In Roddy Doyle's witty and poignant novel of working-class life in Dublin, 10-year-old Paddy copes with his parents' fights, his earthy neighbourhood, and the trials of his little brother Sinbad. Winner of the Booker Prize in 1993.

Buller Reynolds was murdered on 31 may 1941, the night central Dublin was bombed. Fifty years on, elderly Lily Sweetman - a child witness of that long ago murder - is killed. A hit and run accident? Lily's daughter Nell doesn't think so. There are too many similarities to that ancient crime. But now Nell has stepped into mortal danger....

Holly Grant, married to a control freak. Outwardly timid and docile, the editorial assistant seethes with resentment and grasps a career opportunity which isn't hers to take. Simone Pearse, cool and sophisticated, is a gifted editor. She sacrifices everything, including her marriage, to get to the top. But her position is by no means secure. John Barrett, semi-retired, Irish author, has a rescue packet to offer. In-fighting, theft and murder are not on his agenda. Anxious authors, canny agents and a competitive market are just part of the normal working day. Holly and Simone deal admirably with the problems that face them, but can they cope with each other?