In Southern Waters

As soon as blue-haired student Caroline Woolfit meets her weird new flatmates in Ian Marchant's In Southern Waters, she knows she's in trouble. It seems Bob Blossom (gambling enthusiast), One-Eyed Dave (boating enthusiast) and Cats (ladies'-underwear enthusiast) would rather listen to her stereo than her tales of vegetarian activism and failed romance. The rest of the building's tenants are equally colorful or terrifying, depending on one's perspective. Either way, this debut from across the pond is great fun. Readers who fondly remember the '80s U.K. series The Young Ones will revel in the antics of these misfits and malcontents. ( Mar. 15)