ISBN 978-0-9557716-1-3

Published by SB Publishing

How to be nasty and win

Mr Maile's book seems to be an early entry in the stocking filler stakes. It should sell well as Christmas draws close; pocket-sized (or should that be stocking-sized?) it is easy to read, provides a few laughs and is instantly forgettable.

Buy it for a friend or relative and read it first to discover the four secret habits of successful bastards (I'm sure with minimal effort the author could have come up with seven like everyone else) and learn how to develop these habits. Then you could go to the official website and play bastard's bingo. But I wouldn't bother; it isn't as exciting as the book.

But maybe I'm just jaded and being unfair - it is fitfully amusing and may well stave off boredom for a time, so not a total waste of £5.99. Especially if you do pass it on as a stocking filler.