Possessing more twists than a clock-work mouse and as tightly sprung as an executive wrist-watch, MADRIGAL is in the same tradition as John Gardner’s previous three Boysie Oakes adventures.

          This time, Boysie, that most perturbable, stewridden, wincing adventurer, makes the trembling trip over the Berlin Wall to perform an assassination. Those readers who know Boysie will rightly guess that he doesn’t make much progress without getting the screaming stomach cramps. He also gets caught in the act.

          Others involved are, of course, Mostyn, the boozy Chief and Charlie Griffin, Boysie’s only real gun-hand. There’s also a slick piece of Shantung strip silk known as Rosy Puberty and an aristocratic lady called Honey Mambo.