2007 books

[peteryoung]

91) Charles Stross, The Jennifer Morgue, 2006
autopope's second 'Laundry' novel and one that is firmly of the Ian Fleming variety, with Bob Howard skedaddling off to the Dutch Antilles to head off the re-emergence of dark forces lurking in the depths of the Atlantic. It's interesting to see how the characters either live up to or try to shake off their literary stereotypes and perceived roles; even though I'm wary of stories that turn in on themselves, Ouroboros-fashion, and end up being about little more than their own self-contained cleverness, Charlie shows he's aware of such pitfalls and easily navigates his way around them while also keeping up the pace of the taut, Bond-like plot. One friend makes a suitably villainous guest appearance, and I also have an equally close personal connection to the short story 'Pimpf', contained herein. As always, good fun from one of our most energetic writers, someone who can't seem to put a foot wrong these days.