The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

By: Christopher Shevlin

Narrated by: Finlay Robertson

When Jonathon Fairfax accidentally helps a murderer bump off Sarah Morecambe, the secretary of a senior politician, he sets off a chain of events that astonishes him. Jonathon is wrong-footed by even the most everyday things, so he's particularly startled to find himself caught up in a conspiracy that goes right to the heart of government. Teaming up with a suave private investigator, a glamorous granny and the probable love of his life, Jonathon must confront his greatest fears - including talking to girls and balaclava-clad killers - and answer some very difficult questions. Who murdered Sarah Morecambe? What is the strange secret that unites the entire British government? And what exactly does it feel like to kiss a real-life woman?

With its naïve, reluctant hero and wry look at life, The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax has been compared to books by Douglas Adams, Carl Hiaasen and PG Wodehouse.

©2019 Christopher Shevlin (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"You can't help being tickled." (The Guardian)

"Not many books make me laugh out loud, but The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax is one of them...A comic gem." (Stylist magazine)

"Shevlin was rightly picked up by the literary agency that represents the likes of David Nicholls." (Metro)

Funny with some great characters

I will listen to all of Shevlin's books. I'm Looking forward to number four.

Terrific

Well done all around. An excellent narration of an amusing, original story. I will certainly look for other work by both Shevlin and Robertson.

Somewhat amusing

It’s an amusing story, feels fresh and original. There is imagination and humor. I don’t regret listening to it.

Delightful

I didn't know what to expect but it was quite funny and I actually laughed out loud. Great narration.

A challenge met

I wonder if Shevlin challenged himself to write a main character who was introverted, self affecting, and rarely knows what to say? There was danger such a character would be boring or annoying but the befuddled Jonathon delighted me from the beginning. As did Lance and Jane. I love Shevlin’s humor. Finlay Robertson’s narration is excellent, he does a wonderful job all round but particularly with Jonathon.

Oh My Goodness!

This book was absolutely delightful! I am off to purchase book 2 with my fingers crossed that there will be many more adventures for Johnathan.

Terrifically well written

…and made me laugh out loud, which is the highest praise. Jonathan is amazing in his oerplexedness.

Fabulous Romp

Silliness, seriousness, and just enough sympathy for well-developed characters to keep me excited until the end.

So much fun!

I think this is the most thoroughly entertained I've been by an audiobook in a long time. I stayed up way to late because I couldn't stop listening.

It's well-written, funny, and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are wonderful and I really enjoyed hearing the story from different points of view.

The narrator is excellent. Enough said.

This book is worth the listen whether you have a credit or not. I'm starting the next in the series tomorrow!

Great story with LOL moments

I enjoyed this story...I laughed out loud often, I look forward to growing with characters, and the narration was superb.