Highly original and successful first novel by a scientific journalist who has studied ant behaviour for fifteen years. When an ant scientist dies and leaves his flat to his nephew, there are strict instructions not to go into the cellar. But when his dog escapes down the steps, he has little choice but to follow. . Chilling fantasy that describes in astonishing detail the hidden universe of crime and brutality hidden beneath the soil. A cult bestseller in France and the rest of Europe, this UK edition sports a very Iain Banks cover. "A plot of enthralling suspense, this book is a masterpiece" Sunday Times.