"The sense of jeopardy leaps from the page, and so does the writing. Hooked." -- Elle Magazine "He riffs entertainingly on failure. Talk of misspent youth, assassins and obstreperous protagonists belies the emotional core which makes May's books moving." -- Independent on Sunday "Expect pithy observations on everything from 'endearment inflation' to the three most important words in any long-term relationship: 'It doesn't matter.'" -- Daily Mail "A morality tale that explores the difference between material and real happiness . There are some great comic set pieces and fine writing from May, whose quips demonstrate a knack for the ridiculous." -- Guardian "Acerbic and funny.

" -- New York Times "Hilarious . A charmingly ill-fated adventure [told] with wit and sharp observation . A compelling holiday read for anyone who has ever believed that the grass might actually be greener." -- Press Association "Hilarious . May writes so wittily, so charmingly, that his characters and twists feel irresistible, shiny, and new." -- Good Housekeeping "A funny book . a breezy but barbed meditation on the old chestnut that money can't buy happiness, a satirical morality tale that broadens into a colorful caper." -- Maggie Shipstead, The San Francisco Chronicle "Stephen May's second novel is likely the funniest that will ever start with the words 'Mum's funeral' .

The book has some of Martin Amis's pith . irreverent and charming." -- The New York Times on Life! Death! Prizes! "Sharp truths about the illusions and hypocrisies of modern life." -- The Boston Globe on Life! Death! Prizes! "A graphically up-to-date coming-of-age tale . Provocative! Bittersweet! Promising!" -- Kirkus Reviews on Life! Death! Prizes! "May's astonishing 2008 debut novel, Tag , distinguished him as a gifted portrayer of modern British life. In this follow-up, May's skills are just as dazzling." -- Library Journal on Life! Death! Prizes!.