Sunday, September 26, 2010

The High Road

by Terry Fallis,
McClelland & Stewart, 2010

A few months ago I told you about Terry Fallis's book, The Best Laid Plans, and said that I was looking forward to the sequel. It can be challenging for an author to follow up a well-received first novel with an equally successful second, but Fallis does not disappoint. I was pleased to see that his second book is just as well written, just as hilarious, just as fulfilling.

Now that no-nonsense political newcomer Angus McClintock has brought down the government and has a clear opportunity to return to academia, he must decide whether or not to run for office again. Of course, there wouldn't be much of a story if he didn't. Bring back Daniel Addison, his trusty aide; politically savvy octogenarian Muriel Parkinson; Muriel's granddaughter (and Daniel's love interest), Lindsay; and the two punky Petes, and you've got the makings of a terrific tale. Add in Emerson "Flamethrower" Fox, the mud-slinging Liberal candidate for Cumberland-Prescott; a visit from the American President and his alcoholic wife; and the collapse of the Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River, and let the political games begin!

Fallis leaves this reader hoping for another book in the Addison-McClintock series. There are still plenty of roads for the story to travel, and many plans yet to be laid.

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