The backdrop to the story line in Don't Make Me Laugh is the stand-up comedy circuit, but do n't go into this expecting a laugh a minute just because the characters include a (fictionally) well known comedian. There is a serious message in here, and anyone who doesn't understand that an abusive relationship can be emotional as well as physical, really ought to read it. We have all seen the big story-lines on the news that involve internationally recognised personalities who have used their industry clout to seduce vulnerable women, but this kind of abuse can happen in any level of society and women need to know what to watch out for. In the book, radio producer Ali Lauder is just over thirty and has got herself in a bad relationship with a married man. When that affair is found out and comes to an end, Ali is emotionally vulnerable and responds to flattery from one of the big-name comedians who is in middle age but seems comfortable and unthreatening. Once he has her c...