Paul Johnston's vision of the future of the UK is pretty bleak. Scotland does not remain part of the UK; neither does the UK survive as it is. Instead, escalating violence and the breakdown of society lead to the creation of an island full of independent city states, reminiscent of 17th century Europe.

The central character is maverick private investigator Quintilian Dalrymple. (Even when shortened to Quint, this is not my idea of a credible name and I think Paul Johnston slipped up there). In "The House of Dust", the murder of an Edinburgh guardian (council member) leads to investigator Dalrymple leaving the former Scotland for the first time, and we get to see how things are organised in New Oxford. All good fun.

Posting this off to Netstation: one good turn deserves another.

A surprise receipt from GSX2, and well judged it is Fred. It looks just the sort of thing I'll enjoy. I'll update this journal when I've finished it and then set it free again. Many thanks.

Orphaned at the last BX