Winner of the BSFA Best Novel 1990 and the Arthur C. Clarke Award 1991.

"A masterpiece. If you ever wondered why you began reading science fiction this book answers that question" - Interzone

"This book really took me by surprise. Had so much fun reading it" - Goodreads Reviewer

"One of those books where I didn't even need the story, just happy to be in its space" - Amazon Reviewer

It is carnival time on Mars, but Tabitha Jute isn't partying. She is in hiding from the law, penniless and about to lose her livelihood and her best friend, the space barge "Alice Liddell". Then, the intriguing Marco Metz offers her some money to take him to Plenty, and then the adventure begins.

A fast-moving space adventure featuring mysterious aliens, a journey to a de-populated planet, a mad run from space cops, a ship captain in trouble, and her AI companion/ship's computer.