What do you think?
Rate this book
Edie Investigates
From the author of The Gone-Away World and the forthcoming Angelmaker—an exhilarating espionage murder-mystery eShort. There has been a strange death in the quiet village of old Donny Caspian has lost his head. In the Copper Kettle tea rooms, Tom Rice, a junior nobody from the Treasury, puzzles over the details of the case. He has been sent by his superiors to oversee the investigation, but is he supposed to help or hinder? At the next table, octogenarian superspy Edie Banister nibbles a slice of cake and struggles not to become Miss Marple. But what is the connection between the two? Who killed Donny Caspian, and why? Taking in Rice's present and Edie's daring past, from duels on shipboard to death in back alleys, “Edie Investigates” is a superb short story from the incomparable Nick Harkaway. Also included with this short, the first chapter of Nick Harkaway's long-awaited new novel Angelmaker.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2012
62 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Nick Harkaway
31 books53.8k followersNick Harkaway was born in Cornwall, UK in 1972. He is possessed of two explosively exciting eyebrows, which exert an almost hypnotic attraction over small children, dogs, and - thankfully - one ludicrously attractive human rights lawyer, to whom he is married.
He likes: oceans, mountains, lakes, valleys, and those little pigs made of marzipan they have in Switzerland at new year.
He does not like: bivalves. You just can't trust them.
He likes: oceans, mountains, lakes, valleys, and those little pigs made of marzipan they have in Switzerland at new year.
He does not like: bivalves. You just can't trust them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 24, 2016
4.5
The plot: a civil servant Tom Rice is sent to deal with a murder of an old banker. He is told that 'died from natural causes' cause of death would be preferable. The problem is 'Tom Rice had never seen anything so blatantly unnatural in his life.' At the same time Edie arrives to investigate.
The strength of this story is not the actual mystery (at least not for those who know who Edie Banister is and what she was). It is in its dark humour, the depiction of the society and, well, Edie. I love the humour and the writing.
I already know from Angelmaker who Edie is, but that isn't necessary to enjoy this story. If you read this before Angelmaker you'll not be surprised by some of the things that happen there.
This story takes place before the events in Angelmaker but they are not connected except for the fact that Edie is a former British spy. She is eighty years old and still dangerous, capable and smart as ever.
The plot: a civil servant Tom Rice is sent to deal with a murder of an old banker. He is told that 'died from natural causes' cause of death would be preferable. The problem is 'Tom Rice had never seen anything so blatantly unnatural in his life.' At the same time Edie arrives to investigate.
The strength of this story is not the actual mystery (at least not for those who know who Edie Banister is and what she was). It is in its dark humour, the depiction of the society and, well, Edie. I love the humour and the writing.
I already know from Angelmaker who Edie is, but that isn't necessary to enjoy this story. If you read this before Angelmaker you'll not be surprised by some of the things that happen there.
This story takes place before the events in Angelmaker but they are not connected except for the fact that Edie is a former British spy. She is eighty years old and still dangerous, capable and smart as ever.
May 13, 2012
Having already read Angelmaker, I am well acquainted with Edie. I was so happy to read a little side story and spend a little more time in her brilliant,cooky mind. This little gem takes you on a ride, going wherever the stream takes you next. I enjoyed the lack of typical transitions and just went with it, always getting lost in the story again only to be led somewhere else. Yes, we would have liked to have more at the ending; but Nick Harkaway is such a talented author that I believe we will always be wanting more no matter.
February 23, 2012
This is a review issued with a warning - I enjoyed this a great deal, but it clearly exists as part of the larger context of the author's novel Angelmaker (the first chapter of which is included along with the story), and which I haven't yet read. I'm not entirely sure Edie Investigates works in a straightforward way as a piece of stand alone fiction, more as a piece of meta around the novel, like an iTunes Extra.
That said, there was a lot to love here (four stars worth, in fact) - the description of young Edie's descent to Fender's Hollow is magical, as is its sequel, the scene on the ship (adored the meditation on the uses of "simpering"). It comes complete with some rather beautiful lines - I particularly loved Edie's "A fate worse than death - at last." Can't wait to get stuck into the novel.
I got very excited after reading Harkaway's "The Gone-Away World" and on this showing "Angelmaker" also looks likely to offer superior pleasures once I make the time to enjoy them. In the meantime, "Edie Investigates" bridged a gap, and for 99p on the Kindle was a very worthwhile diversion.
That said, there was a lot to love here (four stars worth, in fact) - the description of young Edie's descent to Fender's Hollow is magical, as is its sequel, the scene on the ship (adored the meditation on the uses of "simpering"). It comes complete with some rather beautiful lines - I particularly loved Edie's "A fate worse than death - at last." Can't wait to get stuck into the novel.
I got very excited after reading Harkaway's "The Gone-Away World" and on this showing "Angelmaker" also looks likely to offer superior pleasures once I make the time to enjoy them. In the meantime, "Edie Investigates" bridged a gap, and for 99p on the Kindle was a very worthwhile diversion.
February 14, 2012
I stumbled across this after hearing about Angelmaker, an interesting sounding book by a Cornish author. Then this - a short story featuring one of the same characters, surely an easy introduction to his writing?
I should have been worried by the author's confession that this was his publisher's idea, and I was prepared to cut it a little slack because of that. It overcame it's tawdry origins magnificently though.
A short, sharp, funny story that comes across like Douglas Adams writing Miss Marple, I'll certainly be following this up with Angelmaker, and then maybe Nick Harkaway's other book too.
I should have been worried by the author's confession that this was his publisher's idea, and I was prepared to cut it a little slack because of that. It overcame it's tawdry origins magnificently though.
A short, sharp, funny story that comes across like Douglas Adams writing Miss Marple, I'll certainly be following this up with Angelmaker, and then maybe Nick Harkaway's other book too.
January 22, 2012
It's been a while since i've read Nick Harkaway and it's not really like anything else out there, i should have known but yet again i wasn't ready. Edie investigates is a short story bursting at the seams with writing thick and juicy, every little aside is so chock full of details and colour that it's easy to get sidetracked and lost into the side stories.
The first chapter of Angelmaker though is on another level altogether, lighter, more direct and yet at the same time even more complex, impeccably written. Harkaway is that kind of writer that busts out the word propinquity without breaking a sweat, and when you read that sentence once again it becomes apparent that no other word would have sufficed there.
The first chapter of Angelmaker though is on another level altogether, lighter, more direct and yet at the same time even more complex, impeccably written. Harkaway is that kind of writer that busts out the word propinquity without breaking a sweat, and when you read that sentence once again it becomes apparent that no other word would have sufficed there.
April 7, 2012
After reading Angelmaker I thought I'd read this novella. It failed to live up to the quality of either Angelmaker or The Gone-Away-World.
I am a bit curious if I had read it before Angelmaker if I would have liked it more (as perhaps in some ways it stands as a tease to the Novel) or if it would have turned me off the novel altogether.
I suppose I'm glad I read it after, just in case.
I am a bit curious if I had read it before Angelmaker if I would have liked it more (as perhaps in some ways it stands as a tease to the Novel) or if it would have turned me off the novel altogether.
I suppose I'm glad I read it after, just in case.
December 18, 2018
Short, entertaining side story following one of the principal characters from Harkaway's Angelmaker.
January 1, 2018
"One hundred years after a primitive missile composed of wood and goosefeathers and capped with a metallic blade transfixed the brain of Harold Godwinson and announced the success of the Norman Conquest—but five hundred years before a young bisexual man obsessed with witches and demons acceded to the thrones of England and Scotland and commissioned a bible which (all evidence to the contrary) many still insist is the unaltered word of God—a hunter named Simon Sharrow was struck by a bolt of lightning and rendered unconscious for nine days." (A sentence which rendered me an instant Harkaway fan...) Also, must have more Edie! So on to the next one...
December 31, 2018
Not so much a book, as a short novella. Let's call it 3½ stars.
The story is well written and the main character, Edie Banister, seems interesting (a big positive because I'd read the same author's latest book -Gnomon- and found it torpefying. At least after reading this, I'll give Angelmaker a try) but...
There's always a but.
The story ends abruptly -even though the title suggests the contrary- before Edie has done any investigating. Edie does no investigating in "Edie Investigates". So I don't know what to make of it. I wish Mr. Harkaway had allowed her to snoop around a bit. Maybe he had something important to do but ran out of time and couldn't finish the story.
The story is well written and the main character, Edie Banister, seems interesting (a big positive because I'd read the same author's latest book -Gnomon- and found it torpefying. At least after reading this, I'll give Angelmaker a try) but...
There's always a but.
The story ends abruptly -even though the title suggests the contrary- before Edie has done any investigating. Edie does no investigating in "Edie Investigates". So I don't know what to make of it. I wish Mr. Harkaway had allowed her to snoop around a bit. Maybe he had something important to do but ran out of time and couldn't finish the story.
July 3, 2017
Was happy to find my library carried this short as an e-book!
Was sad that it was, indeed, quite short.
This seemed more like a teaser for Angelmaker (which is a great book) than actually a stand-alone. I did appreciate some of the backstory it provided on our indefatigable heroine.
It would be nice to see more of Edie!
Was sad that it was, indeed, quite short.
This seemed more like a teaser for Angelmaker (which is a great book) than actually a stand-alone. I did appreciate some of the backstory it provided on our indefatigable heroine.
It would be nice to see more of Edie!
December 28, 2017
Edie!!!! The whole time I was thinking she sounded familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it until I saw a mention to Angelmaker. Ah Edie, still a bad ass. I would read her hey day shenanigans in a heartbeat.
December 17, 2013
Great, short read about one of my favorite characters in Anglemaker. It almost feels like that first chapter in a new adventure. (One can only hope!)
January 1, 2014
A very short story set before the events of Angelmaker. A bit of fun.
June 8, 2023
Nick Harkaway’s witty eShort Story of a British murder mystery that twists into a case of espionage and assassination.
November 21, 2023
What’s there is good but clearly just a teaser for another novel. I think the purpose is to introduce the titular octogenarian superspy character and some background. The marketing worked, I’ll probably read that book, but I still found it a little annoying. However, it is really well written, funny, and I like the character.
February 10, 2024
Kindle suggested this author because I like Charles Stross’ books (though so far- this anyway- he’s closer to Reginald Hill- who I also adore.) This short story is terrific and the excerpt from “Angelmaker” is too. Never heard of him before today, but I think I’m going to like this.
Edit: and the library -has- Angelmaker: so- downloading.
Edit: and the library -has- Angelmaker: so- downloading.
September 16, 2017
An interesting little short that leaves me wanting more. I would use this piece in a class to study character building. In 49 pages Hathaway builds a backstory and stronger characters than many current authors manage in 300 pages. The man is a magician with words.
February 1, 2021
I read this fairly short story in a single sitting and it reminded me why I love Nick Harkaway's writing so much. It is quick-paced, witty, suspenseful, and clever all at once. Plus, I loved the character of Edie from Angelmaker and was excited to get to spend more time with her.
August 4, 2021
Wonderfully rich writing (which seems to be Harkaway's forte). Alas, too short! Would be four stars+ if not for the abrupt ending that made it feel unfinished. We need more Edie! Please? (My favorite character from Angelmaker.)
March 25, 2022
A taster.....
This guy can write really write. The humour is sublime. I spent the rest of my day scrutinizing everyone I saw, have I been blind to what's going on all around me.....
M.A.R.
This guy can write really write. The humour is sublime. I spent the rest of my day scrutinizing everyone I saw, have I been blind to what's going on all around me.....
M.A.R.
June 25, 2023
I'd have given this 4 stars, except for the fact that it ends on what seems like a cliff-hanger--or at least with a reference to some other story that I haven't read and I don't know where to get. The character is interesting. Harkaway should follow up.
September 28, 2024
Nick Harkaway is not his dad, he skews more to Herron in romanticizing the spy profession (at least here), and his jokes are not very arch, but still, this was a fine, blackish short tale of people on the expendable margins of subterfuge.
May 17, 2017
A nice little story, but leaves you wanting more, even having read Angelmaker
September 23, 2019
This was a really fun short story and a cool introduction to Edie.
May 14, 2022
Short story, glad I read it after Angelmaker even though it's indicated as preceding it, otherwise Edie wouldn't make sense as there's not a lot of explanation.
November 12, 2023
Nice vignette pre-Angelmaker. Makes me want to re-read Angelmaker. Maybe I will….
June 1, 2024
<3 Edie
A jewel of a spy story, marred only by the lackluster ending.
A jewel of a spy story, marred only by the lackluster ending.
October 1, 2016
I read Angelmaker a few months ago and found it a quite frustrating read, as there were aspects I absolutely loved undermined by points I had no interest in. My favourite part of Angelmaker was the character of Edie - a glamourous female super-spy and bisexual seductress during WW2 who's now an under-estimated little old lady.
It was therefore a real pleasure to pick up this very short read which takes place just before the main novel and revisit Edie without any of the distractions of Angelmaker. It combines another present day story from her life with another decades old one, both of which were enjoyable and which linked together well.
This is extremely short and so really only worth a read if you enjoyed Angelmaker and want more Edie or are considering reading it and want a taste of Harkaway's writing style. It doesn't have a huge amount of substance as a standalone story (hence I couldn't quite justify five stars despite really enjoying it), but is still intriguing and well-written and a nice way to while away an hour or two.
It was therefore a real pleasure to pick up this very short read which takes place just before the main novel and revisit Edie without any of the distractions of Angelmaker. It combines another present day story from her life with another decades old one, both of which were enjoyable and which linked together well.
This is extremely short and so really only worth a read if you enjoyed Angelmaker and want more Edie or are considering reading it and want a taste of Harkaway's writing style. It doesn't have a huge amount of substance as a standalone story (hence I couldn't quite justify five stars despite really enjoying it), but is still intriguing and well-written and a nice way to while away an hour or two.
Read
March 17, 2012I read this because the author will be at the VA Book Festival this week, and I wanted a sense of his writing. I had a mixed reaction.
I really liked the understated Brit wit style of the beginning, but that seemed rather less evident as the story went along. There were some abrupt transitions, and the ending also seemed abrupt and either unfinished or I didn't understand it. And some of it goes beyond the amusingly absurd, as when one of the characters think back to when he was in charge of monitoring the guano trade in British overseas territories and was provided a three-person bodyguard in recognition of the danger of his position.
I liked Edie, the retired spy who is the main character and would enjoy getting to know her better in the longer book, but I don't think I'd be willing to risk a very high price for the book.
I really liked the understated Brit wit style of the beginning, but that seemed rather less evident as the story went along. There were some abrupt transitions, and the ending also seemed abrupt and either unfinished or I didn't understand it. And some of it goes beyond the amusingly absurd, as when one of the characters think back to when he was in charge of monitoring the guano trade in British overseas territories and was provided a three-person bodyguard in recognition of the danger of his position.
I liked Edie, the retired spy who is the main character and would enjoy getting to know her better in the longer book, but I don't think I'd be willing to risk a very high price for the book.
May 24, 2014
Nick Harkaway manages to upset expectations at the very outset of this tale, giving an offbeat sketch of the history of Shrewton, a placid village, before he launches the story proper with a deft depiction of an unnatural death. The entire piece is rather a bagatelle, which introduces the amusingly improbable character of Edie Banister, an "octogenarian superspy" who (I gather from other reviews) figures into Harkaway's Angelmaker novel. The wit, the tone, and the inventiveness he shows here make me curious about that book.
Side note: I read this using the Kindle app on my iPhone while riding the subway to and from work, the first time I'd read anything of length on my phone. (I've read a handful of publications using Kindle for Mac on my laptop.) I can't say I like having such a small window onto the text, but it didn't fundamentally alter the experience of reading.
Side note: I read this using the Kindle app on my iPhone while riding the subway to and from work, the first time I'd read anything of length on my phone. (I've read a handful of publications using Kindle for Mac on my laptop.) I can't say I like having such a small window onto the text, but it didn't fundamentally alter the experience of reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews