totally believable. Never having been to Northern Ireland I have what I believe a very good overview of the rural area and the people who dwell there, as seen through Israel's eyes. This book is easy reading with Ian Sansom's wonderful wry sense of humour. Ok it may not be as good as Ring Road, but still a worthy read. I look forward to more in this series. The Case of the Missing Books (The Mobile Library) I know this has had mixed reviews and that's what makes the world go round. Personally, I loved it and would encourage people not to be put off by the negative reviews. Give it a chance. The humour must be too subtle for some people. This unlucky, unworldly character called Israel who hasn't figured out why his girlfriend was so insistent he go to Ireland or why she never answers her phone sums up this well -read reasonably intelligent man who has led a sheltered life. His adventures and misadventures are fairly believable and where they are not, it's entertainment. I think it depends on what level you read it. If you get the nuances- believe me they jump out at you, you will laugh your head off. Come on. Give it a try!