Sleepyhead cover art

Sleepyhead

Tom Thorne, Book 1

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Sleepyhead

By: Mark Billingham
Narrated by: Mark Billingham
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About this listen

The classic first novel from Mark Billingham introduces DI Tom Thorne in a unforgettable and terrifying case that changed crime fiction forever.

Alison Willetts has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel but she is completely unable to move or communicate. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer's made his first mistake.

Then DI Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth: it isn't Alison who is the mistake, it's the three women already dead.

Thorne must find a killer whose agenda is disturbingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer's identity, is unable to say anything . . .

'One of my favourite authors'
Harlan Coben

'A terrifically stylish debut novel'
Independent on Sunday

'The next superstar detective'
Lee Child

©2001 Mark Billingham (P)2018 Hachette Audio UK Action & Adventure Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Psychological Thriller & Suspense Suspense Fiction
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It’s not a particularly engaging cast of characters, but if murder mysteries are your thing then this might work well for you. I was really surprised by how much drinking everyone does - it’s a constant plot point. Drink, hangovers, more drinking, well it just seemed ott to me. But maybe that’s the culture in London and I don’t live in the UK so really I have no idea. The author reads the story and he is an excellent narrator, so that part works well. He has tried for an original motive for the murders as well, also quite interesting. The investigator fixated on someone he dislikes as the prime suspect, well that part was a bit clumsy. Overall a reasonable read.

Drink anyone?

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Another brilliant book from Mark Billingham. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next book.

Kept me guessing until the end!

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I like a totally different murder mystery and this fit the bill. Wow. Didn't see that coming! I have a whole new author to check out now. Highly Recommended.

Excellent and Unexpected

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A fabulous plot, well thought out and cleverly written. I thoroughly enjoyed Sleepyhead and look forward to the rest of the series.

Enthralling

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needs a more believable ending .last chapters a bit mundane . ending yucky.slow, obvious but overall entertaining !

gripping until the last 3 chapters

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I thoroughly enjoyed this! Interesting plot, good detailed story and great narration. Would definitely recommend.

Great Listen

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I just found this unbearable. could not connect with any characters and the storyline was just hard to find.

first book I could not finish

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I know this is a popular series but it bored me. I didn’t end up finishing it, I just googled the end.

Slow moving

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