The Atrocity Archives cover art

The Atrocity Archives

Book 1 in The Laundry Files

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About this listen

Never volunteer for active duty...

Bob Howard is a low-level techie working for a super-secret government agency. While his colleagues are out saving the world, Bob's under a desk restoring lost data. His world was dull and safe; but then he went and got Noticed. Now, Bob is up to his neck in spycraft, alternative universes, dimension-hopping terrorists, monstrous elder gods and the end of the world. Only one thing is certain: it will take more than ‘control+alt+delete’ to sort this mess out...

This is the first novel in The Laundry Files. This audiobook includes the short story The Concrete Jungle.

©2004 Charles Stross. Introduction copyright 2004 by Ken Mcleod (P)2013 Hachette Children's Books
Espionage Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Scary Funny Suspense

Critic reviews

"Tremendously good, geeky fun" ( Telegraph)
'A WEIRDLY ALLURING BLEND OF SUPERSPY THRILLER, DEADPAN COMIC FANTASY AND LOVECRAFTIAN HORROR.' ( Kirkus Reviews)
All stars
Most relevant

Would you consider the audio edition of The Atrocity Archives to be better than the print version?

I've not got/read the book so I wouldn't be able to tell you. There is a lot of dense tech-speak, however, and I think it would be nice to have a printed version, in order to see what was said with more clarity.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Atrocity Archives?

It's difficult to fill this in without giving any of the plot away. One thing that's not too spoilery stands out, however. The moment our valiant hero is besieged by beaurocracy, only to be able to take it to a department head and foil there attempts at harassing him.

What does Jack Hawkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I first heard Jack reading Scott Mariani's books and I think he brings the same here. They are confidently and compidently read, with enough characterisation to add to the narrative without going over the top, and making it sound like a children's book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was tricky to get in to at first but, once I had, I couldn't put it down. If I had a (very) long car journey, I can see myself putting this on again.

Any additional comments?

Really great book which is a little confusing at first but becomes more understandable as the plot unwinds. There is enough humour in here to offset some of the scarier elements and the use of mythic elements is particularly well achieved. Looking forward to listening to book 2, which I have just purchased.

Brilliant take on a lovecraftian universe

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loved the story and characters, narrator was perfect. wish all four in the series were on Audible.

great experience and incredible book!

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Excellent audio version of the first book in the Laundryverse (it's a pity that the full series isn't available as I'd love to hear The Fuller Memorandum, but hey ho).
The story's great; narration's good (a few wobbles with accents) but overall excellent and one I'll listen to again.

Lovecraftian establishment beaurocracy

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If you could sum up The Atrocity Archives in three words, what would they be?

Weirdly original pastiche.

What did you like best about this story?

It ferments several genres: thriller, Lovecraft & video-gaming.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Castle Wolfenstein!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A bit like Hellboy, but not. I'm not sure a film would be appropriate.

Any additional comments?

THERE ARE SEVERAL STROSS NOVELS AVAILABLE TO US AUDIBLE MEMBERS THAT UK MEMBERS ARE DENIED. PLEASE MAKE THESE AVAILABLE IN THE UK.

Great book - can't we have the Fuller Memorandam?

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HP Lovecraft meets IT support, govermental red tape, humour and action. Great start to the series.

Great weird fiction, brilliantly read.

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