A Particularly Nasty Case

A Novel

By: Adam Kay

Narrated by: Andy Serkis

A chaotic young doctor might be the only person who can catch a killer in this "hilarious, macabre, and heartrending" (Lucy Foley) debut mystery from Adam Kay, former doctor and BAFTA-winning author of This is Going to Hurt.

“A thrilling, twisting mystery. . . . Impossibly funny but also deeply moving and often heartbreaking.” ― Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark

When his toxic medical director dies of a heart attack, fellow doctor Eitan Rose smells foul play. Nobody else does, though, including some quite crucial players like the police and the medical examiner. So Eitan vows to uncover the truth himself.

But Eitan's own past and reputation are far from spotless, despite his budding relationship with Cole, a handsome hospital porter, and reluctant camaraderie with his office mate, Margaret-with-the-cats. As his colleagues become increasingly concerned about his mental health, Eitan's investigation spirals out of control. Could a killer really be stalking the wards? Or is Eitan making a catastrophic mistake?

For lovers of Listen for the Lie and My Sister, the Serial Killer, this fiendishly clever and deathly funny debut is filled with acerbic wit, lovable characters, and plenty of twists—alongside texts, transcripts, medical reports, and all the evidence you’ll need to help solve this particularly nasty case.

Critic reviews

“A work of fiendishly plotted genius: hilarious, macabre, and heartrending in equal measure.”—Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Feast

“A thrilling, twisting mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. Of course it's impossibly funny, but it's also deeply moving and often heartbreaking.”—Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark

“Uproariously funny! Adam Kay introduces us to a uniquely lovable, not-so-amateur sleuth who is as recklessly heroic as he is human and flawed. I loved this heartfelt and wildly hilarious mystery, and I cheered for Eitan all the way through.”—Elle Cosimano, New York Times bestselling author of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

"A brilliant, twisty, often hilarious tale that I could not put down. A filthy treat of a book."—Denise Mina, author of The Good Liar

“Brilliant, hilarious, ingenious and imaginative. It will make you laugh and weep.”—Reverend Richard Coles, author of Murder Before Evensong

“I loved it. It's smart, fast-paced, moving and very funny.”—Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat

“Amazing: so clever and funny. Medical knowledge twines the plot together like poison ivy, and I was gripped right up to the last minute.”—Joanna Lumley, author of A Queen for All Seasons

“Olympic-level black humour and blindsiding plot twists.”—Jill Mansell, author of The Wedding of the Year

“Multilayered, deeply compassionate, righteously angry and uproariously funny - absolutely brilliant.”—Chris Brookmyre, author of The Cliff House

“Very funny, very rude, and very moving – a wonderful read.”—Kate Mosse, author of The Ghost Ship

No shortage of twists - deserves US attention

What a fast-paced story, well-narrated by Andy Serkis. Adam Kay calls on his medical training and knowledge of the labyrinthine structure of the NHS to craft a murder mystery. His protagonist, Eitan Rose, a rheumatologist struggling with mental health and complicated grief, sees one nemesis drop dead in unusual circumstances. When another boss goes, the fun (for readers) begins. The story moves quickly - and it demands the listener’s attention.

Great mystery!

Loved that it was different from the usual whodunit. VERY funny and a nice twist at the end. Enjoyable read :)