What is to be done with a man like Harvey? A man not nearly as good-looking as he thinks he is, yet apparently irresistible to women; a man for whom practically every enterprise is a failure, yet who carries with him an air of success; an inveterate fantasist who never runs out of people prepared to believe him - or love him. Harvey is, in short, a liar, a fraud and a swine.

For decades he cuts a swathe through wives, lovers, friends, relatives, business partners. No one remains untouched by the experience, until a spectacular act of selfish cruelty lands Harvey, finally, in real trouble.

Teresa Waugh's sparkling witty new novel traces, with sympathy and economy, the sorry career of a memorable chancer.