Ended my listening with tears rolling down my face. What an uplifting, heartfelt book.

Ray Thorns has had an interesting life, but things haven't gone as planned. A former caretaker and helper at an exclusive boys' school, he's content living out his remaining days as a reclusive hoarder in the same home where he grew up. One day his neighbor comes to visit and drops dead in Ray's home, starting a cascade of events which have Ray declared as the one who died, much to his dismay. Even though Ray attempts to correct the wrong information, no one seems to believe him.

I just loved Ray, and as the story progresses we flash back to the past and the events and the people who shaped his life, love, and family. In some ways, this book reminded me of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, which is similarly themed (although completely different).

When we get to the end and everything culminates together, as I said before I had tears streaming down my face. If only we could know how our lives touch the lives of others, would that affect and change the way we interact with each other? This book gives a lot to think about.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and I absolutely loved Peter Noble, the narrator. He gave Ray such an authentic voice and demeanor, sometimes I even forgot that it wasn't really Ray who was narrating.

Overall this book is touching, emotional, and thought provoking. It is well worth reading, and then give it to a friend.

Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand is beautifully written book about Ray “Spike” Thorns, a retired school grounds keeper, who is stuck in life until an encounter with his neighbor upends the patterns of his daily existence. Ray is a flawed and likeable character. I found myself engrossed in the mystery of his story, frustrated by Ray’s passivity, and entertained by the hijinks he is thrown into. The narrative is told through first person narration performed by Peter Noble. He does a great job capturing the character to the point that you feel he is Ray. If you like a book about second chances later in life, this one is for you.

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for allowing me to have an advanced listening copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!

What a beautiful and heartwarming story. Its filled with the what if’s , reflection and love. The main character is a relatable person. By mistake people think he has died and because of this he starts reflecting on the life he has and his relationship with his long lost love, his brother, nephew and mother.
Completely recommended

What a wonderful story! This uplifting, touching book was beautiful and I loved it!

Ray Thorns is an elderly man living alone with nothing to look forward to. He has never been married, never had children and until recently, took care of his mother. With no friends or family that seem to care for him, Ray invites a lonely neighbor to his house for dinner. As he runs to pick up food for their dinner, he returns to see ambulances and police cars at his house. His neighbor has died at Ray’s home and the authorities believe it is Ray. A case of mistaken identity turns into a weeklong new lease on life. As Ray thinks back to his past and relationships missed, he decides to change the life he is living before it’s too late.

Thank you, Net Galley and Harlequin Audio, for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The narrator, Peter Noble, was perfect for the voice of Ray. The story was encouraging and a reminder to prioritize relationships and family. I will recommend this to all my reader friends who love a heart-melting book that reminds us to be kind and appreciative of the mentors in our lives. #NetGalley #ReportsOfHisDeathHaveBeenGreatlyExaggerated @HarlequinAudio

Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated is an inventive and entertaining ride, blending dark humor, mystery, and just enough emotional weight to keep things grounded. James Goodhand delivers a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, while still offering moments of sharp insight and intrigue.

The premise itself is unique and immediately pulls you in; there’s something delightfully off-kilter about a narrative that dances between absurdity and sincerity. The pacing was solid, and the audiobook narration carried the tone perfectly, striking a balance between wit and tension.

While some sections felt a little too drawn out or overly quirky for my taste, the overall experience was fun, fresh, and satisfying. It’s a story that plays with expectations and isn’t afraid to get weird in the best way.

A solid 4 stars. Perfect for readers who enjoy mystery with a twist of eccentric charm.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Now this book is a proper balance of humorous, sweet, wistful, and nostalgia. Ray finds himself, through no fault of his own, declared dead when his neighbor dies in his house and is mistakenly identified as Ray. Ray, being a very sweet and not wanting to be any trouble (which is sweet but also a bit annoying especially as people brush him off when he tries to figure out how to make them believe he is alive). There are glimpses of his history during this time of contemplation, both good memories and bittersweet ones of lost loves and what could have beens which make this a delightful journey (with a bit of hatred for his mum) as you get to see what a difference he has made to so many people, working behind the scenes both at the school and then with his nephew and others. This story left me with a nice, warm feeling and how important it is to let people know they are loved and wanted and not forgotten. And that it is never too late for second chances, even if forty years go by!

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook! The narrator, Peter Noble, did a wonderful job in bringing Ray to life (because he is definitely not dead, despite what the newspaper announcement says!) and letting all of us readers find out what a great man Ray is.

I wasn't so sure about this book after the first couple of chapters, realizing this wasn't going to just be a funny tale about a case of mistaken identity, but a sometimes depressing look back on a man's life. I'm so glad I stuck with it because I ended up loving it! The journey through the Ray's life felt at times like it was never going to get better, yet the author surprised me in the best kind of way. I most definitely cried, something I don't do often with books. In short, it was a lovely surprise, and one of my best listens so far in 2025.

I think this book will appeal to people who like Fredrik Backman, books about older people looking back at their lives, and stories that all come together nicely at the end.

The narrator did a fantastic job, and I'd gladly listen to more of his work.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and give an honest review!

I am incoherent. Literally been sobbing for the last half hour. What an absolutely beautiful book, I genuinely can't remember the last time a book touched me this much. Narrated beautifully, and the emotion threaded through this book is just. I genuinely can't find the words. It is incredible, one of my best reads of 2025 so far, possibly THE best read. It took me a little bit to get into it but I adored it and need everyone to go read it right now.

I listen to two or three audiobooks each week, and I've discovered that it can be challenging to transition to a new audiobook after being immersed in the captivating world of a great story. Because of this, I’m always eager to give a new audiobook a fair chance before deciding it’s not for me.

I've realized that while a narrator can be truly exceptional, sometimes the story they’re conveying simply doesn’t resonate with the listener. Unfortunately, that was the case with this particular audiobook.

Thank you opportunity to listen to this audiobook

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 narrator brings just the right tone and inflection to the text, making it feel like he’s telling his own story rather than reading a script. I listened to the first 70% in one sitting and finished the rest the same day. I just had to know how it ended. I was utterly hooked, needing to fill in the blanks between past and present and understand the lead character’s present-day predicament.

The structure of the book allows the story to unfold effortlessly, striking a balance between reflection and emotional depth, while maintaining a real sense of momentum. It reminded me in many ways of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, maybe not as overtly humorous, but just as full of heart.

I especially loved that this was told from the perspective of an older protagonist. We don’t often get stories where older characters are given the spotlight with the depth and nuance they deserve. Too frequently, they’re side characters or stereotypes, but here we’re given a window into a lifetime of wisdom, regret, and resilience. It was refreshing and moving.

Highly recommend if you're looking for a story that feels deeply personal, reflective, and quietly powerful.

Oh gosh I loved this! I was expecting a story with a funny mix up, but I also got a story that was charming and heart warming, and made me tear up at the end. I thought the narrator was perfect and did a great job bringing the wholesome old man main character to life. If you want a bit of "O Captain, My Captain!" in your life, pick this one up!! 4.5 stars rounded up.

I really enjoyed this book even though it was a slow start. The narrator did a fabulous job of emoting Ray's "aww shucks" good-heartedness while not villainizing the women in his life. Rather, the reader/listener was able to draw their own conclusions about them as the present story, as well as the history, unfolded. It was hard not to feel sorry for Ray and his life un-lived but I appreciated the touching ending to his story.

This was such a sweet and touching story that had me tearing up at the end. The only part that gave me the ick was the original switch-up of the love story, as well as the second switch-up. The whole thing felt off to me but aside from that, I loved the story of not fully knowing the impact you have on others' lives.

Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated starts as a funny mix-up and unfolds into a beautifully written reflection on mortality. The plot lines went a little wonky for me at times, but the characters felt deeply human, and the emotional payoff was satisfying. I absolutely loved this!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the chance to listen to this title in exchange for my opinion. 4.25

Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated was my first book by James Goodhand. This story really spoke to me; it was told so well and really kept you intrigued with the flashbacks and current timeline. Each character was so well developed and you couldn’t help but route for them. I especially loved the ending. No spoilers. Peter Noble did a great job on the narration.

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.