A Monkee On Horseback #BookReview

Remember The Monkees? Remember Davy Jones of The Monkees? Cute, wasn’t he?

Did you know he trained as a jockey? Did you know he always loved horses? Did you know he left some when he passed, and that his daughters are raising money for their continued upkeep?

Well, his fans know it, and they’re pitching in with projects to benefit the Davy Jones Memorial Equine Foundation in all kindsa ways.

They produced a vegan/vegetarian cookbook (he was vegetarian), WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS, to which I contributed mucho recipes, even though I am not vegetarian.

Andrea Gilbey has written a children’s book, A HORSE, OF COURSE. She’s working on a companion activity book, which will be a blast!

MonkeeThe other thing I know about is Jerri Keele’s fantasy/mystery/humor/paranormal/romance, A MONKEE ON MY SHOULDER. The main character, who is 27, is suddenly haunted by the ghost of Davy Jones as he looked at about that age. 27, I mean.

Now, when I say this, please don’t think I’m insulting the book, because I’m not: It’s like the best fanfic ever! I’ve read a lot of fanfic in my day, and I’ve even written some, and this book has all the best bits and none of the tiresome ones.

Although Mr. Jones was 66 when he died and first appears to the heroine (Macca) at that age, he quickly changes to match her age. He hangs around, being funny, being irritating, interfering, making life difficult, and also supporting Macca, comforting her, making her laugh, helping her work through her problems and find her strengths. He’s like the best boyfriend ever! He’s too pesty for her to have a troublesome crush on, and too sweet for her not to love, and too old and dead for her to love inappropriately. Perfect!

Dear God, that sounds snarky, but I don’t mean it that way. This book is a refreshing return to sweet giggly innocence, with a goddamn murder mystery at the heart of it to give it some bite.

Yes, the cover is accurate, there is an African Grey parrot in it. Yes, there is a cat in it, although the cat might as well have phoned his appearance in, since he just acted like a real cat and didn’t do much of anything. It takes place in Hawaii, which is awesome in itself.

Did I mention the murder?

AND the book is sanctioned by Mr. Jones’ estate and daughters. The Davy Jones in the book acts the way the real Davy Jones would have acted in that situation, because it’s sanctioned by people who actually knew him in life.

Now, I’m asking you: Is that the perfect fanfic or not? And I’ll tell you the answer: Yes, it is.

I must admit, I thought the sweet, warm kiss toward the end between the 27-year-old woman and the 66-year-old dead guy in the 20-something-looking form was a tad creepy, but that’s just me. I’m the type who would watch a werewolf movie and call it unrealistic because the werewolf ran around all night killing stuff and didn’t get his clothes dirty. The werewolf didn’t get his clothes dirty, are you getting me? Yeah, I’m that guy.

ANYWAY, if you loved Davy Jones, or you love a sweet and funny romance, or you love a cozy mystery set in Hawaii, or you love African Grey parrots, or you love retired racehorses and want to help some out, buy this book! Makes a great gift, too. A MONKEE ON MY SHOULDER

A WRITING PROMPT FOR YOU: Who would be in your fanfic? [Note to Jane: Mine would be about Grigori.]

MA

About

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but now live in the woods in southern Indiana. Though I only write fiction, I love to read non-fiction. The more I learn about this world, the more fantastic I see it is.

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One thought on “A Monkee On Horseback #BookReview

  1. Jane

    September 21, 2015 at 9:54am

    Great laugh!
    Fanfic for Grigori!
    Totally!

    I can tell you, personally, that writing Grigori is a kick!

    The Davy Jones book sounds fairly cool. And sweet, as you said.

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  2. Jerri Keele

    September 21, 2015 at 2:23pm

    Marian! What a great overview and review! I even laughed – several times, as a matter of fact. Thank you SO much! 🙂

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  3. A.C. Flory

    September 21, 2015 at 8:27pm

    Oh! I had no idea he had even died. 🙁 Day Dream Believer was a favourite song for a long time. RIP

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    • Author

      Marian Allen

      September 22, 2015 at 2:18pm

      That’s a great one, Meeka! Maybe you’d enjoy this book — it really brings his spirit to life, as it were! 🙂

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  4. Ginny Fleming

    September 21, 2015 at 10:20pm

    What a sweet review — Funny, irreverent & touching just like this special book. Thank you!

    Permalink  ⋅ Reply
    • Author

      Marian Allen

      September 22, 2015 at 2:19pm

      Glad you liked it, Ginny! As much a fan of Mr. Jones as you are, your approval of the review means a great deal to me. <3

      Permalink  ⋅ Reply

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