Demonized by
Christopher Fowler
pbk out January 05
(Serpent's Tail)
at £7.99
In his excellent introduction to this very readable gathering of short stories,
Christopher Fowler says: 'I seem to have set up my stall as the literary equivalent of
Guinness or Marmite, something you didn't think you'd like, but hopefully become
addicted to.' And it is not difficult to develop an enthusiasm for the work of an author
who, for all his preoccupation with 'dark' fiction, is equally adept with the light
touch. My favourite scene in the book occurs in 'Breaking Heart', where Emma and
Marisa interpret the cryptic phrasing of lonely-hearts ads with wit and gusto: great
fun, even though the story ends bleakly. 'Cairo 6.1', the last story in the book, is
perhaps the most memorable. The opening is cheerful and good-natured, but soon it
becomes apparent that something very grim ('a big money-spinner for the London
boroughs') is afoot. A disturbing but impressive collection.
(
Martin Edwards
- author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries)
Demonized by
Christopher Fowler
