In BOYNE FALLS BAROQUE, a down on his luck programmer, Brian Mercer, is going broke and will take any job he can get. Miiko, a Japanese immigrant cellist, works in the family business and enjoys a special relationship with her cello. When Miiko introduces Brian to her grandfather, Sam, who displays an uncanny ability to pick stocks based on predictions using the Chinese philosophy I Ching, their fortunes suddenly change.

BOYNE FALLS BAROQUE is a fun and quirky read. The novel is populated by unique and memorable peripheral characters that provide the story with depth and detail. The novel is either very well researched or John Bailey is following the old writer's maxim - write what you know. Details abound in his descriptions of radio work, stock trading, Chinese philosophy, hacking, and even roofing. These details, along with a strong knowledge of the setting, lend a strong sense of reality to the work.

John Bailey creates unique, and likeable characters in Brian and Miiko. They compliment each other well. Miiko becomes Brian's badly needed moral compass while Brian takes on the role of the artist's patron. The exchanges between the two are the highlights of the novel as they reveal more about themselves and become closer with each conversation. As with any good characters, you care what happens to these two.

If you are looking for a fairly quick, clever, and enjoyable read, look no further than BOYNE FALLS BAROQUE. The novel is well populated with quirky characters, clever ideas, and humorous side trips. Neither a pure adventure nor a romance, this book has just enough action and romantic intrigue to keep most readers happy.