Lahore is burning. General elections are right around the corner. The summer city rages with the drugfuelled parties of the oblivious, the rich and famous, while campaign posters and rally cries dominate the airwaves. Bugsy, rock RJ and host of the nations top English radio show, is young and fabulous. Seeking more than wealth, fame and prestige, he performs a dangerous favour for an old friend that plunges him into the dark recesses of desi politics. Nida, a young student desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her traditional family home and her conservative college, and still mourning the death of her brother, throws herself recklessly into the drugaddled arms of Omer Ali, son of the prime ministers righthand man. As Nida spirals into decadence and Bugsy descends into darkness, their paths cross and sparks begin to fly.Nadia Akbars audacious debut has all the makings of a cult novelparties, drugs, mysteries, love triangles, political intrigue and power strugglesbut its lush, sexy writing has the assuredness and precision of the most acute style of our time. Told in alternating voices and brimming with sharp observation, Goodbye Freddie Mercury hits the rocks and trails a twist.