Old friends, good times and a powerful conclusion: Maupin feels the love and shares it with his readers

The cultural references are still fresh... The characters still compelling

The kind of writer who doesn't have readers so much as devotees... Maupin at his rapturous best

Like slipping into a warm, scented bath. Maupin's back, with an eighth instalment of his lovely Tales of the City series... Lie back and enjoy

Those who loved the last book will rejoice in the fact that Maupin hasn't finished with these much-loved characters yet. More please

It's a joy to be reunited with the Barbary Lane family

This novel is extremely good... There is warm-heartedness, spirit and elan here... Fans will be delighted

As salty as ever, with breezy, brazen love-lives rubbing up against darker material

'Lively, slightly breathless comic narrative...this game is worth the candle'

'Fun, funny, fast-paced'

'Distinctive debut novel'

Very funny

An almost divine comedy that conjures up an underworld whose sinners are more likely to be guilty of sartorial, not satanic, misdemeanors

A moving and disturbing tale of love and loyalty. And you might cry