The Colonisation of Mars, and its sequels, TCOM 2 and Orion are science fiction novels written by Larry W Richardson (a Canadian. Sorry!)

Warning!! The Colonisation of Mars is not for those under fifty-five (well, not everyone, anyway). If you are looking for Fifty Shades of Mars, look somewhere else. This book is about a one way trip to Mars in 2040 by 150 senior, 'expendable' scientists to finally establish a permanent Martian colony. It is a book about loss, about regret, and about being the last human on Mars, and serves as a cautionary tale to Mars astronaut wannabes.

60-ish Sam Aiken shuns the soft life with the others in the 'Tube'. He explores the polar caps, Valles Marineris, climbs 'The Face' and Olympus Mons, digs through the wreckage, cast-off equipment and graves of early explorers and finds an ancient Martian life form. He drifts through the Mars of Bradbury, Heinlein, Richardson and others in search of sanctuary and comfort. He uncovers instead the shocking ruse behind the founding of the Colony and the ultimate reason why he was spared.