The Hotel Avocado

In the sequel to The Satsuma Complex, Bob Mortimer furthers the world of Gary Thorn, his partner Emily and their friends from the last book. This time, Emily is setting up a new life for them in Brighton, and Gary is to give evidence in a trial against Emily’s ex, the antagonist of the first story.

Gary is visited by Mr Sequence - a violent yet comically-drawn gangster straight out of an Athletico Mince sketch - who doesn’t want Gary to give evidence about police corruption. The story follows the pair as they figure out their new life and try to stop their old one catching up to them.

The voice-work in the audiobook version I read was terrific, with Mortimer in the lead, Sally Phillips as Emily, Julie Maisey as Gary’s neighbour Grace, who goes on an adventure of her own, and Paul Whitehouse as a squirrel-narrator, who sets some scenes and gives some hints to what’s coming up.

I found the book light and charming, funny and well-acted. A fun read.