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Nondescript Rambunctious
Fiction. Winner, Writer's Studio at Simon Fraser University's First Book Competition. NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS is a genre-busting thriller with a beating, human heart. More than a simple story of a killer and his victims, the novel takes the reader into the life of a family, the days of a community, and the very real possibility that evil is everywhere—maybe even inside us. Woven through this dark tapestry are the glittering threads of humanity, humor, and in the form of one young woman, the promise of redemption. Like a sinister dream, NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS pulls you in and doesn't let go. There is no easy way out.
"Jackie Bateman's debut novel is very impressive. The writing is taut, controlled, and relentless. NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS is a dark, murderous thriller, a winner with a variety of narrators, surprising turns and shifts, and some hard, hard corners."—Mark Anthony Jarman, author of My White Planet and 19 Knives
"...NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS, for which Jackie Bateman won the Writer's Studio at Simon Fraser University's First Book Competition in the fiction category, is a thriller that succeeds by nodding politely to the formula, then turning it on its head. The novel has four narrators, but Bateman weaves their voices together effortlessly, and the build-up retains all the suspense and intensity one expects from a crime thriller... Bateman hasn't imagined a world of dogged cops, rumpled detectives, or amateur sleuths. NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS is about the heartbreaking consequences of human depravity, not tying up loose ends or piecing together clues. It wouldn't be wrong to label this novel a thriller, but it also confounds the expectations of that label, to great effect."— Quill & Quire
"Vancouver's Jackie Bateman draws on her Scottish roots for a bewitching first novel that transforms from gentle domestic comedy into gripping suspense... it's a real page-turner, and Bateman takes it to a surprising and satisfying conclusion."— Prairie Fire
"Jackie Bateman's debut novel is very impressive. The writing is taut, controlled, and relentless. NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS is a dark, murderous thriller, a winner with a variety of narrators, surprising turns and shifts, and some hard, hard corners."—Mark Anthony Jarman, author of My White Planet and 19 Knives
"...NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS, for which Jackie Bateman won the Writer's Studio at Simon Fraser University's First Book Competition in the fiction category, is a thriller that succeeds by nodding politely to the formula, then turning it on its head. The novel has four narrators, but Bateman weaves their voices together effortlessly, and the build-up retains all the suspense and intensity one expects from a crime thriller... Bateman hasn't imagined a world of dogged cops, rumpled detectives, or amateur sleuths. NONDESCRIPT RAMBUNCTIOUS is about the heartbreaking consequences of human depravity, not tying up loose ends or piecing together clues. It wouldn't be wrong to label this novel a thriller, but it also confounds the expectations of that label, to great effect."— Quill & Quire
"Vancouver's Jackie Bateman draws on her Scottish roots for a bewitching first novel that transforms from gentle domestic comedy into gripping suspense... it's a real page-turner, and Bateman takes it to a surprising and satisfying conclusion."— Prairie Fire
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Bateman
5 books7 followersJackie Bateman is an author and screenwriter living in Vancouver, Canada. Her first novel 'Nondescript Rambunctious' won a national First Book Competition in Canada. It grew into a trilogy of dark, psychological thrillers. The second novel 'Savour' was shortlisted for the ReLit Awards. The third 'Straight Circles' won a gold IPPY. Her debut YA novel 'Beauty and the Freak' was a finalist for Screencraft Cinematic Book and shortlisted for the International Yeovil literary prize.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 15, 2018
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
This book is a serial killer story presented in an unusual manner. We are placed into the minds of the victim, her daughter and the killer. Instead of an over-wrought telling this crime unfolds in an almost calm manner. That makes the story more unsettling and that is the genius of the novel.
We first meet Laura, in her dull job, in her small town, working to support her daughter, trying to find joy and happiness where she can. When a stranger moves to town she is impressed by the attention he pays her, and the way he ignores her younger, flirty co-worker ( women take note!). We see the loving relationship she has with her daughter and her attempts to help her overwhelmed sister. This is a small town, most people know one another, and social lives revolve around the local pub.
Then we are in the killer's head and we see his process, his lack of remorse and his chilling courtship of his chosen victim.
Everything happens as the killer plans, and then we see the after-effects of the deed, the impact on the people in Laura's life when she goes missing. There is an interesting plot twist at the end that I found clever and I keep thinking about it...
This book is a serial killer story presented in an unusual manner. We are placed into the minds of the victim, her daughter and the killer. Instead of an over-wrought telling this crime unfolds in an almost calm manner. That makes the story more unsettling and that is the genius of the novel.
We first meet Laura, in her dull job, in her small town, working to support her daughter, trying to find joy and happiness where she can. When a stranger moves to town she is impressed by the attention he pays her, and the way he ignores her younger, flirty co-worker ( women take note!). We see the loving relationship she has with her daughter and her attempts to help her overwhelmed sister. This is a small town, most people know one another, and social lives revolve around the local pub.
Then we are in the killer's head and we see his process, his lack of remorse and his chilling courtship of his chosen victim.
Everything happens as the killer plans, and then we see the after-effects of the deed, the impact on the people in Laura's life when she goes missing. There is an interesting plot twist at the end that I found clever and I keep thinking about it...
February 13, 2023
Not really my genre/content but have been meaning to read this series from a local author I know. I think that the intent of the 'inner-monologue' of all the characters was interesting, but ultimately didn't deliver enough satisfaction of understanding true motives. Maybe there has been too many shows about serial killers, but it didn't offer a new/unique perspective.
December 28, 2014
Despite the dark subject matter, and the fact that this book is a genre I don't usually read, I couldn't put this book down. Set in England, it's full of expressions I'd only rarely heard, or have never heard (didn't realize there is a glossary at the back until I finished the book, though the words are all in context and it is rarely necessary to wonder about the meaning)
It's written from a few different points of view, the mother, the daughter, the antagonist, a teenage boy, and the back and forth is pulled off seamlessly. I was pulled into each character instantly, and I don't know how she does it, but the way the author is able to manipulate the readers emotions regarding the antagonist is extraordinary. One minute I hate him, the next I find myself cheering him on.
The author deftly navigates very dark murderous territory, that I was sure I'd be skipping past, in a way that made it just palatable. One more word probably would have had me running, but she deftly got me through.
If you like fiction, mystery, crime, and the dark sides of human beings, give it a go.
It's written from a few different points of view, the mother, the daughter, the antagonist, a teenage boy, and the back and forth is pulled off seamlessly. I was pulled into each character instantly, and I don't know how she does it, but the way the author is able to manipulate the readers emotions regarding the antagonist is extraordinary. One minute I hate him, the next I find myself cheering him on.
The author deftly navigates very dark murderous territory, that I was sure I'd be skipping past, in a way that made it just palatable. One more word probably would have had me running, but she deftly got me through.
If you like fiction, mystery, crime, and the dark sides of human beings, give it a go.
September 3, 2017
The book was definitely not what I had anticipated. It started out as a nice story about a mother and daughter and then became intense as it unfolded. A disturbing plot that was well written and pulls at your heartstrings. If you're looking for a story that doesn't have a fairy tale ending, I recommend this book.
October 5, 2024
This is book is about a abduction addict who starves women and men in his basement a broadcasts it on his sick website.
It switches between perspectives of the addict, his victim and the victims daughter.
This book is raw and written extremely well it’s very easy to visualize and written in great detail.
This book could have given a bit more which i’m excited to read the second in the series.
Give this book a chance! it’s a short thriller perfect for halloween and good start due to its
length. 🩷
It switches between perspectives of the addict, his victim and the victims daughter.
This book is raw and written extremely well it’s very easy to visualize and written in great detail.
This book could have given a bit more which i’m excited to read the second in the series.
Give this book a chance! it’s a short thriller perfect for halloween and good start due to its
length. 🩷
June 4, 2025
The tone shifts in this book are crazy (in an interesting way). You think it's one thing from the beginning but it's really not what you think.
I can't really explain the plot without giving it away but it's kind of like a Hallmark movie meets the movie "Martyrs" meets the movie "Boyhood".
Oliver's motives to "protect" Lizzy from Roy felt a bit incomplete. Maybe even undeserved? Lauren had no redemption and it was very sudden, but maybe I've never read something like this before.
It was a good book but I just felt like I wanted more from it. Maybe one more scene with Roy and Oliver.
I can't really explain the plot without giving it away but it's kind of like a Hallmark movie meets the movie "Martyrs" meets the movie "Boyhood".
Oliver's motives to "protect" Lizzy from Roy felt a bit incomplete. Maybe even undeserved? Lauren had no redemption and it was very sudden, but maybe I've never read something like this before.
It was a good book but I just felt like I wanted more from it. Maybe one more scene with Roy and Oliver.
October 5, 2024
This is book is about a abduction addict who starves women and men in his basement a broadcasts it on his sick website.
It switches between perspectives of the addict, his victim and the victims daughter.
This book is raw and written extremely well it’s very easy to visualize and written in great detail.
This book could have given a bit more which i’m excited to read the second in the series.
Give this book a chance! it’s a short thriller perfect for halloween and good start due to its
length. 🩷
It switches between perspectives of the addict, his victim and the victims daughter.
This book is raw and written extremely well it’s very easy to visualize and written in great detail.
This book could have given a bit more which i’m excited to read the second in the series.
Give this book a chance! it’s a short thriller perfect for halloween and good start due to its
length. 🩷
July 22, 2018
This is a book about the killer and his victims. We get a glimpse into all the lives involved. What motivates them. How they go about their daily lives. Fascinating read. Loved it!
August 21, 2020
Really bad....
April 7, 2021
De titel vind ik niet geschikt voor het boek. Er komt iemand nieuw wone in de stad. Iets daarna verdwijnt er een fatsoenlijke vrouw. Heel de stad gaat naar haar op zoek, maar niks...
May 21, 2014
[Gerecenseerd voor Crimezone.nl]
'Dorst' is het debuut van Jackie Bateman en het eerste deel van de Lizzy-trilogie. Het boek is in het Engels al verschenen in 2011 en gelukkig nu ook in Nederland. Deel 2, 'Savour: the Obsessions of a Murderer', wordt in oktober 2014 verwacht, daarin wordt de duistere weg van Lizzy en haar nemesis Oliver vervolgd.
Jackie Bateman noemt zich auteur, verhalenverteller, commercieel copywriter en boekenwurm, zij heeft interesse in alles waar woorden aan te pas komen. Bateman heeft in onder andere Kenia, Engeland en Schotland gewoond. 'Dorst' is gesitueerd in een dorp in de Schotse Hooglanden, een gebied dat qua sfeer uitstekend bij deze thriller past.
“Hij ziet en hoort alles” staat op de cover van het boek. 'Hij' is Oliver, die zich vestigt in Dalbegie, alwaar hij interesse toont in alleenstaande moeder Lauren, die zich maar al te graag door hem laat veroveren. Oliver is een einzelgänger, heeft geen sociale contacten, lijdt aan mysofobie (smetvrees) en houdt er een sinistere hobby op na. Op zeker moment verdwijnt Lauren, onderzoek levert niets op. De twaalfjarige Lizzy wordt ondergebracht bij een tante. Lizzy komt samen met haar vriendje Simon in de drugsscene terecht. “Hij ziet en hoort alles”, hoe pakt dat uit voor Lizzy?
Outsiders weten niet wat er gaande is, waar Oliver zich mee bezighoudt, waar Lauren gebleven is, hoe het met Lizzy gaat. Als lezer behoor je tot de bevoorrechte insiders: je weet precies wat er speelt, je kijkt en denkt mee met de hoofdrolspelers, kruipt ín ze. Jackie Bateman heeft namelijk verschillende ik-figuren geschapen, elk met hun eigen perspectief. Bijzonder, boeiend. Elke ‘ik’ typeert zich door zijn of haar gedrag, het gebruik van bepaalde woorden, denkbeelden en emoties, waardoor het geen raadsel wordt maar volkomen duidelijk is wie er spreekt. (Klinkt gekunsteld als ik het zo opschrijf, maar dat is het niet. Tijdens het lezen is het een wonderbaarlijke ervaring.) De spanning wordt langzaam opgebouwd, het verhaal steeds beklemmender, en dan ... is het opeens afgelopen en blijf je als lezer met een heleboel vragen zitten. Enerzijds stelt dat teleur, anderzijds doet het reikhalzend uitkijken naar het vervolg.
Jackie Bateman heeft met 'Dorst' een thriller afgeleverd van grote klasse, althans voor wie houdt van fraai taalgebruik en ‘uitgerekte’ spanning. Actie en tempo zijn niet aan de orde. Hier en daar steekt een vleugje humor de kop op en een sprankje hoop voor de toekomst. Als ’t erop aankomt is 'Dorst' een diepmenselijke tragedie, waaraan een weerzinwekkende hobby ten grondslag ligt. Prachtig geschreven, o zo huiveringwekkend. “Evil is everywhere – maybe even inside us”, aldus Jackie Bateman, en daar zou ze best eens gelijk in kunnen hebben.
'Dorst' is het debuut van Jackie Bateman en het eerste deel van de Lizzy-trilogie. Het boek is in het Engels al verschenen in 2011 en gelukkig nu ook in Nederland. Deel 2, 'Savour: the Obsessions of a Murderer', wordt in oktober 2014 verwacht, daarin wordt de duistere weg van Lizzy en haar nemesis Oliver vervolgd.
Jackie Bateman noemt zich auteur, verhalenverteller, commercieel copywriter en boekenwurm, zij heeft interesse in alles waar woorden aan te pas komen. Bateman heeft in onder andere Kenia, Engeland en Schotland gewoond. 'Dorst' is gesitueerd in een dorp in de Schotse Hooglanden, een gebied dat qua sfeer uitstekend bij deze thriller past.
“Hij ziet en hoort alles” staat op de cover van het boek. 'Hij' is Oliver, die zich vestigt in Dalbegie, alwaar hij interesse toont in alleenstaande moeder Lauren, die zich maar al te graag door hem laat veroveren. Oliver is een einzelgänger, heeft geen sociale contacten, lijdt aan mysofobie (smetvrees) en houdt er een sinistere hobby op na. Op zeker moment verdwijnt Lauren, onderzoek levert niets op. De twaalfjarige Lizzy wordt ondergebracht bij een tante. Lizzy komt samen met haar vriendje Simon in de drugsscene terecht. “Hij ziet en hoort alles”, hoe pakt dat uit voor Lizzy?
Outsiders weten niet wat er gaande is, waar Oliver zich mee bezighoudt, waar Lauren gebleven is, hoe het met Lizzy gaat. Als lezer behoor je tot de bevoorrechte insiders: je weet precies wat er speelt, je kijkt en denkt mee met de hoofdrolspelers, kruipt ín ze. Jackie Bateman heeft namelijk verschillende ik-figuren geschapen, elk met hun eigen perspectief. Bijzonder, boeiend. Elke ‘ik’ typeert zich door zijn of haar gedrag, het gebruik van bepaalde woorden, denkbeelden en emoties, waardoor het geen raadsel wordt maar volkomen duidelijk is wie er spreekt. (Klinkt gekunsteld als ik het zo opschrijf, maar dat is het niet. Tijdens het lezen is het een wonderbaarlijke ervaring.) De spanning wordt langzaam opgebouwd, het verhaal steeds beklemmender, en dan ... is het opeens afgelopen en blijf je als lezer met een heleboel vragen zitten. Enerzijds stelt dat teleur, anderzijds doet het reikhalzend uitkijken naar het vervolg.
Jackie Bateman heeft met 'Dorst' een thriller afgeleverd van grote klasse, althans voor wie houdt van fraai taalgebruik en ‘uitgerekte’ spanning. Actie en tempo zijn niet aan de orde. Hier en daar steekt een vleugje humor de kop op en een sprankje hoop voor de toekomst. Als ’t erop aankomt is 'Dorst' een diepmenselijke tragedie, waaraan een weerzinwekkende hobby ten grondslag ligt. Prachtig geschreven, o zo huiveringwekkend. “Evil is everywhere – maybe even inside us”, aldus Jackie Bateman, en daar zou ze best eens gelijk in kunnen hebben.
September 6, 2014
promised so much but didn't deliver. book started well but faded away
October 26, 2014
spannend van begin tot einde. Verlang al voor het tweede boek te lezen.
March 12, 2015
Surprisingly intense and pulls you through because you really have no idea what might happen next. Loved it!
June 12, 2016
A very different angle on a thriller. I want to give it 3.5 but GR doesn't allow for that. A very enjoyable, disturbing at times, dark, quick read.
April 19, 2017
Intense, dark and captivating.
Nondescript Rambunctious was a genuine joy to read. It’s not a genre I read much because it’s often predictable, but this book came highly recommended by friends and it was certainly anything but predictable. The writing was fantastic, with the texture of a small Scottish town coming through in every detail, in the dialogue, in the extremely well-drawn characters –- both protagonists and antagonists -- but what I loved best is that the plot really did surprise me.
It’s the sort of book you can’t put down because you care about the characters, because the plot is tight, and because the author doesn’t let you off the hook. An easy five stars.
Nondescript Rambunctious was a genuine joy to read. It’s not a genre I read much because it’s often predictable, but this book came highly recommended by friends and it was certainly anything but predictable. The writing was fantastic, with the texture of a small Scottish town coming through in every detail, in the dialogue, in the extremely well-drawn characters –- both protagonists and antagonists -- but what I loved best is that the plot really did surprise me.
It’s the sort of book you can’t put down because you care about the characters, because the plot is tight, and because the author doesn’t let you off the hook. An easy five stars.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews