THIS is the debut novel of Russ Litten, better known for his scriptwriting skills on TV, radio and cinema (including Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes). It’s a cracker too. Set in the author’s home town of Hull, it covers three days in October 2007. The city is still reeling from summer floods, but it’s Hull Fair week – a time to forget your troubles and enjoy the bright lights. It is on to this backdrop that Litten introduces a collection of characters, ranging from Rose, a widow looking for companionship on the internet, to David and Denise, a pair with a secret, and Kerry, grieving for a lost relative.

The book’s style is reminiscent of a fairground ride as it flings the reader from one situation to another, illuminating one tiny piece of life’s drama before sending them reeling to the next. A cracking read and highly recommended.

Sandra Mangan