Overall Star Rating: 4.5 Stars Troutfishing on the Tees – Me and Tony Blair had me gripped from the start. Full of sharp observations, dark humour and hilarious encounters for the main character, Steve, it frequently had me both laughing out loud and cringing. As someone who was in her early twenties at the time the book is set, I can clearly remember a lot of the news events and musical references that feature. Despite being just over a quarter of a century ago, it often feels like another world with some outdated opinions and language used by the characters, that would definitely not be considered PC in today’s climate! Graham has carefully crafted a book that blends real events and exaggerated escapades to produce a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The fact that the book is set in my homeland of Teesside is an added bonus, but I’d say it would appeal to anyone who likes their humour with a sting in the tail. (Michelle Marshall)

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 Stars ‘Trout Fishing on the Tees (Me and Tony Blair)’ is a humorous fiction satire. Following main character Dr Steve Hemmings, divorced 40 something man, and his mate ‘Chairman’ Geoff whom he is wingman, they admit to being ‘ageing Likely Lads’. We follow Steve’s career as it mirrors the decline of British industry at the time. He and Geoff have great - and varying - dating experiences throughout the book. The book is moderately paced, with an engaging story development. Realistic characters have distinct character voices, so the reader can get immersed in the tale.  I have to say it is not a book that I would have chosen myself, but if this is your sort of thing, you will enjoy it. (Yvonne Marrs)

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 Stars Graham Dransfield’s Troutfishing on the Tees – Me and Tony Blair is a tongue-in-cheek, satirical novel of dysfunctional men, and a smattering of women, behaving badly. Dr Stephen Hemmings is the main character, and the story is mostly told through his eyes. His interaction with Geoff Huckstead, the chairman of the Sunday cricket team, the Outcasts, flavours his interactions with those around him, most notably the women in his life. Interspersed throughout the story are Steve’s letters to the Right Honourable Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the time the story is set, and who just happens to be Steve’s local sitting member. Steve tells Mr Blair his ideas for improvements in the region, as well as a plan for improving business in the area. At first, Mr Blair appears receptive to Steve’s ideas, but as the story progresses, it becomes evident that this may not be the case. Mirroring this is Steve’s relationship with his cricket colleagues, the Chairman, and the one woman who has shown more than a passing interest in him over the course of the story. Dransfield’s characters are larger than life and reflect what I hope is an exaggerated and mocking view of ‘gentlemen’ who appear to the world as misogynistic, egotistical, and possibly even narcissistic (in the case of the Chairman). The story is not meant to be taken seriously, and from that perspective, it is a good read. It does, however, deal with serious issues of self-esteem, the importance of being valued in the workplace, in social settings, and at home, and the possible consequences when these are lacking. I’m going to be honest and say that it was a struggle for me to read at first, but once I understood the irony, sarcasm, and satire at play, I enjoyed the writing and the themes that the author explores. It is well-written, with interesting and eccentric characters that deserve to see the light of day. I would recommend this book to discerning readers, on the understanding that some readers may find the content distressing until they, too, see the irony and sarcasm littered throughout. (Phoebe Wilby)