The Cornelius Trilogy as they have now come to be called started in1993 with The Book of Ultimate Truths. Jim Pooley and John Omally do appear in these books from time to time, but Robert Rankin has moved on from them to show us the lives of some of Brentfords other hero’s. Remember that Brentford itself - stuck within the boundaries of the Brentford Triangle - is a magnet for trouble. So having more than two people to cope with all the near calamities that befalls it.
Instead of having two lazy loveable layabouts as hero’s, this time Robert has Chosen Cornelius Murphy and his best friend Tuppe to take on all comers. Cornelius a school leaver knows he is the stuff of epics, what with having tall hair and all. And Mr Yarrow – the youth employment officer – has failed constantly to get young Murphy a job. This may have something to do with Mr Murphy putting on a fake voice at the nearest phone box and telling Mr Yarrow he is not suitable for employment.
Cornelius knows he is meant for bigger things, yet he just doesn’t know how big. For unbeknown to him dark forces are working to control his life.
Robert Rankins break from the normal feel to the Brentford Books works a charm here. Still the running gags, still the clarity of story telling and best yet a wonderful epic of a character in Cornelius Murphy, a wise cracking youth with more intelligence than is probably good for one so young.
This book isn’t so much a whodunit but a how the hell did he get away with it.
Reviewed by David V.Baker | 
