About a month ago I read a review on here that made me want to go out and buy that particular book immediately. That book was "The Vesuvius Club" by Mark Gatiss. When I picked up this book in the book shop, even the endorsement on the front from Stephen Fry made me want to read it immediately: "The most delicious, depraved, inventive, macabre and hilarious literary debut I can think of...More, I want more!" About the Author & The Story ===================== "The Vesuvius Club" is the first in the series of books on the main character, Lucifer Box. Mark Gatiss the author, although new to the novel ...  Read the complete review

Imagine an author shredding Oscar Wilde's Dorian Grey and Ian Fleming's James Bond and moulding a new character out of the pulp - let me introduce you to Mark Gatiss and his protagonist Lucifer Box! Lucifer lives in London, Downing St No 9 ("I know, ostentatious, isn't it? But somebody has to live there.") at the beginning of the twentieth century, he's got fine features and a beautiful body, has exquisite taste, is well behaved in societal circles, defiles maidens, loves men and women (whoever is available), is vain and vicious. ""The fêted artist, the dashing dandy. But by night - philanderer, sodomite and assassin!" As a thumbnail ...  Read the complete review

“My name is Lucifer Box, but I imagine you know that. Whether these scribblings eventually form the core of my memoirs or are found secreted in oilskin wrappers at the bottom of a lavatory cistern years after my demise, I have no doubt that, by the time you read this, I will be most terribly famous.” Many readers will know Mark Gatiss as one of the people behind the macabre and surreal TV comedy ‘The League of Gentlemen’. He is also an avid fan of sci-fi and graphic novels so it is no surprise that his literary debut should be steeped in those traditions. ‘The Vesuvius Club’ is the first outing for the Edwardian Artist/Scoundrel/Socialite/Secret ...  Read the complete review

if your a fan of the league of gentlemen then you will probably like this book as it is written in the same style, if your not then you may not get the humour. it took me a while to get into the story and i was tempted to give up but once i did i found it quite enjoyable although i did find the end a bit confusing. the book does have a few adult themes, such as language and sexual content, so i would possibly advise against it if your a bit prudish or for younger readers, i think its appropriate for midteens upwards. there are some parts of the book which you really dont see coming or expect which i think does add to the overall story and help to maintain your interest. .  Read the complete review