Here’s a selection of the wonderful comments you, as readers, have left on Amazon about my books. These mean so much to me and also help with my profile.
WHATEVER IT TAKES BABE
“Whatever It Takes Babe’ centres largely around up-and-coming (in all senses of the phrase) musical talent Pete Peterson, under the watchful custodianship of nightclub owner Gerry Fortuna.
Gerry’s glamorous, trophy, wife Janine comes into his life after she accepts his offer of employment as a barmaid. In next to no time, she becomes a major part of Gerry’s business empire — and a pivotal lead character in the story. Her devil-may-care persuasive attitude leads to multiple (ahem) liaisons… with the aforementioned Pete, among many others.
Meanwhile, Gerry has put his unfailing trust in another musician who, installed as manager of Gerry’s nightclub, turns out to be screwing Gerry financially… as well as using the club as a front for drug trafficking, despite Gerry’s regularly stated abhorrence for drugs. Gerry will not have them inside his premises. Except, unfortunately, he doesn’t know (until, tragically, much later in the narrative) that they’re already there… and that two rival gangs are aware of this. And plotting…
And, in this fast-paced page-turner of a tale, things are about to explode…
I am not a particularly fast reader — yet the multiple sub-plots and never-ending twists in Whatever It Takes Babe was unputdownable; for the first time ever, I have read a book in one uninterrupted sitting. Addictive stuff!”
“Well that was a great holiday read – I’d describe it as ‘unashamedly trashy’ and I mean that as a compliment -will forever think of you swathed in black silk sheets quaffing champagne and spreading more seed than gardeners question time.”
“Well, tbh I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’ve been in a couple of bands with Mr T and I figured I’d give it whirl. and I loved it!
It’s not Shakespeare, I don’t suppose it’s meant to be, but it’s a good story, a ‘cracking yarn’ as they used to say: interesting characters, a clever plot twist or two, I liked the ‘period’ feel of it, where it was set and the socio-economic zeitgeist (oooh, get you and yer fancy french), post beatle-mania but not too modern and, speaking as a muso, some references specific to the biz without being nerdy or a catalogue of gear.
Once I decided to sit down and read it it took me two days, fitting around work and being asleep, and it wasn’t a chore. I steamed through it cos I wanted to, it kept me, what, gripped? intrigued? rivetted? No, I was just enjoying a good story with some interesting characters (naturally, knowing Des, I’m dying to know who they’re based on…) and enough twisty-turny to keep me guessing.
Looking forward to pt.2 already, wanting to know happens to… aaaah, no spoilers from me. Buy it. You’ll like it.”
“I am not an avid reader; however, I thought I would give this book a go. I am not going to spoil it by saying too much about the story, but the mention of Night clubs in Brum (amongst a lot more interesting things) got my attention with me being a Brummie. The book kept my interest throughout. It has many twists and turns – it bought back a few memories of the 60’s and my nights dancing away in clubs – I loved reading it and I loved the characters, especially sassy Janine! I really cannot wait for Part 2. – Hurry up Mr Tong. I need to know what happened next!! I will be reading lots more now… Mr Tong has whet my appetite! ‘Whatever it takes Babe’”
“I’ve enjoyed every single page of this superb book. The story moves at a fast pace, but is never predictable. A hard to put down book…I like to read for half an hour or so before turning off the light, but this book had me regularly reading into the small hours of the morning.”
“Just finished reading ” Whatever it takes ” by Des Tong, the great and gifted bass player with Sad Cafe, music genius, friend and all round good guy,
I had been told about this book but wow, l couldn’t put it down and l wouldn’t want to spoil anything for you but the inter connection of people that form the main players is so intriguing.
The way the story pans out made me think this book is worthy of a movie.
What a fabulous and worthwhile read,
I will be searching for the sequel ASAP.”
“Interwoven music & crime story, touching on some very sensitive but significant political issues at the time it’s a great read. Sex, drugs, rock & roll, crime, politics, this book has the lot.
Left on a bit of a cliffhanger, like all good series, I am definitely left wanting more.
Thanks Des for bringing this story to life. Here’s to many more in this series.”
“Take me back to the 60’s! Des Tong’s book, “Whatever it takes Babe”, does that very thing, and although I was born too late to experience the heady musical scene and new way of living, this book takes you smack bang into the middle of it all. Once the scene has been set the story unfolds thick and fast, and I found myself reading “just another chapter”, which is usually a true marker as to how captivating a book is.
If you like Cover up and Intrigue at its very best then get a copy of this book, I thoroughly recommend it.”
“I loved this book!!! Fabulous read. Would make a great 3 or 4 episode TV drama. Loved the characters and the roles they all contribute towards this extremely well written debut novel by Des Tong. Highly recommend.”
It has taken me a while to read this book due to events in my personal life. But now I have sat and read it in its entirety. I can not recommend It enough. Grips you from page one, and I recognise so many ‘nod too’ names in there! Loved it.
On to the next one now, cheers Des
“A holiday read that you can’t put down. Gritty, full of suspense, twists and turns everywhere! Can’t wait for Part 2.”
“It’s one of those books that you can’t put down. Lots of surprises, just when you get into the plot the story swerves and you think “I didn’t expect that to happen!” It definitely keeps you gripped.
Seriously, if you want a good holiday read this fits the bill brilliantly, recommended.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed this story, looking forward to part 2
Would make a good Netflix series.”
“Well what a great read, husband hasn’t taken his head out of the book for the last couple days. All I hear is “WOW this book is great.” Well done the author :-.”
“Great book, a real page turner. Twist at the end I didn’t see coming .
Looking forward to book 2.”
“Terrific, thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done Des. Looking forward to the next one.”
“A great first novel by the hugely talented bass guitarist of the famous Sad Cafe.
It’s a witty but gritty portrayal of the exciting but often dark side of the club world in a multi-racial city with its own uncomfortable secrets. It’s the first of a trilogy and I can’t wait for Book Two!”
IN FLAMES
“Great book after reading ‘Whatever it takes babe’
Couldn’t wait to read it.
Leaves you wanting more!
Lovely read, enjoy.”
“A thoroughly entertaining second book in the series. The writer has masterfully managed to weave a continuing story of these music industry characters. I’m only half way through, but had to write to say how much my wife and I are enjoying the book! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
ONE LAST ENCORE
“I have just finished reading ‘One Last Encore’: the third iteration of Des Tong’s rock n’ roll themed five volume saga collectively known as ‘The Pete Peterson Tapes’. Beginning at the end of the ‘Swinging Sixties’ and, through those times of ‘sex and drugs and rock n’ roll’, the three volumes published so far by APS Books and available through Amazon tell the story of musician Peterson and his band The Flames and their eventual rise to global fame.
With a huge list of characters good, bad and ugly Des Tong has written his story of Peterson’s rocky road to fame based largely on his own four decades of duty as the bass player with Manchester band Sad Café and flawlessly weaves, through the titles so far published: ‘Whatever It Takes Babe’, ‘In Flames’ and now ‘One Last Encore’, an insider story of the rock music industry, told warts and all.
With two volumes still to come The ‘Pete Peterson Tapes’ is an enthralling and epic tale of an industry that is far more than just the upside of musical fame and fortune. It is also a multi-layered collection of murders, mystery and mayhem that is wrapped up and presented at a play speed far greater than 33 or even 45rpm, one that will prove to be a classic for music fans: on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“After reading 1and 2, I am surprised they just keep getting better. Well worth reading. Murder, mystery and suspense.
Purchase your holiday reads now, you won’t be disappointed.”