Sleepyhead

Tom Thorne, Book 1

By: Mark Billingham

Narrated by: Mark Billingham

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The classic first novel from Mark Billingham introduces DI Tom Thorne in a unforgettable and terrifying case that changed crime fiction forever.

Alison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer's made his first mistake.

Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn't Alison who is the mistake, it's the three women already dead.

Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer's identity, is unable to say anything . . .

©2001 Mark Billingham (P)2018 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

'One of my favourite authors' Harlan Coben 

'A terrifically stylish debut novel' Independent on Sunday 

'The next superstar detective' Lee Child

Confused!

Not usually this confused but I just couldn’t get a handle on what was what

Great Listen

Well written and narrated. One of best audio books I have listened to. Will be looking for more by this author

Thoroughly enjoyed

First book I have read/listened to from this author and was hooked from the first chapter. Detective Thorne is a very engaging character. He has flaws and attributes in equal measures. I’m not sure if it was meant to be humorous or not but Alison’s character was really funny at times - loved the accent. I’m already looking forward to reading more of Tom Thorne. I really hope it’s the same narrator for the next book.

Very enjoyable

A great gritty murder thriller. Very well read. Thoroughly believable characters and enough twists and turns to satisfy.

Gripping & Terrifying

Gripping and terrifying, brought to life off the pages by Mark himself. Kept me guessing right to the end when tears were shed.

Crime fodder

This was ok, I could imagine a bbc version of it made.

It was predictable and the main characters weren’t to my taste. Maybe folk a little older or could relate to them and their views (im 38) but for my part it seemed dated and they weren’t likeable and a bit cheesy, especially when the author tried to make them cool or develop younger characters.

I’m not a big crime fan so maybe this just wasn’t for me but I must say, I probably won’t be following the DI Thorn series or the authors other work

Engaging if unbelievable

I enjoyed this book and the imaginative crimes. It would be a spoiler if I say why the perpetrator of the crimes is unlikely to have the knowledge and skills necessary. It's the first in the Tom Thorne series; a series that I think improves with time. The author narrates his own words with skill.

Good but not brilliant

The story is actually quite a good idea, it is a little predictable but is still enjoyable. The down side was the narration was not as good as some I've heard and I felt sometimes it jumped between characters without me realising. Overall though not bad.

Good plot

Enjoyed it and found it gripping in parts especially towards the end. I found the style a bit long winded and irrelevant at times. overall I enjoyed it.

Professional Reviewer Gets Read To

Loved it. It was really rememorable. The narrator/author has a great voice. If only I didn't fall asleep when read to. Hopefully my next read, 'How To Wake Up Next to Cillian Murphy' will have a similar result as 'Sleepyhead'.