This was an unexpectedly unique piece of history meets mystery. While it took me a little bit to get into the story once it grabbed on it had my heart and filled my mind with excitement and intrigue.

The fictional characters revolve around the true story of the rare red Metland Eggs that were gathered between 1912 and 1938 from the Bempton Cliffs in the UK. The timeline jumps back and forth from the collecting of the eggs to present day and both timelines, with all their interesting characters and heartfelt insights, were written in a way that made it easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable. I was highly invested in the eggs and felt so many emotions for the birds who are mentioned just a few times. I think that says a lot about how powerful the writing was. And even though this is the second in a series I didn’t feel like I missed anything having not read the first. That said, i will definitely be reading more from Bauer soon!

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the excellent advanced listening copy!

The Impossible Thing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💖

I absolutely adore Belinda Bauer. She has such a unique writing style that I have yet to find anything remotely similar. I am so happy that this book is the second in the series! I am looking forward to what comes next.

I chose this book, The Impossible Thing, not knowing it was the second in the Rubbernecker series, So I decided that is where I should begin. And if you haven't read that first, I highly suggest that you do, it helps give a little more context to the main character and his relationships. Rubbernecker was fantastic! One of the things that I really enjoy about this series is how unconventional it is. The main character is not neurotypical, and that is what I love the most about it.

These books are beautifully done in a way that is difficult for me to describe. They address difficult issues without tackling them head on, and help you think about them gently, if I can put it like that. Often books can be so direct and almost shove your nose right into the issue they want to see, but this has a very smooth way of doing it, and it never felt out of place within the book.

I have found that not a lot of people know about Belinda Bauer , and that is unfortunate. Her books are well written, character and plot driven, atypical, and "unputdownable". And they may not be for everyone, but I really enjoy what she has to say in every one of her books, the three I have read so far, and I think they are work the time and little effort that will go into each one.

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.

I appreciated how the story builds over the novel. Two timelines, the past and present, reveal secrets as we follow characters through a growing mystery. The "who dunnit" is easy enough to solve, but the puzzle pieces coming together is a great story by Bauer.

3.5
This starts off really interesting looking at the once popular tradition of collecting precious eggs aka "climming" off the cliff in Yorkshire, England. You simply drop a rope over the cliff and scaled down to collect eggs that are then brought back up, carefully hollowed out, and then sold off to collectors.

I would've loved more about the actual life of those that lived in the village and collected eggs along with some of the politics surrounding that. But, this was more about the egg collectors and collecting in general. The book has two time points and I definitely had a favorite time frame to read about.

Overall, it was fine, but I felt like the storyline was a bit boring and could have done so much more. That said, I was definitely looking up pictures of these popular collector eggs of guillemot eggs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the gifted ALC of this book. The audiobook was well done.

I both read and listened to this book on audio. I really enjoyed the audio which helped with the pacing in my opinion.

I've read and loved Bauer's books and this was no exception. However, this book, while fascinating, moved at a slower pace than I would have liked. I loved all the characters and I loved the moving back and forth in time to have mysteries unfold in several timelines. I loved falling head first into the world of egg collectors both in real life (as in physically collecting the eggs from the birds) and in the academic sense (who knew?!) and the obsession and craze and the ones who were taken advantage of and the ones who put themselves in all kinds of danger.

It will be impossible for you to not fall into the rabbit hole of this world of danger, intrigue and deception.

with gratitude to Grove Atlantic and Dreamscape Media and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

What an unexpected mystery. I cannot say that I would have anticipated being as invested in a novel whose crime involved some stolen eggs, and yet I was. That's due in large part to the writing, though the narrator of this book being Phil Dunster certainly added to the experience.

The story is told in dual timelines. We learn about the origins of the eggs themselves while we're racing to find them in the present moment. Each timeline contains characters who felt compelling to read, which isn't always a given with dual timelines.

I could have done with a bit more tension for this to have really risen in the ranks for me, as is it straddled between a cozy and traditional mystery.

I was gifted an ALC of this book by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is without a doubt one of the most unique pieces of crime fiction (that also happens to be historical fiction) that I have ever read! I went in knowing nothing of two things:
1) Belinda Bauer, the author and
2) The fact that egg collecting was quite a trend among the elite in the UK and US in the Victorian Era through the early part of the 20th century!

That said, this is a dual timeline story following, in the past, the exploitation of mostly poor children to do the dangerous work of collecting these eggs, and in the present, two quite interesting young men attempting to hunt down a valuable stolen egg that had been in the possession of one of their families. It's probably best to go in relatively blind to most enjoy this very creative and entertaining plot. While it is crime fiction and a bit of a mystery, it's also a book about class, greed, and obsession with a really nasty bad guy and other characters to root for.

While I enjoyed this, particularly the beginning and end, it drug quite a bit for me in the middle. I also wanted a little more exploration of the Celie, our main character in the past timeline. I think I would've been more invested had we gotten more from her character. We are given more of the personalities and characteristics of the guys in the present timeline. This made the book feel a bit "choppy", as some characters who are important to the plot are introduced but not really fully formed.

That said, the plot was so unique, and Bauer's books so critically acclaimed, I plan to pick up some backlist from her. I would definitely encourage readers who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary to pick this one up.
3.5 stars

The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer, Narrated by Phil Dunster (Audiobook Version)

A century ago, egg collecting was a hobby. Who knew? Certainly not I. No, this was not merely a pastime for the average person; rather, it was for the wealthy and affluent. Bursting at the seams, money oozed out of their self-centered hands. Finding those rare shells, exquisite in colors, bright in their rare hues proves paramount. Thus allowing bragging rights within a small circle of the wealthy trying to “one up” each other. I challenge you, dear reader, to think of anything more significant than obtaining a miraculous egg to elevate our status in a world full of insecurity.

Celie Sheppard was the destroyer of the family, or so it seems to her siblings. Outwardly different in appearance, she was a girl with a small caveat. She was thin. Her slight build can be attributed to a variety of factors, one of which may be a lack of nutrition. What she lacked in bulk or height, she made up with toughness and grit. Through this determination, she could squeeze through the smallest of crevices, allowing her dangerous access to uncover some rather unique eggs. A rare egg resting on a not-so-ordinary cliff—this cliff no one dared to venture to due to its precarious position, inferring death at its doorstop. Her bravery afforded her possession of one such special egg. The fortunes for her family positively altered, albeit with specific stipulations from a well-paying egg connoisseur.

In the present time, Nick, and his friend Patrick have experienced robbery. Ultimately, one that was preventing them from purchasing a new gaming chair. An empty box is found with hints that a majestic egg once was placed within. Who has the egg? Why would anyone steal an egg? After some investigation, they start to unravel the mystery. What once thought a small crime, a complex plot reveals itself with a multitude of bizarre possibilities.

What a story. I was enamored with the characters. Belinda Bauer, our author, has set the table. Eggs are the main course within the countryside cottage of Yorkshire. Phil Dunster, the narrator, confidently expresses emotional fervor in the telling of this story. His inflections and accent whisked away my senses to the countryside. Birds flocking to the cliffsides, laying their precious cargo. As the tale gathers momentum, Bauer introduces the sourness of collectors, causing my stomach to unsettle. Per usual, monetary gain being the evil culprit. Greed emphatically clutches its self-serving paws on the less fortunate. However, the foundation has been laid: beauteous characters lie in wait upon a blustery windtorn rockface, thus making for an eventful listen that I can encourage others to partake in.

A journey well worth your time. The writing and narration meld together perfectly to provide a rewarding experience. Recently I gave pause watching a heron fly close to the nearby inlet covered in rocks and oceanic debris. With a subtle nod, I slowly nodded my head in solemn respect as it flew off into the distance, appreciating its grace in flight. The book has forever touched me, and for that I am grateful. I am giving this 4.5 out of 5 stars. Rounding up to 5 stars! Highly Recommended!

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the audiobook through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

Sadly, this book was impossible for me to finish. I was so bored that at 67% I gave up.
I appreciate the research into the topic, and the whole egg-collecting and trafficking business part was informative. But to me the separate storylines were going nowhere, and there was no real suspense.

Belinda Bauer's The Impossible Thing intertwines two narratives across a century, delving into the enigmatic world of rare egg collecting. In 1926 Yorkshire, young Celie Sheppard's discovery of a unique red guillemot egg alters her life's trajectory. Fast forward to contemporary Wales, where Patrick Fort and his friend Nick become entangled in a perilous quest after a similar egg is stolen from Nick's home.

Bauer's portrayal of characters, especially Patrick, who is on the autism spectrum, has been lauded for its authenticity and depth. One reviewer noted the "masterful portrayal of Patrick's autism spectrum disorder," fostering a deep connection with this complex character. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, enriching the narrative's complexity. The historical backdrop and the exploration of the obsessive nature of collectors provide a fresh perspective within the crime genre.

However, some readers might find the pacing uneven, with the historical narrative holding slightly more allure than the present-day story. Additionally, the fantastical aspect of the egg may require readers to stretch their imaginations, bridging reality and the extraordinary.

In conclusion, The Impossible Thing offers a unique mystery that appeals to fans of literary fiction and suspense alike. While it may not resonate with all readers due to its pacing and imaginative elements, it remains a captivating journey that stays with you long after the final page.

I read the book a while back and couldn’t resist giving the audiobook a try.

Narrator Phil Dunster does a great job. His narration really brings out the lyrical quality of Belinda Bauer’s writing, and he does a great range of character voice and accents. He really brings them to life!

I’ve been waiting for this book ever since Exit, Belinda Bauer’s last book back in 2021. The Queen of quirky character-driven Crime is back to claim her crown!

The Impossible Thing delves into the hidden world and history of collecting rare birds‘ eggs. In 1926 organised gangs dangle men on ropes to snatch the eggs from the nests of the sides of towering cliffs in Yorkshire, the rarest eggs sell for big money. 100 years later in a remote cottage in Wales, Patrick Fort finds his friend and his mother have been burgled, the only thing missing an old carved case containing an unusual egg.

You may remember Patrick from Belinda Bauer’s classic Rubbernecker, one of the original neurodivergent protagonists, long before Strange Sally Diamond, Eleanor Oliphant or Dawn Schiff. You don’t need to have read Rubbernecker before The Impossible Thing, but you HAVE TO read it at some point!

Belinda Bauer weaves a wonderful tale, through past and present, emerging us in the murky world of egg collecting, the present day efforts to crack down on the trade, and of course Patrick’s quest to recover the egg.

Inspired by a news story on the radio, Belinda Bauer has achieved the impossible by creating a complex and captivating mystery around rare egg collecting. The mix of past and present is enchanting, Sarah Penner fans need to read this book. Fans of Belinda Bauer’s recent books Snap and Exit need to read this book. Fans of Belinda Bauer’s early darker works, such Blacklands, The Facts Of Life And Death and Rubbernecker need to read this book which still captivates and grips the reader without the death and darkness.

Hugely entertaining, a superb Audiobook adaptation of a must read which deserves to be widely read and celebrated. Belinda Bauer is one of the finest character writers in Crime fiction today.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media

This is one of those books that as soon as I finished it I couldn’t really recall what it was about. There were some eggs that people decided were worth collecting so people found a way to steal them from their cliff edge nests for profit. There was a lot of greed and I felt sorry for the birds.

Don’t expect a typical mystery book, it’s kind of more like a slice of life book with some mystery elements. A creative and well written book with well developed characters. I’d say give it a try if the synopsis sounds interesting and you’re looking for something a little different.

I listened to this one on audio and found the narrator did an excellent job bringing the story to life.

The Impossible thing by Belinda Bauer
I have several of this author’s books on my to read list , however the setting of Bempton Cliffs and the gorgeous cover meant this one went straight to the top.
The book as two time lines and alternates between them , the earlier time line is set on the North Yorkshire coast around Bempton cliffs in the 1920’s.
When the cliffs are full of nesting seabirds groups of men and boys climb down the cliffs to steal eggs to sell to collectors. Celie Sheppard is a poor neglected hungry farm girl who goes to collect eggs to make an omelette over a part of the cliff none of the gangs will attempt as it’s so dangerous , in doing so she discovers a rare red egg that changes the fortune of her family and sets a chain of events including theft , death, murder and obsession , as this egg will become the first in the collection of the mythical Metland eggs .
The second timeline is set in Wales where a young man called Nick finds a red egg in a decorative box and tries to sell it on EBay not realising this is illegal , this sets of another chain of events resulting in thefts , violence and more obsession , after some one breaks into Nicks home and tries up his mother and him before stealing the egg. Nick and his friend Patrick then set about on a “quest” to find the egg .
I loved this book and its characters , I desperately wanted a happy ending for Celie and for Nick and Patrick to have a successful outcome to their egg hunt , it was a fascinating insight into the heinous obsessions of bird collectors and a good mystery that was engaging.
A walk along the paths at Bempton so close to the cliffs whilst admiring their wild beauty and nesting seabirds is highly recommend .
The narrator Phil Dunster did an excellent job
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy .

The Impossible Thing is the story of egg thieves. In one early 20th-century timeline, Welsh farmers supplement their income by stealing guillemot eggs from sea cliffs, to be sold to wealthy collectors. In the present day, Patrick and Weird Nick are on a mission to track down the most famous of them, The Metland Egg, after it's stolen form Nick's attic. Part novelized history of a weird niche hobby and part humorous mystery, I found this book absorbing and burned through it. The amateur detectives are endearing, and the historical detail is very well done.
I enjoyed the narration: pleasantly British but otherwise neutral - the matter of fact tone matches the suggestion of Patrick's neurodivergence.
Thanks to Negalley and the publisher for the arc!

This was a fun story. It drew me in to a mystery in a world that I didn't know existed. I enjoyed the dual timeline, which isn't always the case for me. I thought this was well done, and I'll be looking for more from this author.

The first time I read the blurb for this book, I wasn’t sure it was for me - a whole book about egg collecting?! When the audiobook came up for review I wavered because I really enjoyed Belinda Bauer’s Rubbernecker. I am so glad I got out of my own way as I really, really enjoyed this book. I had no idea Patrick was in this storyline too and it was a really lovely surprise to be reunited with him and Meg.
The characters are what makes this book really special. They got under my skin and I really cared about them and their antics. At times, I found it difficult to differentiate between background characters, particularly in the earlier time period eg the collectors. I really enjoyed the dry sense of humour. I thought the narrator did an incredible job with a full range of voices and accents which brought the book to life perfectly. It was an apt and satisfying ending. I would definitely recommend it to bookworms who love a good mystery or are looking for something a little different to enjoy.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley fora chance to review an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very unique book with a very odd subject. I really liked it! I learned a lot, though I don't know if what I learned was actually true. But I was entertained. I love stories with dual timelines.

Narrated by Phil Dunster
Presented by Dreamscape Media

I wasn't 100% sold on the egg thing, but I trusted the author and it was well worth it!

It's a strange topic - illegal egg trade - but the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life with fantastic characters (welcome back, Patrick!) and plenty of action.

We get the dual narrative, exploring the late 1920s when the eggs were first captured, and the present day in which Patrick and his friend, Nick, are chasing a stolen egg. Patrick takes everything quite literally, which adds a delightfully humourous element, and those who have read Rubbernecker will likely appreciate his reappearance in this novel.

The egg trade is an interesting idea that doesn't come up too often in books, so it was fun to read about a topic I knew little about. That said, there's not so much information that it bogs the story down, and the action plays out at a cracking pace.

The audio was excellent - the narrator does a convincing job of each character, allowing the listener to be truly immersed in the telling. There was plenty of expression in his voice and his enunciation was clear.

This was a unique crime novel with interesting characters and a fresh topic. I'd happily recommend this to fans of crime, and of the author in general.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

Thanks to @Dreamscape_Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book for an honest review. I would like to start out my review by saying I had limited to no knowledge about egg collections or the history before listening to this book. I appreciated the stories about how they were collected by those brave enough to slip into the cracks of a high ledge to retrieve them, and how doing so changed the life of one of the main characters, Celie. I’m not the biggest fan of dual perspective storylines, and this one was hard to follow until about mid book, because I didn’t understand how Patrick and “Weird Nick” would fall into the mix. I was blown away by the emotional investment I felt towards the rare eggs as the story unfolded, especially throughout Nick and Patrick’s quest to recover Nick’s stolen egg.

I wasn’t super engaged throughout the whole book, but about 2/3rds through I was very intrigued and invested in the outcome of the story and inevitably the eggs. I would recommend this to someone who had a fondness of history of collectible items, and natural history. I’m not sure it is a book I would prefer to have read without being given the option to through NetGalley, however I think it was a very interesting concept for a book and overall I liked it.

2.5 stars
I found the premise of the book very interesting. We’ve got the history of a bird’s egg over a century, from the moment it was found in one timeline until it was stolen in another. I’m not the biggest fan of dual timeline but it worked for this story since the egg tied it together. I preferred the earlier timeline, if only because I didn’t like how the descriptions of the neurodivergent character(s) made them seem low IQ. The narration was good- though a bit of a monotone.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy