Coincidence

George has a nice, if unspectacular life, writing books about poltergeists, ESP, stone circles and the like. But now he has writer's block. In a strange twist of fate, his father's death provides the inspiration for his next book: synchronicity (that's coincidence to you and me). The first inkling strikes as George muses about visiting his father in the nursing home when he receives the call telling him his father has died. That much he may have just shrugged off, but an old photograph amongst his father's possessions proves an irresistible lure. The picture shows a ten-year-old George with a man and a woman in an evening dress that George has absolutely no recollection of. An old copy of 'Variety' provides the clue to their identity, the actor Jeffrey Hart and his wife and comedy partner Lauren Paige. But why couldn't George remember them? Several 'Hart' omens later and George is convinced that synchronicity is trying to tell him something. He sets out to track down the Hart's and solve the mystery. When a private detective tells him they are now both dead, that could have been the end of it, except they had a son, Larry, and he is currently living at George's address! The cover blurb calls this a 'metaphysical thriller', and the first section is a little top heavy with theoretical explanations about the nature of chance and the workings of the I Ching, but don't let that put you off. The theory is soon left behind as mysteries within mysteries start to unfold. This is a funny, complex, lucid and literate tale of one man's search for his true self. It has more twists and turns than a corkscrew and just when you think you have it all figured out, everything is turned on its head once more. Told from several viewpoints, you need to have your wits about you but a bit of concentration will pay ample dividends. This totally absorbing, fast-moving tale will make your head spin and have you asking questions long after you have turned the last page. (Kirkus UK)