I like Rankin's books as a rule, though he is not my favourite author (I prefer Pratchett, Adams, Evanovich...). This title, however, was too crowded with ideas, too "far-fetched", even for Rankin. The story doesn't really start or go anywhere. To me the book looks more like a collection of anecdotes and poems (yes, poems!).
I couldn't find the characters in the book likeable or funny and felt forlorn in the meanders of the text. After about 200 pages I gave up hope for a positive development and quit reading.
Two stars for his usual good style and some funny ideas.