Schoolboys are disappearing all over Aberyswyth and nobody knows why. Louie Knight, the towns private investigator, soon realises that it is going to take more than a double ripple from Saspan, the philosopher-cum-ice-cream seller to help find these boys and whether or not Lovespoon the Welsh teacher, Grand Wizard of the Druids and controller of the town, is more than just a sinister bully. And just who was Gwenno Guevara?
The first thing you realise when starting this book is that all belief that this is a run of the mill murder mystery must be suspended. It set in what is loosely a parallel universe, a universe where Wales has many returned veterans from the 'Welsh Vietnam' roaming the country side. The 'Welsh Vietnam' refers to Wales going to war against Patagonia.
Once you accept that this world is slightly out of kilter you can settle into a very funny mystery with great characters and an outlandish plot. I think of it as 'C' grade Douglas Adams which is not meant in a derogatory fashion, its just there's Douglas Adams and then everyone else goes to grade 'C' regards imagination.
Our hero of course falls hard for the star of the local cabaret and then has numerous run ins with the local gangsters.
All this, plus a fantastic title, with great cover art work and a diabolic scientific genius makes this something completely different and a really fun experience.
Plus I can pronounce Aberystwyth like a native.
No comments:
Post a Comment