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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, The Thatch Trilogy by Harry H Dean captivates readers with the chaotic, crime-filled, and comedic misadventures of retired detective Thatch, an unlikely anti-hero who constantly finds himself embroiled in trouble, from doorstep crimes to disastrous holidays and political intrigue.
The Thatch Trilogy
Looking for a hero who’s equal parts flawed, funny, and fearless? Meet Thatch, the retired detective at the heart of Harry H. Dean’s uproarious trilogy—a series that blends dark humor, thrilling twists, and biting satire into a cocktail of unputdownable entertainment. Inspired by the razor-sharp wit of Tom Sharpe, this comedy-thriller saga follows Thatch, an anti-hero with a knack for stumbling into chaos, whether it’s an unsolved crime on his doorstep, a disastrous holiday abroad, or the treacherous swamp of politics. With fast-paced plots and absurdly entertaining situations, the self-deprecating charm of this eponymous protagonist makes him a standout in modern crime fiction.
Thatch (Book 1): Trouble at Home
Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for Thatch—a man burdened with a thirst for booze, an expanding waistline, a heart condition, a dog, and an estranged wife. With little to occupy his days beyond pub opening hours or gardening, an unsolved crime landing on his doorstep feels like a gift. Sure, there’s a dodgy millionaire and a Ukrainian drug lord thrown into the mix, but Thatch figures a bit of old-fashioned police work will sort it out. What could possibly go wrong?
Spoiler: everything. This debut installment sets the tone with laugh-out-loud mishaps and a protagonist who’s as endearing as he is accident-prone.
Thatch’s Holiday (Book 2): A French Fiasco
After surviving his first adventure, Thatch—now sporting the title of DI Thatcher—decides he’s earned a break. Armed with a detailed itinerary, a shiny new car, and cash to splash, he sets off for France, dreaming of open roads and summer skies. The French populace might be a minor inconvenience, but surely nothing can derail this well-planned holiday.
Right? Wrong. From vehicular mayhem to cultural clashes, Thatch’s Holiday delivers a masterclass in comedic calamity, proving that even a getaway can’t save Thatch from his own brand of chaos.
Vote Thatch (Book 3): Political Peril
Politics is a cesspit of danger and deceit, but for a retired DI with a thick skin and too much time on his hands, it’s the perfect playground. In Vote Thatch, our hero dives headfirst into the murky world of national affairs, seeing it as a chance to shake off his rut. It’s not like anyone’s going to shoot him over it—or is it?
This final chapter amps up the stakes with cutthroat scheming and absurd twists, showcasing Thatch’s resilience (and knack for trouble) in a satire-soaked showdown that’s as gripping as it is hilarious.
Why You’ll Love the Thatch Trilogy
Fans of dark humor and thrilling narratives will find a goldmine in these books. Harry H. Dean crafts a world where crime and comedy collide, populated by dodgy millionaires, Ukrainian drug lords, and French road-trip disasters—all navigated by a protagonist whose wry, self-aware charm keeps you rooting for him, even when the odds (and his own decisions) stack against him. The trilogy’s sharp satire skewers everything from personal failings to political absurdity, while its fast-paced plotting ensures every page brims with surprises. Think Tom Sharpe meets a bumbling detective, and you’ve got the essence of Thatch—a character who turns misfortune into a riotous art form.
The Thatch Trilogy isn’t just a series; it’s a wild, laugh-filled escape into the misadventures of a man who can’t catch a break—but somehow keeps us coming back for more. Whether he’s unraveling crimes, botching holidays, or dabbling in politics, Thatch proves that even in the messiest of lives, there’s humor and heart to be found. Grab these books for a dose of razor-sharp storytelling that’s as entertaining as it is unforgettable—you won’t regret it.
Harry H Dean
Drawing inspiration from the sharp-witted satire of Tom Sharpe and the haunting legacy of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Harry H. Dean’s debut novel, Thatch, has garnered glowing praise from enchanted reviewers, earning accolades such as “a breath of fresh air,” “a stellar first novel,” and “laugh-out-loud funny.” With its exquisite characterization and expertly crafted pacing, this comedy-thriller marks the arrival of a compelling new voice in fiction, propelling the 63-year-old author into the ranks of must-read contemporary writers.
Dean’s subsequent novels, Thatch’s Holiday and Vote Thatch, continue the misadventures of DI Thatcher, a character who stumbles into life’s absurdities—whether grappling with organized crime, shady politicians, or simply finding time for a well-earned pint (or three) at day’s end. The sequels showcase Dean’s knack for blending humor with suspense, keeping readers hooked on Thatcher’s chaotic journey.
What’s perhaps most surprising about Dean is that he only began writing five years ago, using the craft as a lifeline during lockdown. Now based in the picturesque southwest of France, he’s hitting his stride, with a fourth novel in progress and the framework for a fifth already mapped out. A father of two, Dean cites an eclectic mix of literary influences, including the wry humor of Bill Bryson, the taut thrillers of Frederick Forsyth, and the historical depth of Robert Harris.
With unpredictable plots and richly woven subplots, Harry H. Dean is proving to be a late-blooming talent who’s more than making up for lost time.
Find more from Harry H Dean now:
Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/4jrGWHd
Thatch: https://amzn.to/3R3X2dU
Thatch’s Holiday: https://amzn.to/4255HTJ
Vote Thatch: https://amzn.to/4i84AHs
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