Tom Shakespeare

Fred convinces his partner Nel to celebrate her fortieth birthday on an Arctic cruise, and it’s only natural to invite along some friends, despite promising to keep it quiet. But nobody had counted on the presence of Fred's Scrabble-crazy aunts and their frenzied power walking up and down the top deck, or on Marvin, a climate change-denying American oilman with a few card tricks up his sleeve, or an eco-protest for that matter. And certainly no one had expected to spot a ravenous polar bear…With old flames and familiar faces aboard, and an imposter in their midst, will they all make it through the ice and back? And as the temperature rises, will they keep their cool?

Fred Twistleton is about to turn forty. Gathering with his friends to celebrate at a rented stately home, he finally hopes to get together with his college crush, the woman of his dreams, Heather. But Fred is also keen to publish his memoirs, and Heather realises the revelations they contain could threaten her career as a high-flying foreign correspondent. When the treasured manuscript goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Fred’s at a loss. Could someone have stolen it? Where has the resident pig gone? And will all the group remain friends by the end of the weekend? With burst pipes, sunken kayaks, and suspicious puddings, thank goodness Fred is only going to have one fortieth birthday.