This unexpected mashup takes our hero on a journey from cattle-rustling to alien-whispering, via a shedload of military and political conspiracy. Oh yes, I know, it’s a presposterous confection - but I don't care. The clever scene setting, the witty nods to 1940s detective stories, the meticulous historical detail and the shameless co-option of actual people and events makes the willing suspension of disbelief quite delicious. A unique little book – like nothing I’ve read before. I read it in a day; it never displeased me, and it made me laugh. And on top of everything else, it answers a question that has always puzzled me: "Las Vegas? Why?"

An extra star for that.