Mr Gum is the most loathsome, malevolent, foul-tempered man in the world. He lives in the small town of Lamonic Bibber. All the townspeople avoid him like a disease. He lives in a house that is crawling with insects and smells like a sewer. Why would anyone want to read a book about Mr Gum?
Author Andy Stanton gets all the revolting details of his anti-hero over with as soon as possible and then moves on to the story he has to tell. Mr Gum has a beautiful garden. He hates gardening, but he is forced to look after his garden. If he doesn't, a garden spirit will hit him over the head with a frying pan.
When a large, cuddly dog appears in Mr Gum's garden and starts to eat the flowers, the miserable old man hatches a plot to poison the hound. A little girl called Polly overhears the old man's plans and sets out to prevent a terrible murder and consequent mayhem being unleashed in the peaceful town.
You're A Bad Man, Mr Gum!
By Andy Stanton
Published by Egmont