STRANGE CARGO

Another fantasy set in a world where a huge, mysterious object struck the Earth, causing the “sundering,” a new Ice Age, and the reappearance of megafauna. Civilization, socially and technologically Victorian, clings to a narrow strip of coast.

A dreadfully slow-footed introduction acquaints us with a mundane array of garrulous eccentrics and comic-opera scoundrels—and, more to the point, a number of people who are drawn to the cathedral city of Nantle. Assistant lighthouse-keeper Hake Jobberly beholds a flying coach-house—a story later corroborated by the Reverend Giddeus Pinches. Said levitating coach-house is the property of Malachi Threadneedle and his young assistant, Tim Christmas, who, utilizing a set of seemingly magical stones, have persuaded the coach-house to navigate the airways. Frederick Cargo, his wife Susan, her companion Aspasia Veal, and their lawyer, Arthur Liffey, seek a certain Jerry Squailes. To the fury of Mrs. Cargo and Miss Veal, Mr. Interloper Squailes inexplicably has been bequeathed a considerable sum of money in Frederick’s late grandfather’s will. Also arriving in this busy city is the beautiful Jane Wastefield and her clever monkey, Juga. Miss Wastefield’s doom is an ancient bronze mirror. Not only does it show her tantalizing or horrifying scenes, but certain of the creatures lurking within view promise dire repercussions. Worst of all, Miss Wastefield is unable to rid herself of the object: no matter how she disposes of it, it returns the moment she sleeps.

These not entirely auspicious plot elements unfortunately fail to cohere, and the separate resolutions, while apposite, will not fully gratify expectant readers. After the demented dazzle of Dark Sleeper (2000), Barlough plummets back to Earth with an audible thump.