In a city of sunshine and secrets, the shadows belong to the animals. One genetically-engineered raccoon races to expose a deadly conspiracy – before it tears his whole world apart.

In a solar-powered future, humans live in luxury, served by unseen Little Helpers – artificially enhanced animals who maintain their perfect green cities. The animals' golden rule: 'Do Not Bother the Humans.' Yet beneath this tranquil facade, a complex underworld of animal politics, crime and conflict thrives.

Enter Skotch, a freelance raccoon investigator. His biggest problem was a lack of work. Now his work may get him killed. And his latest case? Finding a fugitive mouse scientist. But powerful forces are also after the mouse, and they're willing to kill for his secrets. Can Skotch navigate this treacherous web, outsmart rat gangsters, beat a deadly weasel assassin and keep his pelt intact? More importantly, can he find his quarry before the elusive rodent breaks Rule One in the most apocalyptic way – and shatters their fragile world.

For those who loved John Scalzi's Starter Villain and Adrian Tchaikovsky's Service Model, this crime-inspired adventure will draw you deep into an incredible new world . . .


Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky

'One of the best storytellers in the business' – John Scalzi, author of Starter Villain

'Delightful and very funny' – New Scientist


Children of Time won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel w/c 24 August 2016