Broken Scarecrows Deceit and Cheat

Broken Scarecrows: Deceit and Cheat
by D.R. Cameron
Published by Cameron Narratives
Review by Toby A. Welch
$25.00 ISBN 9781738687763

Broken Scarecrows is the third book in D. R. Cameron’s satirical fiction series exploring regulatory bodies and whistleblowers. 

The series begins with Dysfunctional Regulatory Bodies: Scarecrows and Stupidity, where readers are introduced to BruceG, a man locked in battle with regulatory bodies. The conflict escalates in book two, Dysfunctional Regulatory Bodies: Cowpies and Lies, as BruceG takes on the environment ministry (Ministry of GoodforAll.) By the time you dive into Broken Scarecrows, the regulatory system is almost entirely broken – and it’s time to start fixing things. 

In this third book, BruceG clashes with the LOG (League of Growers) and the LOP (League of Prosecutors) after whistleblowing on questionable bylaws passed by council. While the story builds on earlier events, new readers to the author’s work don’t need to worry about jumping in here. Cameron includes a detailed preface summarizing the first two books, along with appendices at the back that provide even more background. Even though I read the first two installments, I found these sections helpful as a refresher.

Given the large cast of characters in Broken Scarecrows, Cameron thoughtfully provides a list of main characters near the front of the book. I found this especially useful for keeping track of who is who and what role they played. There’s also an extensive glossary of professional designations and acronyms. While the list may look intimidating at first, it quickly becomes manageable once you’re immersed in the story. Acronyms like DO (disciplinary order), LOD (League of Dentists), LOPT (League of Psychotherapists), and the memorably named FART (finding acceptable remediation techniques) add to the book’s satirical edge.

One strength from the first two books carries into this third installment – the layout. Instead of page after page of lengthy paragraphs, you’ll find different sections with highlighted bits, lists, and bullet points. The chapters in general aren’t overly long. It makes for a pleasing reading experience. 

Before penning the Scarecrow series, Cameron was involved in his local professional regulatory body. That firsthand understanding of government processes lends authenticity to the satire. Us readers benefit from the depth and specificity of his experience. It’ll be interesting to see what he writes about next.

Fans of satirical fiction – and anyone who has ever shaken their head at the strange mechanics of government regulation – will find plenty to appreciate in Broken Scarecrows: Deceit and Cheat. Quirky, smart, and quietly biting, this third installment leaves you pondering how systems meant to protect can lose their way. 

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