My favorite authors of the moment are nearly all British: Le Carré, Dick Francis, Brian Freemantle, Ian Rankin, Len Deighton, Clive Egleton, Reginald Hill, Helen MacInnes (a great Scottish-born American lady). I recently discovered Angus WIlson, who paints (in words) such vivid sketches of the post-war British society.There's something special about those Isles and their eccentric characters that sets the imagination free. A native Montrealer myself, I have visited the U.K. several times (and married an expat) and I love walking down the streets described by its authors.

I started this "Avengers" story during a sabbatical. I am back at it. Thanks to each of you who kept looking up for updates: you drew me back to it...