Eloping Has Never Been So Criminal.

Another academic season is in the offing at Lockwood Institute, the eclectic finishing school for those who’ve been barred elsewhere. When Spencer and his interloping cousin, Monty, are summoned back for a special assignment they quickly find themselves in the thick of it with a trophy-hunting Brigadier on a quest to slay a mysterious beast, while his daughter, Natalia, proves a temptation too much for the fantastical Monty. This heady concoction provides the perfect ingredients to rock institute life to its foundations.

As one staggering revelation unfolds after another, does Spencer have the fortitude to cope? Monty couldn’t possibly have done what people think, could he? Is he culpable? Is he capable? As Spencer desperately tries to pull Monty’s chestnuts out of the fire, a head-spinning discovery awaits them. Skulduggery is afoot!

I don’t know much about the author, P.S. Rover. Infernal Relations appears to be his only published book but his writing skills suggest experience, either through novels under other names or through journalism. Whatever his background, Rover clearly has an affection for the gentle comic literature of the early 20th century including the works of P.G. Wodehouse and Jerome K Jerome.

There is no set date given for the setting of Infernal Relations but in my mind it was just before the 1st World War; a time when unworldly but relatively well-off young men could fill their time with cricket, crumpets and amateur dramatics.

The story is narrated by Spencer Lockwood who works part time in what seems to be a fairly nominal role in his father, Sir Walter’s, finishing school which is attended by the offspring of the world’s wealthy; training them for civil service or diplomatic posts. The setting and the events are humorous enough but the beauty of this book is in the writing. Like his writing idols, Rover has a wonderful way with words and I found myself laughing out loud at several lines where Spencer gave his unusual views on life around him.

Of course, every young man needs a wing man and Spencer has his cousin Monty, whether he wants him or not! Monty has the drive and energy that Spencer lacks but unfortunately he is not particularly bright. Together they provide a suitable pair of characters. And when they do get into scrapes they fortunately have Magda to rescue them.

I thoroughly enjoyed Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover which I have awarded 4.5 stars. I look forward to reading more of his books but while I wait I must find something to fill the time; maybe some Jeeves and Wooster or Three Men in a Boat?

Who am I? I can think of no better way of answering this question than to illustrate with examples of character. Let me see … how many people, I wonder, can creep stealthily up behind a gentleman you believe to be your father and deliver a karate chop to the back of the neck only to be thrown out of the hotel when it’s revealed to be the manager? Few I would imagine.

How many have stood before a regiment of puzzled army troops at a Spanish army barracks delivering English language drills before the realisation sets in that you have arrived at the wrong address and you are frogmarched off the premises for infiltrating security? Even fewer, I suspect. With this on the charge sheet, it’s a wonder I was admitted into the Ministry of Nuclear Energy.

Before you run away with the conclusion that these episodes must be the work of a rogue, I couldn’t possibly comment. All I am prepared to admit is that I was born in London, UK and after spending much of my twenties in Europe (fleeing various people), I’m now lying low in Oxford.