Sunil Rao is ex-MI6, an addict, and is surprisingly skilled at discovering the truth about people and things. When he is brought back in, he is forced to work with Adam Rubinstein, a straight laced G.I Joe type who is assigned to look out and handle Rao in an assignment like none other. A full sized 1950s diner appears out of nowhere in the English Countryside, and they are both brought in to get to the bottom of it. They quickly learn there are forces who unleashed a compound who takes peoples fond memories and nostalgia, and weaponizes their manifestation. As the danger evolves, and truth are exposed, they must both find out a way to stop it all before it is too late.

This was a very dynamic story with so many layers and parts. We explored capitalism and the influence the 1% have on society, the military, the queer experience, addiction, trauma, love, truth, and how they all intersect. The writing was exceptional, the story was so well told and was interesting and engaging. The evolution of Adam and Rao's relationship was joy to witness and was my favourite part to read about. I did feel like the story was a bit too long, but overall I enjoyed it.

This was a really enjoyable read! I loved the sci-fi mystery at the heart of the story and the way it ultimately unfolded, and who wouldn't be rooting for main characters Adam and Sunil to recognize and then act on their increasingly obvious feelings for each other?

I'll recommend this widely to sci fi readers, and I'll be looking forward to reading anything else these writing partners produce.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC in advance of publication.