Soma Blues by Robert Sheckley Review

Forge, Feb., 1998.
Trade Paperback, 222 pages.
ISBN: 0312865791.
Ordering information: Amazon.com

Ex-hippie and sometime p.i. Hob Draconian generally is pleased with life. After moving to the small Spanish isle of Ibiza during the 60s he decided to start the Alternative Detective Agency -- mostly as an alternative to steady employment. But clients actually showed up and Hob was in business. His latest client wants him to investigate the death of his brother from an overdose of a new drug called Soma, a powerful narcotic which has been making its way around the chic set in Paris. Hob's investigation will lead him from Paris to Ibiza to London and back again as he becomes embroiled in an international drug ring and the strange cult that uses the drug. Hob has only his wits and his not inconsiderable charm to assist him in cracking the drug ring and keeping himself alive.

A new Robert Sheckley novel is always cause for rejoicing for his fans who love his irreverent, clever style and fast-paced plots. Hob Draconian is a likeable eccentric who still hasn't gotten used to the idea of working for a living, but somehow manages to run a fairly profitable detective agency. His charm and aplomb as he runs into the inevitable cast of zany characters which people a Sheckley novel make for a fascinating read.

Return to the April 1998 issue of The IWJ.