Exit

Felix Pink is seventy five, keeping himself to himself and on the run from the police. Felix is an Exiteer, a group of people who sit with terminally ill people, to witness and comfort, as they end their life. However, the wrong person has died, and the police are calling it murder. We pass between the police who are trying to solve the murder and Felix who is trying to ‘get away with it.’ Sort of. 👀 If you’re looking for on the edge of your seat thrillers, this isn’t for you, but if you like a solid mystery with excellent characters and a story with a big heart then pls read thank u hahah.

I don’t want to say too much more about what happens but instead say that this is such a heart-warming, lovely story with such a dark centre, I’ve never read anything by anyone else who can walk the line between light and dark. This book completely cemented Bauer as my new favourite author and Exit is one of my favourite books of the year. The audiobook was wonderful, so well narrated, and the narrators perfectly emphasised the sadness and the humour.

What a story! I wasn’t sure what I felt about the subject matter of witnessed suicide but i found it was tackled sensitively. When the team of exiteers find themselves in the unusual situation of the wrong man dying what will happen next?!

Belinda Bauer always writes books with a slightly different take on crime and this book is no exception. I fell in love with Felix from the first meeting and thought he was a superb character. It's very difficult to write a review without giving too much away. This books twists and turns and then double backs on itself. Every time you think you've cracked it, you'll be wrong. Despite its controversial theme, this is a book about love, courage and faith in your fellow man, (or woman). It left me feeling all warm inside and is definitely one of the loveliest books I've listened to in a long time. Tim McInnerny's narration is superb. A gem of a book

A new story and a new author for me.
Pensioner Felix is part of the Exiteers, a group of discrete volunteers who comfort the terminally ill people who have chosen to pass on with dignity. They also tidy up the area so that their deaths appeared to be of natural causes. One such day, Felix went with Amanda, a new recruit to help a dying man. But something happens and Felix had to run, instructing Amanda to slip away.
My first book by this author, I was quite surprised as I thought this would be a great action thriller, but the book had moments of humor along with the need to find the truth. Many eclectic characters along with a different plotline made this an interesting listen. Twists too peppered into the prose as in any mystery.
The narrator could make me interested in the various characters, the voices played were distinct with emotions and intonations.
The concept was interesting, having a thriller-y heart, I would have liked more suspense. But the book had its own charm with a good mystery and a shadowed plotline. Listened to it while doing my chores.

‘It was never supposed to be murder’ - ‘Exit’ cover tag line.

My thanks to Penguin Random House U.K. Audio for a review copy of the unabridged audiobook edition, via NetGalley, of ‘Exit’ by Belinda Bauer. It is narrated by Tim McInnerny and has a running time of 9 hours, 43 minutes at 1x speed.

Pensioner Felix Pink is a member of the Exiteers, a group of discreet volunteers who serve as witnesses for terminally ill people that have chosen to end their lives. They also tidy up, ensuring that the deaths appear to have been by natural causes.

Accompanied by Amanda, a new Exiteer, Felix goes to Number 3 Black Lane where they will keep a dying man company as he takes his final breath . . . Yet fifteen minutes later, after something goes terribly wrong, Felix instructs Amanda to quietly leave while he goes on the run.

Felix realises that he must find out if he's really to blame, or if something much more sinister is at play. All while keeping one shaky step ahead of the law.

This was my first experience of Belinda Bauer’s work and it proved quite a surprise. I came to it with little prior knowledge of the plot, as I prefer to read mysteries and thrillers ‘cold’. I hadn’t realised that despite it being crime fiction, dealing with a sensitive subject, that there would be a strong comedic element running throughout. Still, the choice of Tim McInnerny, well known for his work in comedy, as the narrator for the audiobook should have been a clue.

I loved this novel from the start! It was packed with quirky, memorable characters combined with a charming plot that was also thought-provoking. There were also some great twists. I appreciated the idea of the Exiteers, serving as quiet companions for the final moments of life.

With respect to the audiobook, I thought that Tim McInnerny was brilliant; capturing the novel’s wide variety of characters and range of moods from broad comedy, through to thrills, and poignant reflections on ageing, loneliness, death, and dying.

Overall, an intelligent, well written novel. I was very impressed by Belinda Bauer’s writing and plan to seek out her other books.

It is the kind of novel that I expect will appeal to reading groups for its highly engaging plot, the gentle humour, strong characterisations, and the opportunity it provides for discussion on a range of topics. I also feel that Mabel, Felix’s scrubbing-brush of a mongrel, will prove a huge hit with readers. She certainly won a place in my heart as did Felix himself.

Highly recommended.

Exit - Belinda Bauer

When Felix lets himself in to Number 3 Black Lane, he’s there to perform an act of kindness and charity: to keep a dying man company as he takes his final breath . . .

But just fifteen minutes later Felix is on the run from the police – after making the biggest mistake of his life.

Now his routine world is turned upside down as he tries to discover what went wrong, while staying one step ahead of the law.

Felix Pink and Amanda find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation after they accidentally assist the wrong man die. Aware of the repercussions of what he has done, Felix is more than happy to turn himself in for the murder, he just has a few things to take care of first.

Bauer introduces quite a few different characters within this book, from the young Amanda up to the elderly Skipper; each just seems to fit perfectly into the story.

The book is told from the perspective of Felix and Calvin, a young detective who is investigating the murder. This is a fantastic crime book, with many twists and a very surprising ending.

Rating 5/5

I listened to this audiobook in one session, I found myself unable to walk away

Just wonderful. Oh I loved this book. The clever and interesting story is delightfully and humorously told in a fashion not unlike Alexander McCall Smith but with much more substance. Felix was enchanting and every single character added enormously to the overall experience.
The audio was fabulous with the reader clearly voicing all the different people.

Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. It reminded me of Richard Osman’s book from last year with an older cast at its heart. Felix, the hero had such a nice demeanour but I also liked how each character was more than met the eye. Would recommend.

Exiteers help people to die who couldn't afford to go to Switzerland. They travel by public transport to avoid cars being spotted on any cameras. They never assist they just mearly sit there until the end. They advice how to die but how to make it look a natural death. Then they clean up afterwards. Felix has a new partner, but his last posting went wrong when they helped the wrong man to die.

This was not what I expected at all. Despite its serious nature this is quite a fun read/listen. With one bumbling mishap after another. The story has lots of twists and turns but still with jaw dropping moments as the story plays out. Felix is an older man and is quite the character who sees the good in people. Lots of red herrings and a truly delightful 'whodunnit'. I absolutely loved this book.

Belinda Bauer’s Exit is a delightful listen. It is darkly comic, full of wonderful characters and the plotting is exquisite – every time you think you understand what is going on, Bauer wrong foots the reader and things turn out to be not at all what they seem.

The crux of the story centres on Felix Pink a 75 year old widower from Devon and member of a group who call themselves ‘the Exiteers’, a bunch of (largely) elderly people who, without actually breaking the law, act in support of those who are terminally ill and wish to end their own suffering.

We meet Felix as he is preparing to embark on an outing with a new recruit, Amanda, younger than most members, but whose own experience of a suffering relative has, she tells Felix, made her understand the importance of the Exiteers cause.

Together they arrive at No 3, Black Lane, the house of Charles Cann, an elderly man whose cancer has taken hold and who has contacted the Exiteers for their help in ensuring an orderly end to his suffering. They key is where it should be and they let themselves in. Felix knows this could be tough for Amanda so he is prepared for her to be upset. But when she breaks the cardinal rule to not actually help a patient Felix is determined that she should not be blamed. She will need to learn, but now is not the time. However, when it transpires that the wrong man has died, things are very much murkier indeed!

Felix is determined to shoulder the blame for what has happened and determines to hand himself over to the police. But wait! First he to make sure Mabel his dog is taken care of. So he hot foots it over the back fence and heads for home just as young pc Calvin Bridge arrives with his partner to investigate after an anonymous tip off.

Calvin is a lovely lad. He’s just finished a spell in plain clothes where his boss, DCI Kirsty King, thought he displayed talent and initiative. But Calvin harbours a terrible secret. He comes from a family whose criminal activities are well known in this neighbourhood and despite changing his name, Calvin knows that his connection to them could end his police career were it to become known. So he sits on his ambition and goes back to on the beat work without a murmur.

Belinda Bauer’s book has a light and quirky touch that belies its body count and controversial subject matter. It is a beautifully plotted and elegantly constructed novel that offers us two charming if slightly sad protagonists in Felix and Calvin both of whom are in search of the real answers as to what exactly is going on. Our joy as readers in following their paths as they converge and diverge again is in seeing how both find a renewed sense of self and a refreshing interest in the people around them.

Bauer’s book is full of wonderful characters and in this audiobook, beautifully narrated by Tim McInnerny. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters endearing and the hilarious sets of misunderstandings and fantastic plot points lead to a brilliantly funny murder mystery I think everyone will enjoy. Tim McInnerny cleverly reigns in the irony to give free range to a wonderfully oddball set of characters and his pitch perfect dialogue is a joy to listen to.

Verdict: A fantastic listen. This is a moving and often poignant novel that has real heart, a spritely humour and lots of really clever twists. It celebrates its characters in a way that makes you feel as if you know them. By the time you finish listening, you will both know and love them and that makes this a real wonder of a book and a great listen.

This is quite hard for me to give a review. I have read Bauer in the past and I have loved the thrillers like Snap! So I requested this in NetGalley to listen as I thought it was a thriller reading the synopsis and knowing the authors writing style. I can’t say this was the case sadly. I liked the idea and the concept and The EXITeers drew me in and what they do was a unique one.
I just found the story discombobulated and haphazard and not as well executed as it had the potential to be. As it was different to other Books in this category.
I found like the author didn’t know where she was headed at times or someone didn’t proof check this.
I am new to the audio world and only just started to listen more as I don’t have as much time to pick up a book. Sometimes I found it funny and liked the narrative doing all the different voices but just couldn’t get into as much as I would really have liked too which is a shame. I did like the ending that the roles were flipped to who you’d think was the perpetrators for the deaths would be. At least he got his personal ending sailing into the sunset. I think I’d have enjoyed more as a book.
Thank you NetGalley for the Audio ARC and Penguin in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley, Belinda Bauer and Penguin Random House UK Audio for this ARC in return for an honest review.
This was certainly not what I was expecting to read. This book was oddly warm hearting and had very likeable characters in. I finished this book about a week ago and haven’t been able to start thinking about it. I feel this was quite a unique storyline which was pleasantly unexpecting. I genuinely can’t wait to see more of her books. I think this will be very popular in 2021.

Belinda Bauer worked as a journalist, screenwriter and court reporter before deciding to write fiction, and her considerable expertise shines through in many of her novels, including this one. ‘The Exit’ is an unusual piece of crime fiction that is not afraid to touch on taboo issues – first and foremost, the controversial topic of assisted suicide. The protagonist in this novel is Felix Pink, a compassionate and caring elderly gentleman who provides ‘end of life’ assistance to terminally ill citizens. When there is an unexpected death, Felix comes under police scrutiny and it looks as if his life is going to be torn apart, until Felix turns to an investigation of his own. This topic area may sound very grim, but it is to Bauer’s credit that she manages to inject compassion and humour into such a dark storyline, as well as introduce us to an idiosyncratic cast of unforgettable characters: as well as Felix, there are the voice of his deceased wife Margaret, his scruffy dog Mabel, police officers Calvin and Jackie, and several other ordinary individual with whom we become extraordinarily acquainted. It is not an audio book I would normally have chosen but I do recommend it. I would also like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC audio book I received in exchange for this honest and unbiased review.

I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Belinda Bauer’s other books but this has to be my favourite so far. Lots of characters, some likeable and some definitely not. The story had me hooked from the beginning. The idea of the ‘exiteers’ was very interesting and I really liked Felix as a character. I would like to see him in future books. Lots of twists and turns. I thought, multiple times, that I knew ‘who dunnit’ but I got to the end and was surprised. This is the first time I’ve heard this narrator too and I really enjoyed listening to him. I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the audio ARC.

Oh WOW!
I listened to the audio version of this courtesy of Netgalley and I could not turn it off. I finished it in less than 24 hours as I found the plot so incredibly original and thought provoking as well as gripping as a thriller.
In fact, to start with, this book really upset me. The way in which Bauer writes about death, grief and loneliness is astonishingly perceptive and achingly sad. Just in the choice of a word or two, or a single sentence, I found myself stricken with the plight of Felix Pink and the unusual job he does under the pseudonym of John. He happens to be part of a very small and select group, recruited anonymously by leader Jeffrey/Geoffrey Skeet, to watch over those who have decided to leave the world behind before pain and illness ravages them.
The opening has the reader agog, trying to work out who is who and exactly what is happening. The plot is quirky, profound and as the story progresses actually very funny (Mabel widdling after 6 hours, a stolen tulip costing £50, and a broken pencil at an arrest, to name but a few comic moments).
The plot develops into a crime to be solved because something unexpectedly goes wrong in Abbotsham with new recruit Amanda at the bedside, and Felix is torn between accepting his fate without question and trying to understand how on earth the mistake happened in the first place. He opts for the latter and in the course of his own bumbling investigations we meet next door neighbour Miss Knott, Skipper and his grandson Reggie, the Moon couple and the officers dealing with the case. Calvin/Kelvin Bridge is the acting DC paired with DCI Kirsty King to work out whether the death of Albert Cann is a crime or not. There is a depth to all the characters as we learn about their lives, their relationships, the past which has formed their present day actions, and all of these features are brought to life with brilliant and often very funny dialogue.
I loved the twists and turns, the intrigue and the suspicion, the precarious nature of Felix Pink 's thought processes and the way, very slowly, people become connected to others, who in turn have connections elsewhere, until the story comes full circle and we understand the conclusion.
The ending is as profound and sad as the beginning and simply perfect.
A superbly executed masterpiece of a story, I LOVED it!
You really do have to make sure this is a book you pick up SOON!
With thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to listen to the audio version of Exit in exchange for this honest review.
AND THE NARRATION WAS PERFECT TOO. BROUGHT FELIX TO LIFE, AND SKIPPER, REGGIE, HAYLEY etc. I felt the tone of the male narrator conveying the gravity of the Exiteer's role extremely fitting and his melancholy timbre well suited to the concept of death, loneliness and grief. The narration simply added to the way the book made me as a reader FEEL.

A clever, smart, witty, character driven novel about Felix (72) who helps people to die (who want to) until one day something goes wrong and the police become involved. Devoured it in a day. Highly recommend.

It takes a lot for me to re-read/listen, but as this was one of my top reads of last year, I jumped at the chance to revisit Felix and his friends when I saw the audio version pop up on Netgalley.
It was only made better by the excellent narration and I still wholeheartedly recommend everybody read this book. It is an absolute gem of storytelling, plotting and amazing characters, and I defy anyone not to fall in love with Felix Pink!

The joyous bit about reading Belinda Bauer's novel Exit is the off-kilter unfolding of a story headed somewhere you were not expecting. Without fail, her books are amusing, delightful and often gently misleading but in a good-hearted, 'you got me there!' kind of way. There's a lightness of hand in her writing that makes these stories sparkle with simplicity, tenderness and lightly buried genius that makes the world feel ever so slightly better. If you cannot tell, I loved Exit...now to the story.

Exit is about Exiteers who volunteer to be present when an elderly/terminally ill person decides to take his/her own life. Exiteers give guidance on how to proceed but do not physically assist in the act in any way. Instead, they are there to give comfort so the person intending to die does not have to pass away alone. It's a really lovely notion and made me think about how we deal with death.

The audio of this novel is perfectly performed by the narrator. The personalities of the characters, the lack of mental faculties for some of the younger set, was brilliantly depicted. I so enjoyed this warm, sweet story being read to me.

Our main character, Felix Pink, is an old age pensioner who has attended a number of deaths. He's charming, sweet and wants to give comfort to those who wish to end their lives. The trouble is things don't go quite to plan and events spiral out of his control. It's looking pretty dodgy for him but the interweaving of police, Felix, Felix's neighbour and the occupants and visitors of the house where things went off the rails is utterly brilliant. Funny, sweet, touching with surprise twists, too, Exit has not only a moral story behind it but is full of heart as well. This novel is pure delight in these troubled times. It may seem a dark topic but Exit is anything but. Pure joy, honestly. I hope you agree.

I have heard a lot of good things about Belinda Bauer and have bought several of her books on these recommendations, but I hadn't got round to reading any of them until EXIT when given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. I have to say it was not at all what I expected, which I think was some form of physiological thriller, perhaps a domestic noir. EXIT is actually a gentle, funny, sometimes darkly so, mystery about 'assisted' suicide gone wrong.

Felix Pink is a 75 year-old widower, an 'Exiteer', part of a group who attend to those who want to take their own lives, to end their own suffering, to be with them at the end but, crucially, do nothing to cause the actual death. When Felix, and his new, inexperienced, young partner, attend to their latest 'client' something goes terribly wrong and Felix believes he has made the biggest mistake of his life. But later, as he tries to atone for his mistake, Felix begins to believe he may have been setup. Meanwhile, a young detective, Calvin begins to investigate the death and the role that two strangers seen on CCTV may have had in it.

The book is beautifully written and the audiobook narration by Tim McInnerney is sympathetic and entertaining. The main characters are realistic and charming, as are many of the supporting cast. Despite the subject matter, some of the scenes are truly comical and, although I felt those from Felix's viewpoint worked significantly better than those from Calvin's, I really enjoyed the book to its poignant conclusion and will be going back to read those other Belinda Bauer book on my TBR pile.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Audio for access to the audiobook.

Felix Pink is a kind man. He certainly doesn’t deserve to be on the run for murder but to his utter bewilderment that exactly is where he finds himself. He was only trying to help but it has all gone horribly wrong. Exit is a story about euthanasia but with unusual undertones, some dark some funny with likeable characters and a dog.

75 year old Felix is an Exiteer. He sits with terminally ill people who want to end their own lives, but does nothing to assist them. But when he is teamed up with a new Exiteer something gors terribly wrong and Felix finds himself on the run from the police.

This is such a lovely, charming book. despite the fact that it is a crime novel. I defy anyone not to fall in love with Felix (and his delightful dog, Mabel), who is a real gentleman, honest and honourable. The story is told from the POV of Felix, and also Calvin, a uniformed police officer who is reluctantly seconded into CID for this case. The plot is very clever and filled with humour (I loved the police interview near the end - pure farce!) despite it's sensitive subject of assisted dying.

The narration by Tim McInnerny was perfect.

Another great book from this multi-award winning author, who always dares to be different and transports the reader into a mesmerising and masterful mystery, that delivers a clever plot, elegant prose and humorous dialogue.
Don’t be fooled by the quaint and sleepy locations used in Devon, as there is plenty of intrigue and mayhem going on behind the scenes.
An excellent cast of characters, with two main protagonists providing interesting and contrasting points of view.
Retired widower Felix Pink is kind and decent, and his well-meaning and voluntary support of euthanasia gets him into serious trouble.
Calvin Bridge is a sensible, bored but sharp policeman, who has cropped up before, (Facts of Life & Death), but the books and stories are completely stand alone.
Their seemingly quiet lives are about to be propelled into a complex tangled web of deceit, fraud, coercion, violence and murder. A number of topics, actions and consequences are handled with care, sensitivity and great wit, and the whole interconnected drama is told and revealed with great skill, providing another very satisfying read. I have had the privilege to read all of her books and this is right up there as one of her best yet.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I thoroughly recommend this book not only to Belinda’s fans, but also to fans of clever mysteries and thoughtful crime fiction.

Very gripping without sacrificing the richness of the setting or characters. There's much to admire in this pacey thriller with all of the thoughtfulness of a literary novel.

I had heard that the book form was good, but oh my goodness the audio version brought the story alive! The Narration was done to perfection with excellent local accents.
The story had me listening in short burst throughout the night when I couldn't sleep as it was just so very good.
I thought the concept of the story was brilliant! Loved it.
I really did not see the culprit coming, I had someone else in mind so that was a definite gasp from me.
I will be looking out for the book.
A must read/ listen from me!

A brilliantly structured read plenty of twists and a fabulous plot. Difficult topic turned into an entertaining and thoroughly absorbing journey.
Characters well developed.
Most of all the narration was perfect. Thank you

Exit is a fantastic novel that manages to be incredibly humorous while dealing with a serious topic.
Felix is an Exiteer; a group of people who sit with strangers while they end their own life. They provide a service that is not illegal, and brings comfort to terminally ill people who want to choose the time of their own passing.
While Felix takes on a client with a new Exiteer, an honest mistake occurs that leads to deadly consequences. Felix then returns to the scene of the crime in order to understand what went wrong.
This is a truly original novel that combines a traditional thriller involving a police investigation, with a deeply personal issue. The characters are all well developed and even the ‘baddies’ are good fun.

Exit by Belinda Bauer has an intriguing premise: Felix Pink is part of a secret group called the Exiteers. What they do is not illegal, but not exactly legit either. Their mission is to sit with terminally ill people, who have chosen euthanasia, so that they do not die alone. They don’t help them die, they just sit with them while they die.

It’s a nice thought. I’d hire the Exiteers for myself in a heartbeat to avoid the alternative of a long, drawn out, painful death (no, the Exiteers don’t really exist. Uh, I think). In Exit, people who no longer want to live decide to put an end to it, purchase the necessary equipment themselves, write their will and commit suicide painlessly. The Exiteers keep them them company then clear up the evidence so that loved ones are not incriminated. What could possibly go wrong?

Oops, wrong guy!
Of course, things do go wrong when the Felix and his fellow-Exiteer Amanda realize that the wrong man is dead.

What follows is a hugely entertaining (really!), constantly surprising read. It’s in turns moving, warm, hilarious, violent, tender, … It covers quite an emotional range. The audiobook is beautifully read, so you get very immersed in the story.

From the outset, this is not a formulaic crime novel. There are criminals, police and innocent participants and bystanders, but none of them are clichéd figures. The many characters are all very distinct and well rounded. All of them turn out to be at least a little different than expected. Even the victim isn’t the right victim!

Clever plotting
With its mix of characters, its unusual — occasionally even farcical — situations, and so many red herrings you could open a fish shop, this book could easily have been a sloppy mess. Not at all! It is very cleverly plotted. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, something new happens that turns the story on its head again. Only at the end do all the strings pull together.

The ending came as a complete surprise to me. Even if I had my suspicions about the guilty person, my suspicions were not about the right things, as it turned out.

The quirky, charming side of suicide
Of course this novel has a rather grim theme. Bauer takes the sting out of assisted suicide without in any way diminishing it. In fact it’s a deeply humane book at heart. Black humor at its best.

The book’s promotion includes comparisons with Richard Osman’s début novel The Thursday Murder Club. I concur. I loved the latter and easily see parallels, even though the story and settings are different. If you liked it too, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Exit, and vice versa.

My thanks to Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.

I enjoyed this book, and I’d describe it as a light-hearted crime mystery story. The characters were entertaining, and the pacing is good. The only thing I would change is the cover and title because they do not really fit the novel in my view.

As a big fan of Bauer’s previous works, I was so excited for Exit. Although it was an easy read, and had some twists, it didn’t quite capture my attention. Exit touches upon the difficult subject of euthanasia- a subject I feel should definitely be discussed more within literature. However I found the story to be a bit slow at times. Although, I do feel that some of the characters could be explored further such as Calvin.

This novel had an excellent premise – that an ‘exiteer’ helping those who choose to die voluntarily discovers he has unwittingly murdered an innocent man. On top of that, Felix is such a nice, well-meaning old fellow that I soon found I was drawn into this entertaining story. There are a number of strong suspects in this neatly plotted whodunit. I especially enjoyed two big misdirections that gave me pleasant twisty surprises.
I was less keen on the way the police were represented as rather bored and bumbling, though maybe that was partly the audible narration in which their lines were delivered as if they were mentally challenged. The villains were also rather cartoonish and there were a few too many coincidences for my taste.
Overall, this was an ‘up-lit’ version of the crime genre and far better written than the other examples I’ve read. We get humour, tenderness, and some lovely observations, but in the end it’s a light and whimsical crime story and a bit too cosy for my taste. Belinda Bauer’s ‘Blackland’, with all its terror and tension, is one of my favourite crime novels and to be honest I prefer this author’s grittier and darker work.