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)
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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.

A great story

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A good story for free. Quite funny in places with a good story. The narrator was very good,lots of good voices.

Relatively funny

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Everything about this is perfectly matched; a light humour, thoroughly likeable and believable characters, set in a simpler time (mid 90s) and so perfectly narrated. It all adds up to an astonishingly easy and hugely enjoyable listen. My favourite audiobook since the Dublin Trilogy, which is no mean feat.

Brilliant story, perfectly narrated.

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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!

Laugh out loud funny

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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

off the wall

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I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to listen to the sequel. Narration was a joy to listen to.

Super funny story, very well written

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Lovely gentle humour, with very clever writing. Set in the blast to the past days just before smartphones became readily available. Contains characters that I like and the narration was easy to listen to.
I have actually bought all 4 of Shevlin's 'Jonathon Fairfax' books to really savour the penmanship.
(note to author, Christopher Shevlin: Thank you, thank you, thank you!)

A great listen. Words sooo cleverly used. Plenty of humour and very good narration. I highly recommend you give this a listen!

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

Gently amusing, a really good listen

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This has been the most entertaining download in a long time. The story is brilliantly narrated and unfolds at a great pace. With laugh out loud moments, action, romance and intrigue, it’s a fabulous listen.

Highly recommended

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Just not for me I’m afraid. Found it tedious and couldn’t wait to get to the end. Narrator did a good job and made it bearable.

Not for me

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