The Blame Game

by Ben Dunn

Arthur Harrison has, through extraordinary bad luck, just become an elected member of parliament. This was not the plan. He has never had to do anything for himself, let alone anyone else. But Westminster has a habit of changing people. Through no skill, an absence of effort and the Midas touch, Arthur becomes a voice. But the dark-side of family ties start to circle his seemingly perfect world and Arthur must make decisions and choices that will change his comfortable existence forever. Can Arthur become the man he needs to be?The Blame Game is a Political Satire and outrageous comedy with a sprinkling of Romance. Through the eyes of Arthur we see Westminster for what it really is, which is an awful cesspit of despair.What readers are out of 5 stars Very humorous, Beverly USA.Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024.This was a good time, a really good time. The issue of corrupt politicians was the basic premise. Arthur's dad and brother had me seeing red! They mocked , belittled , and looked down on Arthur, because they were two peas in a corrupt pod!!!! The lengths they went to to intrude on Arthur's life was astounding. This story made me feel a myriad of emotions. The whit , humor, banter, and interactions kept me reading and laughing. The big twists made me laugh even more. 😆 It's always entertaining to see the corrupt squirming in their boots when confronted with truth. I loved it all .I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

Ben Dunn is a writer. He has written Thrillers, Comedies, a Murder Mystery as well as Young Adult Fiction.

He has made audiobooks and written for the BBC in collaboration with an animation company.

He writes most days and is vaguely annoyed by people.

Reviews

[Isabel Boes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delightful read. It kept me coming back, but it being described as a comedy kind of threw me. Yes there were some funny jokes, but overall I don’t know that I would consider it a comedy. Definitely worth the read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thanks to BookSirens and Ben Dunn for a free review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Arthur Harrison has just been voted in as a Conservative MP in a long standing Labour seat, he wasn’t expecting to win and he didn’t want to. Now he finds himself attempting to toe the party line, whilst realising he doesn’t actually agree with Tory policies or want to fit in with the old boys club that is Westminster.

What I liked: This was a fun read. Arthur is likeable and his inner monologue made me snort with laughter on a number of occasions. The supporting characters were realistic and the plot moved around enough to keep it interesting. Chapters were short, which I always find a bonus as I’m more likely to read it quickly!

What didn’t work for me: A minor critique, I didn’t get the sense of time, towards the end of the book we find it has taken place over a year, it really only felt like a couple of months.

Final thoughts: A cleverly written and incredibly witty political satire.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of contemporary fiction and satire. Possibly not for Tory voters, unless they are able to laugh at themselves.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s sarcastic, cynical and very very funny. It’s a rich satire on how politics and parliament actually work.

Arthur Harrison has by mistake been voted in as an MP to the Westminster Parliament. He only stood as a candidate so he could put something on his CV, but he is now the honourable member for a small city. He is nominally a Tory, however Arthur doesn’t really know what they stand for or any of their policies, but he has to toe the party line and vote the way he is ordered to by his party leader.

Arthur doesn’t really have any idea of what he’s supposed to be actually doing, so does nothing and lets his PA Rachael do the work for him. If questioned on any policies Arthur is articulate, words dribble from his lips even if he’s not really saying anything of any worth, although despite himself he does at times have opinions consequently he becomes a popular figure and is given a small ministerial post.

However deals and skullduggery are afoot in his constituency involving Arthur’s horrible family. His father is obscenely rich, vicious and entitled and is the poster boy for the unacceptable face of capitalism, his brother Albert (Albie) is a vicious, cruel sadistic money grubbing bully. Arthur isn’t like his family and in fact loathes them and would be ecstatic if he never saw them again, ever!! He is determined to do everything in what ever way he can to thwart their vile intentions.

I absolutely loved Arthur and rooted for him and his friends throughout.

[Harold Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover states "The wit and humor (not a typo) left me laughing..." Beverley has certainly not read the book. Inside the cover the Author says "For the multitudes of people I have bored with political debate". Well, thats me. I really enjoyed "The Fame Game", it was funny and well written. The Blame Game is not funny in any way. Mr Dunn obviously hates politics and politicians (especially the Tories). He also has a chip on his shoulder about wealth and class. Lets hope that if he makes a stack of money from his writing he does not buy an AGA. Actually once you managed to read the first 100 pages the story was not too bad. He can write but I am araid I cannot be bothered to read another of his efforts.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good time, a really good time. The issue of corrupt politicians was the basic premise. Arthur's dad and brother had me seeing red! They mocked , belittled , and looked down on Arthur, because they were two peas in a corrupt pod!!!! The lengths they went to to intrude on Arthur's life was astounding. This story made me feel a myriad of emotions. The whit , humor, banter, and interactions kept me reading and laughing. The big twists made me laugh even more. 😆 It's always entertaining to see the corrupt squirming in their boots when confronted with truth. I loved it all .

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Josephine Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blame Game
By Ben Dunn

I read the Kindle Edition of this story. This fiction book was something of a comedy. It depicts the dirty side of some political arenas.

Arthur is quite a character. He goes from a person whose main concern is making money to a man who has morals after all. As for Arthur's father and brother, they are greedy, corrupt, a hopeless cause. Then Rebecca enters Arthur's life. Rebecca and Arthur have something of a relationship.
At the start, Rebecca's part in the relationship was dishonest. But, towards the end, Rebecca and Arthur work together for the common good.

I rate this work five stars.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a comedy

This started out as a comedy but got more serious as it dragged on. Arthur Harrison unexpectedly gets elected to Parliament in a by-election. His reaction and his thoughts about the government are humorous, but about halfway through the story takes on a heavier tone.

There are too many typos, and too many descriptions about what Arthur thinks of everything. This seemed like a first draft that needed editing.

[Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, feel good story about a hapless schlub who finds a conscience and purpose. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story from beginning to end with laughs and heart. I'll definitely be looking for more works from the author in the future.