In his new novel, author McAuley takes on the subject of entoptic images, their possible effects on the nervous system and how the unscrupulous might use them to develop a system of mind control.

Such images are found among the art of the Palaeolithic period, and can trigger the neural system to produce phosphenes and form constants - patterns that can be seen with the eyes closed. When entoptics are used with hallucinogenic drugs they can produce 'visions' - in the spiritualistic sense of the term.

In the aptly named Mind's Eye, there is dramatic and dirty work afoot. London photographer Alfie Flowers was badly affected as a child by such an image he found among the items his archaeologist grandfather brought back from Iraq (formerly Persia). When he stumbles across another such image used as graffiti, he embarks on a quest to find its creator, accompanied by journalist chum Toby Brown. Others, too, seek the artist, including MI6 agent Harriet Crowley and a group of Bad Lads led by a dotty psychiatrist.

The adventure takes the group to the war in Iraq and, ultimately, to the site of Alfie's grandfather's contentious discoveries.

Paul McAuley's novel contains the vital ingredients for success: stumbling, low-key good guys, mean and formidable villains. He's a dab hand with dialogue and has that understated Brit sense of timing and humour that makes so much seem so plausible.

Where I take issue with Mind's Eye is in the plot, which didn't keep me on the edge of my seat for the full distance. But with action right out of today's headlines, the sinister presence of the CIA not far away, and some sharp characterisation, there's plenty here to enjoy.