bibliogramma | Ben Elton: Dead Famous

Elton's Dead Famous is a satirical examination of reality TV and the cult of celebrity, plus an interesting (though perhaps a tad too obvious) murder mystery. Although, when it comes down to it, intentional satire is hardly needed, this stuff satirises itself so well, all one has to to is show what actually happens, and it's over the top enough to seem like satire. Well, maybe leaving out the murder. Funny and sad by turns, it keeps the reader's interest high by not actually revealing the victim until well into the story - though I must admit I had my suspicions about the killer even before I knew who had been killed. But then I often figure mysteries out before the final reveal, and in this case, it doesn't affect the savage snark at all.

A friend recommended the author and this book in particular some time ago, and nagged me til I read it - and I'm glad he did. I will be reading more of Elton's work, as this was well-written, well-plotted, and very enjoyable.