The crew of an oceanic research vessel goes missing in the Pacific along with their mini-submarine. An evangelical media star holds a rally next door to a convention in LA devoted to ‘nubile’ cinematic entertainment. The cops know there’s going to be trouble and they are not disappointed. What they didn’t foresee was the presence in their state of a Glaswegian photographer with an indecipherable accent and a strong dislike of hypocrisy, or of a terrorist who seems to have access to plutonium as well as Semtex. In his unique style, Christopher Brookmyre throws a harsh light on the selfish preoccupations of 1990s society and at the same time provides uproarious entertainment.
Dive into a darkly comic and thrilling ride with Christopher Brookmyre's "Not the End of the World," a satirical mystery that skewers 1990s society with Brookmyre's signature wit and razor-sharp observations. This gripping paperback, published in 1999 by Time Warner Books UK, weaves together seemingly disparate threads into a complex and explosively entertaining narrative. Imagine this: A research vessel vanishes in the vast Pacific, its crew and mini-submarine swallowed whole. Simultaneously, in the sun-drenched landscape of Los Angeles, an evangelical media personality whips up fervor at a rally, held mere steps away from a convention celebrating the often-exploitative world of cinematic entertainment. Law enforcement, bracing for predictable chaos, finds themselves woefully unprepared for the unpredictable forces about to converge. Enter a Glaswegian photographer, armed with an accent thicker than haggis and an unwavering aversion to hypocrisy. His presence throws an already volatile situation into further disarray. Add to the mix a terrorist with a disturbingly casual access to both plutonium and Semtex, and you have a recipe for utter pandemonium. "Not the End of the World" isn't just a crime thriller; it's a scathing commentary on the self-absorbed preoccupations of the late 20th century. Brookmyre, known for his intricate plots and unforgettable characters, fearlessly tackles themes of religious extremism, media manipulation, and the pervasive influence of the entertainment industry. He holds a mirror up to society, exposing its flaws with biting humor and unflinching honesty. But don't be fooled by the social critique this is, first and foremost, a thrilling mystery. Brookmyre masterfully blends suspense, action, and dark humor, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the various storylines collide in a spectacular and unexpected climax. Prepare to be challenged, entertained, and thoroughly engrossed in this darkly comic masterpiece from one of Scotland's most celebrated crime writers. With 400 pages of gripping narrative, "Not the End of the World" offers a substantial and satisfying reading experience. Discover why Christopher Brookmyre has captivated readers worldwide with his unique brand of intelligent and irreverent storytelling. This edition, with ISBN-13: 9780349109282 and ISBN-10: 0349109281, is a must-have for fans of mystery, thriller, and suspense novels with a sharp satirical edge.