This work contains short stories of a septuagenarian contract killer, a chronic hypochondriac, two zombie-creating comedians, a good Samaritan and a man called Barnaby whose holiday takes an unexpected turn. In these sleek and witty tales, described by "Loaded" as 'an excellent collection of dark, funny and bizarre short stories', Alexei Sayle's characters are vividly, wryly - and occasionally disturbingly - portrayed. Their voices, and the stories they have to tell will remain in the mind for a long, long time. 'Brilliant tragedy and brilliant comedy in one stunning sentence!It reminded me most of nothing I'd ever read before.' -- Douglas Adams 'A cracking read!dense with smart ideas, sour observations and loony rants' -- Independent on Sunday 'Arch, desiccated and menacing!brilliant' -- The Times 'Barcelona Plates will put a smile on your face and a chill down your spine.' -- Time Out