Mystery Man

By: Colin Bateman

Narrated by: Stephen Armstrong

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

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.

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.

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.

Very quirky main character, interesting twist

Overall an interesting listen. The main character is extremely unusual, very quirky, and perhaps not for everyone. He was sometimes incredibly frustrating and wasn’t always balanced with the same level of endearing traits/behaviors. The twist at the end was generally predictable, but some of the details were still a surprise.