The Clementine Complex

British comedian Mortimer’s (And Away…) debut novel, first released in the UK as The Satsuma Complex, follows Gary Thorn, a British legal assistant with little to distinguish him besides his large nose. Gary meets up with Brendan, a private investigator he knows from work, at a local pub. When Brendan is unexpectedly called away, Gary strikes up a conversation with a pretty woman sitting alone, reading. The two hit it off, but she disappears before Gary can get her name. Fortunately, she leaves her book behind, allowing Gary to use it to track her down. Then Brendan goes missing, and Gary is caught in a web of police corruption that may involve Emily, his mystery woman. When Emily also goes missing, Gary jumps into action. Mortimer and narrator Sally Phillips portray Gary and Emily, respectively, providing energetic and humorous renderings of their interactions. Listeners will enjoy their antics, though remnants from the UK publication may cause some confusion (e.g., the titular clementine is referred to as a satsuma throughout).