The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax cover art

The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

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The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

By: Christopher Shevlin
Narrated by: Finlay Robertson
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About this listen

When Jonathon Fairfax accidentally helps a murderer bump off Sarah Morecambe, the secretary of a senior politician, he sets off a chain of events that astonishes him. Jonathon is wrong-footed by even the most everyday things, so he's particularly startled to find himself caught up in a conspiracy that goes right to the heart of government. Teaming up with a suave private investigator, a glamorous granny and the probable love of his life, Jonathon must confront his greatest fears - including talking to girls and balaclava-clad killers - and answer some very difficult questions. Who murdered Sarah Morecambe? What is the strange secret that unites the entire British government? And what exactly does it feel like to kiss a real-life woman?

With its naïve, reluctant hero and wry look at life, The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax has been compared to books by Douglas Adams, Carl Hiaasen and PG Wodehouse.

©2019 Christopher Shevlin (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd
Literature & Fiction Funny Witty Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

"You can't help being tickled." (The Guardian)

"Not many books make me laugh out loud, but The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax is one of them...A comic gem." (Stylist magazine)

"Shevlin was rightly picked up by the literary agency that represents the likes of David Nicholls." (Metro)

What listeners say about The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gently amusing, a really good listen

Great characterisation, a few anachronisms here and there, looking forward to the next one. It did remind me a little of Dirk Gently.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great story

I found it a bit difficult to get into the first book, almost as if I was joining a group conversation halfway through. But once I got with the flow, I quickly became a fan of Christopher Shevlin's writing and the excellent narration. I've listened to all three books in the series and I'm looking forward to number four.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

off the wall

Maybe somewhere in the vicinity of Caimh McDonnell, though not as accomplished... at least, not yet. The characters are interesting but not as colourful and there are few laugh outloud lines. Lighthearted, enjoyable and engaging, I will probably get the second book in the series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A fun book

I enjoyed this, and also the sequel. Will look out for another by this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book!

This book was riveting, at times funny, well written with superb (and I really mean superb) narration. I can highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be fully absorbed by great story well told with memorable characters.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining

This was an easy listen. Light and entertaining. There is some unintentionally hilarious, and surprising, mispronunciation on occasions by the narrator.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Laugh out loud funny

Quirky story not entirely sure if it’s 4 stars but the author has a fab turn of phrase and I was literally laughing out loud!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant, mostly

I really enjoyed it although the storyline was kind of silky the characters were brilliant.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Charming and Funny

Exceptional narration brought this story vividly to life. So much richer than reading it on paper. I totally loved it and am delighted to see there is a follow up book to be issued shortly.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable nonsense

Overall this book was very enjoyable and is a decent length. The narration is very good and the character and scene description pretty much perfect. I laughed out loud in quite a few places and rooted for the hero all the way through. There was a slight discrepancy with regard to plot (it seemed to jump from beginning to end without much middle) but I expect that is due to this being the author's first novel. I recommend this book to anyone wanting an entertaining listen without too much depth.

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1 person found this helpful