Mystery Man

By: Colin Bateman

Narrated by: Stephen Armstrong

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

A superbly gripping and blackly funny mystery by the king of the comic crime caper.

He’s the Man With No Name and the owner of No Alibis, a mystery bookshop in Belfast. But when a detective agency next door goes bust, the agency’s clients start calling into his shop asking him to solve their cases. It’s not as if there’s any danger involved. It’s an easy way to sell books to his gullible customers and Alison, the beautiful girl in the jewellery shop across the road, will surely be impressed. Except she’s not – because she can see the bigger picture.

And when they break into the shuttered shop next door on a dare, they have their answer. Suddenly they’re catapulted along a murder trail which leads them from small-time publishing to Nazi concentration camps and serial killers.

©2009 Colin Bateman (P)2010 WF Howes Ltd

Mystery, humor & literary nuances - GREAT

What did you love best about Mystery Man?

The wry, black humor was enticing as well as the author's knowledge of mysteries in general. I love how unique it was and the witty prose.

What did you like best about this story?

That I was never bored and continually entertained.

What about Stephen Armstrong’s performance did you like?

He was a most engaging reader and I loved the Irish lilt. Very easy to listen to and the articulation great. He didn't "overdo" it as some readers do. I could listen to him for hours on end.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Murder is the business of this mystery bookshop.

Any additional comments?

It is not often one encounters a truly amusing mystery that is contemporary and draws on history. This novel did both. I have bought one of his books before and now shall buy more. The author reminds me a bit of David Lodge and Tom Sharpe. I really applaud this author.

Great beginning to a wonderful series...

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed this series - humorous and dark at the same time. Quirky characters that you can't help but become friends with.

Which character – as performed by Stephen Armstrong – was your favorite?

Mystery Man himself was a delight - I wish that there were more than just the three books in the series.

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

This book made me laugh out loud at times... which could be a bit akward as I walked to and from work. I must have made many passersby wonder just what I was up to!

Any additional comments?

If you haven't tried this series - do so! You won't be disappointed.

At least one grunt or groan per page

There is at least one grunt or groan per page as the Mystery bookstore owner turned PI in this clever novel jabs you with tight-lipped one liners, followed by roundhouse silly/fun shaggy dogs. This book is loads of fun and the narrator is perfect for it.

quirky, in a very good way

This was a great book, quirky in every pleasant respect. Great writing and a great story with a wonderful, eccentric cast. Very highly recommended.

Quirky and entertaining

A mystery unlike any other I have read enjoyable from start to finish. Looking for another in the series.

Mediocre murder mystery

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Everyone would probably find large parts of it boring.

What could Colin Bateman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Made the central character more appealing for one.

Which character – as performed by Stephen Armstrong – was your favorite?

None of them.

What character would you cut from Mystery Man?

The protagonist.

Any additional comments?

Basically rubbish. It is one of worst mystery books I have read.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A strange book but enjoyable

I actually enjoyed listening to this book. At the start I thought, no I'm not going to enjoy this. I found the main character annoying but then he grew on me and I found myself listening and really enjoying. It is about the bookshop owner and his escapades into sleuthing with the love of his life! Funny with a dark sense of humour.

Mmh

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were good the plot was interesting. However the ending was awful. The reader is excellent.

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