And now, as they say, for something entirely different. Raine's style of work is probably best described as suburban noir; think Mark Timlin with a music background. His anti-hero is Jason Campbell, a musician who makes a precarious living teaching guitar and performing in London's seedier venues. In a former life he had been responsible for having local hood and hard-man Phil Gator sent to prison. Gator is now dead, but his friend and fellow ex-con, Teddy Peppers, is out and wants to have what could prove to be a terminal chat with Jason. About to begin a British tour as a support act to a famous country singer, our hero has more than enough on his plate. But Peppers proves to be stubborn and difficult to shake off. Fast-paced and street-wise, the narrative builds to a terrific climax in, of all places, a punt on the River Cam. Great for holiday reading.
Michael Painter is a writer and critic