Foolish Notions, by Billy Byrne (Mather Publications, £7.99)

There is the germ of a good story in this first novel by Dublin doctor Billy Byrne, which follows the swashbuckling trail of Jeremy Brightside, a failed actor living in London who takes on the medical profession by mimicking a series of illnesses, both mental and physical. The tale unravels somewhat in the telling, with several loose ends lying disconsolately around and some good opportunities missed, notably the chance to develop Jeremy's poignant relationship with his Irish landlady - a pity, because there are some diverting moments and the characters are eminently likeable. A.W.