In 2004, Christopher Barker decided to embark upon a series of short stories which sought to emulate the decadent atmosphere of 1890s London, as typified perhaps by the scribblings of M.P. Shiel, Arthur Machen and Count Eric Stenbock. The resultant Prince Stenbock Chronicles feature a reclusive bohemian aristocrat who investigates all things weird. Taking Prince Zaleski as the blueprint, and stirring in a twist of Divine David, absinthe and opiated cigarettes, Prince Stenbock has burst upon the psychic sleuthery scene with a typically theatrical panache.

So, switch off the electric light, crack open a bottle of fine tawny port, and settle down in your Noel Coward dressing gown to enjoy the most naughty and pretentious of purple proseticks.....