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The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax cover art

The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

By: Christopher Shevlin
Narrated by: Finlay Robertson
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Summary

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

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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A fun book

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

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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

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

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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
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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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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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brilliantly funny with great twists and turns

I stumbled across those series by accident and have not laughed so hard in quite a while.
I listen to audio books while performing my duties as a domestic cleaner, a mundane and repeatative job but Jf an Co. have kept me company for a few days. his incompetent sleuthing which foils a dastardly plot at the center of government has made me laugh outrageously in public repeatedly.

With humour reminiscent of my all Time favourite author Douglas Adams, Christopher Shevlin has created a crew of world saving characters so diverse you have to love each of them.
can't wait to experience their next adventures in the following 2 books.

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Need to try a new author

Surprisingly entertaining. Amusing story very well read. I may listen to his next book when I'm in the mood for another funny story.

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Funny and engaging

Really loved this book. Very funny, good story and brilliant narration. Definitely worth a listen

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Nice premise, but way too long winded and arduous

I wouldn’t call this funny - lots of filler. I don’t know why I read the whole thing. I should have returned it.

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1 person found this helpful