Amazon.com Amazon.com Review (ISBN 0670860794, Hardcover)

Be careful what you wish for--it just might come true. John Mortimer, author of more than 20 Rumpole of the Bailey books, introduces us to novelist Felix Morsom. Known as the "Chekhov of Coldsands-on-Sea," Morsom leads a very sedate and predictable life, writing genteel little novels about the middle class. His wife left him for a Welsh college professor but returned after she developed a terminal illness. His days of writing are interrupted by the occasional book tour, rather dull and unpleasant affairs where nothing really happens. Morsom longs for a little drama in his life, just a touch of spice to keep thing interesting. His wish comes true in spades when he is confronted by a blackmailer waiting in the autograph line, wielding a paternity suit. To top it off, he suddenly finds himself the prime suspect in a rather brutal murder. John Mortimer is a master of ingenious plot twists, and he leaves plenty of red herrings for us in this hilarious and clever novel.