This is an odd creature of a book: it’s based around Trace Italian, a massive turn-based story game, created by a recluse who became terribly disfigured as a young man. Imagine Zork, but played by post. The world and the game sound fascinating as the story uncovers the past of Sean Phillips – it’s not a particular surprise but the unfolding is the interesting bit – and the details of the two all-too-young players of Trace Italian who have died mysteriously. The book unfolds in reverse, and it’s a real pleasure to read, but it doesn’t stick long after it’s gone.