Mathematics has never been my strong suit, so what was I doing reading this book? Well, all I can say is that I read the blurb and I was curious. I have not read any of the other books in the series and I was not sure what to expect. If anything, the line: “A Mathematical Mystery” on the cover left me feeling nervous and convinced that this time I have bitten off more than I can chew.

Approaching this book with uncertainty I found myself pleasantly surprised. While there are some mathematical equations discussed in this book that are way above my level of comprehension the story was light, humorous, and completely engrossing. I did not expect to be laughing while reading this.

The story is told from Tom Winscombe point of view and looks at all the bad decision he makes trying to impress the woman he believes he cannot live without. Reading this book, I was reminded of Inspector Jacques Clouseau from the Pink Panther.

Tom is without a doubt the unluckiest character I have come across in a while. He is consistently in the wrong place at the wrong time, making all the wrong choices and still manages to find a way out of the messes he finds himself in. Parts of this book had me laughing out loud.

The author manages to keep you guessing while the story unfolds. Travelling between the UK and Belarus you meet some interesting characters, which the author added a colourful flair to. The author did a marvellous job with the different dialects. I loved Artem and Grandma – the Chernobyl forest residents Tom stay with for a while. The author’s description of drinking homemade Vodka had me in stitches – the Author must have some experience with Vodka!

Bad Day in Minsk was a pleasant surprise, the book was utterly entertaining and left me with a smile on my face. Do not be discouraged by: “A Mathematical Mystery” this book offers a lot more than mathematical equations. It is a well-told humorous tale sure to provide a laugh or two.