Superior novel about coke dealers in London. For plot, memorable characters and suspense, it knocks its US competitors into a cocked hat, and all the places described are familiar British landmarks.

Inter-galactically ahead of its time, and still fresh and invigorating today. Good for anyone who wants to do more with their life than build a family and punch the clock.

At the opposite end of the spectrum to Fight Club, explosing the ugly face of hyper-success, when the quality of one's business card causes more distress than serial killing.

What? I thought Dostoevsky was a respectable novelist! Think again, I challenge you to read the horse-whipping scene and not gape in horror at the timelessness of human cruelty.

Sex, drugs, violence, flares - Dead Babies has it all, not to mention a painfully cruel and incisive narrator, stripping characters of all dignity. Amis at his dark, hilarious best.