Frasier: And as what literary character will you be attending? Bulldog:Waldo![Frasier looks at him blankly]From “Where’s Waldo?” [Incredulous] He’s like in sixteen books! And you call yourself well-read!
Kelsey Grammer and Dan Butler in the incredibly funny and poignant sitcom Frasier, about an urbane psychiatrist who invites his estranged father to live with him after his cop father suffered a major injury at work. I’ve highlighted my love of the show many times, but I just had to showcase its workplace humour which was a huge part of the show’s success too.
After several months of writing and editing, I released my fourth book overall (and first novel) The Gameshow in March. I’ve been thrilled with the feedback from those who have read it, including those involved with Rachel’s Random Resources. I can only imagine how many requests they get asked for, so my deepest thanks for their time reading and reviewing it. One of the bonuses from signing up is discovering so many new blogs for the first time, including the quirky or stylish photos they use for their posts. Their love of literature is infectious for sure, so I definitely recommend checking their blog out.
Leannebookstagram “I was intrigued by the whole story. It’s exciting with funny moments and serious ones.”
Bookwormwhitlock86 “With a storyline filled with entertainment, big prizes, humour, wackiness, redemption, celebrities, determination, varied characters, high stakes, phobias, twists and everything you could ask for…”
Bookmarked_by_hayley “The story was twisted, savage and unputdownable – I felt like I was watching the gameshow on tv and felt constantly on the edge of my seat.”
Candygirl73reads “I really liked the concept of this when I read the synopsis, and it was just as good as I thought it would be…I loved the writing style and really enjoyed the book.”
Aibibyreads “I liked that it’s a fast-paced book…Each character is woven into the story with their own background and motivations.”
What_deb_read_next “The Gameshow is a satirical, original novel. Imagine a gameshow where contestants confront their darkest phobias to regain fame, all while facing the sinister forces driving the show.”
Tizi’s Book Review “I didn’t know what to expect from this book… Raphael had made me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time.”
Joebella_p_reads “This book really took a look into how far reality shows will go to keep the audience figures up. Are we heading that way now, will this be in our future?”
Bookish_mum_insta “…Is dark, dramatic, and just the right amount of chaotic. The premise had me hooked. I mean, reality TV energy but make it deadly? Yes, please.”
Wild Writing Life “… addictive read bringing the reader in the very heart of the ´beautiful and famous ones´. A read that will definitely stay with me more than I initially expected.”
What Rebeccas Read “…the stakes are high and so is the suspense. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about the idea of a celebrity in today’s society, where anything and everything about is public knowledge.”
Worm_talk_book_club “What a fun book this was… I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and loved how uncomfortable the situations they were out in were.”
Country Mama with Kids “The story is fast paced and so easy to get into right away…a very interesting read overall and I highly recommend to fans of thrillers!”
Jackie’s Reading Corner “…is a well-thought-out, entertaining read that blends psychological suspense with a sharp commentary on fame, shame, and the darker side of human curiosity. If you love reality TV with a sinister twist, this is one you shouldn’t miss.”
Nadz_Sargent “This definitely shows the hazards that come with celebrity status and through making bad choices without pausing for thought.”
Bookshine and Readbows “I absolutely flew through it at breakneck speed because I was so gripped from concept to completion!…yet alongside the humour and trauma is a constant, subtle exploration of ethics and morality, revenge and redemption”.
5mins_forme “This was a right page turner which kept you wanting more, what a fantastic debut novel!…It’s definitely worth a read!”
RamblingMads “Clever and with a sinister undertone, this is one show you won’t want to miss.”
Redhead_Reviews1 The story was twisted yet fun, it felt like I was watching a Gameshow and on the edge of my seat. It was a thrilling read, which I thoroughly enjoyed and devoured in one sitting. Certainly a unique read.
Novel Kicks “I am not condoning the behaviour of these characters but I liked how the narrative presented all sides and explained situations. It really had me thinking…This book was a very clever novel that is going to stay with me for a long time.”
Book.lover1486 “The GameShow is a unique page turning masterpiece that has you hooked from the very first page…I will definitely recommend it to others.”
A Knight’s Reads “It’s an addictive read as I wanted to know whether the celebrities would make it through their challenge with any level of dignity.”
A Crime Reader’s Blog “The added characters who are behind the scenes creating the programme gives an added dimension…a difficult to put down read!”
Bookshortie This was a relatively short read but one that certainly packed a punch…The story was intriguing and about the decisions people make and the consequences that follow.
“I also have an extended family. The people who stayed. The people who became more than friends; the people who open the door when I knock. That’s what it all boils down to. The people who have to open the door, not because they always want to but because they do.“
Sad news about Diane Keaton (1946 – 2025), a wonderfully gifted actress who could do comedy just as well as drama. Her multi-award career covered five decades and includes classics such as The Godfather trilogy, Manhattan, The First Wives Club and of course, Annie Hall, for which she won the Best Actress Oscar.
Many have I loved, and many times been bitten Many times I’ve gazed along the open road Many times I’ve lied, and many times I’ve listened Many times I’ve wondered how much there is to know
Taken from the song ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’ by iconic English rock and rock legends Led Zeppelin from their Houses of the Holy album in 1973. It isn’t as famous as songs like Kashmir but lyrically I really do think it’s among their best.
His three big rules were: love your characters, story is king, don’t be afraid of the quiet moments.
American writer and producer Jeff Martin on Sam Simon, who along with creator Matt Groening and producer James L. Brooks, co-developed The Simpsons from inception. Taken from the book Stupid TV, Be More Funny (2025) by Alan Seigel, which tells of how the iconic show started and its continuing impact within the world. With the news that The Simpsons film sequel has been announced and with a release date, it felt perfect timing.
Alex Raphael 