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The Kellerby Code
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER 'Magnificent.' Richard Osman 'Razor-sharp.' Erin Kelly 'Subtle and gripping.' Claire McGowan 'Creepy, acerbic and darkly funny.' Emma Stonex
How far would you go for a friend? Edward is living in a world he can't afford and to which he doesn't belong. To camouflage himself, he has catered to his friends' fetching drycleaning, sorting flowers for premieres. It's a noble effort, really - anything to keep his best pals Robert and Stanza happy. In return, his proximity to them might sponge the shame of his birth and violent past cleanly away. But the chink in his armour is his painfully unrequited love for Stanza. When he realises Stanza and Robert are an item, Edward is pushed too far. His little acts of kindness take a sinister turn, giving way to the unspeakable brutality Edward fears is at his core. Are there limits to what he will do for his friends? Are there limits to what he will do to them?
How far would you go for a friend? Edward is living in a world he can't afford and to which he doesn't belong. To camouflage himself, he has catered to his friends' fetching drycleaning, sorting flowers for premieres. It's a noble effort, really - anything to keep his best pals Robert and Stanza happy. In return, his proximity to them might sponge the shame of his birth and violent past cleanly away. But the chink in his armour is his painfully unrequited love for Stanza. When he realises Stanza and Robert are an item, Edward is pushed too far. His little acts of kindness take a sinister turn, giving way to the unspeakable brutality Edward fears is at his core. Are there limits to what he will do for his friends? Are there limits to what he will do to them?
371 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2024
218 people are currently reading
3270 people want to read
About the author
Jonny Sweet
2Ìýbooks25ÌýfollowersJonny Sweet started out winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2009, and in the intervening years, his work has been varied and exceptional. His current projects include his first feature, Wicked Little Letters, starring Olivia Coleman and Jessie Buckley. He is developing other films, which cannot yet be spoken out loud for Film 4, Studio Canal and The Imaginarium. Meanwhile, he develops and produces TV and film through People Person Pictures, the production company he set up with Simon Bird. As an actor, you may know him from the sitcoms Together and Chickens (which he wrote and starred in), and from shows like Loaded and the upcoming I Hate You, both for Channel 4.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
April 8, 2024
*Big thank you to Faber for sending me a copy of this to review!*
I’m really conflicted about this one because to begin with, I found myself really invested, but it dwindled. I feel like this is a typical case of an excellent idea, but somewhat shaky execution that couldn’t be maintained.
I couldn’t read the first 150 pages quickly enough. I think the vibes were immediately there and there was a really distinct and strong voice in the narration, it had me pretty intrigued for how the story would unfold. There was a lot of biting satire and humour, which, when coupled with the political and social commentary, made for a really entertaining read initially. With the underlying mystery thriller plotline happening as well, it honestly had such potential. It was witty and clever and intriguing, until it wasn’t and we hit a wall.
The pacing tapered off gradually until it just felt really dry to me. It was so stagnant I had to push myself to keep reading it just for the sake of closure. The plot began to bore me to tears, and even the attempts at shaking things up and throwing plot twists into the mix and going crazy, it didn’t capture me at all. The characters who were once intriguing and dynamic just felt so run of the mill and dull as we progressed.
Unfortunately, it just descended into what could only be described as chaos and I don’t think it was handled particularly well. I can be pretentious and slightly over dramatic, but the only way I can describe the somewhat predictable (yet so wholly unpredictable and bonkers) ending of this one is silly. It just ruined the vibe of the book for me, and it was an eye roll moment rather than a jaw dropping one. And then to top it all off, it just finished rather bluntly. It left me with a massive feeling of dissatisfaction.
I’m really conflicted about this one because to begin with, I found myself really invested, but it dwindled. I feel like this is a typical case of an excellent idea, but somewhat shaky execution that couldn’t be maintained.
I couldn’t read the first 150 pages quickly enough. I think the vibes were immediately there and there was a really distinct and strong voice in the narration, it had me pretty intrigued for how the story would unfold. There was a lot of biting satire and humour, which, when coupled with the political and social commentary, made for a really entertaining read initially. With the underlying mystery thriller plotline happening as well, it honestly had such potential. It was witty and clever and intriguing, until it wasn’t and we hit a wall.
The pacing tapered off gradually until it just felt really dry to me. It was so stagnant I had to push myself to keep reading it just for the sake of closure. The plot began to bore me to tears, and even the attempts at shaking things up and throwing plot twists into the mix and going crazy, it didn’t capture me at all. The characters who were once intriguing and dynamic just felt so run of the mill and dull as we progressed.
Unfortunately, it just descended into what could only be described as chaos and I don’t think it was handled particularly well. I can be pretentious and slightly over dramatic, but the only way I can describe the somewhat predictable (yet so wholly unpredictable and bonkers) ending of this one is silly. It just ruined the vibe of the book for me, and it was an eye roll moment rather than a jaw dropping one. And then to top it all off, it just finished rather bluntly. It left me with a massive feeling of dissatisfaction.
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March 20, 2025Dark satire of the Saltburnish variety with horrible posh people and put-upon aspiring oik who wants to be one of them but resorts to murder. I couldn't really get on with this: everyone was incredibly unpleasant but also extremely trivial, and the plot moved pretty slowly. Good satire of awful Brits but I just lost engagement.
I have no idea why they're plugging this with comparisons to Wodehouse, whose writing is always amiable and generous-hearted; this is much more bitter and mordant in style, of the Kind Hearts and Coronets school. Not for me, YMMV. DNF at 26%
I have no idea why they're plugging this with comparisons to Wodehouse, whose writing is always amiable and generous-hearted; this is much more bitter and mordant in style, of the Kind Hearts and Coronets school. Not for me, YMMV. DNF at 26%
April 9, 2024
As someone who isn't a big reader of crime and thrillers, it takes a lot for me to be blown away by a thriller, but The Kellerby Code did just that. I've seen it billed as The Talented Mr Ripley crossed with Saltburn - I can confirm the former but not the latter as I haven't seen it, but what I can say is that it is brilliantly dark!
The main protagonist is Edward, a rather complicated man, who is trying to fit into a life in which he does not belong. He is living beyond his means, with rich friends, and making himself fit in by running errands for his friends Robert and Stanza. When Edward discovers that Robert and Stanza are now an item, and therefore comes to the realisation that his love for Stanza will never be reciprocated, he is pushed one step too far and his kind deeds turn very sinister.
Jonny Sweet builds up the tension superbly and Edward's anxieties come through very clearly. He also portrays the lives of the rich incredibly well and, as a working class person, I could really feel Edward's feelings of being unable to fit in.
I listened to The Kellerby Code on audio and it is fabulously narrated by Jack Davenport, who brilliantly dramatises how fraught Edward's life has become. This is the first audiobook I have ever given 5 stars to - I thought it was incredible! Certainly one to look up if you're either an audiobook or a thriller fan!
I also didn't know that Jonny Sweet wrote the recent film, Wicked Little Letters, which I really loved too!
The main protagonist is Edward, a rather complicated man, who is trying to fit into a life in which he does not belong. He is living beyond his means, with rich friends, and making himself fit in by running errands for his friends Robert and Stanza. When Edward discovers that Robert and Stanza are now an item, and therefore comes to the realisation that his love for Stanza will never be reciprocated, he is pushed one step too far and his kind deeds turn very sinister.
Jonny Sweet builds up the tension superbly and Edward's anxieties come through very clearly. He also portrays the lives of the rich incredibly well and, as a working class person, I could really feel Edward's feelings of being unable to fit in.
I listened to The Kellerby Code on audio and it is fabulously narrated by Jack Davenport, who brilliantly dramatises how fraught Edward's life has become. This is the first audiobook I have ever given 5 stars to - I thought it was incredible! Certainly one to look up if you're either an audiobook or a thriller fan!
I also didn't know that Jonny Sweet wrote the recent film, Wicked Little Letters, which I really loved too!
January 30, 2024
if you want a book that encapsulates the dangerous desire and irresistibly unlikeable characters that the movie saltburn has, this is the one for you.
the kellerby code is a sharply written and darkly funny exploration of how far one man would go to transcend class barriers and fit in with friends who belong to an exclusive world of glamour and charm. with great pacing and a captivating writing style, i thoroughly enjoyed this one, and i found the brutality that underpins the narrative to be a compelling source of tension throughout. 4 stars.
the kellerby code is a sharply written and darkly funny exploration of how far one man would go to transcend class barriers and fit in with friends who belong to an exclusive world of glamour and charm. with great pacing and a captivating writing style, i thoroughly enjoyed this one, and i found the brutality that underpins the narrative to be a compelling source of tension throughout. 4 stars.
April 30, 2024
Might be bring harsh but I just didn't get it and this was an effort to read. Disappointed as thought I was going to get Talented Mr Ripley x Saltburn.
The characters were meant to be unlikeable but I didn't even care about the protagonist.
The way the characters speak makes it sound like it's set decades ago, then all of a sudden WhatsApp or Zoom is being used.
Loose ends.
Character motivations were confused.
I'm not sure I even understand the fairly abrupt ending fully.
The characters were meant to be unlikeable but I didn't even care about the protagonist.
The way the characters speak makes it sound like it's set decades ago, then all of a sudden WhatsApp or Zoom is being used.
Loose ends.
Character motivations were confused.
I'm not sure I even understand the fairly abrupt ending fully.
March 9, 2024
This is a book that took me quite a while to get into. I didn't seem to be able to get my head around it and did re-read the synopsis a couple of times. I almost did think about giving up on it, but something told me to hang on and try for a bit longer. I am glad I did. It took me a couple of days to read around 30%, but then one day to read the rest!!!
The story is that of Edward, as the synopsis suggests he is living in a world he cannot afford. If you think of The Talented Mr. Ripley or Saltburn, then you will be on the right track. Edward is a tutor and has very rich friends, one is Stanza who he is a little bit fixated with. The other friend is Robert, Stanza's boyfriend, this didn't sit well with Edward, but things are what they are.
Edward is one of those guys who will do anything for his friends, to the point where they actually use him like a doormat. But, while he comes across as being affable not everyone likes him that much. Some are wary that others find him annoying and others creepy. Each to their own I suppose.
The beginning of the story is a slower plod along in the life of Edward, what he does, his conversations, what he thinks, who he sees and the like. But it is a way of getting to know him and the circle he mixes with.
As the story then deepens it becomes a bit more shady, well not dodgy shady but more, nervy I suppose. The sense of things going dark and not being completely above board starts to emerge, little whisps at the beginning, of things being not said but not unsaid. Sorry, it seems I am getting very random and abstract here! But this is how I feel about the story as I write this review and don't want to give things away.
My the end of the story, (yeah I am jumping forward) I found myself wondering how on earth Edward ended up as he did. Talk about shocking! The transformation from the Edward of before to the one at the end was gradual and it was also quite cleverly done. It gave it a psychological edge as things seem to ravel and unravel and circumstances change. This is a book that I think will be a hit with some but not all, a Marmite book if you like.
I liked this one, if I could have speeded the first 30% up it would have been good, but then would I have understood Ed2ward as well? Probably not.
A mix of genres for this one, some mystery and psychological aspects especially manipulation, a contemporary fiction that is character-led and one that I would happily recommend.
The story is that of Edward, as the synopsis suggests he is living in a world he cannot afford. If you think of The Talented Mr. Ripley or Saltburn, then you will be on the right track. Edward is a tutor and has very rich friends, one is Stanza who he is a little bit fixated with. The other friend is Robert, Stanza's boyfriend, this didn't sit well with Edward, but things are what they are.
Edward is one of those guys who will do anything for his friends, to the point where they actually use him like a doormat. But, while he comes across as being affable not everyone likes him that much. Some are wary that others find him annoying and others creepy. Each to their own I suppose.
The beginning of the story is a slower plod along in the life of Edward, what he does, his conversations, what he thinks, who he sees and the like. But it is a way of getting to know him and the circle he mixes with.
As the story then deepens it becomes a bit more shady, well not dodgy shady but more, nervy I suppose. The sense of things going dark and not being completely above board starts to emerge, little whisps at the beginning, of things being not said but not unsaid. Sorry, it seems I am getting very random and abstract here! But this is how I feel about the story as I write this review and don't want to give things away.
My the end of the story, (yeah I am jumping forward) I found myself wondering how on earth Edward ended up as he did. Talk about shocking! The transformation from the Edward of before to the one at the end was gradual and it was also quite cleverly done. It gave it a psychological edge as things seem to ravel and unravel and circumstances change. This is a book that I think will be a hit with some but not all, a Marmite book if you like.
I liked this one, if I could have speeded the first 30% up it would have been good, but then would I have understood Ed2ward as well? Probably not.
A mix of genres for this one, some mystery and psychological aspects especially manipulation, a contemporary fiction that is character-led and one that I would happily recommend.
August 15, 2024
Jonny Sweet has the most confusing and disorientating writing style of any author I've ever read.
January 11, 2025
I came across this recently, and decided that I would listen to the audiobook.
Firstly, you do not have to have read P G Wodehouse before reading this book.
Edward attended public school on a scholarship, and then went to Cambridge University. His only two friends, Robert and Stanza, also went to public school then Cambridge, but both come from extremely wealthy upper class families.
Therein the major imbalance in the friendships.
Edward lives with Stanza in her apartment, but there is no romance involved - although, Edward would love nothing more. Then one day he spies Robert and Stanza kissing...
Edward is subservient to his friends, wanting to please them so they keep him around, and, accordingly, his friends completely take him for granted. When Robert asks Edward to help him because is being blackmailed, of course Edward readily agrees.
That is when events take a sinister turn, and Edward finds himself in trouble.
This is wonderful writing, the story original and gripping, and the theme of class is brilliantly portrayed, as is Edward's mind as his thoughts spiral out of control and the tension builds..
The narrator, Jack Davenport, perfectly portrayed Edward, which is one of the reasons why I highly recommend this audiobook.
Firstly, you do not have to have read P G Wodehouse before reading this book.
Edward attended public school on a scholarship, and then went to Cambridge University. His only two friends, Robert and Stanza, also went to public school then Cambridge, but both come from extremely wealthy upper class families.
Therein the major imbalance in the friendships.
Edward lives with Stanza in her apartment, but there is no romance involved - although, Edward would love nothing more. Then one day he spies Robert and Stanza kissing...
Edward is subservient to his friends, wanting to please them so they keep him around, and, accordingly, his friends completely take him for granted. When Robert asks Edward to help him because is being blackmailed, of course Edward readily agrees.
That is when events take a sinister turn, and Edward finds himself in trouble.
This is wonderful writing, the story original and gripping, and the theme of class is brilliantly portrayed, as is Edward's mind as his thoughts spiral out of control and the tension builds..
The narrator, Jack Davenport, perfectly portrayed Edward, which is one of the reasons why I highly recommend this audiobook.
January 16, 2024
In the grounds of Kellerby House, Edward Jevons has just found a human mandible � with an amalgam filling � which he smoothly pockets. Whose mandible? Why is Edward unsurprised but careful to hide it from his staff? What exactly is his position in the household? These are the questions which underpin the plot of this book, and to answer them we have to step back into his past.
Edward has two close friends, Robert and Stanza. Like them he went to a public school; but only he was on a scholarship. Like them he is a Cambridge graduate; but only he has no family money, no ancestral connections that might have eased his path thereafter. He’s living in Stanza’s London flat, but there is no romantic or sexual relationship between them � at least not on her part, a boy can dream. In fact living in a bit of a dream is one of his defining characteristics. The other is subservience; when he is with them he is continually anticipating and fulfilling their needs, when he isn’t with them he is either tutoring (his only source of income) or carrying out tasks for them. Stanza, who does some sort of office job, calls him Jeeves, and Robert, an up-and-coming theatre director, uses him, more or less inadvertently, as a valet. Stanza’s extensive family estate surrounds Kellerby House and the three of them quite often visit it. Even there, Edward continues to act as a general factotum to the other two. He is devastated when they tell him that they are getting engaged, but conceals this emotion and continues in his deferential role. When it turns out that Robert’s reputation is endangered by an incident in his past, Edward is happy to step in to assist. And so the scene is set.
This is a psychological mystery, a study of Edward, his foibles, his insecurities, his disintegration. It is also a crime story and a murder story, of course � that mandible has to have belonged to someone in the recent past! The style of writing initially feels odd � too clever, too mannered, too pretentious � but then it is trying to convey Edward’s inward turmoil as he tries to navigate the casually monied world of his friends while carrying a massive ‘Estate Kid� chip on his gentle giant shoulder. There is also a tendency to use somewhat obscure words; “skeuomorph�, for example. The style requires a certain level of commitment by the reader, who has to keep going through the early stages of the book, before getting to the meat. It does pick up pace later. As an aside, the use of the word “code� in the title seems odd, since there is no evidence of such a thing in the story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Edward has two close friends, Robert and Stanza. Like them he went to a public school; but only he was on a scholarship. Like them he is a Cambridge graduate; but only he has no family money, no ancestral connections that might have eased his path thereafter. He’s living in Stanza’s London flat, but there is no romantic or sexual relationship between them � at least not on her part, a boy can dream. In fact living in a bit of a dream is one of his defining characteristics. The other is subservience; when he is with them he is continually anticipating and fulfilling their needs, when he isn’t with them he is either tutoring (his only source of income) or carrying out tasks for them. Stanza, who does some sort of office job, calls him Jeeves, and Robert, an up-and-coming theatre director, uses him, more or less inadvertently, as a valet. Stanza’s extensive family estate surrounds Kellerby House and the three of them quite often visit it. Even there, Edward continues to act as a general factotum to the other two. He is devastated when they tell him that they are getting engaged, but conceals this emotion and continues in his deferential role. When it turns out that Robert’s reputation is endangered by an incident in his past, Edward is happy to step in to assist. And so the scene is set.
This is a psychological mystery, a study of Edward, his foibles, his insecurities, his disintegration. It is also a crime story and a murder story, of course � that mandible has to have belonged to someone in the recent past! The style of writing initially feels odd � too clever, too mannered, too pretentious � but then it is trying to convey Edward’s inward turmoil as he tries to navigate the casually monied world of his friends while carrying a massive ‘Estate Kid� chip on his gentle giant shoulder. There is also a tendency to use somewhat obscure words; “skeuomorph�, for example. The style requires a certain level of commitment by the reader, who has to keep going through the early stages of the book, before getting to the meat. It does pick up pace later. As an aside, the use of the word “code� in the title seems odd, since there is no evidence of such a thing in the story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
April 28, 2024
A tale of obsession and fractured reality that should have been fascinating but was actually a real slog.
The tortuous purple prose quickly became tedious, lightened (briefly) by a couple of laugh-out-loud moments.
It’s disappointing as the book had a gorgeous house, outrageous rich folk and festering resentment - what’s not to love? But they inhabited a weird cartoon world where no-one was quite real and drama became deliberately ridiculous. Very heavy handed.
However, excellent narration by Jack Davenport.
The tortuous purple prose quickly became tedious, lightened (briefly) by a couple of laugh-out-loud moments.
It’s disappointing as the book had a gorgeous house, outrageous rich folk and festering resentment - what’s not to love? But they inhabited a weird cartoon world where no-one was quite real and drama became deliberately ridiculous. Very heavy handed.
However, excellent narration by Jack Davenport.
May 1, 2024
Didnt enjoy this book at all and was a struggle to read. Didn't like any of the characters at all and even if that was supposed to be the point it made it harder to read and took me all month as couldn't be bothered picking it up to read more. Dragged out some plot points way too long and rushed some others, especially the ending which seemed to cram as much as it could in one page. Disappointed as had heard good things so pre ordered this book but was let down big time
March 23, 2024
The Kellerby Code by Johnny Sweet was a very pleasant surprise. A wonderfully witty story with lots of heart and plenty of twists. Chock full of unlikable and morally grey characters, it's still easy to root for the protagonist.. With respectful nods to P G Wodehouse and the golden age of crime Sweet successfully combines unhurried, intelligent and descriptive prose with a fast paced and thrilling plot. The Kellerby Code has the timeless quality of a modern classic. I would advise going in to this knowing as little as possible but if you are looking for an extremely well written, darkly funny, slow descent into madness story about Imposter syndrome and the desire to fit in, this could be the book for you.
Thanks to the author, Faber and faber and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this witty debut in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author, Faber and faber and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this witty debut in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2024
I am not sure what to make of this book! It's well written, and the story is interesting, but it just felt very random throughout!
Edward is a nice guy, too nice, and yet he's not as nice as we think! Dark deeds, troubling incidents, and a beautiful country house make this a page turner that leaves you wondering, "What did I just read?"
Actually, scratch that Edward is a psychopath (and not in that brooding Tom Ripley way).
Edward is a nice guy, too nice, and yet he's not as nice as we think! Dark deeds, troubling incidents, and a beautiful country house make this a page turner that leaves you wondering, "What did I just read?"
Actually, scratch that Edward is a psychopath (and not in that brooding Tom Ripley way).
January 6, 2024
I just reviewed The Kellerby Code: 'Magnificent.' Richard Osman by Jonny Sweet. #TheKellerbyCode #NetGalley
I’m really sorry but I just couldn’t get into this book at all. It sounded great in the description but it fell very flat. Very disjointed and didn’t “flow� at all.
Worse than that, you just couldn’t engage or connect with any of the characters.
I’m really sorry but I just couldn’t get into this book at all. It sounded great in the description but it fell very flat. Very disjointed and didn’t “flow� at all.
Worse than that, you just couldn’t engage or connect with any of the characters.
February 3, 2025
One word... atrocious.... another 2 words don't bother
April 7, 2025
I read The Remains of the Day not long ago, about a butler reflecting on a life of service. As he does so, he slowly comes to see the red flags of the Lord he served for decades (Nazi sympathiser). The narrator is a man of manners and class, but his commitment to the role asked of him meant never stepping out of line or raising an eyebrow when, with hindsight, he worked for someone undeserving of such loyalty.
I thought of The Remains of the Day � more than, say, Saltburn � during The Kellerby Code and this sense of living in order to please someone else. In The Kellerby Code, although not a butler, Edward is derisively referred to as Jeeves in private by his two best friends, who he would do anything for. Much of the book is about the errands he runs to ensure Robert and Stanza live frictionless lives, in exchange for � what? Acceptance into their social class, sure. But forgiveness too, for a tragic accident from his past, as if a life of servitude is the appropriate recompense for guilt.
So despite Edward’s undeniably unhinged behaviours, I felt for him. Felt sorry, pitied. He thought he was buying something by behaving with such strict devotion, a guarantee that Robert and Stanza would owe him their love, appreciation, and the access they bring to an upper-class life in return. Robert is especially egregious towards Edward; instead of showing solidarity and gratitude following a devious scheme, he appears to emotionally hang Edward out to try, feigning ignorance and washing his hands of all responsibility. Bastard!
Sweet’s writing works at making you feel as if all this is happening to you, these micro betrayals by people you have invested so much in. I kept thinking, ‘how dare you!�, even once Edward had gone off the deep end and started taking encouragement from an anthropomorphic lamppost. For all of the twisted behaviour on display, it’s a light-hearted read, propulsive if slightly over-written. But Sweet’s wordiness lends the book a kind of prestige, as if it was Edward himself writing the novel, doing his best to win favour with high-falutin literary types.
I wondered, by the end, if Edward is a good person. The evidence would suggest not. He’s a grown boy with agency, yet the social customs in place make it feel like he’s never in control, whether that’s because of his romantic love for Stanza or his admiration for Robert, or his need for things to be just right because of how wrong they’d gone in his past. He’s up for grabs, influenceable, and so is it influencer or influenced to blame? If this kind of messiness is for you, then so is The Kellerby Code.
I thought of The Remains of the Day � more than, say, Saltburn � during The Kellerby Code and this sense of living in order to please someone else. In The Kellerby Code, although not a butler, Edward is derisively referred to as Jeeves in private by his two best friends, who he would do anything for. Much of the book is about the errands he runs to ensure Robert and Stanza live frictionless lives, in exchange for � what? Acceptance into their social class, sure. But forgiveness too, for a tragic accident from his past, as if a life of servitude is the appropriate recompense for guilt.
So despite Edward’s undeniably unhinged behaviours, I felt for him. Felt sorry, pitied. He thought he was buying something by behaving with such strict devotion, a guarantee that Robert and Stanza would owe him their love, appreciation, and the access they bring to an upper-class life in return. Robert is especially egregious towards Edward; instead of showing solidarity and gratitude following a devious scheme, he appears to emotionally hang Edward out to try, feigning ignorance and washing his hands of all responsibility. Bastard!
Sweet’s writing works at making you feel as if all this is happening to you, these micro betrayals by people you have invested so much in. I kept thinking, ‘how dare you!�, even once Edward had gone off the deep end and started taking encouragement from an anthropomorphic lamppost. For all of the twisted behaviour on display, it’s a light-hearted read, propulsive if slightly over-written. But Sweet’s wordiness lends the book a kind of prestige, as if it was Edward himself writing the novel, doing his best to win favour with high-falutin literary types.
I wondered, by the end, if Edward is a good person. The evidence would suggest not. He’s a grown boy with agency, yet the social customs in place make it feel like he’s never in control, whether that’s because of his romantic love for Stanza or his admiration for Robert, or his need for things to be just right because of how wrong they’d gone in his past. He’s up for grabs, influenceable, and so is it influencer or influenced to blame? If this kind of messiness is for you, then so is The Kellerby Code.
February 17, 2025
This is a tale of unrequited love. Of feeling unworthy, an outsider. Of mental instability. Of class.
It could be 'Hangover Square' by Patrick Hamilton. It's not, but it damn well almost is. As to choosing a book to plagiarise, Sweet at least has good taste. I'm amazed it's not mentioned more in reviews... most going for the lazy and incorrect 'Ripley' route.
If you liked this book (and I did, despite what this review may imply), I would suggest you check out the slightly superior Hangover Square.
The story is set in the present day, though the way people speak you would not know it. Maybe that is why the book's source material was written just before World War 2 breaks out. It concerns Edward, who is one of a trio of friends. The others being Robert and Stanza. Edward loves Stanza. Robert has Stanza. And this is the grist for the book's mill.
There are other touches, concerning detectives and a thug, which help root the book in contemporary times, but it sometimes jars.
Another thing that irked me was the authors tendancy to prove how deep his lexicon is, often throwing obscure words out, often as non sequiturs. This often makes paragraphs unreadable as the author loses his way and forgets what he was trying to say.
Having said all that, it was eminently readable, with an annoying but clever ending that I would really love to chat with people about.
It could be 'Hangover Square' by Patrick Hamilton. It's not, but it damn well almost is. As to choosing a book to plagiarise, Sweet at least has good taste. I'm amazed it's not mentioned more in reviews... most going for the lazy and incorrect 'Ripley' route.
If you liked this book (and I did, despite what this review may imply), I would suggest you check out the slightly superior Hangover Square.
The story is set in the present day, though the way people speak you would not know it. Maybe that is why the book's source material was written just before World War 2 breaks out. It concerns Edward, who is one of a trio of friends. The others being Robert and Stanza. Edward loves Stanza. Robert has Stanza. And this is the grist for the book's mill.
There are other touches, concerning detectives and a thug, which help root the book in contemporary times, but it sometimes jars.
Another thing that irked me was the authors tendancy to prove how deep his lexicon is, often throwing obscure words out, often as non sequiturs. This often makes paragraphs unreadable as the author loses his way and forgets what he was trying to say.
Having said all that, it was eminently readable, with an annoying but clever ending that I would really love to chat with people about.
January 6, 2025
All this Quinkish posturing then wham “Twitter�? Email? Mobile phones? iPhone pro 14+ all so incongruous�..
It’s utterly jarring, incomprehensible, really. Swathes of the book I’m skimming, like a stone over mud churned moss, “splash� into the murky depths of a Stygian ocean of doubtful meaning and doubtless dross. And just wtf is Plum?
Such an atmosphere of doom but nothing happening, nothing at all. Four, maybe five, murders by Edward Jevon, our latter day Jeeves, completely unsolved by anybody except the improbably named Stanza.
A lump of Mars? A magnificent home NOT owned by the National Trust? Servants? Thank goodness for candles…�
“Jeeves on the spectrum� involved with “Madge somewhat away with fairies� (somehow she’s escaped lalaland and entered into Purgatory).
A whole lot of ungrateful bastards behaving like 19th century whimsicals, without the wars or the culture - Brideshead without the blushes or consistency of thought and a couple of keystone cops forever running backwards?
The writing style is ridiculously wearying, no one writes like that these days - there’s a cracking storyline somewhere but you’d have to dig a long way before it enthrals.
It’s utterly jarring, incomprehensible, really. Swathes of the book I’m skimming, like a stone over mud churned moss, “splash� into the murky depths of a Stygian ocean of doubtful meaning and doubtless dross. And just wtf is Plum?
Such an atmosphere of doom but nothing happening, nothing at all. Four, maybe five, murders by Edward Jevon, our latter day Jeeves, completely unsolved by anybody except the improbably named Stanza.
A lump of Mars? A magnificent home NOT owned by the National Trust? Servants? Thank goodness for candles…�
“Jeeves on the spectrum� involved with “Madge somewhat away with fairies� (somehow she’s escaped lalaland and entered into Purgatory).
A whole lot of ungrateful bastards behaving like 19th century whimsicals, without the wars or the culture - Brideshead without the blushes or consistency of thought and a couple of keystone cops forever running backwards?
The writing style is ridiculously wearying, no one writes like that these days - there’s a cracking storyline somewhere but you’d have to dig a long way before it enthrals.
February 19, 2024
Thank to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This had a lot of promise and I wanted to enjoy it a lot more than I did in the end. I found the characters largely unlikeable and I wasn't invested enough in any of them so didn't really care what happened to each of them as the plot developed. Edward, as the lead character, is a complicated individual facing unrequited love from his university sweetheart. Deeply flawed and, again, unlikeable, his behaviour is alarming and increasingly sinister as the story develops and his friendship with Robert and Stanza is tested. I found some of the plot developments over the top and not really in tune with Edward's character, but perhaps there is a deeper meaning here that I couldn't fathom.
This point may be linked to the style of writing, which I found quite old fashioned in some respects and difficult to engage with. I found myself leaving this book for long periods and eventually trudging to the end begrudging the intrusion and time commitment. Not for me but I am certain others will love this.
This had a lot of promise and I wanted to enjoy it a lot more than I did in the end. I found the characters largely unlikeable and I wasn't invested enough in any of them so didn't really care what happened to each of them as the plot developed. Edward, as the lead character, is a complicated individual facing unrequited love from his university sweetheart. Deeply flawed and, again, unlikeable, his behaviour is alarming and increasingly sinister as the story develops and his friendship with Robert and Stanza is tested. I found some of the plot developments over the top and not really in tune with Edward's character, but perhaps there is a deeper meaning here that I couldn't fathom.
This point may be linked to the style of writing, which I found quite old fashioned in some respects and difficult to engage with. I found myself leaving this book for long periods and eventually trudging to the end begrudging the intrusion and time commitment. Not for me but I am certain others will love this.
April 12, 2024
Edward lives a people pleasing life in order to fit in with people with whom he has little in common. His unrequited love for Stanza takes a darker, sinister ‘Talented Mr Ripley� style turn when Edward discovers she is in a relationship with Robert.
Reading this book the concept of schadenfreude frequently surfaces brought about mainly through the inequality of class between Edward and his ‘friends�. Add to that Edward’s lack of self esteem and imposter syndrome and a twisted and on the whole unlikeable cast and dark humour this makes for a very divisive read.
Based on its premise and with narration by Jack Davenport�, I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I suspect I wasn’t the target audience. I confess I wasn’t a fan of Saltburn, and I suspect this book will really appeal to the fans of that show.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers Bolinda Audio, and the author Jonny Sweet, for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my personal, honest review.
This review will also appear on my bookstagram account
Reading this book the concept of schadenfreude frequently surfaces brought about mainly through the inequality of class between Edward and his ‘friends�. Add to that Edward’s lack of self esteem and imposter syndrome and a twisted and on the whole unlikeable cast and dark humour this makes for a very divisive read.
Based on its premise and with narration by Jack Davenport�, I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I suspect I wasn’t the target audience. I confess I wasn’t a fan of Saltburn, and I suspect this book will really appeal to the fans of that show.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers Bolinda Audio, and the author Jonny Sweet, for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my personal, honest review.
This review will also appear on my bookstagram account
January 21, 2024
Cleverly done.
This is a sharply written book that is very funny in parts and yet tragic and gory in others.
The main character, Edward, comes from humble beginnings, published by his mother he has got to Cambridge University, yet rather than use this to fuller effect he is happy to survive on an income from tutoring. He subordinated his own wants and desires by being at the back and call of Robert, a famous actor and Robert's partner Stanza who Robert is in love with.
There is however another much darker side to Edward, for he is underneath a psychopathic Mr Ripley-like character. The tension in the book is when this side of him emerges.
The Kellerby of the title is a country house and farm owned by Stanza's father. This is where the climax of the story occurs.
This is a sharply written book that is very funny in parts and yet tragic and gory in others.
The main character, Edward, comes from humble beginnings, published by his mother he has got to Cambridge University, yet rather than use this to fuller effect he is happy to survive on an income from tutoring. He subordinated his own wants and desires by being at the back and call of Robert, a famous actor and Robert's partner Stanza who Robert is in love with.
There is however another much darker side to Edward, for he is underneath a psychopathic Mr Ripley-like character. The tension in the book is when this side of him emerges.
The Kellerby of the title is a country house and farm owned by Stanza's father. This is where the climax of the story occurs.
July 30, 2024
This book started so well! The first 100 pages or more were really interesting. The characters really grabbed me, but it seemed to run out of steam towards the end. There was one particularly tough chapter to read - I won't give away spoilers, you'll know it when you get there! The comparisons of Edward to the character of Tom Ripley are valid for the most part, but Ripley did it better.
Would I recommend this novel? I would. It's a good read, but I had hoped for more.
Would I recommend this novel? I would. It's a good read, but I had hoped for more.
March 18, 2024
4.5, i honestly think this was so well done
April 16, 2025
Was this like the Talented Mr. Ripley? Sure, if Mr. Ripley had no talent. Edward was a chaotic, anxious mess, giving out secondhand embarrassment energy. I did enjoy this because I like this sort of torture.
April 11, 2025
that was excruciating.
April 24, 2024
This is a super pitch black comedy thriller with an ensemble of absolutely hideous characters that are embroiled in a Wodehouse style caper. The main character, Edward is a Jeeves wannabe and is so frustratingly put upon by the selfish toffs he hangs with that you want to shake him until he sees what’s actually happening. The tale is dark and sick and very entertaining but thank god I don’t know people like this . Great book.
June 3, 2025
Decent ish again
April 24, 2025
4 stars.
I enjoyed this story of Edward, who's basically stuck in a life that I'm not sure he himself knows whether or not he wants to live, because there are perks of it that he can't let go although equally there are parts of it that he does not like. The author goes to great lengths (a bit too great in parts) to set the scene of the majestic Kellerby mansion, I have to admit that I was wondering what the point of it all was at this stage, but then something happens and the plot just takes off from there.
, all sorts of secrets come to the surface, and I was impressed by how the characters all somehow managed to keep things together despite that. It goes a bit mental from this point on, but I was invested in all of its madness by this point.
None of the characters are anywhere even remotely close to likeable, but that gave the book some charm that I was not expecting: I was invested in what was going to happen despite not really liking any of them. The audiobook is very well done, although, bizarrely despite reading the book itself brilliantly, the bonus chapter by the narrator at the end of my version was a bit of a disaster I thought. It was a Q&A session with the narrator, and while he gave some interesting insights into preparing to narrate an audiobook, it was read in such a stutter that I found it so difficult to believe it was the same person that had pulled off the book and voiced all of the different characters so brilliantly!
I enjoyed this story of Edward, who's basically stuck in a life that I'm not sure he himself knows whether or not he wants to live, because there are perks of it that he can't let go although equally there are parts of it that he does not like. The author goes to great lengths (a bit too great in parts) to set the scene of the majestic Kellerby mansion, I have to admit that I was wondering what the point of it all was at this stage, but then something happens and the plot just takes off from there.
, all sorts of secrets come to the surface, and I was impressed by how the characters all somehow managed to keep things together despite that. It goes a bit mental from this point on, but I was invested in all of its madness by this point.
None of the characters are anywhere even remotely close to likeable, but that gave the book some charm that I was not expecting: I was invested in what was going to happen despite not really liking any of them. The audiobook is very well done, although, bizarrely despite reading the book itself brilliantly, the bonus chapter by the narrator at the end of my version was a bit of a disaster I thought. It was a Q&A session with the narrator, and while he gave some interesting insights into preparing to narrate an audiobook, it was read in such a stutter that I found it so difficult to believe it was the same person that had pulled off the book and voiced all of the different characters so brilliantly!
January 13, 2025
I have such mixed feelings about this book.
It took me a while to get into it, then midway, paragraphs of text sparked renewed hope. However, I went from loving one idea, to utter confusion over the cumbersome prose on the next page.
While the characters were intentionally flawed, I struggled to connect with any of them and found it difficult to find someone to care about.
A great idea for a plot, and narrative resolution is what kept me going, however I didn't even feel as though I was rewarded with that.
It took me a while to get into it, then midway, paragraphs of text sparked renewed hope. However, I went from loving one idea, to utter confusion over the cumbersome prose on the next page.
While the characters were intentionally flawed, I struggled to connect with any of them and found it difficult to find someone to care about.
A great idea for a plot, and narrative resolution is what kept me going, however I didn't even feel as though I was rewarded with that.
May 14, 2025
Didn’t really work for me. Referenced lots of things which are just a lot better (Tom Ripley, PG Wodehouse, Brideshead etc), and I just lost interest in the plot about half way through. Couldn’t really believe in the main character. Not as funny as I expected either. Seemed over-written and straining too hard to be literary. Obviously loads of people loved it though. But not me.
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