This is a droll account of how to “delete” your boss, by this well known Gloucestershire author, playwright, and photographer based on the experience of others who have attended his fictitious McMasters Conservatory. This is at an undisclosed location and sometime in the mid 2000’s; it masquerades as a 1200 acre Home for the Criminally Insane. What they really teach in the prison-like compound is how to “delete” anyone you want to be rid of, with recruitment in part from those who have made failed attempts. This comes complete with homework, tutorials, and residences, a fake chapel, and hospital, and students matriculate and write a thesis. No one escapes unless their deletion succeeds and is acceptable to the “faculty”.
Cliff Iverson is one such failure and is trapped by recruiters. After trying to escape, he becomes an ardent student, and “graduates” to become a successful “deletist.”
The thesis is preposterous but ingenious. Unfortunately the execution (pardon the pun) becomes convoluted with many layers of confusing and tortuous complications, but continues to be engaging and, while very unrealistic, is nevertheless entertaining, with many puns and double entendres.
One great quote among many: “If he ever did any soul searching, he’d find nobody home.”
Apparently, the author plans a follow-up featuring the same McMaster Conservatory. As good or better than any murder mystery writing, I will nevertheless take a pass on future editions as I only can stand murder mysteries in small doses.
4/5
Thanks, Vera.
The Passionate Reader 