The Long Shoe

By: Bob Mortimer

Narrated by: Bob Mortimer, Diane Morgan, Arabella Weir

THE BRAND-NEW BOOK FOR 2025 BY 2 MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR BOB MORTIMER.

Bathroom salesman Matt is at a crossroads. He has lost his job, he is about to be made homeless and his girlfriend has left him. He wants his luck to change and he wants things to go back to how they were. Out of the blue he is offered a job that comes with a free luxury apartment. He hopes this might be enough to tempt her back. But, as events unfold, it starts to dawn on him that perhaps she didn't leave of her own accord after all...​

Praise for Bob Mortimer:

'As a comedian, Bob Mortimer spins a shaggy-dog story like nobody else' The Guardian

‘The much loved comic proves adept at noirish fiction in a debut whose surrealist humour sets it apart’ – Observer

‘Mortimer’s verbal specificity and off-kilter humour will keep his fans chuckling’ The Times

'There is a sweetness to his worldview that makes his writing gently poignant... Like Spike Milligan, the only vintage comic whose fiction is still read, Mortimer has managed to use a novel as a vehicle for his distinctive comedic voice' The Telegraph

Our Northern Light and There’s a Cat

Excellent Bob humor and turn of phrase, wonderful characters and an entertaining plot. Also there’s a cat that speaks like Ted the dog from the fishing show. I give it six ham dancers and a bag of egg!

Another Bob Mortimer classic

Such a fun listen. The cast is tops too! Interesting, twisty, and fun. Def worth the time!

Bob Mortimer - The Sound of Joy

If you're not familiar with Bob Mortimer, I'm sorry. I first saw him when briefly living in London in the early 90s. I immediately developed a terrible crush that has not diminished over time or oceans. His first two books make for a delightful miniseries. I wholeheartedly recommend them. But then we come to "The Long Shoe". hmmm... While it isn't part of the Satsuma Couplet, it has many of the same themes. The story will feel very familiar for fans of his other novels. The girlfriend who may be in danger. The boyfriend is a little inept, but keen to save her. The neighbor who interferes in their lives. It's different, but very reminiscent.

To be clear, that doesn't mean that it is bad. There are moments that don't feel as polished or as well edited as I would have liked, but the overall novel is fun and engaging. The characters are easy to imagine. They are both quirky and whimsical which fits with the long shoe and the musical plate well. While I would have preferred the long shoe to be more of a Macguffin style object, it's purposeful lack of mystery is appropriate that fits the story in a way it would never fit a foot. (It actually reminds me of my own book "Bingo!" where a particularly ugly lucky charm is nicknamed a "Gaud-send" as it is so gaudy it must be lucky, but I digress.)

If Bob's first 2 novels hadn't been so good, I probably wouldn't be critical of this book. As it is an original novel and not a sequel, if you are just starting to read Mortimer's books, start with "The Long Shoe", then move on to the Satsuma Couplet. I think it will feel more natural a progression in Bob's writing style.

Excellent!!

I love Bob Mortimer and his books! This book is so funny with a good mystery! If you’re looking to giggle while being intrigued, I’d give it a listen!

Funny and intriguing

Nothing, I was riveted the whole way through. Amazing characters, it was read well and there were so many laugh out loud moments.