Don't Point That Thing at Me

August 1, 2004
A cult hit in the author's native Britain, Kyril Bonfiglioli's Don't Point That Thing at Me, originally published some three decades ago, is a wickedly entertaining and veddy British account of one Hon. Charlie Mortdecai, fond of "art and money and dirty jokes and drink" and none too concerned about the laws he must break to keep himself in full possession of all of them. Add in an "anti-Jeeves" assistant named Jock Strapp, a gorgeous rich widow, a mad millionaire, a policeman who "likes hurting people, a lot" and dozens of other brilliant types-not to mention all kinds of shady deals-and the result is a sure-fire, acid-tongued winner.

February 27, 2006
Charlie Mortdecai will appeal to listeners because he hovers in the gray area between right and wrong. He's absolutely charming and cultured as he relates his illegal pursuits in the world of arts and antiques. Prebble's mature raspy voice enhances Mortdecai's appeal as he navigates listeners through this first hand account of his adventures in the United Kingdom and the United States as he delivers and acquires highly sought-after goods. Accompanied by his intelligent but gruff servant, Jock Strapp, Mortdecai uses his keen wit, quick thinking, and upper-class esteem to manage his way out of some zany predicaments. Although perhaps a little older sounding than the "middle aged" Mortdecai, Prebble's timing, tone, and emphasis in this very sarcastic narrative more than makes up for the discrepancy. Unfortunately, poor sound editing leaves over half a dozen instances where Prebble's voice audibly shifts, ruining the pre-established pace and tone as if the segment was re-recorded and slipped into the original piece. These distractions only briefly deter the listener from full encapsulating themselves in this enjoyable tale.