Quirky Cosy Crime Alert: 'The Long Shoe' by Bob Mortimer
Meet Matt Giles, a hapless 30-something who's having one bad luck after another. Recently fired from his job as a bathroom salesman and evicted from his flat with his girlfriend Harriet, it seems like life can't get much worse – but boy, is it wrong. A note from Harriet informs him she's left him, only to have the tables turned when he receives a mysterious call about a luxurious new apartment, sparking hope that things are finally going Matt's way.
Of course, with Bob Mortimer behind the mic, this quirky cosy crime novel can't be taken too seriously. Good luck trying! The author's trademark offbeat sense of humour shines through in his narration, particularly when it comes to Matt's befuddlement at trying to spot familiar faces – a task akin to searching for a mouse's handbag in a builder's skip.
Here, Mortimer masterfully juggles three alternating viewpoints: Matt's own chapters, Harriet's voice (narrated by the delightfully dry Diane Morgan), and their nosy neighbour Carol (played by Arabella Weir). The latter may have a penchant for romping after younger men – never a good idea. As it turns out, Harriet hasn't left Matt at all but has been a victim of crime.
The plot gets a bit tangled in its own web of contrivances, but trust us, the laughs and snappy dialogue keep things ticking along. Goodmonson, Matt's wisecracking cat, adds an extra layer of surreal charm to this already bizarre world. Even if 'The Long Shoe' takes a few leaps of faith, it remains undeniably quirky and delightfully funny – making for a listen that will leave you beaming.
Listen to The Long Shoe by Bob Mortimer on Simon & Schuster
Meet Matt Giles, a hapless 30-something who's having one bad luck after another. Recently fired from his job as a bathroom salesman and evicted from his flat with his girlfriend Harriet, it seems like life can't get much worse – but boy, is it wrong. A note from Harriet informs him she's left him, only to have the tables turned when he receives a mysterious call about a luxurious new apartment, sparking hope that things are finally going Matt's way.
Of course, with Bob Mortimer behind the mic, this quirky cosy crime novel can't be taken too seriously. Good luck trying! The author's trademark offbeat sense of humour shines through in his narration, particularly when it comes to Matt's befuddlement at trying to spot familiar faces – a task akin to searching for a mouse's handbag in a builder's skip.
Here, Mortimer masterfully juggles three alternating viewpoints: Matt's own chapters, Harriet's voice (narrated by the delightfully dry Diane Morgan), and their nosy neighbour Carol (played by Arabella Weir). The latter may have a penchant for romping after younger men – never a good idea. As it turns out, Harriet hasn't left Matt at all but has been a victim of crime.
The plot gets a bit tangled in its own web of contrivances, but trust us, the laughs and snappy dialogue keep things ticking along. Goodmonson, Matt's wisecracking cat, adds an extra layer of surreal charm to this already bizarre world. Even if 'The Long Shoe' takes a few leaps of faith, it remains undeniably quirky and delightfully funny – making for a listen that will leave you beaming.
Listen to The Long Shoe by Bob Mortimer on Simon & Schuster