‘Probably the best English novelsit of his generation’ Nick Hornby

Music, murder … and Madeleine. William has a lot on his mind. Firstly there’s The Alaska Factory, the band he plays in. They’re no good and they make his songs sound about as groovy as an unpressed record.

Secondly, there’s Madeleine, his high-maintenance girlfriend whose idea of a night of passion is an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical followed by a doorstep peck on the cheek. Maybe they’re not soulmates after all?

Lastly, there’s the bizarre murder he’s just witnessed. A man lies bludgeoned to death at his feet and, unfortunately for William, there aren’t too many other suspects standing nearby…