I could travel in time, I'd go back and give this to my thirteen year old self who might just have found it hilarious. Let's hope the author grows up one day.
June 22, 2014
It wasn't a bad book... Pretty entertaining and the humour kind of a breath of fresh air even though tiresome at moments.
Would still recommend it for light and easy read
Would still recommend it for light and easy read
September 26, 2014
Such a random and quirky read. While to get use to the style of writing! Very funny read. Recommended
June 12, 2016
This book was slow for me to get into. Overall this was an oddly entertaining book. Funny and quirky - I missed a lot of the humour in the early pages, but fun anyway.
July 15, 2015
Very likable lead character. Unreliable as a narrator, but entertainingly and endearingly so.
April 13, 2016
Very funny in parts. Loved some of the puns and I've been using them on my friends ever since. The plot isn't totally coherent but I don't think that's entirely relevant in a book of this sort.
September 6, 2016
Not bad but I was expecting Douglas Adams and I got an ersatz Russell Brand crossed with a third rate Noel Fielding
March 1, 2019
Genuinely hilarious and very cleverly written. A little bit of Douglas Adams about him.
December 25, 2013
An enjoyable read. Very reminiscent of Douglas Adams in style and absurdity.
February 13, 2014
..a terrific time travel tale trip!!!
Read
December 24, 2016DNF
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews