DI Liz Kavanaugh: You realise policing internet porn is your life and your career went down the pan five years ago. But when a fetishist dies on your watch, the Rule 34 Squad moves from low priority to worryingly high profile.
Anwar: As an ex-con, you'd like to think your identity fraud days are over. Especially as you've landed a legit job (through a shady mate). Although now that you're Consul for a shiny new Eastern European Republic, you've no idea what comes next.
The Toymaker: Your meds are wearing off and people are stalking you through Edinburgh's undergrowth. But that's OK, because as a distraction, you're project manager of a sophisticated criminal operation. But who's killing off potential recruits?
So how do bizarre domestic fatalities, dodgy downloads and a European spamming network fit together? The more DI Kavanaugh learns, the less she wants to find out.
Read MoreCharles Stross writes hard SF, paranormal espionage and near-future techno-thrillers with equal facility and intelligence... Stross skilfully and accessibly demonstrates how reality is affected by virtual technology, and how life in Europe could soon change as a result. - GuardianA diamond-sharp piece of SF...a seriously entertaining and twisted crime thriller. - SFXWeird and wonderful...a dizzying whirl of insights, beautiful and addictive. - The Sun