Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

5 reviews

wowsmeows's review against another edition

funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

"I've never been good at striking
up conversations with
strangers, especially the opposite sex. I needed to come up with a suitable opening line. I knew what would work for me if the roles were reversed - something like: 'Do you prefer even or uneven surfaces?' 'Do you wish that Sports Direct also sold fresh meat?' 'Have you ever needed to use a tourniquet in your work environment?' "

The Satsuma Complex follows the story of Gary, a man who meets up with a friend for a pint and then accidentally gets caught up in their subsequent disappearance. This is not a crime thriller by any means, but it does have some suspense, mystery, a touch of romance and a really solid plot.

I really enjoyed this book, there were many laugh out loud moments. I listened to the audiobook and there were times you could almost hear Bob smiling at the jokes. Wonderful. Sally Phillips was equally fantastic as always.  If you're a fan of Bob Mortimer's crazy humour from his many WILTY appearances, I'd definitely recommend giving this a go.

That being said, there are some darker moments in the book, but overall it was a delight to read.

Shout out to one of my favourite quotes:
"dogs sharing an interest in a spillage (I imagine the dogs are called Zak Briefcase and Lengthy Parsnips)."

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Death of parent, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Police brutality, Bullying, Murder, Violence, and Emotional abuse

carolined's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

This is a terrible book with terrible dialogue. Imagine the class clown when you were 14 who would do all sorts of disgusting things for attention and say random things and make the same joke over and over and misuse words. Now imagine they are trying to impress you. This book should never have been published. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Cursing, Excrement, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Stalking, Police brutality, Gun violence, Violence, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Death

Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, and Death of parent

ellieplumb's review

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Death of parent and Death

zara89's review

dark funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Stalking, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse

Minor: Alcohol

joshsimp's review

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship

Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, and Violence

Minor: Murder, Stalking, Death of parent, Kidnapping, and Alcohol