Reports of His Death Have Been Greatl..., James Goodhand
Reports of His Death Have Been Greatl..., James Goodhand
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Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

Author: James Goodhand

Narrator: Peter Noble

Unabridged: 10 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/01/2025


Synopsis

“Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated blew me away. It is full of joy and human warmth and it has very wise things to say about the value of kindness. It immediately became one of my all-time favourite reads.”
—Gareth Brown, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Doors

Perfect for fans of The Dead Poets Society, It's A Wonderful Life, and A Man Called Ove. 

A lifetime ago, Ray “Spike” Thorns was a well-regarded caretaker on a boarding school’s grounds. These days, he lives the life of a recluse in a house rammed with hoarded junk, alone and disconnected from family or anyone he might have at one time considered a friend.

When his next-door neighbor drops dead on Spike’s doorstep, a case of mistaken identity ensues: according to the police, the hospital, the doctors—everyone—Spike is dead. Spike wants to correct the mistake, really he does, but when confronted with those who knew him best, he hesitates, forced to face whatever impression he’s left on the world. It’s a discovery that brings him up close to ghosts from his past, and to the only woman he ever loved.

Could it be that in coming face-to-face with his own demise, Spike is able to really live again? And will he be able to put things straight before the inevitable happens—his own funeral? The result is a beautiful look at life and what we would all do if given a second chance.

About James Goodhand

James Goodhand has written two YA novels. His YA debut, Last Lesson, was called ""a powerfully charged study in empathy,"" by the Financial Times. This is his adult debut. He lives in Englad with his wife and young son. 


Reviews

Goodreads review by Shelley's Book Nook on June 24, 2025

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On: The Book Review Crew Blog Recluse Ray, also known as Spike, lives in his hoarder home and no longer communicates with any of his family or friends. One day, his neighbour comes calling and dies at Spike's front door. The police, paramedics, and even the doctors at the......more

Goodreads review by Carol (Reading Ladies) on July 01, 2025

Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated is a quirky, poignant, and heartfelt character-driven story set in England. Ray “Spike” Thorns is a retired groundskeeper and lives like a recluse with a hoarding problem. When his neighbor dies on his doorstep, a case of mistaken identity ensues, an......more

Goodreads review by Jessica on April 12, 2025

This book grabbed my attention solely based on the title. I am glad that it did. James Goodhand beautifully explores the complexity of life. Love lost, time lost, friendship, heartache as well as the impacts and aftermath of codependency within a mother and son relationship. This beautiful story is......more

Goodreads review by Ashley on July 25, 2025

James Goodhand can make even the worst characters likable. This one is definitely my favorite "feel-good happy/sad" book of the year.......more

Goodreads review by CadmanReads on June 30, 2025

I picked up Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand when I was in the mood for something grounded and easy to listen to, what I call a “human story.” No sci-fi or fantasy elements, just the down-to-earth unravelling of one man's life. The audiobook is outstanding. The nar......more