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The Satsuma Complex Paperback – 25 May 2023

by Bob Mortimer (Author)
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*WINNER OF THE BOLLINGER EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE FOR COMIC FICTION 2023*

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
 
‘Funny, clever and sweet’– Sunday Times

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

My name is Gary. I’m a thirty-year-old legal assistant with a firm of solicitors in London. To describe me as anonymous would be unfair but to notice me other than in passing would be a rarity. I did make a good connection with a girl, but that blew up in my face and smacked my arse with a fish slice.

Gary Thorn goes for a pint with a work acquaintance called Brendan. When Brendan leaves early, Gary meets a girl in the pub. He doesn’t catch her name, but falls for her anyway. When she suddenly disappears without saying goodbye, all Gary has to remember her by is the book she was reading: The Satsuma Complex. But when Brendan goes missing, Gary needs to track down the girl he now calls Satsuma to get some answers.

And so begins Gary’s quest, through the estates and pie shops of South London, to finally bring some love and excitement into his unremarkable life…

A page-turning story with a cast of unforgettable characters, The Satsuma Complex is the brilliantly funny smash hit first novel by bestselling author and comedian Bob Mortimer.
 
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  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Gallery UK
  4. Publication date
    25 May 2023
  5. Reading age
    14 years and up
  6. Dimensions
    13 x 1.95 x 19.8 cm
  7. ISBN-10
    139852123X
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1398521230
  9. See all details
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From the Publisher

Bob Mortimer - The Satsuma Complex
Bob Mortimer - The Satsuma Complex

Bob Mortimer - The Satsuma Complex

Bob Mortimer - The Satsuma Complex

Bob Mortimer - The Satsuma Complex

Bob Mortimer - The Satsuma Complex

Product description

Review

'The much loved comic proves adept at noirish fiction in a debut whose surrealist humour sets it apart ... Off the wall doesn’t quite cover it ... Fans of Mortimer’s surrealist turns on Would I Lie to You? or his internet sketch show Train Guy won’t be disappointed. Nor will crime fiction devotees, if only they can get over the talking squirrels.' ― Observer

'Funny, clever and sweet – and the "Richard Osman effect" will make it a bestseller ... The good news is that there is a lot of Mortimer’s ridiculousness in all this. Gary loves a regular chat with a squirrel in his playground, and his favourite chat-up lines include, “Have you ever needed to use a tourniquet in your work environment?”' ― Sunday Times

'As in his television work, Mortimer conveys an infectious joy in his own oddity, and, as his recent bestselling memoir And Away… showed, there is a sweetness to his worldview that makes his writing gently poignant. And although I can’t imagine non-fans emerging anything other than baffled, those who are used to his brand of weirdness will find that the book works well as a thriller, too. 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

'An offbeat romantic thriller, as if Salvador Dali scripted a Hitchcock film... It's as a comic novel that the book is most memorable. It contains the funniest description of somebody having a bath that you're ever likely to read… But there is genuine tension at times, and I came to believe in and care about the central characters. More than just a tour of the wonderfully weird mind of Mortimer, it works - for the most part - as a novel.' ― Daily Express

'I’m delighted to report it’s as hilarious and surreal as you would expect… stuffed with laugh-out-loud moments.' ― Daily Mail

'With Mortimer’s self-mocking wit, plus an audio version read by Sally Phillips, alongside the man himself, what’s not to love?' ― Saga, Book of the Month

'The first novel from comedy legend Bob Mortimer is as funny, idiosyncratic and full of squirrels as you’d expect. It’s also really rather lovely.' ― HEAT, Book of the Month

'Mr Clown Shoes. Lassoo the dog. The corn cob dongle. Just three hilarious elements of The Satsuma Complex – a surprisingly serious debut novel from Would I Lie To You? and Gone Fishing comedy star Bob Mortimer. The stellar success of his surreal and semi-truthful autobiography And Away… caused clamour for a fully fictional follow-up, and Mortimer fulfils the brief with a remarkably dark and gritty tale of sink estate murder, law and order mystery, and honey-trap romance. His distinctive tone and bizarrely British humour sing from every page, with the story swinging from side-splitting set-pieces to moments of real pathos and high drama. It’s a bit unusual, but you’ll love it.' ― Independent

About the Author

Bob Mortimer was born in Middlesbrough in 1959, the youngest of four sons. He trained as a solicitor before a chance encounter with Vic Reeves in the 1980s led to a successful career in comedy as half of duo Reeves and Mortimer. His screen credits include Shooting Stars, Big Night Out, Catterick and most recently BBC2's Gone Fishing. His memoir, And Away…, published in 2021. It became the bestselling memoir of the year, was named Times and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year, and was shortlisted for Non-fiction Book of the Year at the National Book Awards. The Satsuma Complex is his first novel. He's on Twitter and Instagram as @RealBobMortimer.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery UK (25 May 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 139852123X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1398521230
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 years and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13 x 1.95 x 19.8 cm
  • Customer reviews:

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Bob Mortimer

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
10,708 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the reading experience enjoyable with a neat storyline and clever plot twists. They also find the humor appropriate and wonderful. Readers describe the characters as well-described and believable. They praise the pacing as swift and the writing style as well constructed.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Reading experienceHumorStorylineWriting styleCharacterizationPacingPlotEntertainment value
230 customers mention ‘Reading experience’230 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an enjoyable, brilliant, funny, witty, dark, full of twists and turns. They also say it's easy to read, amusing, and well written.

"...This humour is natural and not forced, it really is a superb read and I can’t recommend enough...." Read more

"...Bobs main character a solicitor is born from bobs passed. Enjoyable read with a good sense of humour as you would expect." Read more

"...So, to summarise, I'd venture to say it's a great book and would recommend you read it. Even if you don't think it'll be your thing." Read more

"Bob has a playful, enjoyable style of writing. I breezed through this book fairly quickly...." Read more

149 customers mention ‘Humor’137 positive12 negative

Customers find the humor in the book appropriate, quirky, and wonderful. They also appreciate the random silly points to laugh at.

"I have always found the author’s humour, characters and turns of phrase to be wonderful, but did doubt that it could be translated well into a novel...." Read more

"...Enjoyable read with a good sense of humour as you would expect." Read more

"...The story is multi-faceted and compelling. And, appropriately funny...." Read more

"...You honestly need to read the Satsuma Complex as it is an intelligent, funny and well written book...." Read more

132 customers mention ‘Storyline’111 positive21 negative

Customers find the storyline very neat, with likeable characters. They also say the story rattles along nicely, making them smile. Readers also appreciate the humour, clever plot twists, and nice nods to modern day issues.

"...Even the wildlife! The story is multi-faceted and compelling. And, appropriately funny...." Read more

"...It was maybe a bit slight, but enjoyable enough with some good twists and turns." Read more

"...The storyline rattles along nicely and made me smile. Job done." Read more

"...Anyway- this is charming in parts but a bit too much random whimsy. Slightly lightweight story punctuated by random non sequiturs. Fairly disposable." Read more

105 customers mention ‘Writing style’91 positive14 negative

Customers find the writing style easy to read and not complex. They also say the book is satisfying and enjoyable.

"...I was very happy to be wrong! It’s a pacey, page-turner of a book with humble, rounded characters you really root for...." Read more

"Bob has a playful, enjoyable style of writing. I breezed through this book fairly quickly...." Read more

"...to read the Satsuma Complex as it is an intelligent, funny and well written book. Best thing I have read since reading Bobs autobiography." Read more

"This is a well written and light whodunnit with twists and turns. It's very Bob Mortimer and some may not attach to his comedic style. I do...." Read more

72 customers mention ‘Characterization’65 positive7 negative

Customers find the characters relatable, believable, and able to identify with them. They also appreciate the author's unique descriptive talent.

"...It’s a pacey, page-turner of a book with humble, rounded characters you really root for...." Read more

"...The characters are believable and you can identify with them. Even the wildlife! The story is multi-faceted and compelling. And, appropriately funny...." Read more

"...This was entirely different. Bob and Sally are both great at bringing the characters alive. The storyline rattles along nicely and made me smile...." Read more

"...It's warm hearted and funny, with well drawn characters. A great antidote to gloom if you're experiencing any of that at the moment." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Pacing’13 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book fast and funny. They also say it's a very funny story and love the characters.

"...I was very happy to be wrong! It’s a pacey, page-turner of a book with humble, rounded characters you really root for...." Read more

"...Good book, fast paced story." Read more

"Swift delivery and value for money" Read more

"...Highly recommend this novel which flows swiftly from beginning to end." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Plot’14 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot brilliant, clever, and gripping. They also mention that the book keeps them entertained and hooked with Bob's story.

"...I was very happy to be wrong! It’s a pacey, page-turner of a book with humble, rounded characters you really root for...." Read more

"...I did smile wryly but not the laughs. It was a good story, gripping at times...." Read more

"...In another, some sort of let down. Either way, it keeps the readers' attention...." Read more

"...I found this very funny with just the right amount of threat, it kept me guessing too,although I sometimes felt that Grace should knock Gary about..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Entertainment value’0 positive10 negative

Customers find the book boring, annoying, and slight. They also say the writing lacks TV whimsy and sparkle.

"...I breezed through this book fairly quickly. It was maybe a bit slight, but enjoyable enough with some good twists and turns." Read more

"...arc i was not expecting this writing from teh author, it lacks his TV whimsy and sparkle and it left me flat...." Read more

"Bit boring and passed it onto charity shop once read" Read more

"I gave up on this book around 7 th Chapter,it just started getting monotonous and boring,especially the conversations with the squirrel,just wasn’t..." Read more

A bit bonkers but then it's Bob
4 out of 5 stars
A bit bonkers but then it's Bob
I bought The Satsuma Complex because it was written by Bob Mortimer.A bit bonkers, slightly surreal and laugh-out-loud funny, it is interwoven with threads of darkness, poignancy and extreme violence.Disenchanted with his day job and disinclined to give his Peckham flat any sense of permanency, Gary’s high points are Saturday pie with Grace next door and Battenberg with banter at Wayne’s coffee shop until the fateful evening he agrees to meet Brendan at his local for a pint where he is drawn to a pretty, dark-haired girl he names Satsuma (after the book she’s reading – it could happen to you!) and listens to his guffawing, garrulous work colleague for the last time.What follows is a well-constructed murder mystery with twists a-plenty, great character development, sad back stories and many hysterical moments. Alternative herbal tea, DIY health food bars and lower back pain remedies. Attic invaders, ducks and mouth-watering jelly snakes!And then there’s the squirrel.Of course there’s a squirrel.What better sounding board than a bushy-tailed buddy?I loved the humour, the harsh realities and the pacy plot as well as the portrayal of Gary, Emily, Grace and all the other characters, bad and badder.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

Steve B
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant read, with the expected humour, but also heart and intrigue
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 February 2024
Verified Purchase
I have always found the author’s humour, characters and turns of phrase to be wonderful, but did doubt that it could be translated well into a novel. I was very happy to be wrong! It’s a pacey, page-turner of a book with humble, rounded characters you really root for. This humour is natural and not forced, it really is a superb read and I can’t recommend enough. One warning is that you find yourself tempted to chat to squirrels, but it’s a chance worth taking.
4 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Talking Squirrels?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2024
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They say you should always write about something you know. Bobs main character a solicitor is born from bobs passed. Enjoyable read with a good sense of humour as you would expect.
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Mr. Peter Franklin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellently excellent.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2024
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It was a bit of a punt for me reading this book. I like Bob Mortimer in stuff he's done on the telly but wasn't sure the book would be for me. But it grabbed me and I had it read in no time. Make the next one longer please Bob.

The characters are believable and you can identify with them. Even the wildlife! The story is multi-faceted and compelling. And, appropriately funny. In many such stories, there are fallow bits you just read through to get to the good bits, but not so with this one. It's genuinely a book you really don't want to put down at any stage.

As a novel, frankly, it compares very favourably with other telly workers that have turned to writing. So I hope you continue to write. And maybe do some more of those fishing programmes. They're not half bad either.

So, to summarise, I'd venture to say it's a great book and would recommend you read it. Even if you don't think it'll be your thing.
11 people found this helpful
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Luke Taylor
3.0 out of 5 stars Good fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2024
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Bob has a playful, enjoyable style of writing. I breezed through this book fairly quickly. It was maybe a bit slight, but enjoyable enough with some good twists and turns.
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Busy lizzy
5.0 out of 5 stars Took a couple of chapters to really decide if I wanted to read the whole book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 July 2024
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Really enjoyable read and I am pleased I persevered and read the full book .the talking squirrel was a bit strange at first .just imagine that Gary is Bob mortimer and everything becomes clear .I couldn't put it down after the second chapter Bob really is a national treasure .I now find myself hoping he is busy writing another novel for me to enjoy reading .
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patricia
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 December 2023
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I read this after hearing an interview with Bob Mortimer where I got the impression that it would give me a lot of laughs. I did smile wryly but not the laughs. It was a good story, gripping at times. There was no "psychological realism" but it's not that kind of book. I found the incident with the dog being kidnapped by the homeless guy quite menacing. He knows how to elicit a range of emotions. I particularly liked the end where all the loose ends are tied up. Someone complained about how unlikely that was - but Dickens used to do that so he's in good company. I recommend this book but not if you're needing a good laugh.
5 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2024
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I absolutely love Bobs work and humor. He without doubt always cheers me up. You honestly need to read the Satsuma Complex as it is an intelligent, funny and well written book. Best thing I have read since reading Bobs autobiography.
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Emma
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 July 2024
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I couldn’t put this down an excellent read
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Top reviews from other countries

Camille Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars Cheering antidote to counter daily grim current events
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2023
Verified Purchase
1st exposure to Mortimer. Purchased because looking rather desperately for pure escape in face of relentless bad news these days. Wanted no LeCarre likep labyrinthine plot of dozens of characters to follow, philosophical mullings, above all not dark and morbid. This book perfectly met criteria. Mortimer's tale was well plotted, with just enough suspense and gore-lite to hold interest. Characters quirky, clever and likable (except for the bad guys...) Love's in there, and poignancy but book never became treacly, a common problem in 'cozy' genre. I enthusiastically recommend for a few hours (it's not long) of comfort-reading. diversion.
One person found this helpful
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R. Elliot
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Canada on 17 November 2023
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The mail took a little while but received it within time frame given. Bob Mortimer is so funny, loved the book.
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Poco
5.0 out of 5 stars Bob at his best
Reviewed in France on 26 March 2024
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Loved this book, typical Bob never what you think is going to happen, all the way to the end guessing who did it, anybody who likes Bob will know what to expect.
One person found this helpful
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RyanHikes
5.0 out of 5 stars Think around this...
Reviewed in Spain on 8 November 2022
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Genuinely a really good read. Found the storyline to be a lot of fun and was hooked very quickly. Filled with loads of daft interactions with the characters that made me laugh so much. And Bob himself said the main character (Gary) is based on him, so you feel a warmth towards Gary right away.
If you don't take yourself to seriously, then this is a book for you.

(Update) Just reread for the second time, and can comfirm it's still a bundle of joy and laughter.
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Lesley Tighe
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Australia on 9 July 2024
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Funny and easy to read.
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