Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Gary Thorn, a disenchanted legal assistant living a quiet, unremarkable life in London, finds his routine disrupted after a drink at the pub with a work acquaintance turns into something much stranger. When he meets a mysterious woman (over a shared satsuma, no less) and she disappears shortly afterward, Gary is drawn into an offbeat mystery that takes him well outside his comfort zone. What follows is a quirky, meandering mix of investigation, introspection, and awkward encounters — all told through Mortimer’s unmistakably oddball lens.

👀 First Impressions:
I was really curious to read this one — I love Bob Mortimer’s humour and surreal storytelling from his TV appearances, and the idea of a mystery novel with his signature voice was too intriguing to resist. The cover and blurb promised something unusual, and the title alone had me smiling. I expected eccentricity and laughs, which the book definitely delivers in parts.

✅ What I Liked:
Bob Mortimer’s unique voice shines through — it’s charmingly bizarre and oddly poetic at times. There are some genuinely funny moments, and the inner voice of Gary (and his imaginary conversations with a squirrel) adds a surreal, whimsical edge. The dialogue often has a dry, British wit that made me chuckle, and the observational humour about modern life and loneliness is well done.

There’s also a warmth beneath the quirk — Gary is a likeable, slightly lost character, and you can sense Mortimer’s affection or him. Fans of his comedy will likely enjoy the familiar tone and pacing.

❎ What Didn’t Work for Me:
The plot was, frankly, a bit thin and uneven. It meanders quite a lot, and the central mystery felt secondary to the oddball tangents and musings. That’s fine if you’re in it for character and vibe, but I found myself wanting a bit more narrative drive. The pacing slows down significantly in the middle, and some parts felt like they were trying to be more profound than they really were.

Also, if you’re not already on board with Mortimer’s surreal humour, the book may feel more baffling than charming. It often reads more like a collection of thoughts than a structured novel.

💭 Overall Thoughts:
The Satsuma Complex is a quirky, gentle read with a lot of personality — but it won’t be for everyone. It’s more of a character piece than a mystery, and its oddball charm wears a little thin if you’re hoping for a strong plot. That said, if you enjoy Bob Mortimer’s unique brand of humour and don’t mind a meandering story, it’s a pleasant, occasionally hilarious ride.

🛍️ Where to buy:
To buy your own copy of The Satsuma Complex visit HERE

Final Rating ★★★ 1/2 – The Satsuma Complex gets 3.5 stars for its offbeat charm and dry humour, though the plot meanders and lacks real urgency.