The Book Frog

The Big Over Easy is the first of Jasper Fforde's Nursery Crime mysteries, a spin off from his arch, clever Thursday Next series. We are introduced to DI Jack Spratt and his new assistant Sergeant Mary Mary (and yes, she can be quite contrary) as they attempt to solve the murder of Humpty Dumpty, found smashed to bits at the base of his wall. As in the original series, this one is enjoyable in large part because of its inside literary jokes and references, as well as its to-die-for overarching premise: a world in which the book is as important as real life and the story is everything. Often over the top but always enjoyable, Fforde has written another sly, fun mystery.