The trouble with this book and the others outside Rankins series about Brentford and Barry the travelling time sprout is you know that what you are reading ain't half as good. Rankin is undoubtedly an extremely funny science fiction writer but his(or his publishers?) policy of bringing out what seems like a book every week means you are getting less genius per page than is tolerable. Slow down, Robert and refine your exquisite stories.Forget this book, readers, and head for Brentford country.

This book contains everything which is to be expected. There is a humour not found in any other writer, which floats through the story like a log on a fast flowing stream. The lead charactors are obviously mad, the philosophies of Hugo Rune strangely persuasive, and there's an obnoxious Campbell! It's a sardonic sort of wit, but make no mistake, you will relate to the humour. If this is the first book you read by Rankin, you'll buy more.

robert Rankin is a great writer and this is one of his best books. Very funny silly and enjoyable. a word of caution though he has writtern a lot of books so prepare for a compulsive addiction