Monday, May 08, 2006

Jack Spratt Investigates (Nursery Crime Division) by Jasper Fforde
author of the Tuesday Next mysteries brings us a new type of investigator

Big Over Easy
Introduces Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and Sergeant Mary Mary of the Nursery Crime Division, the small and highly underfunded department that is part of the Reading Police. It is Jack and Mary to deal with any crimes involving nursery rhyme characters - who have inexplicably taken up residence in Berkshire.

Ever wanted to know why Humpty Dumpty fell off his wall? Was it an accident? Suicide? Why was he buying shares in the failing Spongg footcare empire, and who had most to gain from his death? His ex-wife? His Lover? Solomon Grundy of Winsum & Loosum pharmecuticals or even Lord Spongg himself? What is the link with St Cerebellum's woefully inadequate and outdated mental hospital? And is it merely coincidence that Humpty died not five days before the Jellyman's celebrated visit to Reading to dedicate the Sacred Gonga's visitor's centre? And whose was the 28 foot long human hair found in Humpty's apartment?

Per usual this quirky series brings us into the nasty world of nursery crimes. I've loved the Tuesday Next mysteries and while these are even more quirky they are just as much fun to read.

Book 2: Fourth Bear