The Delegates' Choice by Ian Sansom

Crime writers seem to be either in the habit of over-romanticising their detective (see Quentin Jardine) or going too far in the opposite direction (see Ian Rankin). Sansom's hero Israel Armstrong falls into the latter category. And despite his depression, both apparent and understandable throughout the story of his haphazard journey to find his stolen mobile library van, this novel is incredibly funny. Poor Israel. What a miserable life he does lead. Stuck in the cultural wasteland that is Tumdrum, Northern Ireland, with the old-fashioned and aggressive Ted as a companion, he longs for his old life in London. However, when he finally does get to return to his old life, it's not all it's cracked up to be. And that's before the van goes missing. Sansom's writing is sharp, pacey and full of laugh-out-loud moments. It's impossible not to snort with laughter when Israel and Ted meet a group of new age travellers or, as Ted calls them, a 'bunch of work-shy, drug-using poke-shakings'. Snorting with laughter is a habitual hazard with this novel, as Ted, Israel and sometimes even Israel's mum bicker and snipe their way around England. It's a clever book, and an easy, enjoyable read. [Sarah Hunter]