What do you think?
Rate this book
Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency
You’re never too old to have one more adventure Brought to life by Steve Ferchaud’s vibrant drawings, this story for all ages by Dan O’Brien lets us know that it is never too late to have one more adventure.
42 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Dan O'Brien
47Ìýbooks176ÌýfollowersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database.
I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.
I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.
Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.
I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.
I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.
Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 23, 2019
Brilliant children's fantasy about an old man who searches for his lost TV remote, lost under the couch, and discovers the the answers to the mystery of lost socks and loose change and other oddities. This is a great little story, and the illustrations are excellent as well. Kudos!
February 12, 2014
Dan O’Brien’s “Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency� is an unlikely adventure story about an old man named Robert Pendleton who suddenly finds himself battling a creature from another world. At the start of the story, Robert wakes up from a long sleep to find the TV remote missing. When he finally locates it underneath the couch, he sees a little man with red hair and a long-stem pipe � it’s a leprechaun named Colin McMasters, who claims to be the Director of the “L.C.C.A.� (or “Loose Change Collection Agency�) in the “Nation of Magicks� (sort of a mirror world to our own). Colin wants Robert’s help to rid his world of a demon called “the Scourge,� who is leading the “Lost Sock Army� against the leprechauns.
This is a cute story, although I’m not clear who the intended audience is. The plot reads like a children’s tale, but the characters are most certainly adult � elderly, even! The idea that a legion of leprechauns makes it their duty to collect the loose change humans leave behind in the couch cushions is clever and intriguing, as is the image of an army of lost socks carrying weapons, but I’m not sure children will be as entertained as I was. O’Brien’s prose is literate and charming, but may not be easily accessible to younger children. Then again, this is the kind of story that cries out to be read aloud, and I have no doubt the whole family would find Robert’s adventure exciting and delightful.
I’m certainly decades away from childhood and I enjoyed the story � including the delightfully detailed illustrations by Steve Ferchaud. Robert is an unlikely hero without any magical powers or special gifts, but he’s intrigued by little Colin’s plight, and he battles his own incredulity to do what he can to help. As someone getting uncomfortably close to Robert’s age, I found myself an instant fan! It’s not often we find an unassuming elderly gentleman in the role of hero.
Overall, “Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army� is a charming tale that not only solves the mystery of couch cushion change and lost socks, but gives hope to those of us over sixty. Maybe it’s not too late to live an adventure, if only we keep our eyes open for the magic that hides in the darkness. Clever story, great illustrations � this one is a fairy tale for the “child� in all of us.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this story for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
This is a cute story, although I’m not clear who the intended audience is. The plot reads like a children’s tale, but the characters are most certainly adult � elderly, even! The idea that a legion of leprechauns makes it their duty to collect the loose change humans leave behind in the couch cushions is clever and intriguing, as is the image of an army of lost socks carrying weapons, but I’m not sure children will be as entertained as I was. O’Brien’s prose is literate and charming, but may not be easily accessible to younger children. Then again, this is the kind of story that cries out to be read aloud, and I have no doubt the whole family would find Robert’s adventure exciting and delightful.
I’m certainly decades away from childhood and I enjoyed the story � including the delightfully detailed illustrations by Steve Ferchaud. Robert is an unlikely hero without any magical powers or special gifts, but he’s intrigued by little Colin’s plight, and he battles his own incredulity to do what he can to help. As someone getting uncomfortably close to Robert’s age, I found myself an instant fan! It’s not often we find an unassuming elderly gentleman in the role of hero.
Overall, “Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army� is a charming tale that not only solves the mystery of couch cushion change and lost socks, but gives hope to those of us over sixty. Maybe it’s not too late to live an adventure, if only we keep our eyes open for the magic that hides in the darkness. Clever story, great illustrations � this one is a fairy tale for the “child� in all of us.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this story for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
February 12, 2014
Review at:
I received a digital copy of this book from the author for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Unsuspecting bloke Robert is press-ganged into assisting a Leprachaun representative of the Loose Change Collection Agency to vanquish the “Scourge� and his army of sock gremlins. Clearly, Robert didn’t get enough sleep last night
This is an odd little book. It’s only 41 pages long and illustrated, but within those pages a well-developed story unfolds quickly and without any flabby plot lines or dialogue to get in the way. The illustrations are top notch and add immensely to the story, giving it a bit of extra zazz. The story itself though is well worth a look, if only for the pike-wielding sock soldiers. I always wondered where those missing left ones had got to.
I was interested to see that the author chose an old man as the main character, given that it's a book recommended for ages eight plus, although I imagine that the story would be quite different and more of the standard fare had the protagonist been a child. The brevity of the story, while making it very accessible, also had me wondering whether this story was going to be the beginning of a series - I'd quite like to see an anthology of little fantasy stories in the same vein.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a rollicking adventure that can be read during a tea-break. Admittedly, it would probably have to be a two-cup tea break, but still. The author has recommended this for ages 8 plus, and while this will appeal to kids who like a fun fantasy story, this also has a lot to interest older readers who like something a bit off-beat to break the monotony of their regular reads.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Unsuspecting bloke Robert is press-ganged into assisting a Leprachaun representative of the Loose Change Collection Agency to vanquish the “Scourge� and his army of sock gremlins. Clearly, Robert didn’t get enough sleep last night
This is an odd little book. It’s only 41 pages long and illustrated, but within those pages a well-developed story unfolds quickly and without any flabby plot lines or dialogue to get in the way. The illustrations are top notch and add immensely to the story, giving it a bit of extra zazz. The story itself though is well worth a look, if only for the pike-wielding sock soldiers. I always wondered where those missing left ones had got to.
I was interested to see that the author chose an old man as the main character, given that it's a book recommended for ages eight plus, although I imagine that the story would be quite different and more of the standard fare had the protagonist been a child. The brevity of the story, while making it very accessible, also had me wondering whether this story was going to be the beginning of a series - I'd quite like to see an anthology of little fantasy stories in the same vein.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a rollicking adventure that can be read during a tea-break. Admittedly, it would probably have to be a two-cup tea break, but still. The author has recommended this for ages 8 plus, and while this will appeal to kids who like a fun fantasy story, this also has a lot to interest older readers who like something a bit off-beat to break the monotony of their regular reads.
February 12, 2017
Labeled as a Fantasy Noir by the author this short tale of less than fifty pages contains interesting characters and an engaging plot. Robert Pendleton is an elderly man who apparently lives alone. Upon waking up from his customary long sleep, he is annoyed to discover that he cannot find his remote control. He bends over, smashing a lamp in the process. Robert gets down on his knees and discovers a leprechaun standing at the back of his couch. Colin McMasters is in charge of the Loose Change Collection Agency. He has come to enlist Robert's help to defeat a malevolent creature known as The Scourge. He is the leader of a sock army of soldiers harassing the community of leprechauns.
Robert cannot believe he is taking this tale seriously, but he agrees to enter the fantasy world through a broken washing machine. He is amazed to discover that Colin is telling the truth. Will Robert succeed in his mission to defeat the invaders and then find his way back home to his world.
Targeted for ages six through eighteen, the length of this book suggests it could be appropriate for younger readers. The charming black and white pencil illustrations aptly portray the characters, and the dialogue is fun to read. On the other hand, there are some challenging words like acerbic, undulating and gargantuan that might discourage readers under age ten. Definitely not a bedtime story, but certainly a creative and well-written tale that provides an interesting discussion topic.
Robert cannot believe he is taking this tale seriously, but he agrees to enter the fantasy world through a broken washing machine. He is amazed to discover that Colin is telling the truth. Will Robert succeed in his mission to defeat the invaders and then find his way back home to his world.
Targeted for ages six through eighteen, the length of this book suggests it could be appropriate for younger readers. The charming black and white pencil illustrations aptly portray the characters, and the dialogue is fun to read. On the other hand, there are some challenging words like acerbic, undulating and gargantuan that might discourage readers under age ten. Definitely not a bedtime story, but certainly a creative and well-written tale that provides an interesting discussion topic.
November 20, 2016
I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for a review.
This was a cute and rather short story... There's no bad language or anything very scary in the story but If you're going to read this to your child or allow your child to read it themselves I recommend doing so on a Kindle so you can look up and explain ALL the words your kids (and maybe even you!) don't know.
A few (though not all) of the words I feel younger readers will have trouble with:
unceremoniously, prisms, resounding, miniscule(SIC), bemused, burdensome, etc.
Throughout the book the author uses language well above the heads of the age children he's aimed this story at.
Other than the language, calling a bicycle a 'cruiser' (I at first thought the protagonist was a police officer!) and saying Robert was going into a washing machine while the picture in the book says it's a dryer, the story was amusing and appears to be the start of a series of books.
I'm not saying the story needs to be dumbed down but if you're aiming a tale at children it should be coached in language easily understood by those children. A bit of editing would make this a much better eBook.
This was a cute and rather short story... There's no bad language or anything very scary in the story but If you're going to read this to your child or allow your child to read it themselves I recommend doing so on a Kindle so you can look up and explain ALL the words your kids (and maybe even you!) don't know.
A few (though not all) of the words I feel younger readers will have trouble with:
unceremoniously, prisms, resounding, miniscule(SIC), bemused, burdensome, etc.
Throughout the book the author uses language well above the heads of the age children he's aimed this story at.
Other than the language, calling a bicycle a 'cruiser' (I at first thought the protagonist was a police officer!) and saying Robert was going into a washing machine while the picture in the book says it's a dryer, the story was amusing and appears to be the start of a series of books.
I'm not saying the story needs to be dumbed down but if you're aiming a tale at children it should be coached in language easily understood by those children. A bit of editing would make this a much better eBook.
March 22, 2014
Robert Pendleton is just your typically logical person - not given to improbable flights of fancy; nor is he the type to believe in mythical beings from magical realms. Which is why Robert is so surprised to meet Colin McMasters, Director of the 'Loose Change Collection Agency'. Colin is a leprechaun, and he has come to Robert to ask for his assistance. A gremlin known as 'The Scourge' has been terrorizing all leprechauns - determined to conquer them and steal their gold.
The question is, will Robert believe enough in Colin's plight to help him to defeat 'The Scourge', or will he think it is all a dream?
I must say that I found this book to be fast-paced, and also well-developed for the length of story. This is a story written and illustrated for children - so it's not too frightening or graphic, and children could read it themselves, if they chose. However, I'm certain many adults will appreciate that they too can read Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency by Dan O'Brien, and find it just as enjoyable. I give this book an A! and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The question is, will Robert believe enough in Colin's plight to help him to defeat 'The Scourge', or will he think it is all a dream?
I must say that I found this book to be fast-paced, and also well-developed for the length of story. This is a story written and illustrated for children - so it's not too frightening or graphic, and children could read it themselves, if they chose. However, I'm certain many adults will appreciate that they too can read Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency by Dan O'Brien, and find it just as enjoyable. I give this book an A! and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 1, 2014
This review is for the Kindle edition ebook.
Disclosure: I was offered a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A man, a remote control, and an adventure you may have dreamed about.
An adventure for kids and adults alike. This is the story of how one man might have made a difference.
I like the way this book is written. It is a very fun book to read, with great images. I pictured myself reading this one to my grandkids as I read it, and all of us would be laughing out loud.
Dan O'Brien did a wonderful thing writing this short book. It will is a fun book to read, and might become a child's favorite. The characters are foolish enough, yet lifelike enough to allow the imagination to roam.
I can easily recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fairy tales and adventures. If you have kids or grandkids, this is a great book to read to them. If the kids are old enough, this is still a great adventure for them to read. If you simply enjoy a good laugh, grab this book. However, this is not a joke book, it is simply a fun adventure to read about. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Disclosure: I was offered a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A man, a remote control, and an adventure you may have dreamed about.
An adventure for kids and adults alike. This is the story of how one man might have made a difference.
I like the way this book is written. It is a very fun book to read, with great images. I pictured myself reading this one to my grandkids as I read it, and all of us would be laughing out loud.
Dan O'Brien did a wonderful thing writing this short book. It will is a fun book to read, and might become a child's favorite. The characters are foolish enough, yet lifelike enough to allow the imagination to roam.
I can easily recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fairy tales and adventures. If you have kids or grandkids, this is a great book to read to them. If the kids are old enough, this is still a great adventure for them to read. If you simply enjoy a good laugh, grab this book. However, this is not a joke book, it is simply a fun adventure to read about. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 19, 2014
Conspirators, follows a man named David in his late 70s, who’s just woken up from a 12 hour nap. Still groggy from sleep, he reaches for his remote but instead finds a leprechaun. Thinking he’s still dreaming, David plays along with the pipe smoking leprechaun called Colin, and embarks on an adventure to stop a sock army led by a gremlin.
By itself, Conspirator is a wonderful adventure story that can stand by itself. Accompanied by some wonderful images that complements the novel well, the book overall is something that I would buy and read to any young children.
I love adventure stories, so to have such an old protagonist really shows me that you can continue having fun at any age. I really enjoyed this short story � make sure you pick up a copy if you know of any children that would enjoy an adventure!
Thank you to the author Dan O'Brien for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
- - - -
For similar reviews on other books, please visit my blog !
By itself, Conspirator is a wonderful adventure story that can stand by itself. Accompanied by some wonderful images that complements the novel well, the book overall is something that I would buy and read to any young children.
I love adventure stories, so to have such an old protagonist really shows me that you can continue having fun at any age. I really enjoyed this short story � make sure you pick up a copy if you know of any children that would enjoy an adventure!
Thank you to the author Dan O'Brien for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
- - - -
For similar reviews on other books, please visit my blog !
June 23, 2014
I was given a copy of this story. The Lost Sock Army by Dan O'Brien I found to be a fun little tale. I enjoyed the artwork as much as the storyline. Someone had to write about what happens to the lost socks.
Even though the story is short the characters are quite well developed. You really get the sense that the characters have lives beyond what we get to see of them. In fact this would make a cute cartoon.
My only negative with this is that I'd like to know a bit more about The Scourge, but this is me. I've always been fascinated by what makes a bad guy character do what he does, but sometimes there is no reason other than "he's the bad guy." As it is written for children it makes sense to focus more on other things, such as those socks.
I really had a good chuckle at what was the portal into the realm of The Scourge. This is definitely one to read with the kids or grandkids, and I believe I will be taking it to my Saturday night reading circle to introduce some friends to this author's works.
Even though the story is short the characters are quite well developed. You really get the sense that the characters have lives beyond what we get to see of them. In fact this would make a cute cartoon.
My only negative with this is that I'd like to know a bit more about The Scourge, but this is me. I've always been fascinated by what makes a bad guy character do what he does, but sometimes there is no reason other than "he's the bad guy." As it is written for children it makes sense to focus more on other things, such as those socks.
I really had a good chuckle at what was the portal into the realm of The Scourge. This is definitely one to read with the kids or grandkids, and I believe I will be taking it to my Saturday night reading circle to introduce some friends to this author's works.
February 24, 2014
I loved this book.
Do you ever swear you had more loose change in your pocket or on the nightstand?
Have you ever wondered where socks go when they disappear in the dryer?
Do those thoughts ever trouble you?
I dare you to read this book and not have the voices in your head speak with an Irish brogue.
A book short enough to read to or with children, yet long enough to thoroughly entertain adults.
The illustrations, even in e format, are wonderful!
Have you given more thoughts to those lost socks - are some more misbehaving or angry than others?
Are they the sort to fall in with a bad crowd?
I guarantee you will be wondering these things and more after you have read and enjoyed this book.
It is a story you will read over and over and share with friends.
I gratefully accepted an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Do you ever swear you had more loose change in your pocket or on the nightstand?
Have you ever wondered where socks go when they disappear in the dryer?
Do those thoughts ever trouble you?
I dare you to read this book and not have the voices in your head speak with an Irish brogue.
A book short enough to read to or with children, yet long enough to thoroughly entertain adults.
The illustrations, even in e format, are wonderful!
Have you given more thoughts to those lost socks - are some more misbehaving or angry than others?
Are they the sort to fall in with a bad crowd?
I guarantee you will be wondering these things and more after you have read and enjoyed this book.
It is a story you will read over and over and share with friends.
I gratefully accepted an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 22, 2014
CONSPIRATORS OF THE LOST SOCK ARMY AND THE LOOSE CHANGE COLLECTION AGENCY is a delightful story for children of all ages! I loved the illustrations as they really brought the story to life. It was neat to see an ordinary human (and an elderly one at that!) answer the call of the leprechauns to assist in defeating The Scourge and his Lost Sock Army. The story brought a smile to my face and warm fuzzies in my heart. CONSPIRATORS OF THE LOST SOCK ARMY AND THE LOOSE CHANGE COLLECTION AGENCY truly does show that you are never too “something� for a wondrous adventure!
February 12, 2014
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Robert Pendleton is taken on a magical journey into a parallel dimension by a couch change collector. I love the premise of this story and how it gives you a possible answer to all the weird things that happen, such as where all the socks disappear to and where the loose change ends up.
I think this is a story both children and adults will enjoy. I recommend it to anyone that loves a fantasy filled children’s book that is short enough for a bedtime story.
Robert Pendleton is taken on a magical journey into a parallel dimension by a couch change collector. I love the premise of this story and how it gives you a possible answer to all the weird things that happen, such as where all the socks disappear to and where the loose change ends up.
I think this is a story both children and adults will enjoy. I recommend it to anyone that loves a fantasy filled children’s book that is short enough for a bedtime story.
September 1, 2014
Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency: An Illustrated Children's Picture Book for Ages 2-10
Robert wakes up and finds he's lost the remote control for the TV. In his haste to reach for it, he knocks over the lamp and it breaks. He gets down to find the control and discovers a magical creature there that will take him to another place and time.
Drawings of the scenes as they occur and kinda on the scary side for a child. Adults will find the story funny as it's about missing coins and missing socks...
Robert wakes up and finds he's lost the remote control for the TV. In his haste to reach for it, he knocks over the lamp and it breaks. He gets down to find the control and discovers a magical creature there that will take him to another place and time.
Drawings of the scenes as they occur and kinda on the scary side for a child. Adults will find the story funny as it's about missing coins and missing socks...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.