Dont know if I love him or hate him?

NEVER has a book confused me so much - I am not sure if I LOVE or HATE the main man! sometimes I am listening and laughing my head off others I am thinking what a *********
i have told so many people about this book yet still find it hard to describe to anyone, its is both funny, sad, insightful, thrilling, twisting and clever - in short brilliant really. The main mystery man is both genius and idiot but it is one of the best things i have ever listened to, went straight on audible and got the next one! I am a really picky listener often only getting books that are either Dr Who, Terry Pratchett or something I have already read and want to listen to, this grabbed me in a sale and I am so glad I took a chance well worth a listen

17 people found this helpful

RIVETING

This book is a tome of intrigue, espionage, courage, incontestable and allergy ridden bravado. The laughter escaped from my lips before I was aware of it. The plot was emotionally charged that I found myself constantly listening. The writing was prolific with a twist of comedic elements that surprise the reader. I was enthralled by the story because it was told with a depth and a simplicity. I loved the reader's irish brogue. The conclusion is a twist worth waiting for. Magnificent indeed.

6 people found this helpful

A thoroughly enjoyable romp!

What made the experience of listening to Mystery Man the most enjoyable?

The narrator completely embodied the central character, which is vital for a first person narrative

What did you like best about this story?

The story was well paced, started out with some anecdote style episodes before getting stuck into the more meaty central case. The foibles of the central character are released to the reader (listener) slowly enough for them to be revelatory.

What does Stephen Armstrong bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Stephen Armstrong's accent is, of course, perfect. He expresses the required sarcasm and knowing asides wonderfully.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself laughing aloud on occasion and certainly smiling to myself on many occasions.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended

5 people found this helpful

Light Hearted?

What a find this author is. This book was laugh out load funny in places. The story is very plausible and the reading was just right.

3 people found this helpful

A laugh out loud thriller.

A laugh out loud thriller sounds like a contradiction in terms, but that’s just how I found this book to be. Cleverly written and plotted it presents us with an anti-hero we can root for on his journey to solve numerous mysteries. Some small cases and some Not so small. It’s book I will reflect on for a long time as the ending demands that of you.

2 people found this helpful

Dead on

Being from the authors native country it was great to have a book where I recognised all the places mentioned, that aside, the book is great. Full of nice dry humour and bizzare yet strangely believable mysterys. I have laughed aloud several times. The lead character is odd yet likeable, is he representative of anyone, perhaps , Colin? Buy this book , you will laugh.

2 people found this helpful

favourite series of my book club

this first book is so fun, as well as a good plot. the second book is even funnier. brilliant

1 person found this helpful

Gently amusing, well narrated

This was easy to listen to and I found myself chuckling alot with the occasional outburst of real laughter. The narrator was very good for the story.

1 person found this helpful

Amateur

What disappointed you about Mystery Man?

The words used came from a 1930's novel. Which sergeant nowadays says to an inspector "time is of the essence" Read like a school essay which is a shame because the plot is good.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Good

Would you be willing to try another one of Stephen Armstrong’s performances?

No

What character would you cut from Mystery Man?

None, just get somebody else to write it.

1 person found this helpful

Good Story idea but Oh! So Slow

This story had a good idea; guy owning book shop starts to get inquiries about cases from the strangely quiet and empty PI office next door. He starts to take an interest and looks at easily resolved local cases. Girl from shop across the road wants to help. Good idea Yes! The guy who reads this takes so long in getting full sentences out, you want to ring the iPod out trying to get more speed.

The story starts to meander after only what seems to be a while with angst and fear from the seemingly hypochondriac hero, and you want to shout encouragement to the shop girl to ditch the bloke and take over. No such luck – I stuck it to the end but wish I hadn’t.

1 person found this helpful