# The Satsuma Complex

By Bob Mortimer · Gary Thorn, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/the-satsuma-complex-28675095/

Gary Thorn's best clue to a woman's identity is the book she was reading in the pub. The London legal assistant calls her Satsuma and wants to see her again. Then his drinking companion Brendan goes missing, giving Gary a more urgent reason to find her.

## What makes it funny?

Gary has an unusual confidant: a squirrel whose side of the conversation he supplies himself. His worries get an answering voice, and the exchanges make room for silliness while he tries to work out what to do about a crime.

### The comedy at work

The mystery pushes a hesitant man into situations far outside his small routine. Much of the humor comes from his running commentary on that discomfort; his imaginary conversations let him argue with himself without turning into a confident detective.

### Try this if…

There is room here for readers who like a mystery to spend time with its nervous protagonist. Dry British humor and surreal conversations share space with friendship and loneliness, with Gary's vulnerability carrying much of the appeal.

### Good to know

The same novel is published as The Clementine Complex in some editions. Domestic abuse gives the story darker material than its squirrel conversations might suggest. Bob Mortimer and Sally Phillips perform the audiobook.

## What to expect

- Genre: Crime & thriller · Mystery
- On the shelf: Amateur sleuth
- Kind of humor: Absurdism · Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel
- Length: 320 pages
- Audiobook: 6 hr 52 min
- Published: 2022

## A few distinguishing details

- A missing woman's book provides her nickname
- An anxious legal assistant drawn into a crime
- Imaginary conversations with a squirrel

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher synopsis and edition](https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/The-Satsuma-Complex/Bob-Mortimer/9781398521230)
- Review: [Michael Thal review](https://michaelthal.com/the-satsuma-complex)
- Review: [Portable Magic review](https://portable-magic.com/2025/08/05/bob-mortimer-the-satsuma-complex)
- Library catalog: [Library audiobook edition](https://nlb.overdrive.com/media/9090205)
- Book information: [Series and alternate title](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/bob-mortimer)