The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax

“Not many books make me laugh out loud, but The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax is one of them.” – Stylist magazine “By turns absurd and engaging.” – The Guardian When Jonathon Fairfax accidentally helps a murderer bump off Sarah Morecambe, the secretary of a cabinet minister, he sets off a chain of events that astonishes him. This isn’t surprising – Jonathon is astonished by pretty much everything – but he is particularly shocked when he finds himself caught up in a plot involving a conspiracy that goes to the very heart of government. Teaming up with a suave private investigator, a glamorous grannie 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 cabinet? And what exactly does it feel like to kiss a real-life woman? The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax combines laugh-out-loud lines, political skulduggery and a young man’s attempts to get the girl – and finally start living. With its naïve reluctant hero, absurd humour and wry examination of modern life, The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax is a must-read for fans of Douglas Adams and Jonathan Coe. “Shevlin was rightly picked up by the literary agency that represents the likes of David Nicholls” – Metro magazine Shortlisted for the Bath Novel Award 2014"This hilarious adventure, 'by turns absurd and engaging' (The Guardian), stars lovable, girl-fearing Jonathon as he accidentally sets off a chain of events leading to murder and a massive British government conspiracy — with a dream girl and a glamorous granny added to the mix." – Bookbub"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 newspaper "It cleverly combines intrigue with comic, astute observation which made me laugh throughout.” – Bath Novel AwardThe story...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 grannie 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 Fairfaxhas been compared to books by Douglas Adams, Carl Hiaasen and PG Wodehouse.More reviews..."When Christopher Shevlin sat down to write this book, the spirit of Douglas Adams sidled up next to him and said, 'Here, let me help you.' This book is probably - definitely - the funniest thing I have read since The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy." A Kilmer"It reminded me of a very English Carl Hiaasen - filled with throwaway detail, joyously funny dialogue and slightly absurd characters." Francesca Brown, Stylist magazine"If you like tight writing, a great pace, smart references and laughing, this book will be on your top five list! Like reading an Arrested Development script." Bridget Aureli "Shevlin's writing style, his wonderful way with eccentric characters, and his knack for combining kindness, silliness, and more than a few touching surprises, all fill a spot left by Douglas Adams." Avery Elizabeth Hurt Jonathon Fairfax Was Astonished. This Was Nothing New. His First Memory Of Being Astonished Dated From The Age Of Three, When His Mother Had Quite Casually Suggested That, Instead Of Wearing A Pair Of Comfy Watertight Pants, He Should Spend The Rest Of His Life Holding In His Wee And Poo. Now, Seventeen Years Later, He Was Astonished Because A Huge, Terrifying Man In A Smart Dark-red Balaclava Was Asking Him Directions.' The Man In The Balaclava Is On His Way To A Murder, Sparking A Series Of Events That Send Jonathon's Astonishment To Previously Unimagined Heights. Before Long, He Is Being Astonished By Secret Government Documents (lightly Buttered), A Strikingly Cool Private Detective/loss-adjustor, A Low-speed Car Chase, And A Woundingly Beautiful Girl Called Rachel. A funny thriller set in 1990s London, in which a slightly useless part-time Harrods sales assistant inadvertently brings down the government. Jonathon Fairfax is astonished one day to be asked directions by a man in a balaclava, who turns out to be a murderer. From this point on, the range of things that astonish Jonathon rapidly expands. Soon it includes conspiracy, secret government documents (lightly buttered), a strikingly cool private detective/loss-adjustor, a low-speed car chase, a fight to the death on a very small balcony, and a woundingly beautiful girl called Rachel