HIGH SOCIETY

A crafty, convincing, and imaginative novel about the war on drugs. Partly to enhance his career, partly from serious concern, British MP Peter Padgett proposes the decriminalization of the illegal drug trade. Mixed up in the political wrangling are a drug-crazed rock star, the addicted sex slave he tries to save, a crusading drug cop being threatened by crooked colleagues, Peter's vengeful lover, and the reporter bent on Peter 's ruin. Written in both the third and first persons, the narrative presents reader Wagland special challenges, which he fields with aplomb. Though he loses focus in a few passages, in general he gives an exciting read of a worthy text. Y.R. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]