A tale of passion, intrigue and murder such as has rarely, if ever, been surpassed

Well written and fascinating ... a first-class novel

One of our best historical novelists brings to life wayward, capricious Marie Antoinette

Flaunting, Extravagant Queen has the colour, liveliness, and sensitivity with which one has come to associate this author's historical novels

Mr. Rafael Sabatini is one of the most picturesque of romantic writers and has also a sound equipment as a historian

The plot is terrific and the pace fast and furious...A terrific story told by a master storyteller

Grimly, intelligently comic as if written by an Asian Joseph Heller

If this rich stew of disparate ingredients puts you in mind of Salman Rushdie, you wouldn't be far from the truth. His work, along with that of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Joseph Heller, is a low-key but persistent influence

An exciting, accomplished new literary voice

A very funny satire-cum-thriller

Somewhere in mid-air between Waugh and Rushdie (with an shade of Catch 22 hovering near by) this tremendous novel makes a tragicomic weather all its own

Justly Booker longlisted last year, this debut is a dazzling one-off

Provocative and comic debut.

A true touch of originality ... showcases a promising new talent.

Dry, droll and insightful

Bodice-ripping romp through the West

Missy by Strong and memorable female characters throughout this enjoyable novel

Witty and effortlessly fluid. His books are laugh-out-loud funny

The funniest writer ever to put words to paper

The greatest comic writer ever

P.G. Wodehouse wrote the best English comic novels of the century

Sublime comic genius