The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

By: Christopher Shevlin

Narrated by: Finlay Robertson

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 grannie 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.
"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 newspaper©2012 Christopher Shevlin (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Terrific

Well done all around. An excellent narration of an amusing, original story. I will certainly look for other work by both Shevlin and Robertson.

Somewhat amusing

It’s an amusing story, feels fresh and original. There is imagination and humor. I don’t regret listening to it.

Humour

I loved the Quirky characters and the original, clever, and truly hilarious writing style. I hope there are more books by this author

Clever Storytelling

Witty and clever storytelling. Fully engaging characters. Skillful weaving of seemingly disparate story lines. I laughed out loud several times. I'm looking forward to other books by Christopher Shevlin.

Favorite author and series Hidden Gem

If you enjoy being happy, this is the book for you.

I love this character, this book, this author, this series, and the narrator. It’s hilarious, enjoyable, sweet, kind, fun and in all ways…for me…in all ways perfect.

I’ve known about the author for a while, but for some reason didn’t review the books. The past few years have been a lot for everyone, but that’s why I revisited this series.

tThats when I realized I’d never reviewed it! Like a favorite neighborhood restaurant, you don’t want to tell everyone about it because next thing you know everyone goes and you can’t get a table. But books aren’t like that and if there was ever a time and a world that could benefit from Jonathon Fairfax, it is now and here. So. Fine.

It’s one of two series I can read and reread and the joy never diminishes. So that’s my recommendation, I’ve never been more certain of a recommendation, or aware of my limitations as a critic. But if you 1) have a good sense of humor and 2) you are a good person then 3) you will love this book. One last suggestion…1.25x is a perfect speed.