Nick Harkaway's joyfully reckless invention is as intricate as clockworkJoshua Joseph Spork is a big man with a quiet job. Like his beloved grandfather before him – but, importantly, not like his father – Joe fixes clocks and clockwork devices. This decidedly calm life is all part of the enormous effort Joe has put into staying out of the shadow of the late Mathew Spork, an East End gangster whose skill was matched only by his flamboyance. Chairman of the "Night Market", a joyous, criminal version of Portobello Road, Mathew ran scams, cons and thefts, was loudly adored by friends and associates, and kept his trademark Tommy gun well oiled and ready for use.His son wants none of that, though ...