cover image Channel Blue

Channel Blue

Jay Martel. Head of Zeus (Trafalgar Sq., dist.), $17.95 trade paper (374p) ISBN 978-1-78185-580-5

In this irony-laden novel of apocalyptic farce, debut author Martel tries for the sharp wit of Douglas Adams but comes closer to the patter of George Burns. Screenwriter Perry Bunt is great at pitching to movie studios but following through with completed scripts is his weakness—until he delivers a pitch to save the world. Earth has been produced as a TV channel for the rest of the galaxy for over 150 years. Now the network has decided to cancel the show, and the planet. With the help of Amanda Mundo, the alien producer who doesn’t want her show to end, Perry must come up with the perfect solution to keep galactic watchers tuned in. There are one-liners in abundance, but they don’t quite carry Martel’s story to the finish line. Agent: Georgina Capel, Capel & Land. (Sept.)