Tuesday 8 October 2024

Butterball’s Positively Purrfect Review of Huge by Brent Butt #90s #Noir #Thriller


Gather 'round, my dear humans, for I, Butterball the Magnificent, should like to inform you of a book I recently read that impressed me enormously. 

"Huge" by Brent Butt is a noir thriller: a genre I, being of a refined nature, do not typically gravitate toward. I prefer the sophisticated coziness of a good literary mystery, perhaps with a hot cup of cream on the side. But my curiosity got the better of me. How could I possibly resist a thriller penned by the master of comedy himself, Brent Butt, whom many of you may know from the sitcom Corner Gas?

As I say, noir thrillers aren’t often my cup of tea, but I wondered how Brent Butt's comedic genius would translate to the shadowy world of a 90s-set thriller.

I listened to the audiobook—read by Butt himself, no less. And I must say, if you haven’t yet indulged in this form of storytelling, you are missing out on a delectable treat. Brent Butt’s narration is nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice carries you through the story with such grit that I was positively enraptured. 

Let’s talk about the book itself. Huge is a brilliant blend of chilling tension and biting humour. You’d think these two tones might clash, but I assure you, they do not. Butt manages to weave in moments of humour without undermining the seriousness of the plot—an extraordinary feat, to be sure. One moment you’re amused by a sharp one-liner, and the next, you’re gripping your seat as the suspense builds. It’s truly the best of both worlds. I found myself chuckling softly, only to freeze in suspense moments later. The balance of light and dark is nothing short of masterful.

And, oh, the 90s setting. What a time! A grungy, shadowy world full of pager codes, fax machines, and landlines that clang like a bell. Butt captures the essence of the era flawlessly, transporting us back to a time before smartphones ruined the art of a proper mystery.

I won’t spoil the plot for you, but let me tell you—there are gruesome moments, indeed. Dark, sinister, and raw. Yet they never feel gratuitous. And the humour? Well, it doesn't diminish the grimness, but rather, it enhances the story’s depth, making the characters feel alive and real.

Brent Butt, my dear readers, proves himself not only a master of comedy but also a formidable force in the thriller genre. If you’ve any sense at all, you’ll give Huge a listen or a read—whichever suits your fancy. But do consider the audiobook; it’s a performance you won’t soon forget.

In summary, Huge is nothing short of extraordinary. Gripping, hilarious, and chilling all at once. A noir thriller that even a British cat with highbrow tastes can thoroughly enjoy. Brent Butt, you’ve outdone yourself, and I would tip my hat (if I wore one) to you.

Get HUGE at Amazon