Jakubowski is known for his classic Mammoth series, which for 15 years now has been offering us the best erotic stories of the year. He is also known for his crime collections, some of which have been devoted to cities like London, Paris and Rome. Now he's blended genres, and this is the initial volume in a series which looks at the erotic side of famous cities. And the result, as far as London is concerned, is fascinating, but also dripping with sexual energy.
Calling on some of the best writers around, plus surprising visitors from the literary mainstream, this collection is red hot but also full of surprises and elegantly literate and original.
My favourites include a visit to the famed Torture Garden, a Hampstead story that breaks with the fusty traditions of the Hampstead novel, a story about lost luggage (!) and the tale of a most sinister club and a a story that takes place on the escalator at Harrods .But there is little to choose from, as all the stories are outstanding (and dead sexy).
This is not the London we know; it's a secret London full of charms and alluring sexuality. I look forward to the other cities with bated breath. Could Ryanair or Easyjet have subsidised the series? I wouldn't be surprised as you'll wish to make personal visits the moment you close the book!