Review - Call Time by Steve Jones

Call Time by Steve Jones

Publisher: Michael Joseph

Release date: 11 May 2023

Back cover blurb: Bob Bloomfield is, in the words of his best friend's wife, a 'selfish, arrogant a*sehole', who hasn't spent a great deal of time making friends in his 49 years on earth. But what if he could change? What if Bob could stop the very thing that has made him the man he is, the death of his younger brother, Tom in 1986. If he could save Tom, could he save himself? . . And what if all it took was a phone call?

Call Time is Steve Jones' debut novel, and I really hope it isn't a one off. What a clever, funny book this is!

Bob Bloomfield is a high flying exec, extremely successful at what he does, having largely closed himself off to the outside world and concentrated on work. 

For the most part is extremely unlikeable. His character and barriers built on the trauma of losing his Brother at a young age. 

He is, as his best friend's wife once described him, "a selfish, arrogant a**ehole".

But deep down, if he really took the time to examine his life, Bob is lonely. He has never really gotten over his Brother's death and the guilt and responsibility he feels for that day still remain.

When he agrees to go to fancy dress party with his best friend Scotty, he does so reluctantly and only on the agreement that they will get so drunk that they won't remember a thing the following day. 

Bob's fancy dress costume isn't exactly his first choice, but it was late when they got to the shop, and it comes complete with the ultimate accessory - a brick of a 1980s mobile phone.

Later in the evening he realises it is a working device. For a laugh he dials his old home telephone number, not expecting anyone to answer. Particularly not the person that does.

By the time Bob realises he can use the device to call the past, he is so drunk (and high) that he thinks he's hallucinating.

But the following day when nothing is what it seems, he begins to wonder. If he can contact people in the past, maybe he can stop certain events happening?

What follows are a series of events, where we really see Bob develop as a character and become a lot more likeable as he begins to understand himself as others see him.

I can't say too much more as I don't want to give anything away. But I really loved this book, and I can't wait to read more from Mr. Jones.

Call Time is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.

Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.