Robert Rankin’s The Greatest Show Off Earth for the first time takes us away from the familiar surroundings of Brentford. This time we go to the sleepy village of Bramfield to concentrate on the life of Raymond a harmless man, who does harmless things and who leads a pretty damn harmless life. So, when he gets sucked up by a Flying Starfish from Uranus, things as they say, take a rather bizarre turn. Raymond ends up at an auction on Venus being sold to a family of strange looking beings, who seem intent on serving him up for Sunday dinner. Escape? Yes Raymond does. Straight into the arms of one Proffesor Merlin, an amazing man with a travelling space circus. Meanwhile, Raymond’s best friend Simon is also in trouble. He has been handed a book that tells him the future. Simon, who likes the idea of using the book for fun and for profit, doesn’t so much like the idea of being hunted by men in grey suits and the members of a cult called B.E.A.S.T. who are intent on getting their hands on Simon and his money. Raymond has to save the earth, Simon has to save himself. But how are the two linked? My suggestion as always is this. Read The Greatest Show Off Earth and find out. Reviewed by David V.Baker | 
