‘Laugh-out-loud funny, intricately plotted and big-hearted’ – SFX

Warning: supervillain in training. Risk of world domination.

Locus and Hugo Award-winning author John Scalzi brings us Starter Villain, a turbo-charged tale of a family business with a difference. This one comes with a hidden headquarters, minions, talking cats and villainous rivals worthy of James Bond.

Divorced, broke and emotionally dependent on his cat, Charlie hasn’t been loving life. Then he finds out his recently deceased Uncle Jake has left him a top-secret, international supervillain business. And, as if this wasn’t problematic enough, Jake’s vengeful rivals ambush the funeral. Charlie must decide if he should stay stuck in his rut, or step up to take on the business, the enemies, the minions, the hidden volcano lair . . .

Even harder to get used to are the talking, computer-savvy cats – and the fact that they’re management. If Charlie says yes to his inheritance, could this lifeline become a death wish? Or could it finally be his chance to shine?

‘An enormously entertaining comedy’ – Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Service Model and Children of Time

‘You will laugh so loudly you will wish you weren't reading in public’ – New Scientist

‘Prepare to be delighted’ – Daily Mail